Spiders and Crows

Sparks of colors popped and streamed across the clear, sunlit sky; dazzling the eyes of all those who watched them. They left behind fragrant smokes that mixed merrily with the alluring aromas of baked desserts and grilled meats. Among the smells, laughter could be heard as well. From the youngest of the Valkyrie to the most harden of their veterans, everybody soaked in the brilliant sun and vibrant atmosphere. For although war was their life, this was a time of celebration. And though Astria fought it, she found the atmosphere too inviting to resist for long.

As taken as she was, Astria walked alone with a sense of confidence and unease. She was not sure where she should go, who to talk to, whether she should lower her guard, or keep it up just in case one of her peers did not feel so "sisterly" this day. Astria did not have wait long for an answer, because as she walked a couple of young girls ran up to her, grabbed her hands, and pulled her into a direction. They smiled and giggled as their soft hands guided Astria to a flower stand. Though confused and not very fond of flowers, especially those found in the northern lands, she decided it best to play along and humor the children. And so, she let them guide her to the flower stand and sat down next to it when prompted. The girls giggled and twirled as a voice from behind sprang up.

"Style?" The amiable voiced asked.

"U-uh um… sure." Astria replied. The person behind her laughed. Not out of mockery, but a sort of warm understanding.

"Ah, you are both new to these lands and Kyrieheim, but fret not for I am well versed in countless hairstyles from all across the world," The woman said confidently as she began gently pulling Astria's hair, causing Astria to tense. "I will match you with the perfect style."

Along with the pull, Astria also felt a cool rinse of fragrant liquid seep into her hair and scalp. She had no idea what was transpiring, and although her instincts tried their best to make Astria snatch her hair back and move away from the woman, the woman's soothing voice and the giggling from the girls that hung around kept her calm enough to stay. Astria was grateful she decided to because before long, she found herself falling back into the hair weaver's palms as she washed and styled her hair. Astria was even rather sad at the speed at which the woman worked because as quick as she began, the session was already over. The woman handed Astria a mirror and when she took it, Astria was astounded at what she saw. For so months her hair had remained a curly mess, but now it draped down her head in tight braids that resembled small, black, interwoven ropes. But that was not all, Astria did not know when, but the woman clasped small golden rings around the braids and imbedded little flowers into the braid as well.

"So, how does it look?" the woman asked.

"I think it looks great!" one of the small girls yelled.

"Yeah, me too!" agreed the other small girl. The woman chuckled a bit before saying,

"Thank you, my dears, but I would also like to hear what our young warrior thinks as well."

"Oh," Astria gasped, returning from her awe inspiration. "I-I think it's gorgeous… thank you um-"

"Call me Okoye." The woman replied.

"O… koye?" Astria whispered, looking into the mirror to see behind her before quickly turning around to confirm her disbelief.

"Wait… you're not from here either!" She yelled, pointing at the smiling, dark skinned woman.

"Young warrior," Okoye laughed heartedly. "I am 'from here' but if you are referring towards my lineage then no. My ancestors came from desert lands far southwest of here."

"Oh, sorry," Astria looked down embarrassed. "I didn't mean to offend you I-I was just-"

"It is alright young warrior," Okoye smiled. "For I know it must be a bit… confusing to see another so different around here."

"Well… kind of," Astria looked back up at Okoye. "I've only ever seen one other foreigner since I've lived here but I could hardly believe it even then. Though I did feel just as relieved."

"Well then, I'm glad my presence may offer that towards you. For I feel just the same." Astria smiled at that.

"So, tell me, where do you hail from young warrior and what do they call you?" Okoye asked, resting her cheek on her hand as she propped up her elbow on the flower stand.

"My name is Astria and well… my family was from Roma." Astria answered. Okoye instantly noticed the grim face Astria took on.

"Oh Astria, I'm so sorry to hear that. Is your family at least-" Astria interrupted with a solum shake of her head.

"Oh dear… I truly am sorry to hear that. That's too much for someone as young as you to endure."

"Thanks, but that is in the past and I have endured it well enough… thanks to my friends that is."

"I'm afraid to ask if they are here now." Okoye replied sadly.

"Only one of them is here," Astria could feel the tears well up in her eyes. "I could never find Selda…"

"Don't cry miss warrior." Said one of the girls, holding onto her leg trying not to cry herself.

"It'll be okay, we'll be your friends." Said the other little, who was holding onto her other leg.

"Children…-"

"It's alright," Astria said, cheerfully wiping the tears from her eyes and looking around at the small girls. "I would love to make new friends." The little girls brightened and squeezed her legs with everything their tiny bodies could muster. Okoye smiled at that and then passed Astria a violet flower.

"Here," she said warmly. "For your friend."

"No-… I mean thanks but… we're in a tough situation…" Astria replied sullenly.

"But is she still your friend?" Okoye asked.

"I… don't know. She did something awful and said even more awful things. She apologized not too long ago and even before then made up for it, but… it's just so hard to forgive her right now." Astria shook her head.

"Well, if ever you do find forgiveness, you can come back here and bring her one," Okoye said, placing the flower back. "I would also love to style your hair again, so don't keep me waiting long."

"I promise I won't and… thanks." Astria smiled happily at her.

"Of course." Okoye smiled cheerfully back.

Just then, more colorful sparks loudly popped overheard accompanied by the roar of the crowd inside the nearby arena.

"Must have been a great match." Okoye gazed over in amazement.

"Would you… like to go watch?" Astria asked, not wanting to separate from her new friends so soon.

Okoye laughed and answered, "My station is here, and the kids are too young to enter. And I can't imagine you'd want to see any of that after everything you've been through anyway."

"Oh, well… I'm not opposed. And honestly, well strangely enough, either watching or participating, I find combat to be rather relaxing. I don't know what it is about it, but it makes my nerves go away and clears my mind." Astria confessed nervously.

"It is not strange at all, Astria. Everybody finds their own peace through either aggression or passivism. Besides, though the combat here may look real it is all for sport. No one dies over it." Okoye replied.

"Yeah, I guess that's true." Astria said, with a faint smile.

"Fret not Astria, we'll be here whenever you return, okay? Now go enjoy the games and the rest of the festival" Okoye commanded gleefully.

"Thanks again," Astria smiled happily again. "It was a pleasure meeting you all." She turned to give the children a hug.

"It was a pleasure meeting you as well." Okoye waved as Astria stood and took off for the arena, turning only to wave back before sprinting ahead again.

"Girls, go fetch me more water and soaps for our next patron." Okoye ordered warmly. The little girls nodded and scurried off.

She smiled warmly at them before looking up again and immediately replacing her smile with a frown. Because from far away, she spied one of the twelve high Valkyrie, eying Astria from an arena window like a hawk. Although Okoye knew that no that one can truly bring harm to anyone here in Kyrieheim, except of course the War Mother, she was still nonetheless perturbed by what this might mean for her new friend.