Army of the Undead

Alfheim was known for being the pure, peaceful realm. It was in a constant state of a warm spring day and summer night. The soils were rich with minerals and the lands were far stretching with many springs and rivers. There were many cities too - some with castles as high as the clouds. There were two moons orbiting the realm and a golden sun.

The realm's inhabitants were as beautiful as their home. They were taller than most Asgardians, their features being more elongated - especially their ears and faces. They had cream, caramel or white eyes and skin. Their hair was braided and silky. Long braids usually meant that the elf was of age and of good character, because their most embarrassing public punishment for crimes was to cut their hair off completely.

Their laws were very strict, yet there was no punishment by death. They also had no army, mostly guards and sorcerers who protected the realm with powerful magic. The main city - Khaladar - was the centre of the realm. From it rose a shield of light surrounding the entirety of Alfheim. No one who was unwanted could pass the atmosphere without being incinerated.

That is why the army of horrible creatures was a surprise.

The sky was clear one moment and then suddenly dark mist started to appear everywhere - in the sky, in the streets, the fields. It gathered in the centre of an empty clearing near Khaladar. A loud rumbling sound, like lighting, struck the ground around it. A hundred creatures appeared, maybe even more. The land beneath them started to rot, spreading disgusting smells. The elves rushed to Khaladar, screaming and grabbing anything they could save. Many of them died. It was horrible and without remorse.

What was left of the remaining survivors hid and barricaded themselves in the four town-fortresses. The creatures destroyed everything in their sight. They poisoned the fields, destroyed homes and burned them to the ground. The elves tried sending liaisons to try and negotiate, but the invaders would just kill them.

You could imagine what a surprise it was when the two goddesses appeared right in the middle of the throne room. The guards surrounded them with spears in no time. Every living being braced themselves for immediate death, but they were met with two very confused faces instead. Nevertheless, everyone felt relieved that the monsters didn't breach the castle.

A man of obvious royalty stepped forth, ordering the guards to lower their weapons. Seeing him, Skadi's body tensed up. It was her ex-husband's son, Freyr.

"What's going on?" Skadi asked. The man motioned the two to follow him. These matters were best discussed somewhere more private. The people were already too frightened, bad news could only make it worse.

Yrsa definitely wasn't where she thought she'd end up. She was sure her portal would lead her to Vanaheim. Now she had worse things to think about.

Freyr closed the door behind them, taking a long breath before speaking. "We are under attack." Skadi and Yrsa glanced at each other in disbelief. The light elves never had quarrels or wars - in fact, they were the most peaceful of all. "When did this happen?" Skadi exclaimed.

"It has been weeks since they appeared. We tried calling for help, but no messages were able to get through. Not even our portals work. We are trapped in here and... well... The only creature powerful enough to raise so many dead is... Hel."

"Why would she quarrel with you?"

"We have the only thing she needs to destroy us all."