𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐀 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐃𝐒 － open！！

[azhefa.]

xxxx
⚜ ° ＲＨＡＥＮＹＳ ° ⚜
{ ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ ɪꜱ ɴᴏ ɢʀᴇᴀᴛᴇʀ ᴡᴀʀʀɪᴏʀ ᴛʜᴀɴ ᴀ ᴍᴏᴛʜᴇʀ }
───────────────────────────────────────
rory ● 18 ● hnitbjorg valkyrie ● nursing [atreus] ● location; hnitbjorg

tags; atreus, bjorn, oydis/herd, thera, others mentioned
it was so heartwarming to see bjorn so lively, his joy over having such a special son was almost tangible in the air about him. rhae was a little hesitant when he reaches over to lip at the sleeping foal, but quickly relaxes since she knows the stallion wouldn't dare harm such a wonderful blessing. the colt twitches an ear at the touch, but otherwise remains dozing. she's glad for his rather laziness, it gives her the ability to rest instead of keeping up with a wild foal. when bjorn gives atreus his title, rhae's heart melts once more, a pool of both love and heartache now in her chest. it's been so long since they've been able to carry out the small tradition, four years since her last successful birth with freja. rhaenys was speechless for several moments as she stares down at her colt, atreus stormborn, nothing was more perfect. the mare prays to the gods that this wasn't all some dream, that she wouldn't just wake up in idavoll as if none of this ever happened. she looks to bjorn with a tender expression, her eyes aglow with affection and just awestruck wonder. "i accept the name with an open heart, nothing is more perfect for him." she looks back to atreus as she speaks, her voice soft and full of emotion. it is going to take a very long time for her to come down from the high this blessing of a colt has given her.

though she knows a second name is often added to the title, rhae's a little unsure of what to add so she doesn't just yet. "i will give him another once the gods whisper it to me," she tells bjorn, but their moment was abruptly ended with the drama from the nearby herds. rhae remains where she was on the ground, still resting her tired body, though she was much stronger now. the elder mare could see the new addition to the herd nearby and was a little curious about her since she must have been quite special for bjorn to bring her back with the truce in place. though she wasn't very friendly with oydis, rhae felt a sense of relief when the dappled mare returned to the herd. having the slightly younger mare nearby helped rhae feel safer since she knows oydis wouldn't let harm befall herself or atreus, no matter if they aren't the best of friends. the older mare watches from her spot on the ground, her head hovering protectively over her son as he snoozes through the drama unfolding around him. it seems bjorn wasn't the only one sneaking lone mares into his herd. a flash of color in titan's band nearby suggests a new arrival, maybe even two if her count of legs was correct.

rhaenys was suddenly aware of someone approaching and perks her ears, but then flattens them back against her skull as she sees thera approach bjorn. she doesn't trust the alfheim valkyrie one bit, so blatantly strolling over here to chat with bjorn only minutes after titan acquired new mares. a snake for sure. the older mare climbs to her feet as thera gets closer, her ears remaining glued to her scalp to show her displeasure at her presence. atreus feels his mother's movement and stirs from his slumber for a moment before waking fully, his belly demanding food. once the colt was standing, rhae moves him to her other side so he could nurse out of thera's line of sight. the mare's head hangs low as she watches the other valkyrie intently, her agitation clear as well as her defensive aggression. this stranger was too close to her precious foal, if she moves even one step closer, she will feel the unholy wrath of the elder painted mare. rhae may be weakened from both age and birthing, but she won't hesitate to put this younger mare in her place should she overstep her bounds. luckily, thera moves away a few steps, but it seems only to draw bjorn away. hopefully the stallion wasn't too enticed with the mare to actually follow. her hopes failed as the golden king heads off into the forest with thera trailing after him, though he doesn't seem thrilled with the mare's presence. rhae looks to oydis and gives a nicker before turning and grooming the mud from her son's pelt, ignoring her own soiled one since she knows she'll be able to wash once the rain stops.

xxxx
⚜ ° ＯＴＡＢＥＫＡ ° ⚜
{ ɴᴏᴛ ᴀʟʟ ᴡʜᴏ ᴡᴀɴᴅᴇʀ ᴀʀᴇ ʟᴏꜱᴛ, ʙᴜᴛ ɪ ꜱᴜʀᴇ ᴀᴍ }
───────────────────────────────────────
beka ● newborn ● jotunheim foal ● signe [adopted] ● location; hnitbjorg

tags; signe/vidar, phantom mentioned [whinny]
when the mare tells him to drink, beka doesn't hesitate. he moves over and takes his fill as quickly as he could since he could see and smell the pain coming from the painted mare. beka obeys as signe nudges him away and he totters over to a tree nearby to her back end, leaving enough space so he doesn't get accidentally kicked before folding his legs and laying down to finally rest. the colt fades in and out of sleep while signe labors, his newborn mind attempting to make sense of what he's been through in his hours of life. this mare was definitely his mother, she was the same color and seemed to smell the same though his nose wasn't the best yet and it was raining. it was no wonder she was sleeping when he walked away, she was resting to birth yet another foal. even though everything he believes is actually false, beka doesn't know it and whole-heartedly believes signe is his birth mother.

the newborn snoozes while signe finishes birthing and rises to clean her new foal, waking rather abruptly when he hears a whinny from nearby. the sound was odd and not from signe, it was deeper and makes his fur tingle with an unknown sensation. it wasn't fear, but it wasn't joy either. beka lifts his sleepy head to look over to signe and is curious to find a bay colt struggling to his feet. was this his brother? the colt was a fiery bay while he was a lighter dun with white socks. they didn't look much alike to be considered twins, but beka doesn't know that, he just sees a brother. beka gets to his feet a bit easier than vidar does, but still stumbles as he moves closer to signe. he doesn't need to drink so he just touches the mare with his nose, taking in her scent and rubbing himself lightly against her to cover himself with it. the rain had washed away his true dam's scent so signe's takes over instead. beka remains close to signe as vidar fights with his new legs and gives little burrs and nickers of encouragement to his new brother. the feelings of being alone and afraid were no longer flooding the foal's mind, they were replaced with contentment and peace.

xxxx
⚜ ° ＳＡＭＭＡＥＬ ° ⚜
{ ᴍᴇɴ ᴅᴏɴ'ᴛ ғᴇᴀʀ ꜱᴡᴏʀᴅꜱ, ᴛʜᴇʏ ғᴇᴀʀ ᴍᴏɴꜱᴛᴇʀꜱ }
───────────────────────────────────────
sam ● 10 ● band earl ● no mares ● location; hnitbjorg

tags; ylva, eliza, stjerne, herds mentioned
as he waited for the mare's response to his question, movement in the nearby trees draws his attention away. sammael takes a step forward, putting his larger form between the sound and ylva in a protective manner. she had agreed to stay with him through the storm so it was now his duty to protect her as a band stallion would. plus it will help prove to her that he's capable of keeping her safe so maybe she will stay even after the storm has passed. sam's ears were perked forward and alert as he scans the area for the source of the sound. after a moment he hears it again, but closer. hooves? maybe some voices as well? sammael flicks his tail a little before taking another step forward, wanting to go in search of the sounds, but two figures appeared before he could move more than a step ahead. a pale champagne mare appeared from the shadows along with a dappled maiden. the champagne was leaner in build than the dapple who looked to be more cold-blooded with a bulkier frame, no way a mother and daughter.

sammael's ears flicked back for a second then forward as eliza called out for titan, assuming him to be the alfheim king. it was both amusing and frustrating since this mare seems to know the kings. his suspicions are proven right as eliza hesitates and falters once close enough to realize her mistake. her threat to alert the kings was quite bothersome, such a thing would surely hinder his carefully laid plans for after the storm has subsided. "you're right, it is quite tricky for me to be here, but considering this is the best place to ride out the storm, i've taken my chances." his voice was silky with a slight roughness from his deep tone. charm was one of his strong points so he uses it against this younger mare in the hopes of changing her mind. "i plan on exposing myself to the kings once the storm has subsided and they are no longer overburdened with the stress of having each other so close. alerting them to my presence now will only add unnecessary stress and anxiety," sammael tells her, his posture relaxing to a more open and inviting stance. these two were quite lovely and would make good additions to the family he wants to start. if only he could persuade them.

"has your king not cared for you? i can scent your heat even through the rain," sammael's tone turns to one of concern as he questions the valkyrie, it is dangerous for a mare to be away from her herd with such a strong heat. not all loners were as kind and considerate as himself. the king's scent was partially covered by the rain and the mare's heat scent, easily missed if one wasn't looking for it. sammael takes a respective step away from eliza, making it clear that he won't take her for his own against her will. "the herds are due east of here, a few minutes of walking will take you straight to them." his copper gaze was steady on eliza, a small twinkle flashing in it's depths for a moment as he restrains his primal urge to snake the mare for his own. "unless you would prefer to stay with me until the storm subsides? i can keep you both safe and then return you to your king once the skies are cleared." though he has a feeling that eliza wouldn't want to stick around, the least he could do was offer them safety. plus she might allow him to cover her if she stays through the storm, eliminating the heat scent that could get her into trouble should she continue wandering the forest alone.

[Queen Lapis]

Stjerne
2||Maiden||Heat: Stage 1 || Foalless || Mateless ||Mentions: Phantom’s Herd || Tags: Eliza, Sammeal, Ylva

“I’ll stay,” Stjerne said, like the foolish maiden she was. Sammael seemed taken aback by how easily the Maiden had been snaked into his small band. Stjerne simply flicked her wet drenched forelocks back and went to stand behind the black stallion and his beige Valkyrie. She stared spitefully at Eliza.

She was finally doing it. She was leaving a herd she was never from. Perhaps the herd had loved her, and perhaps they would have wanted her to stay. But the fact remained that Phantom was not her father, and that she did not belong in the herd.

Swishing her tail, she snorted and gazed up at Sammael. Here was a chance for her to finally have a herd and a family: too belong. With cool blue eyes she glared back at her herdmate.

“So, Eliza, are you coming?”
____________________________________________________________________________________________
[center]Mjölnir
5||Earl||Foaless||Mateless||Mentions: None|| Tags: Hauker and Astrid

“But oh, my dear maiden… Why not?” Mjolnir silently snorted. He’d hoped this mare would be foolish enough to accompany him as she’d been to leave her herd. Obviously, it would take a bit more of his wit to snake this mare into his herd. Some wit, and perhaps some… interaction. Mjolnir trotted over to the younger horse, laying his head on her withers and pushed her in his direction so their backs were to Hauker.

“Come on now. This storm must be killing your hooves, you poor thing! You need some shelter, and you need the warmth of the herd. What’s your herd again? Jotunheim? Hnitbjorg? Come on, dear maiden. You lead and I shall follow.”

[na'vi.]

ＦＯＲＳＥＴＩ ──x❝i still believe in you.❞
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
◀ ❰ jotunheim maiden ❱ ❰ gypsy vanner ❱ ❰ mare ❱ ❰ 2.7 years❱ ❰ foals: none ❱ ❰ status: about to start 1st heat ❱ ❰ location: hnitbjorg ❱ ❰ tags: Phantom, Heidi & Primrose ❱ ❰ mentions: Titan & Rana ❱▶
Forseti stood still and unwavering as the rain poured down from the sky and onto her chestnut pelt that was normally a bright and rich red-brown color but was now a dark brown in it's soaked state. She didn't bother to listen in on the conversation that was being held between Titan and one of his mares, Thera. She simply watched as the mare trotted away and towards Bjorn. It was likely a diversion, something to try and further buffer the attention from the new mare and her foal that the black stallion had returned with. She watched Titan with a certain curiosity, his build and stark black pelt was certainly something that the young maiden found attractive yet at the same time his large presence made her uneasy. He was a powerful stallion and had proved to be a powerful and strong King. Though that was something that should make her even more attracted to him it simply wasn't. Along with such power and stature she had heard and observed that the obsidian king was stubborn, easy to anger towards outsiders, and over-bearing. She'd likely feel lost in his herd, unable to find herself amidst his strong-willed and fiery mares whereas she was more docile and domestic. Deep down she also didn't want any of her future foals to be raised akin to Heidi who seemed to have an ego bigger than her hooves could fill.

"..Forseti, you take the point nearer Bjorn with me, it'll be easier to block Bjorn's vision that way. The rest of you, flank us and try to cover the gaps." Her father's voice yanked the maiden from her thoughts and back into reality. The stormy, muddy, and somewhat miserable reality. "I can mix my scent for a moment before joining you nearest to Bjorn. It'll only take me a few seconds." She added quietly. It was a statement, one that required no response. With that said the large maiden paced forward, her ears picking up the name of an Alfheim mare, Rana. She neared the mare with a soft nicker, rubbing her own body against the smaller yet older mare's in an attempt to mix their scents. She paused, directly avoiding any form of contact or interaction with Titan. She'd rather not acknowledge his existence than converse with him. Reaching forward gingerly she smelled Rana, insuring that the mare smelled like a subtle mix of Alfheim and Jotunheim.

Truth be told Forseti was taken aback when Heidi approached her. Initially Forseti was apprehensive, while she didn't know of Titan's daughter closely she could tell by the stallions interactions with his obsidian daughter that he was extremely fond of her. She must have some sort of redeeming quality if Phantom fancied her and Forseti wasn't going to be rude. She was raised better than that. Instead the larger maiden stood quietly, letting her heads flick forwards at Heidi, her gaze remained indifferent though deep in her chocolate gaze was a certain gentleness and warmth to be had. She didn't have it in her to be mean, it simply wasn't her nature unless the offender had seriously done something wrong that she witnessed with her own eyes. Which Heidi had never done. At Heidi's nicker Forseti reached forward gingerly- her gaze was trained on Heidi as if she were studying some strange and elusive creature. Forseti didn't know of Heidi'd mannerisms and wasn't sure if Heidi reaching out was some cruel prank. Forseti instead lipped at Heidi's neck, taking in the Maiden's scent before she let out a quiet nicker as the mare turned away and back to her father. After Heidi left Forseti watched for a few moments before retreating to her own father whom was accompanied by Primrose, a Valkyrie of Jotunheim.

She could sense Primrose's distress and anxiety, despite not knowing what it was about Forseti reached out with her muzzle, pressing her nose against the mare's cheek and lipping at her nose. She was trying to reassure the older mare and comfort her, while she was never close to Primrose specifically she hated seeing the older mare upset. Forseti held Primrose with a certain level of respect considering the white Arabian was a kind and peaceful individual much like Forseti herself. However once again the large chestnut and white maiden fell deep into thought. She'd leave her herd soon, she had to. Over the past season the urge to find a new herd and a stallion to start her own family was worsening. She yearned to have a foal of her own to attend to and moon over. Though her desire to seek out a new start would likely take her towards an Earl. Despite the fact she had never interacted with an Earl she felt they were forced to work harder to appease and protect their mares whereas some mares sought out the practically guaranteed security that one of the three large herds had to offer. Just a King's title was enough to fend off most challengers whereas Earls had to keep alert and make sure their mares weren't snaked or wooed by other Earls. The thought saddened her slightly but she gazed at the horizon letting out a curious snort as she watched Bjorn and Thera wander away from the menagerie of horses. How would Titan feel about that?

Nevertheless Forseti turned her attention to Phantom, Bjorn leaving gave Forseti the opportunity to bond one last time with her sire and make him aware of her plans. Unlike her half-sisters and the other maidens in her herd she wanted to leave Phantom with peace of mind of where she would be and what she's doing. She felt that simply wandering away was not only rude but irresponsible and cruel. She closed the small gap that remained between herself and her darker colored sire with a gentle nicker "I think once the storm stops completely and Titan's new found mare and foal are safe I'll be leaving." She said it gently, trying to break the news in the most heartfelt way possible. She licked at his coat in an affectionate manner, an affection that only the bond between a sire and his daughter could share. "I-I think I'd like to find an Earl. I don't wish to go to either Titan or Bjorn." She said again, her voice was calm and even despite her stammer. She had thought it over and had a sure plan, she wasn't terribly nervous or anxious about her plan. Though her heart ached at the thought that her father would be upset or disappointed in her decision. Would he approve of her wishing to leave? Would he by upset or angry that she didn't desire to be in the security of a king's herd? She flattened her ears at the thought and resumed her grooming of phantom's wet coat. Trying to busy her mind and distract herself from the anxiety inducing thoughts that currently ran rampant within her mind.

ooc; Phantom talking in the 2nd paragraph was a direct quote ♥ didn't want it
to seem like I was controlling your boy c:

[BlueChai]

╔═════════════════════════════════╗
⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤ 𝔸 𝔽𝕒𝕝𝕔𝕠𝕟'𝕤 𝔽𝕖𝕒𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 ⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤
▸Form ▸Stallion ▸3.5 years ▸Band Earl ▸Location: Hnitbjorg ▸Tagged: Astrid and Mjolnir
╚═════════════════════════════════╝
As he listened to the dappled mare intently, he nodded. "Oh, you are Phantom's daughter? Interesting. Yes, I'll admit I've attempted to snake his mares before. I suppose I see why you know of me." It has been a while since Haukr has attempted to take one of Phantom's mares. Midnight Mirage was the eldest king, and the most experienced. Despite his smaller stature, Phantom intimidated Haukr the most out of the three kings. A few moons back, Haukr attempted to take Primrose and received a kick in the jaw from her king. It took weeks for him to eat again without feeling pain. Since then, Haukr has steered clear of him. Upon hearing Astrid was not chased, but lost, Haukr cocked his head in interest. She must've gotten separated from her herd in all of the confusion, he thought. He couldn't blame her, the terrain of this forest took years and years to memorize and it was so easy to get lost in the maze of identical trucks. He wouldn't admit it, but Haukr felt lost himself. Before he could reply to the mare, a deep voice boomed from behind her. Lifting his head, his gaze landed on a chestnut pied earl. He must've caught Astrid's scent and thought she would be an easy catch. Haukr had planned to deal with the earl peacefully, but his words made him rethink this. A few screws lose over being king? The audacity of this stallion. Pinning his ears back, he let out a threatening snort and stamped a hoof. Mjolnir proposed to Astid he would escort her back to her herd, and to his surprise she declined her offer. Although, the pied earl didn't take no for an answer. He laid his head on her withers and pushed her along with him, insisting he escort her home. Seeing the mare was visibly uncomfortable irked Haukr. No stallion with good intentions was this pushy, no, this one was up to no good. Haukr would not have this. The large stallion reared up and struck down on Mojolnir's croup with a hoof, letting out a deep bellow. "Are you deaf? The mare said she did not desire to be escorted by you! Get away from her." Haukr snapped, lowering his head in a threatening stance, a hoof stamping down into the mud.

╔═════════════════════════════════╗
⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤ 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘙𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯 ⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤
▸Form ▸Filly ▸Three months ▸Loner ▸Location: Edge of Hnitbjorg ▸--- ▸Tagged: Mazikeen, Titan, Primrose, Phantom
╚═════════════════════════════════╝
Gaagi couldn't understand completely what the two kings spoke about, but from what she could see, horses were gathering around her and Mazikeen. They seemed to be creating some sort of barrier around them. Gaagi wasn't used to being so closed to so many other horses, and it both stressed and excited her. Pushing underneath her mother for safety triggered her stomach's growling, and she realized how hungry she really was. The filly nudged her mother's underside to nurse, but Mazikeen pulled away every time Gaagi did so. Eventually, she got the hint and knew it wasn't the time for nursing. Seeing how anxious and alert her mother was only stressed Gaagi out more, and she tried to hide her face in her mother's side. She had only seen her mother this worked up a few times before, and it was something she never enjoyed. As Mazikeen moved abruptly to warn a mare who got too close for her comfort, Gaagi backed up and felt her rump bump into a leg. Turning her head, she saw the same white mare who was staring at her earlier. She was slender and elegant with such a bright coat, but something threw the filly off. The mare's nose seemed to be dipped inwards, giving her head an upturned appearance. She couldn't help stare for a few moments, before coming to her senses. "Oh, sorry! I didn't mean to bump into you..." The dark filly said apologetically, taking a few steps back. "Mama, why does her nose look like that?" Gaagi whispered to her dam as she turned to look at her. Gaagi couldn't help but be curious about that nosy mare.

╔═════════════════════════════════╗
⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤ 𝒫𝓇𝒾𝓂𝓇𝑜𝓈𝑒 𝒮𝓎𝓂𝓅𝒽𝑜𝓃𝓎 ⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤
▸Form ▸Mare ▸Five years ▸Jotunheim ▸Location: Hnitbjorg ▸In heat ▸Tagged: Phantom, Mazikeen, Gaagi, Forseti
╚═════════════════════════════════╝
Primrose smiled at Phantom's praise, and brushes her chin along his crest affectionately. Phantom said that he would search for Astrid later, and that she was a strong maiden. "Yes, she is a strong one. I just hope nothing stronger harms her..." Primrose spoke with a grave undertone to her voice, but as the words left her muzzle, she felt the reassuring touch of Forseti against her cheek. She let out a soft, happy whicker and pressed her head into the younger mare's neck. Primrose appreciated the comfort, and her anxiety lowered for the time being. Soon, the plan began to take action. The two herds began to mingle around the dam and foal, so she did the same. Brushing against and weaving through all the horses, she eventually was placed behind the two protected horses. She stopped to admire the two. Mazikeen was so hellbent on keeping her filly safe, and so determined to keep others away. Seeing such a protective mother wasn't something Prim has seen often, and she desired to be just as dedicated to her future offspring. Just as she moved her glance away from them, she felt something bump into her forearm. Glancing down, she saw the little filly has backed up into her. Smiling warmly, she lowered her head to show she meant no harm. "It is quite alright dear, we're so crowded here. It's hard not to bump into each other!" Primrose mused, but her ears perked as the filly spoke to her mother. Her ears flattened against her head at what she heard. 'Why does her nose look like that?' Primrose has been looked at differently for her muzzle a few times, and it's been quite some time since. Although Gaagi was young and didn't know any better, Primrose couldn't help but feel embarrassed. She turned her head away from Gaagi, partly to pretend she didn't hear her, and partly to conceal her face from the filly's curious gaze. Most have found her muzzle to be a charming feature, but others have gossiped and bullied her for it as well. A common thing she heard was it looked like her face was kicked in. The white mare tried to shake it off, she shouldn't feel so worked up over a filly's curiosity. Primrose felt the need to clarify to the filly why he appearance was different, but she feared she would make the filly feel embarrassed that she had overheard her question. So, she decided to continue playing as if she heard nothing, and lowered her head to nibble some mud-plastered grass.

╔═════════════════════════════════╗
⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤ 𝒜 𝒲𝒾𝓃𝓉𝑒𝓇'𝓈 𝒮𝑜𝓃𝑔 ⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤
▸Form ▸Mare ▸Nine years ▸Hnitbjorg ▸Location: Hnitbjorg ▸Not in heat ▸Tagged:Bjorn, Oydis, Titan
╚═════════════════════════════════╝

Winter let out a loving sigh and rested her head on Bjorn's withers. She loves it when he called her song bird, it made her chest flutter. As another mare made herself present, Winter glanced up to see Oydis. She nodded in greeting as the mare told Bjorn she spoke of her encounter with Haukr. She shook her head to herself, didn't the earl know this was a horrible time to be in the forest? The three kings could tear that young stallion apart if they desired to. As Bjorn showered her and Oydis in affection, she couldn't help but notice that her king felt tense. Following his gaze, she noticed that Titan and Phantom's herds were mingling in a tightly knit circle. Narrowing her pale eyes in suspicion, she obeyed her king and stuck close to the other mares. As she eyed the group intently, many looked her way and almost seemed to grow closer together the longer she observed them. What were they doing? Perhaps they were avoiding her herd, or the horses are planning something. Before she could ask Bjorn what he thought of it, she turned to see him following Thera into the thicket. Why was he following Thera? Her hooves itched to follow them and question Titan's mare, but she knew Bjorn would prefer if she remained here with the herd. Plus, her curiosity was growing by the second. She had to know what on Earth those horses were doing. The sepia pelaged valkyrie trotted slowly and calmly to the swirling group of horses, and picked out Titan among the group. Halting a few feet away from the group of horses, Winter let out a whinny to catch Titan's attention. "Hello there, Titan. I see you have quite a large group over here. Care to explain what this is all about? Are you all frightened, or perhaps a second truce has been formed that excludes others?" Winter couldn't help but speak in an accusing manner. Bjorn, her own king, had already violated the truce. What was stopping the other two kings from doing the same, or conspiring against her king?

[lynettetan1]

Midnight's Mirage
Tagged: Primrose, Vira, Forseti, Titan, Mazi
Mentioned: His herd, Titan's herd

As Prim rubbed her head against his crest, Phantom let out a soft rumble of pleasure, nudging her in turn. At her words, he nodded in agreement, hoping against hope that whatever was out there would not harm his daughter.

During this, Forseti had moved off, starting to mix their scents before she stood where her large frame blocked out most of the others. Nodding in approval, Phantom watched as she nudged Primrose, cheering up the other mare. He held back the pride that threatened to overwhelm him, giving both Forseti and Primrose a smile as he shifted all his herd into position. He loved all of them and trusted them implicitly, and held nothing but pride toward Forseti. Even with the rain dampening her bright colours, anyone could see how she shined beautifully.

Prim was shifted somewhere toward the back of the mare and her foal, but as she took up said position Phantom caught the new mare's eye, giving her a quiet nod but also a warning in one. He had seen how she'd glowered at Prim, and Phantom would not stand for her endangering his mare. He would help her and her filly, but if she started kicking out at Prim there would be hell to pay and she was smart enough to know that with her filly already injured it was not wise to start a fight.

With the two mares in position, he turned at the sound of hoofbeats. The sight of Vira's beautiful coat, as well as her lively words, had Phantom grinning quietly. He gave her a playful nudge, before letting out a snort as she fell. As she got up with a cheeky grin, however, he couldn't help but sigh fondly, before repeating the instructions he had given to Forseti. Nudging Vira along the side, he couldn't help but find the reserves of his strength even though he had run empty. Watching his daughters had made him find his resolve once more. He definitely had to see this truce through. "Spread your scent amongst the others and hide the mare and the foal in the center, Vira. We will pull through this difficult time yet."

He looked across the entirety of the herd, nodding slightly when he found the mare and her foal well and truly blocked. As he did that, he couldn't help but notice Prim turning away to graze. The action confused him, as did the slightly hurt look in her eyes. Did something happen? Heidi also moved closer to Forseti and nickered, but then seemed to disappear before anything could happen, making Phantom watch her as she moved toward her father. Was she nervous?

A gentle nicker broke Phantom out of his thoughts to focus on Forseti, who had currently moved closer. At her words, Phantom stayed silent for a moment, not out of anger but just to think it over. As she licked at his coat, he nibbled gently at her forelock, helping to nip out some of the mud that had somehow caked itself into her mane. She spoke of her want to leave, and her preferences, and Phantom nodded quietly, thinking. The Kings were a safe choice, but earls weren't necessarily bad either. Given Forseti's docile nature, Phantom did worry for her, though he did know that she was definitely able to defend herself if necessary.

At the base level, he trusted her, and her ability to suss out what she wanted. Nudging Forseti gently to get her mind off his coat and on his words, Phantom spoke. "Alright. You seem to have a plan, so I think you should go after what you want and need. You have my blessing." His words were accompanied with the stallion rubbing his head reassuringly along her cheeks, letting out soft whurrs of encouragement. "Trust what you believe in. But, if things ever get tough, or if you just want to indulge your nostalgia, you can always come home."

At that, he nudged her playfully, giving her a smile and putting aside the worries in his mind. Forseti had grown become a reliable and steadfast mare, and she would be a valuable addition to any herd. With that said, he stood with her in silence, grooming her mane in turn as he spent some valuable last moments with her.

Unfortunately, it seemed that with the buzz of the herds, no peace really came in extended amounts. Hoofbeats sounded toward them, but given the weight placed behind each sound, Phantom knew it wasn't Eliza nor Signe nor any of the others he was missing. Even Stjerne, whose footsteps sounded the closest, would have said something as she approached.

With a quiet sigh, he turned, aligning his body so it was a barrier between him and whoever approached. It was the quiet mare, Winter. She stopped a few feet away, which made him relax, before calling out to Titan accusingly. Phantom let out an incredulous snort at the tone of her voice.

Who was she, to talk that way when her stallion had just violated the truce for everyone to see? Who could blame them grouping together? When Bjorn had left, both Titan and himself had moved their herds closer to protect Bjorn's herd, and had not harmed a single hair of those who had belonged in Hnitbjorg. It was Bjorn who had seperated his herds from the other two the moment he had come back, it was Bjorn who had made the Alfheim herd back away by full out threatening them, and it was Bjorn who'd brought the mare back that had sprouted his own paranoia! He knew she was the one that had been unsure with Bjorn's actions, and whilst deciding to trust her stallion was fine, suddenly accusing them when her herd was already less than perfect was ironic. Unable to take the hypocrisy, Phantom's ears disappeared into his mane, but he didn't see the point in explaining everything. He was not the one Winter had called out to, after all.

"Perhaps if you looked at the actions of those around you, you wouldn't need an explanation." He said darkly, anger in his tone, though he still gave her a respectful nod and showed no physical signs of aggression. She had stopped respectfully, approached calmly, and even now spoke relatively reasonably, so Phantom saw no reason to escalate anything.

Noticing that the rain was all but stopped, Phantom looked toward Titan. "The rain has stopped. I am waiting for my mares' return. Will you be making your move?" As he did so, he looked toward Heidi, catching her eye and cocking his head questioningly. Would she be joining him?

Northern Quiver
Tagged: Bjorn, Vanir and her twins, Rhae
Mentions: Hnitbjorg herd, Titan

That she was met from suspicion all around did not really surprise Thera. Getting a warning look from Rhae, Thera met the elder mare's eyes and took a step back purposefully, showing the mother that she meant no harm whatsoever toward her young one. Though Thera wasn't enamoured with any foal, she would not bring untoward harm towards such an innocent being.

Bjorn's answer did surprise her, however. At his words, she surmised that he had thought that she was insinuating that his foal was the cause of his unease where she had simply been reminding him of the other reasons to be happy about. However, Thera didn't see the need to explain herself. The way he looked, she doubted he would listen to her explanation, and there was always the chance that he would misconstrue her answer just as badly as he had her question. As such, she simply stared at him for a few seconds, as if taking him in, before she shrugged. "My apologies."

She did not waste any further effort trying to butter up the stallion. It was obvious that it wouldn't work and either way he had to abide her or risk a fight between Titan and himself. As such, when he brushed her off almost immediately, she nodded, accepting that he'd closed the conversation, but not at all accepting his suggestion. Instead, she simply turned and moved toward the source of the sound, quickly overtaken by Bjorn in no time at all.

She fought a smile. Bjorn was full of mysteries but it seemed in this prediction, she had guessed right. As they came across a mare with two fillies, Thera kept her distance, giving the mother a respectful nod. The mother was young and obviously exhausted, and Thera did not want to stress her out with so many so close. As Bjorn spoke, Thera hid a chuckle. She'd seen how sweet he'd been toward his herd, and had seen the palomino trailing just behind him a moment before. Was this how he had gotten the palomino as well?

However, his shift in body language had her startled. For a moment, Thera stared, a little confused, but when it became apparent that he meant to kill the foals, Thera surged forward by his side, kicking out and aiming her back hooves at his chest. "Ironborn, what do you think you are doing? That's a mare you can have in your herd, and fillies are no threat to you!" She said the words in a harsh whisper as she kicked out, not wanting to send Titan running over and spoiling their ploy.

Her heart thrummed in her chest, and Thera frowned, worried. She had thought he was a softy, and perhaps her own time with Titan and being used to how he was around foals had made her soft. Still, when she looked at Bjorn, he still continued advancing, almost as if he was in a trance and had not even been affected by her outburst.

But then, he stopped, staring at the twins. Frowning, Thera stood in front of the brown filly, knowing the darker paint was in a safer position behind her mum. Still, Bjorn's eyes seemed to focus on the darker paint, before muttering incoherently to himself. Thera frowned. Was he insane?

Finally, he seemed to focus on them, speaking of his Gods. Thera felt unease creep down her spine. Who was this horse, that he seemed so greatly unhinged that he required his Gods and his mares by him all the time? How did his moods manage to veer so wildly back and forth? As he addressed her, Thera bit back a comment about how he only stopped ignoring her when he needed her for something, not knowing when he would go insane once more.

Turning back to the mother, Thera took a step away so she wouldn't feel pressured, but made sure her body was a physical barrier Bjorn would have to cross. She wasn't the most sentimental horse out there, but she wasn't going to let others so near someone she did not figure out either. Knowing the mother wouldn't like her touching her foals, Thera instead addressed the mother directly, a gentle smile on her features. Thera knew full well the surge of protectiveness most mothers had for their foals, and she had no want to get a earful, or even bitten by this young mother. "Sorry, dear, that must have been quite a scare. Can you stand? You can call me Thera, will you let me help?"

[na'vi.]

ＶＡＮＩＲ ──x❝patience is the companion of wisdom.❞
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
◀ ❰ lone valkyrie ❱ ❰ mustang ❱ ❰ mare ❱ ❰ 6 ❱ ❰ foals: Gersemi & Frigg ❱ ❰ status: nursing ❱ ❰ location: Hnitbjorg ❱ ❰ tags: (Ger & Frig), Bjorn, Thera ❱ ▶
The forest was just as beautiful as it was unforgiving. The storm had lessened a bit, not enough to put her ever fraying nerves at ease but enough so the torrential downpour was almost tolerable. Almost. Vanir shifted with a groan, she felt like those elderly mares you hear about in stories. Mares that with every move ached and groaned in what one could assume to be sheer distress, agony, or simple intolerance for what their spry bodies had become with age. As she shifted twigs cracked and snapped under her weight the soft and peaty mud seeped into the left side of her body, the side that was sure to leave a mare shaped impression into the mud when she was to get up. She knew she'd be unable to remain here for much longer, the Hnitbjorg king, the Ironborn Son would be sure to do a thorough sweeping of his territory after the other two herds moved out. It didn't take a genius to understand that the stallion would surely be hopped up on aggression and testosterone from having his two biggest rivals and their herds seeking shelter in his lands, even it was agreed upon. She knew very well that her daughters were still too young, too small, and too vulnerable to move into the other territories in Valhalla. Her best bet at keeping her fillies alive was to evade the resident king, his mares, and any earls that might be lingering in the land. While she found it to be uncommon that stallions and earls killed fillies she wasn't keen to let her guard down any time soon.

Though as she laid there the subtle pattering of rain drops onto leaves and the forest floor slowly lulled the mare to a sleep like trance- her mind foggy and distracted with the warm comfort that proper rest would offer her tired mind and body. She gave in ever so slightly, letting her ears droop to the side and letting out a soft snort. Both of her daughters were resting soundly- borderline snoring. Though she could tell by Frigg's fidgeting that the smaller of her two was barely asleep, teetering on the edge of being awake or resting the mare opted for the former. All it would take is one stallion to come and decide that her fillies were a threat to them and their bloodline. Perhaps the Gods would forgive Vanir's mistrust in them and cast a protective cloak over her small family. Though the ever distant sound of shifting within the fallen leaves and squelching of mud under hooves caught Vanir's attention and instantly the mare's head seemed to come unglued from the ground beneath her frame and the mare let out several warning snorts, her nostrils flared with aggression while all at the same time desperately trying to find a smell to acquaint her new found company with. She could tell it was a mare and a stallion, the scents were so vague from the rain and unfamiliar territory that she struggled to pinpoint a specific smell. It was only when the dazzling Amber Champagne coat of the stallion emerged that she knew who dared to near she and her newborns. The Ironborn Son.

Within a panic the mare opted to seek her varying options. She knew she was too weak to fight off any advances or threats the stallion would propose and if the mare that accompanied him was his it's a possibility that she would help him. Her fillies were too weak to try and run, she was unwilling to abandon them. If there was one admirable thing about Vanir it was her unyielding devotion and love for her foals. She'd face any amount of danger to save her young, no matter the repercussions it might have. Vanir proudly had one adult offspring roaming about, be it that he remained in her homeland of Valhalla or moved on is unknown to her but she's already proven to be a successful mother and she didn't plan on breaking her record with her first set of twins. As the two horses neared she open her muzzle, blowing hot air out of her mouth, her teeth essentially bared to them as pure aggression rolled off her body in waves. She had faced predators in her past when it came to protecting her young but she didn't have to suffer through the grueling birth of twins so she was in a much better condition to fend them off with a kick or small chase. However now she laid here, still exhausted and if she tried to get up and kick she risked hurting her daughters. Perhaps body language and noise would be enough to fend off the King and the accompanying mare whom seemed nearly all white, barring her face that held a white stripe that stretched from the middle of her forehead to muzzle. That mare held a unique yet simple beauty that in any other circumstance Vanir would appreciate.

Panic and fear bubbled in her throat and ripped a hole in her heart as she watched them both pursue her further. Neither showed any regard or respect to her warnings, her pleads for them to stay away. She struggled upwards, her weak legs barely strong enough to help support her weight. Instead she sat, her rump and hind legs still under her frame but her front hooves splayed out, her ears pinned aggressively to her head, her eyes flicked wildly between the two horses in this distance and before her very eyes the Ironborn Son had made his intentions clear. "You shouldn't be in this land," He said and with the words Vanir's heart dropped to her stomach but hostility overtook her veins, causing her blood to boil as she sat here. She was weak, she knew she'd be unable to help her fillies. For a sparse moment her gaze locked onto the mare that accompanied the stallion- the mare had dipped her head. She was no threat. Good. One less target to go after if she could. "And you cannot leave here, I'm sorry." The words came down and with a rush down her spine it sent Vanir into a flurry of anger and urge to protect her young at all costs. She ignored the screams of her body as she went to lurch forward upon seeing his aggressive advances towards Gersemi.

A flash of white appeared before her and Vanir yanked herself backwards, careful not to crash into Frigg, whom was safely tucked away behind her. The mare had tried to intervene, kicking at the golden stallion. But to now avail, he was locked in a drive to get rid of the fillies that shared no genetic relation to him. The need to protect her young over came Vanir's body and the mare sprung forward, muzzle gaping wide as she bit the stallion at the base of his neck, a guttural roar followed soon after, one that was filled with desperation for the stallion to stop his bloodlust for her fillies. It seemed to work- he had stopped. Though now he spoke to the gods, spoke of her daughter being marked. "You're the Ironborn Son aren't you?" She inquired hastily, her voice was filled with aggression and malice as she spoke to him. She'd refuse to call him by his proper name or his title. He wasn't deserving of it. Instead she turned tot he mare whom came to her fillies and her own defense, ears pricking at her name she smiled softly. "I am Vanir." She mustered weakly before getting up to her feet shakily offering Thera a nod to her question of if she could stand. She could indeed stand, shakily and weakly as it was.

Turning to the stallion her ears perked ever so slightly at his offer. Her pride and ego were screaming at her not to accept. Not to take his generosity. "I will come only because I value the life of my daughters over my own pride, Ironborn Son." She spat it at him before turned away, legs splayed out underneath her as if she too were a newborn foal just getting their bearings. Letting out gentle nickers towards Gersemi and Frigg she nudged them both, smiling as Gersemi rose within seconds, unfazed by the events that just took place. Her legs were strong, she was strong. Frigg however stood shakily, eyes gazing around blindly. Vanir reached forward, touching her nose to Friggs cheek. "Come my little Frigg. We must go now." She cooed gently, her tone and demeanor was gentle and warm towards her frail filly. Upon getting Frigg situated she turned to Gersemi and nudged the bigger foal towards Thera gently, though apprehension was clear in her gaze. "Gersemi stick close to Thera, she will help you." She said it gently, Thera was the only individual on her side right now, her only friend. She trusted the mare oddly enough.

"Lead the way, Ironborn." She finished, casting a quick glance to Thera and Gersemi. She watched her lighter painted filly amble back towards Frigg and herself side with a disgruntled whinny. Her foal was strong willed, she'd refuse to be apart. Vanir simply didn't have the strength to try and force her bigger filly to listen. Instead she let Gersemi remain alongside her.

ooc; I'll have separate sections for Frigg and Gersemi when they age a bit more.

ＦＯＲＳＥＴＩ ──x❝i still believe in you.❞
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
◀ ❰ jotunheim maiden ❱ ❰ gypsy vanner ❱ ❰ mare ❱ ❰ 2.7 years❱ ❰ foals: none ❱ ❰ status: 2nd stage ❱ ❰ location: hnitbjorg ❱ ❰ tags: Phantom & Primrose ❱ ❰ mentions: Vira ❱▶
Her ears perked as one of her half-sisters, Vira, came running up. Breaking the affectionate grooming she was giving Phantom she turned her attention to the maiden. Her coat was covered in mud but Forseti gave her younger sibling a warm smile, followed by a friendly whuff. Her sibling was much younger-minded than herself, Vira held a youthful playfulness and innocent ignorance to the world around her. Such a trait was admirable, envious even. She playfully nibbled at her smaller sister's forelock before stopping as her father told Vira what was to be done. Forseti gave her sibling a nudge, as if telling her sister to go on and do as told.

For a few sparse moments she relished in her father's grooming of her forelock. Though his silence at her words only forged the apprehension she held in her heart for leaving. As he nudged her for her full and undivided attention she turned to him, ears flicked forward and eyes trained on him. She was prepared for him to say she must stay awhile longer, that he'd feel better with her in a King's herd. If he wanted her to go to Titan or Bjorn she'd oblige with no complaint. Her sire was a wise horse and she'd do well to heed his advice and comply with his wishes. The words "you have my blessing" forced a sigh of relief from Forseti that she didn't even know she was holding back. That very phrase held more power over her heart than she was sure Phantom realized. As he rubbed his head along her cheeks and give her encouraging whurrs she remained quiet, a mixture of excitement, fear, and sadness flowed in her veins. As soon as the fear had flooded her body it had left at the word home. He would allow her to return back home, welcomed and loved once more by the horses she'd been around since birth.

However the mention of home made her heart ache. She'd miss out on so much while she was away from her father and the valkyries she was raised around. She'd never get to meet their new foals, never get to see her father ooze with love for his new offspring, never meet the new maidens that the herd would absorb as one of their own every year or so. So many nevers lit her path yet so many new opportunities were laid out infront of her. A chance for her to have a family, a son of her own. Yes. A son. She wanted to raise a colt to be a gentleman, a true King within his own right. "I will always return home to you, perhaps in a year I will visit with a grandson for you to meet." She nickered softly, her heart already gushing at the very image of returning for a visit, colt in tow to meet his grandsire. It was well known that Forseti seemed set by the gods to be a mother. Never was she out running amuck and causing trouble with other foals and yearlings. She was always bonding with the new foals, enamored by their newness and innocence. She'd watch them when their mothers needed rest and play gently with them if they were too weak to keep up and play tough. "Could you imagine? A foal of my very ow-" She went to continue on before she stopped herself, her body flushed with embarrassment. She was mooning over a foal that had yet to come, a future that had yet to be fulfilled.

Instead she let the comfortable silence fall over her and she pressed herself into Phantom. Trying to absorb all of the love she could from him. Their bond as a father and daughter was something Forseti held near and dear to her heart, she trusted her sire more than any other horse she knew. She nuzzled his neck before she groomed his mane attentively, pulling out burrs and thorns that dared make their presences known in his dark mane. Her tail lashed against her flanks and eventually she worked her way to his withers were she simply itched along his spine, soft whurrs of affection could be heard ever so often from the maiden. Soon enough she simply rested her head on his withers, trying to savor one of the last few moments she'd share with him for some time to come.

As usual though, the peace didn't last. She flicked her ears forward as one of the Hnitbjorg mares approached. She watched the mare closely, through a wide-eyed gaze. That Valkyrie was bold and dominate, a true force to be reckoned with. Though her accusing tone seriously rubbed Forseti the wrong way. If she had been raised different she would have lashed out, but she was taught to mind her elders and show grace above all else. As such she stood quietly. This was not her battle, she was merely a young Maiden. This would be a matter for the two resident Kings, Phantom and Titan, to handle. Still though the hypocrisy in which the mare spoke made Forseti grind her teeth. The mare whom was one among many of the Mad King's (Bjorn) folly had little to accuse when her own stallion broke the truce he had set. Now here he was, running away with an Alfheim Valkyrie. While her accusation held truth it still didn't settle right with Forseti. Once her father's own words reached her ears she calmed, a smug grin trying to emerge on her face. Her sire was incredibly intelligent and in the one phrase that was showcased with anger he had made her look inferior, daft even.

[unnamed]

Ｔ Ｉ Ｔ Ａ Ｎ ！ ！
alfheim king . eleven years . stallion . tags: alfheim mares, mazikeen, winter, phantom . location: hnjtiborg

He noticed out of the corner of his eyes the glare Mazikeen sent his way before declaring he'd been the one to bring them there. The stallion, though as much as he desired to, avoided pointing out to her that she'd sought refuge from him after her foal's injury. There'd be time for such bickering when they were safely out of these damned trees. However, when she refused to give the information of their names a mixture of pride and irritation mixed in the king's chest. Turning his head slowly to make it appear as though he simply had an itch he was trying to reach the king gave Mazikeen's hindquarters a warning nip. It was nothing too painful but would be enough to catch her attention. Whether he'd pay for that later or not was the question. She couldn't here, or at least he thought her smart enough not to. Bjorn was already on edge and any disruption would see him driving the Alfheim herd from the forests and Titan's herd was his first priority, he'd leave the mare and filly behind if it meant his own mare's safety.

Rana's comforts had eased the stallion's mind momentarily; he took pride in knowing that his mares trusted him and were given their own comfort by his words. It only helped to strengthen the notion that his herd would most certainly thrive and overcome the ordeals and challenges sent by the gods themselves. Though she was his youngest valkyrie he did find himself often drawn to Rana's side, her conviction had always been strong and when she believed in something she was willing to fight for it. She wasn't one to be pushed around so easily and like every other mare in her herd she boasted a strong, capable head on top of her shoulders.

Titan's attention turned to Heidi now as his daughter rested her head on his shoulder, the same way she did to Thera whenever she got nervous. Worry filled him suddenly and he rubbed his nose against Heidi's own shoulder in comfort before speaking lowly so only she could hear, "My dear, what's wrong? Are you nervous about what is to come?" Titan was already aware that Phantom would have his blessing should Heidi choose to join the stallion but before it would happen he wanted a final few moments with his daughter and her protection, he'd make sure she was by him until she was out of this forest. His heart ached at the thought of losing his beloved daughter, from her birth he'd dotted on the young filly and had kept her close to his side. Suddenly waking up and not seeing the ebony coat so alike to his own was going to be something hard to get used to. It had to happen, of course, but it didn't mean he had to like it and it didn't mean he couldn't be stubborn and keep her just a little longer.

Everything seemed to fall into an uneasy steadiness from there, the horses who were normally never near each other now joined together for a single goal. None of them liked it, but here they stood tolerating it all because their kings had spoken it into existence. Titan was forced from his thoughts when his ears perked at approaching footsteps and his head suddenly rose high to see who it was. It was one of Bjorn's mares, a charcoal one who if he could recall correctly was named Winter. And she was calling to him? His calmness from Rana's words now dissipated once again and was replaced by well hidden unease. He strode forward in front of the other horses to prevent the mare from coming any closer and seeing something she shouldn't. At her accusing tone the stallion's ears pressed against his head and he snorted, his displeasure with her words clearly showing. It was Phantom who spoke first and Titan couldn't have agreed more as he repeated the other king's words, "Your king has grown visibly hostile and broken his own truce by bringing in that mare. What we do to protect our own herds is none of your business and you'll do right to return to your own herd before your king's return." It was now time to leave. He believed firmly that should they stay any longer trouble would arise.

Turning his back to the mare before waiting for her response he looked to Phantom as the other spoke, noticing the other's look to his own daughter. "I no longer desire to remain within the confines of this forest with a king who's hostile. My herd and I will be leaving immediately," he responded. He paused for a moment before speaking again, "Heidi will remain with me until she is safely from this forest. We will wait for you at Franang's Falls and there you may come for my answer Midnight Mirage. And for your future reference my children are not bargaining tools for your own use," Titan nickered loudly for Thera's return before walking closer to his own herd and beginning to herd them away. With Thera no longer there to lead the mares he looked to Elysia, a native to Alfheim before his own arrival she'd be the other who could easily lead them home, "Elysia, lead the way to Franang's Falls." He lowered his head towards Mazikeen, biting some grass from the earth below him to cover his intention, "Travel safely with us to Franang's Falls, stay closer to Elysia so we may protect you from sight. This forest is no longer safe." Stepping back now to Heidi he pressed his own body against hers, hoping to keep her at his side in the back. A few final moments to talk to her and hear her own thoughts on the subject of joining Phantom.

ＡＳＴＲＩＤ ！ ！
jotunheim maiden . two years . mare . tags: haukr, mjolnir . location: hnjtiborg

The more this new stallion talked the more uneasy Astrid became. She did not like him, there was something about this stallion that despite his charming words gave him away as not being good. Her agitation began showing as her hooves gently stamped in the ground, mud rose over her hooves and began covering her white legs everytime a drop splashed upwards. As he came closer she snorted softly, the best she could manage of a warning. As the stallion forced her to turn she attempted to move away but his size made it difficult. Instead, the mare's fear rose up inside of her and stunned her both into silence and inaction. How was she supposed to handle this? Phantom couldn't teach such a calm, inexperienced mare how to successfully ward off earls and thus she'd never learned.

At the sound of Haukr's own aggression she looked behind her only to see the other rising up in an attempt to strike Mjolnir. Her once frozen stature now melted away and in a slight panic Astrid rushed to the side, moving away from the two stallions and circling back until Haukr was in between herself and the other. She was surprised to see him coming to her defense and it didn't seem to be because he wanted her for his own (she didn't doubt it was a factor though.) It seemed he was doing it because the other stallion's pushiness. Perhaps Haukr wasn't quite so bad after all?

[evixtus]

♕ O Y D I S ♕
▙ ▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▟
sydney ● 16 ● hnitbjorg valkyrie ● stage 2 ● location: hnitbjorg
tags: Thera, Rhaenys, Winter, Titan, Phantom ● mentions: Mazikeen, Gaagi

Thor had made his sign prominent enough for the herds of Valhalla as he lifted the storm from their shoulders and the rain soon ceased completely. A light mist hung over the clearing of Hnitbjorg as Oydis went to continue flirting with the Ironborn son, yet they were interrupted. The large dappled mare pinned her ears flat against her skull when she noticed a much smaller, dun colored mare arrive before her and Bjorn. Stamping her hoof at the same time that her stallion did, she kept her icy cerulean irises on Thera, imagining her own teeth ripping out her dark mane as she distracted Bjorn from giving Oydis the attention she wanted.

To her disappointment, the champagne stallion dropped his affection towards her to go after something that Thera said was happening. Baring her teeth and rearing slightly, she pummeled the ground with her hooves, angered by the fact that Bjorn so willingly followed a valkyrie from the Alfheim herd. Tossing her head aggressively, Syd stopped her antics quickly as she heard a light nicker from Rhaenys, the eldest mare in Hnitbjorg. By her side was the young golden colt, who just happened to be only a few hours young, born in the middle of the storm. Taking a deep breath and sighing heavily, the Iberian Warmblood looked over her shoulder to see Winter moving towards Titan. "Oh, no." Already irritated by the idea of everyone going off on their own, Oydis stepped up to the plate while Bjorn was away.

Taking her long strides across the clearing towards the herds, her tail lashed against her flanks as she moved herself in front of Winter, not giving Titan or Phantom a chance to respond. "The treaty is over, the storm has ended. You are no longer welcome here. And you, Phantom of Jotunheim, your mare is right there." She pointed with her nose over Phantom's left shoulder, motioning to Signe moving from the treeline with a dun colt on her left hip, and the fiery bay moving underneath her stomach. She noticed a mare she had not seen before between the crowd of Titan's mares, a seal bay Quarter with a blue roan filly pressed against her flank. It seems Titan had broken the treaty, yet it was no longer of concern, since Bjorn had done the same, bringing Lark into the clearing as well. "Due North, a ten minute walk will give you a breach from the trees, directly into Idavoll. It's the same path you took here."

♕ I N K E R I ♕
▙ ▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▟
ink ● 8 ● alfheim valkyrie ● stage 3 ● location: hnitbjorg
tags: Herd, Mazikeen, Gaagi ● mentions: phantom, signe

Keeping her tongue pressed against the roof of her mouth, the pinto mare felt suddenly alone as Thera moved off from her shoulder towards Bjorn. Understanding that Thera was trying to help hide Mazikeen and Gaagi, Inkeri still didn't like the idea of her departure. She knew Ironborn could be unpredictable, as her mother once told her before she left Jotunheim. Standing next to Rana after the dun mare had left, she felt comforted once again.

The two newcomers were already welcomed in the herd by Inkeri, and she wanted to make it known, yet the time wasn't right for that. Not as a dark mare from the Hnitbjorg kingdom approached Titan and Phantom as they conversed. She pinned her ears as Winter spoke to her father and her king in an accusing tone, when Bjorn had done the same thing that Titan had halfway through the storm. Before Inkeri could come to Titan's defense, a mare known as Oydis--who Inkeri and the rest of Valhalla knew her for her reputation. Thankfully the large mare had made an effort to prevent further accusations from spitting from other's mouths, and told both Jotunheim and Alfheim to remove themselves from Hnitbjorg territory, Ink felt her shoulders relax.

From her left, the figure of her dam, Signe, and two colts appeared from the trees, and Inkeri felt her heart soar. Another full sibling to her, and hopefully one that would survive. She knew the bay was her brother, but who was the dun? He smelt of death and decay, and was a few hours older than the other colt Signe was sheltering. Unsure of what had been going on during her mother's birthing ritual, she understood that Sign had a warm heart and wouldn't let a foal to die on it's own without a mother.

Perhaps it was a sign from the Gods. Inkeri felt that they had done good choosing her mother for such a task.

♕ S I G N E ♕
▙ ▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▟
sign ● 11 ● jotunheim valkyrie ● gestating ● location: hnitbjorg
tags: Colts, Phantom ● mentions: Oydis, Inkeri, Mazikeen, Gaagi

Vidar showed strength from the minute he was introduced to the world, rising to his feet within the first fifteen minutes. He was quick and ready to face Valhalla with everything he had. Waiting for her energy to return while she watched Vidar fight his spindly legs on his own, she dropped her head to look at Otabeka. She didn't need to ask his name, since he wasn't able to speak correctly yet, but she already knew what his name was. She didn't understand it clearly, it wasn't a name she had heard before, but she knew it fit him perfectly. Hearing him give encouraging nickers towards the other colt, she nuzzled his neck gently, lipping at the tuft of forelock he was given.

Vidar was soon on his hooves and bumbling about, more interested in his surroundings than he was of feeding. Moving after the bay colt, he was completely independent from her, something she had never experienced of all the previous foals she had. He lived up to his name, already fighting against Signe for his attention. Managing to wrangle the young colt into place by biting gently on his withers and pulling her up against her chest, the pinto mare had to physically wrestle him towards her teats to make him nurse. Hopefully as soon as he got the smell of milk, he'd go for it. Thankfully, the pinto mare was correct.

After Vidar had finished nursing, Signe took it upon herself to lead both of her colts back to the herd. The distance wasn't far, she could smell both Alfheim's valkyries and Jotunheim's valkyries combined. Picking her way through the trees, her pelt brushing up against obstacles as Aidan walked beneath her and Beka at her hip to give them a clearer path, she didn't want the two colts to get injured before they could make it all the way back home. As she breached the trees, she gave a light whinny towards Phantom to announce her return, happy to have given him a healthy colt, and brought another along. She knew he wouldn't do anything towards Otabeka, he wasn't like that. He was always understanding and trusted her with anything and everything.

Yet, the happiness did not last long. Her own herd was mixed in with Alfheim, and there were two new faces within the other herd, and at the front of the group were Titan and Phantom, facing off with two Hnitbjorg mares, one who Signe did not know the name of, and the other she knew perfectly. Oydis, the one who was known all across Valhalla for her attitude. Waiting patiently and listening to the grey mare's words, ears flicking as Oydis pointed her out to Phantom, Signe checked on both the colts, waiting for her stallion's next move.

[cheshire.]

ＢＪＯＲＮ ── ❝ fear the reckoning of those you have wronged !! ❞
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
( hnitbjorg king ) ( 14 ) ( stallion ) ( tags: thera, vanir, oydis, winter, herd) ( location: hnitbjorg )

Bjorn had been given hardly a second before Thera had struck him. Her hooves landed squarely on his chest and he backed up hurriedly. For a split second he seemed surprised she had hit him, his chest thudding with pain. Then his ears vanished into a darker mane and it was clear Bjorn was to strike back. Where she had found the reasoning to do as such was unknown until she explain and he paced to the side of her, nostrils flaring as he soothed his temper to keep from retaliating physically. "You think a strange mare is of value to me," he spat, looking at her with eyes of venom, "they are not an object I seek to collect like your plebeian king. A stranger no matter their gender is a threat to those precious to me. Perhaps I am to leave her to roam and her smell of birth can attract every predator and earl in the area to us. Believe me, Northern, there are many more dangers here than you will ever encounter in your desolate plateaus." The stallion was furious that she had touched him and even more so that she thought her way of living applied to that of the Hnitbjorg life.

Looking past Thera to Vanir he had but a moment to see her teeth flash and his neck sprout spasms of pain. Clearly the mother was still weak as her bite held no real force. Another sting. Call Bjorn vain but he really hated having marks on his coat and he grated the ground with annoyance. "Yes I am him," he confirmed, his voice sounding almost distracted as he looked past the brooding mares at the fillies. He could see that most would view them as an opportunity. Three unrelated female horses. Yet Bjorn thought of Lark and the disruption she had already caused his family. It was dangerous to bring them, he had toed the line of the truce with Lark and now he was suddenly sparing these two for what? The God's favour? Bjorn shook his head and looked pleadingly skyward, wishing for them to come to some sort of agreement and cut the stallion a break. The mares were introducing themselves and Bjorn simply brooded to the side while the young ones got to their feet. He could see Gersemi's clear advantage over Frigg due to her blindness. Realistically, Frigg would last no more than a week. Yet her eyes had sucked up the storm, halting the rain only to have them continue in her newborn orbs. A tragic life indeed, to live without sight.

He could feel his heart telling him to take the challenge. He had already taken Lark who was showing signs of some defect, surely there was a way to prolong Frigg's life. Looking to Thera who was nurturing Gersemi, Bjorn's stomach twisted. She was so quick to condemn him for actions that he committed only to follow instinct and tradition. Yet she failed to see his mercy and the adoration he held for family and religion. Blowing air out his nose he nodded to Vanir, "I am aware of your intentions," he confirmed her agreeing to follow, thinking bitterly to how little she asked of his own intention. Ah, probably a foal killer, the stallion said to himself with dry humour. Little did he care for the opinion of outside horses. Once in the company of his herd, he would be reminded of what he did everything for. Self-validated, Bjorn led them carefully through a hare's trail to the herds. A trail was more worn and smoother a trip for the fillies.

As soon as they emerged, Bjorn groaned. The gods clearly didn't care for his pleads to cut him some slack. There was Winter and Oydis, far too near the others. Titan's nicker for Thera could be heard and Bjorn strode beside her before she departed. "You think I hide behind my mares but one day you will realise there is more pride in standing equal with your family in unity than standing above in the name of leadership." The champagne spared her a nip to the shoulder, not feeling the need to tell her that she deserves it for the kick. "And my gods give me hope in a land where there is none. Everyone's gonna breed, eat, fight then die. It's a natural part of life. But if life has no purpose, you're dead already." That said, he backed to bring Vanir to his herd. Upon the sight of Atreus standing, Bjorn's mood sky rocketed and he took a few dancing steps around him, whistling proudly. Adoration was plastered over the stallion's features that he momentarily forgot he had some introducing to do. Pausing from praising his son he whinnied for Oydis and Winter, "Let them go, I trust they will make it out alright. Should they linger and they will meet our hospital canis lupus neighbors."

With Lark connected to the herd as well, the herd seemed bigger but Bjorn couldn't shake the sense of intimacy he had with them all. "This is Vanir and her twins, Gersemi and Frigg. The latter is blind. I received signs from Thor, see her eyes," letting them observe, he dropped his head in a non-threatening manner, "we will shelter them until they are fit to make a decision without the bias of her gift swaying them."

ＨＥＩＤＩ ── ❝ it might make them mad but it will make you free !! ❞
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
( alfheim descendant ) ( 3 ) ( mare ) ( tags: titan, phantom) ( location: hnitbjorg )

Having her father dote upon her was something Heidi treasured no matter her age. His warm nose pressed to hers and the filly felt her composure crumble under the wing of Titan. Her eyes briefly shut and she made to keep her back to the crowd so they would not see her moments of weakness. "I am afraid to leave. I don't want to," the filly started, her voice cracking slightly in sadness, "yet it must happen. My family here grows weary of me, I believe I'm a bit too much energy." Giving a weak giggle at her comment, she gazed over the herds. "I know you and mama welcome me always but I will become a burden if all I do is remain and drag my hooves in the dirt. So I think I should go with Phantom, I just don't feel the excitement I thought I'd feel when this day came. Instead of giddiness I feel nausea and my courage fails me." It was not often Heidi spoke so openly with her father but with Thera gone she felt she had to speak or she would not be able to manage the emotions.

She paused her talking as Winter confronted the herds. She could see the draft above the smaller figures of her herd and Heidi's expression changed to that of annoyance. The truce was tense no matter the circumstances but Bjorn had been the one to destabilise it with the arrival of Lark; the strange mare who smelled of illness. Heidi wondered why Bjorn considered that mare worth the honour of the truce. Luckily Titan had had enough as it was and announced their departure. To further the decision, Bjorn's assumed lead mare told them to leave. Heidi skittered around her father as he gave a low warning to Phantom, hiding a grin over her sire's protectiveness and stoic attitude. She would miss being his baby daughter.

"Oydis sure scares me sometimes," she blurted to her dad as they began to move under Elysia's guide. She knew of Oydis's reputation as a bringer of thunder in the sense that the mare was a tempest herself. Powerful and not to be messed with. This trait is why she was seen as the lead mare of Hnitbjorg even if Bjorn hadn't made it clear. Thera had a calmer way of leading that was respected due to her years of experience. Heidi hoped to be at the level they both were when she was their age. Looking up she accidentally caught the look of Phantom who seemed to be asking a very clear question. Whether she was coming or not. Instead of answering she dropped her gaze nervously and pressed herself closer to Titan, their coats blending together and revealing the delightful sight of a father and his successful legacy. "Who would've known my bravery would leave me the moment I needed it most," she said to him quietly.

ＥＬＩＺＡ ── ❝ the safety of my family is the highest law !! ❞
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
( jotunheim valkyrie ) ( 4 ) ( mare ) ( tags: stjerne, ylva, sammael) ( location: hnitbjorg ) ( in gestation )

Eliza could feel suspicion blossoming in the pit of her stomach as she heard the stallion talk. His tone of voice was so charming it was almost condescending to the valkyrie who knew better than to trust a silver tongued stallion. While she admitted he allured her, Eliza sensed that perhaps he had misjudged her age, thinking her a year or two younger and therefore susceptible to his words. Knowing the risk of being in Hnitbjorg and coming anyway made him seem a little foolhardy but he seemed self assured and that sort of confidence made Eliza believe anyone would trust in his decisions no matter how risky. "Storm or not, you should know you are not welcome here. Taking such risks doesn't make it any less acceptable," defensive of her father's home, Eliza stamped a hoof down.

Her stature was only broken when he noticed her heat scent. It was so heavy that the rain only worked partially to dilute it. She found it interesting that he stepped away and offered her space, making Eliza shuffle a little awkwardly. While she longed to return to Phantom, Stjerne was a concern for her and now so was Sammael and this lone valkyrie. The strange female didn't seem upset or scared of Sammael which offered Eliza reassurance that he wasn't of real threat to her. As he offered directions, Eliza sniffed in amusement, "I grew up in these lands, I think I should know." Had Sam not taken note of her signature pelt? It left her thinking he was perhaps not from here if he couldn't recognise the colouring of a Hnitbjorg descendant. "You have to detour. Straight east will head you into the ravine I just fished Stjerne out of," she corrected him politely, flicking an ear to her maiden herdmate.

Stjerne accepted Sammael's offer almost instantly and as she moved behind the black stallion, Eliza felt a little betrayed. She could see the narrowed look of Stjerne's expression, making the mare snort. Did Stardust care so little of all the times Eliza had looked out for her, loved her and protected her? She had only left Phantom's side moments before to save the maiden's life. It was like Stjerne only isolated herself. "I will escort you out of Hnitbjorg. The storm has stopped, the herds will be coming. I can get you out quickly enough to remain undetected," she began before adding, "then I am returning to the king of Jotunheim."

ＭＡＺＩＫＥＥＮ ── ❝ the moments we've spent have passed !! ❞
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
( valkyrie ) ( 9 ) ( mare ) ( tags: gaagi, titan, primrose) ( location: hnitbjorg )

Wedged between so many horses was definitely not one of her favourite things to do. She could feel her back legs itching to kick out at whoever was there but the situation was so fragile that she could not. Instead she did feel a sting on her rump and her head swung to see Titan slyly giving her a nip. Mazikeen felt her temper flare with a flash of how dare he. She front kicked at him though with little aim, more as a release of anger, clearly missing. No more could be done in such tight quarters and what frustrated her further was the feeling of smugness coming from the king - he knew she was a sitting duck to subtle taunts like that. He was clearly pushing at her buttons and it was working. If smoke could pour from her ears, they would be. The way he provoked her, all the while a smirk on his lips, well, it was driving Mazikeen mad. She snorted and stood a little more square to accentuate her size and portray an unapproachable demeanor.

Under her belly, the seal bay could feel her teats begin to ache. They were swollen from lack of release and as quick as she'd put her guard up, she dropped it to look pitifully around. Too high strung and alert to let Gaagi feed despite the filly's attempts, the aching only worsened the mare's already sour attitude. Gaagi's voice called out in question and the mother turned to nip her filly for falling in the way of the white mare. She gathered her daughter close as to keep her out of the way and explained wisely, "It is a feature of her breeding. A particular kind of horse has that nose, they live in lands where sand is the sea. It shows she is finely produced." As she spoke she could see Primrose looking uncomfortable and Mazikeen clicked on as to why. She nickered to catch the arabian's attention and said with a nod, "Don't be ashamed. Only the uneducated would mistaken your face for anything other than beautiful." Whisking her tail she left her words at that.

The mare was the opposite of Primrose. Mazikeen was thickly built and with big boned features yet she had learned long ago that every horse's breed specialised in something. Perhaps Primrose was fast and agile but Mazikeen was strong and durable. She was an excellent mother with the ability to fend off most threats. This talent alone made her worry not over her appearance. She hoped Gaagi would grow to be this way, to rest her confidence in skill over something as shallow as appearance.

Staying quiet as Winter, Titan and Oydis talked, Mazikeen turned her head at Oydis's announcement of Signe's return. The mare had two foals following her, both of different size and colouring. How unusual. Like always, Mazikeen's curiosity lost interest pretty fast and she instead paid attention to Titan as he spoke. "We will leave but how far we travel with you is not known. My daughter's leg is still injured or have you forgotten over your incessant need to just collect females," she challenged his intentions in a harsh hiss under her breath to avoid anyone hearing or drawing attention.

[evixtus]

♕ Y L V A ♕
▙ ▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▟
val ● 9 ● band valkyrie ● stage 1 ● location: hnitbjorg
tags: Sammael, Stjerne, Eliza ● mentions: here

Her quaint conversation with this stallion fell to demise as two figures broke through the treeline. A golden champagne mare and a dapple grey by her side. It was obvious who the leader of this duo was, she stood out like a sore thumb against the darkened surroundings. Sammael, to her displeasure, immediately focused on this shockingly colored mare. Ylva looked back at her coat for a moment, feeling disgruntled that she wasn't as stunning as this prodigy of the Ironborn son was. The large black stallion obviously didn't realize who this mare was descended from, and that she reeked of the stench of Jotunheim. Flicking her ears cautiously as the two conversed, her blue and brown eye focused on the dappled maiden who suddenly stood next to her, and gave an aura of disrespect and hostility towards Eliza.

Pinning her ears and swinging her head up high, Ylva darted forwards in an attempt to slam her chest against Stjerne's shoulder to bump her away from Sammael and Eliza at the same time. "Your disrespect and attitude towards your elder is disgusting, you little brat." She hissed, striking at the ground with her ivory hooves. "You should be thankful to her, and show her some adoration, since she apparently just saved your life that you so desperately put into harm's way. Your inferior mind decided it would be a good idea to run about in the worst storm that Thor has ever unleashed on Valhalla? Perhaps it was the God's intention to off you, since you don't seem to have the intellect to care for yourself here."

"With your attitude towards those above you, no king would want you in their herd, nevertheless a lone earl that would take you in. They'd be mistaken by your pretty face and dappled coat, all to realize you're a vile snake underneath that deserves the wrath of the gods. I don't care what Sammael says, I am the eldest in his band at the moment, and you will not be welcome here."

Ylva turned her attention towards Eliza and softened her gaze. "I'm sorry this ignorant maiden shows such disrespect towards you. Thank you for the offer out, but I'm fairly sure I know the way from here. I think it's best for you to return to Jotunheim, with or without this filly. Either way, she won't be given access to Sammael's care."