Helfúss

Eager for death,

Eager for Hel.

Lightning crackled, thunder boomed, as Meili, Hárbarðrsson, Þórrsbrother, was riding on his lightning chariot: pulled by the two bulls: Glæsir and Himinbrjot. They were on helvegr - the road to Hel. Meili was not wearing any helskór, for he was yet living. His helreið - ride to Hel, was not of business. Meili had helgengrinn - gone to Hel, for pleasure.

His helför - journey to Hel, was over, as his chariot landed before Hel's palace.

The Lovely One stepped off his chariot, as he told his companions: Hábrók, a Blue Jet. Pyrus, the Red Sprite. And Sám, his dog who can sense if someone has good or bad intentions. He told them all to stay with Glæsir and Himinbrjot. He even left his Mammen Axe behind. For he was there to make love, not war.

There was a bridge between Meili and the palace. He then saw her. The goddess herself. Hel, Loptrsdaughter. The Queen of the Death is breathtaking. She has blond hair. One eye is green, the other red. Skin like a swan's feather. Her strength too is like that of a swan's. It is true that her left side is scarred. Not rotten, but scarred.

Her whole body is covered by her blár(blue) armor-dress. The only frightening thing about the goddess was her beauty. Not that Meili's was anything to scoff at. But unlike his brother. Meili is blond. Blue-eyed. But he does share his brother's paleness. The two of them met in the middle of the bridge. They circled one another. Not taking their eyes off each other.

" Lovely one. " said Hel with a smile.

" Even lovelier one. " said Meili with a smile and a bow.

Hel narrowed her eyes at him. Amused.

" What have you come to seek? " she asked.

" Pleasure. " was the answer without missing a beat.

" I'm afraid that Freyja isn't here. "

" I have come seeking someone better. Prettier."

Hel took a step back. Frightened… confused.

" Do you seek to deceive me? " before Meili could answer, she continued; " thine is a cruel jest… many find me revolting… "

" Not Meili " said Meili, as he gently lifted her face; " not I. "

He wanted to place a hand on her scared side. But Hel quickly pushed it aside.

" I do not trust you… even though your eyes are sincere… "

Hel looked back at him.

" Why have you really come? "

With genuine sincerity. He answered;

" I have come for you. "

Tears… the Goddess of Death was crying. Her tears sparkling from underneath her hood.

" Me? "

" You. "

" Why? "

" Love. "

The answer made her cry even more.

" Have you gone mad? Has Frey or Freyja cursed you? "

" Love makes fools of us all. " said Meili with a smile.

Hel laughed lightly.

" You are a fool. "

" If loving you makes me so. So I am. "

She just looked at him. Not believing that the Lovely One had fallen in love with her.

" Why do you torture me? "

" I am the one in pain… "

" You? "

" Indeed. "

Meili slowly approaches Hel, as she walks backwards.

" I suffer because you think I'm lying. I am in pain because you reject my love. "

Hel could no longer walk backwards, as she had reached the edge of the bridge. Meili took another step. That was when their bodies met. He could feel her coolness, as she could his warmth. Their faces were mere inches away from one another. Their eyes locked, as lips were getting closer and closer.

" Break my heart… " said Hel, as she finally allowed herself to believe; " and I shall make your life a living hell. "

" I would never. " said Meili, as his kiss thawed her once frozen heart.

Their kiss was long and deep. And from their love three children were born. Two daughters, and one son.

The daughters:

Melili and Melkorka.

And the son:

Tunraz.

Succeed in Honor of the Fallen

Hróðvitnir was howling in the distance.

Vanadís was flying across the sky, as Bogaáss and Öndurdís were racing down a mountain.

Tunraz, son of Meili and Hel, ran past Hárbarðr and Hlín.

(Hárbarðr looking like Viggo Mortensen and Hlín looking like Connie Nielsen.)

Tunraz stopped. Not to admire the many Dís, but to check that he still had his small knife, gifted to him by his father, on his person.

Tunraz happily tapped the knife on his belt with his small fingers. For he was just a child, after all.

He now noticed some boys his age playing knáttleikr. He was about to join them, till he noticed a boy sitting close by… studying.

" Won't they let you play? " asked Tunraz, as he approached the boy.

" I haven't asked, " said the boy with a smile.

" Why not? "

" I have to study. "

The boy went back to studying. Tunraz shrugged his shoulders, and then joined the other boys.

Tunraz was making his way home, after having visited Loptr.

(Loptr was kind enough to let Tunraz borrow his magical shoes. So Tunraz had spent the whole day flying with Vanadís, while surfing with Jörmungandr.)

Tunraz tapped the hilt of his knife. The day was a calm one. The wind was warm on the road Tunraz was walking. He enjoyed the sound of the rustling bushes. The melody of the birds. Even Huginn and Muninn sang along. Sol's brilliant light was melting the snow, while making the ice shine.

" Máni is close behind. '' thought Tunraz, as Máni was right behind his sister.

Tunraz tapped his knife. He then stopped when he noticed the boy from yesterday - the boy who was studying while the other boys were playing.

Tunraz saw how the small, and seemingly weak, boy was carrying stacks of logs on his back.

" Drengr… " said Tunraz, impressed.

Hel has raised her boy right. For Tunraz ran to the boy's side, offering his help.

" Thank you. " said the grateful boy, as he gratefully took Tunraz up on his offer.

After a bit of time. Tunraz asked:

" Why are you hauling all this stuff by yourself? "

The boy answered with a kind smile:

" There is only me. "

No more words were spoken, till they reached the boy's small village.

Tunraz shivered, as the village was in ruins.

Homes were burnt. Cattle killed, and crops ruined.

" Thor's hammer… "

(An exclamation, not the cause.)

Tunraz snapped back to reality, as the boy walked over to one of the nearby houses.

" What happened here? '' asked Tunraz, as he put his bundle of logs next to the boy's.

" Aptrganga... " the boy paused for a moment, as if he was reliving that dreadful night; " there were many… too many… they came from all directions: completely surrounding the village. Young and old. Men and women took up arms. I was about to join the fight, till I was knocked out cold by some stampeding animals. " the boy took a moment to breathe in, and then out; " I thought that I had died, for there were corpses everywhere. The foul smell, and the headache, quickly proved otherwise. "

Tunraz just looked at the boy.

" I'm sorry. "

The boy sighed.

" We made sure that those who had fought, were given an honorable send off. We then tended to the living. "

It finally dawned on Tunraz.

" Where are your parents? "

The boy fully turned to face Tunraz.

" They are in Valhal. "

It was not the words which had unsettled Tunraz. But the calm smile and tone which the boy had delivered them in.

" I see. '' was all Tunraz could bring himself to say.

" No! Please!! "

Tunraz looked, and saw a fearsome man standing over a defenseless woman.

" Please… " beseeched the woman; " I have children. And that is all I have left. "

" Bikkja. " scowled the giant, as he was holding a basket of goodies.

" We should feed the working adults. Not the hungry children. " said the man, as he had no intention of sharing.

Fire and lightning were visible on Tunraz's body, as he was about to jump into action. But the boy was there first.

" Please return the basket, " said the boy, calmly.

A large shadow was cast over the small boy, as the man turned to face him. It was truly the ant facing the lion.

The villagers, including Tunraz, were all watching in anticipation.

" You talking to me, boy? " the last bit sounded like Kratos.

The boy calmly nodded his head. Everyone caught their breaths, as the man held a blade to the boy's throat.

Tunraz had to do something. But he also had to be careful, or the boy would tell Hel what had happened before he could get home.

The man was speechless, as the boy calmly lowered his hand.

" I don't mind sharing some of my own food, " said the boy with a smile; " but first: please return the basket to its rightful owner. "

There was complete and utter silence, as everyone were processing what the boy had just said.

" You don't fear death? " said the man.

" I would gladly welcome it. " said the boy with the smile he would later be renowned for; " but till then: my duty is to the living. "

The man scratched his beard with his knife.

A gasp rang out, the man having slapped the boy.

" He is just a child! " exclaimed the woman, as she was by the boy's side. The boy was on the ground. He wasn't crying. He was merely holding a hand to his red cheek.

Tunraz had had enough. Fire and lightning were even more visible on his body.

" Are you ashamed? "

All eyes turned towards the old man wearing a blár(blue) dress-cloak and wizard-hat. The old man was holding what appeared to be a staff.

" What do I have to be ashamed of? " asked the man.

" Other than picking on the defenseless? Plenty. " The man took one step forward, and then two steps back, as he noticed the woman behind the old man. The woman had her arms folded. She was resting up against a tree. Dressed in armor. A sword and spear on her person. The man almost mistook her for a goddess. She was looking at the man with an indifferent gaze. The man finally noticed the bits of armor underneath the old man's dress-cloak.

" What do you want from me?... " asked the man, nervously, as he suspected who the old man and woman really were.

" Kindly return the basket, " said the old man.

" I am hungry. " said the man with the last bits of his courage.

" Then go and hunt your own damn food. " said the woman, coldly.

The man swallowed the gulp in his throat. His brow was covered in sweat. And he was wise enough to return the basket.

Tunraz helped the boy up, as the man walked away… he was never seen again.

" Are you okay? "

The boy nodded, as he held some snow to his cheek.

" Here you go. " said the grateful woman, as she held out two apples for the two boys.

The boys accepted. And the woman, basket in hand, walked towards her house.

" Why did you do that? " asked Tunraz, after a moment of silence.

The boy shrugged his shoulders.

" My mother always stood up to men like him " a nostalgic smile was visible on the boy's face; " my father was Jarl, so his family expected him to marry a noble woman " the boy let out a faint giggle; " but he ended up marrying a peasant woman. "

Tunraz wanted the boy to continue, but Máni had fully replaced his sister in the sky.

" Tunraz! " said the old man; " we will walk you home. "

Tunraz did not wish to leave the boy all by himself.

" Excuse me " said a child, a year younger than Tunraz and the boy; " min mor says that you can stay with us for the night. "

" Who is your mor? " asked the boy.

The child turned towards her mother, and the boy now saw the woman with the basket standing at the door opening.

" Go. " said Tunraz, as he nudged the boy.

The boy paused for a second. He then got up, and followed the child to the house.

Tunraz ran towards his grandparents, where he was picked up by his grandmother. Tunraz was resting his cheek on his grandmother's shoulder. The village grew smaller and smaller in the distance, as his eyes grew heavier and heavier.

It was now the next day.

Tunraz was riding on the wagon of Nerthus, mother of Vanadís and Freyr. Tunraz was calmly tapping his knife, as they were passing many farmers. He then had an idea. Nerthus looked on as Tunraz jumped off the wagon. She quickly brought the wagon to a halt, and saw Tunraz talking with one of the farmers. She then saw Tunraz give the farmer a bag filled with gold.

We are back in the village. The boy wiped away some sweat on his forehead, for he was helping rebuild his father's longhouse.

" Hey! "

Everyone turned around to see Tunraz standing on Nerthus' wagon, waving. They then noticed all the stacks of wheat.

That day, a feast was held, and some bellies were finally filled.

Ratatoskr landed on Tunraz's shoulder. Tunraz happily gave him an acorn. He then noticed the boy, sitting by himself: studying yet again.

" Join the festivities, " said Tunraz.

" I can't. " said the boy with a smile.

Tunraz just looked at him. It then finally dawned on him.

" Your name! "

" My name? "

" I don't even know your name… " said Tunraz, sounding a bit disappointed with himself.

The boy let out a faint giggle.

" Höttr. "

Tunraz smiled.

" Tunraz. "

The two boys became blood brothers that night.

" Do people expect you to become the next Jarl? " asked Tunraz.

Höttr nodded solemnly.

" I can't live up to my father's image… "

" Why should you? "

" He had no equal, " said Höttr, remembering the good old days; " Jarl Knut. He was fair, kind, and a peerless warrior. " Höttr smiled even more; " but my mother: Gefjun. She had the heart of the people. "

" She was a peasant. Right? "

" Yeah. My father's family did not approve. They did their damndest to make sure the marriage never happened. Well. They failed. " said Höttr with what sounded like a humorous tone.

Tunraz Couldn't help but giggle. He then noticed Höttr looking into the flames.

" They came out of nowhere… " said Höttr, seeing that awful day within the flames; " I remember the screaming and war-cries. I remember the stench of the Aptrganga… and their eldritch appearances. I did not see it, but people say that my father took down a horde of Aptrganga all by himself. Till a berserker-like-Aptrganga was able to deliver the killing blow… '' Höttr paused; " but I did see my mother being stabbed by several Aptrganga. '' a faint smile appeared on Höttr's face; " she managed to behead her attackers, before dying herself... In a berserker-like-state. A grabbed the nearest weapon. Ready to kill all the Aptrganga once more… '' Höttr drew up his legs. Wrapped his arms around his legs. And then rested his chin on his knees; " that was when the stampede of animals knocked me unconscious. "

Tunraz was silent.

Ratatoskr jumped onto Höttr's shoulder. The squirrel offered the boy an acorn. The boy accepted the kind gesture.

Not much else is left to be said. Other than time passing. The village managed to recover. And when he was of age: Höttr stepped up to take the throne. Tunraz tapped his sword, as he looked on from within the crowd. The two of them were now young adults. Höttr had long blond hair, which came about to his shoulders. His blue-greenish eyes were dim, but still full of so much life. He had scars here and there, but he wore them with pride. The blisters on his palms no longer hurt. But let us take a moment to describe Tunraz, who had curly chestnut hair, his mother's favorite color. Tunraz had also inherited his mother's red eye color. But unlike Hel, who only had one red eye. Both of Tunraz's eyes were red. It also seems like he had inherited another thing from his mother. For Tunraz was born with a scar across his left eye and brow. Hel would never admit it, for parents can't have favorites… but Tunraz was kinda her favorite.

Tunraz smiled, as Jarl Höttr simply said:

" Let us succeed in honor of the fallen. "

Moo

Melili heard a cow mooing. She then heard the splashing of a poodle, as she ran past it. Her soul was on fire from joy. It was spring. All the snow and ice: gone. Melili, a young woman of eighteen, ran as fast as she could. She had inherited her father's fiery spirit. And not only that. Melili looked a lot like Meili. Her golden-floss-like-hair danced in the gentle wind. Her blue-pearl-like-eyes were so full of life. And one might think that the snow had not vanished, when one looked upon her fair skin. She was truly Vænzt.

Melili abruptly halted, as the clang of blades clashing rang. Between some bushes, she saw a man and a woman fighting.

" What has gotten into you?! " exclaimed the warrior woman, as she was blocking her friend's attack. The man's face was twisted. He looked mad, and not in control of his actions. The woman gasped as she took a step back. Melili had tackled the man to the ground. Like a trapped animal, the man struggled to get free. Melili took both his arms, and slammed them to the ground. Which just made the man foam and bark like a mad dog.

" What has happened to him? " asked Melili, as she was sitting on the man's chest, while holding him down.

" I don't know… " said the woman, confused, as she sheathed her sword; " we were just walking… and then this happened… "

Melili could see that the man was gone. There was no soul in his eyes. He was nothing more than a wild animal. She turned towards the woman; who immediately understood her gaze.

" How close are you two? " Melili asked.

" Close enough that I have to do this. "

The woman pulled out her knife. She calmly walked over, and now stood over her friend's face.

He was simply biting at the air. His eyes red from the madness, and the foam had increased around his mouth. The woman knelt down. Held the point of her knife at his throat. Melili did not flinch, when the blade penetrated the skin. The man finally seemed to calm down, as blood gently ran down his throat. It was as if he had regained his sanity. He looked up at his friend with gentle eyes. With a calm expression, he said:

" I'm sorry… "

The woman did not flinch. She had grown up with this man. He was dear to her, which is why she did not hesitate granting him peace. Melili stood up, as the woman pulled out her knife. She cleaned her knife with her cloak. And Melili helped her with the pyre.

" Melili. "

" Hervor. "

The two of them saw fit to introduce one another, as they gazed upon the bright flames.

" Lo, there do I see my father. Lo, there do I see my mother… "

As they were walking. Melili could not help but study Hervor. Hervor was about Melili's height and age. She had steel-like-light-blue eyes. Hair which was a mix of brown and red. Her facial features were finely structured. Firm breasts, and a nice butt. Hervor also seemed to have the aura of a valkyrie. Melili was certainly intrigued… by the butt and breasts. All joking aside… Well, I was joking, Melili wasn't. But even she was fascinated by Hervor's armor and weapons. Not that Melili's attire or choice of weaponry was anything to scoff at. After having cleared some bushes and trees, the two of them had now arrived at the town, which Hervor was heading to.

There were houses which were simple and of a middle-age-style. There was also a longhouse, which was, unsurprisingly, both mighty and majestic. Children ran about, as a woman hung up some wet clothes. A clang was heard as the blacksmith was hard at work. It was a simple town, with simple people. Melili heard a cow mooing.

"Ahhh! "

Melili and Hervor both turned to see a man, on the ground, holding back an attacking dog. The dog's eyes were wild. There was also foam around its mouth. The hairs on its back were on edge, as its fangs were visible. Hervor kicked the dog of the man. The dog quickly got back up, as Hervor drew forth her sword.

" Please don't kill him… " pleaded the man; " I don't know what has gotten into him, but he was never like this… "

Melili looked at the dog. Twice this day? She thought.

The dog growled fiercely at Hervor, bloody murder in its eyes.

" I can't promise anything. " said Hervor, sword ready.

Nothing happened for a few seconds. Till the dog charged, Hervor ready. The onlookers, including Hervor, covered their eyes, as the dog lit up with lightning. The lightning attack wasn't fatal, Melili made sure of that. She just wanted to see what would happen if she… rebooted the dog.

The dog lay on the ground, not moving, smoke coming off its body.

" I did hold back… right? Melili thought to herself, as too many seconds went by. The dog's tail finally moved. It then slowly got up, and calmly walked over to its owner.

" It is good to have you back. '' said the dog owner, relieved, as the dog was lovingly licking his face.

Melili let out a relieved exhale. Hervor wasn't sure as to what had happened. But she did return her sword to its sheath. Her and Melili went to the longhouse, where they partook of the feast held there. Drinking, feasting, merrymaking, and singing, were all the things which the Jarl offered his guests. After having had her fill. Melili walked out of the longhouse. Only a few hours had passed since the incident with the dog. And Melili could see that the sun was slowly setting in the horizon. A game of Hnefatafl now caught her eye. Melili sat down, and pondered the day's events, as she moved the pieces.

" A man gone mad and a dog gone wild, all on the same day? What is the connection here…? "

Melili heard a cow mooing. She then heard a clang. She looked up to see that Hervor had walked out the large doors of the longhouse, and that the tip of her sword's blade was on the floor. Melili smiled, and was about to say something, till she saw Hervor's eyes: they were bloodshot and wild. Melili's heart sank in horror, as she finally noticed the foam.

" Not her too… "

Melili jumped out of the way, as Hervor brought down her sword, only destroying the table, chair, and Hnefatafl. Melili quickly unsheathed her own sword, blocking Hervor's attack. She looked straight into the crazed eyes of her friend, and Melili could only weep in sorrow.

" How did this happen?! " thought Melili, her mind brainstorming; " what was the connection??? "

Melili heard a cow mooing, and then noticed Hervor's madness intensify.

" The mooing?... The Cow! "

Melili took a deep breath, as she said:

" Sorry. "

A small amount of electricity now ran through Hervor's body, knocking her out. Melili quickly caught her, and gently laid her on the floor.

" I will apologize later, " said Melili with a smile; " but I have to see about that mooing first. "

After having walked for a bit. Melili arrived at a spot, between the forest and town, where a cow was calmly eating grass.

" So " said Melili, as she petted the animal; " are you the cause of all this madness? "

The cow mooed, and Melili noticed two birds, who seemed like close friends a few seconds ago, fight to the death.

" I will take that as a yes. "

Melili asked her father for help. When Meili first laid eyes on the cow, he said:

" Ah! Síbilja. "

" Síbilja? " said Melili, confused.

" The cow, whose mooing killed Ragnar's children: Eirek and Agnar. "

(Note: that is not a joke, and I did not make it up.)

Meili took Síbilja back with him to Hel. Thinking that the cow's mooing couldn't cause any trouble in Hel.

It was now the next day, as Hervor woke up with a headache.

" What happened…? " said Hervor, as she was rubbing her aching head.

" You're better off not knowing, " said Melili with a smile. Hervor looked at her. She then looked down at her own body.

" How am I wearing a nightgown? "

Melili had a smirk on her lips.

" I see. "

" Fisse! "

Hervor looked at her.

" I do that at times… also " said Melili, as she opened the door; " I will get some stuff for breakfast. "

" Get milk and butter! " yelled Hervor.

Melili did not hear that last bit.

" Here you go. " said Melili, as she put the bag on the table.

" Thanks, " said Hervor, as she went through the bag. She paused, and then said:

" Duck? Where is the butter? "

" You did not say butter. "

" I said: get milk AND butter! "

Melili paused, as the gears in her head were turning.

" Ohhh. I thought you said: milk and duck… I will be right back… "

Melili walked out the door.

" Return the duck! " yelled Hervor.

" I don't have the receipt! "

" Then what do I do with the duck!! "

" Cook it!! "

Hervor threw her hands up in frustration.

" Well… looks like we will have duck for breakfast. "

Cnut's Boar Hunt

" Wait up! " yelled Refr, but Melkorka could not hear him, as her Fylgja: in the shape of an elk, ran through the forest. Melkorka's crimson hair danced happily in the wind. Her emerald eyes matched the color of mother nature. And the sun loved her snowy skin. Mel, Melkorka's nickname, has the ability to commune with her Fylgja.

(Fylgjas are kind of like Qareens or Agathodaemon. Or, if you really wanna be fancy about it: Ilānû.) Funi, Mel's Fylgja, can take on the form of any animal. But Funi shall always look like a blue-spirit-animal.

" My lady " oh! And Funi can talk; " shall we give Refr a chance? "

Mel looked back at the panting fox. She smiled, and then said:

" Ormslíki. "

" Woah! " exclaimed Refr, as wings popped out from his back. Scales then appeared. Horns. Claws. He grew in size, for Mel had transformed him into a dragon. This would probably be a good time to mention that Mel is kunnigr - well-versed in magic. More specifically: Galdr.

Mel looked on as Refr flew past her and Funi.

" Woohoo! " yelled Refr, excitedly; " this is awesome!! "

Mel allowed Refr to have fun for a little while longer. She then snapped her fingers, which changed Refr back to a fox.

" Ahhh!!! " yelled Refr, as he was falling from the sky.

Mel quickly caught him. The poor fox was shaking in her arms.

" Ljóss. "

Refr could feel a warm light within his chest. The fox then jumped onto Mel's shoulder, for he was okay now.

Mel bade Funi show Refr the meaning of haste.

The Fylgja charged with all haste. Faster and faster they went. Refr held on for dear life, while Mel was smiling excitedly. A person became visible from beyond the bushes.

" Wooo!!! " yelled Mel, as she tried to stop Funi, but the Fylgja had too much speed.

" Hlífa! "

Funi jumped off the magical shield, which Mel made appear before the stranger.

" Are you okay? " asked Mel, as she had dismounted, and ran towards the stranger; who turned out to be a woman.

" I'm fine, " said the fegrð lady with a smile. But poor Refr did not look fine. His fur was a mess, and he could not stop shaking from fright.

Mel now saw fit to introduce herself.

" Melkorka, but my friends and family just call me: Mel. "

" Hlaðgerðr. " said the truly beautiful woman with a smile.

The two of them shook hands, Mel then asked:

" What are you doing out here? "

With a smile, Hlaðgerðr answered:

" I am hunting the boar. "

" What boar? "

Hlaðgerðr just looked at her.

" You are not from around here? "

" Is it that obvious? " said Mel with a shyly smile, as she was petting Funi.

Hlaðgerðr smirked. She then explained as they were walking through the green forest.

" I have been hired by the nearby townsfolk to hunt and kill the boar; which has tormented them for a good few weeks now. "

Hlaðgerðr knelt down to observe some animal-tracks.

" Boar tracks, " said Mel.

" And fresh ones at that. "

Hlaðgerðr stood back up.

" Well " said she as she turned towards Mel; " it was good to meet you. But I really have to be going now. " Mel noticed Hlaðgerðr pause; " don't wanna be around when nightfall comes… "

Mel watched her leave.

" She was an odd one. " said Refr, as he sat down next to Mel's legs.

Mel looked towards Hlaðgerðr's direction.

" Hmm. "

" What is it, my lady? " asked Funi.

" Not quite sure… " said Mel, as her magic was telling her that something was afoot.

Mel mounted Funi.

" Where to, my lady? "

Mel thought about it for a second.

" The nearby town. "

And off they went.

The town was a mediocre one. Nice people. Firm buildings, and shit everywhere… That wasn't really fair of me, for this town was renown for its mead.

Mel dismounted. She passed a flier, which read:

" Have you seen my son? "

Mel walked up the steps to the longhouse.

" I wanna try some of their famous mead, " said Refr.

Mel just smiled at her furry friend.

They entered the hall, and there sat the Jarl of this town: Jarl Cnut.

Mel sat down at the nearest table. She asked for a drink. She took a sip. She then let Refr enjoy the rest.

" My lady, " said Funi, still in the form of an elk - I should probably quickly mention that only Mel can see and interact with Funi. Others can as well, if Funi wants them to. That is how Refr can also see and talk with Funi.

" My lady, the Jarl is looking at you. "

Mel looked, and Jarl Cnut was indeed looking at her - with his Magnus-Bruun-look.

" Hmm. " sounded Jarl Cnut with his Magnus-Bruun-voice.

Mel met his gaze. She did not look away. Which amused the Jarl. The Jarl got up. Slowly walked towards her. He then sat down next to her.

" I like your hair. '' said the Jarl, as he too was a redhead.

" It is not for sale. " said Mel with charm.

The Jarl let out a faint giggle. He then noticed her warrior attire and weapons.

" I could use someone like you, " he said.

" I have heard of your boar problem. " said Mel, nonchalantly.

Jarl Cnut grew solemnly.

" The boar killed my son… "

Mel started.

" I'm sorry… " she paused; " what was his name? " said Mel, as she intended to ask her mother to ensure that the child had a nice afterlife.

" Óttar. "

Mel made a mental note. She then noticed a finely dressed woman walk towards the two of them.

" The queen? " said Mel, quietly.

" Husband. " said the woman.

" The Queen. "

" What is it? " said Cnut, while not looking at his wife.

" Who is she? "

" Someone who will help us with our boar problem. "

Mel noticed that the Queen's breathing had gotten quicker, while emotions fired in her eyes.

" Should you not be looking for our son? "

Mel started at her words.

" Was he not dead? "

Jarl Cnut's face seemed to age 50 years.

" My beloved, my queen… our son is dea- "

The Queen cut him off.

" He is not dead! " her words echoed throughout the hall. So much so; that Refr stopped drinking the mead.

" She must have been the one to put up those fliers. " whispered Funi to Mel.

" Hmm. "

Mel looked at the Jarl. Then at the Queen. The Queen was looking at the Jarl, but Cnut was just looking at the table; refusing to meet her gaze.

The Queen collected herself. She then walked away.

" He is not dead… " Mel heard her whisper.

Mel cleared her throat.

" Forgive me… but I thought you said: that the boar had killed your son? "

The Jarl now seemed to age 100 years.

" He is dead… my Queen is still grieving… " the Jarl's face grew serious; " and I want the one responsible slain. "

" The boar? "

The Jarl nodded.

Mel examined Cnut's body. She noticed the many scars. Wounds. And weak limbs.

" He can not do it himself… which must cause him even greater pain… not being able to avenge his son… "

Mel sighed. She then stood up.

" Where are you going? " asked the Jarl.

With a smile, Mel responded:

" I'm hunting boar. "

Cnut smiled, as Refr ran to join his friends.

Máni was high up in the sky. It was a full moon tonight. Mel heard the wolves howl… or maybe it was just Mánagarmr howling, while chasing Máni.

" Why are we hunting during the night? " said Refr, as he was hiding within Mel's jacket.

" Catch the boar while it sleeps… while its guard is down. " said Mel, mounted on Funi - who was illuminating blue light.

Funi halted.

" My lady… "

Mel could hear it as well… footsteps from behind the bushes.

A twig could be heard snapping.

Refr hid.

Mel drew forth her sword. She held the blade up. And then yelled:

" Ljóss! "

A blinding light came off the blade; revealing the hiding animal.

" A wolf? " said Mel, surprised.

" My lady… look again. "

Mel now saw how the wolf was larger than any she had ever seen before. The creature looked more like a werewolf than a wolf. A true child of Hildólfr(Fenrir.)

(A quick note: I refer to Fenrir as Hildólfr - War-Wolf. But that name does not belong to him… but I do find it quite fitting.)

The moon reflected off the wolf's eyes, as it was growling at Mel.

Mel kept her composure. Funi panicked, as the wolf pounced.

" Binda! "

Magical chains appeared on the wolf, holding it in place. The massive monster struggled, but could not break the chains.

" What now? " said Refr, as his small head popped out from Mel's jacket; all cute like.

" We wait. "

" For what? "

" Sol. "

Mel suspected that the wolf before her… was indeed a werewolf… Well, she was half right.

Sol slowly replaced her brother in the sky.

Mel noticed the change.

The fur vanished. Claws and fangs retracted. Mel could not believe her own eyes.

" Hlaðgerðr? "

Poor, exhausted Hlaðgerðr fell unconscious.

When Hlaðgerðr opened her eyes again, she was in a bed; within Jarl Cnut's hall.

" Here. " said Mel, as she handed her some food and mead.

" Thanks. "

" So you are a werewolf? " said Refr.

(Hlaðgerðr can understand the speech of animals.)

Hlaðgerðr took a sip of her drink.

" Ylgr. "

" She-wolf. " said Mel with a faint smile; " why did you not tell me? "

" I saw no need to. " said Hlaðgerðr; " I did not think it important to mention. "

" I would say that something like that is quite important to mention. "

Hlaðgerðr smiled.

" I had hoped to use my ylgr-form to track down the boar… "

" What happened? "

Hlaðgerðr sighed.

" Thinking I was alone; I transformed… but it seems like my other half caught your scent. "

" Ah. "

Hlaðgerðr finished her mead.

" Seems like I have to do this the old fashion way. "

Hlaðgerðr got up from the bed.

Mel looked at her.

" We will join you. "

Hlaðgerðr looked at Mel and Refr.

" You and the fox? "

" And me, " said Funi, as she made herself visible to Hlaðgerðr.

Hlaðgerðr almost fell backwards from shock and surprise.

" Well… " said Hlaðgerðr, as she was trying to calm down her fast-beating heart; " with a team like this… what could possibly go wrong? "

The gang were yet again out in the forest.

" Hild " - Mel's nickname for Hlaðgerðr; " how do you suggest we draw out the beast? "

Hild paused. She then looked down at Refr. With a smile, she said:

" With bait. "

Several trees were pushed aside, as Hildisvíni walked through the dense forest. The boar now caught the scent of breakfast. Hildisvíni's charge caused the very earth to quake. The boar now had Refr in sight. Hildisvíni showed an expression of surprise, as he ran straight through Refr; as if the fox was made of the air itself. For Mel had used her Sjónhverfing spell.

" Now! "

Funi charged straight into Hildisvíni, sending the boar flying into a tree.

Hildisvíni did not get back up, as he was badly wounded.

" We got him! " exclaimed Mel, proudly.

Hild smiled. But she then paused, as she was listening to Hildisvíni's lament.

" By the gods… " exclaimed Hild, horrified.

" What? " said Mel, scared.

" He is Óttar… "

It turns out that Óttar was still alive… cursed to be this boar: Hildisvíni.

" Do you have any idea who might have cursed him? "

Jarl Cnut seemed to age 200 years.

" Long ago, I killed a witch who was bringing about famine and death… with her last breath she cursed my offspring to be hunted like animals… " the Jarl took a sip of his drink; " one day, I heard a strange sound coming from my son's room. I rushed to check up on him. That was when I saw a boar… and my son's shattered clothes on the ground. In grief and madness, I charged at the beast. It pushed me aside and ran out the hall. " Cnut sighed; " till this day, I believed that the boar had eaten my son… " Cnut turned to see his wife caressing Óttar, who was still a boar; " I should have believed her. "

" Why did she think that Óttar was still alive? " asked Hild.

With a smile, Jarl Cnut said:

" Women's intuition. "

Hild giggled.

Cnut now took Mel's hand.

" Can you help him? "

Mel paused. She then looked at Óttar.

" Of course. "

Mel used a spell, which I don't have the norse name for, to break the witch's curse.

Óttar was no longer a boar.

The Norse Minotaur

Tunraz tapped his sword. He then tapped his dagger. He then tapped his shield.

" Why do you keep doing that? " asked Jarl Höttr Den Smilende, as he was sitting behind his desk.

" To make sure that they are all on my person. "

The Jarl smiled his iconic smile. He then quickly lifted his papers, as Thord the Cat walked across his desk.

" Excuse me. " said Thord with glee in his green eyes.

" Do try to behave. '' said Dúfa, a Dís, while sitting on Tunraz's shoulder.

(The Dísir typically look a bit similar to fairies.)

(I should also quickly mention that Thord the Cat has the ability to transform into a large winged beast - similar to Freya's transformation in the Merlin Series. Fun fact: Thord the Cat originates from: Eyrbyggja saga.)

" My lord! " exclaimed a guard, as he burst into the room.

" What is it? "

" You best come see for yourself… "

The carnage-filled-scene turned the stomachs of both Tunraz and Höttr. The foul smell was overwhelming. The flies were feasting on the corpses. And Tunraz made a small prayer to his mother, asking her that all these poor souls would all find some form of peace in Hel.

" What mortal man would cause such an atrocity…? " said Jarl Höttr in disbelief over witnessing such depravity.

" No mortal… " said Tunraz, as he examined some of the left-behind footprints. He noticed how the prints were that of a bull's… but much larger. Thord sniffed the bull-print.

" Smells like bullshit… " said the cat, as he covered his sensitive nose.

" There! " said Dúfa. Tunraz and Höttr ran towards the trees which Dúfa had pointed out.

Jarl Höttr ran his fingers over the damaged bits of the tree.

" Only horns could have made these. "

" Large horns. " said Tunraz.

The two of them looked deep into the forest, where they noticed all the pushed-aside-trees.

" Should we really be doing this alone? " said Dúfa, as she flew close to Tunraz's ear.

" We don't have much of a choice. '' said Tunraz, sword and shield drawn; " besides - a faint smile appeared on his face - it's you, me, Thord, and Höttr. "

Dúfa did not share his optimisme.

The Jarl was riding on a transformed Thord.

Tunraz had given Thord strict orders to fly Höttr to safety, if the encounter turned dire. Tunraz was not successful in convincing Höttr to stay behind.

" What would I inspire in my people if I were to flee? "

" Live to lead them. "

" I would rather die inspiring them, then flee like a coward. "

" An uneventful life is not a bad way to go… "

Jarl Höttr grew angry at those words… but he knew where Tunraz was coming from. He knew that Tunraz was concerned, not condemning. If only the Jarl knew that Tunraz was actually an ansuz(god). What would he think of his dear friend then?

Regardless. Jarl Höttr had insisted, and Tunraz had caved.

Tunraz raised his hand, indicating that everyone halt. Thord growled, as he had picked up the scent.

Dúfa hid in Tunraz's attire, while Höttr drew forth his sword.

Tunraz tapped his sword. He then tapped his dagger… he then tapped his shield, as Glossy Gugalanna came bursting out from behind the trees.

(Glossy also appears in Eyrbyggja saga. And in this story: he is the son of the Bull of Heaven.)

Tunraz halted The Norse Minotaur's charge, by pushing his shield against Glossy's forehead, while his feet were planted firmly on the ground. Tunraz was not the son of Máttigr Meili for nothing - he had his father's strength!

Glossy staggered back as Thord bit into his neck. The snow was further painted red, as Höttr ran his blade into one of Glossy's eyes. The minotaur howled in pain. Höttr gasped for air, as Glossy had him within his grip. He then sent Thord flying with a punch from his free hand.

" Let him go, you big meanie!!! " yelled tiny Dúfa, as she was pounding Glossy with her small hands.

The colossal minotaur merely sent Dúfa flying, as he would an annoying fly.

This royally pissed off Tunraz - lightning crackling off his body. But Tunraz knew better than to utilize lightning, while Höttr was still in Glossy's grasp.

" What to do?... " thought Tunraz.

Thord came flying down, and then bore one of his fangs deep into Glossy's remaining eye.

In the pain and confusion; Glossy released the Jarl. And Höttr was quickly flown to safety by Thord.

Tunraz smiled as both lightning and fire answered his call.

Suffice to say: Glossy was turned into barbecue ... both figuartly… and very literally.

And it was on that day; that Tunraz granted his dear friend the title: Herkonungr - Warrior-King.

Unfortunately… It was also on that day that Höttr caught the eye of Hárbarðr.

Alfadhirhaiti

Hárbarðr enters Valhal. Each fallen/risen warrior grabs hold of his and her drinking horn. They all then beat their horn on the table in tune with the song from: 2:52 - 3:46, whilst they also sing along, in one voice.

Fortress-Heart

A rumor was circulating that a princess was trapped within a castle; guarded by a dragon-serpent.

Melili, the ever-ready-to-save-a-damsel-in-distress, rode toward the princess' need on Comrade, her large-flying-talking-magical-goat - who first appears in the Norwegian Fairy Tale: The Comrade.

The Landvættir, whom Melili had a close relationship with - for she was the granddaughter of Fjörgyn after all - told of the castle's whereabouts. Melili dismounted for the dragon-serpent: þjóðvitnir was in sight.

" How do you suppose to deal with this serpent? " asked Comrade.

Melili smiled.

" With some leaves. "

þjóðvitnir awoke, startled, as vines sprang forth from the ground: trapping him. But it seemed like Melili had overlooked the fact: that this was a fire-breathing dragon-serpent. þjóðvitnir spued out fire, freeing himself.

" Plan b. "

" Plan b, my lady? "

" Plan brute-force. "

Melili charged atop Comrade, as þjóðvitnir was finally aware of their presence. Comrade dodged the fire, as Melili leaped for the dragon-serpent's head. She clenched her fist, and then punched down on þjóðvitnir's head; forcing it to the ground, for she was the daughter of Máttigr Meili after all.

" Stop! " yelled a voice.

Melili looked up, to see the princess Thora atop the castle walls.

" Don't hurt my friend!! "

" Friend?!!! " exclaimed both Melili and Comrade.

þjóðvitnir was spared, as Melili and Comrade were both allowed within the castle.

" Wow… " utter Melili in dumb amazement, for Princess Thora was that breathtaking. And Melili slowly realized that she had a "thing" for beautiful women.

" Why did you attack my friend? " asked Thora, as she was caressing þjóðvitnir's massive head.

" He had entrapped you. "

" He has been protecting me. "

Melili and Comrade looked at one another.

" Protecting? " said they both.

Thora Fortress-Heart went on to explain: that she had cared for þjóðvitnir when he was just a itsy bitsy little dragon-serpent. As Thora fed þjóðvitnir, the dragon-serpent grew into a Jörmungandr-like-size - that is an exaggeration… but not that far off.

As þjóðvitnir grew, so did Thora's beauty. Till one day, her fair face caught the eye of a foreign king.

þjóðvitnir listened to Thora's lament. For she did not wish to marry this foreign king. It was then and there that þjóðvitnir vowed to protect Thora from all suitors. Even from the likes of "Hairy-Breeches".

" So… what now? " said Melili, unsure what to do.

Thora smiled a smile, which could easily put two kingdoms at war;

" By the laws of hospitality… I must welcome you with… firm kindness. "

Melili had a "Whoa mama!" look on her face.

As to what happened next… well… I will leave that for your fan fiction.

Sword-Bender

" Cannonball! " yelled Refr, as his small foxy body made a tiny splash in the water. Melkorka and her companions were all taking a break at a spring.

" Cannonball!! " yelled Funi in the form of a bear. Mel and Refr both quickly took cover, as the large bear-body made a giant SPLASH! in the water.

" Just what I needed. " said Mel, as she was drying her crimson hair. Even Refr was shaking the water of his red fur. For funziz, Funi could be seen shaking off "water" from her spiritual body. Mel smiled. All three then cleared some bushes, and before them stood a beautiful village. Mel entered, wishing to stock up on provisions.

" Did you call me a dog? "

Mel stopped in her tracks.

" I said you dig like one. - Mel looked on as the people gathered around two men - flinging earth carelessly like an animal. "

" So, now I'm an animal? " said the short guy.

" You're not listening, " said the giant.

" I'm deaf? " said the short guy, as he was standing on his toes, looking up at the giant's face;

" You have insulted my honor… make the circle! "

The short guy had just challenged the giant to a Holmgang. The price was agreed on - the price the loser had to pay, for lives were no longer on the line. Then the battle began!

Mel, like every other onlooker, were pretty sure that the giant would be victorious. Then the strangest thing happened. Mel looked on as the giant's sword bent: becoming utterly useless.

" Yield! " exclaimed the short guy, holding his sword to the giant's throat.

" I yield… "

The short guy won the money.

" Curious, " said Refr.

" Curious indeed, " said Mel.

" Do you think that magic was involved, my lady? " asked Funi, in the form of an Irish elk.

" I am certain of it. "

" Does that mean we are staying? " said Refr, half-hoping to get to sleep in a proper bed.

" It does. "

" Yes! "

" But first " said Mel, her green eyes glittering; " we are gonna need some information. "

Which she would get within the longhouse. The pillars holding up the roof matched the length of the tables. Mel sat down by one of these long-tables. A woman was kind enough to pour her a drink. She was sipping her drink, while keeping an eye on all the men and women. She was on the look-out for anyone out of place.

" Thou rose in human form! "

Mel turned to look upon this Shakespearean bard.

" Autumn given life. " sang the bard while stroking his small instrument; " Thou embodiment of fire! "

Mel noticed the long locks. The slick smile, and devilish eyes, as the bard continued to play a - Devil's Trill. It was then that the bard made the mistake of bumping into an oaf.

" Do forgive me… " said the bard with a nervous smile, as he took off his jester hat; " I was too caught up in the moment… "

The bard yelped as the oaf easily picked him up with one hand.

Mel was ready to come to the jester's rescue, for the oaf had pulled out a knife.

" I hate music, I hate poetry - the oaf glared down at the bard - and most importantly of all: I hate you. "

" So you just hate all fun in general? "

Those were about to become the bard's famous last words. But, dear reader, don't get ahead of yourself. For it was not Mel who rescued the bard. The oaf's knife had bent: becoming utterly useless.

" The hell…? " said the oaf, surprised.

That was when the bard headbutted the oaf, freeing himself.

" So uncultured. " said the bard, as he dusted himself off.

Mel looked at all the onlookers. There were too many, she could not tell who the culprit was.

" Allow me to start over, " said the bard, standing before Mel; " my name is Thórorm. The honor is all mine. " Thórorm made a princely bow.

" Mel. '' said Mel, amused; " did you know him? " Mel gestured towards the unconscious oaf on the ground.

" Gunnlaug? " said Thórorm, nonchalantly; " he and I go WAY back - Thórorm paused - I owe him money… "

With that, Thórorm made his exit, as Gunnlaug Ormstunga was coming to.

" Curious, " said Refr.

Mel smiled. She ran out the gates, hoping to catch up with Thórorm. That was when she hid behind one of the pillars, as Thórorm was speaking with the short man from the Holmgang.

" Curious indeed, " said Mel.

" Excuse me! " said Mel, as she caught the short man, before he could make his way into the longhouse; " I saw your match, and I was really impressed. "

Mel's fake flirtation clearly had the desired effect, for the short man was ready to boast.

" It was nothing " said the short man, as he tossed his hair back, while flexing his biceps; " he was just one of many. "

" Oh? " said Mel, "curious"; " just how many have you defeated? "

" Too many to count. " said the short man with enough swagger to make Refr barf.

" I was wondering… " said Mel, as she turned the fake flirtation up to an eleven.

She crossed her thighs, and shook her lower body gently. Her hands behind her back. She lowered her chin, looking up at the short man. The wind gently stroked her loose red hair. The sun made her emerald eyes gleam a little. She then said with a sweet, and a pitch of sexy, voice:

" May I know your name? "

The short man had clearly never been with a woman before, for his testosterone-level was skyrocketing, to the point: where he got a little nosebleed. His blood then rushed downwards.

" Teft… Teft is my name. " said the short man with a bow.

Mel realized that she had an advantage, so she pressed on.

" How do you know Thórorm? "

" He is my partner. "

" Oh? "

" Not that kind of partner!! " proclaimed Teft, rather quickly.

" Then what kind of partner is he? "

" Partner in cri- " Teft quickly realized that he had said too much; " forgive me! But I must be going now! "

Mel, Refr, and Funi, all looked on as Teft literally ran into the hall. All the blood back in his face.

" Hmm. " sounded Mel.

" What are you thinking, my lady? " said Funi, still as an Irish elk.

" That these people are being taken advantage of… "

" How do we expose them? " asked Refr.

Mel thought about it. She then had an idea, as she asked her father if she could borrow Molniya - the twin to Mjölnir.

" Let us see them bend a hammer. "

I will spare you all the details as to how Mel fooled Teft into an Holmgang.

If I recall… it was something about the size of his… Völsi.

The cycle was made, and the two combatants stood before one another.

" Just remember " said Teft; " I did not wish for any of this. My only desire… my only reason for living! was to make you happy… "

Mel just looked at him: really?

Teft drew forth his sword.

Mel noticed that Thórorm was in the crowd; standing behind Teft. She smiled. She then drew forth Molniya. While the onlookers gasped at the sight of the hammer - for it was rare, even unheard of, for a fighter to use a hammer. Thórorm and Teft both seemed caught off guard.

Teft looked back at Thórorm: what do I do?

Fight! Exclaimed Thórorm's expression: you can take her!

Sufficient to say… Teft could not.

Mel was victorious, as she stood over a defeated Teft. She took Teft's heavy money-pouch, and then pointed at Thórorm with Molniya.

" These two charlatans have been working together; in order to cheat you all out of your hard earned money! "

Thórorm noticed all the glaring eyes on him. He turned around to run, but that was when he bumped into Gunnlaug.

" You fool! " said Thórorm; " no sharp object can harm me- "

Gunnlaug knocked Thórorm out with a headbutt.

" I did not need a sharp object. "

Den Smukke and the Smith

A plant was crushed under the weight of Cath Palug, Vanadís' steed. Cath Palug is known as: The Cat-King of Ulthar and The Cat Who Could Eat So Much. He is a large Banth-like-creature, loyal only to Vanadís. He also has a nickname: Cat o' Nine Tails, but more on that in another story.

Cath Palug crushed another plant, as he walked forward with Vanadís on his back. He then stopped, as Vanadís dismounted.

" This is far enough. " she said, as she petted Cath Palug. Vanadís walked forward in the dark. Pulling her hood closer, as to shield her face from the gentle snowfall. The village was before her. Vanadís thought it wise to have Cath Palug stay behind, as she continued on foot, for many would probably be scared half to death by his appearance - no offense to the loyal feline.

" Who is there? " said an old lady, as she held up her lamp. Vanadís cleared some bushes. She took off her hood, and the old lady was awed by her goddess-like-beauty. She had a fair hue with a pinch of tan. Blonde hair with a pinch of hazel. Emerald eyes with a pinch of gray. Plumb cheeks. Naturally knitted eyebrows. A cute nose. And rosy-colored-lips. Vanadís truly resembled: Nina Agdal in every way. The old lady now noticed the black cat resting on her shoulders.

" Who are you? " she asked, a bit frightened.

" I am here to help. I am a Veleda(healer). "

It took the old lady a moment to process what that siren-like-melody of a voice just said.

" Oh! " exclaimed the old lady, as she took Vanadís by the arm; " please come in! "

Vanadís, along with the companion on her shoulders, entered the simple cottage. Vanadís looked around the home, which was being lighted up by the fireplace in the middle. She then spotted the child, who lay in the single bed; covered with several fur-blankets. This old lady had a grandchild, who was very ill. And Vanadís had come to help. She knelt down before the suffering grandchild. She took off her gauntlet, and then felt the child's forehead.

" Poor thing is burning up… " said Vanadís, a bit worried; " where are her parents? " for the grandchild was a she.

The old lady simply responded with a sad expression.

" I see, " said Vanadís, as she would later locate the child's parents within Fólkvangr. So that she could personally tell them that their child is alive and healthy, for Vanadís now healed the child.

The old lady did not know how she did it. All she saw was a green light coming off her palm. She then heard some words she did not understand. But the old lady could hear that the child was breathing more easily.

" Oh! " cried the old lady, as she knelt next to her grandchild. Vanadís got up, and then put her gauntlet back on.

" Thank you… " said the old lady through her tears; " thank you. "

Vanadís simply smiled a warm smile.

" Of course. "

She was about to leave. But that was when the old lady stopped her.

" Please accept this as payment. - the old lady paused - It is not much, I know… "

Vanadís looked down at the beard and cheese held before her. She then noticed that her companion was eyeing it eagerily.

" I accept your payment. - the cat looked excited - I now freely give it to the child. " The cat looked a bit disappointed.

" You're too kind… " cried the old lady, who has been through much in her long life. Vanadís lovingly placed a hand on her shoulder. That was when the old lady could feel a warmth of hope beat within her.

" Good luck. "

The old lady could have sworn that it sounded more like a blessing than a farewell.

Vanadís put her hood back on, as she entered the dark woods. Where Cath Palug arose to greet her.

" You could have accepted some of the food… " said Jörmungandr in his feline-form, sounding a lot like Gustaf Skarsgård.

" Here you go. " said Vanadís, as she gave Jörmungandr some of her own provisions. Jörmungandr accepted it eagerly, as Vanadís mounted Cath Palug.

" Where to next? "

Vanadís thought about it. She then said:

" Närke. I hear that King Niðhad has a smithy problem. - Vanadís pulled at Cath Palug's reins - Eeah! " The monstrous cat-creature howled. It could then be seen charging straight towards Närke on all eight legs… paws?

It is at Närke that Vanadís would face off against Völund the Smith.

All the animals made way for the running Cath Palug. Vanadís held on, as they passed the trees and the sunlight shining through. Cath Palug halted after clearing some trees. They were on a cliff, and in the far distant stood the Soria-Moria-like-castle. The structure was colossal, with several towers visible from within. Everything was covered in blue and white paint - even the surrounding great wall.

Vanadís gently kicked Cath Palug's sides, and the beast now made its way towards King Niðhad's castle. After exiting the forest, and running across the bridge, Vanadís and her companions were now within the castle's courtyard. The soldiers, utterly frightened by Cath Palug's appearance, raised their spears towards the monstrous beast.

" I wouldn't do that, " said Vanadís with a smile; " I haven't given him any breakfast yet. "

Cath Palug howled, as he raised his upper body towards the sky. All the soldiers stepped back in fright, while Jörmungandr found all this amusing.

" How would they react if they saw me in my true form? " he pondered to himself.

" Stand down, " said King Niðhad, as he made his way towards Vanadís. All the soldiers lowered their spears, as Vanadís dismounted. She then noticed the look which Cath Palug gave her. A look which said:

" Can I eat any of them? "

" No. " said Vanadís, as she put a feedbag on Cath Palug.

" Look at him go… " said Jörmungandr, as The Cat Who Could Eat So Much eagerly ate his fill.

" Your Highness, " said King Niðhad, as he knelt before Vanadís. This was not unusual, for many knew the identity of the goddess riding on the fearsome Cath Palug… still. This was rather unusual for the proud King Niðhad. Hence: Vanadís' surprise.

" Looks like the proud have been humbled. "

Vanadís quieted Jörmungandr by massaging him under his neck, which made him purr.

" Raise, King. You have honored me enough. "

King Niðhad was slowly getting up, but Vanadís quickly noticed how he was struggling. So she helped him.

" Thank you… " said the old king.

Vanadís nodded with a smile. She then helped him sit down on his throne.

" Thank you… " said the grateful king.

Vanadís nodded with a smile. She then looked around the throne room.

" Where is Princess Bǫðvildr? "

" For that matter: where is the Queen? " said Jörmungandr, noticing the vacant throne next to Niðhad. The King seemed to grow older, as his hair grayed more, and more wrinkles appeared.

" It was that accursed Smith… " uttered the King with his last strength; " he has taken so much from me… "

Vanadís saw how this once proud and mighty King… was now crying like a child.

" How the mighty have fallen. " said Jörmungandr.

Vanadís didn't quiet him this time. For she had heard how Völund was captured and treated. She knew the story, and she had only come to check up on the Princess… She didn't have a lot of pity for the King. So Vanadís quietly walked towards the Princess' chamber, as King Niðhad was still crying.

" Princess? " said Vanadís, as she knocked at the wooden door.

No response.

" She is in there. " said Jörmungandr; " I can smell her. " he then put his ears to work; " I can also hear her heartbeat. "

Vanadís looked at him.

" It is beating faster than normal… "

" Princess? " said Vanadís, a bit louder; " I am a Veleda. "

That word seemed to cause some movement in the room.

" She is coming. " said Jörmungandr.

A second later, the door was unlocked, and there stood Princess Bǫðvildr in the half-open-door.

" Can you help? " said the Princess in a quiet tone.

" I will try, " said Vanadís with a warm and welcoming smile.

The Princess opened the door fully, and Vanadís now beheld her swollen belly.

" I had hoped that that part of the story was untrue… " said Vanadís, quietly. She then noticed the sad state of the Princess. Bǫðvildr was renown for her beauty. But right now… she looked more dead than alive.

" May I come in? " said Vanadís with a soothing tone. It took a second, but the Princess did move aside.

" Woah… " uttered Jörmungandr. For the room was a mess. Clothes and jewelry were everywhere. The bed had not been slept in, nor was it possible; for the sheets, blankets, and pillows were all torn to bits. The curtains were keeping the sun's light out. Vanadís then noticed the shattered mirror… Some of the shards had blood on them. The Princess curled up in a corner.

Vanadís gave Jörmungandr a look, which he immediately understood. He jumped from her shoulder. Made his way towards the Princess. And now did his best to act all cat-like. It did work a little. For the Princess started to pet him.

Vanadís drew the curtains open. She now noticed the cuts on the Princess' arm.

" Have you eaten anything? "

Bǫðvildr did not answer, she was simply enjoying the sound of Jörmungandr purring. Not that Vanadís needed an answer. For Bǫðvildr was more bone than flesh. A few minutes later, per Vanadís' request, a meal was brought to the Princess. Bǫðvildr just looked at the steaming meal.

" Eat. " said Vanadís, as she was eye-level with the Princess. Bǫðvildr simply took some of the food, and started to feed Jörmungandr.

" He has had enough. "

Jörmungandr gave her a look.

" I could eat more. "

" I will give you all you can eat, later. "

" I will hold you to that. "

But the Princess kept giving Jörmungandr the food. Vanadís nodded for him to get off. But the Princess still did not eat.

" You have to eat something. " said Vanadís, clasping her hands; " if not for yourself… then for the child. "

That seemed to stir something within the Princess.

" The child… "

Bǫðvildr placed a hand on her very large belly.

" His child… " she uttered with a shaking voice; " which he forced upon me… "

Her tears gently ran down her ruined dress. Her lament could be heard throughout the halls. And Vanadís stayed with her throughout the night.

It took some time, but with Vanadís there; the Princess finally started to eat and rest properly - it also helped that she got to pet Jörmungandr(and he certainly did not seem to mind.). It was on the ninth month that Vanadís helped deliver the baby.

It was a boy: half human, half elf.

Böðvildr decided to call him: Viðga.

The Princess had decided to keep the child, and Vanadís now planned on telling the father the good news - wrote the writer very sarcastically.

A plant was crushed under the weight of Cath Palug, as the massive creature made its way through the forest.

" Anything? " asked Vanadís of her two companions. Jörmungandr and Cath Palug were using all their senses to track their foe down.

Jörmungandr turned his head to the side.

" What is it? "

Jörmungandr's ears went left, then right. He then looked up towards the sky.

" There. "

Vanadís looked up, and there was Völund the Smith with his Icarus-like-wings. The elven-smith had lost some of his beauty due to all the scars and bruises. Vanadís looked up at those blood-shot-eyes. She then noticed the half-cut-pointed-ears. Some pity stirred in her chest, for she was a compassionate goddess… her pity was quickly distinguished the moment she remembered Bǫðvildr.

" He must answer for his crimes. "

Vanadís nodded at Jörmungandr, and he immediately understood the plan, as he disappeared behind some bushes. Völund charged down at Vanadís, like an eagle swooping for its prey. But it seems like Völund had not taken Cath Palug into account, as the fearsome creature rose half of his body, to swipe at Völund. Some of his wings were damaged, which made Völund crashland on the ground. He slowly rose, half-muttering to himself.

" Kill… her. She will capture me… she plans to take me back… the King must have sent her! " Völund looked towards the castle; " kill him! "

Völund flew into the air, as Vanadís was chasing him from the ground. She then heard a whistle, which meant that Jörmungandr was in position. From Cath Palug's back, Vanadís transformed into a giant falcon - for her cloak was made from her fjaðrhamr. Völund looked back to see that Falcon-Vanadís was chasing him from behind… which is why he did not notice World-Serpent-Jörmungandr coming up from the front.

" Woah!!! " yelled Völund, as he tried to halt in mid-air. He was half-successful, as Jörmungandr managed to bite down on the right-side of his body. Völund fell to the hard ground with an echoing BOOM, as Vanadís and Jörmungandr both transformed. Vanadís was standing over a bloody-beaten-and-bone-shattered Völund. He did not have long. Vanadís knelt down.

" I am sorry as to what happened to you - she paused - but I can not forgive your crimes. "

Völund looked at her, some sanity returning to his eyes.

" Nor would I want you to… "

Vanadís at the very least gave him a decent burial.

She returned to the castle, where an exhausted Bǫðvildr fell into her arms.

" Forgive me… " said the Princess, picking herself up.

" Baby has been keeping you up? " said Vanadís, jokingly, with her sexy smile.

That smile seemed to stir up something warm and fuzzy within the Princess. And Vanadís was finally able to see her pale cheeks take on a more pink hue. The Princess ran her hands up Vanadís' gauntlets. She then realized what she was doing.

" Forgive me! " she half-exclaimed, as she pretty much jumped backwards. Vanadís simply half-giggled, as she was very much happy to see the Princess act a bit girlishly. She was also finally able to enjoy the Princess' renown beauty, as Princess Bǫðvildr very much resembled: Sarah-Sofie Boussnina. Vanadís would stay with the Princess for a while, only till Prince Viðga had grown a bit older. For after having spent time with Bǫðvildr and Viðga… Vanadís longed to spend some time with her own kids.

You read that right!

Vanadís is a mother herself. She has two daughters: Hnoss and Gersemi, who are both being cared for/watched over by Heimdallr, Hyndla(Fenrir), and Ratatoskr - and occasionally Jörmungandr, when he is not out traveling with Vanadís.

Sunbeam

" There was a lord named Thorir, a man of mighty power in Norway, a man of fame, and wedded to a noble wife: this earl begat on his wife a woman-child, Olof by name, who was wondrous fair-mannered from her youth up; and she was the fairest fashioned of all women of Norway, so that her name was lengthened and she was called Olof Sunbeam.The earl loved his daughter much, and was so jealous of her that no son of man might speak with her. He let build a bower of her, and let adorn that house with all kinds of craft. Wide about was it carven and fretted, with gold run through the carving; roofed with lead was this dwelling, and fair be painted within; round about it was a wall of pales, and therein a wicket iron-bolted strongly: neither was the house adorned in meaner wise without than within. "

" No son of man… " Melili smiled; " I am no man! "

Melili and Comrade were standing outside the massive structure.

" Where did you get that? " said Comrade, as Melili had taken a page out of the Hávamál; and was using the Rati to bore a hole in the wall-like-doors to Olof's room.

" Far gave it to me. " said Melili, as she blew into the hole she had made; which made the dust fly back in her face.

" Damn… " said Melili; " not there yet… "

The Rati was put back in, and Melili was now ever closer to Olof.

" Why are you even helping her? "

" Do you even need to ask? " said Melili, as she labored away.

" Just curious. "

Melili sighed.

" Just because she is beautiful beyond words… does not mean that she should be locked away - not that any person should be locked away for that matter. - Melili put more force into the Rati - she can't experience the world from in there. Food… people… the weather… none of it. - Melili now put her back into the Rati - and I intend to show her a whole new world! "

Melili fell a little forward, as the Rati had gone all the way through. She blew in the hole, and sure enough; the dust flew through.

" How do you intend to get in? "

Melili stood up. Dusted herself off. And then said proudly:

" I'm half Jötnar. "

Comrade thought about it. He then said:

" Oh yeah. " remembering that Hel is a full-blooded Jötnar.

(Poof!) it said as Melili transformed.

" How do I look? " said Melili, now as a snake.

" Sssexy. "

Melili just looked at him.

" I couldn't resist. "

She sighed. Melili then entered the hole, exiting on the other side.

Olof, sitting on her bed; reading a book, started as it said:(Poof!) once more, as Melili had transformed back to normal.

Melili coughed, as she waved the dust away. She then noticed Olof within the candle light room - for there weren't even any windows.

But the candles were enough to help Melili to drink in Olof's renown beauty. She was exquisite, and yes: that is not doing her justice. Curly chestnut hair, which came to her shoulders - for she had to pass the time with something. And she chose hairstyles. Olof did have a jasmine hue, but the lack of sunlight made her look even paler. But her caramel eyes were still full of so much life. Her lips were still rosy. Her cheeks still plump - for her father had at least made sure that she was well-provisioned. Well-taken-care-of-eyebrows. Melili finally noticed that Olof was wearing a see-through-nightgown - it was not as if Olof was expecting any company.

Melili gently pushed back her hair. And then went full Joey Tribbiani.

" How you doin'? "

Olof smiled with a confused look on her face. She, understandably, did not know what to make of the situation. But she jumped at the chance to be free of her prison - the second Melili offered to help.

Melili from the inside, and Comrade from the outside. Together, they tore down the wall with a single combined effort.

Olof, shakingly, approached the sunlight. It had been years since she last saw the sun… or anything else for that matter. She was an adult, with barely any knowledge of the outside world.

Melili was gonna help her set things right, as Meili hunted down Thorir.

Hárbarðr's Völva

There is a theory suggesting that Angrboða was the Völva who spoke with Hárbarðr of Baldur's death.

Óðinn said:

" You're not a witch,

nor a wise women,

but you're the mother

of three monsters. "

But in this story. Angrboða is still very much alive… and she is currently being tracked down by Hárbarðr.

It was a calm day, on a warm day, as Angrboða made her way to visit Rig(Heimdallr) - for the two of them were actually good friends - some have even suggested that they are siblings.

She was dressed in this way: she had a blue cloak with a neck string over herself: and stones were set in it all the way to the hem. On her neck she had glass beads. And on her head she had a black hood made of lambskin: which was lined with white catskin. And she had a staff in her hand with a knob on the top. The staff was decorated with brass and it had stone set in it up to the knob. She had a belt tied around herself, and there was a large sack on it. And in that sack she kept her talismans: which she needed in order to make prophecies. On her feet she had shaggy shoes of calfskin: which had black shoe strings and big tin knobs at their ends. On her hand she had catskin gloves, and they were white inside and shaggy.

Angrboða was walking at a slow and calm pace, for she was in no hurry… she was not aware of the danger lurking. The wind gently played with her red hair. The sun tried to bring some vitamins to her pale skin. And the leaves tried to mimic the color of her emerald eyes. Angrboða was wearing a dress with some armor. For she was both a healer and a killer. She preferred to have her hood on, which was truly a shame. For Loki fell in love with her for a good reason. Angrboða was not renown for her beauty, but she was doing pretty well for herself. Plump cheeks. Full-lips. Finely-knitted eyebrows. A small nose. And a round face. In many ways. Angrboða actually resembled: Julia Bache-Wiig.

She stopped. Everything in her body telling her to stand very still. As if a predator had her in sight. Angrboða then started, as she saw a raven land on a branch near her. She then heard footsteps, and the end of a staff hitting the ground.

Angrboða slowly turned around, and now beheld him… Hárbarðr.

" All-father… "

" Völva. "

Hárbarðr was wearing his iconic blue hat and cloak. Angrboða noticed the bits of armor visible from underneath his cloak. She knew not to look at his face… for Hárbarðr was truly handsome. Not too long white hair. A short well-kept beard. Somehow sexy wrinkles. A gentleman's nose. Still fresh lips. Naturally kept eyebrows. And his one remaining eye was still blue as ever. I say it again, and I shall continue saying it: Hárbarðr looks like Viggo Mortensen from the Last Road - minus the apocalyptic attire.

Angrboða took a step backwards, as Hárbarðr took a step forward. For she knew that Gungnir was disguised as the staff. The two of them halted, as frenetic running could be heard. Hárbarðr stood his ground, as Cath Palug jumped out from the bushes, roaring at him. Unsurprisingly. Hárbarðr didn't even flinch. For he is the god who made death blink. Vanadís slit down Cath Palug's side. She crossed her arms. And now said with a calm and cooling voice:

" Is there a problem? "

Cath Palug growled at Hárbarðr.

Hárbarðr couldn't help but smirk, as Vanadís stood between him and Angrboða.

" Mother. "

" Jörmungandr! " said Angrboða, as her son, in his feline-form, jumped onto her shoulders.

" Are you okay? "

" I am fine. " which was true.

All eyes returned to Hárbarðr.

" Leave. '' said Vanadís, the Protector of the Weak and Victimized.

" Or what? " said Hárbarðr, tightening his grip around his staff.

Vanadís smiled.

" Or I tell Hlín. "

Those words truly seemed to have an effect on Hárbarðr.

" Very well… - Hárbarðr smiled - but would you have an old man walk all the way to Asgård? "

Vanadís' smile vanished. For she knew that Hárbarðr meant to "borrow" Cath Palug. But she also knew… that once he had gotten a "taste" he would never let go. Vanadís did not have to fret long, as Hyndla's head popped out from behind some bushes. Hyndla had caught the scent of Hárbarðr near his mother. So he had decided to investigate, and had now decided to intervene.

Hyndla lay prone before Hárbarðr. Seemingly outwitted, Hárbarðr mounted Angrboðason.

Hyndla turned towards his mother. Angrboða smiled in thanks, while Hyndla bowed in no problem. All of them looked on, as Hyndla ran off with Hárbarðr. Vanadís, and her two companions, accompanied Angrboða the rest of the way. After walking for a bit. They had now arrived at their destination. As Rig stood guard Asgard. There was no wall, for Jörmungandr had yet to transform.

Angrboða and Rig embraced one another. For Rig very much resembled: Tobias Santelmann.

Vanadís embraced her two daughters. Jörmungandr transformed, embracing them all.

The Blasphemer

Loke once disrespected the gods and goddess, but he never went as far as: Hjalti Skeggjason.

Hárbarðr, from his high seat within Valhal, had heard the blasphemy of Hjalti; and he was not pleased. Loke was therefore sendt to deal with this Blasphemer.

Hjalti Skeggjason was walking along with a revenue of his guards. They were making their way through a bustling part of town. Hjalti did not pay any mind to the outstretched hands of the beggars. One of his men even started to hit the poor paupers. The guard was ready to hit a third beggar, but that was when the beggar got up: and stabbed the man with his dagger. Hjalti Skeggjason looked back to see that the beggar had actually been Loki - who was staring at him with hungry eyes. Hjalti even noticed the scars around Loki's mouth - from the time his mouth was sewn shut. Two guardsmen rushed upon Loki, as two others got Hjalti to safety. Loki easily dealt with the guards, and now gave chase. Civilians cleared the streets, not wishing to get involved. For many of them had found Hjalti Skeggjason's poem… distasteful. One of the last guards stood his ground, ready to face off with Loke. The guard was brave, foolish, but brave. He looked on as Loki approached. The trickster's armor was glowing. His face was slightly visible from underneath his cowl. All that could be seen: was his scarred grin. Loki drew forth his Krumsvärd/Rørby Scimitar. The guard finally noticed The Snaptun HearthStone painted on the collar of Loki's armor. The guard readied himself, that was when Váli bit him in the butt. Distracted: Loki easily walked over: decapitating the guard.

" Loke is sowing oats today. Lokke is driving his goats today. "

Hjalti and his last guard had both managed to make their way to an opening in the nearby forest. They stood back-to-back, looking to all sides. But, unfortunately, they were already caught in the trickster's lokkanät. As Loke grabbed the guard's ankle: dragging him into the earth. For some legends say: that Loke may have been a Vættir. And with his Ashlad association. Loke stood up from the ground, surrounded by fire. Hjalti Skeggjason truly feared for his life, for Loki, in that moment, truly resembled the guy he was often mistaken for: Logi.

As a last desperate attempt. Hjalti drew forth his bow. Aiming an arrow at Loki. This was madness! This would never work!

Amazingly… it did.

Hjalti looked on, dumbfounded, as his arrow had found its home within Loki's neck. Loke looked at him… confused… scared. He fell to his knees. A hand to where all the blood was pouring out. Hjalti approached, axe in hand. In plight and pity, Loki feebly held his hands up. But Hjalti apparently did not know sign language, as he bored his axe deep into Loki's neck. The Blasphemer enjoyed the despair within the trickster's eyes… but the despair quickly turned into delight, as the real Loki walked up from behind, backstabbing Hjalti with his dagger, for the wounded Loki had been an illusion all along. Loki's son approached, as his father lay Hjalti Skeggjason to rest. Loki could then hear the roar of thunder and the sound of a running chariot. Loki ran through the forest. He then jumped off a cliff, landing on Véurr's chariot. Risin og Lokki could then be seen riding(flying(?)) off to their next adventure.

Old and Dead King

Jarl Höttr Herkonungr was out walking without Tunraz. His thoughts were his only companion. The Jarl was trodding along at a quiet pace. He was in no rush or hurry, he simply wanted to take in the scenery. And what a scenery it was:

The forest was flush with life. The animals were all-about. And The sun made the snow shine. But the tranquil moment was disrupted as several Draugr-Ghouls came crawling out from beneath the ground. The Jarl felt for a moment that he was back in his village, during the reign of his father… when the Aptrganga attacked. He felt like a child standing before the undead… but Höttr was no child! He was a stout Herkonungr! Höttr drew forth his sword, ready to attack or be attacked. The Draugr-Ghouls did not move, for it seems like the undead had no sense of honor, as more of their comrades emerged from beneath the ground. Höttr was severely outnumbered, he realized that. He also realized that he had to be as wise as he was brave. So the Jarl ran away, with the many Draugr-Ghouls hot on his tail. Through the trees and bushes they went, getting deeper into the forest. The Draugr-Ghouls were relentless, but Höttr showed no sign of slowness. He ran like his life depended on it, which it very much did. A crack rang out, as Höttr fell through an opening in the ground. The Draugr-Ghouls immediately halted, not daring to follow. Höttr slowly got back up on his feet, nothing showing any sign of damaged limbs or cracked bones. Höttr felt his way through the damp and dark mound, for that was where he was. He cursed himself for not having bagged a torch, or the means to make one.

" Rookie mistake. "

Höttr squinted his eyes, as a light became visible ahead. He caught his breath, as the sight before him was breathtaking.

" Woah… " woahed Jarl Höttr, as he beheld a ruined-like-Soria-Moria-Castle. The structure must have been incredible and impenetrable back in its heyday. Höttr explored this larger-than-he-thought-mound - it was like a small world underneath the ground. He halted as he was standing in the midst of what seemed like a throne room. It had to be a throne room. For someone was there, sitting on a throne. Höttr felt the very ground quake, as he approached what seemed to be the king. As he came closer, Höttr noticed ruined and rusty armor. A herculean physique. Scars everywhere. Short and disheveled white hair. Wise-wrinkles covered the face. And atop the head: was a ruined crown.

" And who might you be? " said Höttr, forgetting to introduce himself first. The ground quaked once more, as the king lifted up his head.

" I have gone by many names, Örvar-Oddr being one of them… " said the aged king with a firm and rusty tone; " recently… I took up the name: Kar Kur. "

" Kur?(the ground shook for a third time) what does that entail? "

Old King Kar Kur smiled.

" It is the name of my friend. "

" What frie- "

Höttr looked up and beheld: two massive green draconic eyes looking down at him. This was The Dark Dragon: Kur. Kur's growl echoed for miles. Höttr truly felt afraid.

" What is it that you want? "

" Peace… "

" Peace? "

" I have lived for over three hundred years… "

" That is indeed a long life. "

" I have gone through so many phases and faces… " the king sighed heavily; " I seek the sweet embrace of death… "

Höttr couldn't take his eyes off the colossal Dark Dragon.

" So you can not die? "

" Not by any man. "

Höttr just realized that he was unfortunately not a woman.

" Nor woman. "

" Really? Then how do you die? "

Old King Kar Kur lifted his hand, and pointed.

Höttr reluctantly took his eyes off Kur. He then looked in the direction the king was pointing, and that was when he saw a horse tied to a pole.

" The horse? "

Kar the Old nodded.

" Faxi, the horse prophesied to kill me. "

Höttr looked at the horse, and then back at the mighty King.

" A horse? "

Kar the Old smiled and then nodded once more.

" If your death is near, why has it not come yet? "

" I can not get up to greet it, and as you can see: Faxi is bound to the pole. "

" So your death is held at bay by a rope? "

Old Kar consented with his silence.

" I see. Why has the dragon not freed the horse? "

" In doing so: I fear that he might accidently end up killing Faxi. "

Höttr could see why he feared that, for Kur looked like he could kill any with his gaze alone.

" Want me to do it? "

" I would very much appreciate it. "

Höttr walked up, and then undid the rope. Upon reaching Old King Kar Kur, Faxi could be seen simply breathing on the old king. The King did not have long, so he quickly patted the large dragon head next to him.

" Good boy… boy. " said Kar, turning towards Höttr; " remember: not all battles are fought and won with weapons. Some battles take wisdom. "

Old King Kar Kur now, at long last, breathed his last.

(This could possibly be the second Moundacide ever! The first, of course, having occurred within Egil's Saga.)

Höttr managed to escape the mound, with an indescribable treasure: wisdom.

" I do not mean to be rude. "

Höttr turned around to look upon an old man: wearing a blue cloak and pointy hat, while holding himself up with the help of his staff.

" But do you happen to be Höttr Herkonungr? "

" I have that honor. " said Höttr with a bow.

" I see. " said the old man with glee; " a humble heart. "

Hárbarðr approached. He had just arrived after having conferred with Mímir - who now operates the remains of Hrungnir.

" I wish to invite you to my home. "

" I would be honored. "

Hárbarðr smiled.

" Where to? "

" Oh, don't worry; I will meet you there. "

Before Höttr could ask him: what he meant? He felt a sharp pain in his chest, as Hárbarðr had just stabbed him with Gungnir. Höttr looked upon the old man with disbelief in his eyes, for all he could see in Hárbarðr's eyes… was greed. Hárbarðr pulled out Gungnir and then helped Höttr to the ground. A Valkyrie would make sure that Jarl Höttr Herkonungr made his way to Valhal…

Tunraz later found his friend...cold and dead…

Tunraz cried greatly, for he had loved greatly.

Tunraz made sure that Höttr's funeral could be seen from all the realms. Hel suggested that her son visit Höttr in Valhal. Tunraz would eventually pay Höttr a visit. But first: there was a small matter he had to tend to first… avenging Höttr's death.

Tunraz wrote these words on his dear friend's tombstone:

He Is Odin's Man

Hvítramannaland

Melkorka had arrived at this land using her Grógaldr - spells of Gróa.

" What a curious place. " said Ref the Sly, also known as: Mr. Fox(more on that in another story.)

Mel and Ref trodden through the emerald plains, for these were the Emerald Isles.

" Truly remarkable. " said Mel, the wind loving to make her crimson hair flow.

" Who is that? " asked Mr. Fox. The stranger before them was indeed strange. Not that he looked strange, only that he was unknown to both Mel and Ref. The stranger approached.

" Good evening. "

" That remains to be seen. "

The stranger did not know what Mel meant. So he continued.

" I'm Örvar-Oddr, and I seek a way home. "

Mel and Ref looked at one another.

" Where is home? " Mel asked.

" North. "

" Not very helpful. " said Ref.

" But I will see what I can do. " said Mel.

She used her magic, and that was when she was startled.

" You're old… "

" Quite so. " said Örvar-Oddr; " death has no way of reaching me. "

" I do not understand. "

" Ah! You see: I tied death up, hence why he can not reach me. That horse will never get me. "

Mel still did not understand, but questioned no further.

" Allow me to take you home. "

Melkorka snapped her fingers, sending Örvar-Oddr, later: Old King Kar Kur, back home.

" All's well that ends well. " said Mel, smiling, hands at her hips.

Hárbarðr then rode by, singing:

" Dengang jeg drog afsted, dengang jeg drog afsted, min pige ville med, ja, min pige ville med. Det kan du ej, min ven! Jeg går i krigen hen, og hvis jeg ikke falder, kommer jeg nok hjem igen. Ja, var der ingen fare, så blev jeg her hos dig, men alle Danmarks piger, de stoler nu på mig. Og derfor vil jeg slås som tapper landsoldat. Hurra, hurra, hurra! "

Mel, along with Ref, left all this Jauja.

The Sea Goddess

The reason why so many Jötnar are able to sneak past Heimdal - and why he may be a bit mad - is because of his grandmother: Ran, who is constantly whispering in his ears and appearing before his eyes.

" I do not see you. " said Heimdallr, covering his eyes.

" But you hear me. " said Ran, whispering in his ears.

" I do not hear you. " said Heimdallr, covering his ears.

" But you see me! " yelled Ran, appearing before his eyes.

Melili at Rosstrappe

Melili heard the news: a princess was in danger.

" Worry not, fair maiden! For I shall save thee! "

Melili rode away on Comrade - the talking and flying goat. Comrade flew with great haste, with great speed. Rumor had it: that Princess Brynhildr was being tormented by Bodo the Giant.

Melili and Comrade had reached Rosstrappe.

" Are we too late… "

" Woah! "

Comrade moved out of the way, as a pure white stallion rode past them.

" Woah… "

The princess on the stallion was breathtaking. She truly embodied the Valkyrie she was named after. Melili could have been convinced that she was actually looking upon the Valkyrie Brynhildr herself. Melili then remembered why she was there in the first place.

" Princess! " yelled Melili, excitedly, as she drew forth: Thunderstone, her weapon of renown; " I am here to rescue you! "

Princess Brynhildr simply looked upon the crazy, but pretty, lady sitting on a goat with an axe in her hand.

" Uhm… no thanks. I can take care of myself. "

" But- Melili paused - what about the giant? "

A proud smile became visible on Brynhildr's lips.

" I already took care of Bodo. "

" Woah… " said Melili for the third time; " how? "

" I'll show you. "

The white steed rode away with god-like-speed.

" Sleipnir? " Melili wasn't sure if this Brynhildr was the daughter-of-Odin-Brynhildr or an extraordinary princess. But it didn't matter. What mattered… was the chase!

" Eeah! "

Comrade was able to catch up(and not by flying).

The white steed and white goat were neck-and-neck. So close that Melili could catch a whiff of the Princess' long goldilocks.

" Heavenly… "

Brynhildr rolled her eyes, and then smiled. They had arrived at Rosstrappe.

" Woah! " - Melili for the fourth time, as she pulled hard on Comrade's reins. Melili then looked on in awe, as Brynhildr's stallion easily made it across the other side of the crevice.

Brynhildr brought her horse around to look at Melili with a triumphant smile.

" What will I get if I make it across! "

Brynhildr's triumphant smile widened.

" A kiss! "

Melili was now motivated.

" Comrade - Melili paused with a smile - go for it. "

" Certainly, milady. "

Brynhildr looked on, dumbfounded, as Comrade flew across the vast crevice. Brynhildr's jaw dropped, as Melili had made it to the other side.

" So. " said Meili with a triumphantness of her own; " how about that kiss? "

Brynhildr narrowed her eyes while smiling. She then sighed, giving Melili her reward.

Melili blushes, as the story comes to a close.

Sif's Oak

This story tells of how Sif's Oak was mistaken for Thor's Oak.

The priest and people were gathered around the tree. The people of the pagan belief believed the tree to be a child of Yggdrasil… hence why the priests could no longer allow its existence.

The herculean priest stepped forward, this priest having once been a berserker. The head-priest spoke, as the berserker-priest got ready with his axe.

" The Serpent escaped Eden, and now calls this tree its home. " the berserker-priest got ready to swing; " with its fall, the Serpent shall die, along with the pagan gods of this land! " said the head-priest, holding his hands towards the sky.

The berserker-priest swung.

The people gasped!...

Not because of the blow…

" My God… " uttered head-priest, aghast.

Blood.

Blood was pouring out of the tree.

The berserker-priest beheld his bloody axe.

" What can this mean? " he asked.

The head-priest was quiet, unsure what to do or say.

He then noticed all the people smiling. The pagan people were all well-aware of the retribution to come.

The head-priest grew angry.

" Heathens! " he fumed; " bring the Lord to this heathen land! "

The berserker-priest swung mightily, the old tree gave way. The head-priest was disgusted by their tears and lamentations.

But a reckoning was at hand. Sif had felt the tree's anguish. She would not let this go unpunished…

Days went by quietly.

The head-priest saw to his duties and the church.

The monks had teased him for his new eating habit. But other than that; things were normal. There was no longer any paganism, and the little that remained would soon be snuffed out.

The head-priest was ready to fast, but could not help himself to some sweets.

" Tomorrow. " he said.

Tomorrow came, but the fast never did.

" Tomorrow. "

Tomorrow came, but the fasting still eluded the head-priest.

" What is wrong with me? "

The head-priest grasped his stomach. It was as if there was a hole within; a hole leading straight to hell.

No matter what the head-priest ate, he was always hungry.

No matter what he drank, he was always thirsty.

" What has happened to me! "

A giggle echoed.

The head-priest turned to look upon a being of indescribable beauty.

" Witch… "

The head-priest could not help it. He knew that this was no human woman. Her beauty reeked of something foreign and dangerous - at least to his eyes. The being before the head-priest was none other than Sif herself. Her goldielocks were like a river running down her back. She wore both armor and a dress - she was fashionable like that. Her skin had the color of milk itself, and her ocean blue eyes always seemed to calm any raging storm.

" What have you done to me? " the priest asked, finally noticing his gray hue, hollow eyes, and wrinkled skin. Sif giggled once again.

" I have only returned the favor. You damned my child, I hereby damn you. "

" You are not real… " the priest reeled back; " a mere demon! "

" I am a goddess, you mere mortal." said Sif, triumphantly.

" This is God's Kingdom! " the priest grasped his pitless stomach, the hunger having grown stronger; " I am a servant of the Lord! "

" You are a slave to your own greed. Kind to God, unkind to men. "

The priest finally noticed the Bible next to him. Sif smiled gleefully, as this was her final punishment. The head-priest tore off a page, stuffing it into his mouth. Then another, and another, till he had eaten all of Genesis, having moved on to Exodus. Then Leviticus. And after having eaten all the pages, the priest started eating the book-covers themselves; no longer able to resist the Erysichthon-like-hunger.

Sif left the priest's room, the head-priest having choked on the Bible.

Sif then saw to the berserker-priest, who ended up going out like the Thessalian King.