Scene: The day after the Hunt
God, what a night. I feel like I should be hung over bad, but instead I just feel sore all over. I could lie on Magni's chest all day if not for nature's call. I almost trip as I get out of his bed and my legs twitch under me as soon as I rise. Shit, he really did fuck away my ability to walk straight. Looking back at him, I better demand a third go as well, when I get back - oof, if my poor body can take it. Picking up my gear, I really regret not packing any actual clothes.
I try to leave the room discreetly, but half the house is already up and buzzing. Okay, Alea, you took your prize - there's no shame in that. Besides he was your conquest - not the other way around. I try my best not to limp, as I beeline for the exit to the sound of Vettirs' cheers."Rough morning, Hunter?" I hear Brynja call out behind me, as she catches up. Shit, so much for walking straight.
"I'll heal," I say, smirking mischievously. "How about you?"
"I've got the hips to handle it," she laughs. "I feared he'd have torn your tiny frame apart."
"Well, it wasn't for lack of trying," I start giggling. "God, what a fucking day we've had: Fought a fucking troll, fucked Asir all night, and beside my sore everything, I feel on top of the world!"
"That's the fucking spirit!" Brynja says picking me up in her huge arms.
"Noo, put me down, you'll burst my bladder!" I yell out laughingly.
"Oh, shit! Sorry, I'll join you," Brynja replies. "But fuck, Al - ever since that fucking hag, I knew you had it in you!"
"Shit, that makes one of us," I blurt out. "I still believe that was more luck than anything. It had definitely gone bad if you hadn't been there - just like yesterday."
"You give yourself too little credit, Al! You know what these people believe about you? They think you can become a fucking legend!"
"Noo, that's... insane. You maybe - I mean, you're basically build for this life!" I retort. That much has been obvious for all of our time as friends.
"And I'm taking it!" Brynja blurts out enthusiastically. "I know this is how I wanna pave my path, but what about you? Do you know what you want?"
"I- I don't know anything. I've fought so hard to find something normal - something boring and mundane for myself, but this life just wont let me! I feel like everybody else have plans for me, and they are just trying to drag me along for it. And not just these guys - I feel like I lost the steering wheel a long time ago."
"Shit, Alea, you've gotta take the bull by the balls!" Brynja retorts. Easier said than done. "Anyway, Thrud had something she wanted to tell us - I think it's big."
"God, I was hoping to sneak back to bed for another round first," I sigh laughingly.
"You fucking beast! This Otherworld air is making you worse than Zeldine!" Brynja starts cackling.
"Shit, I don't think these vettir would be ready for Zeldine!" I join in. "Let's get back then."
Upon our return, Thrud stands outside the Longhall to receive us. With her stands Magni and Modi, an unknown vettir woman and a man I have definitely seen before - five years ago, I realize. He was the man who was at that lake in Otherworld, when I survived the hag. As my eyes stay on him and face freezes up, he winks at me. Before I can ask, Thrud speaks up:
"Alea, Brynja - my children. How far you've come since the Unravelling brought you to my care. Then you were mere children, victims of a world in turmoil and disarray. Now you stand before me as strong women fully capable of carving out your own Destiny. I am so happy for having been there to follow your growth - so proud of the women you have become," Thrud tries drying a tear discreetly. Even in her new, young form, she is still our old, caring headmaster. "Alas, all good things must come to an end, and as must my tutelage. With my regained youth, my skills are required elsewhere. I will be standing down as Dís of Evergreen..."
"What?!" I blurt out, but she lifts her hand, to tell me to let her finish.
"I will return with you to inform the other Dísir of my decision. A decision which is final. However another Asynja stands ready to take my spot," and with this, she places a hand on the shoulder on the unknown woman next to her.
Parent Plot
Comments