Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN VALKYRIE PROFILE, that honor belongs to others (like Tri-Ace and whomever else I cannot recollect at the moment). If I DID (which I just said I don't) Brahms and Silmeria would be together canonically, as they should be!

[This Disclaimer shall be considered canon for all future chapters!]

A/N: This is an optional reading/prequel for an upcoming fan fiction in my workshop. I will caution you that the story is chronological order but not completely linear. It skips around and most of these chapters are "memories" portrayed as flashbacks. The writing typed in italics is the point of the view from the divines – respectively Odin and Freya – as they create the memory seal. It gives insight as to what emotions they are taking care to seal and why it is necessary in their belief.

"Lenneth has been placed to rest, Silmeria is ready to be awakened. Shall we proceed?"

"The Seal?"

"If it is truly necessary I will see it done."

"See to it, Freya."

"Yes, Lord Odin."

That it came to this was truly tragic, the Valkyries shared existence with mortals in such a way that they'd be able to understand "man". The necessary evil of such a construct, the memory seal, was testament to the fact that they were TOO successful in this aim. It was never intended that their judgments were so negatively affected to such a degree by their past selves. Silmeria and Lenneth, had exhibited too many close calls during their previous tenures as Valkyrie leading Odin to consider this final option, his last resort, to correct the distortion that their mortal lives placed upon their divine souls.

It is necessary…

Her resolve came so easily, she would do anything for Lord Odin, even when it came to so repulsive a deed as manipulating one's mind. She placed her hands upon Silmeria's mind. The id, the emotional side, was strongest inside Silmeria's mind. This had had never been done before, so it was imperative that the seal resist the pressures of the memories it restrained, held back. She could not remove their memories, only suppress them. The first decade of Silmeria's life as Astridr passed, followed by the next two years. Finally a stubborn memory stood out from its singular resistance causing Freya to place all her efforts on dissecting the memory, to weaken its presence. Although these memories were Silmeria's they were also the memories of a mortal woman. A mortal mind could not last forever against the likes of a goddess, once weakened, it would yield!

She felt like a stranger to her own self, swathed as she was in this priceless and beautiful confection of silk, presentable in the eyes of her father.

"But presentable for what?"

"A match, of course," her sister supplied, her answer startling Astridr because she had not expected one to be provided. A flush quickly crept into her cheeks, realization dawning that she had been blatantly talking aloud to herself without the presence of any particular audience. Nervously her blue eyes glanced around the surrounding area to see if any other had seen her inappropriate and altogether pointless exchange with herself. She was relieved to see that her sister of nine years didn't much pay attention or seem to notice, believing that the question had been directed at her person.

"Don't be foolish. I am much too young for that," surely she was. She gazed down at her almost flat bodice, feeling a new wave of shame and inferiority that altogether wasn't a new feeling in the least.. At thirteen years of age she should have had developed, grown, as a female. Her form was slight and small, her bosom nearly flat-chested, and her hips too small to be ideal of child-bearing. In other words she had been proclaimed as being altogether unsuitable as a female, receiving a prescription of failure for her future as the wife of any man.

Over the course of years she had hoped that more growth might be forthcoming. It was humiliating but her sister, her younger sister, at nine years of age had done enough of a growth for the both of them. Already her sibling had a pleasing, angular hourglass curve to her hips and the promise of a pleasing growth in the chest area. Already there was many whispers that Ingrid was clearly blessed by the fertility gods to be gifted with such generous endowment, such flawless beauty. Astridr had to admit she was utterly mortified to face the idea that despite being the elder she would likely be overlooked by suitors in favor of Ingrid, "I don't believe that Father is ready for that kind of commitment for either of us, we both have so much growing to do."

"Why else would father take such time and expense into our image? If not to present us to prospects?"

For lack of a better argument to refute her sister's assumptions she realized that there was likely no other reason. They were not grown up yet but that didn't mean her sire, her father wouldn't be prepared, wouldn't have his eye settled on their future. The thought sent a shiver through her though she wasn't sure if it was from anxiousness or anticipation. Her lips could only form into a nervous smile wishing she could altogether avoid the spectacle of this evening's celebrations.

'Oh stop looking so glum, tonight is no doubt going to be the start of something new, some wonderful. You won't attract notice if your face is soured over with an unfavorable expression. What do we have to lose?"

Astridr couldn't hold it back, her mind was never the sanctuary she wished it to be, protecting her from herself or her reality. Inside, her mind counteracted in stoic silence as she scrutinized her sister.

What do I have to gain?

Ultimately her silent resistance was for naught as her sister had a remarkably simple time of bringing her, dragging her by her hand to the staircase before hastily bounding down it with as much grace as she could muster. Although Astridr desired to be absent she didn't dare shame her father by delaying or failing to make an appearance. She placed a delicate pale hand on the cold marble stair-railing, satisfied that she didn't see a shake in her hand, knowing that the cool course surface had been a shock in temperature. If there was one thing she could pride herself in it was poise. Her physical looks might be nothing to look, might not give her any sense of confidence, but she could feel confident in the way she moved. No matter the imperfections reflected in the eyes of others, her grace and gentility was flawless, her balance perfect. Each step was silent, purposeful as she descended. When she was sure in her step her eyes flickered upward slowly, rising in perfect unison beneath her delicate eye lashes only to meet the hard, raven depths of another.

The eyes were so intense that instantly they robbed her of her breath, her legs stilled in mid step as she surveyed whom they belonged to. A boy, for he couldn't yet be old enough to be a man, in fact she doubted he was yet her age. Perhaps nine or ten, he looked like he belonged to her sister's age group. Surely he realized that it was wrong to stare but he continued to and while he did she was transfixed in place, unable to move. She didn't understand that the reason for she did not move, for fear that it would break the fragile connection. Astridr did not understand why but she didn't ever want him to break his gaze from her. For the first time she felt…desired.

It was a shame that the guest hallway was so small, that he couldn't linger glancing up at her, whoever "her" was. Pale and perfect, small form and figure, but she was utterly…..there was an altogether ethereal air about her that stirred his blood. He had never cared about beauty or women for that matter, even though he KNEW he was required to marry a spouse and produce issue. However the one he saw in the hall, the delicate beauty with innate strength, she was the first one to tempt him to consider the change, just from one bewitching glance. Just when he thought he knew every noblewoman, sure that he had it figured out that every lady of blood were one and the same; he met one that was completely and utterly different, unique. The way her gaze had fallen upon him had been like that of a temptress however her surprise, her innocence had made it quite apparent that she was taken aback by his interest, she had no idea of her own appeal.

More guests poured into the ballroom as the chords were struck and the music began. Even at the tender age of nine he was expected to waltz and dance with as many youthful girls his age as possible which meant he could not idle for long without getting a stern gaze to get him to get a move on. To buy himself time he allowed his eyes to pour over the crowd as if trying to find a dancing partner. Little by little other boys thinned out the pickings until at last she was visible again. The enchantment was potent; she cast her spell anew every time he laid eyes upon her. This time however her eyes were not upon him but rather the glittering realm with its inhabitants stretched out before her. Without a doubt HE was determined to be her first dance of the evening. He folded a single arm behind his back and crossed the dance floor where room was provided, single-minded in his pursuit, his intentions towards her.

It was too much to expect that she'd have a bevy of gentlemen seeking her out for the purpose of dancing with her let alone making sure to dance her first dance. Astridr expected that sooner or later they would overlook everything and see her attractive enough to endure a few moments so as not to look utterly rude in their negligence. When she heard the calculated approach of footsteps she was sure that this was the first of many however the first dance was not yet done. Every one of the peerless youths and lords she beheld moments ago, they couldn't be done with their chosen partners. Her eyes followed the direction of the footsteps, coming to rest upon the same boy. Her eyes fell, averted so as not to be drawn to lengths of staring in shock.

"May I have your first dance?"

"T-the waltz is almost over."

"Then the next one, if I am not correct, it will still be your first dance."

"Yes, you are correct…young lor-."

"Vytis, my name is Vytis."

"Vytis," she forced out as she tried not to be shocked by his jump to familiarity, "I feel it only fair to warn you that I am not a very good dance partner."

"I find it difficult to believe that. From what I saw you in the guest hall you are light and graceful on your feet, and likely to avoid stepping unnecessarily on my toes which is more can I say for all the other gentlemen on the floor," before Astridr could bring any further objections forth he extended his hand outwards, proffering it for hers. Hardly a smooth manner to gain her acquiescence, if she didn't accept his hand than she rejected him and would appear completely and utterly rude, but what was to be lose from humoring him.

Astridr's cold hand slipped into his, his hand was warm, and larger than hers. The soft grip bringing warmth to her palms and fingers as his hand curled over the surface of her palm while her out onto the dance floor. As she had mentioned the waltz was almost over however he did know it and practiced it, dance to its conclusion flawlessly. No doubt his parents had taught him well how to hold his own in a domestic setting against other rivals, other suitors, when it came to interaction with the fairer sex.

"Am I that bad of a dancer?"

"No! You are fine…"

"But you'd rather not be here?"

Her eyes rose levelly to his in challenge, "Whether I want this, there is no question. My father wants me here and therefore I am."

"I do mean to imply disrespect but NONE of us would be here if our parents didn't expect it of us."

"What are you here for?"

"A wife, my parents didn't make it any secret, any mystery. I am here to find a bride."

It was not missed by him that such a response shook her, if a child of nine or ten was looking on the bridal market, than perhaps she really was old and expected to find, to attract a prospective match. Her persistent partner however seemed determined to continue to attempt to bring out, to coax conversation from here, "Where do you want to be?"

"Pardon?"

"You don't want to be here so where would you rather be?"

When she gave him silence for an answer, "You do realize that we are the only ones hearing this conversation right? The music, the dancing, you'd be lucky to overhear your soft tone of voice over the softest strain of waltz."

"I-I enjoy the outside."

"Do you? What do you enjoy doing out there?"

"…my interests are not suitable for a lady of my upbringing and breeding."

"With that vague comment you have just increased my interest tenfold. A lady who lives up to expectations is insipid, tedious at best, a lady who fails to live down those same expectations is sure to be exceptional…spell-binding."

"You don't mean that."

"I do! Please indulge me, answer my question."

"I-I appreciate archery and falconry but I am no longer allowed to partake of either…I don't see the point in speaking of it since…"

"Because you enjoyed it, did you train your own falcons?"

"O-of course! No one in the family or servants touched my huntress. Not once! Not until she was disposed of…my sister, she couldn't stand them, she finds animals to be dreadfully messy, deplorable creatures."

"Do you have an appreciation for horseflesh?"

"I appreciate riding."

"You are a marvel."

"I am plain."

"If any were smart enough to see past appearance than they would know that THAT assumption is wrong, you are unique and I hope that you will never allow that to die. Keep the flower of your 'self' unfading throughout time, until later, Amaranth."

She realized that he had led her off the dance floor, returning her to her Father's side. Before he departed he kissed her hand chastely but it seemed profoundly intimate. Her eyes could only follow him discreetly the rest of the evening, a fact that was not lost upon her father.

To endure the expectations of his own parents he continued to dance in turn with many youths including the "beauty" of Astridr's family – Ingrid. They were closer in age, the EXACT same age in fact, but he just could not manage to find common ground or summon the same brand of interest as he had in her elder sister. He was polite but their conversation; truthfully it was only sustained by the fact that Ingrid was more outspoken, more of a conversationalist than her elder sister. For the first time he realized there WAS a reason to prefer that one's wife be silent rather than verbally outspoken. Where he had taken Astridr through three complete waltzes before returning her to her Father's side, in comparison he only took Ingrid through one waltz. As he brought her back to her father and sister he noticed his own parents nearby. His mother came forward first, "We have come to pay our respects to our gracious host, making ourselves ready to depart. We will give you one last dance while we summon the carriage."

Without hesitation he proffered his hand again to Astridr who looked shocked, the elder sister had been helping her Father by leading her sister away to ready her for sleep. Astridr's father looked silent and severe yet he seemed amused, his eyes glanced at the elder daughter, "Go ahead, Mereit can help Ingrid settle down for the evening."

Astridr recovered from her surprise with grace, inclining her head in acquiescence, taking his hand. This time as he led her on the dance floor he didn't attempt to speak, leaving conversation to come between them only when instigated by her. He was young but it was not beneath him to take the time to admire her. He wasn't beneath manipulating the circumstances, to please his parents while pleasing himself. It was crazy to feel this way about a stranger, someone he'd just met, but she was the only girl who had remotely interested him.

The only requirement his parents had was that she be a lady of breeding, of bloodline and influence, Astridr had that. His only requirement was interest which Astridr also possessed. If he could help it he'd not be bound "until death we part" to an empty headed fawn or at worst, a grasping female. He had seen the worst of both extremes within his family through his own parents as well as his aunts and uncles. The manipulation he had done tonight was blatant but he believed that he had hit his mark, was sure that his parents WOULD act upon his "visible" preference and tender an offer of marriage to Astridr, to her father.

The only thing that ruined the evening was the fact that Astridr did not speak during the last dance they shared. He had hoped that he'd receive some kind of notice from her however she remained silent and speculative. Vytis pulled back, stepping back out of her personal space and placed a kiss upon her hand, placing generous space between them as he withdrew in silence though his mind did not withdraw from thought of her, he would remember her.

The moment he was in the carriage he felt as though he had been cornered with his parents sitting on one side of the carriage and himself alone on the other seat. His mother spoke first, she was the perfect kind of wife for the likes of his father, ambitious and dutiful, for her emotion was always the last to come, "We are content with what has happened this evening, you did very well."

Vytis wasn't going to turn up praise, it was a hard won sentiment that he rarely received in great amounts from either of his parents. He didn't dare ruin the good track record of their evening by daring to interrupt them. His father spoke next, "Tonight we will stay with your cousin and tomorrow we return. Tomorrow you will pledge yourself in troth to the eldest daughter, Lady Astridr."

"A charming girl, a good match," his mother substituted, "You seemed quite taken with her. She still has much growing to do but she'll be a suitable match: a faithful wife and a devoted duchess."

Victory…

Vytis smiled pleasantly, never daring to let them know what was truly on his mind. They were so predictable, so easy to manipulate, then again he'd learned from the best – them.

Freya blinked, feeling nothing as she filed through the last of the memory, draining it of the emotional strength it relied upon.

Hope…

A/N: I know that their first sight idea of "love" is cliche but in my defense she is thirteen and he is nine almost ten! The both of them are children and thus hold a child's idea of love. She thinks a kind heart and desire equates to love and he thinks that a radiant beauty with pleasant personality equates to soul mate and partner. I hope to evolve their maturity through the use of this idea.