Chapter 1: Niflheim
My very first chapter! XD Now just to clarify I don't actually know what anything from the Norse actually looks like. This is just how I would picture it so if it's not what you expected...TOO BAD! Just kidding! But really I can't help it.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything. Only the plot line and my own ideas.
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Howling like savage wolves, the wind twists and turns across the barren tundra. The angry bite of the bitter cold, a harsh reminder of this grim reality. For miles in all directions remained the uniformed white of the snow bleached lands. Where trees should stand formations of ice took it's place, for hardly a leaf grew in this frozen soil.
In the heart of it all, amidst the blood curdling screech of the wind, four spires of ice rise to meet the clouded sky. Thunder rumbles through the swollen expanse of grey as lighting danced upon it's soft underbelly. With a deafening crack, the sky flashed a blinding white, lighting the spires a ghostly blue. Like rippling water, their glassy surfaces pulsed. Upon reaching the end of their rounded bodies, instead of rebounding the movement continued out over a translucent wall. A circular dome flashed to life before dying away once more.
Within the sphere all was still. Not a sound was heard save for the muffled hum of the wind outside. Shrouded in a ghost white mist stood an enormous castle of ice. It's marble like walls traveling farther than the eye could see. A shrill cry pierced the calm before a snow white owl swooped down. With it's small prize now locked in it's talons it took off, swallowed whole by the ever white world once more.
"Ahh. You have returned." High upon the peak of the castle walls stood a man garbed in robes of vibrant blue. Holding out his arm, the snowy owl landed upon it gripping the fabric. In one foot it clutched a small black stone. Holding out his hand the man waited as the bird dropped the rounded item. "Thank you my friend. You have done well." In a swift, fluid movement, the man turned and walked off, the owl climbing up to perch on his shoulder. After ascending a winding staircase the two passed through many a corridor, the inner walls remaining a solid white. Though there was no obvious change in the halls both remains undeterred. The soft clang of shoes echoed, round the deserted area. Coming to a halt the man reached out grasping an almost unnoticeable handle. With the twist of his wrist a door emerged from the ivory walls. Stepping inside he closed it once more.
The room he entered was very different from the deserted corridors he previously crossed. The once white walls were now a gentle blue. The hard flooring covered in a soft rug. A few servants milled about dusting and cleaning, their white hair and porcelain skin blending into the environment. The difference in appearance was now painfully obvious as the two continued on.
"Master Nix! There you are!" rang a voice as a petite maid ran up. "Lady Blossom is waiting for you in the study."
"I was just on my way there now." Nix replied in a cool voice. "Thank you for informing me though."
Shortly after, Nix arrived to a large room. The walls were covered in shelves of books and various items of all sizes. A round table lay in the center of the room. Seated at the table was a girl, her every detail a stark contrast to what surrounded her. Flaming red locks tumbled around her sprawling out on the floor. Florescent pink clothes clung to her perfectly sculpted frame, far unlike what one would expect to see someone wearing in the cold weather. Light pink eyes flashed with intelligence as they captured Nix's vibrant blue robes.
"Outside again huh?"She questioned, her voice ringing like the soft chime of bells. "Did you find anything new?"
"Yes Milady. Nubem has found what looks to have been a river rock." Nix replied, gesturing to the owl as it glided across the room to a small space between the books piled upon the table.
"Well thats rare. Good work Nubem." Blossom said, reaching out to pet the bird as it ruffled it's feathers. "But that's not whats important right now. Did you get the message?"
"Yes Milady. The prince should be arriving tomorrow." Nix's face remained an emotionless mask. 'Hopefully things go well this time around.'
"I swear, if he melts the castle again I'm gonna turn him into a popsicle." Blossom huffed crossing her arms over her chest. "Him and that stupid fire bird of his."
"Now now Milady, you know you'll have to work together with the Young Master." Nix chided, a stern look on his angular face. "After all you've both been chosen as candidates. If you can't get along how could you possibly help at Lord Odin's table?"
"I know, I know." Turning away, the redhead walked over to the open window staring off into the misty landscape below. "He's just so… infuriating!"
"Patience is a virtue Milady."
'One in which I'm severely lacking on his account.' She thought, rolling her bright pink orbs. Though she'd never admit that aloud. She responded instead "Maybe you should try and teach him that. He's got about as much patience as a gold fishes attention span."
"Milady!" Nix scolded, a shocked look gracing his features.
"What?" Blossom turned to him. "It's true and you know it. Don't even try to deny it."
When her tutor refused to make eye contact, the corners of Blossoms mouth turned up in silent victory.
'We'll just have to see what happens then.' Wringing his hands on a strip of fabric from his sleeve, Nix looked skyward. 'Lord Odin, I hope you know what you've gotten us all into.'
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Well I hope that was alright. It took me the longest time to write about a snowy landscape since I've never seen snow before. Don't get me wrong, tropical places are nice, but it can only keep your attention for so long before you get bored. And I hope this didn't seem too run-on or anything.
Please leave a review and tell me how I did. Thanks! ^_^