Three days ago
Celestine woke up with a gasp and was drenched in sweat. The high elf looked around to see if she was in her bed-chamber. No snow-covered forest and no giant wolves. Celestine let out a sigh of relief. Feeling her racing heart slowing down, she moved with a brisk pace to the red curtains and flung them open, letting the morning sun fill her bed-chamber with its warmth. Looking out, she can see all of Ken and all its splendor. Celestine Lucullus let herself smile at the sight before her. In all her long life as queen, she still can never get used to its beauty. Even if war raged on around them, there was a sense of normalcy behind its tall white walls.
"What is stronger than steel?"
Celestine's smile left her beautiful face as she remembered her dream. The old man's intense gaze burned into her mind and his words echoed in her pointed ears.
"Blood and fury…" She whispered his answer to herself. Her mind flooded with questions. Who was he? What did he mean? What did her dream mean? Was this a sign of things to come? Those and so much more filled her mind.
Three loud knocks came from her door. So deep in thought that Celestine jump a bit and a squeak snuck past her lips. "Lady Celestine, are you awake yet?" A maid called out behind the door. "Uh, y-yes I am." Celestine confirm her status to her maid. "I heard you yelped, is everything fine, My lady?" "I am quite fine, thank you." Again, she reassured her maid while she prepares her robes for the day ahead. "You are dismissed." Celestine told the maid. She hears footsteps leading away from her door and she finally was alone with her thoughts. Celestine combed her long golden blonde hair while sitting on the foot of her bed. Even with her room silent as a church mouse, she can still hear the howl of the wolf rang in her ears. Perhaps telling someone about her dream will ease her to some degree. But now is not the time, she must address her fellow allies about her next course of action in ending this accursed war. She took her gold circlet, placed it around her head, and left her bed-chamber.
The High Queen walked down one of the many winding corridors of her palace. Nothing but towering pillars of marble and glossy waxed floors far as her emerald eyes can allow her to. Along her way, Celestine saw maids, butlers, and other servants of the castle working tirelessly to keep its hall glossy and clean. All turned away from their scrubbing and sweeping to bow and show their utmost respect to their queen. 'Good morning, My ladies' this and 'Greetings, My queen' and every other variation of the phrase filled her ears. After their greeting, the servants went back to the scrubbing and sweeping. Honestly, it can be a bit tiring to the high elf at times. Celestine continued her brisk walk until she stopped mid-step when she spotted the garden. Her thoughts of her dream and her duties melted away at the sight of green.
How long was it when she put on the crown? How long did she sit upon the throne? How long did this war last?
How long?
If being honest, she couldn't give that answer for she did not know it either. No, that was wrong. She had a proper answer.
Too FUCKING Long.
Using such language tasted foreign, crude, and bitter to Celestine's refined tongue, but it was the truth all the same. For too long she stood as queen as anyone was allowed to. For too long she had friends and family perished in her stead in this eternal war. If she had the power and will, she would caste this circlet into the deepest lake and take that fastest horse in the stables. She would ride night and day until she returned to the forest that she was born. She would build a small cottage deep within the woods and live among the trees that birthed her for the rest of her life. Perhaps she could find a good man and marry him. Start over and raise a family together and live happily ever after.
But she neither had the power nor the will.
Celestine was far too responsible, too caring, to leave her country in such a state. She would toss and turn in her sleep for the rest of her life is did such a selfish act. She was duty-bound to see this through to the end. Maybe once the war with Olga ends, Celestine can allow herself to pass the title of queen or king to someone more deserving of herself, the goddess reborn.
Olga, The queen of the dark elves. Celestine's oldest enemy. Celestine's equal.
Does she desire to leave all this behind? To find someone and settle down as well? If her plans pan out like how they are now, she may get those answers soon enough.
"Lady Celestine." She was knocked out of her thoughts when the sounds of armored footsteps reached her pointed ears. Marching down the hall was two knights and leading these knights was no other than Claudia Levantain, Lord Commander of The Holy Templer Knights and one-seventh of The Seven Shield Alliance.
"Oh, good morning Lady Claudia." Celestine bowed and gave her a warm smile. The lord commander, on the other hand, kept her stern look. Like a parent about to lecture a child.
"And you late because?" Celestine flinched at Claudia's words. While she was far older than the commander, Claudia possessed an air of maturity and authority that Celestine only dreamed she had.
"F-forgive me, I lost track of time. That is all." She fumbled her apology. Claudia let out a sigh of annoyance. "Shall we attend the meeting? Alicia is getting impatient as usual."
"Oh dear, we better get a move one." Celestine said a bit amused. Alicia's patients were never her strong suit. "Agreed." Claudia nodded and both walked off.
"I've reserved word that Volt and his company had dealt with Olga's demonic forces with minimal casualties," Claudia reported "He and the Black Dogs will return in a few days."
"That's wonderful news to hear." Celestine praised.
The Black Dogs, lead by Volt, were some of the strongest mercenaries Eostia had at her disposal. Vanquishing the dark forces Olga had sent over the years. Hopefully, she will never have to rely on them again soon enough.
"And I uh," Claudia said a bit unsure for the first time in a long time "Sent your request to the öxl as you asked me to."
Celestine frowned "Is something the matter, Lady Claudia?" She asked about her uneasiness.
"It is nothing I assure you. It's just…" The commander paused for a moment "Are you sure this is a good idea? You haven't even told the rest of the council about your plans of an alliance with the mountain barbarians yet."
Celestine felt a ping of guilt in her heart. "We ignored their pleas for aid since they arrived on our shores, Claudia."
"We had nothing to give." Claudia replied.
"At that time." Celestine reminded her commander "And ever since then, we alienated and demonized these people for being from a completely different land and having a different culture than us. The öxl people responded by exiling themselves to the mountains." She stated to Claudia a bit louder than her normally softer voice to further drive her defense of The öxl people. "I mean no disrespect of The öxl, My lady." Claudia responded after The goddess reborn's defense "I do believe its a good idea to ally with the mountain folk, It's convincing the others about this alliance."
Both Claudia and Celestine turned down a hall with two large doors that led to her counsel room, where the rest of Celestine's friends and allies wait for their queen and commander.
"Especially Alicia. The öxl's war with Olga did not paint a rather good picture for both sides." Claudia brought that last part as they stand in front of the doors.
"I am aware of their reputation and the response I will receive." Celestine turned her head to look at Claudia. "But we about to enter what I believed to be the final act in this centuries-long war. We need to rebuild our homes and lives that had been ruined because of this. As tall and strong we all stood, we can not do this alone. It must take the strength of everyone here in Eostia to do so."
Claudia's response to Celestine was a smile and a nod, knowing full well of her noble and caring nature. "That is true, my queen. Who knows, maybe everyone else will agree about this öxl alliance." Claudia said hopefully.
"AN ALLIANCE!?" Alicia Arcturus yelled and slammed her fist down on the heavy oak table. Claudia pinched the bridge of her nose, feeling a headache forming.
So much for everyone agreeing.
"P-p-please s-settle down!" Prima Fiorire, Alica's younger cousin, stuttered as she tries to calm down the knight princess of Feoh.
"Now this is quite an interesting idea." Lady Kaguya, Head shrine maiden of the eastern temple, said while covering her mouth to hide her amusement at the situation unfolding before her.
"The öxl!? The people in the mountains!? Really!?" Luu-Luu the half-ling and one of the greatest craftswomen of her kind said, jumping up and down in her seat in excitement.
"Are you feeling okay Celest?" The self-proclaimed mercenary queen Maia question her friend Celestine worryingly, fearing that the stress of war finally getting to her.
"OF CORSE SHE IS NOT FEELING OKAY!" Alicia barked at the redhead "WHO IN THEIR RIGHT MIND WOULD WANT TO ALLY WITH THOSE BARBARIANS! THOSE MADMEN OF THE HILLS!? THEY MAKE THEIR CHILDREN FIGHT GOBLINS WITH THEIR BARE HANDS AS A FORM OF ENTERTAINMENT!"
"I even hear that they drink viper venom before a battle to poison their enemy when they bite." Kaguya chimed in with a rumor that she had heard.
"I think the öxl raid orc camps and even rape a few as poetic justice." Maia chimed in with an öxl rumor as well.
"ENOUGH!" Claudia finally snapped at the outburst and slammed her fist down hard enough that the oak table nearly flipped over. Her infuriated glare felt like daggers on everyone's skin. The whole room was stunned silent. Alica sat down quietly for fearing the ire of The Lord Commander that she foolishly earned.
Claudia let out a long sigh, trying to release some of the pent-up anger and resume the meeting.
"You may continue, my queen."
"Uhhh, yes, thank you." Celestine stood up hesitantly after witnessing her commander's bad side. Nonetheless, she cleared her throat and continued.
"As I was saying, The öxl have been isolated since the moment they had landed on our shores. They went as far as gave us gifts and tribute as a sign of peace. But Olga and her demons try to wipe them out before they can even learn who we even are."
Celestine then pointed to the map where the öxl made their home.
"They asked, no, begged for aid. And unfortunately, we could not because of our shortage of resources at the time. They took this as a sign of ignorance on our part. So they took their anger and frustration out on all who try to threaten them and hold themselves up in its peaks ever since."
Claudia scanned the room as Celestine spook, looking for anyone that tried to interrupt their queen.
"These rumors of öxls drinking venom and children fighting goblins are born out of a fear of the unknown. I believe that we are just as frightening to them as we are of the öxl. And our fear and loathing of the öxl will only worsen the longer we put this matter aside."
Celestine then put her hands together and put them close to her chest.
"Even if we don't get a response from them, it still shows that we have not forgotten them and we acknowledged their existence. And maybe, just maybe, the öxl will be willing to give us a second chance and we can break this cycle of ignorance and fear."
The room fell silent. Alicia bit her tongue and pay close attention to what The High Queen trying to say.
"If anyone wishes to make an argument against the proposal of an alliance with the öxl people, they may now speak." Claudia announced.
No one, not even Alicia can find a proper argument and Luu-Luu shook her head no.
"Then let this war council be concluded." Claudia said and began to clean up her space.
"This is such a bad idea…" Alicia covered her face and moaned before standing up and taking her leave. Little Prim quickly followed behind her.
"No, it's a great idea!" Luu-Luu trailed behind the two "Those mountains must be filled with metals and gems! I even-" her voice became distant as she ran down the hall.
Maia stretched in her seat. "That could have gone better." she yawned and stood up. Maia waved at Celestine and Claudia "It is never a dull moment with Alicia around." She added and left.
Lady Kaguya jotted down a few notes. "I better inform the others about your plan. No doubt they will have a small panic attack." She giggled.
Celestine and Claudia relaxed a bit. Despite that little argument, it went pretty well actually.
Celestine looked at the head shrine maiden and frowned. She closed her eyes, deep in thought.
"Is something the matter, My lady?" Claudia asked curiously.
The queen remained silent for a moment or two. "It is nothing, you are dismissed, Lord commander." Celestine finally spook.
Looking a bit unsure, Claudia nodded "Understood, call for me if you need my assistance." she took her paperwork and left the council room. Leaving both Celestine and Lady Kaguya alone.
The high elf queen approved the shrine maiden "Lady Kagua." Said Celestine to get Kaguya's attention.
Kaguya looked away from her notes and smiled "What is it, queen Celestine?"
"Please, you do not have to be so formal with me." Celestine waved that off "I was wondering if you have some time to spare?"
Kaguya gathered her notes and looked them over one last time "I do in fact." she confirmed.
Celestine smiled "That is great. I was hoping for your insight on something. Would you mind if we talk about this more over tea?"
"Blood and Fury." Kaguya mused with her eyes closed. Both she and Celestine sat in a small courtyard, sipping tea and talking about the dream the elf goddess had not too long ago.
When a matter of magic or any sorts of mystic powers, then Kaguya is one the foremost experts Celestine can ask for. She should know the meaning behind her dream.
Celestine places her cup down and averted her gaze downward "I had many visions over the years, though vivid and vague, about the future. It has always led me to do what I think is best for Eostia. But this?" She has seen her worry and confusion reflected at her by the liquid contents of her teacup. "I have never felt anything like this before. It felt more than a mere vision, it felt like…" She paused, struggling to find any words.
"A message." Kaguya finished Celestine's sentences. "This is a message from how direct this elderly gentleman was talking to you." The shrine maiden added and sipped the last of her tea.
Celestine looked back up puzzled. If what Kaguya is correct and this is indeed a message, then who or what is he, and what did mean about changing fate?
"Lady Kaguya, Do you have any idea who that man might be?" She quested her.
"Forgive me, but I have not the slightest clue." Kaguya nodded her head no. Celestine looked down again, disappointed.
Damn it.
"But," Kaguya started up once more, causing the high elf to look back up. "If I have to guess, It would have to be someone quite powerful. Perhaps someone…" Kaguya paused, wondering if she was right herself.
"Someone… of divine origin" Kaguya finished.
Both sat in silence, soaking in what she had just suggested.
Now
"AN ALLIANCE!?" Hogarth yelled, slamming something down on a table. Barlog managed to hear him beyond the doors of the longhouse.
Ever since discovering the letter was from the queen herself, Hogarth had locked himself up in the longhouse. Barlog was curious at first and tried to listen in on what he was doing by staying next to the door. But now that the letter is a proposal for an alliance? Now that caught Barlog's attention.
"Barlog?" Someone called out to him. Turning around he saw Juno and an elderly woman next to her. The old woman was hunched over and her robes are covered in charms and runes made of steel, wood, and (hopefully) animal bones. and tattoos on her head and no doubt her body, proof of her devotion to the gods. Her head was shaved bald earlier in her life, but her hair would have been white at this point. The wooden cane at her side was a simple design that was too covered and carved up with runes as well.
"I haven't even said a word and already he's cursing to the heavens? Hehehe…" The old woman cackled.
Madam Yaga. Raven Lake's shaman.
In her youth, she was such a wild and savage woman, even by The öxl standers. Stories told that she took part in The öxl raids in the wastelands against the dark elves. She even got the nickname 'Yaga the organ yanker' when a dark elf caption challenged her to a trial by combat. And…
That was not a trial, that's an execution.
But those are just stories to make children behave.
The elderly lady here was nothing like that person in the stories. Yaga is funny and caring in a rough kinda way. She even took in Juno without hesitation. Even if she was that crazy back then, time must have quelled and tempered her to be the shaman she is today.
Yaga moved slowly to Barlog and tapped her cane on his chest. "Still soft as ever, I see." Yaga mused.
She then turned to Juno with a cheeky grin and said "He'll make you-" But her words were cut off by a panicked Juno when she places her hand over Yaga's mouth.
"That's enough!" she said in a hushed tone to the laughing old woman.
Barlog frowned. He'll make Juno what exactly?
"Okay! I understand!" Yaga pushed Juno's hand away, still giggling.
"Let us see what Hogarth's all worked up about." Yaga said and hobbled to the double doors of the longhouse.
Barlog looked at her and back to Juno who looked calm now. Barlog was about to ask what Yaga was talking about. But Juno just raised her hand to stop him and said "Not now." in a monotone and tired voice.
Yaga banged her cane against the doors. Juno ran up beside her and yelled out to Hogarth. All three heard footsteps hurrying to the doors and the sounds of a lock turning. The doors gently flew open and a red-faced Hogarth greeted them.
"Ah, Yaga, you're here. Good." Hogarth breathed out and then looked at the dark elf.
"And you as well, Juno." He nodded to her.
He moved inside and both Yaga and Juno entered the longhouse. Barlog took the opportunity at hand and walked in before the doors closed tight.
The great hall of the longhouse was made to hoast some of the best feasts and celebrations. Its walls held the heads of some of the mightiest animals in the mountains that ranged from bears, wolves, even elk. Just below the floorboards was the cellar that holds some of this village's strongest mead that was only used for the best occasions. At the end of the great hall was a small wooden throne carved with images of wolves and runes. Behind the throne was a magnificent fireplace to keep warm even in the harshest of winters. Looking overhead was a tapestry that told the tale of The öxl people from the time they first arrived and ending where they are now. Hogarth picked up a mug on a table and headed for a barrel that held the aforementioned mead. Barlog stood at the end of one of the tables and watched Hogarth took a swig of his drink.
"Forgive me, madam Yaga, my nerves are a bit frayed at this second." He huffed and wiped his mouth. He spotted Barlog sitting down. Barlog feared that he may toss him out but instead Hogarth waved him over to join. "Maybe you should be a part of this too, boy." The village chief said.
Barlog nodded and moved closer to the three. He grabbed a seat across from Juno and Yaga. The two of them sat next to each other. Probably for Juno to aid with whatever the older woman needed.
"Now that everyone is here," Hogarth began and picked up the letter from Ken "A half-hour ago a guard just handed me this. It's from the queen of Ken herself." He said and gave the letter to Yaga, who squinted and gave it to Juno to read it for her.
Juno held up the letter and cleared her throat and read aloud:
To The people that called the mountains their home.
Over fifty years ago, you set sail from land that all thought was a fable and made a long and treacherous journey across the sea. With great fortune, you have found the land of my ancestors, Eostia. You brought us great riches as a sign of peace between your people and ours. But I am afraid you had come to us in a time of war and strife.
The queen of the dark elves wanted to cause you great harm the moment you landed. You asked us for aid. But unfortunately, we could not help due to troubles of our own.
And yet you stood up by yourselves to the dark forces and became victorious. But this is no excuse for our negligence, and we truly apologize. But times have changed, we are at the precepts of finally ending a century-long war with the northern wastelands. We need strong allies to not only help rebuild our homes that the flames of war burnt down but to strengthen the bonds we had foraged along the way. That is why I am writing this to you so we may rebuild our bond and forage it to be as strong as you are.
My name is Celestine Lucullus, Queen Of The Holy City Of Ken, And I wish to repair this broken relationship between your people and ours.
I pray for your response will be swift.
Hogarth, Yaga, and Barlog listen to Juno as she read. Yaga closed her eyes and pay attention to Juno's words. Hogarth waited for her to finish up. But Barlog sat at the edge of his seat while she read on. The first time anyone of the mountains made contact in over fifty years, and from the elven goddess herself no less.
"Sounds like this holy shield alliance wants to try again." Yaga said and scratched her wrinkly cheek and held her chin.
"Try again? Ha." Hogarth scoffed softly. He turned his back to the group and looked up at the tapestry.
"We had nothing." Hogarth said just loud enough for everyone to hear. "We escaped from a lifetime of slavery, starvation, war, and death. We banded together and gathered everything we needed to sail as far away from the frozen hell as we can. We sailed for months on end, then as if Asguard took pity us, we founded this land."
Hogarth then looked back at his company and continued.
"We discovered that this land had not one, but two queens, both elves, and both were at war with one another. Hel, Everyone thought we must have sailed through the nine realms and was no longer on Midgar if it, wasn't for her holy shield alliance came and greeted us so. We gave them gifts of gold to show them that we had no intentions of hostility. Celestine accepted our offer and shook on it. But Olga, the queen of the damned, wasn't so benevolent and killed our envoys the moment they entered her darken halls of her fortress." Hogarth spat at that part and continued "She sent those abominations to rid herself of us when we finally founded a nice home for everyone. We pleaded for help and got nothing in return. So we way FUCK YOU to everyone. We grinded our axes and sharpened our swords and showed everyone on in this country who the fuck we are!"
Hogarth pointed to the tapestry. "We ripped and tore up every orc and green-skin that dared set foot in this valley. Yes, we lost good people that day, but we lived and are still here today because of those we lost. We raided every camp and settlement that had that witch's flag at the border and beyond. By Odin's beard, Even HER PEOPLE helped us because Olga was that hated. Three years of burning and raiding later she yielded and constructed a wall to shut us out!"
Hogarth almost yelled at that last part. He took a deep breath to calm himself down and try to finish what he was saying.
"We called ourselves The öxl people. The people that bear the weight of the mountain ridge on their shoulders. Beaten, Battered, and bloodied. But unbowed and unbroken we remain."
Hogarth finished and sat down on his throne, looking a bit winded and slightly older than earlier today. He took one last gulp of his mead to finish off his mug.
The origin of the öxl people is a short but bloody experience, but it demonstrated their strength and resilience during one of the most brutal of times. It also birthed some of the greatest of them, including Hogarth Iornhead, Ivan the boneless, and even his father. Bloody Red Ragnor was one of the finest of the öxl people. With his dane ax in hand, he charged into the heat of battle and wreak havoc on the enemy as if The Great Wolf Fenrir himself took hold of his spirit. And yet he was a wise and caring man to everyone that called him a friend. Unfortunately, he had met his end on the field and was whisked away to Valhalla. During the closing days of the raids, Ragnor and his men were raiding a dark elf encampment when an arrow volley. And yet he killed ten more until he finally succumbed to his wounds.
Ragnor may died a true öxl, but his passing was hard on everyone.
"It almost sounds like you are trying to find an excuse to hate the queen." Juno finally said after a moment of silence. Hogarth just sighed.
"It's not me you should be worried about." He huffed and pointed to the doors. "It's the others that are the problem. We have long memories, child. For some of us, it felt like Eostia betrayed us yesterday." Hogarth said and pushed himself off his throne. "If something like that happened in the cold-lands, we'd be gearing up for war. They are some of us even prepared to march down on them now."
"Last time I've checked, we are not in the cold-lands, And they won't do a DAMN thing like marching on them because I and THE GODS SAID NO." Yaga commented, emphasizing the last part.
"Does this mean you will refuse?" Barlog spoke up for the first time.
Hogarth crossed his arms and closed his eyes, deep in thought. "Hmmm…" he hummed to himself and thinking about what should he do. He was quiet for a good minute.
"Barlog," Hogarth spoke up after a long pause, Barlog nearly jumped from the sudden sound "Do you remembered when old Hagrid asked who should lead Hrafnvatn?" He questioned Barlog.
Barlog nodded yes. It was hard not to forget.
Years ago, The village voted for Hogarth to be the chief of Hrafnvatn, but a man named Hagrid disagreed and thought he should be chieftain. Hagrid went as far as saying that the gods wanted him to do so. Hagrid managed to convince Yaga to let him speak to the gods, despite her warnings. She brewed one of her sacred potions and begged him one more time to reconsider. But Hagrid ignored her and gulped the potion down. Five minutes later, Hagrid passed out and was yelling for forgiveness. Hagrid woke up a day later and was pale as a ghost. He got down on his hands and knees in front of Hogarth and apologized for his jealousy. The whole village of Hrafnvatn must have heard him screaming the whole day.
Barlog shuddered at what Hagrid had seen.
"He's lucky they didn't smite him down. Anyone who harbors ill intentions usually doesn't wake up." Yaga said when she remembered Hagrid. "Is there a reason as to why you asked?"
"Yes Yaga," Hogarth set his mug down on the arm of his throne "because I want to ask THEM."
The whole hall was stunned silent. Even Yaga could not believe Hogarth's request, Juno covered her mouth behind her veil, And Barlog's mind was still processing what Hogarth said.
"I am afraid I cannot." Yaga said while shaking her head no.
"Please, Yaga." Hogarth pleaded "If everyone knows that this is the god's will, then no one will question it."
"I fear you misunderstood, Hogarth." Juno finally spoke up "Your spirit is too old, too weak to stand up to the power of the visions." Juno further explained, "Once it leaves on a journey, It may never return."
"Ah, fuck it." Hogarth scoffed "I've been around long enough! I can handle it!" He slapped his chest as proof of his strength.
"The answer is still no." Yaga stated once more. She began to stand up and said "If this is all you wish to discuss, then we shall take our leave." Yaga was just about to turn around and leave she looked straight at Barlog. Yaga stared hard at him like he had something. It made him a bit unconformable. "Let us go, Juno dear" Yaga called for Juno and began to hobble off. Juno said her goodbyes to Hogarth and Barlog and joined Yaga by her side and left.
"Ah, damn it." Hogarth huffed and fell onto his throne defeated. "There goes that plan." He said and looked down into his empty mug as if he was looking for an answer at the bottom.
Barlog decided to leave as well to let Hogarth think about his next move. He pulled the doors open and was met with the setting sun. "What would you do, Ragnor…" Hogarth mumbled before Barlog closed the doors behind him.
Barlog was too looking for answers as he wonders home. Many of the öxl had no love for Olga nor Celestine. And Hogarth wasn't lying about others wanted to get back at them for leaving them to defend themselves. Though he doubts a riot will happen, that doesn't mean trouble won't be caused. Such a burden for Hogarth indeed.
When his father passed on, it was Hogarth and Hilda that took him in and raised him until he was old enough to be on his own. Some nights he would hear Hogarth mumble about what Ragnor would do in stuff like this. It was nights like that Barlog wished he had his father's wisdom and not his brawn.
His thinking came to a stop when he finds himself in front of a small cottage. The only thing that was special about this place was the small forge in the back.
"Home Sweet Home"
Someone said beside him. Barlog quickly turned to his right and seen Juno.
How can she sneak up on him so easily? Was it something special that the elves can do?
"Uh, hello?" Barlog greeted her nervously.
"Hello," she greeted him back calmly "sorry about… what just happened."
"Oh, it's fine." said Barlog.
"You sure?" Juno said a bit meekly.
"Yes, it is. Don't worry."
"Ah, okay…"
Both stood quietly, awkwardly like earlier the day.
"Is something the matter?" Barlog broke the silence.
"Oh! sorry! I forgot why I came here for a second." Juno realized "But I need you to come with me."
Barlog looked at her puzzled.
"Yaga needs to speak to you. She said It's important."
Had a hard time writing this one but glad this is done.
In this chapter, I wanted to show how everyone sees the öxl people like how we saw the Vikings at first
Anyway, it's done.
Enjoy and tell me what you think and it's time for my date with a nine-foot-tall vampire lady :3