Freya did not have to gaze far to find the next source of resistance. She had peeled back the first memory to find an equally strong memory intertwined with it, supporting it. The second memory was close in proximity to the first, associated because it happened the morning after, not too long after. The appearance of that mortal, Vytis, had been a pivotal figure in Silmeria's human mind generating intense feelings. Her ravening probe dug deeply into the memory allowing it to be read as she tore its defenses apart.


Sleep came soundly to her the previous evening, so soundly that when she lifted the veil of her eyelids that they were greeted by golden strains of light trying to slip into the room through her drawn curtains. Although it was rare of her to sleep in late Astridr felt sluggish, slow to rise at first. Inevitably however she forced the covers back, feeling cool crisp temperature of the room through her thin nightshift as she rose, pushing her legs out from under her to support her on the floor. Instinctively hands quested, reaching out for her robe, curling it around her person. With the absence of a fire in the hearth of her room the beauty stepped forward using a single outstretched hand to pull back the fabric of her curtain to allow the sunlight to enter and filter throughout the chamber. At first the light was a shock, blinding her as she squinted but the reward for her action was a blooming warmth that made her hand reach to draw back the second curtain.

"My lady?'

Astridr turned to see Mereit, a woman who had been ever faithful to both herself and Ingrid. Mereit had originally been wet nurse to both to Astridr and Ingrid. Her mother had never been a woman of great health, possessing neither stamina nor endurance in great quantities. Both times when her mother had given birth the task had been rife with complications. At her birth it had been a delivery with nearly claimed her mother's life, it had left her so severely weak that Mereit had been hired to act as a surrogate mother for her needs. Ingrid's birth, however, had claimed her mother's life leaving the two young girls without a maternal figure to turn to. Mereit was the closest thing either one had to a mother. However, with both of them approaching adulthood Mereit was no longer a nurse or governess to them but rather, at best, a lady-in-waiting to them.

"Forgive me…I intended to wake you once I had prepared your bath. I didn't wish to disturb your rest, I expected that you would not rise of your own accord for some time after last evening."

"I am surprised I have slept as long as I have."

"It is well that you have risen, I was ordered to draw you a bath. Your father wishes you to join him for breakfast."

Silence was the only response she could give; the idea shocked her enough to make her suspicious. Even though she was an early riser, her father rose early in the morning before either she or Ingrid rose for morning repast. He was not one to indulge his daughters often with his presence. Dinnertime, the third meal of the day, was the only meal they shared with him and often the only time they interacted with their sire within their daily continuum.

"Why?"

"You know I am not told. Hurry on with your bath. It is wrong to make your father wait unnecessarily. I will lay out suitable garments; you must look your best."

She agreed, this was a rare treat? She would hardly call it that but it intrigued her nevertheless, intrigued her enough that she didn't want his first reaction to be disappointment.

The water of the bath was warm and normally Astridr would have taken full advantage of every moment she could linger in the heated miasma. In this case the water was scented with a rose scent that was almost potent enough to lure her back into a complacent doze. To prevent her from that she made the bath a business ordeal, in and out. Fingers sifted through her silken strands as her knuckles were ground into her scalp to do away with the itchy dead skin beneath the hair line. Finally, after feeling express satisfaction with her through scrubbing Astridr rinsed her hair out before rising out of the bath. Drying was a hastier ordeal, since the air was crisp and cool when it came into contact with her skin.

When she stepped back into her chamber, Mereit was gone but she had been true to her word. A dress was laid out waiting for her and a fire was burning with a healthy glow in her hearth casting warmth about the room. The dress was satin, dark purple satin with an empire waistline. The extravagance of the dress made her question anew the circumstances for such pageantry.

I won't learn anything by dwelling on it here in silence, I only delay.

Although she had hastened her preparations to make herself ready and presentable it did not prevent the return of Mereit who finished dressing up her hair nor did it prevent her from being the last to descend to the breakfast table. Astridr felt a fresh wave of embarrassment at THAT. Ingrid was just horrid about rising from bed come sunrise; the fact that she could get down here before her more agreeable self meant she had truly taken just "too long". However, she wouldn't wait for her father to instruct her to take her seat. Her father was seated by himself at the head of the table, Ingrid was seated on her own to his left with her seat to his right, denoting her favored status as his eldest child – the heir.

The meal started in stagnant silence. Both children knew their Father was going to speak but not the matter of when he would choose to thus neither of them was willing to speak for fear of interrupting their father in the midst of verbal overture. Astridr carefully kept poking at the fluffy, yellow eggs on her plate only glancing over to see that her sister wasn't nearly as controlled, her glance darting upward between bites as if to make sure not to miss out on anything.

"Astridr, you appear pleasing."

She instantly swallowed her eggs while praying that in their partially chewed state, they'd go down the right column of her throat in her haste to offer adequate reply, "I-I am glad you think so, Father. I am so very sorry for my delayed appearance this morning, it is unlike…"

The eyes of her Father discontinued any further words, extinguishing them before she could finish articulating her justification. All attempts to do anything more than breathe ceased when he spoke once more, "Apologies are of no necessity in this instance. It is befitting that you should take great care with your appearance this morning and every moment hence since it is this morning that you have grown, you have been promised in troth, as wife. You should be pleasing to your husband when I present you and so you are."

"Since when?"

Astridr felt her eyes descend to a close as her chest contracted inward. Part of her felt apprehensive for her sister, even a child would not be allowed such an insolent question. Although truthfully she knew the crushing feeling in her chest was generated by nervousness. Yesterday when she had denied her sister's assumption she had known there was truth to Ingrid's expectations but when she had gone to sleep last night, she hadn't thought to see such thoughts realized. She felt so unprepared, she had been given away by her father so easily, so young, so incomplete. She was sure that her prospective husband would take one look at her uncomely appearance, no matter how she labored to appear the part of a woman she looked like a girl.

"It has been a decision that has taken considerable time to develop but it was decided upon last evening."

Although Astridr was loathe to join her sister's relentless questioning she couldn't keep from asking, "To whom?"

"The Young Lord of Lorraine, Vytis – the sole issue of the incumbent Duke."

"Duchess of Lorraine? But why her? I am closer to his age and much MORE suitable."

Had she not been questioning that point to herself in silence she would have rose her head to glower at her sister's insinuations.

Why indeed?

However, Ingrid had gone too far in their Father's eyes. His reply came out with edge, curt and matter-of-fact enough to allow no further challenge, ceasing all idle words, "She is the eldest, it is her right."

For the both of them his words hardly sufficed as a reason that put their reasoning to rest but the words had its desired effect. They finished their meal in peace without either daughter brooking resistance.

At the conclusion of their morning repast the awkward silence remained as both sisters retired to daily pursuits. Normally Astridr would enjoy a morning ride or frequent the mansion libraries but she rejected both. She knew that come arrival of her "spouse" that she'd be expected to be call upon at a moment's notice. The unspoken expectation for her was to somewhere the servants or her Father could easily summon her. To be delinquent would be unacceptable to her father, to her spouse, to his parents. She retired to her chamber, leaving herself to her silent recollections. Profound relief had swept through her as she realize whom her father gave her to.

Vytis…

He had to be about three or four years her junior and it went without saying that last night had probably been a deciding factor in the arrangement. Vytis, he had told her as much, he was expected to find a bride and she had looked like a suitable candidate at least. Astridr lifted her head, confident knowing that she held herself as being equal to her upbringing. She may not be the fairest in the land but she could be what she was expected to be.

I am ready to be wife because I CAN fulfill the responsibilities of one.

Astridr realized that while she was nervous about the whole ordeal she was altogether pleased with the results. If last night proved to be any reminder that although they were young, they were close in age and shared many pastimes on the surface. Perhaps their union would even be fond as well as cordial. Such a match, to have such a relationship with one's spouse was virtually unheard of, not attempted, but for her it would be a perfect arrangement, something she could live with.

"My lady? Your intended approaches, your father calls."

"Alright, Mereit."

Astridr stepped over to her vanity making sure her appearance was suitable for guests to call upon her. Afterwards she left, abandoning her thoughts and uncertainties, resolving to prove worthy of the match she would receive this day.


The family was already lined up at the neck of the courtyard, it was the beginning arc of autumn meaning the air was cool; in addition to her gown she wore a matching lavender cloak that complimented her attire. It had been an expenditure that her father had endured in the eventuality that she'd be promised to marry, to impress a spouse or match. Vanity did not come easily to Astridr but it was not money wasted in this case because she truly felt lovely, beautiful! Ingrid stood in dutiful silence that possessed a sulky strain to it while her father, like her, stood in anxious wait for the approaching guests. Neither her sister nor her father had neglected their own appearance, nearly matching her in the grandeur of apparel they wore.

Before long a carriage and rider came into view, the carriage obviously held the Duke and Duchess themselves, her future parents by law but when the rider came close enough she realized it was Vytis, the young boy easily commanding his steed through his grip on the reins. The carriage came to a stop and instantly footmen, two of them, came to help Lord and Lady Lorraine down from the carriage interior. Vytis smiled down at her, an altogether charming testament of his youth. One of the footmen had scrambled to help him, reaching for the reins to settle the horse as he slipped both of his legs over the side and slid off.

Once before her on the ground he surveyed her as he took off his riding gloves. Even being younger than her Vytis was about her equal in height she didn't have to look down at all to make eye contact. Although she didn't wish to see improper or rude her eyes couldn't keep from glancing at him and his state of dress. He wore his house colors: black, silver, and midnight blue. A cape was attached artistically to his shoulder and over his back. Since he didn't draw attention to her appraisal she realized he must be enjoying it however she collected herself, bending downward as she extended her skirts in an elaborate curtsy, "I welcome you, my lord."

"Rise, wife," before she could rise he was already bent down beside her, taking her hand in a warm soft grip that prompted her to rise, "I liked it much better when you stood as my equal while you examined me."

Vytis chuckled and drew her arm into the fold of his as the young lady's eyes darted about, as if making sure the parents, her own and his, had heard such a comment leveled at her but relief took over her as she realized that everyone BUT them had gone leading the procession towards the church. Ingrid looking disapprovingly upon their intimacy in her recurrent jealousy. Although Vytis was being rather familiar, surely such romanticism was allowable, surely expected and approved of to a degree when a husband was newly introduced to his intended. She allowed herself to calm at the approval apparent on the faces of the adults, allowing Vytis to draw her to his side, so close that she felt his shoulder support her as he led her along behind the parents.

"There is no need to delay, the ceremony shall happen immediately," Lady Lorraine commented to her father.

"I do hope that you will take your evening meal with us this eve, in celebration."

"Of course, Margrave."

In accordance with their traditions, the betrothal was to take place at the residence of the bride. It was said 'a betrothal began in the house of the bride and was completed when the bride was taken out of her house, when her husband took her through marriage'. It could happen in any religious place but she knew that, to show their grandeur, that it would be a private ordeal that was done with a privileged few sufficing as witnesses in their family chapel.

The Aurelien chapel took the name of her Father's house, in ways that she and Ingrid never could. The building was well built and strong, its exterior was simple built out of smooth, hewn stone. Its doors were made of strong cheery wood, doors which were opened for the noble succession of individuals as they stepped inside. The priest was there, to validate the betrothal so it would be a just and true union in the eyes of all, and to secure its blessing by the gods. Several stained glass windows, speckled with bright colorations depicted the mortal representations of the divines. The multi-hued glass shone a multitude of colors over the chapel's exterior as the sun's ray projected the colors around them like a rainbow. A single altar which normally had only two candle upon its surface had a silken fetter along with two rings and a chalice. Pews where they normally prayed had been removed and in there place comfortable chairs had been placed out for Lord and Lady Lorraine, her Father and Ingrid.

No place of rest was placed out for either of her or Vytis, the latter guiding her into place before the altar. The priest waited for their honorable parents to take their seats, "Are those who are present, Lord Vytis of House Lorraine and Lady Astridr of House Aurelien?

"I am, we are," they answered together first attesting they were whom they attested to be and that they were both present.

"Does Lord Vytis have the consent of the Lord of Lorraine to approach this altar to promise himself to the Lady Astridr before all the gods of Asgard?"

"He does."

"And does the Lady Astridr come to this altar by the wishes of her sire and Lord, Margrave Aurelien?

"I give my daughter to this son of Lorraine in troth, with all inherent blessings given through my consent."

Silence was expected of her and she did not disappoint, averting her eyes in such a way that gave an air of consent that she would be dutiful, fulfilling all the promises her father swore in her stead. Her right hand was taken by his left and the both of them outstretched their arms presenting their wrists to the priest who laid the strip of silk upon their wrists where the pulse beat beneath.

"My lord?"

The priest presented a ring to them, Vytis picked it up and held it pronged between his thumb and index finger as he faced her with a rather serious expression, "I, Vytis of Lorraine, give myself in troth to Lady Astridr with the promise that I will take her as my future bride, taking her as my wife as long as our love shall last."

Vytis slipped the ring on her pale finger, it was loose but it fit well enough. The priest was already braiding the strap of pure white silk around their wrist. He stopped after the first braid, the first link was established by Vytis' vow.

Her blue eyes couldn't miss the barely concealed shock in the expression of Lady Lorraine, her husband laying a hand upon her lap as if appeasing her. The arrangement was not for love, even she knew that, but his parents would not interrupt the vow he'd sworn seeming to know the sanctity of the ritual that was underway.

"My lady?"

The priest was scrutinizing her and she realized that her father was silent, waiting for her to speak, verbally binding herself to his wish, to reaffirm his sworn vow.

"I, Astridr, eldest daughter of Margrave Gudleifr – Lord of Aurelien, give troth into the keeping of Lord Vytis of Lorraine with the promise that I will wed myself to him in the future as long as our love shall last."

The priest made a second braid in symbolism of her vow.

"Is the High Lord of Lorraine and the Margrave in acceptance and agreement over the binding of these two youths under such a vow?"

"We are."

The priest concluded the ceremony by tying off the braid, offering prayers for the gods to safeguard and bless their union. She looked straight forward, bending her head in silent prayer. Even when she felt Vytis' wrist stir beneath the silk braid she didn't look to her side, to him however she couldn't prevent herself from drawing her eyes away when she felt his warm hand curl softly and gently over her frigid hand. The feeling of that warmth between them was almost enough to make her believe that their vows had been made in love.


The feasting that took place after, like the ceremony was limited and constrained, only between the two families, the two houses bound by the betrothal. However, unlike the ceremony the meal was jovial rather than solemn giving her a certain measure of peace until their departure. The pale beauty had never given a single thought as to why she was promised in the future-tense until, "I will come back for you when I am worthy of you. Wait for me…"

"What do you mean?"

"I am going out to conflict, to war, where a man can make something of himself. I'll gladly do it for you and for our future heirs. Don't forget your promise, wait for me."

"You-you could be lost."

"I won't be, you'll see. I promise I will reclaim you. I will live up to my word if you live up to yours."

"Vytis!"

"I have to get going now, I can't leave my parents waiting however before I depart," he brought up her folded hands to kiss them, "I have a gift."

Vytis placed a glove upon his right hand before turning and calling for someone, something. For a moment she glanced at him as if not sure he'd gained a response when she saw a white-gray sentinel descending, landing upon his gloved hand, "Varukiri."

He gave her his other leather glove, urging her to slip it on which she did. Once she was prepared, he offered the falcon to her, "Careful, wife. She is called Varukiri. I entrust one of the dearest portions of my heart into you keeping, safeguard her well."

Astridr almost couldn't breathe from the magnitude of his gift, of what it meant, almost to the point she didn't recover. Her father had never accepted her hobby as befitting but the gesture was unmistakable, her father would not deny her such a gift not when to return it meant offense, "Why?"

"To allow, to remind you to be yourself. I am not your husband yet but my blessings, they have the power to shape you, after all you are expected to please me. A likeminded wife with interests to match mine, that does please me. Do not disappoint me, remain unfading, Amaranth."


As the memory receded Freya continued to feel the strains of the mortal's silent emotion, one she had hidden from herself. Silmeria had, over the last few rebirths, been reborn not as a member of the common class but rather the higher born nobility. Odin had hoped that such mortal upbringings would temper her emotions to be second rather than first nature. Thus had Silmeria been reborn into a lesser class, devoid of regulations and expectations, the mortal female would have felt and known the emotion for what it was.

Joy…


A/N: I am aware that Astridr/Silmeria contradicts herself. She is young but also a woman growing into maturity. As a young lady she desires love but is coming into the realization that it isn't realistic in the mindset of their social class so she is trying to go for a happy medium, she wants a match of fondness - something as close to love as possible. Vytis/Brahms is not so grown up yet since he knows his future responsibilities but he is idealistically trying to attract a match that he can live with and treasure. Obviously Vytis believes more in the ideal of love even though he can't understand love for what it is yet.