a shadow over the land

Baldur debated his options. He could try and push past Sk?ll or he could simply turn around and head back down while putting up with his brother following him. Either way he was about ready to leave this conversation. Sk?ll was polite sure enough but as every bit as untrustworthy as Loki in Baldur's mind. He didn't really want to know what plans were cooking in the younger wolfs head nor did he particularly care as he was already forming plans of his own.


And yet Baldur hung around, wondering if there was an news of Hodr. He had a bad feeling at it struck him for the first time since he'd left that his twin might be punished for his actions against Vili and Ve if not for his resemblance to Baldur alone. His outward expression seemed cool and apathetic though deep inside his heart was churning. Sk?ll's answer wasn't terribly helpful but at least it was a start and he wasn't as prone to lying as Loki thank goodness. So Hodr was still clinging to the crumbling empire?


Baldur glanced out across the horizon, back toward the land he was born in. It was tempting to go back, to get Hodr? to maybe slay one of his uncles. There was a seed of bitterness though toward his twin. Wasn't Hodr there when he'd made his move against Vili? Had he stood there and watched? Or was Baldur's memory simply failing him? It seemed everyday his thoughts and his memories would twist and shift into new shapes no matter how hard he tried to sort them. Seeing Sk?ll again was not helping.


"Well, with a little luck the fates will grant Vili a swift end. It was nice running into you Sk?ll but I must be on my way." Baldur pressed his right side up against the mountain as he attempted to brush past his younger brother.


"Speech"