FORGED BY THE WRATH OF GODS

Among the first to answer the call, Lorikeet surprises him. Víðarr's brow lifts for a moment, before regarding her with a nod. Surprising, but it's nice to see her again. It had been far too long, after all. Not long after her, a blue girl, unknown to him. Something reminiscent of one of the healers from Celeste's band, though he couldn't put his finger on exactly what similarity they shared. She spoke of glory, and a grin broke out over Víðarr's features. "Glory, and more than that." The shadow can't help it, not in the slightest. A short, bearded man joined them as well, and Víðarr offered him a tip of his head and a curious look. Short, stout. If nothing else, he certainly looked the part.

Róta joined them next, and the shadow broke into a broad grin. "Róta, kom hit." He indicated the space to his left with a toss of his head, inviting her to stand by his side. He hadn't risen this far alone, no. Víðarr was nothing without his family, or at least, he certainly felt like nothing. Kiela arrived, a strange man coming beside her. Víðarr's expression softened as he regarded the woman, a smile lingering in his tone. "It would be an honor." The words are chosen carefully, spoken gently. His gaze turned to Sverre, appraising, as if trying to see clear through the man. "If Kiela agrees, then that is fine by me." If she trusted him, then Víðarr would too.

"Tack, Úlfr." Víðarr was grateful that he was still interested, even after a handful of false starts. He hoped he could bring the man the closeness to his mother, as it seemed he longed for it. The next arrivals were the ones that brought the shadow equal parts surprise and joy. Víðarr broke into a grin, scooping Delphi up as soon as she was in reach to set her upon his shoulders. "Who allowed you to get so big? Look at you, all of you." The absence of the rest of the girl's tail doesn't go unnoticed, but that would need to be addressed later. His gaze rests on each of the pups in turn. In the season and a half since he'd seen them, it seemed that they'd nearly exploded over night. "I do not dream of asking you to abandon your way of life for me. This is your home now, too." Víðarr addressed Celeste, but dipped his muzzle to both Kuroki and Cyanide in turn as well.

Tenshi's arrival brings a warmth to his chest that he cannot conceal, cannot hide. It spreads across the shadow's rough-hewn features, leaning to kiss her temple. Affectionate, brassy, perhaps a bit bold. His heart pounded in his chest, hearing the woman speak his mother tongue. Appreciation, and something else. "Jag älskar dig," it's whispered, for her ears only, as the rest settle before him. There were so many, and he's grateful. Grateful to them, grateful to the gods. The next to join them also served as a surprise, but a welcome one. "Välkommen hem, Auðr." They would have plenty to talk about, but that was later. It was time to celebrate. Bringing up the rear, another of the Stargazers. Víðarr offered Pandora a respectful dip of his head, an appreciative smile. "Every connection to the gods is welcome."

Finally taking a moment to look at them all, to really see them, it's a rush. Víðarr looks out upon all of them, gaze bright. He begins, a commanding, inspiring quality to his voice. "In the name of the gods, I claim this mountain for you-- my family. Heiðinn." The shadow paused, gaze casting to the crowd gathered before him. "The mountain is tough, and we will need to be tough to thrive here. We take care of each other, we take care of the land, and the gods will take care of us in return." His heart is full, and Víðarr is gleaming with it, brilliant. "It is time to put Boreas on notice. We will raid. We will fight. We will rise." The shadow tossed his head, gaze burning bright. Unable to hold back the energy in his chest, the viking king raises his muzzle. From somewhere deep in his chest, a battle cry. An invitation for the rest to join him in it.

Rise and reign.