The gods had smiled on him.  Víðarr could feel their approval in the warmth of hard fought victory, wrapped around his shoulders and wrapped around his heart.  There is something in him that could not be held back, could not be tamed, could not be controlled.  All he'd done, he'd done for them.  For them, and for his family.  A man could live for both, couldn't he?  He could live and breathe for them, live and die for them. It was all the same. For Víðarr, it was all the same. He will live and die by them all the same.

Walking away with a victory clutched between his teeth, bruised and bloody-- there is no better feeling. There is little he loves more. The shadowed viking king... yes. That feels good on his tongue. The title was still a work in progress, sure. The words assigned him by the common man meant little, if anything at all. No, meaning comes from what Víðarr would assign to it. Meaning... isn't that what they're trying to do? That was a thought perhaps too deep for the moment. He was still riding high on the victory, riding high on it all.

Riding high as he crests the Maw. The very top, the highest point. High enough to hear the rush of wind in his ears. High enough to hear the call of the void, though he pushed back against it. Víðarr had promised the woman of his dreams, the woman he planned to make his wife, a mountain. What a glorious mountain it was. It's from the very top that he tips his head back and lets loose a call, deep and haunting. An edge of danger, yes. Víðarr beckoned for all who dare join them. All who would walk beside them through the carnage and call it theirs.

Ooc: open for whoever would like to join Heiðinn, planning to respond on 8/13 (one week from now) <3

Following her departure from Avalon, Keetie had wondered for a time. She wasn’t sure what she was looking for. Her memories had started to trickle back in, and she knew she had family out there. Somewhere forgotten, and lost to her. At least for now. As she searched for… what, she wasn’t entirely sure…. She heard of the battle fought for pack lands.

She missed the battle, if only just. The scent of the victor was surprisingly familiar to her. Following this faint source of her past, she let it take her up a difficult to traverse mountain. Her cat bundling beneath the coat draped over her back.

She wasn’t sure what compelled her forward, but she was determined to start making decisions for herself again. She found the imposing Viking figure there, at the top peak of Fenrir’s maw. Her eyes roamed across his body. Familiar, yes. She couldn't yet place where she had known him from.

She stepped a little closer, presenting herself to him with a slowly building smile. “Room for one more?” she asked, her voice a rumbling purr.

"Speech"

She'd been wandering for what felt like ages. Not quite fitting into one place or the other, not quite finding where she belonged since Valentine had slipped away from them. The multitude of siblings she had under the name of Regni...the drive to work her way to Imperialis had all but slipped away. The Imperialis family seemed to be nothing more than a distant memory now. Of all the stories and everything she had been told by the Founder himself...well...she had abandoned that goal and was working toward her own goals now. A name she felt worthy of. Something she wanted to earn through her own achievements. Her prowess. Something that would bring her honor. She had caught the tail end of the fight for the fallen pack, and when the viking warrior took off to the nearby mountains, Brida couldn't help but to follow. She was interested to see and hear what his goals were. To see if maybe this would be the place for her. The wayward pagan warrior wanted a place to settle. A place where she could find glory in the fields of battle. Maybe this would be it. Or maybe it wouldn't...only time would tell. Upon her arrival, only one other was there. Another she-wolf with colors similar to her own. She walked up with head held high, her ravens circling above as they checked things out before coming to land upon her broad back. She dipped her head to the new King, a glint in her eye. "Are you seeking a path to glory?" Was that even his goal? Was he going to be the one to guide her on this endeavor? Or was she mistaken? "Brida"

It had been a good fight to witness. The Klein wench had fallen. Though he didn't know which one it was, Gimli had zero sympathy for any of Klein blood. He had disowned them and their name for years now and had changed his own name and forged his own path. Though he'd always be related to them by blood, they would never be considered family or kin. They had abandoned him in the past, and they weren't the kind he could ever trust. He had been a loner ever since he left all those years ago, running with small bands or on his own. Raiding and surviving, making a name for himself out there. But even then, his Norweigan companion, Knut, was the only one he'd ever be able to truly trust with his life. Though it seemed fate would lead him towards a new path. Up into the mountains, the new leader would call. Gimli made his way there, finding others already beginning to gather. Of course, these people didn't have his trust. But that was never something easily given, right? Even he and Knut went through a long spell before they trusted each other the way they did now. The shaggy dwarf watched with curiosity, though for once remained quiet as he waited to hear what the new King had to say. "Gimli"||"Knut"

Rota hadn't needed to see the fight to know her brother would win, so she had taken her time assending to the peak of the maw. Strangers had gathered and a smirk graced her mud tarnished maw, green eyes assessing the rag tag group and finding them welcome enough. Though she itched to stand alongside her brother, she would leave the space open for the pale woman he seemed to spend much time with, when he wasn't off galavanting with the consequences of his actions... another surprise, but not an unwelcome one. This all seemed like a reason to celebrate, and there had been scant few chances for that in recent days. The cold was bracing, and winter was approaching. Just like home. Finally. A home.

“Speech”

Kiela had long since promised her allegiance to Víðarr, with her own caveats of course. Watching over her herd wasn't just a top priority in life, but it was her ultimate purpose, her destiny. Nothing else would supersede that, but she knew in her heart that following Víðarr would not cause interference. Though she expected to hear a call summoning his allies to gather, she hadn't expected it to be a victory cry - it sounded like he had won out over some opponent and no doubt laid claim to a land he wished to hold. Such a lifestyle was not something she was used to, though she had promised him she'd join him... staying stagnant was not something meant for her, but perhaps she could still serve some purpose in the pack he was building. She wasn't completely sure whether or not she'd ultimately join him but she intended to see if their fates could somehow align still. She considered it carefully as she made to answer his call. Sverre at her side, they made the arduous journey together to the top of Fenrir's Maw, only slowing once they reached the top. The wind whipping her coat was a refreshing feeling rather than a threatening one, and she reveled in the warning that the wind brought. Winter would be upon them soon, and here only the strongest wolves would flourish, she knew that well enough. "I wish to join, but as a... scout of sorts." The word was not one she used often and it felt strange on her tongue, not conversationally. Her accent had softened over the years she spent here but it was quite noticeable now as she spoke. "Let me tend to my herd and they will ensure we are always nourished and strong, even through the harshest of winters. Let me be a set of eyes and ears for you. I will always bring back word of what I find." She could not live stagnantly, but she knew she could a valuable asset, if Víðarr wished.

Sverre had been accompanying the woman for some time now, traveling with her and sharing knowledge on the reindeer. She'd mentioned of a man and his budding pack before, and so when the victory cry rang out, he was apt to follow her. These were all strangers to him, but if Kiela trusted them, so would he. He just hoped that they would have him, though he assumed a newly founded pack wouldn't push him away either.

As they ventured up the trecherous mountain, Sverre had to hand it to them. They certainly picked a place that was not worth the effort to most, effectively protecting them from more than had they not been at the top of a mountain. He approached a step or two behind Kiela, letting her speak first and looking between the presumed alpha and her. He hadn't quite thought about what he would want to do, though unless the man had other ideas, he figured helping Kiela with her reindeer would be better than someone else being assigned the task.

"I would like to join as well. I'm Sverre Ástríðurson, and I'd like to help Kiela with her herd and scouting if that's alright," he spoke after a slight dip of his chin and sat slowly beside Kiela.

"Speech!"

Art by Nairinnr at dA & Code by Skelle 2022

News had reached Úlfr of the pack challenge, courtesy of his ravens and their socializing with other birds in the area. He had been focusing on his hunting, trying to regain a better sense of the wildlife and their movements within Boreas after all his time away. He was traveling through the eastern mountains when he heard a call come echoing down from the maw, a voice he recognized. So… it was to begin. Úlfr abandoned his other plans and headed straight for the source of the sound.

He traveled carefully, picking his way through the tangled mountain paths to the maw and when he arrived there was already quite a crowd. He felt his stomach twist with the weight of memory, of being part of a proper pack. It had felt like so long, though in some ways barely a day. His heart ached for his mothers but it also burned to make them proud. His time in their homeland had sharpened his skills and he was ready to apply them. Still a hunter first he had gained more skill as a warrior and was eager to apply both toward his new home.

He dipped his head to Víðarr. "Congratulations on the pack, Víðarr. I still wish to join and assist in keeping the pack well fed and strong. My primary skills are as a hunter, though I have spent time in the homelands of my mothers and sharpened my skills as a warrior."

She was not made for the snow. For the cold. The frigid ice that clung to her fur. Clumps of the frozen mess dragged along each of her steps as she took her band up the slopes of the mountain. The shadow man, her second father, an adoptive grandfather, Vidarr himself was forming a pack. While she wanted the freedom that a band brought her and her makeshift family, Celeste also knew there was more safety in numbers. There would be no easier way to accommodate both of their wants than to side with Vidarr. By the time Celeste makes it to the top of Fenrir’s Maw, she is rather frozen solid. Teeth chattering and clinging as close to the others as she can, she tries to smile at the sight of Vidarr and the gathering of others he already has accumulated. Moving her lips is difficult, but she manages. She is proud of the Viking and what he has done. He’ll owe her a nice, thick cape for this though. “Vidarr, I bring the Stargazers to join your ranks. We can assist and the pups need training, but there will be times we travel. Ashen and Tojo-Kai will call for us to visit them,” her blue eyes stay trained on the new Alpha as she sits back to nestle herself between Kuroki and Cyanide.

Though she was tiny, she didn’t mind the cold. Hopping along as best as she could in the deep drifts of snow, Delphi giggled the whole way. Having the time of her life, happy to go wherever her parents took her. For now. The rebel bug was already started to seed itself within the growing pup. Soon, if not contained, she would get into trouble. She even made sure to lob a few snow balls at her siblings as they made their way to the peak. Delphi would have continued pestering the others if it weren’t for the sight of Vidarr. Alpha or not, meeting or not, she didn’t care. Bounding through the snow to rush up to the titan, Delphi happily hopped onto his paws and nearly wrapped herself around his foreleg. Looking up at him with a beaming smile, she tugged at his skin before speaking. “Gramps, we’re staying with you?!” Her squeal of delight was evident as she snuggled closer to him.

She would make her entrance late. Vidarr would know this. Know why she wasn’t already there with him when he called forth the others. This was her mountain now. Their mountain. It was perfect. Snow falling all around, swirling and dampening her fur. It did not bother her. She loved it, wanted it, yearned for it. Her expression said it all as she ascended to the peak. Content with her own solo exploration mission, Tenshi was ready to join the meeting. Trailing behind the band as they made their way, she only had eyes for Vidarr at first. Others would catch her attention as she made her way through the crowd. A nod and smile at Keila, happy that the herder decided to come by. Then a quick nudge of her shoulder against Rota’s before pulling away. She knew she would have to catch up with the woman at some point. Adding it to her list of things to do, Tenshi made her final steps to Vidarr’s side. While he was the shadow, she was the mountain. Strong, both apart and together. Standing beside him, she leaned against him for a moment. Uncaring what reaction that would bring from the others, Tenshi smiled. Her lips tilt up until they meet his ear. ”Jag är så stolt över dig, min älskade” The whisper is meant only for him as she leans back to meet his gaze. Learning his language was one of many things she wished to do to show him her loyalty. “You have quite a few showing up already,” Tenshi mentions as she looks around at the crowd once more. Aside from the band, she is impressed at how many are here. Faces she does and does not recognize. Pleased with the numbers, she settles back to sit and listen.

They were late, or well as late as one could be when it probably wasn't certain they'd even show up. Still Auðr couldn't help a twinge of doubt and guilt as they arrived, paws aching from the climb but they did not let it show on their face. The lithe wolf pushed their way through some of the gathered wolves, lifting their gaze to look up at their brother. ”Bror.” The word was simple, spoken with enough volume for Víðarr to hear but not meant as anything more declarative for anyone else. ”It had been some time, apologies. I've been taking this time to learn the tongue of the wolves here and more. But if you will have me there is no where I'd rather serve than behind you.” Not beside, no Auðr knew they were not the "stand in the spotlight" type, they'd take whatever place their brother would allow them and do so quietly but, effectively. ”Speech” ’Thought’

She followed Celeste and the others up the slopes of Fenrir's Maw. It had been a while since she was last here, and she wondered if the makeshift den she had temporarily stayed in was still standing, or if it had collapsed. She would worry about that later, however, and instead focused on getting up the mountain. She wasn't young anymore. She didn't have the energy she used to, but it did come in bursts here and there. She was still a capable fighter when need be, but she preferred wit over muscle.

At last, when the band reached the meeting group, Pandora found a seat and wearily laid herself to rest on the ground. She was interested to see who would show, and interested to hear what Vidarr's goals and resolves were. Though considering he had been a significant part of the band before his victory, she was sure she already knew. "I'd be honored to be your Priestess, should you need one." That was it. That was her pledge to join him.

Kuroki went where his family went, it was about as simple as that. Life didn't have to be complicated, though clearly it was gonna be a little bit chilly from here on out, if this was where the Old Man really wanted to settle down. He supposed it was fine though, moving from one extreme to the other since Kuroki did like to mix things up here and there. Remaining by Cel's side, he gave her a gentle nudge with his shoulder. If Viddar needed muscle for his new-found pack then you wouldn't find any better than Kuroki, sure he didn't understand the Viking ways and all that but he wasn't so fixated on being a fish that it would keep him up at night. "Whatever you need old man," He shrugged, fighter, hunter he could do it all.

It was cold here, windy too. Maki liked the change of scenery, the potential that came with it. Change was a good thing, she thought, it didn't make her feel nervous or as though the foundations beneath her paws were shifting. As long as she was with family all was well, and if anything she was proud of her grampee. This was what he'd wanted all along, to return to the old ways, to shift the story to fit his design, have the ending he'd wanted all along. It was all very exciting, what wasn't there to be happy about?

"You know loots of people." Maki noted, tilting her head slightly. And they came in so many different shapes, sizes and colours. A whole cast of vikings!

 

   

Cy was fucking freezing by the time they made their way to the top of the mountain. While she'd committed to following her family wherever they decided to go, why did they pick here? Her teeth chattered, knees shook-- why were they hellbent on choosing somewhere that she and Celeste both were bound to freeze their tails off? She stuck close to their sides, keeping an eye on the kids. Adventurous and unruly as they were, it would maybe be nice to have somewhere to settle down and sort themselves out for a bit. Still, did it have to be so fucking cold?

And then there was the question of Víðarr. Cyanide still wasn't sure she trusted him completely, though it seemed like he'd done his best. Her pink gaze remained steady on the viking king, offering him only a steady, silent nod. Watching. Waiting to see what he had to say for himself.
     
   

 

It was a long walk. Like, a very long walk. Longer than he was pretty sure he'd ever walked, but then, was Tama really keeping track? The boy wandered up the mountain, lagging behind his family as they soldiered on. The air only got colder and thinner... surely that wasn't safe. Surely it wasn't safe for anyone to be up here, let alone puppies. He was certain he knew that much, being an authority on the account of him being a puppy. His parents knew best, but like... did they? He panted and grumbled as they finally, finally made it to the top. Tama flopped over dramatically at his father's feet, whining softly as he did. He was tired and wanted to do absolutely no more walking today. It seemed like grandpa was already talking about something, which was probably the perfect time to maybe fall asleep. Surrounded by a veritable kaleidoscope of wolves, he would probably be safe here. Tama could get by like this, even if it was cold.

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.

Translation notes:
Kom hit - come here
Tack - thank you
Välkommen hem - welcome home