Astrid pulled on her clothes, though they did little to stop the shivering of her wet body. But modesty in the eyes of a stranger demanded it and so she dressed while the strange woman stared off into the dark ocean. Ruffnut dressed even more quickly, muttering to herself under her breath words Astrid was not sure she wanted to properly hear. Ruffnut was treating this all like a game gone wrong for which they now must suffer minor consequences, judging from the way she had rolled her eyes and sighed as she climbed back onto the dock and retrieved her clothes like a scolded child and this woman was nothing more than the local busybody.

The woman was like no one Astrid had ever seen before, a stranger through and through. That she even stood here in a place like Berk seemed somehow wrong, an anomaly of nature. Astrid's heart pounded to the point she was lightheaded, and her fingers twitched at the night air and felt nothing but salt in the wind.

A sword. A knife. Any weapon. What had she been thinking, heading out into the dead of night with no protection? A Viking would never do such a thing. Stupid, stupid, stupid. A Viking was always prepared, always ready, always watching. A Viking would never be caught out in the dark swimming naked without any mode of self-defense. Her head swam as she twisted water from her hair. The sound of it pouring to the wooden docks was deafening.

"And once again," began Ruffnut in an annoyed voice, "Who in Hel's name are you?"

"Shh!" Astrid put a finger to her lips. The woman had a spear while they were both defenseless and would it not be just peachy keen to have that very spear through Ruffnut because she couldn't shut up?

But Ruffnut just responded with her typical disparagement. "Plan on killing us with that when you're done talking to us?"

The woman continued to stare over the water. Her red braid swayed slightly in the wind. There seemed to be white feathers plaited into it. In fact, feathers seemed to surround her. There were only a few that Astrid could see, only countable on one hand, but their presence was greater than quantity.

"We're dressed," Astrid said quietly.

The woman gave a quick nod and turned to them. Her eyes were dark gray, though Astrid could not imagine how she could notice that in the darkness. "As I can see. Stand up straight, both of you."

"Why?" Ruffnut demanded, though she rose to her full height.

The woman did not reply, but stepped closer, footsteps silent on the dock. Those eyes were merciless in their gaze, and Astrid suddenly felt like a new weapon being inspected for use. The woman's hands were clasped about her spear, but those eyes poked and prodded as well as any tool.

At long last the woman removed herself back to the edge of the dock. "My name is Hrist."

"And that means absolutely nothing to us," said Ruffnut.

"Shut up!" whispered Astrid again, this time louder. Ruff could get herself killed by this woman, but the Norns be hung if she would get Astrid killed as well.

But Hrist just laughed. "I didn't expect it to, Ruffnut. But it is my name, you will respect it, and your honest prattle is annoying."

Astrid glanced over in time to see Ruffnut's first sign of fear of the night. "How did you know my name?"

"I'm a Valkyrie," Hrist replied simply as she ran a finger down the length of her spear.

"Yeah, right."

All Astrid could think about was that spear and how powerful this Hrist looked. And Ruff was going to get both of them killed. Astrid grabbed Ruffnut's arm and dug her nails into it.

"Ouch!" Ruffnut pulled away. "What is your problem?"

As if it weren't obvious. Astrid could feel her temper flaring, but choked it back. She could yell at Ruffnut later for this if it ever ended. Maybe it was a dream. A really, weird dream. Except she wasn't waking up and Hrist just looked on with an amused-if-impatient expression.

"Are you done yet?" Hrist asked.

Ruffnut opened her mouth to speak again, but Astrid clamped her hand over it. "You just called yourself a Valkyrie."

"Indeed I did."

Valkyrie. Wow. The word she had heard in stories all through growing up dissipated into gibberish. Valkyrie Valkyrie Valkyrie. Meaningless in sound and yet churning up images of blood-soaked battle fields and those women gleaning through the men like they were fallen wheat, picking favorites… images of Valhalla as however it was supposed to look and all the accompanying chaos and madness… images of death and battle and victory and the thrill of the fight… Astrid coughed, and realized she had not breathed in she did not know how long. "What?"

"Your hearing is fine, Astrid. I am what I say I am and I suggest you not ask for proof." Even as Hrist spoke her body seemed to glow ever so slightly while her voice threatened to draw blood. "And I've come here to speak to both of you."

"You said as much." Astrid hoped she sounded more self-assured than she felt. What would a Viking do now? So far Hrist had not attacked. Should she listen? There was nothing wrong with listening. It was diplomatic, it was wise. It would give her a chance to think of something else, if need be. She slowly removed her hand from Ruff's mouth. The other girl fortunately remained quiet.

"Your little… village here," said Hrist, with a nod at Berk, "Has caught the attention of many. "You've tamed dragons, which is most impressive. People would kill for that kind of power. The terrain makes for a strong defense. Both of those qualities work in your village's favor, but envious eyes are around. No doubt you've heard rumors of threats. Everyone seems to be brushing up on their skills as warriors. Including the two of you."

"How do you know all of this?" Astrid regretted the question as soon as she said. The woman was a Valkyrie, if she were telling the truth. Who was she to question their knowledge?

"Odin and Freya love battles. And the ones that will strike this little island, well, consider the gods some of the many who've noticed this place. The outcomes have not been woven yet. As I have said, between your dragons and natural defenses this island is well protected. Your people fight well. But then again… there are other tribes talented in offense. The ships that could surround this place… The scale could easily tip one way or the other. My sisters and I have woven nothing yet and the future is unseen. But it's something you should consider."

"Consider for what?"

"Odin seeks another addition to my troop."

Ruffnut gave a dark laugh. "As in plucking up the dead?"

Hrist glared at Ruffnut. "I wouldn't speak of it with such slight, girl. It is battle and glory and life and death and other such things you know little about. And yet you mock it all like a fool."

Ruffnut quieted immediately and moved closer to Astrid.

"But you show passion," Hrist said, more gently. "Lots of passion. You love fighting. You live for it. Fighting flows through your blood, Ruffnut. Which is why I have my eye on you.

"And Astrid." Astrid tried not to shake as Hrist turned back to her. "You, Astrid, are the most accomplished fighter of your age. And a female to boot. You're skilled beyond your young years."

"I've been training since I could walk," she said softly. Was this saying too much? Was she becoming Ruffnut?

"I still have no idea what this has to do with anything," Ruffnut said, confidence back. "It's late and we're both freezing to death."

"Then don't jump in the water at this time of year," Hrist said. "Valkyries have a lot of power in battles. They can choose who dies and who lives. They can weave outcomes, defeats, and wins. They are indestructible and immortal. Your village will most likely be attacked in the near future. If one of you were chosen by Odin for the troop…" She paused, and the only sound was water lapping against the docks. "Well, just think of what you could for your tribe."

This was insane. It had to be a dream, but Astrid was not waking up. "What are you saying? One of us will be become a Valkyrie?"

"Maybe. Odin has his eyes on others. He wants only one. But both of you are included, rest assured. Unless you say no and refuse Odin's consideration. And there would go any extra hope for your tribe."

Astrid could only stare at her as all the images and thoughts of Valkyries swooped straight back into her mind.

Suddenly Hrist turned, lifting the spear into the air as she did. In one fluid motion she released it. The spear soared through the air, silent as a feather, before stabbing itself into the wood at the far end of the dock. "Whoever is picked to join the troop would have to prove herself, of course. It's very difficult. Many of the finest have failed to receive the invitation. There is no shame in failure here. But much glory in the success."

In the blink of an eye the spear was back in her hand. "I don't expect an answer now. You both have three days to make up your mind. If you say yes, your training will begin. If you say no, you will never hear from me or any of my sisters again. I'll return tomorrow night."

And then she was gone. Not a sound, not a spark, just the presence of a woman named Hrist and then nothing.

For a long time Astrid could not speak. She could only breathe, in and out, cold air against her lungs.

"Please tell me you saw all of that," Ruffnut finally said. "I may be crazy, but I'm not… that kind of crazy. So please tell me you saw and heard what I just did."

Astrid nodded despite the fact she had completely forgotten Ruffnut had been there. "Yes. The woman named Hrist? The Valkyrie?"

"Fenrir's breath, we're both crazy!"

"Don't say that. That really happened. We're not crazy." Astrid hoped against hope it wasn't true.

"Astrid."

"What?"

Ruffnut opened her hand. There in her palm lay a large white feather. "It's a swan feather."

As slowly as she could, Astrid opened her own fist. It held an identical white feather.

"Wake up!"

Ruffnut turned her head back into the pillow and groaned. It couldn't be morning already. It just couldn't. Mornings were painful and bright and came way too early in the day and she was just too tired to deal with one.

But Sting just kept repeating the same irritating phrase of "wake up!" while Briarthorn and Sharpthorn jumped on the bed, giggling. Seven-year-olds sucked. Ruffnut pulled the blanket over her head. "Sting, why did you let the twins in here?"

"Because it's time to get up," Sting replied with way too much drama. "The sun's almost up. Let's go!"

"My head hurts. I had the weirdest dream."

"Well, I dreamed that I was lost in the woods except they were pink and I was about to be eaten by a troll but then Snotlout rescued me!" She sighed deeply. "Best. Dream. Ever."

"Wake up, wake up, wake up!" Briarthorn and Sharpthorn screamed.

Ruff groaned and forced herself to sit up. Everything swam before her eyes. She was way too tired this morning. "You're both annoying." She grabbed one twin at a time and chucked them off the bed. They landed in a pile, still laughing uncontrollably.

"You forgot the rope," Briar said between giggles, pointing her little hand to the window.

"I climbed it up and down twice while were you were sleeping!" Sharp put in as he climbed to his feet.

Darn. None of them had ever left a rope out. She must have really been out of it when she had returned home. She rolled dizzily from the bed and put the rope back to its hiding place. Outside the morning was misty, and pale light already flowed from the horizon. She grabbed her brush and pulled it through her hair. It was snarled from the ocean water.

Late night swim. So that part had been real. Not surprising. Swimming was fun. She divided her hair for braids. Yes, it was perfectly plausible that she had gone for a swim. And maybe Astrid had been there. Swimming was a popular pastime. But then the really tall woman who had called herself Hrist had arrived. She didn't know anyone in the tribe by that name. Maybe she had misheard it. And clearly the whole Valkyrie claim had been a dream because why would any self-respecting Valkyrie come to Berk?

"Can we braid your hair?" Sharp asked evilly.

"No. No one touches my hair." She set into the braiding process. Valkyrie. She had dreamt the woman named Hrist had said she, Ruff, could possibly become a Valkyrie. And what? Deal with dead bodies and serve ale in Valhalla like some common barmaid? No, thank-you. Dreams were so insane. But at least she hadn't dreamt about Snotlout like Sting had. Yes, dreams were insane.

She tried to shrug off just how real everything had felt as she headed downstairs.

Breakfast was already out on the table, Tuffnut slurping it down without a manner in sight. So gross. He was going to choke one of these days.

"Finally up?" their mother asked, bustling over with an empty basket and kissing Ruff on the forehead.

"I didn't sleep that late."

"A few minutes is long enough. Tuff was telling me about all the great fighting practice he got in yesterday. I assume you had as much fun. Sharp, Briar, go get vegetables." She shoved the basket into her youngest daughter's arms, who then grabbed Sharp's hand and hurried out the door. "Are you going back today?"

"Duh. I mean, yes." No sense risking her mother's wrath. Ruff slid into a chair and grabbed a chunk of bread.

"How exciting. Sting, looks like you'll be weaving again today."

"Yes!" Sting said from her place at the chair. The crazy girl actually liked weaving.

"And getting the water."

"But it gets heavy."

"Then make Tarnish help you."

"No!" Tarnish wailed.

Tuff laughed, nearly choking for real on his food.

"How did the birth go last night, Mom?" Ruff asked.

The smile faded from her mother's face. "Nettle's okay. Infant didn't live very long."

"Oh. I'm sorry." She could never understand why her mother and sister wanted to be around that. Birth. A process with such an ironically high chance of death. And how could anyone be okay after it?

"Not your fault."

It never was.

"Come on!" Tuffnut grabbed her shoulder and jerked her up from her chair. "Last one there is a rotten egg."

"I haven't finished eating!"

But Tuff just laughed and ran out the door. "Slowpoke."

How dare he! She took another large bite of bread and tore after him. Like he could ever beat her. She had run last night in the dark and could be even quicker in the day. A quick sprint and he thinking he was ahead and she had him. With a scream she leapt onto his shoulders and threw him down into the dust. "I win." She slammed a fist into his back, right between his shoulder blades, then jumped up and ran ahead while he was still trying to catch his breath.

The arena was more full than it had been the day before. More adults were there, taking time off from their professions to participate in some good old-fashioned Viking blood and gore. Awesome. She made her way through the various brawls to the weapons rack and selected an especially sharp-looking axe. It wound up as slightly too heavy for her, but she wasn't going to let anyone see that. Besides, extra heavy meant extra swing and she could possibly knock out Tuff's teeth with this. That would be the perfect payback for her hair.

"Who's ready to fight?" she declared. Tuffnut hadn't quite caught up yet.

No one appeared to have heard her, and the ones that did just looked at her. Mostly with impression, some amusement. Cool. The adults thought she was completely crazy. She was really beginning to build a reputation. Could she take on a full-grown man?

"Bring it on, Braids." Snotlout stepped from the side, where she had not seen him, and dropped his sharpening stone. He held up a broadsword and grinned. "Let's go."

She grinned back. She was feeling good this morning. "Are your hands going to stay where they're supposed to this time?"

"Come on. That was a total accident."

She heaved the axe over her shoulder and swung it out, completely missing Snotlout's sword. "My sister dreamed about you last night."

"Sigrid?" He lowered his sword and blushed. "Wow, she is a such a babe."

"Sting, actually."

"A kid? Ah, come on. The last thing I need is-" The side of the axe knocked awkwardly into his shoulder.

Ruff laughed. Victory. Though maybe the axe was too heavy. Snotlout just looked annoyed as he rubbed the spot.

"You need something more suited to your weight and strength class, Ruffnut." Fishlegs had appeared to watch, though now picked through the weapons rack. "Something too heavy is like a -2 or -3 from your possible force and an axe just looks clumsy— Ouch!"

Ruff had dropped the axe onto Fishlegs' toes. "No one cares."

"You know, Ruffnut, your little sister may have dreamed about me, but that doesn't mean the two of us can't go get something later if you're hungry," Snotlout said.

"You're an idiot. Fishlegs, want to shut up about stupid stats and fight?"

He shook his head. "You're a girl."

Always with that. Tuffnut was making his down to the arena and probably wouldn't be to her for a full minute and Astrid was nowhere in sight. Astrid would have been the first person she would have expected to see here. Ruff sighed and brushed at an itch on her arm.

Something came away in her hand. Feathers. Half a dozen swan feathers all tangled and matted together.

She had to find Astrid.