Dirty little secret

It was Inga who had alerted Valkyrie to the presence of the elderly male. She'd been keeping watch of the mainland facing beach since the band had begun stashing their goods on it. A brief description had been given to Valkyrie and after determining she was unfamiliar with him, Valkyrie began to make her way to him.

 

She found him sitting on the beach. The wind brought his scent to her and though she couldn't put a name or encounter to it, she thought it was familiar. After a few more steps it occurred to her why it was so familiar. She had scented him before. On more than one occasion his scent had mingled with Eisleif's.

More curious than hostile now, Valkyrie picked up the pace. The bear skull halves were still new enough that she was aware of their weight. Currently the pieces were separated. The lower jaw hung around her neck with teeth pointing outwards while the head portion was also tied around her neck but thrown over her shoulder so that it banged against the right side of her rib cage. The first time she wore them she'd felt their power and that had inspired her to carry them with her at all times. Only in battle would it be worn over her head and imbue her with the ferocity of a bear, but at her side it was a constant reminder of what she could have and it filled her with its hunger.

She made no effort to hide her approach, and her gaze was open and unabashed as she studied him. Finally she was within speaking distance and she slowed to a stop before him. Her stance was casual; she knew what she could do; she feared few wolves and even fewer old men. "You are a stranger to me," she said coolly as she sought his gaze. "And yet everywhere I go, you have been. Why is this?"