NationStates Jolt Archive

A continuation from "The Emperor seeks a wife"

An annoucement was sent out to the international community.


Dear Allies and Nuetrals, Our Emperor has expressed interest in meeting, and wedding a foreign lady. The Emperor, Josef Emmerich, is a charming young man, whom is incredbily intelligent for his age(24), and is a kind, gentle person. We must warn, how ever, the Emperor often suffers from severe mental depression, and even suicidal tendencies, this has been so sense he was born, but he does seem to pep up when he is around pretty girls.

We hope any of that wont be a problem.

Sincerly, Steward Willhelm.

Brusca, leader of the Children of Valkryja has been summoned by Odin.
He tells her that he has seen that a young Emperor, destined to be welcomed into the Halls Valhala is faltering.
He instructs his Maiden to aid him in any way she can and to use whatever means available to her and she obeys.

Seing the proclomation made on behalf of Emperor Emrich, she presents herself in the guise of a suitable wife, but after speaking to him for only a moment she leaves, she reports back to her sisters.
It was a circus, just as we suspected, hoards of overbread, underfed women pulling at his shirt tails expecting sole attention and pouting because they didn't get it.
Yes he did seem nice, he is fairly good looking, but beauty comes from within I am not interested in the wrapper, it's the gift inside that counts.
But no wonder he has the problems he has, I doubt the poor soul has had a days freedom in his life and his advisers are enough to drive anyone to dispair!


But, Brusca cannnot allow herself to forget the duty to Odin and after reading as much as she can about the Emperor and his nation, she returns.
Using the guise of a messenger, she tricks her way into the Emperors rooms and tells him that he was to go with her to a place that was quiet and restful. A place where he would be able to think, away from the pressures of his duties and the (what Brusca conciders) poor council doled out to him by his advisers.

Totally oblivious to the fact, the Emperor finds himself emotionaly and physically attracted to Brusca and after he has sworn to return and go with her of his own free will, she allows him the meet the women, who have presented themselves as suitable wives, for a grand dinner.
It is not until after he has left, that she too begins to have doubts about her motives for returning and following a conversation with the Emperors sister, she is more concerned.
She refuses to allow those thoughts to continue to haunt her and attempts to push them far into the back of her mind, because for a Valkyrja, the chosen maidens of Odin, falling in love with a mortal man, could have dire consequences...............

*Brusca paces the Emperor's room, or 'fancy prison cell', as she calls it. Emperor Josef had been gone for many hours and even though she knows how long these state dinners take, she is still impatient to leave and get him to a better place.*

Then I can wash my hands of him and get back to my real duties.

*Her pacing continues as she pushes the 'other' thoughts further back into her mind.*

*Unused to the heat of the palace, Brusca walks to the open window and breaths in the fresh night air, she takes off her belt and loosens the top two buttons of her tunic and feels cooler. She again looks around the room and still she sees despits all of it's finary, a lifeless cell of a lifless man. With nothing better to do, she lays on the bed and frees her hair from it's tight braids, then closing her eyes tries to block all thoughts and anxieties out of her head. As time goes on she has managed to drift off into a light sleep.*

[OOC: Lets pretend this is after his dinner, shall we?]

Josef stepped out of the limo, and breathed in the clean, crisp night air, a slight wind blew on his sweaty face. It was safe to say the Emperor was tired as hell after the dinner, and right now, all he could think about was sleep.

He walked briskly through the palace, forgetting about Brusca completly, night even seeing her as he sat down on his bed. It was only then that he noticed her... :eek:

*As she had been trained, Brusca had awoke as the Emperor entered the room , when she felt him sit on the bed and heard his sharp intake of breath, she didn't even open her eyes let alone move*

So you have returned?
I thought that I would have to come a rescue you from the hordes......
You chosen your wife yet then?

"No. Its a very hard decision."

The Emperor said, exhausted.

*She sits up and looks at him for a few moments as though seeing straight through into his very soul, when she speaks he could have almost caught a tiny little seed of jealousy*

Oh I'm sure you'll find one of those milk sops will make an admirable wife. They were born to it, soft and delicate and demure and compliant and *she sneers* devoute to the 'new religions'. I dare say any one would do, close your eyes and hold out your finger, you'd manage to choose her straight away.

"I guess. How are you doing? Get any sleep?"

Josef asked, turning to face her.

*For a fleeting moment she glares at the Emperor, then masks her feelings with a smaal amused smile*

What would a Valkeryja want with sleep?
I enjoy resting, it gives my head time to work things out and I supose I 'sleep' sometimes.

No, I did not sleep, but I did have an interesting little talk to your sister Veronica. She is a nice young thing, very astute, she told me of the many women you have traipsing through thses rooms, it suprises me that you even feel the need for a wife.

Josef didnt really know how to respond.

"So, ready to 'rescue' me yet?"

*She grins*
Now did we decide on the hard way or the easy way?
And I take it that you are able to ride bare back?

*Without waiting for reply she bends over and picks up her boots.*

Better wear something warm, it can get cold at night

She leans over him to pick up her belt and as she does so, her hair sweeps past his face, it smells of warm earth and sunshine and fresh hay and fragrant flowers, all blended together*

Oh and wear something more suitable to 'rougher conditions'

*Tutting at her hair she automatically captures it in a braid once again*

"Ugh. This suit should be just fine for me."

The Emperor replied.

*She stops braiding her hair and looks with disdain at the clothes he's wearing*

You are joking aren't you?

*She looks around the room, then guessing she opens a door and walks into his wardrobe. He hears exclamations of disbelief and curses as she rifles through the clothes he has. Then will a yelp of success she re-appears with a thick woollen hunting jacket and trousers and a warm jumper over one arm, carrying sturdy boots in the other hand.*

This will do until we can find you something more suitable.

*She throws them onto the bed beside him turns, stops in her tracks and turns back to him.*

Emperor, I again beg your pardon again I forget who I am speaking to.
Would be so good as to change into this more suitable garb for our journey?

*Nodding her head , she then turns and continues to lace her boots.*

Emperor Josef stopped Brusca from putting on her boots.

"Wait! First, tell me about where your taking me at least!"

He said.

*Brusca looks puzzled for a moment, then Josef notices a change in her expression as she realises yet again that she is not speaking to a dead warrior, but a live human being. She looks slightly abashed, sitting down next to him, she unconciously places her hand on his knee and looks into his eyes and speaks with understanding and compassion.*

I'm sorry, I've done it again haven't I?
I am used to bringing the souls of dead warriors back to the great Halls, when I arrive, they know where they are destined to be.
This picking up of live men is knew to me.
We are going back to my homelands, it is good there, we live a simple life and have lush forests and meadows and rivers and I am taking you to a hunting lodge where you can spend a few days of peace so that you can clear your mind and try to set yourself back on the right path.
I will be there to guide you.

"That sounds very...romatic."

Josef said, a smile growing on his face.

*Brusca pulls her hand away from Josef's leg reacting as though she has been burned, she stands up and steps away from the Emperor. Looking flustered for a moment, she regains her composure and starts to lace her boots again to hide her feelings.*

Well are you changing?
Or do you freeze in that flimsy suite of yours?

"Oh fine."

Josef replies, quickly changing into the new clothes.

*Brusca stops and looks at the Emperor*

What have I done to upset you now?
What ever it is, I'm sorry.........

*She leans back and rests on the wall watching Josef change, the answer to her question, still unanswered, didn't seem inportant at that moment.*

*Brusca stops and looks at the Emperor*

What have I done to upset you now?
What ever it is, I'm sorry.........


"You have done nothing."

Josef replied, still changing.

hmmmm....what.....OH!

*Brusca realises that she has been spoken to*

Oh fine then, I thought you were upset.
Now do you lead the way out of the palace or do we leave by the 'back way'

*She points to the window*

When you've finished getting dressed of course *cough*

The Emperor finished.

"The back way would be more exciting..."

He said.

*she laughs and shakes her head, crossing to the window, she lets out a low whistle*

You sure about this?
We are three floors up......
How are you at free falling into the tops of trees?

"Pretty good. Did it alot when I was a child."

The Emperor replied, getting up and walking over.

*Brusca grins and follows Josef's gaze down to the tree. The top most branches are about 15 feet away from the window ledge*

Off you go then, you first......

Josef turned to her.

"Ladies first."

*Brusca shrugs, stands on the window ledge and without even looking she drops down into the tree. Josef hears the crashing and smashing of branches and then silence*

*A short while later he hears a voice from the darkness below, just loud enough for him to make out the words.*

Want me to come and get you?

"No. I can do this."

Josef said before jumping.

*Brusca's concern for Josef's safety hightens as she hears him crashing through the tree, as he franticly trying to slow his progress.*

Josef landed with a slight grunt, but kicked him self up, and dusted him self off.

"Well?"

He asked.

*So relieved that he was safe, Brusca runs to him and embrases him*

By the gods, I thought I was going to be taking you back dead!

*She kisses him*

Josef had to refrain from shouting out two words, the first of which was "holy", he simply went along with it.

*In only a brief moment, Brusca reakises what she had done, she pulled away from him, her hand over her mouth in shock, standing as though frozen to the spot*
OH GREAT AND WONDERFUL EARTH MOTHER FREYA, WHAT HAVE I DONE?

*She remains as she is stairing at Josef as if in terror*

Josef really could not form a reply either...

*Still with her hand over her mouth Brusca attempts to speak, but no words can be formed. She hunts in her mind trying to stop herself form feeling the panic rising in herself*

Odin will have my head for this, I have to stop now!

*She manages to turn away from him making it easier....... After three attempts she manages to whistle a short low whistle and as if from nowhere a huge dapple grey war horse appears, it shakes his head long main flying as it paws the ground with metal clad hooves, sparks flying from it as it strikes the cobbled courtyard. At her steeds arrival Brusca seems to regain some of her composure. She holds her hand up to the horses muzzle and strokes it's velvet nose, speaking a soft unrecognisable language to it. As though it could understand, the horse nods it's huge head and stands still waiting*

We must leave.

*She takes off her fur cloak and passes it to him*

Here wear this, it will be cold, you will ride behind me.

*The horse drops it's head and grabbing hold of it's main Brusca is upon it's back in a swift and practiced move. She settles herself and holds her hand out to Josef*

Josef climbed up on the horse, still in shock of the events that had just transpired.

*Brusca says nothing, she helps him onto the horse and waites until he is settled, then hessitates*

You had better hold onto me, unless you want to fall further than from that tree

"Uh...right."

Josef responded, wrapping his arms around Brusca.

*Brusca shivers at his touch as he wraps his arms around her, holding her close*
By Thors Hammer, this is killing me....

*She steadies herself and then gently kicks at the horses side. The great beast begins to trot then canter and as he gains spead he takes a huge leap as if to clear a high wall ahead of him, but instead of returning to the ground as Josef expects, they climb higher into the sky, the horse seeming to gallop through the air, sparks still flying from his feet. Brusca feels Josef's arms tighten slightly around her.*

"How long is they going to take?"

Josef asked, a bit transfixed by the fact he was flying.

Not long....

*Brusca has to shout over her shoulder and lean back into his arms to be able to be heard over the wind, she begins, without thinking to enjoy the warmth and comfrot of his body next to hers.*

Are you alright?

"Of course. I'm fine."

He responded, looking down at the ground.

*She relaxes a bit, snuggling into the warmth of his arms, confident of herself again as she is now in her 'domain'*

Then sit back and get comfortable you are just about to see a most beautiful sight!

*She points in front of them, the first rays of the sun beginning to crack through the darkness of the star filled night.*

"Amazing."

Josef said, admiring the sunrise.

*They travel on heading into the rays of the rising sun, wtaching as the sky turns from indigo to purple to violet then crimson and orange, filled with the firey red ball of a new sun. They change their course veiring slightly to the left and their steed begins to slowly decend this time, with the wind tearing almost every word away from them, Brusca has to leen so far back that their heads almost touch, he can feel her warm breath on his cheek as she speaks.*

Our Homeland, the home of the Norse Alliance.....The Rainbow Bridge....

*As the clouds part Josef see's glimpses of the reason for the regions name and as they decend and the sky becomes clearer, he sees the huge full rainbow. To his amaizement he ralises that the rainbow IS a usable bridge and notes the movement of large numbers of Norsemen their horses and their belongings over the bridge*

We've just begun to return here, we are a nomadic people soon all the Norse alliance will be here......

Josef tried to form words, but he simply could not. He was to amazed. He simply nodded in response.

Coming nearer to the lands of the norse nations, Josef could see that there was a mixture of old and new, some blended so seamlessly that it was hard to tell where traditional Norse ended and the modern world began. Others had huge sprawling cities and were heavily industrialised, while others looked more in keeping with history books as those went about their early morning of feeding chickens and pigs under their Long Houses.

Nearing the centre of the lands, a small nation lay nestled among the mountains, it almost looked uninhabitted because of the thick lush forests and lakes and rivers flowing through it.

Brusca directed her steed downwards into a meadow almost in the centre of the nation surounded by woodlands and in some places dense forest.
The charger landed as seemlessly as he had climbed into the shy and almost without a jolt, they came to a halt*

Welcome to the lands of the Valkyrja Emperor.

"Hrm, thanks."

Josef muttered, feeling a little odd in this almost alien land.

*She touches his arm, so pleased that she is home again, that she has forgotten what has happened before. She looks around and breaths in the fresh air tainted with the smell of pine and grass touched with the morning dew, then she looks deeply into his eyes.*

I know this is strange and I know you feel uneasy here, but in a few hours your head will be clear and you will be able to think again......Trust me?

The Emperor breaths in the clean air, and responds.

"Of course I will."

OOC: Last post for the night.

*Very well then, I will take you to the lodge and get you settled. She unharnesses her charger and after whipering to it gently, it turns and gallops away into the woodlands*

I know this will do you good!

*As she walks, without thinking she links her arm in his and holds him close*

And wait until you see the lodge!

OOC night! :)

*Brusca leads Josef to the Forest edge and walks through the dence woodland into a small well hidden clearing, where stands the squat viking lodge.
She opens the door and allows him to walk in first. At first, the gloom of the room in front of him reveals nothing, but as Brusca opens the shutters he sees that he is standing in a very traditional style long house. In the centre is a huge stone fire pit large enough, Joseph reckons, to stand at least five or six men comfortably within it, even unlit, he can almost feel the heat that a fire of that size would give.
To the left of him is a long heavy table with benches to seat at least a dozen and all around there are chairs and rugs and furs. Heavy hangings adorn the walls to help keep the drafts from whistling through the rough log walls.
He sits on a wide fur covered bench and finds it suprisingly comfortable and imagines that as it faces the fire, it would be a good place to recline and watch the flames flickering.
Brusca leaves him to look around and goes to the far end of the room, after flinging the shutters open there too, she fills a coffee pot an sets it on the stove, then taking plates and mugs to the table she picks up a large basket and unwraps fresh bread, cheeses and fruit, obviously left there that morning for the occupants.
She walks over to where Josef is sitting and joins him.*

"Probably not what you're used to, but it is warm and comfortable and safe.
We eat, drink, tell tales of our victories, discuss our problems and mourne our dead here and when we are tired we pull out a sleeping mat and sleep. When we want we hunt in the forests and when we don't we spend time gazing into the fire hoping that our ancestors will guide us through our lives and help us make the decisions we need to make.
No-one will disturb you here, which is what you need to decide what you want to do with the rest of your life."

*She gets up and goes back for the coffee, takes it to the table and pours too cups, then returns with them*

"I Will drink this and share breakfast with you and then, if you want to spend time alone I will leave you and call to see if you are alright tomorow. If you wish to have company, then I will stay or I could have someone from the village to come. The choice is yours"

*At first they sit eating their breakfast in comfortable silence, but as time goes on and the meal comes to an end, Brusca becomes more and more tense and uncomfortable in Josephs company.
The silence has allowed her to remember what had happened the previous night, not exactly comfortable memories which should be associated with a first kiss. She inwardly curses herself for being so impulsive, Odin for sending her there in the first place and in turn the Emperor for being, well , for being him!
Trying not to look as though she is looking she glances at him sideways and desperately tries to read the expression on his face, but the Emperor is lost deep in thought, so there are no clues.*

Josef really could not talk nor respond, he was in a sort of trance. Never had he visited another nation, save for diplomatic missions. This was much diffrent, almost alien to him. He really couldnt talk right now, but instead nodded to everything Brusca told him.

*Slowly it dawns on Brusca, as she watches Josef eat, that what she had taken as deep thought was some sort of stupor.*

Dear Freya what have I done?
I was supposed to help this man and now look at him!
I have taken him from everything that he knows and is sure of and brought him to a place that he has probably only thought of as a myth or at best ancient history.
I have expected him to cope with this and to do as I have asked without question and he is one who has been brought up to order and not obey.
I was sent to him because he was at a crossraods in his life and so fragile that he was on the brink of disaster and what have I done? I have almost pushed him over the edge.........
AND I HAVEN'T EVEN ALLOWED THE MAN TO REST OR SLEEP!

*Brusca stands and places her hand on Josef's shoulder so that he looks at her. Her heart jolts and her stomach knots as she sees the vacant look in his eyes*

"Emperor............Josef, I am not far away I am still here."

*She leaves him and walks to the fire pit and begins to light the ready layed fire, coaxing it until the coals are hot and the flames have started licking at the logs. Already the room is feeling warmer and more inviting. She takes out a sleeping mat and places it near to the fire pit, then adds furs taking care to choose the softest and most comfortable and returns to Joseph.
Speaking in a low calm voice, she takes both his hands in hers, they feel cold and clamy and lifeless. She is overwhelmed by feelings of guilt and remorse and compassion and sadness as an iron clad fist squeezes at her heart.*

"Joseph, come, I have made a bed, you must rest and sleep."

*She takes off his jacket and then his boots and leads him by the hand to the bed. Like a child he lays down and closes his eyes.
Hessitating for a moment, she looks down at him, then, kicking off her boots she lays next to him and covers them with the furs.
For a while she lays propped on one elbow watching him, brushing a stray lock of hair from his face and only resting her head upon the pillow when she is sure he is at least sleeping peacefully. In the hope that the comfort of knowing that another is close by she lays her arm protectively across his chest and closes her eyes and for the first time since she had become a Valkyrja, she wishes that she too could sleep.*

Josef popped back up, strangely enough, he really wasnt feeling all that tired anymore. Putting back on said boots, he up and left the bed.

"Not tired anymore."

He announced.

*Brusca opened her eyes, a look of disbelief on her face as she watches him pull on his boots.*

"But you were.....and then you.....Oh never mind!"

Damn mortal men, I shall never work them out.......Ah perhaps he is still in some kind of shock?.....OH how in Hel's name should I know!

*She stands and pads bare footed to the fire and adds another log.*

"Are you ..... alright?
You were very 'tired' a few hours ago."

Josef straightens his suit, and brushes his hair with a compact comb.

"Well, I'm not anymore..."

He said plainly.

Perhaps it's the depression thing I have read about? Perhaps this is one of those 'ups' they talk of? This is much more complicated than dealing with the dead........live men are such a confusing bunch......

Well, if you are fine, I'll be on my way and leave you in peace.....
I will come back later with more food.

*She picks up her boots and walks bare foot to the door.*

"No, please. I would prefer you to stay."

Josef said, turning around to face her.

By Thor this man will be the death of me

Very well I'll stay.

*she walks back to him*

Then as you are all fit and well, what would you like to do?

"I dont really know..."

Josef said, pacing. Cursing him self for not bringing some form of entertainment.

"Very well, for the moment we will talk, about you, you can tell me all about yourself"

*She walks to an alcove and take two large goblets from a shelf and grabs a bottle of mead, then sitting down by the fire pit she pours them a drink. *

Josef sighed, he was sick about talking about him self.

"How about you tell me about your self instead?"

He asked.

"Nothing much to tell really, I am a Valkyrja, I work or *shrugs* serve Odin and do his bidding"

*As he sits down, she hands him a goblet and just has he starts to drink she looks directly at him and asks bluntly*

"Why did you attempt suicide?"

"It is not something I wish to discuss."

Said Josef, drinking from the goblet.

Then why do you feel in such a need for a wife that you allow yourself to be subjected to such a humiliating spectaicle that I witnessed?

Josef shook his head.

"I dont know..."

He said, he was obviously becomming under stress.

*Brusca sees Josef's demour, but carries on*

Why are you Emperor?

"Because it is my birth rite."

He responded.

*She snorts and pushes him harder*

What good is a birth rite given to someone who cannot do the job he was given?

To say Josef was insulted was a understatement.

"Whats that supposed to mean?"

He yelled, slamming the goblet on the floor.

*Brusca allows a smile to play across her lips before she again shows an emotionless exterior.*

Thats better, no longer the victim, perhaps Odin was right?

*She stands and goes to bring another goblet, pours another drink and hands it to him, then lowers her voice and speaks calmly*

"Why did you feel the need to try and take your own life?"

"I was under alot of stress at the time."

Josef tells her, calming down.

"Thats all."

"You are under stress now, possibly more than you have been before, away from your nation, without the protection of your guards, without your advisers, alone in a strange land, with a strange woman, asking questions that she has no right to ask."

*She reaches to her side, pulls out her hunting knife and hands it to him*

"Eh....what?"

Josef asks, not quite sure what this meant.

You're under stress......Kill yourself, it would make my job much easier!

Josef responded by throwing the knife aside.

"I've learnt my lesson."

He said.

And what lesson did you learn?

*She picks her knife up and puts it back into her belt*

That you should carry on as you were and change nothing?

*She puts her hand on his arm and speaks gently*

What brought you such sorrow and dispair that you needed to take your own life?

"It's not easy being a ruler of an empire. Your always under stress to make decisions, and hard ones."

Josef explained.

*She looks deep into his eyes and speaks to him ernestly*

You have a choice Josef, you can allow matters to overwhelm you or you take matters into your own hands and do something about them.
If you want something then take it, don't waite or think too long or it may be gone.

The Emperor nodded.

"I see what you mean by that..."

He said dimly.

"How ever, it's not that simple."

Here drink, you need it.
*She fills his goblet to the brim and after drinking hers dry, does the same, then continues*

Everything is that simple.
You are born, you live, you die, what you do with the middle depends on what happens in the end.

Your brother and sister have strayed and what is to become of Veronica?

You have great power to lead your people and to do what is right by them, yet you surround yourself with the most inept advisers and allow things to happen that you could have stopped, look what they are doing to your nation, they tear down the forests for the sake of a little more coin, your roads are clogged and your cities are........

Well, you have the right and the power to change things, if only you wanted to.

"I have a clear focus on what I want, yet I know I cannot have it."

Josef informed her.

"And do you know what that is?"

He asked.

No, I don't Emperor, what is it that you want?

The Emperor turned to her, and looked her in the eye.

"What I want, my lady, is you."

He replied.

*Brusca almost chokes on her half swallowed mouthful of mead and only stops herself by spitting it unceremoniously onto the fire, which hisses and spits back at her in complaint.
She stands up and faces him.*

Oh no...no.. you don't want that EMPEROR, you certainly don't want that and all that it would bring with it.......

"And what is that?"

Josef asked, standing to face her.

Enough to make your job very hard.
The wrath of Odin and possible war between your nation and the Norse Alliance.
To loose a Valkyrja to a mortal is one thing that does not sit well , to loose her to someone who is not a Norseman is much worse!

Josef sighed upon hearing this.

"I see. Well, how long am I going to be here?"

*Brusca looks at Josef, more than a little disapointed, not only because she was hoping that he would put up a little more of an arguement than he had, but also because the man she had seen when he was angry had vanished again under his cloud of apathy*

" You may leave whenever you want Emperor, I will not keep you hear under lock and key, it is up to you to say when you are ready to return"

*She walks to the door and opens it*

"Would you like to leave now?"

Josef thought about it for a moment.

"Well, seeing as the main reason I came here for is null, I guess I shall."

He said, grabbing a coat. He began to walk towards the door.

*She stops him by placing her hand on his arm. Her head lowered, her hair almost covers her face, so that he cannot see her expression. She doesn't speak, but when she does her voice is low.*

Is that what you came here for, for another conquest to add to your bed post? Has all of this been a sham and a lie, just so you can say that you have taken the maidenhood of a Valkyrja and that at best you have taken her perpose in life away from her? I don't know what plan Odin had in mind here, but I doubt it was that........
If that is the reason then I will take you back to your home and may fate shine well on you.

*She removes her hand and leans against the door to allow him to pass.*

"For your information, that is not why. I did not want to chalk you up on my 'bed post'. You brought me here for some reason, to rescue me was it? Well, I dont really need rescuing anymore. Now excuse me, somewhere, theres war to be declared."

Josef said, before heading out the door.

*Brusca follows him out of the door and despite her better judgement she raises her voice too*

Then why in Hel's name DID you come?

"Because you, apparently, needed to rescue me!"

Josef shouted back, walking off into the distance, never turning back.

*Brusca at first angry watches Josef walk off, then as it dawns on her, she breaks out into a smile and the smile becomes a grin, she bites her lip to stop herself from laughing out loud. She turns and walks back into the lodge.*

Well he's not going to get very far like that is he?

*She sits by the fire and drinks her mead*

I wonder how long it will take before he realises that there is no obvious way through that forest on the other side of the meadow? Poor soul could be lost for days......serves him right, ingrate!

*Brusca sneers, but in her heart she was concerned, the war horses that roamed free were not terribly friendly to strangers and the Ravens had told her they had a score to settle....
She mulled over in her mind what had happened and tried to turn it around to how it should have been, tried to work out what she could have said to have made him want to stay and apart from the obvious, she could think of nothing. But it couldn't be changed, she had realised a long time ago that she could not alter the past or what was to come.*

No..... he is lost and if he is, so am I, because either way Odin will not be pleased that I have failed him!

*Now, when he returned or she went to find him, she would take him back and he would carry on in the way he had done before and she would never see him again......
And with this thought in her head and her heart feeling as though it would burst with emotions she has never felt before, she put her head in her hands and cried.*

Josef didnt pay much mind to the fact he had no idea where the hell he was going, and how he was going to get there. He was angry and upset, and people did not always think during those times, he walked through the forest, paying no mind to the creatures by him.

*He heard a familier cawing and screeching of ravens, a common enough sound, above him in the trees and as the woodland got thicker, he realised that he couldn't carry on much further*

"Maybe I'll rest abit."

He said, sitting down on a log, and holding his chin up with his hands.

*At the lodge, Brusca is disturbed by one of her 'sisters', she quickly dried her eyes and hid the fact that she had been upset*

"Brusca, you have been summoned and he is not best pleased, What has been going on here?", her sister asked

*Brusca feined innocence*

"I have no idea what you mean, I'll come at once."

*The two women rush from the lodge and astride the two waiting war horses they were gone*

It's somewhat later when Brusca returns to the lodge, a small smile on her face turns to anguish when she sees that Josef has not returned*

"It will be dark soon"

*She heads straight back out and calling to her horse she sends it off in the same direction as Josef had taken, following on behind it a fast as she could*

*She enters the forest almost at the spot that Josef had done, but the gathering gloom outside became pitch black inside Vaguely she could see the shape of her dappled steed and in desperation she began to call Josef's name.
Afraid that something had happened to him, she berated herself for allowing him to wander off, again as had happened when he had crashed through the tree at the palace she felt a rising panic within her.*

*The darkness wraps itself around Josef like a thick woollen blanket. The forest is full of sounds, the rustling of dead leaves on the ground near him, the crackling of pine trees above and the snapping of small branches as something large and heavy makes it's way through the trees.
Josef instinctively ducks as a large bird lands on the branch above his head, sweeping the leaves down in front of his face. He looks up and see's a raven staring back at him, it's red eyes fixing themselves on his, as it edges it's way further down the branch to take a closer look.
Tilting it's head this way and that it continues it's inspecton of him, then roughling is feathers, in what seems to be disgust, it opens it's sharp beak and shrieks out a call.*

"Huh?"

Whispered Josef, preparing to draw his royal knife just incase.

*The raven snaps it's beak as though mocking and calls again.....
This time it's call is answered by others, hidden in the dark shadows of the trees above and around him. Two of the huge birds land a few feet behind him, they too fix their red eyed unblinking stare upon him and watch.*

"Ravens..."

He mumbeled, already familar with the creatures.

*His attention taken by the ravens, Josef is taken by suprise as he is forcefully pushed from behind, as he turns he sees Brusca's war horse standing, snroting, his hoof pounding at the ground.
The ravens screech their greetings as Brusca appears next to the horse, she pats it's neck.*

"Ah I see Odin's spies have found you before we could? They are not best pleased that you eat their brothers in your homelands....."

*She looks around*

"Are you comfortable here for the night? Or do you wish to come back to the lodge, or perhaps return to your palace tonight?"

"The sooner I can get home, the better."

He replies, in an almost sneering fashion. He gets up and dusts him self off.

*Although Joseph cannot see her face clearly in the darkness of the forest, when she speaks he can tell that she is upset by his manner*

"Very well Emperor, I will return you to your Homeland, but first I will have to go to the lodge and change."

*Brusca leads him back to the meadow where she leaves him with her war horse.
She returns a short time later, dressed in a dark red Millitery style uniform and deep purple hooded cloak, her boots have been replaced by thick leather sandals, strapped up to the knees. In one hand she carries a spear, made of gold and bronze, the other holds large heavy saddle bags.
Without word or ceremony, she thrusts the spear into Josef's hand for him to hold and as she turns he sees that she has a large circular shield strapped to her back. Throwing the saddle bags over her horses shoulders, she takes off the shield and ties it to the left hand side, then taking the spear from him, she adds that to the right.
Satisfied that the bags are evenly wieghted and comfortable for her mount, she turns to Josef.
Her manner is stiff and formal and he is suprised when she crosses her raised arms above her head and salutes him in the traditional manner of his nation.*

"Emperor Josef Emrich, I have been charged by my Lord to carry out the following duties.
I am to accompany you to your homelands.
Once there I am to stay by your side and in constant attendance.
I am to act as your protector, even unto death.
I am to do your bidding and aid in the protection of you and your family and your homelands.
There is only one providor to this and that is that I am not to act against the Norsemen or any of their allies, but I am to attempt to solve any disputes by diplomatic means."

*She pauses and glancing away from him avoiding eye contact she continues in a quieter and less sure fashion.*

" I am further instructed to cater for your every whim and to provide you with every need and comfort that you ask of me. I am to do everything in my power to make you happy and content, inspite of any personal loss, hardship or cost to myself.
In short Emperor, you are well and truely stuck with me."

*She finishes with a low bow and remains, avoiding his glance, still looking at the ground.*

*Brusca still holds her head down, so Josef cannot see her face and speaks quietly.*

"Emperor, we must leave, you are needed in your homelands. I thought to keep you here for a little longer for my own selfish reasons, but now we must return."

Josef was getting really frustrated with this whole thing. Now he was stuck with this infernal woman!

"Fine. Lets go."

He said coldly.

*As he speaks, Brusca bristles at his tone. She looks up at him and speaks to him sharply*

"You are a fool Josef Emrich, do you not know what I have just said to you?"

*For a brief moment he sees her vulnerability, but she quickly recovers, staring back at him as coldly as he stares at her.*

"What ever. Just do what you have to."

He replies.

"Very well, I will!"

*She walks over to him, puts her arms around his neck and kisses him passionately*

For the love of Freya do something man! Or I'll take the woman for myself!

( LOL! Grendel take your Berserkers and stop spying on us!.....Bloody Norsemen, can't do anything without them knowing! )

( Indeed, I watch over all who are in the Alliance, it is the Berserker's way. We especially watch over those who watch over us and guide us into the after life... So my dear Brusca, come back to our region and find a husband who is worthy of you if you wish. Even better, stay with us as Odin's chosen so that we may live with you in the great halls, we don't want to see you wither and die as us mortals must do. You give up too much and for what? One who doesn't even fight for what he wants and gives up without a fight? Why Odin ever thought that there was any reason to redeem this 'man' is beyond me....HE ALLOWS HIS PEOPLE TO EAT THE RAVEN!.... No, take him back and then return to us, I will speak to Odin and tyr and get him to change his mind about this.... )

( Lord Grendel! You over step your mark! leave us, I will speak to you in private!..... )

"What the hell?"

He shouted, enjoying it for a moment and then stepping back.

"What was that all about?"

*She sighs and shakes her head in exasperation*

"Emperor I have been given permission to leave Odin's Maidens and become mortal if I wish to do so. Though with certain provisors."

*She shrugs and smiles a small uncertain smile*

"I think I may wish to do so."

"What is your reason for wanting to, though?"

He asked, surely no one would really want to become a mortal, right?

*She looks away fro a moment, thinking, then turns and looks at him carefully*

"You have expressed an interest in me, I am interested in you."

*She can no longer keep his gaze and looks down again*

I believe it is called love?

( sniffs the air and peers into the darkness with glowing red eyes)
Yes sisters.....they are here.....no the alpha male does not take the lead.....perhaps we have not lost her to him.....she may stay with us yet.......if she does not want him he will make a tasty meal for us........
( licks lips and grins a toothy grin)

*Out the corner of her eye, Brusca sees the movement in the undergrowth*
"Now it's the she wolves turn! It looks as though the whole damned region is spying on me, I'll be having a word at the next calling of the great council about this........"

*Brusca certain that she has declared her love for someone who obviously does not want it looks up and again saluting Josef speaks formally to him.*

"Emperor, I apologise for my previous actions, obviously I was mistaken about your intent in this matter, so you shall continue to have a Valkyrja as a body guard as Odin dictated"

*She lowers her arms and stands to atention*

"I am awaiting your command."

Knew it, the lad hasn't got it in him, too many years away from his forbares, he doesn't know a good thing when it smacks him in the eye. Yeah she'll have to go with him, she's been told to, but we're not loosing our best Valkyrja lads......

We can see that, (hehe) perhaps one of us will be able to catch her on the rebound?
We have always found that the Valkyrja are such a waste of the best womanhood, though it looks as though Brusca will be one for a long time to come if it is left to this.....boy.....

*Brusca remains standing to attention*

"Emperor, I await your orders, do you wish me to take you back to your people or do I concider myself dismissed?"

"Back home I go."

He said simply, awaiting transport.

*With the ease of one born to the saddle, Brusca mounts the huge war horse. She speaks no words, her face a mask of calmness only her eyes show the pain and hurt that she feels inside. She leans down and holds her hand out to help him onto the back of her stead.*

"With your permission Emperor?"

*The sound of another horse thundering towards them takes Brusca's attention away from the Emperor and for the first time during his visit, Josef see's another Valkyrja.
Josef follows her gaze and sees an identical horse to Brusca's charging over the meadow towards them, on his back a beautiful, powerfully built woman, dressed in the cermonial aromour of a Valkyrja, her raven hair bound in thick braids.
Brusca kicks her steed into action and meets her halfway, leaving Josef standing just out of earshot.

The two women speak quickly to each other, Brusca looks towards the Emperor, then back to the woman and continues the conversation. The other Valkyrja does the same, then shakes her head, gesturing towards the way she came. Josef can see that the conversation is turning into a heated argument, the horses stomp at the ground and toss their heads in agitation as the women continue, until finally Brusca breaks away and returns to him. Her face shows a combination of anger, frustration and sorrow.*

"I must leave you Josef, Odin has lost his patience and I have been recalled.
Sol, (she gestures to the Valkyrja walking her mount towards them), will take you home."

*For a moment she pauses as if to say more, but instead just bows deaply to him and turns her horse. As she passes the other Valkyrja, Brusca nods to her and kicks her horse into action, riding hard and fast across the meadow she is gone.*

*Sol stops her horse in front of Josef, she bows and holds out her hand, in very much the same way as Brusca had done.*

"Emperor Josef, I am to return you to your home lands."

"Lets go then."

He responded.

Sol helps him up onto her horse and to show her dislike for the fact and what he has done to Brusca, she doesn't even wait for him to be settled before she kicks her steed into action.
The ride back to Joef's homelands is cold and uncomfortable and even though the country is in dissaray, sol manages to find a quiet place to land.
She allows him to dismount then looks down on him, her face filled with disgust.
"You have dishonoured one who is dear to us Emperor, she was willing to give up all for you and you were too foolish a mortal to realise. May this be a lesson to all of the Valkyrja."
With that she leaves him.