Chapter 2:

Mapping Out The Path

Waydyntale


Waydyntale Order.

Phrumen explained that this order was formed long ago. When he first awakes and when the world still didn't know of The Dyn. The purpose of the group was the same as his.

Protecting the world.

Their first failure was failing to stop The Dyn from ever happening. Since then, the phenomenon has repeated for millenia. Sometimes it takes two or three or even four, but the premise is the same: The collision of three realms. The Order's enemies managed to hide their secrets in enacting the event. Thus, The Order was left in the dark and had to make do with what they could.

"There have been three generations, you and Laufaye are the third." Said Phrumen.

"Hm, I take it our predecessor perished."

He shook his head.

"They went into hiding or simply got caught during the realms' transition. I can't contact them since my power can only be utilized in the same world space."

"Realms, eh? I never heard of this. I always thought Dark Elves and Orcs were simply demons who were caged and let out during The Dyn."

"You are not wrong, in a sense," he affirms Thrall's words. "They are always itching to prey on your kind."

"So, is the princess in the coffin, you know…? Or perhaps she is a rare case?"

"For that, you have to understand where you are now."

He rose from his chair.

"Come, I call Laufaye too."

They gathered in another room that was not suffocating at least. And it is not underground either. It seems this one is intended for big speeches. For once, Thrall felt familiar with the materials it was built. Its walls are stones and the floor is Planks. There are many chairs lined up, but none of them fit his size. Thus, he settled on the ground.

*thud*

At the same time, someone beside him has the same idea.

Valkyrja didn't wear a helmet this time. Her long blond hair is let loose to the point it touches the ground. Thrall reckon what she is wearing now is the undersuit of her armor.

They exchange a nod.

Simply acknowledging each other is a first step towards their long cooperation.

Phrumen appears from another entrance, standing on a stage with a block of wood in front of him holding a small machine that Thrall does not know of. Suddenly, the room is void of lumination. Atop of them is a hanging box that emits light that forms a square on the screen beside Phrumen.

Pictures appears.

Not with a process, but it appears immediately. How can he draw without even taking a brush? Truly, The Root is otherworldly. He was mistaken to doubt him in the first place. Machines and contraptions held in this root are out of this world.

Phrumen coughs.

"As you can see, this is the map of our world."

Strange.

Thrall recognized Veturheimr and Aislare. Perhaps this is why Phrumen called him, "Son of The North,". His homeland was located at the northern part of the map, but there are other landmass that is connected to it and for the life of him, somehow neighboring to another sizable land to the southwest. Also, there is a lot of land that is near the Yggd Tree. How can anyone not notice it when they chart the map?

"Before you question it, let me tell you something first," Phrumen began. "This map was before the first collision happened or The Dyn as you both called it."

"What happened to the map now, sir?" Valkyrja asked with a polite tone Thrall hadn't heard.

"We can't chart it anymore because we can't go to space."

"Space? I bet me and Fjorm can reach the skies."

The hooded man merely chuckled at that.

"You can, but because of our enemy's actions, you will suffocate and end up in a void, if you are lucky, you free fall, if not, well, you are trapped forever."

"Fiiiiine." Valkyrja groaned

"Ahem, moving on. We are here–this whole outer area."

He circles around the outer parts of Veturheimr, where the color of the sea is dark green. Based on what Thrall saw, the three realms are separated by a certain border. Using his homeland as an example, the lines between outer area and center denote what his 'realm' is.

Phrumen continues his explanation.

"This area is called Ahura," referring to the outer area. "A realm."

Valkyrja raises her hand. "Sir! Are lands in Ahura always depressingly dark?"

Mind your manners, woman! In another room there is someone who lives here.

"Well, it is called The Dark Realm sometimes. This land is too hostile for your kind."

"I doubt it," Valkyrja once again. "Dark elves and orcs have been beaten a lot in the past. How can they survive here?"

Phrumen chuckles. "If you are playing at home, you will definitely gain a boost, but on away, not so much."

"Eh? Home?! Away?! Er, explain it again."

Phrumen facepalmed, as if he was scolding himself.

"If you are fighting on other people's land, you might be in a more disadvantageous position."

"So that means, if I meet one here, they can actually give me a challenge? I see, I see…"

Hide your grin, woman.

Back to Phrumen…

"Where was I? Ah, about Ahura…"

The Dark Realm or Ahura as he called it is just a world like Thrall and Valkyrja’s. Except the wildlife and the environment is more hostile. He then explained that the reason they are able to breathe safely now is because of their sleep session when The Dyn moved them here. To Thrall's surprise, people who live in this realm still maintain authority. Well, there is a princess in another room.

The sad thing is, order has long fallen way before the current Dyn happened.

It must be hard for the Dokkalfar Princess.

But, this piqued Thrall's interest. He raised his hand and asked the lingering question he had ever since he laid my eyes on the lady in the coffin.

"If inhabitants of this world have rulers like us, what is their motivation in invading us? And where are they now."

"I know you will ask that,"

"The thing is, Solblom, you need to learn to differentiate Dokkalfar and Dark Elf."

A new set of portraits appeared on the screen. It was an image he knew so well. The sharp jaw, tilted up horns, the bloodshot eyes, and the sinister smile, all around despicable features that…is shown beside the more refined ones. Because it belongs to the lady in the coffin. Her visage now is clearer than the little glass she was kept in.

Rounder face, blue eyes, a smile that will warm your soul, and the horn is tilted down.

Perhaps, this Dokkalfar and Dark Elf is one tribe, but broke off. Hm, he should let Phrumen continue the rest.

"This happens because of one thing: Desire."

Thrall tilted his head. Desire? So if they wish good things they become Dokkalfar while the other is opposite.

"Do you know the story of The Forbidden Fruit?"

"...No?" Thrall said, looking beside him. "Valkyrja?"

The woman looked bored. Barely paying attention.

"Huh? Oh, um, fruit is….delicious?"

Phrumen chuckled. "I knew this would happen,"

"You know what? This presentation is kinda boring, let us talk with dinner in hand. Sounds good?"

Valkyrja immediately jolted up.

"With pleasure!" Her firm voice didn't exactly hide that she just wanted to eat.

Phrumen brought them to a spacious room. This must be the dining hall. There is a table set up at the center with seats that somehow fits their size. Obviously, they took it. Valkyrja also found one that didn't squeeze her rear.

Phrumen took notice of this.

"Heh, nostalgic. That's Ryzalyn and Yamsukh's seat."

"How do you even pronounce that?" Valkyrja pointed out.

"Re-za-lin and Yam-suk." Phrumen spelled out. He then said, "You already know Ryzalyn. She's the lady in the coffin. For Yamsukh's, well, I don't know where he is now,"

He then adds, "Coincidentally, they are Dokkalfar and Orkey. You know, your supposed enemies."

"You kept referring to them with that term, is that their native language for Dark Elves and Orcs?"

"Nope. That's what their true names are. Dark Elf and Orc are just names used to mock."

"Fallen, huh?" She said under her breath.

Before she could ask further questions, Phrumen cuts her off.

"Well, do you want beef or chicken?"

"Chicken?"

"I pick beef." Thrall answered.

"Wait, wait, Thrall! Before you order, you should ask what chicken is!"

She has a point, but, "It's beef, why turn it down?"

"You don't have chicken in your realm?!" Phrumen asked, as if this information somehow startled him.

Valkyrja and Thrall shook their heads.

"Impossible! Fine, I made you chicken and beef steak!"

"Do it." Valkryja firmly said…hide your drool, please?

Both waited as Phrumen began to cook in another room. Leaving them alone. They didn't make eye contact nor did they try to strike up a conversation. During the interval between, Thrall began to wonder questions that Valkyrja could have asked. After all, both of them not pointing steel at each other is rare.

Thrall lowers his shoulders, looking at Valkyrja. "Do you dream when you sleep?"

She turned and was dumbfounded by his question. For a moment, she scowled, but then, her expression softened.

"I think I understand what you mean. Phrumen's question, isn't it? The answer is no,"

Interesting.

"I don't know why I didn't, but I am grateful at least. That way, I won't be believing in any stupidity in that dream realm."

"Such as?"

"Valkyrjur being an escort for dead people. We escort people back to battle. What use is death warriors if they can't move. And what's this about being Allfadr's maidens? We are just elite knights, we don't deserve His grace!"

That's quite a humble admission.

"It's so idiotic!" She adds. "Another thing is some of my sisters who happen to be my juniors now become my superior!"

If she was not sitting now, she would have stomped the floor. "The audacity! They act all high and mighty, they are so stiff it's laughable because they are sloppy messes in real life."

"I didn't expect valkyrjur…to be casual."

"Oh please, big sister Brynhildr must've been making people think all of us are stones," she then sighs. "But, I do admire her for that. She is my inspiration."

Brynhildr.

That name brought memories. He does know that every valkyrja has a name. Not their real name, but the name they use as the War Maidens.

"I wonder, what is your valkyrja name?"

"Hm, why ask?"

"I already knew Laufaye is your real name–" she blushed when he mentioned that. "–but I never heard your other name."

She buried her head in her hands, her muffled voice came out. "That's embarrassing. Please don't call me that name."

"Why not?"

"Once we become valkyrja, we discard our old life to serve the Kingdom. That's our vow," she then looked at me. "But for your question though, my name is…"

"...Hildr."

"Hildr…" Thrall murmured. "That's a good name, but Laufaye–"

"Stoooooop! Don't mention that, just call me Hildr or Valkyrja."

"Alright, Valkyrja."

"Urk!" she groans. "Besides, why ask me names? Something the matter?"

Ah, it all goes back to Brynhildr.

"Your big sister Brynhildr, reminds me of an old enemy."

"Oh, I think I can guess who," she said with a knowing smile. "Stahl, isn't it?"

She is right. The reason she mentioned that name–Stahl–is because Brynhildr is closely tied to him. Thrall knows not of the nature of their relationship, but the valkyrja Brynhildr is his first taste of fighting Aislare's War Maidens. As for Stahl…

"To put it simply, your big sister is the one who introduced me to the only one who bested me in combat,"

Stahl, where he is now, he wonders?

"It was long ago…"

And so, Thrall told Valkyrja Hildr of his encounter with Stahl and her big sister during his warlord days. The Jotunn was surprised that she attentively listened to him.

It was at the end of his conquest. Every jarl that allied with him has been either persuaded or killed. Jarl Solblom Blomstraveturson heard messages that the one who goes around doing so was a jotunn named Stahl who was accompanied by The Valkyrja Brynhildr. This doesn't bode well for the warlord. The moment the war maiden mentioned means ljosalfars is getting involved, more headaches.

Solblom Jarl met them in flesh during the last, and his final act during the conquest. He wishes to take back Veturheimr's capital. Desperation drives him and his meads are left dry at the moment. All he could think of at that time was that he had to retake the city. No. Matter. The. Cost. Many of his powerful allies already perished or switched sides, and so, it was The Jarl and an army full of disgruntled jotunnar..

They did manage to overwhelm enemy forces, and they almost won until…

"Big sister swoops in and rallies the resistance using the Eljun Flag." Valkyrja added in.

"You were there?"

"No, I was stationed at Aislare's border, preparing for the worst. Big sister told me of the events though."

"Well, I guess you know what will happen then?"

She shrugs her shoulders. "Hm, not quite. She told me she charges in to fight your army after she raised the flag, but not you specifically."

"She's right, the resistance trapped half of my forces that followed me to Aglopyr Halls. One by one my men picked. Traps were set everywhere even I am surprised they dare to do so in a palace that we jotunn consider sacred."

Valkyrja looks down for a moment. "I do sometimes question Stahl. I don't know what Big Sister sees from him."

"I have no clue either, but what comes next is…"

Him.

Geared with silver plate armor and a helmet that didn't show any weakness. His face remains a mystery to Thrall which unnerves him back then. He cannot discern what he is thinking. Perhaps that is why he follows his enemy’s suit. Well, going back to his fateful meeting with Stahl, traps he has set in the palace single handedly curbs his men to one. It was quite terrifying because the way he fights is just too abnormal.

Subterfuge is important, yes, jotunnarr do utilize the strategy of shadows, but he–Stahl–silently, and slowly decimating his enemies with poisons and drugs. Solblom Jarl was affected, but his willpower is strong enough to make him stand still.

Once he was well enough to see him clearly, The Warlord was bested again. Stahl’s skills in combat are no slouch either. The Jarl thought he was just conniving fraud, but he proved he is more than that. Never would he have thought Solblom would meet a warrior that is despicable yet also skilled.

That man is just not normal.

"I never thought The Hero was like that." Valkyrja commented.

Hero, huh? Thrall guessed he deserved it. After all, he stopped him from doing more damage.

"Things are different from a certain point of view, Hildr."

"I see. Thrall I–" she was cut off by another.

"Dinner's ready!" Phrumen, who were wearing an apron, entered with two large plates on each hand. His small frame didn't match the strength he displayed here.

"You got arms, sir." Valkyrja noted.

The hooded man then placed the dish on the table. He opened the tray, which revealed to Thrall and Valkyrja a large portion of meat with a sauce surrounding them. One meat is dark brown with reddish sauce while the other is lighter brown with a crisp surface that has the same sauce. What impresses Thrall the most is the size. It wasn't made with Phrumen in mind, it's for the guests here.

For that, he is thankful.

"Phrumen, where's your plate?" Valkyrja said, already has a fork and knife on hand.

"No need. Well, I don't need to eat, really."

"Not hhunghry?"

Don't talk while eating, woman.

"Nah, Taleya and I are just made like this. We still have our senses though."

Thrall then asks, "Does it make you envious of others?"

"Nope. Like, I said, we still can taste, but our role as guardian of the world granted us ease. We didn't get sick, we didn't need to sleep, we didn't need to eat nor excrete."

Oh, that's…no comment.

"Besides, both of you are having dinner now. Enjoy the steak. This is the culmination of my skill to serve people. Well, I did a part time job back then so no biggie."

More words that he knows no context of. Sometimes Thrall thinks Phrumen and Taleya came from another world that is clearly beyond his understanding. Some of the hooded man’s tools are something that Thrall imagine ljosalfars would make. Another noteworthy aspect that he noticed is how…dull the rooms they were in. It's clean, but lacks any aesthetic. Something tells him their benefactor's origin is what he should say about this…er, not very colorful.

He digresses, Thrall has no need to ramble in his head while in front of him is something worth to be rambled on. He grabbed the fork and knife presented…and dropped them because how small it is compared to his hands. He pulled his backup knife.

When the meat enters his mouth, Thrall discovers new horizons. Suffice to say, he will be requesting this in the future constantly if the opportunity presents itself.

The dinner goes smoothly. Phrumen took their plates and went to wash them. Valkyrja and Thrall remained in the dining hall. The cook for today(?) was quick to rejoin them soon after with refreshments.

"Now, let's get back to where we left off." Phrumen began. "The inhabitants of this world, they are people who were infested with a curse, or maybe it's just their nature, nobody knows, really. Each race has an innate desire that must be quenched,"

Phrumen took his glass. "When for example, a dokkalfar fell to their desire which is as Ryzalyn had told me is deception,” He then inserted a powder inside. “They will turn into their fallen form you know as dark elf,"

The glass darkens.

"This goes for everyone in this realm. So, if you find in your travels outside feral beings then be sure to be wary. They are beyond saving. They lost their mind and fell to whatever dark desire they fell into. Be careful, even if they convince you they won't do anything to you, don't fully trust them."

Thrall is quite confused with his last statements. "You said, 'convince', then they still have some semblance of sanity, correct?"

Phrumen closes his palms. "In a way, yes. But no, they can utilize such tactics. Luring people in. I am willing to be proven wrong, but so far no one on The Fallen side refutes this."

"There is still a possibility then."

"You seem sympathetic to their plight, Solblom?"

"I do, their condition reminds me of my curse."

"The thrall mark," Phrumen remarked. "Don't let me stop you then. If you think you can convince them, do it. I won't stop you, just know what you are getting into."

Valkyrja who has been silent the whole time then says, "Thrall, about your curse, does it hurt everyday?"

He nods. "More than you can imagine, but at this point, when my run is about to end, it doesn't hurt much like before." Behind the cloth and gear he is wearing, the skin has already started to decay.

It wasn't a sight he wanted others to see.

Phrumen then adds in, "The thrall mark, such an ugly way to execute someone. Slowly rotting its target body and soul to the point they are more aptly called as living corpses by this point."

Valkyrja looks down. "That's…I don't know what to say…"

"You know of this, Valkyrja?"

She shook her head.

"I am sorry that I am unaware of this," Her voice was solemn, so was her expression. "I shouldn't have said all of those terrible things when we flyt."

"You are not at fault for being unaware. You'll answer if you did otherwise." Thrall reassured her.

"Still, I should have known more."

It was Phrumen who then diverted the topic. "Curses aside, the fallen form of the inhabitants here now rule this realm."

That means…

"Taleya rules the fiction and then The Fallen–"

"–rules reality."

Valkyrja finishes with me.

Phrumen nods at our assessment. "It has been so long since I went outside. Ever since the recent realm collision, my agents are scattered. I have no eyes nor ears. So that's why," He looked at the people in front of him.

"I wish for both of you to fill that role."

A pregnant pause. The weight behind that request wasn't lost to both of them. Away from home, devoid of purpose, what Phrumen said means that a huge responsibility is handed to them.

Thrall is the first to speak. "You are trapped here because of Taleya, correct?"

Phrumen nods.

Valkyrja next. "Our numbers are low."

"Indeed, which is why I won't rush both of you."

A sigh of relief came from both of them. Thrall assumes even Valkyrja knows that they will be ill prepared if they go out quickly.

Hearing this, Phrumen then said, "Well, would you look at the time, I guess it's time to sleep, huh?"

Wait, where's the time? Or the hourglass?

It seems he noticed their dumbfounded expression so he pointed at them to a small circular object that is attached to the wall above. Thrall can't recognize the writings, but judging from what Phrumen said, it's late night already. Though he does feel grateful for this reminder because the last time he was outside, he lost track of time because the sky didn't change at all.

"Sleep well. We can discuss more about our objectives tomorrow."

Phrumen escorted them to their respective rooms. The door to Thrall’s is small. He has to crouch to even get inside. The interior though is quite spacious, but his disappointment came from the fact this room shares the dull, clean look the dining hall has. It lacks personality. Furthermore, the bed is clearly three stacked into one. Whoever slept here before must have been sharing his turmoil. Still, he takes what he can get. He rested his body, thoughts flooding in.

He has been thinking about what has happened so far. Regarding Phrumen.

Beyond using their names, he hasn't done anything wrong. Can Thrall really trust someone who immediately offers him kindness? He wanted to believe. After all, he knew it exists. He was shown of it by someone dear yet…doubts kept piling up. The nature of Phrumen and Taleya eludes him. It makes him sometimes think this conflict has nothing to do with him.

On the other hand, his goal as he said himself was to protect the world. The question itself is how genuine that is?

What would Gamall say…

"Your prowess can be utilized well, boy, you need to harness it," the annoying crackly voice said.

Solblom merely scoffed. "No need to tell me. I need no help, especially from you, old man."

"Ah, the arrogance of youth, reminds me of myself."

"I don't need a lecture."

"Everyone does, even you. It's just nobody is willing to do it all the time."

"Yeah, your sorry wisdom, bacraut?"

"Look back and look forward again."

"Huh?"

"You will know in time, boy,"

"I am no boy, do you even know who I am?"

"Names are nothing to us now, boy, you are a thrall like me and so do others. Your glory is void. Instead of prancing your back, try to look down and forward. That way, you will know your steps towards a brighter future."

"You do this to everyone? Annoying them with your lectures?"

"Maybe, but I merely gave you a thought. Like others, we are all despicable, but there is always light for us. Waiting to be touched."

"Light…huh?"

Gamall…

He has forgotten so many things. Perhaps trust is one of them. He wishes for forgiveness to everyone that he left behind. He could have avoided many complications they had. To the brothers and sisters, people of Thrall-Clan he has abandoned in his quest to find a cure, if Thrall failed to find them all respite, then the least he could do is to help save the world.

He closes his eyes and prays.

When morning(?) came, the soreness of his early days as a thrall returned. Ever since Taleya put him in Valhalla, Thrall was reminded of sensations he had dulled long ago. Slowly, he thinks this will keep happening if he goes into the dream world again.

If he go there.

Thrall rose and went to the dining hall, plates already served. It is…small bread with meat, vegetable? yellow…square? And another piece of bread at the bottom. The size fits his hand, surprisingly. Phrumen really cares for them, huh?

"Yhou shhouldh eath ith!" Valkryja suggested while still munching hers.

On cue, Phrumen enters the room carrying his own plate although Thrall recalls he said he doesn't need to eat.

"Good morning, Solblom, er, you don't mind I call you that?"

Hm, what's the occasion? Phrumen turned to Thrall’s side. Valkyrja gaze connected to the Jotunn. The larger man thinks he knows why the hooded man asks him that.

"I am fine, go on. I take it Valkyrja doesn't like that her real name is mentioned."

On that, Phrumen chuckled. "Yeah, you got me."

Three of them now sit together on the table. They spent our breakfast eating this sandwich. Phrumen said it was a popular dish back in his day which brought even more questions, but he digressed. Thrall eats to clear his mind not to muddle it. The rest of the morning(?) went fine.

They then gathered at a new room. This one is more rustic. There is a feeling here, a history. Thrall can sense many have walked here and stood for greatness. Maybe he is overthinking it, but Phrumen looked like he was in his element when he stood on the "podium". Once again, the hanging box appears, but the images shown are more digestible. The way it transitions from one to another is mesmerizing. A far cry from the dull ones yesterday.

"We have gone through a general overview of Ahura yesterday so, let's talk about what we are about to do," he began his briefing.

"Because of The Collision…"

Phrumen explains that The Dyn that happened currently is not normal. Past events always had the lands returned to where it came. Not currently though, it seems as Thrall suspected before, the enemy succeeded in what they are trying to do. What their endgame remain a mystery, but as Phrumen said,

"Taleya took what I once tried to do, but it went even further. I have done it twelve times. She always has the capability, but her moral compass never breaks until the last cycle."

Destroying the world is what Phrumen once did. Taleya might continue the thirtieth. He says "might" because even Phrumen was puzzled by Taleya's words. He is unsure that she wanted to destroy the world or create a new one which in turn destroys theirs.

Phrumen then posed a theory.

"I suspect areas near to the tower got absorbed here in Ahura."

That explains why Valkyrja is here. She kept pursuing Thrall and in turn, ended up in the same circumstances as he is. The Jotunn wondered what Veturheimr looked like now on the other side if what Phrumen said is true.

"Moving on, lands in Ahura, as far as I can tell, are occupied by The Fallen. Last report by my agents was that they have been keeping the status quo."

Then the Princess has no land to rule then. Quite somber to think about. She's asleep, stuck in a dream, fighting a desperate battle.

Valkyrja raises her hand.

"Is there any contact or at least a resistance?"

"I have not been in touch with the outside world ever since the whole dream world fiasco happened. What happened before that will be another long story so let's keep this briefing to our goal first,” He continued, "Since we have no clue, I wanted both of you to explore, but the risk is high which is why I want you to be better prepared when you do."

"Is the fallen really that powerful?" Thrall asked.

"Strength-wise, yes. There is a catch though,"

The pictures that appeared show dark elves with different sizes and clothing.

"The more ragged they looked, the stupider they were. Lower ranked fallen mostly have little to nothing of sanity. Some retain it, but some do not."

Next set of pictures then shows another race. Phrumen fills them in on how and what to do and what not to do when they face them. He told them The Fallen’s weaknesses and strengths, their tactics, and where they mostly gathered. It was quite a comprehensive guide he's giving to both agents.

Valkyrja and Thrall were both left silent by the surge of information coming at them. Some part of him was glad they have information, but the way Phrumen describes them feels like he's talking about how to hunt a prey. Mortals are unpredictable beings, for The Fallen to be reduced to such a state where their pattern is more reminiscent of animals is bittersweet.

The Jotunn, too, thought that if a thrall like him loses his mind, he might have been closer to The Fallen.

Thrall raised his hand. "What of the terrains?" .

This is an important question. They know who lived there, but knowledge of the land is still lacking. In war, knowing where and when to strike is crucial in winning a battle. Thrall is familiar with Veturheimr just as Valkyrja did with Aislare.

New set of pictures appear. This time it is landscapes. All of them felt foreign to him. Something to note is how there is no day in it.

"Let's begin with the one on the north…"

The northern horizons are filled with snow white "sands". Phrumen describes it as such which is something that Thrall is not familiar with. The land is covered in such vast sand that he can't see any mountain from afar. This is where The Princess hailed from then. Phrumen calls this land Elzyatr. His tongue twisted a little just trying to pronounce it.

He then gave an overview of another land. The home of The Fallen called goblin who used to be known as Hubley; wolf people whose hunger drove them to become beasts called werewolves; Honorable nomads called Orkey who became savages known as Orcs, and so many more.

He filled in more lectures.

One thing that Thrall notes about Ahura's landscape is that despite its foreign features, they live on a lower terrain compared to Veturheimr and Aislare. So, it seems he will not expect a cold anytime soon.

"Any questions?" Phrumen said.

Valkyrja and Thrall were exchanging nods once again. They tell him that they are satisfied…for now.

"Well, what's left to do now is where we first will go. The options are yours."

They are currently at the middle of the realm, precisely at the center. There will be stranded lands that belong to their realm that is between their way to lands native to Ahura. To the west, directly near the land connected to Veturheimr, to Dokkalfar's princess' land, but it's quite a distance. Below it is the land of the wolves, and below it further is the land of blood royals. To the east is Orcs' land, and so many others.

The closest here is the blood royals' land, Arc Luna as it is called. Home of the rulers of this realm…well, before it fell to disarray that is.

Thrall informed Valkyrja of this. They discussed their destination for a long time. She then mention this,

"We could circle the map. Start directly from the west, the closest one as you said it." She adds, "That way we can return to root faster after we made some contact there."

Valid approach. Thrall offered this plan to Phrumen who simply gave them counsel, “Any choice you make is yours after all. No matter where you go, The Fallen is always strong."

The Jotunn hope it's not as dire as he makes them to be. This threat of The Fallen is something both Valkyrja and him still have no experience with. Speaking about threat,

"What about Taleya? What's our move on her?"

There is a pregnant silence before Phrumen speaks again.

"I…honestly don't know. The only way I know to go into her dream world is through the machine I put Hildr and you in before,"

Ah, the coffin, so Valkyrja gets into one too, huh?

"Before I went into hiding here, those who dream has their body remain still from where they are. Unmoving no matter what you do. Now though, I am afraid Taleya and her lackeys have been gathering their bodies to a safehouse."

"How can you know this?"

"A hunch. Because if they left the bodies where they are, The Fallen will surely ripe with easy pickings. Taleya obviously didn't want that."

"I see."

"For now, let's investigate further first before we decide to go after her,"

Phrumen clasped his hands then said, "So,what will be your move?"

Valkyrja and Thrall have agreed that,

"We will go west, to Arc Luna."

"Very well," Phrumen nods at their decision. "But first, I ask you again, would you willing to go through this?"

Hearing what he said, Thrall responded with,

"Why the sudden hesitation, we've come this far." If he is going with that question, he better tell his reasoning.

He took a deep breath, and then said, "We have to explore the realm, free people from Fallen's occupation, and find a way to reverse all of this by going after Taleya."

"Two objectives, huh?" Valkyrja summarized. "We are low on numbers, but you ask us of this in the first place then shouldn't you have faith in us?"

"I do," said Phrumen. "It's been a long time since I did this, so that's why–"

"–I want both of you to share your link to me."

"Link?" Valkyrja tilted her head.

"Yes, it's a way for us to communicate no matter the distance. Both of you will become my eyes and ears. My voice will guide, and you for a brief moment of time, I can join you both," he explained. "All I need is your trust because my power only works with that requirement."

Both agents exchanged looks. They seem to share growing worries. A deal like this sounds suspicious. Even though Phrumen has been very kind to them, Thrall’s instinct kept him on his toes. This is a man who knows their history the moment they set foot in his domain.

On the other hand, he has faith in them and has been nothing, but generous. Cooperation is a two way lane, so…

…there is a long road ahead, but Thrall believes it will be worth it.

Valkyrja looked determined as he is. The answer is obvious.

"Let's do it."