fierce mouth like a scarlet flower

“But unlike sirens, selkies don't mean any harm with their songs. They don't sing to seduce or to kill. Their songs have nothing to do with anyone but themselves. They sing for the simple joy of it, and because of that, I imagine their songs are more beautiful than those of any siren.” Aldis Sela | 27 | Human | Fur Trader |

[aldissela]

A Little Bird Told Me | Aldis & Magnir

[aldissela]

magnirryggia:

She’d been trying to make headway with him, which was fair. He’d been nothing but unresponsive to her questions and offerings of conversation. Quite rightly too as he knew what she suspected of him, and it was a conversation he was dead set on not having. For a long while he just stood there, open mouthed like a fish gasping for air. How did you respond to a woman whose father you never remembered killing? Just as he was set to answer, to make himself scarce, things drastically changed. He could feel it in the air, under his skin. Something was wrong, so terribly wrong that he hadn’t experienced since his last tangle at The Pass. On instinct, he reached out to grab Aldis’ wrist, the sounds outside echoing from some distance away. But it wasn’t going to be long, Magnir knew that much. Conflict no matter how ridiculous had a habit of spreading, encapsulating people who couldn’t in any way defend themselves. Just when he thought he could relax, the fates would have him thrown into the midst of chaos.

With a ‘companion’ no less, the last person he wanted to be stuck with, but the last person whose death he wanted to have on his conscience as well. Nobody deserved to die without having their questions answered. She didn’t deserve that. The sound of a scream pierced his ears, and then Magnir knew, this couldn’t have been good. Adrenaline rushing through him, he yanked the plate from Aldis’ hand and quickly threw it on the table. It didn’t matter, eating could come later if they got away. “I know I’m the last person you’d care to listen to but,” he tugged lightly on the wrist he still had in his grip, “We need to get out of here now.” Before the chaos ripped through the tents and they had no way of escaping, looking around he could already see people making their swift exits. It was only a matter of time.

She was so close to getting him to actually engage in conversation, she could feel it. Even if he just tried to excuse himself, this would be the longest conversation they had had to date, and that alone was an exciting prospect. Just when an answer, any kind of answer, was about to come at last... he stopped. Unreasonable anger bubbled up inside her and her own mouth opened, perhaps to demand a reason as to why he was choosing to stare off around them instead of looking her in the eyes and answering her for a change. But his hand on her wrist stopped her dead. Her skin prickled as she saw how tense he was suddenly, a tension that clearly had nothing to do with her but which was probably related to the sudden icy wind that made her shiver. It was summer, no wind should be this chilling.

Shouts and screams rose around them. People began milling around, some running, some with weapons running in the direction of the screams. The word ‘giants’ caught her ear, but she hardly registered it as Magnir spoke again. Aldis stared up at him, unable to protest the loss of her food or his urgency. His tone filled her with the same sort of dread as the völva’s words a year ago, and instinct drove her to nod and follow. Evasive he might be, but Aldis trusted him to at least be honest in such a situation as this one. She twisted her wrist in his grasp and took his hand as massive forms appeared on the horizon, shapes too large for her to comprehend as anything but dangerous. “Come on,” she said, not bothering to hide the quiver in her voice or the fear in her eyes, and began pushing through the crowd.

[aldissela]

Chimes and treat!

“My favorite sound would have to be singing. I can’t even care if it’s poor singing, so long as the singer is putting all their heart into it. Song is the purest medium through which the human heart can express joy, and even if it is a rough or wordless song, it will always soothe my heart. I move music in general, too, though I’m a poor musician myself.

“As for my favorite sweets, I love berries candied in honey. Strawberries are my favorite when I can get them. I’m also guilty of eating honey straight from the jar, though.”

[aldissela]

Folk!

“The most fantastical?. Well, I suppose that would be the... the völva I met in Jentoft. I’ve heard of völvas and their prophecies, but having one given to me was... Well, it was certainly not an experience I shall ever forget, however much I wish I could.”

[aldissela]

A Little Bird Told Me | Aldis & Magnir

[aldissela]

magnirryggia:

As the celebrations grew and grew, Magnir found himself tiring a lot easier. He was completely convinced it was because of the company he’d spent most of his time in, being around hordes of people really wasn’t something that he was used to. But a promise of a long term of peace and quiet after this was what kept him going. Knowing full well that people would soon go back to their ways of avoiding him and the farm. Conversations or encounters would just be on his terms and nobody else’s. Nonetheless, he was tired, and with the aching in his bones came a hunger deep within the pit of his stomach. He was not a man to ignore his body when it was calling out so loudly to him. Food, then rest, that would be it for that day’s activities.

It wasn’t hard to find food during the festivities. If nothing else, Magnir could bargain on finding something or other to eat. To find it wasn’t a task at all, and once he did he more than filled his plate with enough food and found somewhere quiet to eat it. It filled rather well, but he wasn’t a small man and his gurgling stomach demanded more food to keep it quiet. He kept in his mind the thought of resting his head when he approached the table once again. A minor plan, yes, but it kept him focused and calm. So focused that he hadn’t noticed another hand reaching for the last chicken leg, hadn’t seen who it was until their hands collided. He wanted to curse when he did though, of all the luck and he was clearly get a bad hand of it. Almost immediately he pulled his hand away and made to turn away, this was still not a conversation that he really wanted to have. “My apologies,” he sighed, “It’s all yours.” On second thoughts, he wasn’t hungry anymore. No, he just wanted to sleep, despite the dreams it would give him. Especially at the sight of Aldis there in front of him, he let out a soft laugh, of all the people it had to be her he bumped into. “We must stop meeting like this.”

Indeed, Aldis wasn’t sure if she was wholly comfortable bumping into him like this all the time. But she had a superstitious streak which told her it was fate that they kept being thrown together. Someone on high was clearly trying to tell her something. The laugh he gave was... a sort of strange sound to hear. It was almost like he didn’t make it often, and from his expressions every time she’d seen him previously, she found it easy to believe that he rarely laughed at all. And the speed with him he withdrew his hand, almost like she was cursed and he feared it would catch hold of him... She was half-offended and half-intrigued. Her father had always said that Aldis was at her most troublesome when she found something intriguing. She was like a seal with a fish—she’d not let go for anyone.

“Must we?” Aldis half-joked, giving a chuckle of her own to match his. She held the chicken leg towards him, cocking her head with an apologetic smile. “Are you certain? You seem in need of sustenance, and there’s plenty of other cuts for me to take.” Neither the leg nor the remaining cuts in the bowl meant any more to her now than the other bits of food on her plate. Her sole focus was on keeping Magnir in one place for a change, long enough to get even the smallest shred of information out of him. And by Thor’s thunder, she would get it.

“I saw you working, before. Helping set up, I mean,” she said, eyes appraising him as she spoke. She took in every article of clothing on him, every line of fatigue on his face, the weariness and wariness in his eyes. “I wish I could have been more use to you all. But I got so busy, and honestly I’m a bit useless when it comes to that sort of thing. My father never trusted me with a hammer, or setting up camp. Said I was more likely to knock my own head off than pitch a tent.”

[aldissela]

rohanernouf:

“I’ll take that bet, though I’ve learned not to bet against women, if my sister’s skills are any consolation.” Rohan lifted his shirt to wipe the sweat off his brow. It seemed he was always sweaty, always working. Now that they May Pole was upright and the last of the bonfires had been lit, he had time to relax. He’d have to bathe later on, or he’d miss the celebrations. He smiled at the young woman, raising a thick eyebrow as he beheld her. She looked kind enough, if not gentle. But that was another thing he had learned not to assume. Kind looking didn’t always mean gentle, but sometimes quite the opposite.

“I’ll bet you two silvers the Nysno warrior loses because he’s trying to use a blade. If he looses.” Rohan grinned, watching as Ulric tried to parry the maiden’s blows. The Ernouf family was cocky, and even when they all knew their strengths, it didn’t stop them from trying to master the things that weren’t their skill set.

The fellow beside her had a knowing look about him as he watched the fight. He must have known the man representing Nysno, and the way he spoke of the combatant’s possible strategy made her laugh. Or maybe it was the mead. Or both. “Shame on him if he tries as much! Blades are for the sparring ring. As if I know anything about that. I’m no warrior.” She giggled again and took another drink. She could handle herself in a hard spot, but she wouldn’t do half as well as either the shield-maiden or the warrior were doing.

“But I will take that raise,” she replied, toasting the man next to her with a cheeky smile. Inwardly, she said a little prayer to Freyr to guard her coin purse tonight and drew his runes on her leg with a stealthy finger. “It’s going to be a good match either way. I wouldn’t think he’d need such a tactic, not with how swift his fists are. You know him well, I take it?”

[aldissela]

A Little Bird Told Me | Aldis & Magnir

@magnirryggia

It took her a little while to extricate herself from the throng of people watching the race, but well worth it. All this feasting and she hadn’t had a moment to stop and get a bite for herself. Even though the focus had shifted to revelry in honor of the holiday, there were still plenty of tents and stalls for merchants who were willing to stay and sell anything that might be needed. And while hers wasn’t a stall that was still open, she wasn’t about to turn down anyone who dropped by her tent in need of something. Between running around, dancing a little, and cheering on those competing, only a little ale and water had passed her lips and she was now famished.

Luckily, this holiday was one of feasting aplenty. Great fires besides the bonfires roared day and night to prepare the livestock and game brought by the attendees, and everyone was welcome to as much as they fancied. Ahead of her, the tantalizing smell of freshly roasted chicken beckoned Aldis onward and brought her to a table laden with food, a platter of butchered and expertly seasoned chicken at its center. She grabbed a plate without hesitation and began loading it, coming to the chicken last to find that of all the cuts, only a single leg was left. Her hand darted out to seize it, but she froze as another hand collided with hers. Aldis looked up, prepared to laugh at the situation, but the laugh died in her throat. “Oh. Hello again.”

[aldissela]

Beltane was one of Aldis’s favorite festivals, second only to Ostara and Yule. The bright array of colors and flowers all around her, the singing and dancing and music, even the shouts and cheers and grunts of those participating in the competitions never failed to brighten her mood. It was enough to momentarily drive thoughts of her father from her mind. She took a sip from her horn, relishing the sweet taste of the mead, and watched as a warrior from Nysno and one from Alrekstad wrestled upon the grass.

This far north, there was still a touch of snow on the very tips of the mountains around them, but down here in the valley of The Pass, all was unusually green and bright. It must have been a blessing, she thought, watching the warriors grapple to more cheers. The gods approved of these villages coming together at last and making peace. There would even be some exciting news, she was told, of an impending marriage. Were she of the Aesir (and of course she would never presume to be such), she’d certainly drive away the harsh weather for such an occasion. She nudged the person beside her and gestured with her horn. “Five pieces of gold says the shield-maiden from Alrekstad wins.”

[aldissela]

“Keep your hair on, let me see what I’ve got here,” Aldis said, trying her best to be soothing in the face of the harried girl at her stall. This Beltane celebration was going to be the best thing to happen to her sales in months, no doubt about it. But only if she stayed on top of her stock. And already it was starting to dwindle. Predictably, the smaller and lighter pelts were going fastest, so she was trying her hardest to push a few bigger items out. “Sorry, love, you’ll have to come back tomorrow, I’m all out of rabbit. I do have some prime buck skins which would work just as well—” Clearly, this girl wasn’t fussy, because she practically threw the coins into Aldis’s hand and dashed off with the skins before Aldis had a chance to explain. Well. Whatever worked then. With a slightly bemused expression, she turned to the next person waiting. “Sorry about the wait, what can I do you for?”

[aldissela]

Another Life! - The 70´s

It’s so strange, but for some reason I always sort of just forget the 70′s happened. But that would be such an interesting place to put Aldis! The recession from the oil crisis would put her and her dad in a hard spot, but they’d make it through. I think they’d have a clothing store, definitely geared more towards hippies and that type of fashion. Aldis would absolutely have been part of any protests against the Vietnam War until it ended, along with any environmentalist and civil rights issues that would have cropped up. She’d be all about the rise of the feminist movement during that time, though I still think she would have hated Margaret Thatcher. Her beat up old VW Bug would have had the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd playing on the radio constantly, and I think she would have had a love-hate relationship with disco. And you can bet that she saw Star Wars: A New Hope in theaters when it first came out, and annoyed her dad half to death gushing about Princess Leia for the rest of the year.

[aldissela]

(AU ask meme) Another life: New York City Mafia

Oh man, that would be intense. Aldis’s dad would probably have gotten himself deep in debt to the mafia to keep his business afloat, and pays it off by doing things for them. Aldis ends up helping out when she’s old enough. Mostly, they’re a money laundering front, but occasionally they store and move more illicit product for the mafia who owns their debt. One night, while her dad is running a shipment of guns, his truck is hijacked by an unknown assailant and he’s killed. It’s thought to have been an accident by the police, while the mafia Aldis works for thinks it was a rival gang. The mafia makes Aldis responsible for her dad’s debt, and while she works for them, she tries to uncover who really killed her dad.

[aldissela]

inkeriernouf:

Market day was one of the few times Inkeri could actually dissolve into the crowd. In Nysno, she was Ivar’s daughter. In Alrekstad, she was Balsi’s betrothed. Even in Asketill, where she visited out of the blue moon, she was the sister to the boy who might one day be king. Titles, tiles, titles— annoying, annoying, annoying. But at the market that sprung to life in the waning months of spring as crops and animals woke from their slumber, she could simply be a healer. A healer who needed to replenish her stores, because even with Runa’s help, there were some plants that simply didn’t want to grow in Midgard’s northern region.

She’d been practicing her bargaining skills when she stumbled into the cart, determined to get the medicine and plants she needed at a decent price. Merchants were always a frivolous bunch with too much pride in their wares. Not all of them, but there was a reason people had to argue about prices so damn much.

“Son of a—” The short girl lurched as a corner of the fur cart nicked her side, sucking in a breath of air through her teeth. “Ow! Odin in Asgard, that hurt.” She pushed the heel of her palm into the spot that would no doubt bruise, splaying out her other arm to catch her balance.

“I’m fine!” She called over her shoulder, turning to look at the female who had spoken. Inkeri could have sworn she’d seen the girl around before— something about looking for a missing family member. The bastard opened her mouth to introduce herself, but before she could form any words, her eyes slid to the furs stacked neatly upon the cart. “Holy Hel,” she breathed, eyes going wide as she didn’t bother to ask to touch the furs. “These are fantastic!”

She had to ensure that her wares weren’t about to go flying all over the ground from the impact, but the moment they seemed stable, Aldis turned towards the source of the swearing. Well, at least the girl was still upright and walking, and there was no sign of blood. She’d actually seen someone manage that back in Asketill. It caused an awful lot of trouble in the market that day. People instinctively shied away from stalls near which an accident happened. The littlest things could ruin an otherwise great day of sales.

“That sounded like it hurt,” she said, still eyeing the younger woman with concern. “Are you sure you’re alright?” Aldis knew too well how pretty a bruise from bumping into carts could be. But clearly, everything was indeed fine. As she was about to insist on taking a look, just to make sure she wasn’t more gravely injured than either of them though, the girl’s eyes lit up and she made a beeline for Aldis’s furs. For a moment, she feared the racks might tip over properly this time, but her touch was clearly loving and gentle.

“Thank you!” Aldis replied, beaming brightly at the compliment. This was one reason she preferred selling in the north. The markets might be huge down south and on the coast, but people up here appreciated furs far more. Especially in Nynso, which saw the coldest seasons in all of Midgard. She leaned back against the side of the cart and nodded to her supply. “You lot have great hunting up here, especially now that the rabbits are finally coming up from their sleep.”

[aldissela]

magnirryggia:

It wasn’t all that often that Magnir ventured anywhere near the market, especially with his preference to steer clear of crowds. But the longer he stayed away, the more his supplies dwindled at the farm and he definitely didn’t want to be caught short. Preparation and stocking ahead of time were his greatest allies in that case. Navigating his way round the market made him a little tense, and with the growing warmth in the air it wasn’t long until he had to wipe the sweat from his brow. The sooner he got out of there the better, as far as he was concerned.

He felt eyes on him as he bustled around, it was rather unnerving for him to know that people were watching. Admittedly, his appearance didn’t exactly make him inconspicuous but he kind of wished he could have gone about his business without feeling like everyone there knew his secret. Nobody knew, of course, but Magnir was sure he’d always have that thought lingering in the back of his mind. For a moment, he stopped to steady himself, his eyes briefly scanning around him in the hopes of finding what he was looking for a little quicker.

Instead of steadying him, it only made things worse. He’d seen a figure some way behind him, giving him a knowing look. Or at least he thought he saw someone, it could have quite easily been his mind playing trick on him. Even so, one moment they were there and the next they weren’t. Magnir attempted to move away from the flock of patrons around, but he wasn’t getting anywhere fast. He took in sharp breath through his nostrils and out through his lips. As he attempted to bypass another person he found his body coming into contact with a cart.

He let out a little wince at the swift contact it made, and pulled away to apologise to the owner. Shit. It was her. Just what he didn’t need. “I’m fine,” he paused for a moment to take another cursory look around, “Sorry about that. I’m in a rush.”

Aldis almost missed the face of the man who had bumped into her wares. Though she was concerned for whoever it was, she was equally... okay, slightly more concerned about making sure her furs didn’t end up on the ground. Dirt meant bugs, bugs ate at pelts, and damaged pelts were no good to her or anyone else. But nothing had fallen, so she returned her attention to—

Odin’s eye. She barely stifled a small gasp at the sight of the tall man before her. The one who always seemed to vanish whenever she showed up, or went out of his way to avoid speaking to her. She couldn’t tell if it was simple lack of manners, or something else. But whenever she saw the way he picked up and left, she couldn’t help feeling more than a little suspicious. Not that she had any proof of a reason to be suspicious. Just a gut feeling similar to the one she’d felt when she decided to follow that old woman in Jentoft. One which told her there was something not quite right about him or his behavior, and that she should be watching him. And she always trusted her gut feelings.

Besides, he was clearly trying to avoid her again now. Barely glanced in her direction when he apologized. If he really was just rude, she would find out soon enough. Aldis managed to keep her expression polite and helpful. “It’s alright. No harm done, see?” She gestured to the racks of furs, watching him in what she hoped was a curious but detached manner, one hand idly running through a bearskin. “Where are you in such a hurry to go? Most people aren’t in such a rush to finish their shopping on a nice day like this.”

[aldissela]

TASK #1: ALDIS SELA

“My heart wants roots. My mind wants wings. I cannot bear their bickerings.” — E.Y. Harburg

[aldissela]

The market was pleasantly busy, thanks to the changing weather. With the first days of summer creeping up on them, more people wanted to be out of doors and enjoying the fresh air unencumbered by rain or snow. Of course, summer meant a slight drop in business for Aldis—thick furs to keep warm were less in demand—but there was still always some need for one reason or another. Maybe it was just a rug, or a hanging for a door frame. She certainly wasn’t about to judge; she was just here to give people the finest furs they’d ever laid eyes on.

Mostly, anyway. Market days also meant a chance to see new faces and get news. Perhaps news of her father. Every passing day made Aldis’s fears about the völva’s prophecy grow, and every night without news made her sleep more uneasy. Sometimes, all she wanted to do was hole up in a rented room for a few days, not leaving until the weight of her worries lessened. But without coin to pay for it, she’d be out of a room quickly. So here she was, a bright smile on her face as she lounged against her cart-stall and scanned the crowd for buyers.

As she was eyeing a woman nearby with an old mink collar that could use replacing, something or someone jostled her cart as they bumped into it. Aldis’s hand sprang out to steady the rack of furs beside her and looked up. “Careful! Are you alright there?”

[rohanernouf-blog]

Sweat dribbled down his nose, but Rohan hardly noticed as his hammer made a sharp clang against the glowing orange of the blade he was crafting. A difficult order, but not impossible— more for style than use, but sharp enough to kill. That had been the instructions, so that is what he created. A droplet of sweat hissed against the blade, causing the blacksmith to blink out of his daze.  

His crystal eyes swept upwards as the bear skin pelt covering his open door slide aside, letting light into the other wise dark forge— the only light besides the fires that roared behind him. He sighed, wiping the moisture from his brow, looking back down at his careful work. He didn’t look at the stranger as he thrust the blade into the bucket at his feat, his face clouded by steam as it boiled the water.

 "Friend, you do realize how late it is? Treaty or not, you should mind yourself out there. Night is dangerous.“ Dangerous, if alone. “I am closed, but I’m happy to help, should you need it. What can I do for you?”

[aldissela]

Instinct kept her hand on the pelt over the door. In the dimming light, it was hard to tell the natural of it by sight, but the feel... Aldis’s fingers ran through the hairs as she moved it aside to pass, lingering over them and tracing down to assess the long, heavy fibers. A fine bear pelt, well handled, fleshed properly... This was quality work. Not hers or her fathers, so not perfect in her eyes, but very good all the same.

The voice of the blacksmith rang out, not quite as sharp as a hammer on an anvil, but just as clear. Aldis pulled her attention back to her purpose in the forge tonight and let the pelt drop gently back into place. “I know full well, that’s why I always travel prepared,” she answered with a little half-smile, secretly aware of the pressure of a long knife strapped to her hip and another shorter one in her boot.

“I apologize for coming to late, sir, but I’ve a professional emergency.” She removed her heavy cloak and placed it on a nearby chair so she wouldn’t overheat in from the flames of the furnaces, and held up a leather-wrapped parcel. “My best fleshing knife has met with misfortune” A pang of sadness pierced her heart, but she swallowed and pushed on. Never mind that the two-handled blade had been a gift from her father. The beautiful iron blade that had lasted for over ten years didn’t care about its origins when it snapped at the meeting of the metal and one wooden handle. “Of course I have a spare to use in the meantime, but this one will be hard to replace. Still, I thought it best to try.”

[worldofdreaminghearts]

Emma Watson by Peter Lindbergh

[thewonderfulwatson]