Milla Talon Hand

Today I have made a decision. I will speak with the Crones and have them release me from my servitude to them as War Chief. I know that they know that there is no longer a need for a War Chief. I must be freed from my bonds to them. I must pursue my new life on the Ice.

I want to be a Shield Maiden. I don't want to continue to be a puppet in their political games. I want my life back. I want it the way it was before Tal came into it. Before he arrived, I was well on my way to finding my place in the world but ever since that boy came to my hunting grounds, I've been thrown into one situation after another. To put it simply, I'm tired.

I simply wish to return home to my Clan. I've not been able to go back and become a member ever since I was cast out and accepted into the Ruin Ship but I was hoping that the Crones see fit to release me of my duties now that I have done what they have asked me to do.

I do not regret my life so far since everything has come back to some semblance of normalcy. The only thing I regret is that things cannot ever be the same. I may be able to return but will everything be as they once were? My reputation as the War Chief has preceded me.

Many believe that I am some kind of legendary figure simply because I have lived to return and tell a grand tale. Can you believe they have even written songs and ballads of my exploits? I have not heard all of them but my favourite song happens to be the only accurate one.

Swiftly she rides home.

On thundering hooves, she comes.

Tired and worn is the War Chief.

Fought much she has and far she has roamed.

Twas she who fought Chosen

With sword and shield.

Twas she who conquered their shadows

With Danir's Talons, she did wield.

With heavy eyes, she comes home to us.

Yet victory still burns bright within.

For want of rest and belly full she smiles and cries,

'Let the vitska flow and dance begin!'

Strike the harps!

Sound the horns!

Rejoice for our hero returns to us alive!

Drink the vitska!

Eat the bounty!

Feast for our hero returns to us alive!

For she has returned home to the Ice.

For she has returned home with her life.

For honour and glory.

For bone and blood.

For rest, she has returned home.

Some may find this praise and adoration great…but not I. Do you know what it is like to walk about and have people treat you differently? It is irritating. Every waking hour I am reminded of my exploits that I did not achieve. It's like an everlasting shame that I must bear. I am still the Icecarl whelp who had been raised by the Far Raider Clan. I might not be that person anymore but I am still that girl. At least inside.

Difficult have been my times on the Ice. If I could escape my shame. If I could find a way to escape, with my reputation intact, then I would take it! First, I must meet with the Crones. Only they have the power to change my fate. Only they have the influence to hide me from my shame. All I can do is ask nicely.

Even though it is not within Icecarl nature to run…I wish I could flee…

-From the pages of the Journal of Milla Talon Hand-