Post by lajohnnystylez on Jan 11, 2021 4:44:06 GMT -5
Freya was the Goddess of Love and War…
...Her Motto: If you can’t lay’ em, slay’ em...
“ Xavier found a woman who could do both. “
If you’re going to have a story, have a Big Story, or none at all.
~Joseph Campbell
~Joseph Campbell
January 4, 2021; 2:.11pm - Kirkenes Airport, Norway
Howling Wolf One landed and a fleet of cars and trucks pulled across the tarmac to it, Le’Andra Fury’s older brother, Mattias Fury, stepped out of the lead car and watched as the rear ramp of the 747 lowered. The Wolves, The Riggs’ and everyone in between slowly made their way down the ramp; it had been an awkward flight, but everyone made it alive. Le’ made her way over to her brother and they threw their arms around each other and hugged each other tightly. Xavier, Kal and Sarah joined them.
You are practically glowing, Le’Le’. Her brother told her and he looked at Xavier. I don’t know what you’re doing but, keep it up.
I think you know what I'm doing? Xavier smiled slyly.
Not something I want to really picture, if you know what I mean. Mattias looked at the group as they split up between the cars. VooDoo and her entourage in one and Vincent and his in the other. Are you sure this is a good idea?
Everyone is going to be on their best behaviors. Le’Andra assured him as the group of workmen went up into the plane and began to unload rose bushes from the rooftop of Wolf Tower that were being used for decorations and bouquet; the only ones that survived the culling were the Femme Fatalius, a special hybrid rose. Everyone has promised.
Alright then. Your Mother, Le’... He sighed a little too dramatically and rolled his eyes. You would swear she was getting married.
Both Le’ and her brother say the same thing. Det er ikke hver dag din førstefødte gifter seg.
Xavier looks at his older siblings and translates. It's not every day your firstborn gets married.
Really it’s like living in a different world… Sarah said with a smile.
Have you told Le’ yet? Le’s brother asked Xavier.
I thought I would surprise her.
What has Mother done? She looked between her brother and husband, she automatically knew it was something Mother had done.
Guess you’re going to see, Løvinnen. He gave her a smile and started to hustle her to the car.
They all piled in the lead car that Mattias had come out of and the convoy circled the plane before driving off. For the next 20 mins, Xavier and her brother talked back and forth about a few things to do for the coming week. Her mother was taking this wedding completely overboard and right now she was beginning to think that her husband was deep in on it more than he’s let on. He paid the damned bride price; he literally set the record for bride prices in the history books if they still kept track of that stuff . She glanced over at him and watched him as he talked with Kal. What man gives $400 million in gold for a woman he’s already married to; money that ensured that her family’s clan would always sit at the head of the table? What man doesn’t send you divorce papers after he’s left you? What kind of a man doesn’t cash a $25 million check to help him disappear and hangs on to it for five years just to prove that he never stopped loving you? Either a crazy man or a man that loves you. Le’ was snapped out of her thoughts as she noticed the cars slowing down.
What’s going on? Why are we stopping?
That surprise Xavier never told you about. Her brother snickered causing her to groan softly.
Everyone got out of the cars and walked to the side of the rocky cliff and looked down to the inlet below. There were 12 viking ships all barring different viking clan banners, 11 were anchored in the inlet while another was tied to a dock. The Av'Ulves family banner was on it with its coat of arms with a wolf on one side and a lion on the other.
By the gods, every damned one of them. Le’ said as she took it all in. She did not.
Oh, but she did. Mattias laughed.
And you didn’t think to warn me? She whirled on Xavier.
And miss this reaction, never. Xavier smiled. He was actually enjoying it. She’s said many times that she wished that she had come from a normal family; she hated some of the old traditions; she could deal with all the clan stuff and honoring the clan name; but some things were old and outdated. With the Bride Price, he knew the look on his wife’s face and her mother's alone was worth the cost of the joke. But he also hoped it would assure her Mother that he wasn’t in it with Le’ for the money. He was in it because he really loved her daughter.
Jeg skal kaste … She had reverted to her native tongue, she caught herself and realized she was in mixed company, not everyone in X’s family spoke Norweign. If you will excuse me, I’m going to throw myself off this cliff now.
I wouldn’t use this one. Damon Riggs said as he looked over the cliff and judged the distance. At best it would break a few bones, cause you a lot of pain.
You’re probably right. She looked over the cliff’s edge. Come on, let’s get this over with. Everyone’s waiting.
Bjorn is down there waiting, I will see that everyone is situated and waiting for your arrival.
Everyone else got back in their cars and drove off to the hotel as Le’Andra and her husband started down the path cut through the cliff. The whole time Le’ was grumbling about the whole thing and Xavier was smiling. He knew deep down that she really enjoyed this; what princess didn’t want a big wedding to her prince charming?
When they reached the bottom Bjorn walked over and gave them hearty hugs; as they neared closer to the shoreline; a resonant cheer came from across the water from the different ships. He walked them over to a small tent that had been set up for them to change. Their viking gear stood on mannequins; Xavier’s was in the same shade of blue that belonged to her family's clan. They began to strip down and then helped each other put on the gear, making sure straps were tied and buckled in place.
You know I am going to get even for this. She told him as she draped the stole across her shoulder, adjusting the head of the wolf on her right shoulder as she looked in the mirror.
I would expect nothing less. Xavier teased her and walked up behind her; in his hand he had the crown; it was a dark gold with two wolf heads connecting in the front. Le’s mother had it made from one of the gold bricks Xavier had sent over. He placed it on her head. If we didn't have a shit ton of people waiting for us, I would pillage and plunder you.
There’s always later on tonight, Avi’. She picked up his stole and placed it on his shoulders and adjusted it in place. His was identical to hers. He watched her as she went back through checking each buckle and making sure that it was tight enough, making sure that everything was tied tightly in place; including the sword at his waist. He had no doubt in his mind his wife would have been a legendary shieldmaiden; just like the ones whose blood coursed through her veins; he has seen her in action with just about every weapon there was and she was proficient with each one. Once she had finished with him, he gave her another once over. Finally deciding they were ready, Xavier held open the tent flap.
After you, mi’lady. He gave a deep bow.
Asshole. She said as she walked past him and then she let out a yelp as he slapped that ass on it’s way by.
As soon as they came out of the tent and started to the boats; all the clansmen clanged their swords and axes against their shields and yelled at the same time. Alt hagl, den førstefødte!
Le’ stopped in her tracks, Xavier came up behind her and leaned down and whispered in her ear. All hail the firstborn isn’t that bad, Le’Le’. You can make it through all this pomp and circumstance that you’re going to have to go through.. Xavier felt his wife stand to her full height and straight up her shoulders. He watched as her chin was raised up as someone with her bloodline. You won’t have to think about what else can possibly ruin our wedding anymore.
A man walked over with black hair and a full beard and mustache; he flashed his bright smile as he got closer to them, it was Harald Enberg, the man that Le’s mother had been trying to arrange a marriage with his family before she took off with Xavier. Le’, it’s so good to see you again. He turned to Xavier. And look, your husband is playing dress up.
He does look rather dashing in my family’s colors, doesn’t he. Le’ said with a smirk as she slipped her arm around Xavier’s. Harald had hoped to wear those colors and his smile faltered for a second.
Will he be joining us on the field at the games? He spoke as if Xavier wasn’t even standing there. I’d hate for your husband to watch from the stands like one of the wives.
I will be joining my wife on the field. Xavier answered with a fake smile on his face as he clenched his fists a little. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.
I hope to see you on the field, then. Harald smirked.
I assure you, that makes two of us. Xavier glared after him as he turned and walked away. What an arrogant asshole, no wonder you didn’t want to marry him.
Le’Andra and Xavier continued on to the ship and boarded it and within a matter of moments they had set sail. It took them twenty minutes to finally get moving; all of the other ships had been anchored in order of clan rankings and all they needed was for the Av'Ulves family to move into the first position and lead the way. As they made their way through the inlet to the hotel, they passed people who had lined up along the shore line and in boats of their own to watch and take pictures and join the fleet. When they finally came into view of the hotel, a horn was blown loudly starting the beating of the drums.
Damn, she’s even gotten drums. She looked at him. Your whole family is going to think what the fuck.
I think my family already thought what the fuck when they found out we were married in the first place. He teased her. The things this family has been through, I think viking wedding ceremony might make it in the top five though.
You, two. Bjorn said as he pointed to the top of the prow. You must be standing up there as we get into range. Your mother wants you to make sure to use your best posture. X to be standing beside you but a step behind you.
He will not. Le’ told him. He will stand beside me as my equal.
I am not your enemy, Le’, no plans to argue, just as long as you’re both standing up there for the pictures is good for me.
Le’Andra and Xavier took their place on the prow and again he thought to himself, she had been different from all the rest; the first woman that didn’t throw herself at him, the first that didn’t try to change him; she was the first to complement him in certain tastes and overcome others. He thought about the first clan wars that he had watched, she had been one of the few women who had participated but he had watched with amazement as she fought with the brutality of any man who had participated. He slipped his hand in hers and gave it a squeeze causing her to look up at him. He gave her a reassuring smile.
From the banks, the “family” watched the display as Le’Andra and Xavier’s boat came to a stop at the docks. Kal was the first one to say it. Are we really seeing Xavier dressed as a viking?
I think we are seeing Xavier dressed as a viking. Vincent said and then he looked over to Vhodka Marie as she stood beside him and thought love makes you do crazy things.
To say that I am not nervous this week, would be a lie. There are a lot of things going on. For the first time, both mine and Xavier’s family will be all together for the wedding that they missed the first time around. You would think that I wouldn’t be nervous since we are already married, but damned if I am not. Maybe it’s the whole stage that my mother has set for it? Clan Wars, the biggest event not only in my family’s lives but the lives of those in an entire region. An event that goes back generations, that most don’t understand. My match with Fenrir Ragnarson and Graham Clauson for the #5 seed in the tournament and it’s all hitting on the same damned week.
Never would I have thought that both my worlds would collide at the same time.
My Mother’s World. A world steeped in old traditions that to the outside world almost seems like when I talk about it should start with the words “Once Upon A Time there was born a fair haired girl…” because that’s indeed how it all started. I was born into one of the last twelve surviving Nordic Clans. People who mix old clan traditions with life today. Instead of killing each other over grievances it’s brought to a counsel and voted on and once a year we get together for the Clan Wars and fight over a flag and bragging rights. It’s great for tourism and brings enough money into the region to keep everyone living comfortably. Mother is a great clan leader, as was my grandmother, they tell stories about them throughout the region, they were able to take their ruthlessness and turn it into a business. One day, I will be the greatest of them all.
My Father’s World. A world steeped in training, a world steeped in disciple, in being in top physical shape. Being willing to push your body further and harder than you have ever thought, because if you don’t, your opponent in the ring will do so for you. A world where you have to push yourself to fight, week in and week out, not only for the win, but for the fight itself; because that is what you live for, the fight itself. Not that the win isn’t pretty damned good too, since it’s the only way you can prove your worth in this business. My father, some of the most intense training he gave me had nothing to do with strength and endurance in the ring, but had everything to do with having a need to want to improve yourself, find your flaws, fortify them and make you stronger for the next fight instead of fading into an obscure darkness. One of these days, I will be flawless.
My World. Is really a combination of three worlds, my mother’s, my father’s… and my own. From a very young age, I have fought the very plans the fates chose for me, because I wanted to be able to live a life that I want and to live as I see fit. It’s one of the reasons I gave up my chance of being the first female NWF World Champion, it’s one of the reasons I married my husband, it’s one of the reasons I live the life I do. I hope the fates are listening when I say this...
I make my decisions, not you.
January 5, 2021; 10.30am - Mother’s Tour
The morning dawned bright and clear and Le’Andra’s mother, Ylva, had arranged for a tour of the chapel and the venue so the ladies could see the progress that had been made. She had one of the hotel’s finest tour buses pulled just for this. They pulled up in front of a plain metal building that had been so meticulously landscaped outside it looked like a fairy tale setting; the centerpieces throughout were VooDoo’s rose bushes. As a collective gasp and “oh wow”, “how pretty’, “amazing'' followed, Le’ looked up at her mother and she could tell that she was pleased with the reactions. If Le’ didn’t know her mother, she would almost swear that she was nervous about meeting all of Xavier’s family.
Everyone got out of the bus and made their way over to the metal building; Mother leading the way as she explained that the morning of the wedding the roof and sides of the building would be removed and the rest of the landscaping filled in around the chapel. Mother opened the door and everyone went inside and the same thing that happened outside, happened inside. The entire chapel inside had been carved from ice, the outside walls had been carved into an intricate vine and floral scene; on the double doors, a male and female viking.
If you will excuse me, ladies, I need to go speak with the foreman. Le’Andra’s mother said and gave a slight nod their way, before turning around and heading in the direction of his office.
Oh my God… Sarah said as she got closer to the doors. Is that…?
Everyone else walked closer to see what she was looking at.
By all the gods in the world. Le’ exclaimed; a look of horror on her face. It is.
Hey.. Callan said as he looked at the doors. Do they look like Uncle X and Aunt Le’?
I hope the inside is pretty. She said as she walked to the doors. It will be a great place for my funeral, because I am about to die right now.
Just a few more days, Le’. You got this. Sarah encouraged her.
Le’ pulled open both the doors and it was more than pretty on the inside, the ice had been carved into half domed arches with the clear ice beams holding them in place that cast a slight blue glow that naturally lit up the inside. It was filled with rows of wooden benches draped over with wolf hides. As everyone else slowly walked around the chapel marveling at its beauty. Le’ stood by the door, the only one who didn’t walk into the chapel was Sarah, and she eased on over beside Le’ and repeated what she said.
I do. I got this. Just a couple more days. It will be over, clan wars will be over, Avi and I don’t have to listen to her complain about not being at the first wedding. And I am back in the states until next year's clan wars.
Sarah nudged Le’ with her shoulder causing her to smile. See, you got this.
Once everyone had finished looking at the chapel, they made their way back outside and met back up with Le’s mother. She herded them back on the bus to the next location, the Av’Ulves’ ancestral home, it was about two miles away and the path to it was being marked for the bride run. This is when both families would run to where the wedding feast was to be held and the losing family had to serve the winning family the whole night. The whole time, Le’ kept thinking, just have to make it a few more days.
A few minutes later, Le’s family home comes into view; a centuries old star fort just off the coast. The most action it sees anymore is the yearly clan wars and right now the place was full of action. On the surrounding countryside stood massive tents of various colors for each of the clans; and outside each tent was some sort of activity; mostly checking and rechecking gear, making new gear and practice; every clan wanted to be flawless in their execution with the wars and there was only one way to do it. All the kids were talking excitedly as they had their faces mashed to the window to see all the action.
Det er som å være i det TV-showet Vikings. Rose said; Vikings was currently one of her favorite TV shows and when she heard that her uncle had actually married one; she thought that was the coolest shit in the whole world. She had even asked Le’ and Ang to help her learn the language.
Very good, ung. Le’s mother said. It’s just like living in that TV show. She looked at Le’. You’ve been teaching her well.
I’ve had help. Le’ pointed to Ang. Kal’s wife also is fluent. So, I would watch what you say around her, too. I won’t tell you exactly what Mother was referring to of Xavier’s when she put her foot in her mouth with him.
I can still faintly taste the shoe leather. Ylva chuckled.
Did any of the members of your clan ever do any of that stuff like in the TV show?
Oh my… Mother beamed. Hasn’t Le’ told you? Our clan was forged on treachery alone.
Ahhh, yes, welcome to Av’Ulves 101, my mother will be your professor, she thought as she leaned back and watched her mother in storytelling mode. She listened to her mother tell the tale probably thousands of times over her life, and each time she told it with as much enthusiasm as the last.
The first head of the clan was a 9th century princess named Rusla, of a region that was once called Telemark. Her brother, the heir, was a weak man who had let a Danish king take the family’s throne. Her brother was fine with living under the king's rule as his foster son, but the woman who would go on to become known as the Red Maiden was not. She turned to piracy and began to attack every Danish ship she came across. At first, she would offer the men the ability to join her fleet, but after being attacked by one of the sailor’s she gave the courtesy of living, the jolly roger flag she flew came down and up went a blood red one; if caught there would be no survivors. She would go down in history as the most cruel of all Norse women.
How did she die? Rose asked.
Her brother.
The Red Maiden’s brother had sent a message to her; she had been right, life under the king’s rule was not as he imagined it to be. So being the dutiful sister, she met with him. Little did she know, it was just a trick to capture her.
What did her brother do?
Grabbed her by the braids and held her over a barrel while his men hit her with rowing oars until she died. Le’ loved how her mother said it so nonchalantly as if every family ended squabbles that way. Rusla had two sons before she died and it’s how we carry her bloodline.
Moral of the story.. VooDoo looked at both her girls. Don’t tease your brother.
The bus pulled to a stop just inside the main gate and everyone got out. Le’s mother told everyone that the people outside the gates loved to talk about their clan's history and made custom handmade items things she was sure they would love; and soon it was just Le’, her mother and VooDoo. The three women made their way over to a yellow building and walked inside; it was a literal museum to the family’s clan. In the very center of the room was said to be the remains of one of the Red Maiden’s ships. It was barely half a ship, a broken piece just behind the mast with the keel, hull and dragon head still intact.
While Le’Andra went to the locked storage area, VooDoo slowly walked around the building. She admired the fineworkmenship of the weapons of war, as well as exquisite embroideryship of the flags, banners and tapestries hanging on the walls; and an idea slowly came to form.
You know, I’ve dreamed of this day since Le’Andra was born. She began making small talk with the redheaded woman. She came roaring into this world like a lion, so naturally I picked out a strong name meaning lioness.
So that’s where that nickname came from. VooDoo mused; causing Le’s mother to nod.
I know I have been fighting this union since it was conceived, but every day that I see Le’ and Xavier together, I can’t help but wonder, have I been wrong? Have I been fighting something that was fate? Le’s mother’s voice grew soft. She was a Wolf before she married one even.
Pardon?
My name and Le’s middle name, Ylva, Nordic for She-Wolf. And our clan name, Av’Ulves… means Of Wolves. Le’ must not speak much about her life here among the clans. She said with a hint of disappointment in her voice.
We talk alot about training, not the meanings behind our names. A Wolf before she married a Wolf. VooDoo mused. The humor in that.
Sometimes our Gods can be practical jokers. Mother said as Le’ rejoined them carrying a wooden box. Here’s to Gods who’ve smiled down on our families with their sense of humor.
Le’, why didn’t you tell us?
Tell you what? She was clearly clueless.
Your name… it has Wolf written all over it.
Damn it, Mother. Le’ said.
I need to go speak with Bjorn before we leave. Le’s mother smiled and made a hasty exit. Don’t forget the hammer, Le’.
You’re always running off to talk to someone when I am getting ready to yell. I am not wearing the hammer. She called after her mother; she looked at VooDoo. I am not wearing the hammer.
Shame you all did away with that killing your parent thing to take control of the clan. VooDoo said after a few awkward moments.
Yeah, but I don’t want to take over the clan just yet. Too much life to live, ya know. Let’s face it, Avi’ and I are having too much fun.
What's in the box? VooDoo nodded to the box tucked under her arm.
My kransen. Le’Andra knew VooDoo had no idea what it was so she explained that maidens wear them until they are married. Letting people know that she’s unmarried.
But… VooDoo had a confused look on her face.
Yeah.. Le’ nodded.
You and X…
Mhm.. She nodded again and started for the doors they had entered.
You all are already married. VooDoo followed her.
If she didn’t see it, it didn’t happen. Both the women laugh.
Does your clan have a good weaponsmith?
One of the best.
Would you mind introducing me? VooDoo asked with a smile. I have something I would love to have made.
Fenrir Ragnarson
I don’t know about you, I knew this day was coming just as soon as you signed your contract. I just didn’t think it would take this long for it to happen. Each card I kept waiting to find mine and your name together with the word versus in between, but surprisingly nothing. As soon as that one staff guy made a comment that our finisher had the same name, I thought for sure, here it was, it was finally coming, it would be at the next show. But again, no, it was not our fate. When they started talking about International Incident, I again thought for sure this was it, we would be facing off there, two vikings going at it on the very land that their ancestors bled on and came from. Bringing their age old traditions into their battle, each calling to the same Gods and Goddesses to smile favorably down upon them in this battle, just a little more than the other. But then the trickster stepped in one more time and placed us in a match the very week my wedding takes place. The very week I am going to offer up a sacrifice to Freya herself; one that not a God or Goddess in any religion will be able to ignore, I will have to be sure to toss in a word or two about the match. See, if she will smile down on me.
You and I actually stand apart from the other wrestlers out there who like to play like they are vikings. You know the ones I am talking about, the ones who watched a TV show and fell in love with the whole viking idea. The ones who are vikings in name only because they googled enough info about the gods and goddesses and meanings behind the runes to make it seem cool. They literally make a mockery of our way of life and who we really are; and quite frankly give us a bad name; a poor mashup of the History Channel and Sons of Anarchy.
Poor Clauson, I am not sure he’s really prepared for what he’s about to step into the ring and go up against. Not one, but two opponents who are really a different breed of fighter than what he’s used to, those who's fighting style is rooted deep in the ages of time; imprinted since birth. He might not know what he’s prepared for, but we know. We know he’s going to be in for one of the hardest fights that he will have to endure in this federation, and maybe his whole career. He’s going to be stuck between a rock and a hard place facing two people that grew up surrounded by a savagery some can’t believe still exists today.
We will make him believer… we will make them all believers.
January 6, 2021; 7.30am - Clan Games Arena
The next morning before dawn, Le’Andra Fury and her husband, Xavier were already up, as a matter of fact, they hadn’t gone to bed; they had shoved all the furniture in the living room to one side of the room and they had a practice session for the battle most of the night. They had gone over battle strategies and plans. They were both dressed in a pair of soft brown leather pants and a leather and chainmail tunics with long sleeved shirts underneath in Le’s family color of blue. Le’s long blonde hair was braided back with a few colored beads and shells in her hair. Xavier smiled at his wife as she fidgeted with one of the straps on the vambrace on her forearm. She caught him out of the corner of her eye.
What are you smiling about?
For someone who hates all that tradition, you are sure taking this seriously.
If I have to participate in them. She smiled at him. I might as well win them. We’ve won it the past four years.
Let’s go make this number five.
The arena itself was the size of 6 football fields side by side. On each side stood six tents, each flying it’s clans' colors. The outer edges of the field were surrounded by bleacher style seating except for the private boxes where the heads of the clans sat and In the center was a crop of stones built up in a 25 foot tall rock hill with a golden flag at the top. The seats were all filled by tourists, locals and people there to cheer on their clan, many traveling from great distances away just to be a part of it. For the past four years the flag has been hanging in the front lobby of the hotel on display.
All we need is some flying broomsticks and it's a Quidditch match. Vhodka Marie said; causing a few chuckles to come from the crowd; even VooDoo had to laugh because she had been thinking the same thing.
Xavier Wolf was in the Av’Ulves clan’s box with his family looking down on the field; Le’Andra and her mother were absent. Le’s mother would be on the field today playing the role of the Angel of Death and deciding which warriors went on to Valhalla and those who could stay in the battle and there was a pretty good chance right now she was giving Le’Andra last minute tips on the battle speech. Much like Xavier was giving his family a crash course in the Clan Games.
It’s basically a gang street fight. He looked over at Le’s brother to see if that pretty well summed it up, he thought for a moment and then nodded his head. Ten men and women on each team and they beat the crap out of each other, until the last man standing takes the flag. Weapons are all made of wood. He looked at them with a serious look on his face. And let me assure you they do hurt when you’re hit with them. Also every hit or kick is real. As people fall, Le’s mom will be checking them out to see if they need to be pulled from the games or not.
Le’s taking the field. Mattias said and nudged X’s arm. You should have seen last years’.
They moved to the edge of the box and they watched as Le’Andra walked across the grass to the rock mountain. She strode out there with a purpose, as if she already owned those she was about to face on the battlefield as well as those in the stands. In her right hand, a shield blue in color tricked out in black, her family’s sword strapped at her waist. As she grew closer to the rock she slung the shield on her back and then made her way up the rocks as graceful as a cat, until she reached the top; she pulled her shield from her back and put it on her left arm and stood there for a moment. She looked from one side of the arena to the other.
I am among you at this time as your Førstefødte... In the box, Xavier told them that it meant firstborn. Mattias added that each clan had one, but today she was speaking for all of them since the flag was in their family’s possession. I am not here for my recreation or sport, but I am here with you, to live or die among you. To lay down… for my Gods.. for my clan.. my honor and my blood.
Those on the field began to cheer and bang their weapons on their shields and yell in approval of her words, she turned around and faced those behind her.
We, who are gathered here today… will go into battle... Many of us will die and dine tonight in Valhalla and we will be accompanied by the spirit of millions of our ancestors who have died before us. She looked around slowly as she spoke. But in this battle we will break the enemy.
She unsheathed her sword and raised it high in the air; sending 100s of camera flashes in her direction that sent a resonant roar through the crowd. As she turned back around to face the front again with her sword raised still, she had worked the crowd up to a dull roar, even those in the stands had joined in.
My brothers… My sisters... She pointed the sword at the crowd and took it from one side of the arena to the other. I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me! But it will not this day! This day we fight! By all that you hold dear, I bid you, stand, and fight with me!
She thrust her sword high in the air, the roar through the crowd this time doubled in what it was the last time. Le’s family members all clapped a little and nodded her head; Xavier’s did as well.
Not bad. Kal X said with a nod of his head, then he side-eyed X with a smirk. Almost makes me want to play dress up, too.
Time for me to go join, Løvinnen min. Xavier turned and made his way out of the box with Mattias close behind him. The family all looked at Angelique.
His lioness. You all really need to learn her language.
January 6, 2021; 12.15p - Clan Games Arena
It’s been almost four hours later and it’s down to three different clans; Le’s with Xavier, her brother, and herself still standing, the Enberg clan; with Harald Enberg and two fighters with his clan and the Skau clan; two members of their clan, their firstborn having been taken out of the fight by Le’s mother not to long ago.
The three clans all stood in bloodied and battered messes as they all eyed each other; taking a breather as Le’Andra’s mother made her way to and from each group an almost seeming etherworldly glide in her walk. She took her role as Angel of Death seriously; she was dressed in a sheery black gown with a grey one underneath around her neck a thick necklace made of runes. Her face was painted white except for the black around her eyes and the blood red streaks coming from them.
Mother fuckers. Le’ raised up from where she had been resting bent over with her hands on her knees. She held her sword hand hard against her ribs and breathed heavily. She was going to need to see a doctor after this.
What? Xavier said from beside her, still bent over with his hands on his knees; he saw the way Le’ was holding her ribs. You okay?
Shhh, here comes Mother, I can’t be pulled from this, we have other problems. She nodded to the other groups and Harald made his way over to the other opposing clan. The three men talked for a few moments and then all three men walked back over to Harald’s men. The enemy of your enemy…
...is your friend. Xavier and Mattias finished for her.
Xavier stood up and all three of them began to loosen up some after resting as they watched the four men and a woman advance on them. Halfway through the advancement, Harald yelled and they started running towards them. The three of them stood their ground where they were; knowing the longer they did the more of the energy their opponents had left would be used up. Le’ and Xavier both knew that Mattias was their weakest link; he was not as fit as they were, they had to protect him as long as they could. Finally, Le’ let loose her cry and the three of them charged the others.
At the last moment of impact, Harald and the lone female of the group switched places and instead of Le’Andra and him fighting as firstborn; Harald was attacking Xavier. A hundred thoughts ran through Le’s mind right then and the first one was, that mother fucker and the second was just put this bitch down. As she and the woman traded blows she kept an eye on both her husband and her brother until she found the girl's weak spot, she leaves her face unprotected on her downward swing.. All Le’ has to do is…
...out of nowhere; after her opponent's downward swing, Le’ delivered a roundhouse to the side of her head that dropped the woman hard to the ground. Le’ stood over her briefly to see if she was going to get up, as her mother pranced in and announced her down. She looked at Xavier and saw him holding his own against his opponents but when she turned to her brother, he was barely holding them off. So to Mattias she charged, she knocked the two men off her brother. And the two of them battled the others.
Mattias was able to hold his own for a while, but his opponent was too strong for him and he went down and couldn’t get back up; the other man looked at Le’Andra and then back to where Xavier was still going two on one and instead of attacking her; headed towards Xavier. Le’s eyes widened; over her dead body. She and her opponent traded a couple more blows before with the wooden swords before Le’Andra knocked the sword from his hand and then she continued to rain blow after blow down on him with sword and shield until he finally dropped his shield and then when every ounce of strength she had; she hit him in the face with the broad side of her shield and sending him to the ground. She didn’t bother waiting to see if he was going to get back up; her husband needed her and they could still take them two on three.
By now everyone was standing, they watched as Xavier took on two men, only to be crept up on by a third. They watched as Le’Andra shook off her shield violently and reached down and picked up another sword and charged over. Breaths were held as she raced to catch up to the other man as he charged towards Xavier's unprotected back. She was narrowing the distance, but so was he.
Xavier was holding both men at bay with shield and sword and getting ready to throw them off when a wooden sword came from behind him and stopped 5 inches short of taking him hard in the shoulder. He looked over his shoulder to find the 3rd man and Le’ behind him, both her swords in an X blocking the blow. Xavier gave her that wink and smile of his. What took you so long?
Thought I’d get my nails done. She smirked.
Ha. Like you’d trust anyone but Mariah. He teased, but it was the truth. Let’s finish this, growing bored and I could use a drink.
Le’ pushed the man off of Xavier’s back and then she helped him push the other two off him; then they went back to back so see where the three men were. Everyone but Xavier and Harald had lost their shields, Le’Andra leaned back over her shoulder, said a few words to Xaiver who nodded with a smile. And then they charged, Xavier going straight for Harald.
For the next 30 mins, the crowd watched as Le’Andra went between the two other men, doing enough damage to not quite put them down but enough to put them off their feet for a moment to deal with the other one, looking for her moment all while Xavier and Harald battled it out tooth and nail; as if their very lives depended on it. When Le’ found her chance and connected not one but both wood swords to one of her opponents head and knocked him out and soon it came down to two on two.
That’s definitely your kid. Kal turned to Fury, who stood there with his chest swollen in pride.
They continued to watch as Harald lost his shield and as soon as he lost his, Xavier shook his free. They continued on with their swords, neither trying to give the upper hand; they locked swords and grabbed each other's sword hands and struggled with each other for a few moments until they managed to shake each other’s swords free and neither had a weapon. It was then that Xavier headbutted him and heard the soft crunch of his nose and watched as the blood began to flow. They watched as Xavier and Harald hit each other over and over until Harald slowly dropped to his knees and then unceremoniously fell over; Xavier stopped at once as Le’s mother made her over and declared Harald “dead”.
Xavier looked over and whistled, Le’ glanced over and saw that Harald was on the ground and not moving Le’ turned back to her opponent and within a few short moments had him on his back giving the yield sign. As soon as he yielded, Le’Andra collapsed to her knees, the point of her dull point of sword sticking into the ground and holding her ribs again.
Xavier rushed over to her but when he got close to her; she held up her hand not to touch her. He stopped in his tracks as she knelt there for a moment and then slowly she made it to her feet. A roar went through the entire place, especially those in Le’s family’s box; the Av’Ulves had won the games for the fifth year in a row.
Don’t just stand there, asshole. Le’ finally told her husband. Help me to the rocks.
I was just making sure you weren’t going to say Fight Unpause or some shit like Ani did with Roger. He joined his wife and helped her walk to the rocks. They stood there for the longest time, Le’ looking at the rocks. What’s wrong?
I don’t think I can make it. She didn’t look at him when she said it, her eyes were on the rocks still looking for the easiest way.
Oh no, no no no. Xavier shook his head. You did not come this far to stop right here. Xavier knew that the flag was won no matter what, but right now, he wanted to see his wife up on that mountain. You will make it up this rock if I have to push and pull you the whole way.
Together they stepped forward and started up that hill and that’s what they did. Xavier stayed beside her, reaching down occasionally and pulling her up, until they neared the top. Once they got there, X held onto the edge of the rocks and placed one leg out bent at the knee, foot braced against the rock; he reached down and pulled Le’ up high enough to where she could use his thigh to stand on and make it to the top. She rolled onto the top of the rocks but not in enough time and Xavier lost his grip with one hand; he could feel himself start to fall but then as he started to go backwards he felt a tight grip on his wrist that pulled him back to the rocks giving him just enough to steady himself again. Le’ had caught him.
Makes two you owe me. She said as she helped him come up the side of the rocks.
I’ll give you more than two later on tonight.
Xavier got to his feet and pulled Le’Andra to hers and then together they stood before the roaring crowd. They both held one hand high in victory; Le’Andra had one arm tight around her ribs and Xavier had his free arm wrapped around her waist holding her tight to him. They were both a bloody, dirty, sweaty mess.
You know, Avi’, I can't swear to it but I think you enjoyed that fight with Harald a little too much. She didn’t look at him when she said this but waved and smiled at the crowd.
Says the woman who beat a poor man with a stick for a good 20 mins longer so I could.
I would do no such thing. Le’Andra gasped and looked at her husband with the best most serious face she could muster. Xavier leaned in and kissed his wife, she knew that he knew that was exactly what she did.
Graham Clauson
This match has got the makings of one of them “pub” jokes. Two Vikings and an American walk into a pub… and we kicked his ass. I know you must be thinking, but Le’, where’s the joke? There’s not one. Literally, that’s what's going to happen.
You are in the wrong match at the wrong time. And not because you’re not a good wrestler, because you were born into the business, I am sure you know your way around the ring and were trained by some of the best. I am sure that you’ve thrown down in some real battles in other places against some real heavy players but this match here, this match is going to be different. In this match, you’re an inconvenience for Fenrir and I. There are people out there wondering right this very moment, what in the hell you’re doing in it. They’ve been waiting for this very moment since Fenrir signed his contract. I don’t know what they were hoping for… maybe they had hoped to see who was better than the other? Which could beat the other at their own game? Some great display between the two of us?
A lot of maybes really, so many that you are not even a factor. They long ago placed their bets on the one who is their favorite. The odds were 50% in Fen’s favor and 50% in mine.
Funny thing is, even with you in the match, they still are.
January 8, 2021; 12.02am - Parking Lot in front of Snowhotel Kirkenes
The Bride Tribe made its way across the parking lot to the hotel’s entrance, all of the women were laughing and talking shit with each other; even VooDoo and Vhodka Marie remained civil to one another. Everything was going fine until Allison spoke up.
Like, seriously, who does this on a 5th year anniversary? It’s not like a 20 or 50 yr anniversary or anything like that.
Aww, what’s wrong Allie? Le’ mocked a little. You still sad Avi’ didn’t want to marry you once and here he is marrying me twice?
Everyone’s eyes shot to both women…
Shit, shots fired. VooDoo said as she grabbed ARP by one arm and Ang took her by other and they pulled her in one direction.
Case of friendly fire. Sarah called out over her shoulder as her and Ani had done the same with Le’ and took her in the other direction. Walking it off.
A group of drunk college boys on vacation had just come out of the hotel and made their way over towards the bar the ladies had just left, Le’Andra’s group bumped into one of the guys.
Damn, ladies, where have you been all our lives? He said as soon as he saw them.
Le’Andra looked him up and down before answering. I am going with mostly hiding. She was still heated, her comment caused a few chuckles to come from the rest of the women.
Come on, Ladies, let’s head on back to the bar, let us show you how to have a good time.
A crowd had begun to gather as they watched the altercation between two drunk factions.
Are you God’s gift to women? Ani asked.
I’ve been known to be, baby. Wanna give it a try?
The Gods truly have a sense of humor then. Le’Andra laughed, causing more laughter with the growing crowd.
The drunk smile on the guy’s face quickly turned into a snarl. Bitch, I will punch you in the mouth.
Before Le’ could open her mouth with a snappy comeback, a blur came from her right hand side and then the guy was no longer standing in front of her. He was five feet away, with her husband on top of him, hand gripping the neck of his shirt tightly as he delivered blow after blow.
Hole-ly Phuck! Johnny Stylez exclaimed as he came crawling out of the window from the car that the rest of the men in the stag party had just gotten out of. Player two has entered the gaaame.
Kal held up his hand as everyone got ready to join the fight. If anyone had said the same thing to Ang, he’d have done the same thing X had. Right now, Kal felt this was a matter of honor and something that X needed to do. Although, best believe if it looked like the tide was going to turn, everyone would enter the game. Kal watched as Le’Andra slipped from her heels; this one isn’t going to listen he thought, but then again, what Wolf female would if her mate was fighting. He looked at his wife, Ang, Lord knows she would. They all would. He would allow this one, it was her fight, too.
I have witnesses this time. Le’ removed her kransen from her head as his five friends finally moved into action and handed it to Anicka. He started this one.
Le’ turned back to the fight to find the five men pulling X off their friend, two on each side pulling him off by his arms and one had him by the hair. She ran in, grabbed the man who had Xavier by the hair and pulled him off and slung him to the ground and then brought her foot down on his ankle snapping the bone just above it; right now, she gave zeros fucks. A collective “oohh” went through the crowd as the man lay there and screamed while he held his ankle. Satisfied that he was down, Le’ turned back to the others.
The view pans from the fight to the 2rd floor balcony of Le’’s mother’s office, Ylva watched as it all transpired; she had been out smoking a cigarette. She watched as the altercation started. She had watched as Xavier got out of the car and at first started walking over but as soon as the other man stepped towards her daughter, he moved at a speed she doesn’t recall ever seeing a man run and brutally beat a man down.
She watched with a sense of pride as her daughter joined the fight and fought with every ounce of her family’s blood. She watched as the two of them were never more than a couple of feet from the other. They didn’t bother watching their back, because they knew the other had it. She reminisced about a time long ago when Bryan had joined her a couple of years for the Clan Wars before they had run off together; she had known as long as he stood by her side, he would not let her fall. Is that what her daughter was feeling right now; had she really been wrong about Xavier all this time?
She watched as Kalvin kept his clan under control; although she could tell by their actions alone, they wanted in. The six on two became two on one as she watched the last two men standing circling Le’Andra. She continued to watch, but unlike most, she wasn’t just watching her daughter as Le’Andra almost effortlessly moved between her two opponents. No, she kept her eyes trained on the man her daughter called husband. Xavier’s eyes were focused on the fight and he was studying every move that was made by all three of them. She was too far away to hear everything that Xavier was saying, but she could hear certain words of encouragement…
“atta girl”...
“my maiden”...
“Roar”...
and finally…
“finish this.”
“finish this.”
And Le’Andra did just that. Using the guy on the ground’s shoulder as he tried to get up, she delivered a perfect spinning kick to the side of the man who was standing’s face that dropped him moaning and groaning and holding his jaw. Ylva’s hand shot to her throat and she sucked in a breath of air as she heard someone ask if she broke his jaw; those words alone caused two thoughts to go through her mind. One, how proud she was of her daughter, it was one thing to see her in one of the clan battles or wrestling matches where there was a referee to stop things when it got too bad; but it was completely different seeing her fighting in a parking lot. And two, how much the lawsuit was going to cost.
When the last man finally got to his feet, Le’ didn’t even give him a chance to look around to figure out where everyone was, she hit it with a nice clean uppercut that he didn’t see coming until she landed it on his chin followed by a left hook; his body fell backwards, out cold with a TKO. Xavier rushed to her side and grabbed her with one arm around her shoulders and hugged her tightly to him.
I don’t know about a lioness. Ylva heard as she crushed out her cigarette. But she was sure fighting like a Wolf.
GoT damn, vikings. She recognized Johnny Stylez’ voice and rolled her eyes. Violence, alcohol. You’re my kind of people.
I told you that they were a good match, mother. Le’Andra’s older brother said from behind her, causing her to jump a little. You should have known I would not have allowed her to be with someone who was not her equal.
Ylva gave her son a look that silently said, yes, I know, you told me so. Go get Freyja and Odin for me. She told him, referring to them as the God and Goddess of War. I would like to speak with them.
Mathis smirked at his mother one last time and left her alone on the balcony. She lit another cigarette and processed all that she saw. And still the question plagued her, was he worthy enough to be married to her Firstborn? Surely, he had just shown her that he possessed the traits she wanted in a husband for her daughter. She mulled everything over until she heard the door to her office open and snubbed out the cigarette and made her way inside just as they sat their sweaty, bloody and dirty bodies on her white couch. She opened her mouth to say something about it when she saw the clotting blood that streaked from Le’Andra’s brow to just below her eye, she stopped thinking about the couch.
Really, Le’-Le’. She tsked. Mother walked over to the bar along the wall and reached in a cabinet and pulled out a couple of white hand towels. One she ran under warm water and tossed in Le’s direction, Xavier grabbed it out of the air and he gently began to wipe the wound. The other she filled full of ice from the machine and twisted it into an ice pack. She walked over and stood near them. Less than 24 hours away from the wedding and you’re going to have a busted and black eye.
Did you call us up here just to scold us, Mother? She took the ice her mother offered her. Because if you did, we are walking out of the door right now.
Scold you, yes. She looked at her daughter, she then turned her gaze towards Xavier. Scold him, no.
Ha! Xavier exclaimed and looked at his wife and smiled; to which he received a quick jab to the arm.
Mother took a seat in the chair beside them and took them both in together. Really looked at them for the first time. I am pretty sure you know that tradition has the woman’s family pick a man for their daughter to marry. It was to make sure that they were a good match; that he was worthy. I am sure you’ve come to realize that Le’s stubborn and headstrong and has to do things her way and she decided to choose her own path. I know your sordid reputation and it was not something that I wanted for my daughter; little did I know… Ylva didn’t feel the need to bring up Le’ sordid reputation, the three of them know exactly what she was talking about. After what I witnessed tonight, I am beginning to think my daughter chose the right path. She smiled, genuinely smiled for the first time at him. I do hope you keep proving me wrong, Xavier. She looked at Le’ and tsked again I will send for the doctor and hope he can stitch your eye up to where it won’t look bad tomorrow.
My brother, Jack, is a doctor. You won’t know it’s there and he won’t even leave a scar.
It must be handy to have a doctor in the family.
I see you’ve met my family.
Ylva chuckled. Off with the two of you. I will have the med kit sent up from the clinic. And do me a favor, try not to get in any more fights on the way to your room.
Xavier stood up and held his hand out to help up Le’Andra. As she went to get up she looked down at his shoe and saw it covered in blood.
How rude of him, Avi’. Le’Andra said and pointed at it, then stood up. He bled all over your shoe.
Says the people that just ruined a $15k couch.
They turned and looked at the dirty stain where they had sat and both said “whoops” and laughed at the same time. They said their good nights to her mother and as they made their way through her office, she reminded them that the blood sacrifice was to happen at dawn. Ylva shook her head and smiled and shook her head as Le’s voice carried back to her…
yeah, yeah, kill the pigs... at dawn. Got ya.
I am not walking into this match to lose. I have chosen my path and that’s to take my place as that Number Five. I’ve been caught up in planning my wedding and this roller coaster ride that’s called life that I haven’t been paying attention to the direction my career path has been going. This tourney would be the best way to get my life back in order.
Listen to me when I tell you to get all the training you need this week. Practice like you’ve never practiced before. Get all the rest you need, call whoever you need to to ask for their advice on what to do, hell, pray to whatever deities you need to.
I am stepping into the ring against two men who are not only bigger than I am and stronger than I am; and pretty much can bench press me for fun. Which means I have to be quicker than they are, faster and maybe a little bit meaner. They will make this no easy feat for me, but try as they might, it’s going to be my hand raised as the winner that night. I know brave words coming from me, the smallest dog in the fight. But remember, it's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog.
And I am ready to fight.
January 8, 2021; 6.00am - Morning of the Wedding
Before the morning dawned on Freya’s day family and friends of Le’Andra and Xavier had all gathered and loaded into a couple of buses and headed out to the Av’Ulves’ family home. Most of Le’s family was there and some of Xavier’s; some family chose not to join due to the brutality of it all; those that did, came to stand with him and show support for Le’ and her family traditions; there might have been some morbid curiosity involved as well.
Le’ would be slaughtering nine of the 150 sows for the feast as an offering to the gods and goddesses; in all there would be 300 head of cattle, that Kal X had shipped over from Parts UnKnown, 200 chickens and various fish and crab from the surrounding area seas; no one would walk away hungry this day, and if you did, if was your own damn fault. Only Le’Andra, Xavier, her mother and Rose had come dressed in the viking gear; everyone else was in normal clothing. Rose was totally embracing the opportunity to support her “new” aunt into the family. The people of the clans who attended were also dressed half and half with normal clothes and viking. There must have been nearly 500 people in attendance.
I better not ever hear anything about shutting down half of Central Park when Ang and I got married. Kal X told everyone.
Go big or go home. Xavier smiled as he stood at the front of the bus, he had one hand resting against Le’s back as she stood beside him and gently brushed his fingers against his back in a comforting manner. He was aware of the subtle changes in her demeanor when it came to things in relation with clan life; especially with what his family was about to witness.
Man, X… Johnny Stylez said from the rear of the bus, where he sat with Anicka, shaking his head with a smile. When you told me to check out this babe in Norway... a viking battle, a wedding where the bride and groom get in a drunk parking lot brawl and a blood sacrifice, I did not foresee. I thought 2020 was one wild phucking year, man, can’t imagine what this one will be like starting like this.
Both Le’Andra and her mother’s heads turned in Xavier’s direction; both shared the same look of shock and surprise, but for different reasons. They both said at the same time.. You.
Thanks alot, Johnny.
My bad, X. Johnny and Ani slid down in their seat; chuckling.
You had this planned all along. Mother looked at him accusingly.
Something like that. I didn’t anticipate Johnny opening a fed and making it a whole lot easier for me. What were the last words, Ylva?
Le’s mother thought back to that day when she finally found where they were staying; while Le’ was out shopping, she knocked on the door and gave Xavier a big fat check for him to just go away. He needed to go away, and he needed to go away without Le’ because she would have insisted on going with him and he would have let her. It was just a matter of perfect timing.
Take care of my wife while I am gone. Ylva quoted him word for word.
Meaning I’d be back for her. I needed her safe, she wasn’t going to be safe with me and I knew if she was here with you, she’d be safe. Le’Andra leaned into X and rested her head on his chest; Xavier looked over the top of her head at Ylva. You know, I can’t tell you when I actually fell in love with Le’, but I did and I hope one day you truly believe that I do. For all I know it happened that first time Bryan put us in the ring together and she put me on my back. She was mad and furious; feeling like her father had bumped her from First Spot.
I remember that day. Her father chuckled. Not sure the look on your face was that of a man who had just fallen in love.
Maybe that was the day something clicked in my brain that said check her out, this could be the woman?
Jarred loose is more like it. Her father teased. I thought I was going to have to safe word them that day.
While training there is a safeword that he uses once he thinks the matches have gotten out of hand and someone was about to be hurt. Usually his students know when to stop on their own and there are those that don’t; in the past 10 yrs of training, Le’ and X are the only two that have fallen under the don’t category; sometimes they don’t know when to stop or when to say I give up.
Kal X leaned over and whispered into his wife’s ear as memories of meeting her in Japan came to his mind. See, told you there was something hot about a woman that can put you on your back.
He leaned back away, Ang chuckled a little and leaned over and whispered into Kal’s ear. I hope you didn’t get those feelings until after you found out I was a woman.
He turned and faced her and smiled. I kept telling them you were shaking low-blows off too easily and kept trying to find out what your secret was.
Not having any balls was the secret.
The buses finally came to a stop inside the gated area and everyone filed off the buses, before Le’ did she placed her kransen on her head. They made their way through the gap that had formed for them to pass and closed back around them once they had, until they reached the center of the fort where the dias was. There were nine of the fattest sows that could be found in a circle around the dais, they were tied down in a manner where they could not move; beside each sow was a teenaged girl holding large wooden bowls that would catch the blood. As they got closer, Ylva explained to everyone what was about to happen and if they had a weak stomach it was best to go now.
Oh my God, can I be a maiden? Rose exclaimed and rushed up to Le’ and grabbed both her hands. Please? Can I be one?
I… Le’ was kind of taken by surprise by the question and didn’t know what to say. If it’s alright with your parents, it’s alright by me. Le’Andra looked back and forth from VooDoo and Vincent and then they looked back and forth at each other then to Rose and then back to each other.
It was VooDoo who spoke first with a shrug to her shoulders. If our daughter wants to help kill a pig…
...our daughter can help kill a pig. Vincent finished with a shrug to his shoulders.
Yes!! Rose yelled; and said a silent thank you to God that her parents could agree on this.
Come, ung, let’s get you dressed in something more suitable. Ylva said and led Rose away.
Well, now is your last chance. Le’ warned everyone. I will not be offended at all if you don’t wish to be part of this; not one bit. No one moved. Seriously, mother said the blood would flow this day and it’s about to. Still no one moved. Le’ looked behind her to see that her mother had taken Rose inside one of the buildings and had her change into a white maiden’s gown and she was now standing in place with the wooden bowl. All they were waiting for was Le’ and Xavier. Okay, last chance.
Vi er her for deg, Le'Andra. Ang said.
I don’t know what my wife said but it sounded like some good viking shit and I stand by it. He looked around at everyone there. Probably everyone standing here feels the same.
We are here for you, Le'Andra. Ang repeated, this time in English.
Don’t say I didn’t give you enough warning.
Le’Andra and Xavier walked to the dias and the crowd drew into a tight circle around it and in the distance you could hear the soft beat of drums and a chorus of singers singing a slow mournful song. Le’ gave a few stretches to her arms to get the muscles loosened up, she needed to be with what she was about to do. Her cuts had to be quick and precise and as deep as possible. Once she was ready she pulled her gloves from her belt and put them on. Le’ and Xavier stepped up to where her mother was holding a ceremonial knife that belonged to the family.
Le’Andra’s mother began speaking in their native tongue about 30 pairs of eyes turned to Angelique. She quickly broke it all down in terms that they could understand… She was honoring and asking the Gods of the Nine Realms to shine down on this day and this couple. Asking Freya and Frigga to accept these offerings, Ang was giving the family a keep it simple crash course in Nordic history.
Normally… Bryan started. Le’ would be standing in front of her mother with the knife as Firstborn and the bride beside her husband dressed in a bride gown. But Le’s both today. Le’ stepped from Xavier’s side and took the dagger from her mother, he gave one final warning as the crowd began to join in the singing. Last chance to look away.
Still no one did.
Le’Andra turned around and faced her husband and the crowd; then holding the hilt of the dagger she raised the tip of the blade to the sky. She walked to the sow on her husband's right side and stood over it; with her legs locked behind its front legs; she looked down at Rose who was kneeling like the rest of the girls were and mouthed the words are you sure; Rose’s reply was a quick nod. Le’Andra looked around at the rest of the girls, some of them having done this since they were old enough to hold a bowl; then looked back at Rose. Alright, ung, let’s see what you’re made of, Le’ thought.
She closed her eyes for a moment and silently called on the strength of her ancestors. She blocked out every sound and focused on the sound of her own beating heart that seemed to thunder in her ears. She inhaled and exhaled deeply a couple of times and then opened her eyes. Le’Andra reached down with her gloved left hand and grabbed the sow up under her chin, pulled it back as far as she could and with the calmest look on her face, like this was something she did everyday, she brought the blade across the sow's throat….
...and indeed the blood did flow.
They watched as Le’Andra systematically spun off one sow’s and onto the next, each time pulling it’s head back and drawing the blade across its neck and another person stepping in behind her to hold the sow’s head to fill the bowl. Each time it was executed in a gracefully flawless manner identical to the last, the only change would be the reaction of the maidens from the initial spray of blood. By the time she made it back to Xavier and her mother, Le’ was covered in blood and had the look of someone who had an ecstatic moment.
Yes. Everyone heard Fury say in a whisper followed by a click, they turned to look at him to find him looking at a stopwatch with a smile. As soon as she drew the blade across the first sow’s throat he had pressed start and at the last pressed stop. Any good Firstborn did it in under 60 seconds, no one alive can beat Le’ and her 45.
She appears to be apt in the killing of animals. Is she any good at butchering?
Are you kidding? Her father smirked and his chest puffed a little. Kill, butcher, slice you the best cuts, tan the hide and make you a shirt and make bow strings from the sinew.
A simple yes would have been good. He looked at his twin sons and shook his head. I’m a little disappointed in you, two; really gonna need you two to pick up your game.
Once Le’ was back in place, Rose looked up at Ylva, who gave her a nod; Rose walked over in front of Le’Andra and Xavier and picked up the bundled bunch of twigs and sticks inside the bowl and made sure there was enough blood on it, before flicking the blood on her uncle and aunt; once all nine maidens had blessed the couple they turned to the crowd that began to form in lines in front of the maidens once the bride and groom had left the dias. Le’Andra and Xavier made it back over to where everyone who hadn’t gotten in line was standing; Le’ was working on bringing down the bloodlust high she was on. She looked at her father.
Time? She sounded a little breathless and excited.
45.
Execution?
Flawless.
Xavier leaned down and whispered into his wife’s ear. Again, you sure take it serious.
Shush you. She smirked at him.
Xavier smiled and leaned in to kiss Le’Andra only for his lips to meet the bloody left cheek of Johnny Stylez as Stylez threw his arms over the shoulders of the both of them. Xavier jerked his head back as if he had just kissed an open flame and wiped his mouth.
Man, get off me. X said and pushed him away; which only made Johnny hold on tighter and try to kiss him back on the cheek.
I knew you loved me, X-man. Johnny said and held on a few seconds longer before X shook him free. Johnny then turned to Le’Andra, smiling and shaking his head. Got damned vikings, you people are phucking nutz.
Vincent turned around to find VooDoo standing off alone, arms crossed over her chest and smiling as she watched as Rose performed the maiden duties. He walked over and stood beside her, neither looking at each other.
She didn’t even flinch. VooDoo said of Rose when that first hot spray of blood came out.
That’s our girl.
Vincent turned and made his way back over to the group, leaving VooDoo to stand there and continue to smile on at her daughter.
January 8, 2021; 6:30pm - The Wedding
They had waited as long as they could, Le’Andra finally had to make the decision after a half hour, everyone was here and seated in the chapel, except for VooDoo. There was an empty space on the bench where the kids were sitting, but she was nowhere to be found. They surmised that she had changed her mind and they didn’t really fault her for that, both Le’ and X were saddened that she wasn’t there, but the show can’t stop now, not even for VooDoo.
Everyone took their places, the shaman, Xavier and his brother, Vincent stood in front at the center. Both were dressed in black tuxedos with gold vest and ties and Xavier wore a pair of cats eye cuff links; Le’Andra and Vincent came to an agreement, she would let him go without sleeves, but he had to wear a rose on the lapel until after the wedding photos had been taken in the formal wear.
With the soft music from the band outside, the ice double doors opened and all eyes turned to the rear; Sarah was the first to come down the aisle. She was dressed in a floor length gown with thin sparkling straps that were the same color gold as her brothers wore; she took her place up on Le’s side. Behind her came Tobias, Le’s youngest brother; he was dressed in full viking gear and carried the family's sword with both Le’Andra and Xavier’s rings on the guard. Then came Marie Wright, she was the flower girl; she made her way down the aisle dropping rose petals along the way. Once she made it down to the end, she went and took her seat back with her dad as he sat over with the Pack. Everyone stood and waited… and Le’Andra Fury came into view on her father’s arm.
Le’Andra wore the same dress she wore the first time they got married; much to her mother’s dislike, her mother thought that it was plain; it was their first argument over the wedding. It clung tight to her form and was made of silk, no lace at all, no plunging neckline, the high neckline was stitched in gold with pearls and cat’s eye stones, as well as the sleeves, from wrist all the way up to her elbow. From each shoulder a faux-sleeve that ran the length of each arm that tapered in a point just below the fingertips when wearing it, also with the gold and gem stitching, but it ran the full length of the sleeve; which ran into the delicate golden gloves that Vincent gave her that were carved with wolves and lions and ended with claws at the tips. Across the front twin rows of gold held on with cat’s eye gems; smaller ones on the end, with a larger between the two connecting them. Her blonde hair was braided with thin strands of gold and tiny roses and leaves made of gold; on her head a golden bride crown holding the veil in place. Between his brother and whoever did her makeup, you could not tell she had stitches or a black eye.
Xavier’s hands shot to his chest where his heart was mocking a heart attack and he mouthed the word “wow”, causing her to blush and smile. He watched as Le’ and her father made it closer and closer to him, with each step, the smile on his face seemed to get bigger and bigger. This was the wedding he wanted to give her all those years ago, when he realized without a doubt she was the one. It was one of his most favorite memories, he leaned over and asked her to marry him while they were taking a tour of a stave church, when he asked her, he half expected her to laugh and ask him if he was crazy. But when she leaned over towards him and answered sure, why not, just as nonchalantly as if he had asked her if she wanted to grab a bite to eat instead of freaking out and crying and screaming yes at the top of her lungs; it damned near cemented the choice; she’d keep him grounded. He stepped down off the raised ice platform he was on as they came near, Bryan looked at Xavier and held out Le’Andra’s hand to him; as X went to take it, Bryan pulled it back.
I am sure you know what I will do if you do something crazy like break her heart.
Grab a shovel and help her hide my dead body? Xavier replied.
What do you know… Bryan said with a smile as he handed Le’Andra off to him, causing a few chuckles to come from everyone there. You do know.
Bryan took a seat near Le’Andra’s mother as Le’ and Xavier made their way up to the shaman, he leaned in and whispered into her ear how incredible she looked and how lucky he was that she agreed to not only marry him once, but twice. When they stopped in front of the shaman, she leaned over and whispered, ‘avi, you’ve already won the girl, he smiled and whispered, maybe, but he’d never stop trying.
Divine Gods, noble ancestors and those who have assembled here today, we welcome you to our sacred circle. We ask that you bear witness to this Holy union and that this marriage be a lasting bond of commitment to one another. The Shaman takes up a lit candle and lights the two candles on floor length candlesticks that were positioned to the right and left of the altar before she turned back around. We are all children of light. May the light bring this union of Le’Andra Fury and Xavier Wolf to grow in health and joy. She paused for a moment. If there is anyone who has a reason why this couple shouldn’t be joined in marriage. Speak now or forever hold your peace.
Le’ looked over at her mother and put her finger to her lips and went sshh. She started to speak again, but was silenced when both the doors in the rear opened. Everyone turned around to find VooDoo walking in; she was dressed in traditional viking gear in Le’s family’s colors; in her hands she carried a sword. Silver blade that ran to the hilt that had a dark gold double wolf’s head crossguard that nearly matched the crown of Le’s veil. The grip was dark blue and spiraled down to a pommel of the same dark gold with two wolves circling a sapphire stone. Le’s freehand shot to her mouth and she looked like she was about to cry until Xavier gave the hand he held a squeeze.
She’s got a sword. Johnny Stylez said from where he sat beside Ani on the groom’s side. She’s going to kill Vin.
VooDoo walked up and stood in front of Le’Andra and Xavier. Rose told me that it was tradition the night before the wedding for the groom's family to raid an ancestor's tomb to find a sword for him to give his wife. I was all out of ancestor tombs but I did use the Av’Ulves’ family smith. She looked at Le’ and smiled. Who is a very nice gentleman until he hits about 4am.
Who can work with a crazy woman pacing behind him with her foot on his balls? A man’s voice came from the back; standing along the wall was the family smith. Gives me days what takes a week.
Anywho.. VooDoo gives one of those “oops’ smiles. I hope this will do.
Xavier stepped down to where she was and took it from her. He reached out and hugged her to him by the neck and held her there for a moment then whispered. You really know how to make an entrance, Red.
I told you I wouldn’t miss this. She told him. Being fashionably late is another story. They released each other and he held one hand of hers and walked her to the empty spot that had been hers for her to take a seat.
I need a swordbearer. X looked at Call, who popped up from where he was sitting; they both went back to where Le’ was standing with Tobias, holding her family’s sword. He pulled his ring for Le’ off her family sword and put it on his then took his place again, with Call at his side; then they joined hands again.
Le’Andra and Xavier have decided against the traditional vows and have decided to speak from the heart… The shaman turned to Le’ and nodded.
Xavier, I didn’t really didn’t fall in love with you. I walked in love with you with my eyes wide open, choosing to take every step along the way. Le’Andra looked at Xavier and smiled; she couldn’t believe that she day was happening, if you had told her five years ago this would be happening, she’d laugh and call you a liar. I do believe in fate and destiny, but I also believe we are only fated to do the things that we’d choose anyway. And I’d choose you, in a 100 lifetimes, in a 100 worlds, I’d find you each and every tme and I’d choose you.
In times of hardship you are my joy, In pain you are that which relieves me, When the world becomes heavy, you share the weight. And when I look to the sunset, I see something subpar to your beauty. Xavier said with a smile. You are more than a wife, more than a friend, and more than I ever hoped for. Let us renew what has never faded even in our times apart. Which on today, I vow shall be the last we know.
The shaman called forth the sword bearers, who each handed the sword they carried to the bride and groom; he motioned for them to exchange the swords. They each removed the ring from the hilts and slipped them on their fingers. Le’ looked at her ring; indeed, Xavier had picked the perfect one; he wanted her ring to reflect how he felt about her; unbreakable like a diamond, but delicate like a pearl. It was a natural button pearl white orient and an antique brilliant-cut diamond set with claws. On both sides were set with antique cut diamonds. He asked them to speak the words.
I give you this ring as a symbol of my love for you, my faith in our united strength, a reminder that we face this world together.
The shaman then took the handfasting cord from the box; it was as beautiful as it was old, several different colored ribbons, two hand crocheted and adorned with red and pink satin. He wrapped it around both of their hands binding them together.
Here before witnesses, Le’Andra and Xavier have sworn their vows to each other. By this cord you are bound to your vow. May this knot remain tied for as long as your love shall last, in the name of the Ancestors, Gods and Goddesses. May this cord draw your hands together in love, never to be used in anger.
He knows what they do for a living right? Johnny asked in a whisper loud enough to get a few chuckles from their wrestling family.
The shaman continued on, ignoring the comment. Two bound by commitment and fear, sadness and joy, by hardship and victory, anger and reconciliation, all of which bring strength to this union. Hold tight to one another through both good times and bad, and watch as your strength grows. He snuffs out the two candles and turns and looks at Xavier. You may now kiss your bride.
Xavier stepped towards Le’Andra with a smile, wrapping one arm around her waist he reached up with his other hand and placed the tip of his finger up under her chin and tilted her face up towards his. He leaned in and kissed her softly, as if it was their very first time.
Go with the blessings of the elements and may peace attend you all your days. So may it be.
The chapel erupted in a round of cheers as the couple hugged each other tightly.
January 8, 2021; 7:15pm - The Bride Run
Everyone came filing out of the chapel, a couple of the women had stayed behind to change into more appropriate clothing for the night to come; plus it was hard to take part in the bride run wearing a dress. They all filed outside, those who weren’t going to participate were already loading into the buses to be taken to Le’s family home.
They walked down the ice bridge of the chapel, VooDoo was walking with the twins, and one of her boots got stuck in a crack in the ice and before everyone knew it… she was going down. Call it reflex, call it habit, call it whatever you want to call it, it was Vincent that reached her first before she hit the ground. He slid the last four feet on his knees until he was up under her before she landed, catching her in his lap. He was taken aback slightly with how frigid she felt in his arms as compared to the ice that was melting into his pants. He released his grip around her and held his hands away and just sat there to let her get up on her own. He wasn’t sure how he felt about the mother of his children reacting this way to his mere touch; this was not what he wanted.
That was graceful, Red. Kal X walked over to rescue them both from the predicament they were awkwardly in. He helped her to her feet and as soon as she put weight on her right ankle, she grimaced in pain. Fuck. JACK!
And people wonder why I became a doctor.
While Jack made his way over to where VooDoo was to check on her, everyone else went to the starting line. Fifteen members of Le’s family were all gathered at the starting line looking over at those who had lined up with Xavier. Le’ stood among her family as they talked about Anicka as she stood there in that tiny red dress that was short enough to be classified as a shirt and red heels; she smirked a little. The two groups began to merge into one as the shaman got to the starting line; and then the shit talk began.
She’s slipping out of her heels. Someone said as Ani handed her heels to one of the twins.
Will she slip out of the dress, too?
Keep talking and I will slip my fist in your mouth. Johnny said back.
If we win, does the girl give us full service?
Only if we win, you do the same. Xavier called back to whoever it was before turning his attention to Ani, giving her last minute instructions; he loved it when people underestimated her.
A few more jabs were thrown back and forth before the shaman called for their attention; he pulled a small horn from his robe and put it to his lips and gave it a blow. And everyone took off. Because of the way the guys had been talking about Ani, the whole time they were runningX’s side made sure to keep Le’s side on the other side of Ani. Not because they didn't think she could handle herself against those men, but because they didn’t know if those men could handle themselves against her.
The path cut into the forest, which made things a little more tricky for the runners as they had to go under and over fallen trees. Le’s family was shocked that the woman in the short red dress kept up with them with no issues; only Le’ knew that she was hardly even breaking a sweat as she effortlessly jumped every rock or fallen tree that came in her way as if she had been born in these woods themselves. The runners exited the woods and the fastest ones, began to pull away from the rest. Le’, her two cousins and Xavier and Ani.
It’s all over boys, throw in the towel now and not have to face a humiliating defeat. Xavier said from where him and Ani ran behind them.
Says the man behind us. One of Le’s cousins said.
Nope, says the woman in front of you.
That was all Ani needed to hear and she picked up her pace and pulled up alongside of them, she looked over at Le’s cousin, smiled and gave a nod. Le’ told her already which one was the fastest and would be the one she had to beat. And when she matched his pace, he picked up his and pulled ahead; they continued to do this a few more times before Le’s cousin looked over at Anicka, to see her give him a wink and then pull ahead; then all he could see was bare feet and ass cheeks. It was just as Xavier had predicted; a humiliating defeat, Ani won by a good thirty-five feet. Le’Andra’s family, including her mother, had to spend the night serving Xavier’s.
January 8, 2021; 11.15pm - Ancestral Home of the Av’Ulves Clan
VooDoo slowly made her way over to the dias where Le’Andra and Xavier and the group of dancers were getting ready to start a War Dance, some were already practicing. Despite Jack telling her to stay off the ankle as much as possible, VooDoo was not listening, Callan walked with his mom, making sure she stayed steady with an angry look on his face; she was not going to appear weak; not at this celebration, not with these people.
Roger Wright looked up from where he sat at one of the tables with everyone, to see VooDoo making the slow trek over; he shakes his head as he balls up the napkin draped access his lap and stands up. He jogged over to where her and Call were. Marie trailing behind him. Excuse me, lil man, but your mom is…
Being dumb? Cal finished; with just as much anger in his voice as on his face. She knows she’s not supposed to be up. Uncle Jack said so.
I got this. Roger smiled at him. Watch. Roger scooped VooDoo up in his arms and began to carry her the rest of the way.
Oh for Christ’s sakes, Roger, put me down. VooDoo exclaimed anger in her voice and struggled. Stop treating me like a child.
Stop acting like one. Cal yelled as he trailed behind them.
Le’Andra looked up and seeing them made her way over, she tugged Xavier by the sleeve and started over. Did Jackson not tell you to stay off your ankle as much as possible? She asked VooDoo. Are you crazy?
The jury is still out on her being crazy. Roger said under his breath.
I was just coming over to say good night. The redhead said with a smile. Apparently there were others who thought I needed a helping hand..
You will have to at least stay for this. Avi’ and I have been practicing for months.
Just this one.
Thank you, Voo. Le’ said with a smile. Roger, put her up there. Le’ pointed to her seat on the dias. Roger did as he was told and took Xavier’s seat next to her, Marie crawling up in his lap. Do me a favor, hold this for me. There is no way I can dance with this. She untied the small hammer from the belt at her waist and placed it in VooDoo’s lap. And for Gods sake, don’t let mother see.
Le’Andra joined Xavier and the rest of the “warriors” who were going to dance as Callan slid onto the arm of his mom’s chair. They watched as Xavier helped pass out the maces to the rest of the group and they slowly began to form a large circle. The slow beat of the music began and within a few moments everyone had begun to move in unison; the dancers went through the motions of a viking war dance, slowly circling the dias.
You think they all came out of the womb dancing this?
All except X. VooDoo chuckled. Though he does look like he has been doing it all his life.
Perfectionist.
He really looks happy for a change. All this time we kept trying to get him to settle down and all he needed to do was find the person who was meant for him.
Isn’t that what we are all looking for in the end? VooDoo didn’t reply, only nodded her head.
Thunder rolled overhead and caused a resonant cheer to go through the guests. Le’Andra’s mother, drunk with wine, could be heard above the cheer. Even Thor, himself, gives this marriage his blessing.
It was hours later when Xavier snuck up on Le’Andra as she stood with a group of other Firstborns and wrapped his arms around her waist and pressed his lips to her shoulder. If you, Ladies and Gentlemen will excuse us, I need to steal my wife away.
They made quick good byes of the group and X took her by the hand and began to lead her away from where everyone was. We’ve got to say goodbye…
I’ve already done it. Xavier said with a smile. We tried saying goodbye three times already. Your Mother and her one last toasts.
But makes such wonderful toasts.
January 9, 2021; 1.32am - Le’X’s Gamme Cabin, Snowhotel Kirkenes
The Gamme cabins were basically wooden igloos with a glass dome ceiling just perfect for viewing the aurora borealis. Le’ was sitting on the bed, naked with her legs pulled to her chest and her arms wrapped around them, her head cocked upwards and she was staring at the lights that rippled overhead. The bathroom door opened and out walked Xavier, he was shirtless and his pants were unbuttoned and unzipped; he stopped and stood there for a moment and just looked at her. He was so glad this woman said yes, not once, but twice and hoped she would say it every time he were to ask..
Are you going to stand there all night and stare at me?
It wouldn’t be the first time, love... He admitted to her as he slipped from his pants; her eyes flicked towards him, this time it was her turn to admire the perfectly sculpted and tattooed view. She lay down with her head on the pillow and again stared up at the lights as they waved across the sky. Xavier crawled in bed beside her; he was on his side, with his head propped up on his left hand as his right softly caressed her stomach.
It’s beautiful, isn’t it, Avi’?
It sure is. He wasn’t looking at the lights, he was looking at her. His caresses slowly moved lower, it caused a slight smile to curl on her lips.
For the next hour or so, Xavier made love to his wife. He enjoyed every whimper, every sigh and every moan that slipped from her lips as well as the softness of her voice when she whispered his name.. He rolled onto his back and caressed her body as he watched her every move as she rocked with him; the way her nipples would tease him as they occasionally peeked through her hair that was draped down her shoulders and chest just the way he liked it; the way she would nibble on her bottom lip right before a moan would slip from between them. He continued to watch as the night sky rippling behind her in different hues, feeling much like a God until he knew it was time. He sat up, his arms snaking up her back to grab her by the shoulders and pulled her roughly onto him; if anyone had been walking past the cabin right then, they would have known exactly what was going on in there.
Afterwards, they sat there, still joined; Xavier’s arms wrapped around Le’s waist, his eyes closed with his head resting against her chest listening to the beating of her heart; her head was resting against the top of his head, one arm resting against his shoulder as she caressed his hair with the other. There was one thing that Le’Andra knew right now; this man had her heart.
OOC
For those of you who took the time to make it to the end, thank you, I do hope you liked reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. I admit, this one got a little long.
For my opponents, I do apologize for the length.
And in case anyone is wondering “WTF is the word count on this thing.. 17,127. This one got out of hand.