Characters
| Major
| Supporting
| Minor
| Antagonists
| Mentioned
|
|---|
- Arthak Saurfang
- Nyxxa Murkthorn
- Rak'Symma
- Seria
- Sol'chi
- Zar'Kaa
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- Annhylde
- Havi
- Huginn
- Hymdall
- Lantresor
- Muninn
- Thisalee Crow
- Thura Saurfang
- Zuni
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- Azshara (by title)
- Faljar (by action)
- Fathnyr
- Freya
- Guarm
- Mazu
- Nelvek (by action)
- Sargeras
- Sigryn
- Skovald
- Nithogg
- Odyn
- Urgev (by action)
- Vethir (by relation)
- Yotnar (by title)
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December 30th
Sol and Ashildir passed dozens of ancient blades and the corpses of discarded warriors as they made their way through Helheim in pursuit of any indication where Sol’s friends might be.
Ashildir says: You are a demon. I have to admit, I’m curious how one of your kind would be undertaking the Trial of Will.
Sol'chi says: I’m rebelling against the Burning Legion and they are trying to invade. We are trying to get the Aegis to ensure it doesn’t fall into their hands through Skovald.
Ashildir says: Noble. Skovald and his entourage came some time ago. He had demons with him as well, but there is something different about you. Your words speak true. You truly have no love for the Legion…
Sol'chi says: Definitely not. If I could, I’d hit Sargeras in his smug face.
Ashildir chuckled.
Ashildir says: From what I know of Sargeras, the one we know as Surtr… I think you would need a larger weapon.
Sol'chi says: That’s the plan. I need to make a bigger weapon.
Ashildir says: Nevertheless, do you have any idea where your friends might be?
Sol admitted that was a good question and he took a moment to try and consider if he had any means to guide them to his companions.
Sol'chi says: Not exactly… but they are probably finding themselves in a mess, or they are trying…
Ashildir says: To find you?
Sol'chi says: Me, or whoever is in charge of this place. Seeing what’s what.
Ashildir says: I hope that is not what they are doing. I can only imagine darkness would come from entreating the foul mistress of this place.
Sol'chi says: Is she really that bad? I thought this was just an afterlife?
Ashildir says: It’s more than that. Helya is a being of darkness. She is a traitor to our people. Feared, for she will drag the unworthy to this place, and seek to tempt noble warriors away from the path of honor that would lead to the Halls of Valor. She is a villain. A being that wields darkness and trickery to bend noble souls to trickery. It is said none escape from Helheim, and that is said for a reason.
Sol'chi says: Well, in that case we should maybe get a better vantage point.
Ashildir says: This place is dangerous, but we will be safer together. The sooner we can find them, the better it will be. But we need to be careful. There are many forsaken souls and beasts of death and shadow. If we find them we will be swiftly outmatched.
Sol'chi says: Do you think flying would be okay if we were invisible?
Ashildir says: No. I would not count on visual deception. The skies are dangerous and filled with storms. It is not only vrkyul here. The storm drakes who keep our gods are equally brought here if they have died unworthy deaths. The last thing we want is the foul attention of Nithogg’s brood.
Sol'chi says: Hm. Good thing Nithogg was brought to the Halls of Valor to be judged…
Ashildir says: Nithogg has been slain?
Sol'chi says: Yes. We killed him yesterday.
Ashildir blinked.
Ashildir says: I see. Perhaps you will have a chance to survive here after all. But… many of his kin have died over the years. I believe it would be wise to keep to the ground. Less eyes to see.
Sol opted to send Hooty up into the sky to take a look for them. However, the place was swallowed in mist and fog as if the very plane wanted to impose a sense of dreariness and hopelessness upon them. As he flew around, they heard a rumble of thunder, and a peal of sickly green lightning struck Hooty out of the sky.
Sol'chi says: Well. I had a familiar.
Ashildir says: I’m sorry for your loss.
Sol'chi says: He can be resummoned in time.
Ashildir says: At least his sacrifice will prove the dangers of flying too high here.
Sol agreed. They decided to travel for a bit longer, but find a place to hunker down if they found something better. They passed begging dead that wailed for the suffering to end, but Ashildir encouraged Sol to keep moving. However, Sol found the wails impossible to ignore, and they dredged up dark memories in his mind. But then he heard Ashildir and broke away from the thoughts.
They occasionally heard ear-piercing cries or saw rippling shadows, but they were able to evade any sign of extreme danger. He tried to send Nyxxa on his sending stone, but there was no response.
Ashildir says: Seems the storm is getting worse. Should we keep moving, or should we seek shelter?
Sol'chi says: What would you prefer?
Ashildir advised it was likely better to wait out the brunt of the storm and create a makeshift shelter. Sol agreed. They managed to find a torn tarp to use as some shelter and they attempted to weather the storm. After some time, Sol’s muscles began to waver, and he felt the stress of holding on to the tarp lax as if it got easier to hold. He looked up and saw another vrykul. The man had a sunken face and lipless jaw with patches of dark red, bloody hair. He grit his teeth and held on to the wood.
Vargul says: Hold fast!
They held the tarp until the gusts started to slow and the area calmed somewhat.
Vargul says: I saw your shelter. My pardon for not seeking permission to use it, but you seemed like you needed assistance.
Sol'chi says: We thank you for the help. You can keep the shelter if you like, we need to keep moving.
Ashildir looked at Sol and gently, but firmly, grabbed his shoulder.
Ashildir says: We should not speak to the damned here. Make haste.
Sol nodded and they started to leave.
Vargul says: Wait. You. I smell fel on you.
Sol continued to keep moving.
Vargul says: You’re a demon. Wait. Wait! Come back!
Ashildir says: We need to go.
Ashildir started to run, and Sol booked after her.
Vargul shouts: Come back! I need your help! I can get back to her with your help! I can save her! I can save her with your help! I can SAVE HER! I CAN HELP MY SIGRYN.
Fel fire lit up around his feet as the vargul used the fel to speed up on his way.
Sol'chi says: That was the name of the woman at your grave…
Ashildir says: It doesn’t matter, we need to get away from him.
Sol turned around and used [Vortex Warp] to move the vargul back. He howled in anguish and sorrow, and he started to chase again. But the ruckus seemed to have drawn the attention of the realm. Fog started to roll in, and they heard the sounds of other soldiers that howled as they were drawn to the noise.
Sol asked Ashildir if she could get smaller, and she looked confused as they sprinted and said she could not. He told her he was going to teleport ahead and then teleport her to him. He shot forward and teleported past a group of damned souls. He turned around and reached for Ashildir, and right before she was completely flanked, the woman was teleported to him as corpses and fog sprayed into the air like a wave. They crashed down and started to pursue them again.
Ashildir says: Good save! We need to keep running!
They ran and ran and ran for what felt like hours, but then Sol felt something grab his hoof and he tripped. Ashildir stopped and turned to help him, but the horde was closing in closer and closer and closer. They continued to run, but Sol’s strength was fading, and the horde was gaining with every last moment.
Meanwhile, the rest of the group stood before the Mistress of the Damned. She leaned forward, her tentacles gently caressing the platform as she looked down at them.
Helya says: As you all know, no one leaves Helheim without my permission. I presume you’ve come here for a reason, and not to stay here forever. Under any other circumstances I would have turned you away immediately, but you garnered my attention. So please. State your business here in Helheim. State your intent for coming willingly into my domain.
Arthak Saurfang says: We are here to petition you for the release of a soul that was sent here. A soul that long had dwelt in the halls of the Valarjar but through duplicity and betrayal was sent here instead.
Helya says: You would not happen to be speaking about queen Ashildir, would you?
Arthak Saurfang says: I would.
Helya says: Imagine my surprise when the Eternal Queen of the Valkyra showed up on my doorstep, and yet you want me to return her even though her own brethren cast her aside?
Arthak Saurfang says: I do.
Helya says: How interesting. And you came all the way here. You must truly need her back.
Arthak Saurfang says: This… is also true.
Helya says: So you’ve come here to not only take a very special soul from my realm, but allow yourselves to leave with it, I presume?
Arthak Saurfang says: It would ill-suit our cause to release her and trap ourselves.
Helya says: A logical explanation. Though it does not reduce the severity of what you ask. It is no small request that you make. I presume you came with… something you could bargain with? Something more than impassioned attempts to appeal to my sense of justice? Surely you did not think if you asked me nicely I’d let her go with no strings attached?
Arthak Saurfang says: It is not in the nature of a queen or a god to give up a prize without something in return.
Helya says: I’m glad you understand. Well then. Make your offer. Tell me what you would be willing to sacrifice for me to grant this less than humble request of yours?
Arthak Saurfang says: Well. We are asking you to part with seven souls. Under that circumstance a fair offering would be to replace that which we would take. With interest of course.
Helya flashed a sharp-toothed grin.
Helya says: An interesting offer. Certainly not one I’m opposed to. Though let us discuss this interest.
Arthak Saurfang says: Given the circumstances, Ashildir is a warrior queen of great renown. We are each a champion amongst our own people. A fair offer must reckon with that. Our path will take us through very red days to come. You will give up seven champions. In return, we will offer the lives of the same and half again. Ten. The Legion has brought many to Stormheim’s shores.
Helya considered.
Helya says: There are… unfortunately limits to those whose spirits my val'kyr can claim. But I believe that you are on to something here. There are five of you here, and the two others, I assume are the Eternal Queen and your companion, the one who is missing. The one whose face I borrowed.
Arthak Saurfang says: Correct.
Helya says: An adjustment then. You will send me champions, and they will be of my choice. As the first order of this bargain, you will agree that, from this day forward, any who fall to your blades or spells or machinations… shall be marked. And I will find amongst them ten worthy souls that I will claim.
Zar'Kaa says: So the choice would be yours, not ours.
Helya says: But of course. With all due respect, I believe it only fair I be given the right to choose which souls replace the ones before me on this day. There are limits to those I can take. My realm does not reach infinitely.
Zar'Kaa says: With all due respect in turn, I have a counter proposal.
Helya says: What would that be, zandali?
Zar'Kaa says: I know these circumstances entail a price but I don’t like the idea of all control over those lives being ripped away. So, speaking only for myself, not my allies, I’m going to go out there and I’m going to find my friend. If I’m able to find him and bring him back from whatever danger he’s facing, then I hope I can prove myself worthy enough to get passage out of this realm with him.
Helya says: What a curious thing you are. You who has… no qualms in taking the life of another, yet you draw the line of being unable to decide their fate when it ends.
Zar'Kaa says: The damnation they face shouldn’t be decided by you either.
Arthak Saurfang says: Zar’Kaa we are in her realm. This is what she does.
Helya says: Let us say I entertain this. If I were to put the fate of your friend and the fate of your queen… perhaps even the fate of all of you on this one mortal’s ability to navigate Helheim… to face its dangers on his lonesome… and to pull your poor unfortunate soul from the murk… would you will be willing to stake such a thing? While knowing what failure could mean?
Arthak Saurfang says: No. That is not a wager I would take.
Helya looked back at Zar’Kaa.
Helya says: Seems we are at an impasse then, my friend. You’re welcome to seek out your friend, but I make no promises as to what may occur after, even if you bring him back.
Zar'Kaa says: And I ask for no promises in return. As much of the cost may fall on me, I make my own choices, and I choose to go and find my friend. You all wish to do this deal, feel free, but this is my decision.
Zar’Kaa turned to leave. Nyxxa looked at him somewhat horrified, but she didn’t say anything.
Arthak Saurfang says: It’s foolish, Zar’Kaa. It might make you feel more in control but this is her realm.
Zar'Kaa says: And you don’t know who you’ll send to her.
Arthak Saurfang says: I’ve not made a deal yet!
Symma stepped forward and looked at Helya.
Rak'Symma says: It’s funny what the mortals are willing to do. Amusing, really. I would hope you love your realm, Helya, but I wonder if you grow bored, and if something to entertain you might make the passing time easier.
Helya says: I have plenty of things to entertain me, but I’m listening.
Rak'Symma says: How often to you hear stories without remorse or pain. When have you last heard of happiness and song?
Helya says: If you’re implying I would release the spirits of this realm for stories, I regret to inform you have no interest.
Rak'Symma says: What if they are just to buy time?
Helya says: What are you offering little harpy girl?
Rak'Symma says: Stories of Freya.
She saw a flash of anger fly into Helya's eyes at the name.
Helya says: Oh little broken bird, this world has always been broken. I’m sure you have plenty of stories to share, but they are not as pretty as you remember. I have no interest in hearing any of them. If anything, I could tell you a few stories. Perhaps another time.
Arthak Saurfang says: Then perhaps we might return to the business at hand. Your offer of ten souls of your choosing drawn from any slain by spell, by battle, and by machination, I note.
Helya says: Well of course. You’re far too smart for me to leave out a clause like that. That’s easy enough as letting your underlings do them. But perhaps we’re not ten anymore. Perhaps we’re at eight!
Her eyes flickered over to Zar'Kaa.
Helya says: I have no problem continuing negotiations even if some are unwilling to agree. One less soul simply means less you need to negotiate for. Win win, really.
Arthak Saurfang says: We came here together. We need to leave together. Those marked but unclaimed, they would continue to whatever place their souls are meant for without, of course, your selection? The mark would be just to give you the option to select them?
Arthak believed that, judging by what he had seen, Helya could only claim vrykul and dragons, but he wasn’t sure what the reasons for that were. Or if there were others.
Arthak Saurfang says: Would you be willing to explain the limitations of what souls are able to be claimed?
Helya says: You want to know all my secrets don’t you? I’d be willing under one condition. If you agree to this bargain, if we make a negotiation that leads you to freedom… if you claim the Aegis of Aggramar, you will keep it and ensure that, under no circumstances, it will ever return to the Halls of Valor, even beyond your mortal lives. It will stay far, far, far away. Of course, should you choose to stay in Helheim for the rest of your existences, this information comes for free.
Zar'Kaa says: Would you tell us why it can’t return to the halls?
Helya smiled.
Helya says: What would you be willing to offer me for that information?
Arthak Saurfang says: No love lost in the family of the gods.
Helya says: What can I say, I just love stealing dear old daddy’s toys. You don’t need to give it to me.
Arthak Saurfang says: Just deny him.
Zar'Kaa says: In his realm we may face a similar wrath for denying him.
Helya says: That is not my concern. You’re resourceful. I’m sure you can concoct some suitable excuse.
Arthak Saurfang says: You are quite well informed. You know what we seek. This is not a great surprise. You being who you are. That you met with us means there is something you might gain from meeting with us. You asked us to name terms first, which is fair. What might we offer. And we have discussed that to some point. I hope it is not too bold to ask, simply, for candor as to what you want. Ten souls you can choose from. But there is likely something else, am I right?
Helya smiled.
Helya says: There are always things I want. I regret to inform you I cannot tell you what all of them are, but you already know eleven things.
She chuckled.
Helya says: So lets start with this first deal. You agree to keep the Aegis out of the Halls of Valor, and then I tell you the scope of souls I can select from.
Zar'Kaa says: I still don’t think I can agree to this. How about this. If I can find Sol before the rest of you have finished striking terms, myself, Ashildir, and Sol get out. But if I don’t, I stay.
Helya raised a brow.
Helya says: Very well. I see no objection to this. If this is how you wish to approach, then by all means.
Zar'Kaa says: It is.
The rest of the party realized the bargain was bad for the group overall, as Zar’Kaa had only spoken for himself, Sol, and Ashildir.
Arthak Saurfang says: Zar’kaa. Please stop. That is not a good deal to offer here. Most likely you will damn yourself. And you could damn the rest of us. Please just let me handle this.
Zar'Kaa sighed.
Zar'Kaa says: I will stay for now. If that’s what you wish.
Arthak Saurfang says: So. Back to the matter of information.
There was a brief discussion, but it was decided to take the deal about the Aegis.
Arthak Saurfang says: We are willing to accept the offer regarding the Aegis. We will keep it from the Halls of Valar in exchange for the information that was promised.
Helya says: Excellent. Then the information is thus. The power of Helheim extends only to those who recognize me, who I am, and what I am. Beings that have no understanding of the hierarchy of the gods who do not fear or worship the names of Odyn and Freya and the like have no connection, thus my val’kyr cannot bring them here without complex rituals like the one that brought you here. It is difficult to send the soul of one that does not fear the gods to my realm.
Zar'Kaa says: I wish to clarify something. You mentioned understanding and worship, which sounds like a matter of faith. One can understand without worship, so if one understands but does not worship you…
Arthak Saurfang says: The vrykul do not worship her, Zar’Kaa. She is not the one that they send their prayers to. Yet she can claim them.
Helya says: The wise do. But that is correct.
Arthak Saurfang says: So any souls that fit the criteria would be ones that you could claim. The ten.
Helya says: Indeed. Those who have a connection to the faith that gives this realm its rules, and one who died a suitable ignoble death or lived an ignoble life. Or if I wanted them. But there are limitations. I am unable to bring virtuous souls into this place by my own volition, not without dirtying their hands, but there is wiggle room. You, for instance, Arthak… I can’t say if you would be worthy if you were to die today. Perhaps you could come to me, or perhaps not. You walk a razor’s edge, my friend.
Arthak Saurfang says: And my spirit is due elsewhere. Pre-existing claim.
Helya says: I guess I would have to grab it quickly then, wouldn’t I?
Arthak Saurfang says: Who set up these rules? Why is it that the valorous go to your father and the ignoble to you?
Helya says: You ask some very interesting and deep questions, Arthak. Questions that date back well before your people came to this world, likely before they even existed. But… I did. For I was the one that created the Halls of Valor. This realm is a dark reflection of it. It is the leftovers of my father’s glorious vision, thus it is only fitting that the leftovers unworthy of my father’s glorious vision wind up here.
Arthak Saurfang says: An act of spite? Or no… an insult.
Helya says: I believe both would be accurate.
Arthak Saurfang says: True. You built this place. It’s like a poem.
Helya says: Flattery won’t get you anywhere, Arthak Saurfang, but I can appreciate it.
Arthak Saurfang says: Not flattery, merely understanding. All the souls found unworthy come here. Whose kingdom grows faster? Whose kingdom is more accepting? If you built his halls, why have you built a kingdom here?
A flash of anger flashed across Helya’s eyes.
Helya says: And yet I do believe there’s a point where your questions become too personal.
Arthak Saurfang says: Fair. My apologies… you are right, that is not my business. We are not kin.
Zar'Kaa says: You spoke of the limits of your realm, what about the Halls of Valor? Odyn’s reach?
Helya says: You mean no one has told you yet? How delightful. The gates of the Halls of Valor are sealed. Did no one mention that?
She laughed.
Helya says: Incredible. You’ve already almost completed the trials and you don’t even know why they do this. You asked why I left? My reasons are my own, but I broke things on the way out. Do you know why he seeks mortal champions? Why he’s willing to let the Aegis leave? He can’t leave himself, nor can his valarjar.
Arthak Saurfang says: Until Ragnarok, I believe is what the stories say.
Helya says: That’s because he hopes to break the seal before then. But not even the end of this world would allow him to ride forth and find his petty glory.
Zar'Kaa says: So… I assume he wishes for mortals to help him break the seal?
Helya says: He hopes in vain, yes.
Zar'Kaa says: In what way?
Arthak Saurfang says: Would breaking the seal happen to involve the Aegis?
Helya tapped her chin.
Helya says: That, I can’t answer. Mostly because not even I can pierce the veil of the All-Father’s wisdom. I only know he will fail.
Zar'Kaa says: I was considering the other artifacts, the other pillars… I assume you know of what I speak.
Helya says: What of them?
Zar'Kaa says: Could one of them potentially break the seal?
Helya says: If it could, you can’t expect me to tell you.
Zar'Kaa says: I suppose not…
Arthak Saurfang says: We also don’t know if we want it broken.
Helya says: That’s an interesting thought… and not one I would have expected from someone like you.
Arthak Saurfang says: I have stumbled into a strange land with strange gods. I have been told the stories of them. I am not much a fool as to take those myths as gospel as to who is hero and who is villain. It’s more complicated than that. I walk a razor’s edge, as you said.
Helya says: That you do. That you do. So now that you know this information, how do you consider the offer we’ve been speaking of?
Arthak Saurfang says: I might have a counter.
Helya says: Speak it.
Arthak Saurfang says: We spoke of how you are worshiped in these lands. More often prayer is granted to the All-Father. It’s the nature of things. Honor. The glory. It’s an easy sell. Have you ever considered the possibility… in these lands you are the Queen of the Damned. Is that all you wish to be?
Helya says: Go on.
Arthak Saurfang says: I won’t claim to know your motives, nor will I pry, but my guess is that all hatreds begin with a great wrong, especially between kin. My people have been wronged. My people are new to these lands and this world. Most of the gods we knew and honored in our ways are gone. Dead or far enough away that they might as well be. After this war is done, we’ll find our own nation to build. I have intended from the beginning to honor the gods of this world. I would be more than willing to see that you are given a place. Not as the goddess of the ignoble, not taking the dregs… perhaps a goddess for the wronged. If that is who you want to be.
Helya says: And you would offer this deal knowing what you now know? Knowing that knowing me, knowing us… would make your people beholden to our cycle? Beholden to our judgement?
Arthak Saurfang says: We go to our ancestors. I’m offering you souls that would want to come here. As warchief, I could help foster a faith for you.
Helya smiled.
Helya says: I have two conditions. Simple ones I believe you’ll have no issue with agreeing to. One is that you will allow some small degree of oversight. While I have no reason to distrust you, understand I need to know you aren’t just doing the bare minimum, yes? Perhaps a simple… update once every year or so.
Arthak Saurfang says: That is more than fine. And obviously… this will be the faith and veneration of you.
Helya says: And I will do nothing to interfere with the understanding of the rest of my beloved family. After all, you can’t understand Helheim without everyone. And instead of 10 souls of my choosing, I want only one. I want Skovald. Undoubtedly, my father will try to prevent his spirit from reaching these halls. I have a use for someone like him. And it would deprive my father from keeping him in any state of comfort.
It was clear that there was an ongoing cold war where clearly Odyn was able to take unworthy souls as he took Nithogg. So if Skovald was killed, he might try to take Skovald’s soul and keep him in purgatory to deny him from Helya.
Arthak Saurfang says: By the rules established, Skovald would be due here.
Helya says: That he would be, but the All-Father would work his machinations to ensure I don’t get such a potent weapon. But he will be given no place of honor. He will not have a champion’s helm, he will be mine to do with what I please.
Rak'Symma says: Perhaps a play toy for your guard dog.
Helya says: A wonderful idea. Guarm would love the company. I’d give him a good few months of time entertaining my precious little guardian, if that’s what you desire. I simply wish him to end up where he belongs. Is that acceptable?
The group nodded, and Helya swirled her hand. A barnacle covered ewer appeared in her hand. She brought it to her lips and she took a sip. She then spit the water back into the ewer. It fell down and adjusted its size to fit Arthak’s size as it came to his hands. He drank from the ewer, and the pact was sealed.
Helya called for her val'kyr Annhylde to fetch her other guests, and the val’kyr saluted and shot off over the horizon.
Sol and Ashildir were fighting for their lives. The hordes of the damned that had been drawn to them were closing in around them. Sol unleashed spell after spell to try and hold off for as long as they could. The space was growing thinner and thinner as their ravenous claws pressed in on them. There was always more, like a flood.
Ashildir says: I’m sorry, Sol. I may be able to buy you some time, but I’m sorry I cannot help you anymore.
She started to glow.
Sol'chi says: No! Just a bit longer!
He grabbed her arm as two brilliant wings appeared behind her.
Sol'chi says: We win today.
He turned himself into a storm dragon as his eyes started to slit and he grew into the massive beast. He leaped into the air with Ashildir in an explosion of lightning. Ashildir was hanging onto his back. She was torn between how exciting and horrifying the entire ordeal was.
He did barrel rolls through the lightning-filled sky. Then he heard a roar as, from the clouds, a handful of ghastly, rotting storm dragons descended upon them. Ashildir threw her spear and it turned into a beam of light that went wide, but then he returned and pierced through one of the dragon’s wings, causing it to dip.
Sol looked ahead and teleported as far as he could. He left the other dragons far in the dust, and he had seemingly teleported away from the land. There was no land beneath them, but the storms were still raging amidst massive, roiling water spouts. He beat his mighty wings and avoided them, but he felt Ashildir start to lose grip on him.
But suddenly there was a pulse of light as the storms calmed with a rain of onyx feathers.
Annhylde says: Queen Ashildir of the Valkyra and Sol’chi of the Twisting Nether, the queen of this realm has struck an accord with the outsiders. Your spirits have been given leave to exit this place. I will escort you.
She held out a hand as Ashildir pulled herself back. She mentioned she feared what the cost was, and Sol agreed he did as well, but they said they would find out. They touched the val’kyr’s hand and there was a blur of magic.
With the rest of the group, Helya informed the group Annhylde would escort Ashildir and Sol to the Naglfar, and Helya would personally escort them there. Arthak thanked Helya for the accord, and Helya agreed it was mutually beneficial. Helya also added that they would return to the world in an appropriate time frame, as they had not been there long enough for time to have distorted over much.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I had one more… final question. Would you happen to have once gone by the name Mazu by my people?
Helya says: That is a name i have not heard for a great long while. But prayers were given to me in a manner. Though I don’t believe all of them… tell me, you must understand what this god represents. What do you think? What does this being look like to you? This Mazu? What do you know of them?
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: She was the lady of the seas. I learned of her recently… she was feared. Those who would go to the sea need pay their respects as the sea is full of danger.
Helya says: Yet it was also full of bounty, was it not? Did the texts ever refer to that?
Nyxxa shook her head.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Though I suppose that was the time where the world was one piece… we were far from the sea.
Helya says: Interesting.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: To be known, to be feared, to be respected.
Helya says: Interesting. I’ve known that name. Prayers have reached me. But it is a name that is… as if from a dream. As if something was missing. A degree of understanding, perhaps. An idealized form. And one that has not been spoken for many years.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Thank you for answering my question.
Nyxxa bowed again.
Helya says: At least those prayers of fear were given to me… and not someone else hogging up the praise when voyages went well. That would have made me rather cross.
Nyxxa bit her lip.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I intended to bring this back to my people as it was knowledge that was almost lost… I fear someone else has taken that mantle…
Helya says: Your moon goddess?
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: The one that sundered the world in the first place.
Helya says: Ah… I see. An interesting one, that one is. Dangerous.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Have you dealt with her?
Helya says: Our realms do not intersect, but our followers do. Often violently. My kvaldir, my helarjar… often travel by sea. A place that she would claim as her own domain. Imagine that. A mortal attempt to claim domain over all the seas.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Is she still mortal?
Helya says: I guess that is the question, isn’t it? A question I don’t have an answer for.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: If she inconveniences you, then I guess we might have a common enemy…
Helya says: A dangerous enemy. But I don’t consider her one. Not yet. But that can always change. I’ve been keeping a very close eye on her, that I can assure you. It’s just how much an eye can peer into the depths… if you would believe it, there are depths my eyes cannot reach. Loathe as I am to admit it. You would be wise to stay out of that one’s way. The only advice I can give.
Nyxxa nodded.
Rak’Symma bowed and put a small collection of bones on the altar. She smiled apologetically.
Rak'Symma says: Faith and their gods are mercurial… I have no doubt Arthak will be successful. It was an honor to have met you, Helya.
Helya says: There are few that would say that. And I can see the truth in your words. I’m afraid I have no honor left. But if I did, perhaps it would have been an honor to meet you as well, child of the sky.
Rak'Symma says: If you had no honor, you would not hold to the rules of your domain.
Helya says: I’ll have to take your word for it.
Rak'Symma says: Not every task is a joyful one, and not all that glitters is golden.
Helya says: I accept your offering and your words. But speaking of joyous tasks, you have a trial to complete, do you not?
Arthak Saurfang says: We do.
Helya says: Let me whisk you away to where you will find what glitters and is golden.
She swirled her hand and wind and water started to form around her as a waterspout swirled up around them, and they appeared on the deck of a great ship. It was larger even than the juggernaut they had arrived on. It was not made of wood and steel, but it was made of skin, bone, teeth, and hair. It was pulled from the bodies of dragons and vrykul. Great sails of skin were unfurled overhead, and ropes of braided hair were taught. Amongst the many kvaldir onboard, they saw a storm dragon, one that they knew was Sol. He was tired and worn, but otherwise unharmed. Next to him was the radiant queen Ashildir. Above her was Annhylde.
Nyxxa ran up to hug Sol, and she was followed by Zar’Kaa.
Sol'chi says: I heard you made a deal?
Arthak Saurfang says: It’s taken care of.
Sol'chi says: Apparently, me and Ashildir were in the midst of enacting our great escape when your friend helped us get out. But I guess this works too.
Ashildir offered a small smile, but she looked to the rest of the group.
Ashildir says: Words fail me. I do not know if I could ever truly communicate my gratitude for saving me. I can only hope the price is one that has not overburdened you.
Arthak Saurfang says: Far from it. We found a point of mutual interest. You will be returned to where you are meant to be.
A rasping, booming voice called out.
Rasping Voice says: What is the meaning of this? Who has brought mortals on my ship?
They heard the sound of wood clunking on bone, and a figure unlike anyone else appeared. He was a towering figure. He was full cowled, his body a dark robe obscuring any semblance of his form. He had two bright white eyes glittering like distant stars, and a beard that roiled like sinewy seaweed that obscured the darkest void one could imagine. He hurt to look at, and his voice had an energy that defied comprehension.
Zar’Kaa picked up that it was not an undead creature. Symma sensed the creature was some sort of celestial.
Annhylde says: Harbaron, the tithe of these mortals has been paid. You’ll bring them and the Eternal Queen to the mortal realm, to the lands scorned by the mistress of this land.
Harbaron says: The tithe has not been paid. All must pay their price!
Annhylde pulled out a clump of her own feathers and threw them before him.
Annhylde says: This will do for the time being, harbormaster. Another will come, and you an take the price of flesh tenfold.
Harbaron took the feathers and they seemed to dematerialize in his hand as if it was transformed into an idea that was absorbed by the creature. Harbaron looked down at them with scorn in his eyes, but he turned and blew a warhorn as he approached the wheel. Wordlessly, he gave the command to sail.
The Naglfar took off through the stormy seas, unimpeded by the waterspouts that seemed unable to bar its path.
Ashildir says: You are upon the Trials of the Gods… I understand that I was unable to test you appropriately alongside my kings and queens.
Zar'Kaa says: We’re still willing to meet that test if you would offer it.
Ashildir says: By our ancient creeds, it would be my responsibility to weigh the worthiness of your souls. Though I am not val’kyr, I’ve been blessed by their sight and wisdom. Under any other circumstance, this test would be administered through the sacred rite of combat.
She smiled and looked at Sol.
Ashildir says: But I have seen what your soul is capable of in more ways than one.
There was a glint in her eye.
Ashildir says: Without your aid, I may have succumbed to this place. I lost hope that I’d ever see the Halls of Valor again. But you gave me that hope. The willpower to carry on. When the darkness closed upon us, and I was all too eager to sacrifice myself, you brought me from despair again. A despair that would have only complicated matters. Imagine the embarrassment if I had sacrificed myself only for my freedom to be bought mere moments later. No, you have proven you have the will to do what needs to be done. Your friend and companion has proven to me that you are the same, for I see the origin from where his will stems. My eyes can see the ties that bind you. The love and compassion, the sorrows, and thus through his actions, so too have I seen your own souls and will. Have I felt your will as it steeled my heart against the darkness. So. I, queen Ashildir of the Valkyr, and as the first and only queen of Skold-Ashil, sacred judge of those who would ascend, I grant you all my blessing, and with it, the mark of will. The final mark barring your way to the Halls of Valor.
The final mark appeared on all their hands.
Zar’Kaa thanked Sol, and he said that he had put a lot of hope into figuring something out.
Zar'Kaa says: You can thank everyone else for that. I’ll tell you later.
Nyxxa hugged Sol again and told him he was very brave.
Arthak was standing on the side of the boat as he watched the water and fog pass them by. Zar’Kaa asked if he could join him, and Arthak accepted.
Zar'Kaa says: Should we talk about what happened back there?
Arthak Saurfang says: Which part, Zar’Kaa?
Zar'Kaa says: I know what you were trying to do. I know you’re satisfied with the deal you got, and I know what I wanted to do was reckless. But there’s gonna be a cost to this we can’t anticipate. I hope you’re ready for that.
Arthak Saurfang says: Judge me when you are the one who brings them home.
Arthak’s voice was stern.
Zar'Kaa says: So you’re angry.
Arthak Saurfang says: No. Tired. Disappointed. And satisfied.
Zar'Kaa says: I think I feel the same way. I’m not disappointed because you wanted me to do something else. Helya asked if you had faith, and you said you didn’t.
Arthak Saurfang says: You wanted to go off by yourself in her realm, a realm she controls, to find our companions. Had any of us made that offer, my words would have been the same. It was foolish.
Zar'Kaa says: …I think you’re right. I will exercise better judgement next time. But all the same? I think I’ve done enough at this point to warrant some faith.
Arthak Saurfang says: Did you not hear what I just said? Had anyone else made that offer, including myself, I wouldn’t have taken it. Not me, not Nyxxa, not Sol. It’s not about you. It’s about where we were, and who we were negotiating with. There was nothing to prove. No challenge to meet. Just a task to see done. Get Ashildir and Sol back, and get home.
Zar'Kaa says: Fine. I’ll leave you to this. Just wanted you to know my side of things I guess.
Zar’Kaa stepped away. However, Nyxxa stepped forward to thank Arthak for handling the entire ordeal.
Arthak Saurfang says: Are you okay?
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: No. Once Helya… once her eyes were on us, I froze. So I could do little more than put my faith in you, so thank you.
Arthak Saurfang says: Thank you for having it. There is no world that exists where I would not bring your son back to you.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: Thank you.
She squeezed Arthak’s arm, and Arthak squeezed her hand in turn. They sat in silence for a time.
December 31st
After a while, the fog started to break, and they saw the rocky shores of Stormheim in the distance. The sky started to reveal itself as they emerged from the fog, and overhead, they saw the sun as it started to creep over the distant mountains of Highmountain. It seemed like it was morning.
Seria had been working on whittling something as the others sat in silence. It seemed they were in the straits, near where they had seen the blockade of shipwrecks. They were heading towards Tideskorn harbor, the damned city they were told to never go to.
Ashildir says: It seems now that we’ve returned, the force keeping me here is flickering. I can help you one final time before I take my leave. You had companions with you, yes? When I granted you your marks, they will have noticed, and through those marks, I can reach through your bonds and reunite you. Allow me to do this for you, as thanks for what you have done for me.
They agreed, and Sol thanked her again.
Ashildir says: In life I had never the chance to bear children, but if I had done so, I would hope they had half the spirit as you. You have my eternal gratitude for what you did, this I promise. I wish you the best of luck, champions, and I hope with every fiber of my being that you will emerge triumphant before the man who would call himself God-King. I believe the gods will watch you, and grant you victory.
Zar'Kaa says: As you will it.
Ashildir ordered them to close their eyes and focus on those who were left behind. They felt the warm embrace of her guiding magic, and they heard the sound of wings beating. The feeling of being on the Naglfar faded, and when they opened their eyes, they were standing before a great monument. It was a massive super-structure built into the side of the mountain. Gigantic braziers burned a warm orange and crimson fire. There were stairs that led up to the place, and there were vrkyl warriors stationed around as well as storm dragons that lived upon the mountain. There was a heavy cloud cover of brilliant white.
About 10 or 15 feet from them, looking very confused, were Zuni, Lantresor, Thura, and Thisalee. Nyxxa launched herself at Lantresor, and Zuni ran past Nyxxa to practically tackle Seria. There were hugs all around as Thisalee ran up to Symma and Thura moved calmly over to Arthak.
Lantresor says: You’re here. We’re… hm.
Zuni spun Seria up into a hug.
Zuni says: How’d you get here? How’d we get here? Where is here?
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: We can explain everything.
Another voice said that he’d be glad to hear that as well. They looked over and saw Havi as he made his way over to them. Huginn and Muninn flew down to him.
Havi says: I understood you were in a rush, but you arrived much earlier than expected.
Arthak Saurfang says: We’re efficient.
Havi says: So it seems! So it seems. It appears as if you have proven yourselves before the gods. I have no doubt that you would succeed. And I can feel the magic of the val’kyr upon you. I can imagine that Queen Ashildir had something to do with your return.
Havi smiled.
Havi says: As interested as I am to hear the tales, you succeeded. You have earned the marks, and gained the right to enter the Halls of Valor. I knew my faith was not misplaced. Come. Will you help an old man ascend these stairs?
Arthak Saurfang says: Of course.
Arthak moved to help Havi up and they took the long ascent up the stairs at the old man’s pace.
Havi says: Tell me. While we walk. How was the Trial of Might? Did you stand before the guardian and convince him?
Arthak Saurfang says: We did. After we put him back together.
Havi says: Interference from he who would claim to be God-King, I imagine?
Arthak Saurfang says: Yes. He shattered his body and scattered it across the valley.
Havi says: And you pieced him together! Never have I heard of such a Trial of Might.
Arthak Saurfang says: We did the proper trial afterwards.
Havi nodded.
Havi says: It seems your strength was worthy enough. Now what of your Valor? How did the dragons find you?
Arthak Saurfang says: Fathnyr’s eldest granted us our mark and a bond of brotherhood. Nithogg and his brood were less pleasant company.
Havi says: Even I had seen the clouds that once darkened the skies had started to recede. This was your doing as well? Though Fathnyr may be lost through the machinations of your foes, your resilience shows. So the Mark of Valor was gained, and yet three marks are required. The Trial of Will. How did the ancient kings and queens of this land find you?
Arthak Saurfang says: Well, first we had to save the Runewood to conjure them, and then upon enacting the trial of combat, we earned their blessing, all but one. Queen Ashildir. She was not present to judge us worthy.
Havi says: What happened to the Eternal Queen?
Arthak Saurfang says: Skovald made allies amongst the Bonespeakers. They defiled her tomb, bound her spirit, and sent it to Helheim.
Havi says: Such evil to be enacted by the Bonespeakers… defile the grave of one of our most beloved heroes. It’s unspeakable. One could only hope that those responsible will be one day brought to justice.
Arthak Saurfang says: The Bonespeakers. Two responsible are dead, the last is penitent. The gods will judge him.
Havi says: Then it seems you have healed more than the Runewood. But Helheim is a realm where none are said to return. How were you able to rescue the spirit of the Eternal Queen?
Arthak Saurfang says: We met with the lady of that realm. She claimed one of our number upon our arrival. We were able to negotiate a means of exit.
Havi says: I must ask. What could you have possibly given she who commands Helheim that would have been equal to allow you and the queen to escape?
Arthak Saurfang says: An unprecedented offer. She wanted Skovald upon his death. She wanted nine more, but I persuaded her to be satisfied with the one. Instead I offered her a chance to curry faith amongst my own people, equal to the standing of any other god.
Havi says: A dangerous offer indeed. She is known as the witch of the sea for a reason. To give her purchase within your people could be dangerous… and yet offer it you did. An offer of selflessness.
Arthak Saurfang says: I’m not sure how selfless I would characterize it. But it achieved our objective, and it was a price I felt I could pay, and a price that, looking ahead, has potential to be less of a price.
Havi laughed.
Havi says: Well, the gods seem to agree with you. As do the ancient kings and queens of this land. And whatever future you would create, I imagine it looks very different from the one Skovald would create.
Arthak Saurfang says: Undoubtedly. He is already here, of course. Him and his band.
Havi says: Regrettably, yes. I came here not long after you had left for the trials. I spoke to some in the area. As it would happen, it seems he arrived here six days ago.
Arthak Saurfang says: And I expect they skipped the stairs?
Havi says: I couldn’t tell you. I wasn’t here. But… I believe the company who was willing to help an old man is worth some consideration.
Arthak Saurfang says: Undoubtedly. My thoughts just go towards a great wyrm who has been abused and his children taken from him. Being used to avoid climbing stairs.
Havi says: Tell me. What emotion roils upon your heart hearing such a thing? And seeing the path of destruction that Skovald had created? The sacrilege perpetrated? I would hear what all of you have to say.
Arthak Saurfang says: There are many emotions that I choose not to indulge in. Hate has long been amongst them. What I do, I do because I must. Because it’s necessary for the objectives I follow. I do not partake in cruelty, and yet… in Skovald I find an exemption. I don’t know how yet. But before he goes into the dark, I will think long and hard about how to make him feel grateful when he reaches it.
Havi’s eye glimmered, and he turned to the rest.
Sol'chi says: His mortal body needs to be broken and his soul needs to be sent where it needs to be. He’s gonna cause more damage than he can ever hope to repair. That’s coming from a demon.
Havi says: A compassionate response. A utilitarian one. Strong responses, both.
Zuni says: I know this isn’t our land, but he’s messed up, man. He’s done some real bad shit, and I’m not about to let him get away with it.
Havi says: You have seen what he has done, and you have judged it. While it is the responsibility of the gods to make that judgement, I believe there are few as worthy to cast judgement as those who have walked this path.
Symma sighed.
Rak'Symma says: There is no bolt bright enough, nor wind harsh enough, nor height ever-reaching that can do to him what needs to be done.
Havi says: Then you will need to be that storm. That height. Steel yourselves and become the wrath of this land so that he might know it will not accept him without a fight.
Nyxxa Murkthorn says: I cannot fathom what has birthed such cruelty, but I do not think there’s anything that could justify it. Whatever sympathy I could have had eroded a while ago.
Havi says: Few things are as frightening in this world as the wrath of one whose heart is full of love. To earn the ire of such a being, it is a true revelation of the fathoms to which they have fallen. Show him the strength of your own heart as you plunge your blade into his own.
Seria says: He knows no balance. I could hear the land cry from the damage he has done.
Havi says: Your words speak of a deep truth. His footsteps scar the land he walks, his every breath poisons the air around him. This world has a way of providing balance. Be that which redresses the imbalance he has brought.
Zar'Kaa says: I’ve thought about this as we have traveled. As we have had to pick up the pieces of Skovald’s messes one after another, after seeing the damage in his wake and the thoughtlessness with which it was done. It does not escape me that the tools he used have spawned from the same mentor. Skovald, at least by reputation, I see too much of myself. I know his actions are not mine, but the emotions… the fear is the same. The fear that I will commit the same cruelties and atrocities as him, and the storm is the same within him. But nothing else, besides the fact these isles will be cleaned from the shit he stained upon them, I want him gone and destroyed so I do not have to, once again, receive this reminder. It is cowardly to admit that this piece exists, and I would rather be honest than to hide.
Havi says: To face a mirror, to see within it parts of a reflection one would rather not see… it has a way of distorting and twisting. Let the shattering of the mirror be a reminder. May the cuts the glass give you show you how you are different. May the pain and the fear be what prevents you from following in his footsteps. But at the very least, if you would stoop to such levels, you’ve surrounded yourself with some rather efficient individuals. Take solace that they might stop you from reaching such a precipice. The same cannot be said for your rival.
Havi looked up at the gate.
Havi says: Seems we’ve reached the top. This is where we must part. I hope to join you in the Halls of Valar someday, but hopefully not today. Enter into this place. Take the might, valor, and will you have taken as proof of your worthiness. Cloak yourself within it like armor. Cast your eyes to the sky, and leap as if your legs themselves will carry you through the heavens, and perhaps they will. Best of luck, heroes.
Arthak thanked him, and Havi in turn thanked them for indulging an old hermit’s curiosity.
They walked to the gate, and stepped through. They saw a long, gilded tunnel that wound deeper into the mountain. They traveled for maybe a quarter of a mile, and then they found themselves at a precipice. The pathway ended at a beautiful, perfectly circular platform that led out into nothing. They saw nothing but clouds.
Rak'Symma says: He did say to leap.
Arthak Saurfang says: He did.
Arthak stepped forward and launched himself off the edge of the platform as he looked skyward. They saw golden light overhead, as if the sun was welcoming them. It was if the sky itself thrust Arthak into the air. The rest of the group followed with various shouts of excitement as one by one, they were sent shooting into the sky. It was like an eternity but also a fraction of a moment.
They found themselves catching up with one another, and then their ascent slowed and effortlessly, they landed on a platform resting on the clouds themselves. All across the cloudy landscape, they saw large, sharp towers with crimson banners. There were great statues of vrykul warriors and val’kyr casting their arms open to welcome them. There were braziers of radiant fire lighting the path, and two magnificent gates standing before them.
Standing before them was a giant. They had onyx skin and golden armor with a horned helm. He had an immaculate beard chiseled with intricate runes that seemed to be made of gold and bronze stone. A sword was planted in front of him.
He spoke in a deep language.
Hymdall says [titanic]: Ye who have come to the halls of valor that have proven yourselves worthy in the eyes of gods and men. State your names and be welcomed to Valhallas.
They spoke their names, and they heard a bell in the distance as they were welcomed into the Halls of Valor.
