On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

The soothing music of Helmwige’s lyre filled the luxurious room, adding a calming, yet slightly melancholic air to the evening. Surrounded by books, a number open on the table in front of her, Rossweisse glanced over at her fellow Valkyries who were present. Helmwige was tall and slender, with long, delicate fingers, more of an artist than a warrior, though, like them all, she was a Valkyrie, and thus no stranger to battle, as evidenced by the rapier beside her, which had a worn purple hilt, the shade matching her hair, the blade as grey as her eyes.

He has grey eyes too. Rossweisse’s thoughts were amused yet exasperated. Idly thumbing through one of the books she had pulled from the shelves, she didn’t find what she was seeking, so with a bitter sigh she let the leatherbound tome fall closed.

“Cheer up Rose, what’s the worst that can happen?” Her other sister, this one the younger Siegrune, her orange eyes sparkling with mischief, was as boisterous and cheeky as ever. As she wound a finger idly in her aqua-blue hair, not paying much attention to the situation that was unfolding where only Rossweisse herself could see, she poured herself another goblet of wine from the chilled jug on the table, the faint mist rising from it the work of her aether. “He’s been through a number of scrapes. Wouldn’t you say so, Heli?”

Helmwige shook her head slowly. “I do not care for that nickname, how many times have I told you that, Siegrune? It is disrespectful to Goddess Hel, and you would do well to avoid Waltraute’s ire. Unlike me, she is rather unforgiving.” Despite her words, her hands didn’t falter, and the soothing melody continued.

“That’s why I call you Heli. It’s not the same. And Helm just doesn’t work, not for you, Heli. You’re far too kind for such a hard-headed name.”

“You are such a nuisance. Be more like Ortlinde, who despite being the youngest of us, has a calm perspective.” Helmwige insisted, her fingers never stopping as she plucked at her lyre.

“You say that…” Siegrune chuckled, unabashed. “…but our littlest sister is not as composed as you think. Why…” she winked at Rossweisse. “…I think she feels rather jealous of you, Rose. Stealing what she sees as hers. And worse… she can’t help him like you can, not right now. It’s cute, seeing strait-laced Lin pout, but… I also feel a bit sorry for her. But that won’t stop me placing my fading hopes in him though!” She winked again, and Rossweisse shook her head.

“You should stop teasing her, Run. She is more invested in this than any of us. Or at least she was.” Rossweisse had taken a chance, a second one. Already, their crime in concealing the Fruit and its Seeds was heavy, but not only that precept was broken, but she had pledged her troth to an outsider, joined her very spirit and Truesoul to his. Marriage. To be brúðr, a bride. For the Valkyrie, such was not done without the say-so of the Gods and Goddesses above and was a grave conceit. But…

Touching her Eye, the Eye they shared, Rossweisse could feel the weight of Yggdrasil, more clearly than ever. Strange Divine power from another Pantheon often interfered, and it had the potent effect of raising the Vessel, and the League, temporarily, strengthening the Skills involved. I have studied it of course, as I am doing now. I am limited by the strength of Akio’s Eyes, so when his talents are enhanced, so too do I gain temporary strength and wisdom. I can only see what he sees, but… I can make better use of it, I believe, knowing more, being sheltered under the World Tree…

“She’s thinking of him again, Heli.” Run teased. “She always falls silent, touching her eye. It’s unexpectedly adorable. But then, despite being older like you, Heli, Rose has always had a cute side.”

“Enough!” Rossweisse was embarrassed, and she cried out. “You are disturbing my concentration. I do not often get a chance to study this energy. And the books here… they sadly do not help.”

“You should calm down.” Helmwige insisted, her melodious voice placid and restful, just like her music. “No good will come of strife. Though… I fear no good will come of any of this. To take the Fruit… I was against it. Who are we to flout the Allfather’s Laws? But… you all persuaded me. Yet… to break eiðr and give yourself to another, especially a weak, feeble mortal… at best you can expect to be thrown into the Iðrandi, the Repentant, to fight and battle until your Fortune finally runs out, and Skuld cuts your thread… at the worst…”

Her music was now slightly discordant, a note of worry creeping into the song, and Rossweisse felt a little pang of regret, that she had worried one of her elder sisters. “I do understand this. But… I am not doing it for selfish reasons…”

At Run’s wicked chuckle, she flushed. “I am not. Not entirely anyway. I admit, our chance meeting has pushed my Runic Craft to new heights, and with his Eye, I can delve deeper than ever before. But…” Her expression was solemn now. “If I and Lin are punished… so be it. I know Lin feels the same. Feels it more keenly than I do, perhaps. It was her sense of frustration and regret that drove her to take the Fruit. After all… the older sisters… some have fallen. More than ever. Einherjar perish by the untold thousands every turning of Sól and Máni. Our worlds may be many, but they are not numberless, as the Throne claims. And even that is a lie. The loss of two of us youngest would change nothing. But… a new world, a new Astral Emperor… that was what we staked it all on…”

“You hardly have to repeat yourself, I know this.” Helmwige then shook her head, her violet ponytail swinging. “No, I should not be so forceful. I apologise.”

Rossweisse couldn’t help but smile at her gentlest sister’s words, and Run was the same. “Do not be like that, sister. It helps me to think, voicing my thoughts. And you are right. On the surface. One more Astral Emperor would be a boon worth a hundred of us, of legions of Einherjar. But… a hundred more of us would fail to solve the problem. Merely relieve the pressure a little. But…”

“She’s touching her eye again, Heli!” Run giggled. “It’s adorable. But I get it. I’m not connected like Rose and Lin are, but… even I feel a strange ache deep inside.”

Of course you do. He is doing something absurdly reckless once more. Messing with what looks like ógæfa, curse and misfortune, is not something the wise do. But…

Glancing at her books, the Runes, the knowledge, she frowned. “He is not just going to succeed as Astral Emperor, and answer Lin’s prayers.” Mine as well. “No, he has… a certain something about him. An ability to draw others to him, to connect. A Path. Whereas an Astral Emperor is worth a hundred of us… a new Path could offer nothing… or everything.” She stretched, proudly displaying her ample chest which she knew Akio was interested in. And why would he not be? I am a Valkyrie, beautiful daughter of the Gods. Untold billions dream of taking our hands at the end, and more dream of pulling that hand, leading us to their beds a bride… but that is a dream that will die stillborn for everyone but the most illustrious heroes or Demigods…

“Besides… Urðr spins the thread, Verðandi weaves the tapestry, and Skuld cuts the strands. I hardly claim it to be Fate at work, I am more a believer in chance, that the multiverse is simply chaotic, and we make of that what we can and we will. But… if my belief is to be shaken, this seems a good cause. The Fruit, that world… Akio. It seems we are weaving. Perhaps Lin has spun this thread, and I…” The fragment of Skuld’s shears was hot against her skin, where she kept it close. Surely Skuld has noticed the faint chip by now. Does she deliberately not speak of it. Are she and her sisters keeping silent for us?

“…I have weaved it to be what it is now…”

“Then who shall cut it when the tapestry is done?” Helmwige asked, and Rossweisse shrugged.

“If our hopes bear fruit… the tapestry will be weaved eternally.” Rossweisse insisted. “It is much to ask, but… my fate, and that of Lin… is a small price to pay. No, all nine of us, our loss would grieve the older sisters, and morale would plunge in the myriad worlds sheltered under the World Tree, but for this chance…” Our littlest sister was right. Let the Allfather prosecute the war, but… we are merely pieces on a Hnefatafl board. There are many of us, and our loss, while sad, is acceptable for a greater victory.

“Of course…” Watching through Akio’s Eyes was making her rather uncomfortable. It was only pain, and a warrior enduring such would definitely be carried to Valhalla by her and her sisters, were he to fall to such. Yet that thought somehow made her sadder than she expected. It’s certainly amazing. We respect and honour all who are worthy, but… when I think of him as mine… the feelings are completely different. Perhaps this is why we Valkyrie retire when we wed… “…we must risk it. It is an affront to those who will never again see Valhalla, due to the foul invaders, to toss aside this chance.”

“Oh, I get it. I’m on board, Rose.” Run agreed. “After all, like I said, he’s my last piece on the board. Though I doubt I’ll get to move him, you and Lin would slap my hand away.” She pouted cutely, and Helmwige shook her head.

“I still worry. But… eldest Gerhilde has accepted it. I can hardly gainsay you.”

“No.” Rossweisse agreed. “Now… I am at a loss. Your music moves me, elder sister, but… perhaps you could sing to lift my spirits? I was able to help him see more clearly, as our Eyes are linked, but… I cannot simply affect him in other ways… if I could, I could assist him in dealing with such dark misfortune…”

“I see.” Helmwige’s smile was gentle. “I apologise if my words sounded harsh. I am simply concerned for you both. For us all. But…” She plucked on her lyre, the melody changing, as she took a deep breath. “…if I can wash away your cares for even a few moments, inspire you… then I gladly shall, just as Divine Bragi would.”

She then began to sing, her voice rich, resonant and bold, yet also calming, kind and relieving. “…under the shade of the World Tree, under the shadows cast by Sól…”

“…a thousand maidens dancing, crowns of daisies in their hair…”

“…a thousand warriors watching, hearts and eyes so hungry…”

“…yet on the maidens dance, white dresses fluttering like ljósálfar…”

“…while above we Valkyrie watch them, eyes both stern and kind…”

“…knowing that white will soon be crimson, many warriors to invite…”

As Helmwige sang, Rossweisse imagined the scene herself. It was an ancient song, passed down by their older sisters, a tale of bravery, sacrifice and renewal. Not all warriors were men, far from it, female Einherjar were growing ever more common, but… were nine hundred of the thousand watching warriors to fall in glorious battle, the clan would endure, yet were nine hundred of the maidens to wear the dresses of red, daisies stained with their blood, in time, that clan would vanish into the mists of history, unable to sustain itself.

Of course, such does not hold strictly true, as in Valhalla many brave souls, be they men, women or stranger, have a second chance, should they prove worthy. Except… that is no longer a certainty… our hands, our choices, can no longer reliably reach the slain…

Lost in thought, she continued to observe Akio’s efforts. It was clever enough. Be it ógæfa, curses, misfortune, or any number of similar afflictions, in use throughout the Pantheons, they all shared a similarity, in that they sought suffering, pain and regret. Drinking it deep and paying with pain was certainly one way to deal with it, yet… such pain is not merely physical, it is spiritual. Even the strongest wills, mighty mountains, can be worn down, drip by drip. And once a crack opens, the water, the pain, leaks inside, and the mountain, once seeming so inviolate, crumbles to rubble…

Wracking her thoughts for a combination of Runes that might do something, she let her consciousness drift, the song enveloping her in a bittersweet warmth. This continued for a turning of the hourglass, until the door to their chambers opened, and in strode Brunnhilde, her golden hair billowing in the sudden breeze, her silver eyes taking in the sisters, a calm smile on her face, and a large tome held to her bountiful breasts. She was wearing a simple white dress, which softened her outrageous figure, making her seem motherly.

“My apologies…” she spoke slowly, with a measured, warn tone. “The door was shut, and I could not hear your song, sister Helmwige.”

“Perhaps it is time to stop…” she replied, her fingers slowing on the lyre, her last melodies fading into the silence. “I see you carry a book, elder sister. Did… did you find what Rossweisse seeks?”

Brunnhilde shrugged, her large chest straining against the simple white cloth of her dress. “I searched and had to ask many. It was… troubling… to explain why. I do not care for lies.”

Rossweisse shifted uneasily, as did Run, feeling that her words were a condemnation, though knowing it surely wasn’t so. Brunnhilde is kind and wise. Though… she does so like to lecture us. I suspect one is coming…

“To find a book detailing a past record of a single world drifting in the lowest backwaters of the Astral from vague hints and descriptions should have been an impossible task. Like finding a single pebble upon a rocky beach. Yet… this might be the one. Of course, the reason for the request was harder to explain than the book was to obtain. Drawing attention to our actions, your actions, is foolish!” She placed the book down on the table in front of Rossweisse.

“My apologies.” Rossweisse did feel guilty, but… “Don’t you find it strange, the world, the coincidences? It certainly isn’t unheard of for the Pantheons to compete for underdeveloped worlds… but the history of it, the events… it seems wrong somehow. We never noticed in our brief, covert sojourn there, and thought only we were the ones resorting to such devious means… but now I have the capability to see what transpires there…” She touched her eye again, ignoring Run’s chuckle. “…there are too many unanswered questions. I just wish…”

“That you could do more?” Brunnhilde’s tone was gentle, but her gaze was stern, and the lecture continued. “Already, we have sinned against the Allfather. For good cause, yes, else I would never have agreed to Ortlinde’s desperate plea. But… the Compact… if we twist it further, violate it… now more than ever, we can afford no strife with the other Pantheons, with them!”

“We have been careful.” Rossweisse insisted. “Yes, we have expressed ideas that worlds in the shallows are not permitted to know, but… he came from above, just as we did, and descended to the world below. Therefore, no knowledge is proscribed.”

“Semantics. And you know it well.” Brunnhilde shook her head. “Again, I know why you did it. And I sympathise. To lose our Chosen grieves me as much as any. But… if he perishes, you and Ortlinde will suffer…”

“Me too!” Run insisted, and Brunnhilde shook her head.

“You were smarter than the other two. You did not take him as Verr. So while your punishment will match ours… though Gerhilde and I would shield you younger sisters, take responsibility…”

“Or maybe I just have less guts?” Run countered. “I know what you mean, Bruni. If we say that he is one of us, from the World Tree, and thus not bound by the Compact in what he can know… then he’s not allowed to be there now, is he?”

Rossweisse had that worry, but there was no going back now. Helmwige began to play, a quiet, comforting melody, clearly hoping to calm the tensions, but it was futile. Still, she was unwilling to concede, or she would never have made her choice. Before she could defend herself, Brunnhilde agreed with Run’s arguments.

“Exactly. You are arguing semantics. We are Valkyrie! Impartial, honourable, noble. If our actions lead to war, when we are already overstretched… will your conscience hold, Rossweisse? You have a good heart, and just as Ortlinde does, you overflow with compassion. You believe we have hearts of stone? Gerhilde asked that I do not lecture you too sternly, and… I did seek this book for you, despite the discomfort I felt at evading and dissembling.”

Older sister is right. What we have done is… forbidden. But it is little different to what they do… but those who have the greatest strength have the most say. A dog does not growl at a dragon…

“Poor Rose, you’re really bullying her, Bruni!” Run giggled. “She’s gone as pale as her eyes. It’s not a good look. Come on…”

Brunnhilde opened her mouth to protest, likely to say she had no enjoyment for such lectures, but it was for their own good, but Run didn’t give her the chance.

“It’s simple. The solution.”

“It is?” Rossweisse asked, and Run smirked triumphantly, enjoying getting one over on her sisters for once.

“Yeah. Don’t forget, I carried the Trickster’s Gifts, so… you’re all looking at this wrongly. Yes, he’s entitled to knowledge, he came from here and went down there. But yes, he’s entitled to remain there. He was there from the start, after all!”

“That is sophistry…” Brunnhilde disagreed.

“Compacts are words. Words are strands on a web, there are many ways to the centre, and the careless get tangled in the knotted loops. After all, we’re not that damn Throne, we have dissenting options. Divine Loki often causes troubles with his games, yet he is tolerated, because to lose him would be to have a missing thread…”

They all listened to Run in shock, and she raised one blue eyebrow, perhaps annoyed at their surprise, though she continued. “…and Loki fears no punishment. Or he’s too arrogant to believe his schemes will unravel. We accepted the risk of punishment, and… Rose and Lin went further. So, forget about that. That’s the past. Not even Urðr can unspin thread, Verðandi cannot unpick the tapestry, and Skuld cannot stitch together what is cut. So… how do we get what we want? What do you want, Rose?”

Falling silent, she considered that, as Brunnhilde spoke.

“Perhaps you are right, Siegrune. I am a little surprised you speak such sense.”

“How upsetting. I’m not an idiot, you know!” Siegrune chuckled. “Anyway, we’re waiting, Rose.”

What do I want? It’s rather straightforward, surely… Watching through the shared vision she had with Akio, he was unravelling a great mass of warped adherence, with the aid of a spiritual being, and what seemed to be an ordinary woman and… she is… a Draugr… an unquiet spirit, yet… she still seems noble, rational. As if we had carried her to Valhalla…

Her Eye immediately provided her information on her, and indeed, she was a native being who had lost her Material form, being now a pure creature of spirit, yet her thoughts remained human. Reading the conversation Akio was having with his comrade via their lips, the strangely-dressed spiritual being giving Rossweisse an odd feeling of danger and unease, she gathered her thoughts.

“Akio, I dooo fear she will not survive, and… her effooorts are futile. She can barely absorb any Woe.”

“Every little helps…” Akio was clearly in great agony. Though it was only their vision that was linked, it was still possible for her to sense his emotions and pain through their bonds, this Lovers’ Link, as Yggdrasil called it. “…But yeah, I’m not doing it to punish her.” The ordinary woman was crouched down, spasming, drool, vomit and a little blood leaking from her mouth as wave after wave of spiritual agony washed over her. “If she looks like she’s going to die, cut the link, Haru.”

The Draugr, no, Onryō, let out a sigh. “I very much dislike her. Very much so. But I suppose I’ll give her credit for not being a hypocrite.” She shuddered then. “I’m only taking a trickle in, and it’s ghastly.”

“I told you not to touch it, just let it flow!” Akio was both concerned and furious, emotions Rossweisse could pick up clearly. “You’ve suffered enough without this!”

“I’m only scratching the surface.” She shook her head, and her smile, while pained, seemed genuine.

This dead woman is indeed worthy of having a hand reach out. Though she perished without weapon in hand, weak and helpless, after death she has developed a warrior’s will. As a Valkyrie, Rossweisse was very sensitive to such, and… such a Woe, as they call it, a wicked ógæfa, was a poison that crept into a spirit, and was hard to resist, any weakness ruthlessly exploited, the poison magnifying it.

“Don’t worry, Akio. I’m not so weak as to lose to myself anymore. Besides, if I was gone, your whole operation would collapse. The Ministry too. I’m supposed to work for Yuna-san, but instead I’m running around doing your errands all the time! My friends say I work harder now that when I was alive! You’ve not worked me to death, you’re working me beyond death!”

“Akio, dooo not doubt her resolve. She is brave.” The other spiritual being, the dangerous one, was eyeing the Onryō with respect. “And while Woooe is not to be cheated, facing it with pure heart and strooong will matters.”

“Hey, not going to answer, Rose?” Run’s teasing snapped her out of her momentarily distracted state, and Rossweisse took a deep breath to centre herself, eyeing the book Brunnhilde had brought, and the others she had been studying, both her own, her sister’s, and those she had borrowed from elsewhere.

It’s obvious. I made my decision hastily, but… Yggdrasil has decreed it true.

“I want to win. I want to help him. I want the day when he can stand here in truth, not a mere fleeting visit, as miraculous as it was. I’ve been studying the bond between us.” She poured power into her Eye, the Seed absorbed within responding, and Akio below seemed surprised, a faint trickle of strength entering him too. “It is not unique. Of course, it could not be. Few things are in the endless realms of the Pantheons. But it is unexpected. And its method of… propagation… is certainly not one I have read of.”

Yes. It’s fascinating, reminiscent of other spirit links, no, this goes deeper. “Like the Cŵn Annwn, the hunting hounds of Arawn, from the Endless Knot, which cannot be slain unless all in a pack fall. Or the many devilish soldiers of the darker Pantheons, such as the Death-Pledged, who grow in might as their fellows are slain, their spiritual strength captured… or… even…”

“Say no more. It is never wise tempting trouble.” Brunnhilde cut her off. “Sister Helmwige, music. Louder.”

At her nod, the song was something martial now, stirring, and Rossweisse nodded. “My apologies. Perhaps my explanation went too far. But…”

“I get it, at least a little.” Run supported her. “My connection is far weaker than yours or Lin’s, but it exists. And of course, we had to make the Seeds work based off something.”

Grabbing a book she had discarded earlier, Rossweisse flipped it open. “Of course we have ways of measuring abilities, of divining the talents and Skills that make up a being. None easy, all different, but… how else can one strive for the greatest heights? It is said that the Norns can take a being’s thread and see its destiny, as well as its strengths. Creators of great wonders can instinctively sense the strengths of their crafts. The wise have Eyes that see…” She pointed to a number of entries.

There were details gleaned from many sources, diagrams and tables. “Yet… perhaps only the Allfather here sees as clearly as I do now. And only Yggdrasil, the Tree that holds all knowledge, shares so gracefully. I see clearly, sisters. Perhaps even more than Lin. I would never disregard her feelings, indeed, I helped her gain the deeper connection. But her gift is one of the flames, one that would make Logi proud and Surtr jealous. Mine… is knowledge. And I know I have thrown the bones and will abide by their fall, whatever the tally. So… I wish to help. But… I am here, and he is there, and while we are connected, even with my talents, I can have only a modicum of effect.”

“Of course.” Brunnhilde agreed, though her motherly nature was being exacerbated by her softer expression. Her sympathy for Rossweisse’s plight, despite her misgivings, was kind. “He is so very far away. And we cannot go there and act freely, lest the world collapse…”

“Why not hasten the collapse?” As all eyes turned to Run, she flushed. “Don’t all glower at me as if I’m an idiot, Heli, Rose, Bruni. It would solve everything. We could then go down and fix the problems…”

“If we were to do such an act, it would be spitting on the Compacts.” Brunnhilde warned. “It would just devolve into every Pantheon warring over worlds ceaselessly again, and right now none can afford that. Besides, I would never countenance a course of action that would lead to the deaths of more of our older sisters, and the brave Einherjar.”

“Besides, I have no faith that would even work.” Rossweisse’s words surprised them, so she explained her misgivings. “That world is… strange. I didn’t send you out to find that book for me on a whim, Brunnhilde. There are hidden undercurrents and dangers, too many odd things. I think perhaps I know more about those now than any who are not born there. After all, I get to see what he sees.”

“It was just an idea. I’m thinking of what the Trickster would do.” Run chuckled, a little ashamed, but she soon brightened. “Of course, we probably shouldn’t cause as much chaos, and… we don’t want to draw attention to ourselves.”

“Most definitely not.” Rossweisse agreed. “Regardless, by… help… right now he is struggling to resolve a troubling tangle of poisoned Fate.” She explained to her sisters, who all looked suitably grave when she was done.

“I see. It sounds simple, but… wicked curses seldom are resolved without suffering.” Brunnhilde agreed. “But facing such is brave and worthy of respect.”

“What about your Runes? I know you’ve bene bragging you’ve grown stronger, Rose.” Run asked, and she shook her head.

“I’m limited in what I can achieve. The Runes are simply tools for understanding and assembling power, specialised in divination, enhancement and defence, though of course a true Runic Master such as the Allfather can do far more. Yes, I could strengthen his vision, as we share an Eye, mediated through Yggdrasil, but… he is too far.”

“Is he?” Helmwige asked, putting down her lyre and retrieving a small drum. She then began to set up a rhythm, hands slapping the resonant instrument, creating sounds almost like a heartbeat. “It is hardly like you to be so defeatist, Rossweisse.”

“Heli’s right.” Run agreed. “I get that it’s hard, and your heart aches for him. Who would have thought it, both you and Lin being so bold. I couldn’t take that step…”

“You don’t need to. We’re enough!” Rossweisse surprised herself by countering her words fiercely. Face red, she bowed her head, long light pink hair covering her face. Why did I react like that?

“I see. Cute.” Run continued to annoy her. “So… you can affect his Eyes? Can that solve the issue?”

“I don’t see how.” Grateful that everyone ignored her outburst, she brushed her hair aside, considering. “Perhaps I could help him optimise his working, but… he’s overconfident. They all are. Handling pestilent forces is no task to be done in haste. Even for the strong.”

“What other assets do you have then? If you were one of those Death-Pledged, then… no. Huh…” Run was musing, and Rossweisse sighed.

“Are you asking me to die to fortify him? I’m hurt.”

“Of course not. And if strait-laced Lin accepted him, and inquisitive, bold you… well, he’d hate to succeed through your sacrifice, I would wager? Not his Path?”

Rossweisse agreed, listening to the drums, mind drifting as they beat steadily. “Yes. His Path does not lead to such ends. His bonds do not lead to strength from death, but the strength to protect spirits from death. When one endures, there is always hope of rebirth.” Like Arawn’s Hounds…

“Can’t you use that then? The Trickster, Divine Loki, loves finding some seemingly useless trinket or slight opening and making a scheme out of it. And the bond and your Eye are far from useless, right? Is there nothing you can do to make it work for you?”

“Death-Pledged. Arawn’s Hounds… and Kin Bonding And Restoration…” Rossweisse seized a book, flipping through it. “No. No… not that one. This one?” Several more books were discarded, before she opened a page on a description of a failed Runic construction and the fairly vicious result. “You’re not an idiot after all, Run!”

“Of course I’m not!” her blue-haired younger sister cried, pretending to be insulted. “I sliced my Truesoul, the same as you did. And our connection is weak, but… he inherited the will of my fallen champion. So I’m on your team, Rose!”

“In that case… while he is strong, impressive… he lacks our might, sisters. Are… are you feeling brave?”

Brunnhilde narrowed her eyes. “Just what do you mean?”

“I am prepared to bear it alone. But…” She pointed to the cautionary tale. “A powerful Foringi of the Einherjar who had mastered many Runes fought against some cursed Salamanders, minions of Xolotl, of the Weeping Red Sun Pantheon. The misfortune they carried afflicted many of his comrades, including a fellow warrior who was his wife. They gradually weakened, and in desperation he tried to remove such a darkness to save his beloved and his loyal warriors. At first, it seemed as if he succeeded, yet… he ended up bathed in the ógæfa and perished, and the remnants once more poisoned his wife and their comrades. Their spirits were too damaged to be carried to Valhalla by our elder sisters.”

“I see. But… we’re stronger than most of the Einherjar, no?” Run understood. “But can you even do it? The distance is great. And despite my earlier suggestion, I wasn’t really advocating we break the world and leave it floating vulnerable.”

“It will not be trivial, but… it is as you said earlier, Siegrune.” There was no time for levity or nicknames, and she picked up on Rossweisse’s change. “A single strand of a web might suffice to hatch a scheme. But my strand is faint and stretched long. Yet…”

Drawing on her strength, her eye shimmered with faint amber sparks. “I call upon the Runes, to enhance and strengthen. Ehwaz!”

Ehwaz is a Rune composed of concentrated, aspected power. Primary meaning is the letter E, and can be integrated into completed Runic Words, which shape reality. Secondary meanings are horses, transportation, partnership. Undefined tertiary meanings flavoured by your own imaginings are connections and bindings, though this effect is weak as the Path does not fully recognise these subtexts…

Seeing the information in her mind was fascinating, and more detailed than she had ever learned. I wonder, is this how our great Allfather uses the Runes, with the wisdom he gained by hanging upon Yggdrasil for nine days and nine nights. Nine is indeed a sacred number to us. He also gave up his eye, whereas I gained one… no, my talents are surely a mere pebble compared to a mountain, but… a mountain is built one stone at a time…

“Tiwaz!” Tiwaz is a Rune comprised of concentrated, aspected power. Primary meaning is the letter T, and can be integrated into completed Runic Words, which shape reality. Secondary meanings are honour, authority…

“Ehwaz!” “Raido…” …Secondary meanings are destiny, journey…

“Nauthis!” Her Runes were willed into existence, her power spent recklessly. One chance. One time pays for all…

Nauthis is a Rune composed of concentrated, aspected power. Primary meaning is the letter N, and can be integrated into completed Runic Words, which shape reality. Secondary meanings are need, necessity, hardship and delay. Undefined tertiary meanings flavoured by your own imaginings are desperation and sharing, though this effect is weak as the Path does not fully recognise these subtexts…

“Ansuz!” For communication, wisdom, insight and truth. And finally…

“This… troubles me.” Brunnhilde reached out a hand, but stopped, fingers trembling, as she knew as well as any interrupting such a Runic work could have severe consequences.

“Laguz! Let it flow and be renewed! E-T-E-R-N-A-L!I grasp the spider’s strand! I shall not break a world but aid he who can save it! We transport, for I give authority to share my own self, but I pray for partnership, may the Allfather and Divine Mother sanction our selfishness, for… this journey is now our destiny, and for that journey, we need to connect our hardships, for communication is truth, and… let our feelings and thoughts flow! I craft the Runes, let our Bond shine Eternal, and not even the Gods tear it asunder!”

Your Skill, Lovers, Link has advanced…

Your Skill, Lovers’ Link…

Your Skill, Lovers’ Link…

You have stepped upon the Path of the Twisting Of Connection’s Strands, Bond-Weaving Loom, and Misfortune-Severing Blade… this Path has been renamed to Bondweaving… you are the first Adherent, and yet the Path does not have enough League to empower you. Your strength is greater than the Pioneer of this Path, and you have a Connection to him. It may be possible to usurp…

“Go to Hel, Yggdrasil! Do you think me so base?” Her screamed words confused her sisters, but Rossweisse was balefully affronted. “I did not weave the Runes to steal, but to aid… I am a Chooser of the Slain, a Valkyrie! I reach out to the worthy… though my hand is now held tightly by another… my duty has ended! And a new one begins!”

Your Skill, Lovers’ Link has been integrated into your Truesoul and has shattered the fourth horizon. Your Skill, Lovers’ Link has advanced from Rank 10 to Rank 11. However, the depth of feeling between you is not strong enough to support this, and the Link is unstable and…

“What part of Eternal do you not understand?” Indeed, her emotions were a torrential mess. At first, it seemed a good idea. She was tired of losing, she did see the possibilities. But… “I wagered my heart on this! My future! I may only feel the sparks of attraction, of hope, but… don’t make light of my resolve, nor Ortlinde’s, not any of my sisters! Are you frustrated we stole your Fruit? We’ve put it to better use than you! I swear on my Truesoul, which persists even when spirit is dust and our wills fade to nothing, like dying embers.”

You have gained a Class. You are now the only Eternal Brúðr. Your Truesoul and Heitstrenging have been bound irrevocably to that of your Verr, and should you break your Connection, you shall never again see Valhalla, your Truesoul scarred and tainted for all eternity, death following inevitably…

Suddenly the amber letters rearranged themselves into something new.

You have gained a Class. You are now the first Eternal Brúðr. Your Truesoul and Heitstrenging have been bound irrevocably to that of your Verr, though the Path of Bondweaving does no longer allow death as the consequence of such a failure. Instead of punishment, so long as your Connection endures, and the Path grows ever longer and firmer, your strength shall increase, as shall that of your Verr.

As Choosers of the Slain, a Valkyrie must be impartial, yet your hand is now full. Even should Imperious Allfather Odin, Proud Sigrun, Mystical Frejya, or Cold Hel deny you, you no longer have a choice to relent, for you have made a pledge via Runic Arts and under Yggdrasil.

The bond between a Brúðr and their Verr is deep. Should their Verr fall in battle bravely, weapon in hand, space itself will sunder, and despite the grave cost she will fly on Wings of Space and carry him to his deserved rest. Likewise, when a Brúðr faces the travails of doom, her Wings Of Space will speak, and the one she has defied the Gods for will descend, no matter the costs.

“Huh, what in the Trickster’s name is this? I can see strange letters in my vision…” Siegrune wondered aloud. “And my Truesoul, it… itches.”

Rossweisse didn’t have time to think. Her Vessel, her League, expanded, and suddenly she could feel so perfectly sharply the great pain of Akio, the curse he was unravelling utterly vile. Then her mind was assaulted by a strange set of thoughts.

Huh, who the hell are you? Akio, who’s she? I thought Shaeula would be the one to master this, or maybe Shiro, though… I think Tan might stop her, for… obvious reasons…

Me? I am Rossweisse. And you are…? Hmm, your Connection is similar to mine. But… built naturally, rather than forged from will and the power of the Runic Craft. But how it is forged doesn’t matter. I’m pleased to meet you.

Huh? Akio, your mind is getting crowded. Do we have time for this, considering the Woe we are unravelling?

Haru, Rossweisse is Rose, right? Can you read her mind and confirm?

No, her strength is far greater than mine, I’m shut out.

There’s no need for worry. Rossweisse’s thoughts echoed a chuckle, before she was suddenly serious. I have planned a second stepto this, once I strengthened our connections, our bonds, enough to support the backlash. I was going to take this curse upon myself. Now… I can…

No, Rose, don’t! We can handle it… Akio’s thoughts echoed, and Rose felt an unbearably sweet sensation in her chest.

Oh. I’m a fool. I should have expected this would happen… but yes, maybe you can handle it… but I don’t like taking chances, my dear Verr. Relinquish it. Besides… your mortal there is breaking…

Christina? Oh… well, she’s probably learning a lot from it even in her suffering, but… I don’t want to condemn her to death. Can… can you explain how you are in my thoughts? Is it through the Eyes?

Not exactly. Rossweisse denied him, feeling breathless, heart racing. Her eyes were moist and she felt almost unwell, a feeling she had never experienced. Yet it felt amazing, a mixture of longing and joy, a cocktail of positive feelings. In part, maybe. You might argue I did something very foolish, but… just like Lin, I am a woman of my word. Now… give it to me and I’ll talk when I’m done… it is nasty, but… Gebo! Give me a gift for our wedding day! Isa! I fear no challenge, I am a daughter of the Gods, this suffering is immaterial to me. Fehu! Turn this ógæfa into hamingja… no, Woe to Weal!

Able to divine Akio’s thoughts, she realised the names they were addressing the concepts by here. The strain on her was intense, but Rossweisse, even if she had never intended such a… permanent accident, was not one to relent. Lastly… Tiwaz! A Brúðr must honour and obey her Verr, yet… your authority is kind, I can taste it. Relinquish it to me this once, and I shall accept your gift, given in kindness, and accepted through need.

She sensed Akio struggling, but she transmitted her resolve, and he gave in.

I’m sorry, for you to do so much for me…

That irritated her. Are you a fool? This is nothing! I offered you far more, and only reinforced my offer moments ago. This little mess of festering grudges and adherence… can be put to better use!

Yes, Akio. You’re doing it again. Never ask a woman why she does what she does for you! I… find it hard to believe, considering she barely knows you, but… I suppose I grudgingly admire her taste in men. And it’s not hard to believe in love at first sight. Otherwise Hinata would be upset. I’m Mori Eri. You can call me Eri. Can I call you Rose? I have… a lot to talk about… if we can, from now on?

Rossweisse chuckled, even as Brunnhilde cried out. The torrent of Woe was pouring into her, and she began to trace Runes with shaking hands, but as she did so, her vision filled with orange light, the letters blinding.

Your Skill, Runecraft, has advanced from Rank 12 to Rank 13 and bestrode the sixth impasse, revealing the seventh boundary beyond. Your Skill with Runes is far beyond your League, and your Vessel is expanding to accommodate it. Your Divinity burns bright with renewed vigour. This radiance cannot be hidden. Your understanding of the Runes is more complete, and you understand that both the Primary Word, the chain of Secondary Meanings, and the dyed Adherence of the Tertiary Meanings are all links in the chain of a truly potent altering of cause and effect. [Class: Mythic] [Type: Law]

“I do see! We were born for this, sisters!” Rossweisse cried, as more messages from Yggdrasil advised her she was gaining League, Charm, Majesty, Fortune and more. “I shape the world, and the world shapes me. The cause… is the gift… perhaps not feely given, but… I took it gratefully! For a Verr should spoil his Brúðr.” All his Brúðr, I think. I am not greedy, at least I don’t think so… perhaps I might be? Before, I definitely felt some affection, now… sparks become flames, become fires, become infernos. I shall seek guidance from those before me. Please give me counsel.

“The effect… a reversal of Woe. Just as…” I see. That spiritual being…

Hyacinth. Akio’s troubled voice echoed in her mind. She’s Hyacinth. You’ve… you are acting strange.

You are not acting delighted enough. Am I not beautiful? Wise? Kind… oh, I am merely teasing you. I… put my very self into this Connection. To demand you reciprocate immediately is against your Path, of Bondweaving. You seek genuine, shared Connections. But I am afraid I am yours, without reservation now.

It’s like we have a second Eri. The ghost woman, Haru, was amused. Don’t mind me, at least it’s entertaining. It’s like a real-life romantic comedy, just with added evil magic…

“I return a foundation!” Rossweisse wasn’t sure what she meant by ‘romantic comedy’, but she understood the gentle teasing. “Wunjo! Success brings joy and peace. Ehwaz! Once more in partnership! And Ehwaz stands for love in my will! There is much twisted love in this mess of grudges. Ansuz! For we shall communicate the truth! And the truth is… there are many bonds within this… several hundred in fact… Laguz! Let the tide reverse, and all be… renewed!”

The surging mass of corrupt adherence burning her insides was purified, in a completely different measure to her initial plan. As her strength in Runic Craft had grown again, she understood the old classifications the World Tree Pantheon used, in rough relation to this system of Ranks and Levels Akio translated it into. The Root would be Ranks one through five. Then the Soil is six through eight. Competent. Nine would be the Trunk, and a measure of true talent. Ten the Twigs, and Eleven the Branches. A Branch-level Master is rare and respected, though the worlds under our dominion contain a number of them… before this started, I was a Twig-rank Runic Crafter, and proud of it. Now… I have surpassed a Leaf at twelve, and even reached Nut… above that, Fruit, and beyond… perhaps there is no limit…

You have the strength to bear the weight of stabilising the Path of Bondweaving…

“I told you, I am no usurper!” She blinked away the letters from Yggdrasill, ignoring the confused looks her sisters were giving her.

You have the strength to bear the weight of STABILISING the path of Bondweaving UNTIL the Pioneer of that Path can take his next step, broadening his Vessel and lighting his Existence.

Oh. I seem to have angered Yggdrasil. But yes… I have gone too far to balk at anything now. Do it…

What… what are you… what did you do? Akio’s voice rang out in wonder, and as the mass of Weal was converted into power, through his thoughts she could see a crystal coffin shattering, the young child within taking a shuddering breath. The many hundreds of bonds and connections she was carrying suddenly surged back into life, and Rossweisse felt an idea brewing. Before she could though, she was surrounded by bright lights…

“Wait… Siegrune?” she asked, and her younger sister giggled.

“Call me Run. I hate you being serious. The letters… they said I could become an Adherent and help stabilise his Path. So I did so.”

“But…” Rossweisse was oddly confused and felt a pang in her heart, before more lights shone.

“It is… not what you are thinking.” Helmwige shook her head. “I saw them too. And… I have not the connection even Siegrune has. But… we split the Fruit and shared the Seeds. I knew… it was Yggdrasil talking. There are other Connections than… than what you have chosen, sister. Friendship, loyalty, family, compassion, charity, strength… it is… a Path both restrictive yet wide, so… it is fragile. I… will stand behind you.”

“We will stand behind you!” The door burst open, and in rushed her sisters. Eight shining lights surrounded her in her consciousness, but… wait…

Eri. Your Connection is powerful. And pure. I envy it. You lack the strength to shoulder this weight, but when Akio grows stronger, you can truly walk his Path. For now though… reach out and touch him, focus on feeling the desire to Connect…

At her invitation, Eri sent a wave of agreement through their shared connection to Akio. Moments later, a faint, palely flickering light joined the others. You did it.

Of course I did. Eri was haughty, but not unkind, and her tone contained respect and gratitude. I’m his first wife, and you’re… uh… twelve or thirteen? I’m not sure which? The number doesn’t really matter, but… I’ve got to at least show I can advance ahead of the others, to smooth their way. Speaking of… I’m putting my foot down at all nine! And I’m sorry to say… Akio can’t simply concede everything to your Pantheon. He has agreements with Tan too… and then there’s Tsukuyomi…

Ortlinde was at the head of the pack, her golden eyes wide with worry and wonder, her crimson hair dripping sweat. It seemed he had just rushed from training to arrive, and as Rose inspected her, her Eye better than ever, she couldn’t help but chuckle. “So, I was the only, then the first. That makes you second, Lin.” It seems reaching a deeper understanding of the Runes and my expanding League and Vessel has pushed me to new heights. It… is almost as if we chose not to divide the Fruit, and I absorbed all the contents. Yet… it is far from spent. From the roots and soil a mighty tree grows, but from an old tree, it may grow wider branches, richer leaves, sweeter fruits, but… it should never surpass a tree grown with care and every need met from the start. Yet… I and Lin… we have exceeded my expectations tenfold…

“Rossweisse! What… what did you do?” Gerhilde, the oldest, was there, her crimson eyes and long black hair giving her stare a piercing, raptor-like appearance. “Your presence… it resembles one of the elder sisters…”

“Strong now.” Grimgerde laughed. Her massive war maul was slung over her shoulder, pushing back her yellow hair, her violet eyes showing her amusement. “You can take part in the fiercest battles. He is stronger too. I have no idea where those letters came from, but… I felt this was right. I am no coward! Give us all the strength to fight and I am satisfied!”

“I think you’re in for it…” Schwertliete chuckled. Her blonde hair was pulled into a messy braid, and her ocean-blue eyes took in Rossweisse, with a wicked gleam showing. “But… everyone else was doing it, even Waltraute. Though I want support for my last hero!”

“I’m not going to be the only sister unpunished!” Waltraute sneered, cracking her whip for emphasis. With her green hair and eyes and a chest that rivalled Rossweisse’s, she cut a figure many Einherjar longed to see, though her tongue could crack as sharply as her whip.

“You all… supported my madness!” Rossweisse felt herself tearing up. “Sisters… you will not regret this!”

“I think we might!” Waltraute grumbled. “I think we might indeed.” She and Schwertliete stepped aside, revealing a tenth person in the room. Immediately Rossweisse’s thoughts halted, and the sisters bent their heads in obeisance.

What’s wrong? Wait, let me see… I can now, can’t I? Akio’s voice echoed in her mind, and she knew he was sharing her thoughts of what… who… she was seeing. Is that… a true Goddess?

Sweat slid down Rossweisse’s forehead, stinging her pearly eyes. It… is. I think… do you have myths of reaching for the sun and getting burnt?

Yeah. Icarus is the most famous one… though that was flying too close…

The point is the same. Rossweisse answered, before raising her head, as did her sisters. As oldest, Gerhilde spoke calmly, though her face betrayed her unease.

“Noble and mighty Norn, She who cuts the thread, wielder of fate’s shears, she who rules the future of the brave, oh Skuld… you grace us with your presence unexpectedly.”

Skuld was similar in stature to Rossweisse, in that she looked younger than her sisters, and while her chest was a modest, her beauty far surpassed all of the Valkyrie here. Feeling a surge of panic, Rossweisse sent out a thought, hoping desperately the Onryō woman Haru could hear her. As she received a reply, she bit down on her lip, relieved, yet desperately trying to arrange one matter, so that… if the worst has come to pass, and Skuld has come regarding… our transgressions… a gift in return for your gift to me, dear Verr…

Wait, what… are you in trouble? He was panicked. And that’s… Skuld? Damn, she’s gorgeous. Her Charm must be in the hundreds… and she must genuinely be a beauty on top of that…

It was true. With her beautiful, clear eyes, one of which was silver, the other golden, and her hair pulled into a pair of long, twin braids, half black, and half white, she was perilously exotic in appearance, and yet the strangeness seemed natural. If one looked closer, it was possible to see that her hair shifted between black and white slowly, and her eyes between silver and gold, almost like shimmering grains of sand filling an hourglass.

Don’t be bewitched. Meeting a Goddess can break those of lesser wills, leaving them pitiful husks who seek only to see them one more time. Even we Valkyrie can have the same effect. Though… you are still resisting me well…

Her thoughts throwing out one last playful jab, though her heart now ached for his approval, more so than before, she waited for Skuld to speak. Out from her regal white dress, which was woven with innumerable metal threads, the light creating ever shifting pictures within the fabric, she drew out her silver shears, and idly tapped the blades, as she was often wont to do, although… By the Allfather, it can hardly be a coincidence she tapped the slight chip…

Desperate now, Rossweisse rushed her efforts, while Gerhilde spoke for them all. “So, what purpose your visit?”

“Oh… you have no idea?” Her voice was perfect, yet it carried the chill of death, the cessation of existence, the promise of fate cut short, yet also sweet release from care and suffering. “How… curious.” Her gaze fell on Rossweisse, seeming to see right though her. Desperately, she used her temporary position to reach out. The child was groggy, fragile, lost, but… Yes. One more moment and…

“We… have been busy.” Gerhilde managed. “Fighting, as have all our sisters, and choosing the slain, as well as trips… down below. To pick new champions. A sad endeavour.”

“Yes. Sorrowful indeed. So few ever survive.” She flicked her shears again. “A multitude of cut threads. Now, speaking of cut threads…”

Almost in tears, Rossweisse struggled. Moments later, another light flickered into being, surrounded by a sea of fainter, almost firefly sparkles, and she let out a cry of relief. The others stared at her, shocked, and Rossweisse let out a bitter laugh, wiping at her damp eyes. “I know why you are here. I did it. All of it. Me and me alone. Why else would I have reached the heights of the Nut in my Runic Crafts?” To prove that she traced a few runes. “I’m afraid I am rather… tired… right now. So forgive me if all I can offer is a blessing for this fortunate meeting. Othala! Dagaz! Ehwaz! May the Goddess be blessed with plenty and find your own strength. May your connections be fruitful, and… you find a partner of your heart.”

Energy shimmered, a match for the eyes now completely gold that were staring at Rossweisse, and as flecks of silver filled them up, Skuld softly spoke. “A curious blessing, yet a strong one indeed. You have been working hard. But… not every fibre in the tapestry, no matter how pleasing the colour individually, works in harmony with the whole.” She closed her shears, the sound echoing with a grim finality. “Would you not agree, little Rossweisse?”

Gulping, throat working nervously, she nodded. “Yes. Perhaps. If the tapestry needs to be a certain pattern. Though sometimes the best patterns contain… unexpected… deviations. As for my sisters… I fooled them. They are innocent!”

“That is a lie!” Lin cried, and Rossweisse glared at her.

“My littlest sister is so kind, not wanting her treacherous elder sister to face punishment alone. But. Be. A. Good. Girl. And. Shut. Up.” After all, losing two wives in one day would be… terribly saddening. And… the Path needs you all to hold it up.

Praying to the Allfather they could intuit her thoughts, Rossweisse felt pain at the look of bitter sorrow in her sister’s eyes. “So, what is my punishment? The Iðrandi?”

“You hardly seem repentant.” Skuld observed mildly, hair now a deep, light-stealing black, though beautiful, luminous white strands as bold as the stars in the heavens themselves were starting to show through.

“No. I suppose I most certainly am not.” She closed up her books and piled them neatly on the table, making sure to hide the one she had requested Brunnhilde find under the stack. “Shall my thread be snipped?”

“Has your destiny ended?” Skuld asked, seemingly interested.

“I hadn’t thought so, mere moments ago. But… are we ever truly gone, so long as we aren’t forgotten?”

“Enough!” Lin leapt up, prostrating herself before Skuld. “Forgive Rossweisse, Divine one! It was all my idea. She went along with it because I was the youngest, and they spoil me. You understand, being the youngest yourself, surely? If any thread must be snipped, it should be mine.”

“I told you this would be unpleasant…” Waltraute sniffed. “…trying to deceive Divine Skuld’s eyes that see the future of all things within the World Tree is useless. So…” She shrugged, shaking her head. “…you know we all did it.”

“It, you say?” Skuld asked, her voice low. “It indeed.” Hair now white, eyes silver, gold and black were returning, and as she moved, the fibres in her dress showed a series of images. Rossweisse could see her theft of the shears, and the cutting open of the Fruit, the sharing of the Seeds, their hasty attempts at crafting with their own Truesoul. My Skills in that are tragically poor, according to you, Yggdrasil. I am almost offended. Though, as most of those we chose did die, I suppose that is a weight of sorrow we must bear…

The images then changed, and she could see her pulling of Akio to the upper Astral, in defiance of the Compact. Her Truesoul bond. Her attempts to strengthen it, her… oh. I’m not repentant, but… I do wish to save my sisters. As an older sister to the younger, and as a foolish younger sister to the older…

“Yes, but… at best they are accessories.” Rossweisse explained reasonably. “I stole your shears, kept a shard, flouted the agreements, did… other deeds. So… the Iðrandi at worst for them… please.”

“I see. My shears, you say. The edge has been… dull, of late. But…” The shears clicked open again, and the edge shimmered with wicked soullight. Oh, now my League and Vessel have expanded, I can clearly see the potency they hold. Her Eye responded, but she didn’t need to know the details of the Divine treasure, though she passed it onto Akio cheerfully, one last gift.

Oh, I don’t think so…

His thought echoed, and moments later there was light, bright enough to drown out even her vision, the only image left for her to see being Skuld and her shears, the Divine nature of them unable to be hidden, even by the brilliant, tremendous glow…