Forlorn Valkyrie
by: bloodysword99
Chapter 2: Necklace
"Hakon, did you know what happened?"
All of them assembled in the Jarl's quarters almost instantly.
Wulgar gathered the elite people that could know something about Jessa's strange emotional pattern.
That included himself, Brochael, Skapti, Hakon, Kari, Signi and Frigna, Jessa's assigned servant of the Jarlshold.
Hakon shook his head.
"How about you, my love? Is there anything odd about Jessa's behaviour?" Wulgar asked his wife, Signi.
She frowned and thought about these past few years she had her as company.
"She seemed fine whenever we are around but I have noticed how she gets lost in her own thoughts once in a while."
That new information made them even more anxious, all except for Kari who was emotionless and quiet as the wind.
"And you Brochael?" The Jarl turned to the big man.
"No one can tell a mind of a woman, Wulgar. But I know Jessa isn't like other weak willed women. She's like a little Valkyrie."
The leader shut his eyes thinking. All faces dropped hopelessly.
Jessa had lifted their spirits and given them ambition to make what everything that was today. Without her, Gudrun would still rule the land and peace would have never been restored. They owe a lot to the strong Jessa and they had to do everything to save her from any dread she carries.
With one last frustrated sigh from Wulgar, Signi came over to him and placed a calming hand on his shoulder.
"Frigna, please, see to it Jessa is taken good care of." She ordered to the frail dark haired servant.
The girl left the room in a second.
"Maybe our Snow-walker can decipher the mind of our little Valkyrie?" Skapti said poetically.
For a moment all eyes were on the silent Kari.
"She kissed me." He bluntly spoke without batting an eyelash.
Their jaws were agape. Eyes were wide.
"It was minuscule, a small matter. We wait till the morning and she'll calm down."
Kari, though he said it, felt misery wrap his being. Not of the memory of the kiss but the very fact he sensed a strange tingle when Jessa's lips touched his.
"Lady Jessa?"
She heard Frigna's frail voice pass through her door.
Jessa decided this.
She had to leave the hold before she goes completely insane.
She needed time to think what to do with her life now that she knows who the missing piece of her being is and how she can be his equal.
The brave Jessa must journey far to search for something that can help her with these feeling for Kari or at least banish them for good.
She tried to pack as light as possible. A pair of clothes, her daggers, all her coins and a few essentials is all she need and she can get the next horse out of here.
"Lady Jessa, are you awake?"
The door creaked open before Jessa could act.
She froze seeing Frigna staring at her and then gazed at her journey pack on her bed.
"Are you leaving, milady?"
There was no way to lie to an honest face like hers. She was barely a woman at all and her eyes were big and dark and innocent. She felt like the worst person on the world if she lied to her.
"Yes, I am." She said simply not attempting to explain.
Frigna could see the expression on her face. Pain and torment. She had seen it once or twice before.
"Must you leave?" She pleaded walking further into the room.
If she left, the Jarl and the others would not be pleased, that was for sure. Jessa had been a great addition to the hold and not only that. Frigna didn't want her to leave as well. She had been like a big sister to her. She really didn't want her to leave but she knew it's what she wanted.
"I have to." She gave this certain look that made the servant know.
Frigna was sure now. Jessa made her choice just by looking in her eyes.
The servant closed the door behind her quickly and ran to her mistress with pleading teary eyes.
"Is it the snow-walker, milady?"
Jessa's eyes widen and gazed down at her. She knew she was a smart girl and not just some thrall.
"I've noticed the way you stare at him." She uttered.
Frigna and Jessa were still. No words came to both. Just eyes connecting while the dim candle light flickered by the window. Dark eyes observed Jessa's sad blue ones. Neither one of them had the right to speak. Until Frigna smiled…
"Take this, milady." She unchained her bronze necklace and handed it to her.
"Sent by the gods long ago, my forefathers told songs of it, a gift from Freya, wife of the great Odin, to her bravest Valkyrie."
Jessa smiled back sadly fingering the amulet and dragging her tips on the runes.
"Brisingamen." She read before putting it around her neck. The mighty gems sparkled as if it recognized it's new master.
"I shall pack you food and water. Might you want Hrim? She is the fastest and stable horse." Frigna suggested.
Jessa nodded at her. As she was about to leave, she said.
"Thank you, Frigna. Please don't tell Wulgar or any one. Especially Kari."
What was the point? Kari might already know her escape.
"I cannot keep that promise, milady. But by the time I tell, you shall be long gone."
She bowed at Jessa but before she left…
"The Snow-walker does not know."
That statement puzzled Jessa.
"Freya's necklace protects the bravest of Valkyries."
Then, Frigna left.