It was the day Sigyn would take Val back to the training grounds. Sigyn changed from Loki's green tunic to her traveling attire as Glut Angrboda. It was nostalgic, a reminder that she was by herself amongst her sisters of Valkyriors. A smile started to spread on her lips as she passed by the mirror.
Sigyn made her way out of the house towards the cave where she smithed. Resting against wall was the Destroyer. Sigyn touched its chest. Fire emitted throughout the body. It stood up.
"I am sorry to wake you from resting but I need you for a task," Sigyn beckoned. "Come with me." It followed Sigyn out. She headed towards the horses. Sigyn climbed on while it followed them. She walked to whole way to keep the Destroyer from falling off some places.
When Sigyn reached through the portal to New Asgard, she stopped at the meadows. The Destroyer stopped beside her. "This is New Asgard. They need you more than me. You will be welcomed once again." She squeezed her calves on the girth to cue the horse. They headed down to meet Val who was waiting with her horse.
Val's jaw dropped when she saw the Destroyer. "I thought it was destroyed!" She was surprised but relieved. This would help her feel more at ease.
"One Destroyer did perish," Sigyn slid off her horse. "This one did not. I did wish to bring that one home too, but I was stopped since I was over nesting."
Some people gathered in groups, whispering and pointing at the Destroyer. Val looked back to them. Sigyn produced one of Odin's staffs. "Whomever wields the staff wields the Destroyer." She tossed it to Val who caught it with both hands. Val glanced at it before twirling the staff around her. "It also helps that my family made him."
"Ah so he is an affinity towards you," Val slammed the staff on the ground. "Destroyer." She spoke with a smile. "You will watch over New Asgard and its people until I, appointed All Father returns." The Destroyer walked past her to stand guard at one of the advantage points. Val watched it leave. She snapped her head back to Sigyn. "I may can get use to this. And you had it all this time? Along with many other artifacts and relics. You must have really nested."
Sigyn shook her head. "That's what I have been told."
Val explained to the crowd that gathered that she would be gone for a few days to check on the other realms and will be back. She explained that the Destroyer will protect them for now. After that speech, Val grabbed a part of the mane, stepped back, and swung herself onto her horse with staff in hand. "Show me the way."
The two headed off back to the meadows and disappeared through the portals. Val stared in awe as they passed through the realms before jumping off a cliff to fly towards the direction of the training grounds. Sleipnir had ventured back to the oasis through one of the portals.
Val hid the staff in a ring of holding. She raised her arms to the side and let the wind pass around her. She closed her eyes. This smell, this atmosphere. It had been hundreds of years. Tears formed in her eyes. The horses flew closer to the grounds. They landed in an open meadow. Women from all over gathered to see who it was.
"Sigyn!" Voices cheered. "Sigyn! Look it's her! She's back!"
The two slid off their horses and let them roam around. Val looked all around her. Not much has changed except for more buildings and less women. The Valkyriors hushed their voices when they saw Val walking with Sigyn.
"Is that? It can't be?"
"I thought she died?"
"What's going on?" Brunhilde pushed through the crowd. Her eyes lit up when she saw that red head friend of hers. "Sigyn!" She ran up to giver her a hug. "I heard you survived but I wasn't there when you came. My dearest apologies my dearest friend. Who did you bring with you?" She turned to see Val. The two froze at the sight of one another.
Val thought she was seeing a ghost. Tears started to trail down her cheeks. Her lips quivered trying to form words. "Y-you."
"Ah," Brunhilde choked. She turned her head to the side. "I-I am not her. My deepest apologies. That was my sister. They say I look exactly like her."
"Hil-hilde-gard," Val let out a sob. Brunhilde couldn't take it any longer. She hugged Val. Brunhilde knew about her sister and Val through her sister's diaries she left. The two loved each other so much. Val hugged her back and started to cry into her shoulder.
Sigyn and the rest decided to leave the two alone. The Valkyriors dragged Sigyn towards the main hall to catch up on how everyone was doing. Everyone spoke about how things were going on in the different realms, how they were dealing with recruiting new women of all different ages.
It wasn't until dinner time that Val and Brunhilde came into the main hall. Brunhilde had shown Val everything outside after the two cried for a few hours.
"Here they are," Sigyn beamed as the two were walking in.
"My apologies for our lateness, I was showing our legend around," Brunhilde explained. Val eyes were puffy from crying hard. Brunhilde could see the meals placed out. "We made your favorites. Come, join the others." The two sat down on one side of the table.
It was a good time. Remembering this feeling of being with her comrades eating, drinking, sharing their fill of stories, and bonding. It was something that she had missed within the very depths of her soul. Although Hildegard was gone, Brunhilde made it seem like she never left. Val had to remind herself that they were two different beings but it helped eased the pain. Both still had a radiating light about them. Brunhilde had summed up what happened afterwards even though Sigyn may have already explained. Brunhilde couldn't help herself. She was with the legend after all.
After dinner, Sigyn, along with the others left Val and Brunhilde alone. They all knew about Val's sacrifice and the sacrifice the rest of the Valkyriors gave. Brunhilde, who was their leader, would be the best one for Val to be with in educating and showing around.
Sigyn headed back to her old room. The rest had left it in case she would ever come back. It warmed her heart.
"This way," Brunhilde was a bit giddy. "This is the court area, it's a bit different from your time. You'll see why." Brunhilde pushed the double doors wide open. Inside the court hall, the walls were covered in murals of all the women who sacrificed their lives as Valkyriors. At the center, was Val holding up Dragonfang atop of her winged horse. Next to her was Hildegard with her sword pointing down. The next ones around them were top generals and ladies who were awarded with honors.
Val moved around to see all of the women. "These."
"Yes," Brunhilde nodded. "The majority are all the Valkyriors who lost their battle against Hela. We will never forget them."
"I am at the very center," Val stopped once she was facing the same direction.
"Of course," Brunhilde stopped walking. "Why wouldn't you be? THE Valkyrior of all Valkyriors, Valkyrie herself who was-is the strongest and worthy of us all. We have all wanted to amount to at least a sliver of what you have done. You are our idol, a hero, a Goddess."
Val scoffed. "Me? I-I."
"That was a hard time for all of us, especially for you, now that we know you are alive," Brunhilde stepped in. "My apologies again. My sister left diaries. I." She sighed. She was going to get reprimanded. "I read all of her diaries. I know how much you two meant to one another. I heard about her sacrifice to save you but it was in vain as we believed at the time you died as well. Finding out that you are alive now, but knowing that my sister sacrificed her life for you, and you two were together, I would have done the same as you have."
Val started to get teary eyed again. Brunhilde walked back to her. She patted her on the shoulder. "One last-two more things to show you tonight." The two headed off to the pool for the Bevy. She wanted to bless Val once more.
Val waded into the pool. She felt the presence of all the Elders before her and under her. She closed her eyes. It was silent but the she felt at ease. She finally felt home. The calming waters cleansed her of her darkness and depression. Val held her breath and fully submerged. She could hear the songs of the Valkyriors as she opened her eyes. Val stood back up. Val took in a deep breath.
Brunhilde could feel Val was chipping away the doubts, guilt, and depression to let her shining aura back through. "Last spot to show you." Bruhilde placed a white feather cloak over her.
Val wondered what the last spot would be. Brunhilde showed her to the dormitories. "We took out the wall, but I believe this room seems familiar." Brunhilde opened the door.
Val put both hands over her mouth. It was hers and Hildegarde's room. They lived right next to one another. They removed the wall to keep them together. Val glanced to Brunhilde.
"Take all the time you need," Brunhilde waved her hand. "If you need anything, let me know."
Val's legs felt numb as she took each step into the room. Brunhilde closed the door as quietly as she could so she would not disturb her. This might be the hardest part, staying in this room that was now joined with her lover's. It may be nice as well but it will never be the same. Brunhilde walked back to her room which was just down a few doors.
Everything remained the same in this now big room. It was if the two were still living there. The place was still clean. It smelled fresh. Val walked over to the other side of the room. She didn't care much for her side at the moment.
Seeing the trinkets and books on the shelves reminded her of happy memories of her and Hildegarde. The two were known to be in one or the other's room. Mostly Hildegarde's. It was a bit of peace for her.
Val glanced over to the bed. It put a small smile on her face as she remembered how they would wake tangled together. How one of them would complain about wanting to stay like that just for a few more minutes. Coming back after being called to battle to see if the other was still alive.
She headed back over to her side to dry off and change. Val glanced at all the items she used to cherish and adore. Mostly they were items given to her by Hildegarde or things Val found.
Val headed back over to the other side of the room to grab one of Hildegarde's garments. She clutched it to her chest while taking a deep breath in with her eyes closed. It still smelled like her. A faint scent but it warmed the very depth of her being. Tears started to form when she opened them. Val clutched it tighter as she headed over to the bed. Throughout all the pain and suffering, she didn't think she would be able to face these walls again.
The scent of Hildegarde was faint when she laid down and snuggled into the blankets, but it was there. Val felt she was truly home.
The next day after breakfast, the Valkyriors wanted to do a bit of sparring with Val. She agreed only if Sigyn was going to partake as well and if it was going to be Glima, an umbrella term for several types of Norse wrestling. Sigyn agreed. All of the women who were not on post duty were in moveable gear.
"Why did you have to choose Glima?" Sigyn put her braided hair into a bun with a gold hair pin to keep it in place. This hair pin also closed off her powers so she could fight fairly. Sigyn could easily have done it without the pin but she didn't want another incident of seeing their sorrows.
Val stretched her arms. "It's been a while since I fought hand to hand. Plus, see where everyone is at. Also," she looked over to Sigyn. "See how strong All Mother is." Sigyn rolled her eyes. "I think sword fighting would be next if they're still up for it." The two glanced around.
"Oh, they would be up for it," Brunhilde interjected. Her hair was tied back in braids. "Any chance to spar with you is an honor as well as your criticism and praise. Who is going to go first?"
Val eyed Sigyn. "I think you have it out for me." Sigyn raised an eyebrow.
Val teased. "I just know you more than the others." She moved to the center of the circle formed by the ladies. Sigyn headed in.
The two faced one another. Brunhilde made sure everyone was spread out to watch the first match and reiterated the rules. "You may begin!"
Sigyn and Val closed in on one another. One of their arms reached for the shoulder, neck area. Glima was about showing dominance and trying to trip and grapple the other person down. Val used her strength to push Sigyn to the side to bear weight on the leg Val wanted to knock down. Sigyn was nimble on her feet, half stepping to gain momentum grabbing Val's leg and lifting it up. Val lost part of her grip, trying to readjust her stance. There, Sigyn tripped her. Val fell to the ground as Sigyn let go of the leg. Val tried to snatch Sigyn's leg but she maneuvered out of the way.
The Valkyriors cheered for them as they were grappling. Sigyn moved in to place a knee on Val's torso and her hand on her face to push into grass. Val lifted a leg up to block and grabbed Sigyn's arm. The two were both on the ground trying to push one another's side of the face into the grass and kneeling on top. They were evenly matched in some areas. Sigyn was nimbler but Val had more strength which made up for their differences. It was a good while before the two of them both agreed to make it a tie.
Everyone clapped and cheered for them. A couple of them went over to help them up.
"Well matched opponent," Val panted.
"Same to you," Sigyn placed her hands on her legs, bending a bit over.
"Alright, who wants to go next?" Brunhilde called forth. Another pair went into the circle to spar.
Val watched them as she regained her breath. After the match was over, Val did want to critique them. Val came over and showed them what they were doing right and what they could improve on. Val critiqued each match.
Brunhilde was standing next to Sigyn. "Does she know?" Brunhilde glanced between the two.
"She only knows that I am a Valkyrie, wife to Loki, father to two sons, and All Mother," Sigyn explained. "Thor didn't say anything, he thought I was still a statue. None of the Asgardians know."
Brunhilde nodded once. "Good. It may cause more harm than it would do good."
"Well, wandering about, I came across a power being, goes by Captain Marvel," Sigyn lowered her voice. "She asked why I wasn't there for the fight. I don't think she has spread word either."
"Last thing we need is the rest of the universe knowing that the Twin Flame survived," Brunhilde kept her eyes on the matches.
"Any word on Lady Sif?" Sigyn asked.
"No," Brunhilde shook her head. "Your parents?" Sigyn shook her head as well. "There are some books that may interest you. It may have some knowledge but I don't know if it could help. Lucky for us, you put protection on your family, it may help."
"It may be futile as well, nothing hurts in trying though," Sigyn agreed. "I will take you up on the offer."
Brunhilde was the only one left out. Val beckoned her over with a nod of her head. "Come along. I had a break long enough. Let's see what type of strength the current leader of the Valkyriors has."
Brunhilde stepped on the opposing side. Sigyn let them know they could start. Brunhidle wasn't as nimble but she did have strength. It seemed her and Val were more matched in that sort of sense. The ladies cheered them on. Val would seem to get the upper hand but Brunhilde would not give up and manage to get out of the hold and try to pin her back down. It was a while as well before the two tied in a match as well.
Some of the women helped set them up right again. It was near lunch time. Val explained a bit on the last match about equal strength or similar styles and how to maneuver and gain the upper hand on them. She let them know they did well and she was proud of all them. The group headed back to the main hall to eat and rest up before heading on to sword fighting.
Sigyn broke off from them as they headed out again to fight with swords. She headed towards the library. Sigyn took off the hair pin, as she forgot to ask where in the library these books were at. She sent a thought to Brunhilde who answered just as fast. The books were in an older section where most don't usually attend. These books weren't as worn as the rest. The books contained interesting information and historical knowledge but it wasn't like the rest of the books which were about styles of fighting, tactics, and the like.
She pulled several off the shelf. Sigyn started with a small stack at one of the tables. She glossed over them until key words or information caught her eyes. Some books would be left open on certain pages, as she tried to link information together. Sigyn would head back for another stack and start all over until she found something concrete.
There was information about all of the stones. Some were called different names. She left the books open on those parts to. Anything that could help her in some way of getting things back to what they were beforehand or at least to be able to effectively communicate with those in the Soul World.
Sigyn stayed in the library until one of the Valkyriors was sent to her to let her know it was time for dinner. There was still as stack left. Sigyn said she would be there after that stack was finished. The Valkyrie nodded before heading back.
The last stack contained the same sort of vague information as the rest did. She went back through the opened pages. Some seemed as a repeat, while others gave a different view on the same situation. Whichever the case, it was not much of help for Sigyn. There was no clear way of getting communication to the Soul World. It did tell her where the stone could be found, on Vormir. This was in the Helgentar system. Its farther away then she wanted it to be. Sigyn let out a sigh. It was a puzzle she wanted to solve.
She shut all the books and placed them back in their proper place before returning to the main hall. She could hear laughter and cheerful voices. It cheered her up a bit. Sigyn entered the main hall. They had saved a spot for her near the center of everyone. She sat down, asking those around her how the sword fighting went.
