Naruto: Valkyrie
Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Norse Mythology
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Last time went pretty smoothly so I've decided to continue with this story for now. Here is chapter 8. Enjoy!
…
Last Time:
Niflheim
Lady Hel was speaking to Hinata about the lindorm. "It seems your man has once again sent me a prize."
The beautiful Valkyrie blushed slightly and said, "I do not believe he is 'my man' Lady Hel."
Garmr says Naruto's scent is all over you." stated the Death Goddess. "You are fortunate to find such a lover Valkyrie."
Hinata looked down and said, "Lord Odin will never let me stay with a mere mortal My Lady. The Allfather will surely punish me severely for my actions."
"He would not punish you for taking a godling as your mate though Valkyrie." said Hel.
"A godling?" asked Hinata in shock.
Lady Hel chuckled. "Ask the three Norns. "They have much knowledge to share… Now away with you child; we both have our appointed tasks."
…
Dvergr-Heima Inn
Naruto was lying awake in bed. He was beginning to worry for Hinata's safety in spite of the fact she was a Valkyrie and very capable of taking care of herself. That's when she appeared and said, "I'm sorry I took so long Naruto, I was held up in Niflheim."
Naruto smiled at her and said, "Join me?"
"As soon as I finish my bath my love, I think you deserve something special tonight for slaying that lindorm alone."
The two lovers would get little sleep that night…
…
Chapter 8
Dvergr-Heima
Slaying a massive lindorm single handedly isn't the best way to keep a low profile as Naruto soon found out. Aside of the local maidens taking an unhealthy interest in him (much to Hinata's ire); warriors for miles around wanted to challenge the 'Slayer of the Lindorm' to see if he was as tough as the locals claimed.
It was into this den of activity that a scout named Kiba wandered into. He and Akamaru scented the massive lindorm from outside of town and decided to see what it was. There they found the locals stripping the fifty-foot-long beast's carcass. By the Gods!" said Kiba. "Many a warrior must have died against such a massive beast."
Naruto had removed the choicest fangs and scales as well as the venom sacs and other choice parts that Dvalin pointed out would be valuable later. It was really a nasty job but Naruto had dealt with far worse tasks.
That didn't mean the rest of the spoils weren't available though. Kiba purchased a particularly nice lindorm scale in order to fashion it into a superb shield. He also bought one fir his sister Hana. As he gave twenty silver pieces for the two magnificent lindorm scales, he asked the vendor, "I heard that many died here facing the lindorm. How many were lost?"
"Twenty two died and one was waylaid but survived thanks to his armor." said the vendor. "Then a lone warrior slew the beast all on his own using nothing but a heavy sword. It was a spectacle to be sure."
"Who is this warrior?" asked Kiba. "Surely he must be big and powerful to achieve such a feat."
"Actually he's average sized but fleet of foot the likes I've never seen." replied the vendor. "He goes by the name of Naruto. He has spiky blonde hair and terribly ruined armor. He's definitely an odd one."
Kiba put two and two together in his head and said with a leer, "No doubt he's at the brothel getting treated for free."
The vendor replied, "Nay, he travels with a warrior maiden so fair one would mistake her for a goddess. They seem to be inseparable."
"She must be quite a looker." said Kiba with a faraway look in his eyes.
"She is." laughed the vendor with a wink.
….
Kiba went over to the tavern and saw the place was quite lively. After securing himself a seat at the bar he was talking to a cute barmaid about the local hero, Naruto. She handed him a mug of ale and said, "He's a real cutie but he's not from around here. He says he's from somewhere far south. A lot of guys challenged him but they all left crying."
Kiba's eyes widened, "Crying? Is he that good with the sword?"
The barmaid laughed, "No one knows as he refuses to fight. He's some kind of genius at rolling the bones though."
"He's a gambler?!" asked Kiba in confusion.
"Yep." she said. "They say he doesn't fight unless he has to. He's an odd one too. He could have any girl in town but he only has eyes for his girlfriend or wife…" she shivered. "That woman is dangerous if you ask me. She has a death glare that would make Lady Hel proud."
Mentally pocketing that information for later, Kiba nursed his ale and thought of the parchment with the bounty on Naruto's head that called him Naruto the Trickster… 'Hmmm… I think I've found my target. I need to inform him that General Choza wants to protect him…'
Kiba hung around the tavern quietly nursing his ale so he wouldn't be drunk when Naruto arrived. That's when he saw Naruto and Hinata across the street at Dvalin's Forge. Naruto had a gray travelers cloak on over his armor with the hood up. Kiba saw some of his blonde bangs regardless. Then he saw Hinata in a winged helmet looking like a picture of perfection walking beside him.
The couple was talking animatedly as they waited in line at the forge and Kiba strained to hear as he paid for his ale and went out on the street with Akamaru in tow…
Hinata's soft voice was excited, "It's finally finished. I can't wait to see my new sword!"
Naruto smiled and said, "I can't either. I hope it suits you well Hinata. You are so graceful with the saber. I can't wait to see you try it out."
"I will cut a swath through our enemies." she said eagerly. "Just you watch as I lay them low."
…Akamaru whined and Kiba was taken aback by her bloodthirstiness. The pair watched as Naruto and Hinata entered the forge…
…
Dvalin's Forge
The Dwarven smith was overjoyed to see Hinata and Naruto come in and sit down at his table. "Hail and well met!" boomed Dvalin. "Lady Hinata, I have forged you a grand blade indeed. The fang of a bog lurker is material unlike I have ever seen or worked with. It fought me the whole way as I crafted it. It is like a cross between diamond and metal to work on and holds an edge like nothing I've seen.
He reverently put the sheathed blade in front of Hinata on the table and said, "I give you Ǫndgeisa (Soul Rage). I named it that because of the immense power that dwells within. Draw the blade and have a look, Lady Hinata."
Hinata drew the saber from its sheath and held it up. The blade was a translucent milk white with edges so sharp it seemed to cut the air even when held still. She channeled her magic through it and the blade burned purple with raw power. She said, "I cannot wait to try this out. You have outdone yourself Master smith." Then she got a bloodthirsty smile. "Ǫndgeisa. A good name for a sword worthy of a Chooser of the Slain."
"Let's try it out Lady Valkyrie." said Dvalin. "I cannot wait to see what you can do with it."
They went out to the practice field behind the forge and Naruto watched as Hinata did her saber dance so she could get a feel for the Ǫndgeisa. As she moved about with grace and agility no mere mortal could have, Naruto whispered, "Beautiful…" Then she struck each of her targets like lightning and hit parchment, leather, wood, iron and steel with absolute precision.
Each material was sliced perfectly before she turned to a lindorm's scale and sliced it in half as if it was made of tissue paper. Dvalin immediately began to clap as did Naruto. She smiled brightly and curtsied at the pair. "A masterful display Battle Maiden!" exclaimed Dvalin. "Truly that blade suits you well."
Naruto just smiled at her and the glow in his eyes of excitement and delight made her heart swell with joy. He said, "That was breathtaking Hinata. I'm so amazed at you."
She blushed slightly and said, "Thank you."
…
Kiba had watched the whole spectacle from some nearby trees and was dumbfounded. He watched as Hinata took a few more practice swings and realized Naruto's traveling companion's beauty was only exceeded by her deadliness. Then the scout saw the group enter the forge again after she sheathed her new saber…
…
Dvalin was immensely pleased with the Ǫndgeisa as were Naruto and Hinata. Hinata was giddy to try the new weapon in actual combat but retained her cool demeanor externally. Dvalin said, "You should test the Soul Rage while I craft twin daggers for Lord Naruto. The crystalized souls are a material that mere mortals may not be able wield safely. It needs to be tested first."
"I understand." said Naruto. "If the fangs of a bog lurker will not work for me the perhaps the lindorm fangs will."
"We don't know that the bog lurker fangs won't work for you just yet." said Dvalin. "I believe I know of someone that can help though. She is an acquaintance of mine, the great Water Enchantress Mei Terumi. She's the daughter of Unnr*① and the Granddaughter of Ǽgir and Ran*②.
"How would she help?" asked Hinata suspiciously. "All I've ever heard about her is she's looking for a husband."
Dvalin replied, "No, she's looking for the perfect husband, not just any old husband. I doubt she'll ever find him. Anyway, she could teach Lord Naruto here water magics. I can tell he has a knack for them but I don't know how to bring it out. She does. You'll have to bargain with her a bit but she's actually friendly to good hearted people which both of you are."
"So where do we find this Mei Terumi woman?" asked Naruto.
"She lives south of here by the ocean in Halogaland." said the Dwarven smith. "Just follow the northern peninsula west out to its tip and you'll find her home. Tell her Dvalin sent you and she should be friendly enough."
Naruto said, "That sounds like an interesting little detour. Maybe I can learn something new. What do you think Hinata?"
"If it will give us an edge in combat then I am all for it." said Hinata. 'That woman had better not mess with my Naruto!'
Naruto got a chill up his spine and said, "Oh, I needed to return the Shatter sword to you Dvalin."
The dwarf waved his hands. "Keep it as a loaner until I get you a proper sword. I think you are the only one who can use it anyway."
"Alright, what about the mask?" asked the blonde.
Dvalin rubbed his chin. "Actually, that was something I crafted for an adventurer long ago; that and a bottomless rucksack of sorts."
Hinata raised an eyebrow. "A bottomless rucksack?"
The Master smith replied, "Aye, I don't know what else to call it. It's a bag that can hold anything. Like I said, it's bottomless. Let me go get it."
The two adventurers looked at each other and smiled while Dvalin rummaged around in the back. After a few minutes he came out with a small rucksack and said, "Here it is. Let me show you how it works." The smith pick up a spear that couldn't possibly fit in the bag and simply dropped it in. The bag still looked empty from the outside. Then the dwarf reached in the bag and pulled the spear back out. "It's a nifty little trinket eh?"
Naruto nodded and Hinata said, "It seems to empty into a bottomless realm Naruto." Then she smiled. "It is much like your bottomless stomach."
Naruto sweat dropped and Hinata said, "I will pay for the bag and mask Master smith. What are you asking?"
Dvalin said, "100 Silver pieces for the pair. Considering how much business I've gotten because of the spoils of the lindorm you slew I figure that's a fair price. What do you say?"
Hinata's eyes narrowed but she decided it was fair. "So be it." said the Valkyrie. "This bag will be handy for spoils. She gave the dwarf 100 silver and Dvalin thanked her.
…
The Battle Maiden and the young Lord of Vestmar left Dvalin's Forge and set about making preparations to go to the home of the Water Enchantress Mei Terumi. Hinata whispered to Naruto, "We're being tailed."
Naruto nodded and said, "It's a man with fang tattoos and a dog a dog, right?" She nodded. "We'll capture them under the bridge near the edge of town." She got a gleam in her eye and smiled.
…
Kiba watched as the pair headed towards the southern edge of town and followed them under the bridge before he lost them. It was then that Akamaru suddenly whimpered in fear. "What is it boy?" asked Kiba. Akamaru moaned and the dog scout said, "You sense… death?"
Hinata's blade appeared under Kiba's neck and she appeared in her phantasm form before the scout. "You should learn to listen to your instincts the way your dog does."
He gulped and squeaked, "A-a Valkyrie? P-please battle maiden; I've only come to talk to the Lord of Vestmar. General Choza wishes to aid him."
Naruto's eyes flashed in the darkness and Kiba felt himself shiver. "What does General Choza have to say to me?"
The scout was sweating. "I mean no harm to you Lord of Vestmar. Please my Lady, I beg that you remove your blade from my throat."
Hinata removed her blade and said, "Speak."
Kiba was no fool and did as he was told. "Audhild of Bamble and her son Menma have placed an immense bounty on your head Lord Naruto. General Choza sent me to tell you he wishes to protect you from her forces. I am humbly at your service as a guard Lord of Vestmar."
Naruto nodded. "What is your name?"
The dog lover said, "I am Kiba of Choza's scouts." Naruto looked at the dog and Kiba added, "That is Akamaru, my canine partner."
Hinata put her blade away and returned to her human form. "He speaks the truth Naruto. He's too frightened to lie."
Kiba let out a breath realizing he was going to live after all. "Truly the Choosers of the Slain are fearsome as they are beautiful… I have a parchment of the bounty on me as proof of Audhild's intentions Lord Naruto." He got in his pouch and said, "Here it is."
Naruto accepted the parchment and read it aloud "500 gold pieces for the death of Naruto the trickster, pretender to the throne… Hmmm. Why is that woman so desperate to place her son Menma on the throne? Harald Fairhair has already conquered Vestmar and there is no one left to rule but the dead."
"General Choza never wanted your land to become the Killing Fields of Vestmar." said Kiba.
"Is that what they call it now?" asked Hinata. "I was there and saw the fields run red with blood. Many a warrior went to Valhalla on that glorious night. Even more went to Niflheim though…"
Kiba thought, 'This woman is dangerous!'
Naruto growled, "It doesn't matter what Choza wanted; all that matters is what he got. That brings me to the question of why Choza wants to protect the likes of me."
"General Choza is an honorable man." said Kiba. "You met him and you know this much is true."
The blonde's eyes sparked but then he agreed. "I will grant you that much."
Sighing in relief, Kiba said; "I do not know much of Audhild of Bamble but she is an evil woman. General Choza wishes to lend you his aid against her. I will travel with you as your loyal guard as proof of the General's goodwill."
Hinata and Naruto looked at each other in a silent conversation and nodded at each other. Naruto said, "If you want to travel with us, you may Kiba."
Kiba smiled and was about to say something but Hinata said, "If I even sense the tiniest bit of treachery from you, I will personally take you to the coldest, blackest pits of Niflheim."
The dog lover said, "I will prove to be a loyal and steadfast companion."
Naruto said darkly, "Time will tell Kiba, the three Fates can be quite cruel when they want to be…"
…
The base of Yggdrasil
Skuld, Urd, and Verdandi were gently weaving the threads of fate back into place around Naruto's main lifeline. Skuld said, "There; now that the one called Kiba has joined them perhaps things will start to calm."
Then they saw Kiba's threads start to turn and bend rapidly. "Oh dear." said Verdandi. "Like a whirlwind, Lord Naruto has swept up young Kiba for a wild ride."
Urd laughed. "I am beginning to grow fond of young Naruto. I wonder if all the flows and eddies around him will be swept into the maelstrom."
"You are enjoying this chaos far too much sister." grouched Skuld at Urd.
"Oh come on and live a little, Skuld!" replied Urd. "Sit back and enjoy the performance…"
…
Dvergr-Heima
Naruto and Hinata realized that Kiba wasn't prepared for the trip to Halogaland and went back into town so the three could set off early in the morning. Kiba was glad to get a night's rest indoors regardless.
The trio were sitting in the tavern having a large dinner and Kiba noticed that Naruto's armor was in shambles. "Um, no offense but you look like you've been through a war my Lord "
"Funny you put it that way Kiba; I was through a war if you'll recall." said the blonde. Kiba winced. "More importantly, just call me Naruto. I'm trying to draw as little attention as possible."
"Perhaps some chainmail that isn't in tatters would draw less attention Naruto." said Hinata.
"The Battle Maiden speaks true." said the dog lover.
The Valkyrie sighed, "Just address me as Hinata, Kiba. You're being afraid of your own shadow around me is growing old."
"Yes ma'am!" answered Kiba at attention. Naruto smirked and Hinata rolled her eyes…
After eating Hinata said, "I'm going to go cleanse myself in the bath Naruto. I will see you in a bit."
Naruto smiled at her and nodded as she departed with a soft sway in her hips.
Kiba was struck with a realization like a brick in the face at that point. He took a deep whiff of Naruto and whispered, "You and the Battle Maiden are lovers, Naruto?! Her scent is all over you!"
The blonde's eyes narrowed. "Is there a problem Kiba?"
The dog lover said, "Aren't there some kind of sacred rites forbidding such things?"
The Lord of Vestmar shrugged and said, "I figure she would have said something by now if there was. Besides, I am as good as dead on this quest anyway. The Fates themselves want me to find out who tried to assassinate me back in Vestmar."
"General Choza beheaded that coward." said Kiba.
Naruto shook his head. "Not the one who fired the arrow; the one that had the enchanted arrow created specifically to kill me."
"You think it was Audhild of Bamble?" asked Kiba.
"Even the three Norns do not know for sure." Said the young Lord. "That is my mission; to find out who is behind it all in the shadows."
'What have I gotten myself into?' wondered the scout.
…
Halogaland
Naruto, Hinata and Kiba entered northern Halogoland a week later without much incident until they reached the shore that led to the western peninsula that jutted out westwards. There they saw several water spirits watching them from the ocean. Several were playing sweet music but seemed to stop when Naruto came near and drew away from the shore as if awed.
Naruto stepped forward and said, "Watch out behind us in case they try to surround us."
Kiba nodded and Hinata put a hand on the hilt of her new saber just in case. Much to their surprise the water spirits seemed to part ways all the way to a small keep that belonged to the Water Enchantress Mei Terumi…
,,,
Mei's Keep
Within the keep, Mei Terumi heard the music of the many water spirits change tone to one that was unfamiliar to her. Listening, the Water Enchantress heard a mixture of songs. One tune said a handsome man was coming. The other… said it was a relative. Specifically, her maternal Aunt Blōdughadda*③.
Now Mei hadn't seen Blōdughadda in years but always got along with her red-haired aunt. Looking into her water mirror she saw a scruffy man with a dog, a Valkyrie (never good) and a rather handsome blonde coming down the path to her home. Then Mei focused on the blonde's face and saw the spitting image of her aunt.
"Could he be Aunt Blōdughadda's lost son?" the Water Enchantress wondered aloud. "He looks to be about the right age and the young man certainly has her looks…"
…
Naruto and the others came to a halt when a water apparition of Mei's face appeared before them and said, "Halt! Who goes there?"
The blonde Lord of Vestmar said, "I'm Naruto and this is Hinata and Kiba. Dvalin sent us."
"Why?" asked the apparition.
"He said you might be able to teach me water magics." stated the blonde.
The apparition looked puzzled and said, "Tell me the names of thy sire and dam."
Now it was Naruto's turn to be puzzled. "My parents were named Minato and Kushina… but both are long dead."
"Why are all the good ones taken, gay or related?!" cried Mei's apparition.
Naruto looked strangely at the apparition and asked, "Excuse me..?"
Then the apparition looked embarrassed before it stated, "Naruto, you and your friends may come forth, Kushina is the name my Aunt Blōdughadda used when travelling among mortals. We are bound by blood as cousins; you and I."
Hinata's Moonlight eyes widened. 'Then Naruto is a Godling. He is a half on his mother's side.' She smiled. 'I'm so happy!'
Kiba's brain didn't work as fast as the others and he said, "Okay, so the Water Enchantress is your cousin… That means you're Ǽgir and Ran's grandson… Holy shit Naruto, your part God!"
Hinata looked at Kiba as if to say, 'Are you stupid?' Whereas Naruto just looked dumbfounded.
"That would explain why I've always healed so fast… and why I've never drowned." said the blonde absentmindedly.
Mei appeared in the place of her apparition and laughed melodically. "Drowned? Water would make you stronger, not weaker. Did you not know this?"
"I didn't know my mother's identity till a couple of months ago; let alone she was a disguised goddess." said Naruto.
"I guess that would put a dent in your knowledge…" replied Mei. The Water Enchantress turned back towards her keep and said, "Come to my home, there we can relax and speak..."
…
Dvergr-Heima
Dvalin was merrily working on his forge when his canteen started to spin and the cork popped off of it. Mei's angry apparition appeared. "Dvalin, you fool! How could you not send my cousin to me straightaway?"
The dwarf was totally speechless and said intelligently, "Ummm… What?"
The Water Enchantress roared, "Naruto is Blōdughadda's son and therefore my first cousin. Do you realize he's never prayed to his Grandparents in his life?! They've been dying to hear from him!"
"I… I had no idea he was Blōdughadda's child." pleaded Dvalin. "I knew he was special but…"
"Shut up or I'll kill you!" hissed Mei. "And craft him same proper water armor or else!"
The Master smith saluted, "Yes Lady Mei; anything you say!"
Mei smiled wickedly. "Good… You'll live to see another day dear dwarf." Then she vanished.
Dvalin sat down and wiped his brow, "By the Gods, the women in that family and their tempers…"
…
Mei's Keep
"I think Lady Mei likes me." said Kiba with his chest puffed out.
Hinata smiled meanly and said, "I think you were dropped on your head too many times as a child."
Akamaru snorted and Kiba frowned at him. "Laugh it up furball." Then the dog started laughing/barking openly…
Mei came out of her bedroom after given Dvalin a proper tongue lashing for not noticing the obvious (to her at least). She turned to her other guests and said, Hinata, Scruffy, Akamaru; my servants will get you appropriate rooms. Hinata, I assume you'll be bedding with my cousin?"
Hinata blushed slightly and Mei said, "You are lovers, correct?"
The Valkyrie said, "Yes but we keep it to ourselves."
"It's fine." said Mei. "The joy I see in your eyes when you see each other is a dead giveaway to me though."
'Did she just call me scruffy?' wondered Kiba.
…
The base of Yggdrasil
Verdandi smiled and said, "Ǽgir and Ran seemed so pleased to be in touch with their grandchild. It is touching."
"Touching?!" roared Skuld. "He's growing stronger with each passing day!"
"He'll need that strength to survive the trials ahead." said Urd. "Whoever sought to snuff him out to begin with is no mere mortal either to have stayed hidden from us so long."
"I can't wait to cut that person's thread!" said Skuld eagerly.
"Always so bloodthirsty…" said Verdandi as she shook her head.
…
Mei's Keep
Three weeks later Naruto thanked his cousin deeply for her guidance. "I cannot thank you enough Mei."
Mei nodded and said, "Remember; you take much after Grandmother Ran's powers rather than Grandfather Ǽgir's. Your power over water is much more inclined to be destructive than to heal. In short, don't expect to be reviving the dead."
"I'll keep that in mind Mei." said Naruto.
"Now off you go Naruto." said the Water Enchantress. "Remember your family watches over you from afar..."
…
As they walked back towards Dvergr-Heima, Naruto was doing basic water exercises to improve his mastery over the element. The water spirits were much more friendly now and Naruto could understand their music. The blonde had learned the basics of creating a wave or making a wall of water but subtle things like mist and apparitions were currently beyond him.
For her part Hinata rarely used magic aside of soul related spells but was very proud of her lover Naruto. In particular she liked the spell her called undertow that pulled his enemies under the water and drowned them. It would give her plenty of work to do in the future.
As for Kiba, he was astonished by his new friends' powers and abilities. He also found it odd that Naruto could speak to the Akamaru. The big canine informed Kiba that Naruto was heavily accented and actually spoke wolf but they could communicate nonetheless.
The three travellers found themselves back at Dvergr-Heima before they knew it and went to see the dwarf Dvalin once again…
…
Dvalin's Forge
Naruto, Hinata and Kiba arrived at the forge where the dwarven smith had crafted a pair of truly wicked looking dueling daggers for Naruto out of the smaller bog lurker fangs. Dvalin also presented Naruto with lightweight blue armor of water and a blue cloak that would protect him much better than the ruined chainmail the blonde had.
Hinata was quite delighted with Naruto's new attire and said, "Now you look very handsome Naruto. I'm very pleased."
Naruto blushed slightly at his lover's praise. "It's strange wearing new armor that isn't a hand me down. This actually fits me properly.
"And you have twin daggers as well." said Hinata. "Soon you'll have a sword to match."
Naruto looked at Kiba and said, "You'll need new gear too Kiba. Your leather armor just won't cut it anymore. This is going to be expensive…"
75 gold pieces later Kiba had a set of leather and chainmail armor that was far superior to any he'd seen. It was a layer of soft leather with chainmail sown into it and a layer of hard leather atop of it. It also had fur edging to keep the cold out.
"Now this is some fine armor." said Kiba. "Dvalin certainly knows his craft."
The blonde nodded. "Of that there is no doubt." agreed Naruto.
Dvalin said, "I have news for you regarding the cursed arrow you brought me. It was made in Svartalfheim though I don't know by who. You're going to have to go there to find out. The runes indicate it was someone of great skill with the black arts."
Hinata said, "I can't say I'm entirely surprised. Most of the dwarves still live there. There is a passage to Svartalfheim north of here in the Kingdom of Tromsø. That is where we should go next."
"Then Tromsø it is." said Naruto. "I wonder what we'll find there…"
…
POSTSCRIPT:
*①: Unnr – (Frothing Wave) -one of the nine daughters of Ǽgir and Ran, representing a wave.
*②: Ǽgir and Ran - Ǽgir and Ran are, respectively, husband and wife. They dwell in a magnificent hall beneath the ocean and can be seen as the divine powers of the ocean and its varying qualities. Aegir (Ocean), who is often portrayed as a gracious host, seems to correspond to its more benevolent aspects. Ran (Robber) seems to correspond to its more sinister aspects; in Old Norse poetry, she's usually mentioned in the context of drowning unfortunate seafarers and dragging them down to dwell in her underwater abode.
*③: Blōdughadda - {Bloody Hair) -one of the nine daughters of Ǽgir and Ran. representing a wave.
*④: Svartalfheim, also known as Nidavellir, is one of the nine realms in Norse mythology. It's the home of the dwarves, the master craftsmen of the Norse tales. The name Svartalfheim translates to "Homeland of the Black Elves," while Nidavellir means "Dark Fields" or "Low Fields."
So, Naruto's bloodline (on his mother's side) has been revealed this chapter. We've also learned his element is water (as opposed to the usual wind) and Kiba has joined the party. Next chapter we travel to Svartalfheim. See you next time. Blue out. 4/2/22
