Bifrost: Chapter IX

IX - Fate’s Glance

 

“No sleeping, Derkot is expecting us.” Kirk said firmly as Aztrit grumbled, rolling in the sheets as she turned away from him. 

She whined as she pulled the blankets up further, hoping to drown him out. “You attend, I’ll stay here and praise these delectable pillows. They need attention too.” She joked as she turned her face into the welcoming fabric. 

He watched her with pleasure as she pretended to fight his wishes. He stood, grabbing her ankle from under the blankets as he did, pulling her to the edge of the bed as she laughed. “Come Valkyrie. I’m sure he is already waiting.” 

Aztrit turned over as she made a sour face. “I am exhausted.” She said softly as she crawled to him slowly, enjoying the predatory look that spread across his cheeks. She knelt on the bed in front of him, opening her thighs to allow her to slide her core towards the mattress. 

His hands tangled in her curls as he brought his face to hers, his knuckles gliding down her body to connect with her taut nipple as they kissed. She slipped her hands into the pants he had pulled back on, feeling for his cock as he pinched her peak. 

“Come back to bed.” She insisted against his kiss as she felt him growing in her palm. His silver eyes focused only on her as her lips formed her pleas. She gave her best pout as he chuckled quietly. She ran her finger tips around his slit, pushing a wet pearl of precome around the surface of his tip.

“You know I cannot.” He took her hands from his member as he kissed her forehead. 

“But you are tempted? Before you answer–do recall that I can sense your emotions.” She said in challenge as he backed away, putting his tunic back over his head. She watched him as she sat on the edge, admiring his body as she spoke to him. 

Kirk grinned at her quip. She was nothing if not greedy and demanding when it came to pleasure, seeming to succumb to him unabashedly. He would never tire of laying with her. But it was what she said that had stuck with him. 

She loved him. She had said so in heat, but she clarified its truth, causing him to feel unsure. He knew he cared deeply for her, but would they have time to make sense of this before everything fell to pieces around them? “Aye. I am always tempted. That is why you have no energy now.” He said with a smile as he winked at her. 

“Cute.” She said with false enthusiasm as he praised himself for his sexual libido. She got up from the bed, walking over to the bowl with floating petals and began washing herself gently. “Why does he want to see us?” She asked curiously as she listened to him moving around behind her.  

Kirk stayed quiet, not knowing what he was allowed to reveal before the two met. He was sure because of her closeness to Asgard, she would be aware of Derkot’s true knowledge. Would she act rationally if she heard where he drew his whispers from? “Our families have been tied for quite some time. Perhaps it’s just a formality.” He said as he put his shoes on, hiding his face as he told the lie. 

As the scent of roses washed over her she looked back at him briefly, knowing he was being illusive. She drew her eyebrows together as the room fell quiet again. She sensed the lie as it left his lips. What was it that he was afraid to tell her? “Kirk–” She called as knocking suddenly cut through the air. She watched him as he stood, walking over to the door as she dressed herself. 

Kirk opened the door, looking over his shoulder to make sure she was dressed before he did so. “Lefelgd. We were just on our way to see your father.” He said joyfully, thankful for the interruption as he saw his friend in the doorway. 

Aztrit walked under his arm on the frame as she exited his chambers, giving Kirk a suspicious glare as she passed him. As she came face to face with an elf taller than she, with long blond hair and kind eyes she smiled. “Hello, I’m Aztrit.” She greeted as Lefelgd took her hand and kissed it softly. 

“Lefelgd, son of King Derkot, Crown Prince of Vertan.” He said with a smile as he became fixated on her eyes, never having seen gold irises in their brilliance. She was breathtaking. He let go of her hand as Kirk’s eyes narrowed. “It is not hard to see why my brother has become fixated on you.” Lefelgd said flirtatiously as she laughed, looking up to see the jealousy on his face.

 “Thank you. I am honoured by your presence.” Aztrit turned her gaze up to Kirk, lifting a brow, “Fixated, he says.” Kirk gave her a simple smirk, admiring her humour. “Maybe you can tell me why your father wants to see both of us?” She looked back at Lefelgd as they all stood in silence, not understanding the sudden quiet that fell between them. As the two men broke eyes, she tried to sense his hesitation, feeling small doses of fear coming from him.

“Follow me.” Lefelgd said as he quickly turned away his sapphire armour rattling as he moved. 

As Kirk shut the door behind her, she walked a few paces behind, attempting to get ahold of her emotions as she pondered what he was keeping from her. As they walked back into the tower that held their welcome banquet, she took her time admiring the environment in the partial silence that was not present on their first visit. 

The colourful jewelled walls and ceilings seemed to reflect non existent light, having harboured rays during day, and expelling them as night followed.  

They walked past the empty tables as she felt nervousness radiating off of Kirk, his mind racing as they walked down a lit corridor. The flames in the torches that lined the sparkling walls casting shadows over his face. His silver eyes seemed to reflect the same radiance as the priceless broken jewels.

He could feel her eyes on him, he was doing his best to mask his emotions, knowing there was no need for deception. But it was best that all explanations came from its source. He preferred to keep the encounter simple, there was no room for miscommunication. She would have to acclimate herself to Derkot’s presence, and most importantly, the presence of the fates hanging on his shoulders. 

Having chosen not to focus on them when they had met, they had loomed, constantly humming along to the conversation. There was no doubt in his mind that Derkot had not elaborated on his findings because he was instructed not to.

As Lefelgd led them through an empty throne room, paintings of Vertanian history rested on every wall. Each tribute seemed to move in a timeline as the paintings connected, the subjects seeming to play through the scenes effortlessly as war and fortune sung its course on the clean walls. In the centre of it all was a large glass throne, jewels resting on its crest as they passed.  

Aztrit had long since begun to believe they had more wealth than they knew what to do with. Jewels accompanied everything, it seemed to be an unusual occurrence if they were absent on any item or in any design. 

She knew culturally it empowered their people, and for that they were entitled to their odd aspect to their society. But did it not decrease their value to be shamelessly paraded for the eye to never unsee?

She turned her attention to a pair of red doors at the end of the hall as they turned the corner. She noticed the incredibly small brushstrokes of the art that surrounded them, the massive wall covered with a singular depiction. In it the Great Tree Yggdrasil, connector of the nine worlds, had low hanging branches, no plush green leaves attached to its twigs, but every vein seemed intertwined with clouds of blue flames, water seeming just out of reach at its roots. Above its branches a great eagle, circling as its protector and beneath its dark roots the Nidhogg, a dragon tasked with caring for its growth. 

Aztrit continued walking toward it, entranced by her desire to understand the symbolism, only to stop in her tracks as she heard ethereal humming in her head. 

She closed her eyes briefly, the room swaying. As the cries of battle rang, she looked around, trying to find a place where she could be alone for a few moments to communicate with Dahlia. ‘Where is it?’ she asked in their minds as she worried. Any moment could be their moment. Every second it could be Ragnarök, she had not forgotten. She tried, unable to see herself.

Kirk turned to her, noticing that she had stilled. He saw her eyes glazed over as she opened them slowly, sweeping the room, her focus not on their plane of existence. She looked as if she had vacated her body, standing too still. “Aztrit?” 

‘Midgard. A place called Viea’. She heard Dahlia reply as Kirk called to her. She broke out of her trance, looking between Kirk and Lefelgd as they began to crowd her, addled by her display. 

“Kirk, may I speak with you for a moment?” She said as she looked back at him. 

Kirk looked to Lefelgd, silently pleading for him to wait only a moment. As he received a small nod of approval, he walked with her to the closest corner. “What's wrong?” He said as he approached, feeling that she was shaken.

“Where is Viea?” She asked slowly as she attempted to pronounce the new name as he looked down at her, his face filled with worry as they whispered. She heard Dahlia confirming that she would go to the battle site. “Are we close to it?” She felt his hands tense on her shoulders as he understood why she was asking. 

“An hour ride south.” He looked to Lefelgd. “The Orofarne are attacking the settlement in Viea.” He told him quickly before she could protest. 

“Kirk.” She said with caution as she looked at the elf. She touched his chest, trying to stop him from sharing the information she had given him. It would out her as more than human. 

He tried his best to calm her as he looked at her for a moment. “He knows Valkyrie. He and Derkot are both trustworthy, I assure you.” Kirk said hurriedly as he looked back to Lefelgd. 

“They’re advancing. Perhaps they knew you departed. If they’re in Viea, Kloi must have allowed them to enter through Hyatse. I’ll give word for a few factions to go, I know you both have greater measures to see to. My father is through those doors, if you’ll excuse me.” Lefelgd slightly, moving quickly in the direction from which they came. 

“You told them who I was?” Aztrit said as she broke from his arms. 

Kirk knew the tone she held, it was accusatory. He hoped this meeting would be one of only polite greetings. An attack on Vertan was an attack on Karth. “I had to. Derkot, he isn’t like the other elves. He convenes with–” 

“Kirk.” He heard his voice called as they both looked to the tall white elf resting in the doorway. 

As Aztrit looked into his blind eyes, she saw past them, three sets of clouded white eyes settled deep into his mind. She stepped back as she heard their voices calling to her. Their paper thin hands nearly visible as they wrapped around his slender neck. “We have to go.” she said shakily as she stepped back. “We have to go, now.” She said again as she tried to turn away, only to walk into Kirk’s chest as he blocked her escape. 

Kirk held her as she looked up at him in fear. He knew the shock playing off of her features well. When his eyes rested on Derkot’s for the first time, he saw the same. But he had been prepared. “Aztrit, it’s alright.” He said soothingly as he held her gaze. 

“The Norns, Kirk. They are here.” She said as she looked back to the Elven King as he approached, she tried to back up as Kirk continued to hold her in place. He wasn’t afraid. She looked back up at him as she tried to understand. “You knew? You knew the fates were here?” 

“Aye. But Derkot is not to be feared. He is an ally, and we could use his insight. Don’t you agree?” 

She looked to the approaching king as Kirk grasped her shoulders, continuing to speak soothing words. But as he came closer, she could feel their presence beginning to circle them. She felt her hands cling to the side of his tunic, trying to turn away from their hungry gaze. 

She took his hand and gripped tight, hoping they would be forgiving. Undoubtedly they knew the nature of her previous plans. As her name slithered from their mouths, she felt chills surrounding her throat, working up her cheek bones as they slithered up her body. 

“King Derkot, this is Aztrit. Daughter of Odin.” He introduced them both, meeting in front of the empty throne. As she squeezed his hand tighter, he looked down at her. Was she more uncomfortable than he had been? “Aztrit, King Derkot was a close friend of my father’s Lord Birau. He was the first one to tell me who my mother was.” 

She attempted to look into his empty eyes as the whispers continued. “Aztrit.” His pale lips said slowly as if he was speaking for the very first time, pronouncing every syllable as they stared. “The Norns tell me you have changed your path. This, they are happy to know.” 

She looked on with confusion as he said so. Still not to be persuaded to look at him directly. “They are not upset?” 

“No, no. My child.” Derkot said with a smile as she sensed joy. “You are where you must be. Taking Kirk from us was not your destiny. But you are not done.” he said as he began to walk past them, leading them to a tapestry on the furthest wall, trimmed in silver with only depictions of golden chords wrapped around a tree. “You know this image?” He asked as he reached out and touched the fabric as they stood quietly behind him. 

“Y-Yes.” Aztrit said with false confidence. She had never believed she would speak with a Nornorë, a Herald of the Fates. As he stood with his back to him, she looked at his long white hair touching the floor. She was sure he had little time left. “It’s Yggdrasil. Home to the nine worlds.” 

“How many have you graced in your travels?” Derkot asked as he looked back at her. Seeing the look on her face as the question surprised her. “Ah, you don’t have to answer. Just the curiosity of a very, very old elf.” He said with laughter as he turned back to the image. 

“No, I… I’ve visited all but Muspelheim. I don’t believe I’ve had a reason to go.” She said, finding her words too slowly. She was afraid to reveal too much, although she was sure he might already know anything he asked. 

“Not even to harness your powers? You control flames, am I correct?” 

Aztrit’s mouth opened wide. “Yes. I haven’t thought of it that way…” She said as she looked back up at Kirk. He gave her a sympathetic nod. It was overwhelming to speak to someone who already knew all that you could tell them. 

"You may find that you have more control than you know." As Derkot shook his head, Aztrit saw him stiffen. “They want us to move along. Kirk, please lift this off of the wall.” He ordered, pushing away the inquiry. Kirk lifted the tapestry, its heavy material wavering in his arms as he revealed a hidden walkway. “Please, follow me.” Derkot said as Kirk kept it lifted for them to pass under, letting it fall back into place as he entered behind them. 

“Aztrit, would you mind?” Derkot asked with a pleasant tone as he motioned to the darkness. 

“Not at all.” She lifted her palm, lighting the torches that led the way. She noticed how aged the stone was compared to the structure outside of the hidden walkway. She wondered if it was possible that it was older than the city itself, feeling the decline under her feet as they went underground. 

“Thank you.” Derkot said as he continued to lead the way, his jewelled cane connecting with the stone as it echoed through the hall. As the fates began to whisper with greater fury, he attempted to calm them, pleading for more time. Just enough to deliver his message. 

Aztrit looked behind her where Kirk was following closely, putting her mind at ease as their eyes connected. She felt his energy as they continued, knowing his protective aura was compulsory. He would not let anything harm her, that much was definite.  

As they reached the end, they entered a large room, needing to be lit by her hand. She gave it the fire it seeked, her mouth dropping in awe as she saw the secret the small room was keeping. “You have a well?” 

As they surrounded the small hole in the floor, stones absent from the area as it formed an uneven circle, she tried to rid herself of her shock. It wasn’t just any common well. It was a direct line to the Great Tree. She looked at the walls where the torches flickered, there were roots covering every stone, small flowered plants lining between the cracks as they waved gently without breeze, as if every plant was exhaling.

“Yes. When this palace was built thousands of years ago, it was built around this secret. My people have long since forgotten why so many Nornorës come from our bloodline. The Tree chose us to keep it secret, to protect the well until the next came along. My people know I exist, but they do not know the truth. We are its protectors.” He said as he lifted a hand over the opening of the well, the water inside of it began to move in rivets. “I’m afraid Lord Verdulke is a bit lost, Daughter of Odin.” 

Aztrit looked up at him to find that he was. “The Great Tree has roots flowing through all nine worlds. It drinks its water from three wells, one in Niflheim, another directly underneath the Tree itself in Helheim, and another in Jotunheim. Each world has a well, but those three are sacred. These wells are guarded, protected for their essence which can range from knowledge, bravery, and power. This well is a direct line to the fates, giving answers to unknowns to those it calls to. Derkot is a Nornorë, he protects the well, the Norns, and guides those they desire to speak to.” 

Kirk nodded his head slowly, understanding as she spoke with shock to her words. 

Derkot dropped his cane as he lifted both hands above the water, the black surface rippling as gold strands extended from its depths, illuminating the still dark water. “Each world is connected by the fate hidden in the wells. This well is an outlet of Skuld, the future seer.” He watched as he began to see images intertwined with the gold strands, their stories expanding his mind as they wrapped around his thin long fingers. 

Aztrit watched as the chords moved over his long knuckles, dripping water back into the life source as it travelled up his body. “You’re reading our fate lines.” She noticed as she kept her eyes on his movements. 

Derkot coughed as he felt burning in his chest. They were rushing now. They had wasted too much time. “When we spoke earlier, I told you that you no longer possess your own. By finding each other, you’ve begun what they’ve predicted.” 

Aztrit looked at him as she shook her head, “I’m sorry, I’m not understanding. Begun what, exactly?” 

“Our new worlds.” Derkot whispered. “Death and rebirth; cycles of life.”

Kirk and Aztrit looked to each other in their silence, both questioning what any of the information meant.  What would become of the worlds that survived, if any did? Why did it revolve around them? 

Aztrit listened as his words began to sound as if it surrounded them, layers of voices on top of each other as his hair blew from non-existent currents of air, whipping around them. She rushed to Kirk as the force picked up, blowing harshly as she struggled to breath. She fell into his arms, allowing him to keep her close. 

As her head began to throb, she looked to Derkot, his eyes a pure white gaze focused on her. ‘Night's rebirth comes, strokes of blue lay above the close of golden eyes; pools of wielded flame.’ She heard Derkot say, his lips unmoving. She tried to understand as the gold strands fell from his body shirking back into the liquid as it laid still, not rippling from their movement.  

She couldn’t will her body to move, each word he spoke echoing through her, fixating on her as their destination. They watched in horror as Derkot’s body dropped, his eyes closing swiftly as the wind died down. Kirk ran to him first, kneeling by his side and lifting him into his arms. “Aztrit!” Kirk called to pull her from her shock. 

She tried to approach, but heard hisses of warning as she fell to the ground, her lungs collapsing. She looked at her palms, deep seated scratch marks forming on her body as she tried to move forward on the ground. As they screamed in her head, her body shook. “They won’t let me touch him, Kirk. It’s his time.” Aztrit said as she fought the searing pain. 

Kirk looked at her in confusion as he picked him up, hoisting him into his arms as he stood. He tried to come to her, her body flung by an invisible force to the opposite wall in response. He saw her eyes close tightly as she slid to the floor, holding her stomach as she bent over in pain. She coughed as she tried to stand. “I’ll come when I can.” She assured him as he quickly walked back through the tunnel, hoping she wouldn’t be far behind. 

Left alone with the well, she heard the water begin whispering, calling her to it. She crawled to the misty water's edge, seeing it clear to a mirror reflection of herself. Then suddenly she saw the moon. The same moon she felt had been guiding her from the start of her journey. 

The moon began to shift to a young girl, confusing Aztrit as it looked to be herself. But the girl's cheeks were rounder, her hair waved black night, and she had eyes of silver. The girl looked back at her, reaching to the surface of the water as if to touch her. Aztrit felt her kindred spirit, as if she knew her somehow. 

Aztrit reached to the surface of the water to the girl's flattened palm, she touched the cool water where their hands met, shocked that she could feel her warmth. The girl seemed shocked just the same and pulled back, disappearing into the black reflection.

Kirk hurried through the hallway, lifting up the tapestry as he neared it. As he saw Lefelgd returning from the long hall, he rushed to him, settling Derkot into his arms as he questioned him with his eyes. 

Kirk ignored his questions as he rushed back to the tapestry, lifting it just as Aztrit stumbled from behind it. He picked her up as she fell to the ground, coughing horrifically as she held her stomach. He let her wrap her legs around his waist as he held her, her head resting in his neck. He hustled her to the empty throne, settling her into the large seat as she heaved. 

“Kirk. I’m okay. Go to him.” Aztrit said as she continued coughing. She let go of his hand as he sat her down. 

Looking at her, trying to communicate that he didn’t believe her, Kirk tucked her soft hair behind her ear, touching underneath her chin as he forced her to look up at him. “Swear to it.” He said with command as he touched her. 

“I promise.” She said with a smile as she touched his face. “I’ll be here.” She said quietly as her throat struggled to form her words. 

Kirk looked over to Lefelgd carrying his father in his arms, moving past the red double doors and began to follow, moving through the heavy entrance just in time to see him settling Derkot into the sea of black blankets.  He stood helplessly as he began to look sunken, his little remaining muscles seeming to be disappearing as he lay in bed, his breathing laboured. “Lord Verdulke…” 

Kirk knelt by his side as Lefelgd began to pace at the end of his bed. He took his deteriorating outstretched hand, feeling that with Derkot, memories of his own father were dying. Someone who had known him better than his own son had. Would they be so cruel to take him before he was capable of relaying tales of Lord Birau?

At that moment, Derkot only saw Birau staring back at him. But he knew it was Kirk, it could only be so. He felt his face moving minimally as he smiled at the reminiscing of his dear friend. They would be reunited soon. “You have to trust that she will find you. Blessed Night is in the eyes of Fate's Guide.”

Kirk felt tears in his eyes as he shook his head. “I don’t understand.” It couldn’t be that these cryptic words would be his last. Lefelgd came by his side, his tears already coating his long cheeks as he knelt down, looking upon his father's breathing body for the last time. 

“Please, care for my son.” Derkot blinked slowly, moving his hand to Lefelgd. “You will be the King they need. Orion will be the guide.” 

Kirk listened as Lefelgd made a small noise in a strangled exhale, his father's hand growing limp in his own. Derkot closed his eyes for the final time, his body resting slowly, only skin attached to bone. Kirk placed a hand on his brother’s shoulder, watching as he lowered his head to the lifeless hand, his golden mane hiding his tears. 

Kirk thought as he stood, giving them their space. Who did he have to trust to find him? Where would he be? ‘Blessed Night is in the eyes of Fate's Guide’. He repeated the phrase in his mind. What did any of it mean? 

Kirk opened the door, seeing a platinum blonde elf, pulling two small elvish children behind her, her regal white gown touching the floor behind her as she walked hastily. As the small blonde child attempted kicking the redheaded one, he noticed he was devoid of emotion. He knew immediately that the red-haired child was troubled, just as Kirk had been when he was young. 

“Angeana.” He said as he wrapped her in a hug. Her blue eyes were pained and worried, Her face possessing small beauty marks by her eyes. 

She let the boys go, each one running in separate directions as she hugged him in return. “Kirk. I’m sorry your visit has become so sombre. Is he…” She looked behind him, feeling her heart breaking for her husband. “The guards came to get me as soon as you all emerged. Are we under attack?” she asked, not wanting to think their King had passed, and their families were in danger. Her husband would be torn. 

“Aye, he has passed. Lefelgd is saying goodbye. You should gather your family and move underground, I’m unsure how close they are now.” He moved to the side as she tapped his arm in passing. 

“Thoroux and Gliker–my brothers have already been sent. Please look after them if you are to join your men.” Whispering his promise, he looked to the throne, not seeing Aztrit where he had left her. 

He cast his gaze to the floor, feeling holes in his chest as he began to walk. She had her own to attend to, this she had said before. Had she really been unable to help, or had she chosen not to out of fear? Kirk continued his path back to his chambers quickly, readying himself for battle. 

✴

In Viea, Aztrit felt the night air filling her lungs. She heard screams and shouts in the distance, she shifted her attention from the night sky in front of her, the moon hanging in the distance as an impartial observer. The clusters of green trees beneath her formed tight canopies, visibility to the forest floor minimal.

She lowered herself to the treetops, slipping slowly between the thick branches, leaves brushing against her face. As she rested in the trees above, she saw the Orofarne–Ash Dwellers again. Just as they were in Callonwood, men with skin as red as irritated coal, ears fiercely mutilated, large chunks missing, replaced with heavy scar tissue. But this time the anger pouring from them was almost sickening. 

Sickening? 

Aztrit took deep breaths, an unfamiliar feeling resting in her stomach. 

Amongst the clustered bodies–some hidden by falling foliage–she saw elves and humans fighting relentlessly, side by side. Noticing not all wore the armour the elves in Vertan had donned, she concluded that neighbouring cities had sent warriors to protect the country's heart. But the humans, she recognized. Kirk’s men were fighting valiantly. She searched the factions, slipping from the trees above to move amongst them in darkness. 

As twigs broke beneath her feet, she ducked, feeling arrows fly above her, hitting their target, rich red blood beginning to pour from the fluctuating skin of the Ash Dweller soldier. She watched herself as she moved between the warring men, only lending a hand when she deemed necessary. 

She stepped over bodies, praying for them as she moved swiftly, feeling Kirk’s energy far in front of her, at the epicentre of the pools of blood. She climbed over a felled tree where two blond elves dripping in rubies became overpowered by ten Ash Dweller soldiers. She recognized them as the same elves that had welcomed them into the city with Frovik. All surrounding a small, crying elvish child with hair redder than the enemies skin. Three more Ash Dweller soldiers broke from the trees, approaching the child quickly. 

She looked to the sky as Dahlia passed overhead, knowing she could keep a secret. Instead of pulling her own weapons, Aztrit motioned to the ground, small sparks of heated flames catching on the dried leaves. As the blue flames engorged, surrounding the child, they moved outward seemingly with a mind of their own, attaching to the fleeing Orofarne, continuing to burn until life had been devoured.  They parted by the elves, giving them a safe path to the child.

As Aztrit walked through the flames, past the burning bodies, she saw the two elvish warriors crowd over the child, protecting him with their own bodies. “Orion! Why did you come here? We told you to stay behind the gates!” 

Keeping her form hidden, knowing that the child was now safe, no longer in need of her protection, she began to move away, stopping suddenly as the child’s small brilliant azure eyes focused on hers. Could he see her? 

“She saved me.” He said quietly as he looked at what appeared to only be towering trees to the others. He could. 

The ground began to quake, Aztrit broke from the odd trance surrounding them both, continuing quickly. Touching the twisted gangly trees as she passed, attempting to get a better placement on where he was. As Kirk called to her in his mind, she heard multiple voices, his own distorted in her mind. With the ability to place him, she shifted to him with haste. 

But as she appeared, she was made aware of the real danger behind the spontaneous attack. Screeching and howling not born of Midgard rippled through the chills in the air, the moon nowhere in sight. Mist kicked up, covering the ground as it had in Valhalla. There, in the midst of darkness was Kirk, his axe held high as he swung, arrows piercing his skin as he turned effortlessly in circles, attempting successfully to cut the horde of soldiers surrounding him. 

As another cursed black arrow flew, she saw it pierce his skin, settling deeply over where his heart laid. 

“No!” Aztrit shouted as he winced in pain, his enemies taking advantage of his injury as they began to land what should have been fatal blows. In the blink of an eye, all of his enemies were felled, their bodies twisting in agony intertwined with hungry blue flames, as their attacker watched in pleasure above them, her golden eyes filled with satisfaction and wrath. 

Kirk kneeled amongst them, taking deep breaths as he pulled the cursed arrow from his heart. But this time, the wounds did not begin to heal themselves. He heard pounding in his ears as her hands felt the sides of his face, his axe falling from his opening hand. 

He was unfamiliarly close to death.

Aztrit looked at him with worry, picking up the arrow he pulled from his chest. Touching the ends, it corrupted her fingertips. Taking no more time to examine it, she began to heal, kneeling in front of him, holding him upright as his breathing began to regulate. As his blood stopped seeping from his wounds, resealing, she felt him returning. “I should have told you that I was coming. I’m so sorry.” She said shakily as she stopped panicking, knowing that he would be okay. “They’re here Kirk. Dahlia needed me to come, to see for myself.” 

“Who’s here?” But as Kirk asked, another howl rang out, turning their attention to the trees moving with the strength of the wind, large yellow grey eyes looking back at them as a pitch black snout more expansive than the surrounding tree trunks breached, revealing an enormous wolf with a heavy gash across its face. 

“Calm now, brother. Would you devour our flesh and blood?” As a woman so pale her skin looked worn and grey came forward, they both saw silver eyes staring back at them. Her stringy hair as black as Kirk’s own, but dragging behind her amongst the dead leaves. A simple faded black dress on her seemingly frail body. Her height was halfway to the treetops; here was no question of her lineage. 

Kirk stood first, stepping in front of Aztrit. The surprise of seeing his mother not enough to make him forgetful in regard to her safety. He had never seen her before, but deeply seated in his gut, he knew this was her. He palmed his axe, hoping he would have enough defence. But as Aztrit stood up behind him, he knew he would not have to fight alone. 

“My, how large you’ve gotten. It almost makes me glad I chose not to kill you.” Hel sighed as she moved closer, his eyes narrowing at her approach. “It’s unfortunate that you look so much like him.” 

“You didn’t choose, my father stopped you.” Kirk said coldly, not taking his eyes off of her. 

Hel laughed bitterly, a growl following behind her. “You believe a pathetic human like Birau could have stopped me from getting what I wanted? I chose not to kill you because I felt you would be of use to me. And now, here you are an ally on the cusp of Ragnarök, destined to kill the Allfather. You bring me pride.”

As Fenrir turned his cold gaze to Aztrit, she summoned her bow, feeling that neither of them would be leaving without a struggle. ‘Say no more in front of the Valkyrie.’ Fenrir's echoing voice resonated, not opening his muzzle to speak. 

Hel smiled wickedly, peeking her head around Kirk as she connected with Aztrit. “Another curious addition. Does Odin know that his loyal, valiant warrior is defending his prophesied end?” At their silence, Hel saw no fear, the brown warrior in front of her only holding her point higher. 

“I do know you, don’t I?” Hel asked herself, noting the features of her face. At realisation, her mouth went agape, pleasure coursing through her gaze. “You’re…you're why he put me there. You don’t remember me?”

But as Aztrit stood, not recalling ever having the misfortune of meeting Hel, she shook her head again.

No, the woman had been human, not Valkyrie. A healer, but human nonetheless. Hel remembered ending her abruptly, the remains of her village sending pillars of smoke into the air. She remembered the smell of the embers. 

Hel hadn’t known one of Odin’s many lovers had resided there, but she was forced to never forget it. “You are their spawn. The one Baldur saved. My Father’s false sister. This makes things… so much sweeter. Betrayal is fickle, isn’t it?” Hel sniffed the air, sensing that Aztrit and Kirk had joined, their auras intertwined. “Oh? Have you done me the kindness of bringing Nott into this world? How far along?” 

As Hel’s serious eyes stayed level with Aztrit’s own, she kept her bow drawn. Knowing she would not repeat herself, Aztrit began to speak unwillingly, the words slipping from her mouth before she could stop them. “A month.” She stated simply. 

Kirk looked back at her, not understanding the conversation they were beginning to have. Nott? How far along? As Hel began to laugh, he saw her only briefly turn her eyes to him. Her bow still held high in defence. 

A month long.

Aztrit was pregnant. 

Kirk felt himself lower his axe, stunned by the development. If she knew, why hadn’t she said so? Why had he been forced to learn it from his mother’s vile lips?

He watched as Aztrit’s long hair flowed wildly in the breeze around her, her helmet proudly sat on her head. Why hadn’t she told him? He could not stop himself from repeating questions as his heart beat erratically.

Aztrit felt his waves of confusion, understanding each one. She tried to communicate her apologies, but had nothing more to say. Not in front of them. 

She had noticed the change in her body’s energy the very next morning after they had joined. She hadn’t been able to place it until recently, noticing the constant changes in her emotions. Things smelled differently around her, and she felt strong, as if her body was constantly protecting itself. Her abdomen felt tender in the mornings, and the exhaustion was constant. She hadn’t wanted to tell him until she was sure. Derkot’s vision and the image in the well had only confirmed it.

“When we planned to draw you out, I hadn't expected this. You two have truly brought me happiness. I had hoped to convince you to be my successor, but if you’ve already passed on our lineage, I don’t have to. Either you will, or Aztrit comes with me until she gives birth, and I’ll have my opportunity.” As they remained silent, Hel focused her gaze on Aztrit, holding her hand out.

Aztrit felt her hands shake as she began to lower her weapon. She tried to stop herself, fighting against her will as she began to move forward. “Kirk.” She gasped quietly, as she began to become afraid, her body moving by itself. She felt pain rip at her skin, suffocating her.

Kirk dropped his shield, placing his hand on her. “Look away.” He commanded as she broke from Hel’s control, using his own manipulation of will.

Aztrit turned her face to his back as he stepped further in front of her. How could she fight if she couldn’t look at her?

Hel stood with no laughter. Finding out more about her son as they experienced each other. But this side of him was weak–vulnerable. It didn’t matter when the turnover began, as long as in the end, they all played to her void. 

She would have to play to her patience. “Fine.” Hel lowered her hand, ending her beckoning. “We shall do this as was agreed by your father. But do not take long to decide who will come to me. I would hate for Allfather to kill you before I get what I was promised.”  

Aztrit released the breath she was holding as she heard the wind carry them away. She touched her side as she slid to the ground, touching the wound on her side she was unaware she had. He dropped his axe, touching her as he attempted to draw her attention. She saw Dahlia come from above, talking to her as she began to slip from consciousness. 

Dahlia looked up at Kirk as he held Aztrit, her eyes closing slowly. “I have to take her home. She can’t be healed here.” As Kirk looked back up at Dahlia, she saw the brief anger pass his eyes. “Don’t be upset with her. She wanted to be sure before telling you.” 

“And she had to talk to you about it?” 

“I’m a maternal spirit. I had my suspicions that night I appeared in your chambers. Neither of us knew for sure until tonight.” She watched him look back down at her, unwilling to allow her to go. “They will both be okay, I must take her now.” 

Kirk heard hooves in the distance, knowing that his men were searching for him. “Return her to me.” He looked up at Dahlia, pleading with her to do everything she could if he was to let her go.