Bridging The Gap

The process of linking was instant. For a moment an orange aura envelopes both Hildr and Thrall then it was finished.

Phrumen lead both of them to some kind of storage room where it is filled with weapons. The strangest part of it was how it stored weapons she knew coming from her home. Hildr looked to her side and saw Thrall share her perplexion.

They didn't question Phrumen and perhaps subconsciously accepted this…tower works in mysterious ways.

Hildr didn't take much from the armory. Her main weapons are generated easily from her two rings which are the catalyst for summoning her spear and javelins. Her shield is stored in compartments on her left arm. The only thing she needs to stock is throwing knives, spare seax, and a replacement sword; it already shows its dullness.

Thrall on the other hand…

She did notice whenever she rallied the thralls back then, he had straps around his shoulders. She didn't think much of it since it was mostly empty, but she now sees it was a sheath. He holsters hand axes on both sides. His hip sheaths also store axes. It was ridiculous at first glance, but it is a practical choice for making sure he isn't left without any weapons.

Lastly, she noticed two weapons on his back.

A two handed axe with back blades that looks more like a broken piece and a greatsword with an ornate handle and a one edged blade. Hildr wonders why she hasn't noticed these weapons before. Thrall's back mostly houses ranged weapons he would use frequently during their friendly clashes. It's not her business to know his secrets, but…she admits she is curious.

After arming themselves, Phrumen then gave them supplies essential for travels. Canteen, food, etc. He was quite prepared, she admits.

Once they were done, they headed to the entrance. The gate has different inscriptions this time. It wasn't the same one where she found Thrall's body.

The door opened, only darkness welcomed them and the small beacons in the form of shining patches of grass as their guide. Hildr and Thrall ignite the lantern Phrumen has provided them. The range was acceptable enough. Well, Hildr didn't expect much, really. The only way she found Thrall in the first place was because Fjorm somehow sensed him.

Speaking of which…

Hildr summoned her spear. She tapped the ground and…

Nothing happened.

Wait, this is weird. She would definitely answer her call. Unless…

Hildr stole a glance at Thrall, and regretted she did. There is no way what happened at Dream World still affected real life, right?

Hildr sighed.

At times like this she remembers how out of touch she is with the ground.

The Thrall merrily strolled his way forward without care. Her senses have been honed for ages to the point the notion of land patrol means ambush. Hildr is wary and it is a foolish thought. How many winters has it been? It’s not that she is always atop Fjorm, but she has been part of her for a long time now. Which is why…

“You have been repeating that lately, I am sure she will come.” Said Thrall as he watched her tapping The Spear of Hildr to the ground, again.

Why?

Why won’t she heed her call?

Is she not–Impossible. There is no way she would abandon her. Hildr rode her when she escorted Thrall back to reality. She has the spear and clear as dawn itself when the Jotunn handed her the artifact after their humiliating battle of words. She dreaded the other possibility.

“Maybe it’s time to hone those legs of yours. I can’t recall the time you were on the ground.”

“You do remember our previous battles were on foot.” She is not a freak who is attached to her steed, not at all!

The man chuckled. “Indeed, you could have won…if you rode fair Fjorm. Instead you–”

“I won’t hear any of it! What matters is I defeated you in the battle of wits!”

“Ah, wits of words, but not of battle.”

She won’t hear any of it.

“S-Shaddup!”

They continued their journey. As they proceed further, they can see illumination emitted from higher terrains. It was truly like a beacon in the darkness.

After a long walk atop of the large root that came from, well, The Root, both of them came across a waterfall that is as tall as the cliffs where she was awakened. The extended root itself seems to go through underneath there too. It is a familiar sight above though as it is clearly not natural. Just like where she awoke, there is a structure that is cleanly cut. This time, it was a bridge. No one can do that without a specialized contraption, and even then, it will not be precise like the bridge.

“A bridge, to where?” Thrall remarked.

[Perhaps it was meant for a path to the tower] Phrumen chimes in.

Ah, their leader. After they ‘linked’, his voice can reach them from Ygg–-she mean, The Tower, er, Root. He was able to see what they witnessed clearly without obstructions. Not even Vanirians back at home could do that.

“Possibly, but does that confirm that the other land in our ‘realm’ did have their ‘tower’ as you put it.”

Hildr crossed her arms. “That is no longer a theory, Thrall. We’ve seen the map. What we lack is answers.”

“Tch, my worst enemy, answers.”

“Afraid of reality?” she joked.

“More like being afraid of being left hanging.”

“Back to the task at hand, how do we proceed?”

“Hm…” Thrall was deep in thought. Hopefully, it wasn’t–

Of course it is.

She doesn't know why she is agreeing with his plan, but this is the best they had. He might not see it, but her scowl reaches further down to her chin. They are climbing to the top. Hildr tried to do the same, but her hands slipped easily just as her rein to Fjorm now. So, Thrall suggested that she climb on his back while he scales the bridge’s under. She…has no words for this.

[It’s our only shot.] Phrumen said, agreeing with Thrall.

Hildr now left at the mercy of Thrall’s insane grip. In the first place, there was nothing to climb, but he made do with crushing the stonework with his hand and his weird axe on the other although it is sloppy as thin ice. She commends him for making it work…well, that is if they survive this. Ah, she wishes Fjorm is here.

Sigh

“Ever climb before, Valkyrja?”

“Of course I am. We are trained to do so.”

It’s not like their only training is flight.

They didn’t speak much after that. The climb continues and it is monotonous. Only sounds of Thrall’s moans and axe breathed nearby. Hildr swears the lifetime of winters she had has been stolen as they progress further. If they are still back in their world, she wonders how much it will take to reach the top. The worst part is she is a burden to Thrall right now. If only she had a steed that could fly them to the top, but just her luck that Allfadr said no for today.

What even is today here?

“Valkyrja, still not… sleeping… yet?” His voice woke her from drowsiness.

“I think so.”

“Can you…tell me what has happened lately in Veturheirm…and Aislare if you are willing.”

“Why?”

He catches his breath while his axe is holding on their weight. Why converse at this moment?

“...Curious…ity.”

“What’s more to tell anyway?”

“Something,” he said between breaths. “Anything to make us not…fall asleep.”

“Fair point,” she sighed. “What are you missing out then?”

“Anything…around three hundred winters ago.”

“T-That long?!”

“Life…of…a thrall…”

Hildr let out another long sigh. “Just…don’t talk, alright? You are struggling as it is.” she can hear a groan coming from him.

“So, where to begin…” She started.

Perhaps about what happened to their esteemed Hero then. It is quite a sensitive topic she assumes, but he probably wondered what he has been up to now…or what most knew anyway. Start with familiar grounds, right?

“How about Stahl?”

He grumbles. She can’t make out what it means. Why is she even asking?

“You know, he comes and goes like a blizzard. One day he is missing, next time he will announce his presence when the land is in turmoil.”

Thrall didn’t react. It’s safe to continue, she thinks.

“But, I have no clue what is in his mind. He is…”

…Strange. She doesn't voice that thought.

“Only big sister Brynhildr who can understand him. He rarely interacts with most of us valkyrjur, but he has friends in high places.”

Thrall softly chuckles.

“For big sister though, she left.”

Hildr told him what big sister said to her before she departed. Big sister lost her aim as a valkyrja. She sprung a little bit of her opinion to the mix. It seems she has a feud with mother Freyja. They bicker lots of times to the point the mood around our fortress starts to dwindle. It has not been the same since she left one hundred winters ago. Everyone is getting less friendly.

Thrall stopped.

“Why are you stopping?” we were back to that hanging position before.

“I am sorry.”

“For what?”

“My actions sparked so much unrest. Many followed my cause even after the downfall.”

“It’s true that seven hundred winters after your defeat we are dealing with your mess,” Valkyrja said. “Even then what does it have to do with big sister?

“I am the spark. A fuse that is waiting to be ignited. My defeat should bring peace, not more wars.”

“So what? Are you saying this because you want to be forgiven? Not much to be forgiven when all your imitators didn’t do a good job succeeding you.”

“I don’t seek forgiveness. Redemption, yes, but to say that I can be forgiven by acknowledging my mistakes is simply foolish.”

“Then why are we having this conversation then?”

“The aftermath affected your people and mine. That goes to Brynhildr. I respect my enemies, but many winters of ruminations have given me enough thought about what others should deserve.”

“And that is?”

“Happiness.”

She gritted her teeth. How dare he say such words. Everything about him is nothing, but misery. No matter how sad he is, even Hildr can’t just simply forgive him.

“You are right. That means if you don’t exist, all of this would not happen,” her javelin materialized on her right hand. The tip is already on Thrall’s neck. “If I take this chance now, will you earn redemption?”

A pregnant pause. Her javelin is still touchin with his mail.

“No.”

“How…” She can’t say it. That firm answer…

Why is he the one that makes sense in her life so far?

“What happened to our world? You came and after that our people kept divided.”

“Tell me, Valkyrja,” he softly murmurs. “What happened?”

“Too many,” She promised not to cry a long time ago. Hildr broke it before and now she did it again. “Our King became ill, his Queen isolated herself. We are lost without them. And their advisors are playing around.”

“The King’s comrades stray further apart, and some of them join your cause! My order is aimless without our liege, we forgot what we were, I tried my best…”

“It’s alright…” Thrall tried to reassure her.

“No, you know how many times I am going against my superior’s orders?”

Silence grew again.

“Everytime I was told to struck down andy disobedience, that includes you, ” She confessed. “My sisters grew heartless. They killed without thought, my hand has been forced to do things I don’t want. I tried my best to uphold my duty. To bring warriors back to the battle safely,”

“It’s chaos up there, Thrall.”

“I had a feeling that happened,” He continued the climb. “It doesn’t matter. My sympathies, but we are here now and that is what we should pursue. I caused the land many turmoils, the least I can do is to save it.”

“Isn’t that right, Phrumen?”

[Of course, that’s what we are trying to do.]

“Y-You are hearing all of it?”

[I try my best to let you….both sort things out.]

“Does that mean you can see me when I am alone?!”

[Y-Yeah, but I promise not to peek into both of your…private businesses. It’s what I have to live with.]

“Valkyrja,” Thrall called Hildr. “What grudge you have for me, please, keep it after we restore everything to the way it was. I am willing to change, but if it’s not satisfactory for you…”

“Don’t say it,” she warned him. “That is for me to decide.”

“Very well.”

The javelin she summoned is still in her hand. Perhaps…

“What are you doing?” Thrall suddenly halts when he sees what Hildr is trying to do.

“I have to pull my weight here. Can’t have you do all the work.”

“What will stabbing the wall do?”

“Drats!”

It didn’t pierce enough. She wonders what kind of material Thrall’s axe is that can make a dent on the surface, but that is for another time. She has one trick left. The valkyrja charges the javelin with her energy.

“Careful with that!”

She thrust the javelin forward and–

It worked.

“Yes!”

“Look at that, hehe.”

Hildr looked back at Thrall. “Now we have something to use should we fall.”

“Why not use that to climb yourself?” He suggested.

Hm, he is right, but they are halfway there anyway. Besides, she doesn't have a strong grip to crush the wall like him. It’s too risky to even suggest he should catch her should she fall.

Hildr shakes her head. No need to cloud her head now. “No need for change of plans. Let’s continue.”

“You have to thank my back when we reach the top, Hildr.”

“I give you my best massage.”

And thus, they began the routine. After some climb, she will attach her javelin to the wall. Hildr can only summon three at the time. Another thing to consider is they last for twenty seconds. After all, they are meant to be detonated. Which is a problem because…

“Urgh!”

It vibrates.

A little shake can become Their doom. Thrall has been struggling to keep his grip. The Valkyrja is starting to think this is a bad idea.

“I am sorry, this is my fault.”

“Don’t… say that!” Once again we are back to the hanging position. “Here comes the next vibration!”

“Ack!”

He manages to hold onto one of my javelins.

“I should have not done this!”

“Quit it, Valkyrja!” He snaps. “Even before this, my strength started to waver.”

“Why didn’t you say so!”

“We are so close…”

Damn It. She made a mistake.

“Call Fjorm!”

“I can’t!”

Another javelin exploded. They are onto the last one. Even if she tried–no, Fjorm wouldn’t come. She is not worthy of her, Thrall was right even if he is joking. She easily switches owners to him back in dream world. If Hildr gives it to him then she might come. But what does that make of her?

She shakes her head, no time to think of that. The Spear of Hildr formed on her hand. Hildr presented it to Thrall.

“Use it!” he said.

“No, you use it.”

“This is not the time to sulk, Hildr!”

“She won’t come! Fjorm has chosen you.”

“That’s not true!”

“Use it or else we fall!”

“Grr..put my axe back.” he handed her his weapon.

He holds her–his spear, taking time to adjust the angle. Just as the last javelin is about to explode, he loosen his grip from it. As they free fall, he taps the spear to the wall.

Nothing happened.

What?! Does that mean–

“BACRAUT!!!!!!!” Thrall screamed.

Time seemed slow to Hilr. She can still take in her urroundings. Everything felt so…calm. Is this what facing your end feels like? All because she thought she could be useful. she closed her eyes. Waiting for the embrace of Allfadr to come…

“Are you daft! Give me your hand!”

Thrall’s returned her attention back.

“Huh?”

“No TIME! HIYAAAAAH!”

Her hand is holding the spear alongside his. He thrust forward to the wall and with it, the spark of lighting that she is so familiar with. The sound of her sleipnir’s wings flapping. The majestic rear of her partner.

“Fjorm–” Thrall began.

She continued. “HEED!”

“OUR CALL!” x2.

Fjorm manages to catch them both. Hildr is back to the familiar saddle.

‘Fjorm, I don’t know why you came, but, thank you.’

She neigh cheerfully.

“Let’s fly upwards, Fjorm! Hiyah!”

“Whoa, slow down a bit, Valkyrja! Fjorm don’t shake too much–waaaaaaa!”

His scream is lost in the wind. Even she is surprised there is fresh air in this desolate looking realm. What used to be their hurdle now becomes an afterthought. Soon enough, they finally reach the top. The bridge extends longer than they account for. There are many lamps that illuminate the path forward. What’s in front of them is an endless path to nowhere.

‘Ready, Fjorm?’

She rears, Thrall making strange noises.

“Buckle up, Thrall, we’re moving forward.”

He is still catching his breath.

“Don’t move…too fast…”

Fjorm ignores his plea. The sleipnir gallops forward without care. Nothing can stop them!

“I owe you an apology, again.” Hildr said to Thrall.

“Save it…after we reach the end of this bridge.”

She snickered at that.

The endless bridge seems to extend forever. Who built this? The materials don't look shabby either, but it is not something that she would say otherworldly. It’s more like this is made out of familiar ingredients. Yeah, something fishy about this. Hildr can sense enchantment placed upon this structure. It hardens itself so that it can withstand her javelin, but not enough to resist Thrall’s axe. Even then it wasn’t skin deep.

Ah, his axe…

“Who made your axe, Thrall?”

“I did not know.”

“How come?”

“It was a gift.”

A good one at that. The valkyrja didn’t pry further. She'd rather keep her eye forward at the moment. She senses something amiss.

After a while, they finally see land although more like a shadow of it. It looked like a city although she cannot discern if it’s true. Phrumen talks of other lands in their ‘realm’, perhaps this is one?

‘Phrumen, thoughts?’

[Standard city, japan-look-alike, and…quite industrialized.]

Japa–what?

“Um, I am afraid I can’t quite catch that.”

“What is it, Valkyrja?”

“Oh, I am communicating with Phrumen.”

“And you didn’t include me,” he said, then softly laughed. “I am hurt.”

[It is something she saw, look ahead, Solblom.]

“Ah…”

The view becomes clearer. It is filled with many tiny lights that shine the shades around it. It is bright enough for them to make out what they saw.

The architecture is foreign to them. It was organized, and simplistic, but there is something about the way it is designed. She can’t put it into words. Maybe what Phrumen said is the word for it. Japa-gibberish.

“WATCH OUT!”

Hildr was pulled out of her reverie, Thrall’s warning put gears back to her senses. She reigned Fjorm back to take off. A projectile coming at them, fortunately, they managed to avoid it. Something to note about it: It explodes. A javelin like hers? No, the radius is bigger than her own.

“Another one!”

Three of them took a detour, flying off from the bridge. Avoiding the projectiles coming at them. Thrall’s grip on Hildr’s hips tighten as Fjorm rolls and dodges the attacks. They are not getting anywhere if they keep this up.

One of the projectiles managed to reach them close, Hildr raised her left arm…

…and parried it.

“That is splendid.” Thrall commented.

There is hope. Her portable shield can withstand it. After what has transpired, the valkyrja considers she can entrust Fjorm to Thrall for what she is going to do.

“I have a request,” she said to him. “Take hold of Fjorm for a while.”

“I have not taken any flight lessons yet!”

“Trust in her, she will ease it for you.”

“You are going to do something foolish, are you not? Don’t think I did not notice what you did with your shield.”

Drats! He saw it through. “So what of it?”

“Do not go alone to become a bait. We do this together!”

“What of Fjorm? Who is–”

“Don’t you say to trust her?”

“That’s not it! I am not sure what you can do, that's all!”

“Then let’s find out, in the heat of the moment.”

Hildr sighed, hoping for the best.

‘Fjorm…you’ll know what to do, please, be safe.’

Thrall and Hildr disembarked from the sleipnir. Fjorm dissipates into thin air. They pivot themselves back to the bridge, landing safely to its surface. Projectiles coming towards them. Just like before, Hildr raised her left arm to parry it. She felt a surge of wind beside her. Thrall is swinging his weird axe...

…And he parried the projectiles too! She would be envious of him if they are still what they used to be, but…

They have to move forward!

“Let’s do this, Thrall.”

“Keep up with me.”

“Heh, don’t get cocky because you can do it too.”

Both warriors began their mad dash. Hildr’s heels summons blades underneath it, after gaining enough speed, she slides her way forward. Though Thrall really meant when he said to keep up with him. Even at her full speed, Hildr was still lagging behind. What she saw back in the dream world is crazy enough, his halved speed still impresses her.

They dodged and parried. Hildr puts her skating skills to good use as she bends her body and gracefully avoids incoming dangers. Anything coming at Thrall turned its tail back to their masters. Sounds of clank and swings filled their ears, oh, and explosions too. She admits, with Thrall here, Hildr is more assured of her safety. The valkryja couldn’t take them all by herself in the end. But that doesn’t matter anymore. This is actually fun. Something about returning misfortune to its sender felt satisfying.

By Allfadr, how long has it been since she felt this rush.

“THIS IS AMAZING!” Hildr didn't realize she muttered that out aloud, but she cared little.

This is thrilling.

“Getting into it, huh?” Thrall said between parries. “We’re almost there.”

If it’s going to end, then it’s better be time well spent.

At the end of the bridge is a wooden gate–hah! What a weak defense. The walls around it also are wood with hastily made towers that shoot the projectiles perched around it. To think such powerful attacks came from weaklings.

(They are coming!)

She heard something–No, just her imagination.

They are so close now, the enemies are getting desperate. The towers shot at the same time. Even with both of them here, they will not escape this unscathed. A lighting came on their left, a familiar rear–

“Fjorm!”

She picked both of them in a nick of time.

The towers are taking their sweet time before shooting at them again, but they haven’t got the time to do so. With Thrall’s immense size, he barreled down to one of the towers like a force of nature. The structure crumbled like snow. Screams can be heard from it–

Wait, screams?

“Thrall, wait!”

He is still recovering from his stunt, dust and broken planks all around him.

“...WHAT…IS IT?”

Drats… “BEHIND YOU!”

Thrall raises his axe, ready for battle. Group of small men surrounded him. All of them wear purple robes and varying pieces of armor that have lights on them.

“Fjorm, let’s go!” Hildr and Fjorm hastily flew to Thrall.

The small men charged forward, Fjorm and her arrival shook them away from the force of their landing.

(Oh no, a giant and elf !)

Spoke one of them, but she didn't understand it. It is not Ljosalic or Northurn. Hildr thinks even Thrall didn’t know what language they were using.

[I can help. Try to touch one of them.]

‘What?’

‘That is not appropriate even for enemies, Phrumen.’ Thrall added in.

[Ever wonder why I can understand both of you?]

Oh?

‘P-Perver—sorry, I don’t mean to.’

‘I am sure he doesn’t do that to you, Valkyrja.’

‘So what? We just ask them nicely to let us pat their shoulders?’

[...yes.]

You sounded sheepish there.

Thrall swifty grabbed one of the men. He shrieks at the larger man’s hold.

[Give me a second.]

(Unhand me!”

Huh? Hildr can understand him now. Still atop of Fjorm, she disembarks, her curiosity got a hold of her. It is inappropriate as weapons are still pointed at her, but she wondered…

Hildr mustered her softest tone possible. “Greetings, can you speak to your ilk for us?”

“Huh?” The smaller man still squirms under Thrall’s hold. “Why would I do that?!”

The small man looked confused for a moment after realizing he could comprehend their words. Although Hildr can't make out of his expression behind that helmet.

“Please,” Thrall chimes in. “We simply wish no harm.”

“Harm? You've done enough! Those towers took much of our time to make!”

Hildr rested her hand on her cheek–er, helmet. “For what purpose did you build them?”

“I won’t tell!”

(Wait!)

A new arrival came. Another small man, but unlike the others, he wore a brown cloak with white tunic underneath that has plate armor atop of it. His face is hidden underneath the cloak’s hood even when he carries a lantern. He climbed down from the wooden walls. Catching wind of Hildr’s and Thrall’s actions.

(Ask them: Do you dream? After that, say this phrase if they have the right answer: The ashen sands are still burning with my shadows.)

The small man still in Thrall's hands spoke. “Do you dream?”

Hildr and him answered no.

“The ashen sands are still burning with my shadows,” said the small man.

[Ryzalyn…]

‘Phrumen?’

[She is still there…]

Hildr swears she can hear a sob coming from him.

[I am sorry, I got carried away.]

The small man in the brown cloak steps forward, he reaches to the one in Thrall’s hand. After a while, he heeded his men to drop their weapons. Seeing this, Thrall lowers the man he held. Finally, the man in brown speaks,

“Then the elf speaks true,” his voice was firm. “I take it that you know of the lady?”

“Yes,” Thrall answered. “That means you can sense him tol, right?”

[Solblom, he can’t hear me. Only the one I purposely link can.]

“I know nothing of what you speak of, but our savior does mention something called Phrumen? I assume it is something I can’t perceive or feel, yes?”

Both Waydyntale agents nod.

The man in brown gave them an affirmative gaze…though they still can’t see his face. “Let me introduce myself, I am Noah Sadiik, a humble man who is now…stranded along with the soldiers you see around now.”

This Noah Sadiik continued, “We were awakened from a cruel fantasy by an ashen skinned elf, telling us to return to reality. And as you can see,”

He led Hildr and Thrall atop the wooden walls. Giving them the full view of the city they are about to pass through. Winged creatures patrol the sky, the streets are empty, but evidence of civilization remains.

“We were not doing well.”