Eir of Valhalla

Erica Burgess: Barmaid at Statue Tavern Eir: Healer of the Valkyries

[healinghandmaiden]

hallowcd

It was quiet, as it always was, and so Elijah had time to dedicate himself to maintaining the scripture. He organised the meagre library that was kept in the back of the church, nothing quite like the grand sweeping libraries of knowledge back home, and dusted the fixtures. Work for an assistant, or for a young boy from the village to occupy himself with, but Elijah had neither. The church was in dire need of a lick of paint but he hadn’t found the strength to stand precariously on a stool with a brush to get into all the nooks and crannies. Chores for another time, he was better suited to relighting the candles and keeping everything orderly for the next mass. Although he wasn’t sure if there was any point in staying late incase someone came by. It was laughable having two masses on a friday when he could scarcely round up enough on a sunday.

Elijah glanced over his shoulder at the scuffle of feet in the doorway, her face was not familiar although he could’ve sworn he’d seen her before perhaps in the town square, but he couldn’t be sure. He didn’t need his cane today but Elijah was not particularly fast as he crossed the church towards her. “No,” he smiled. Little amused that this tiny church could possibly represent them all on a whole. At home, their church even for a small town had far exceeded this one in its grandeur. Much less the cathedrals that could be found in the capital. They were works of art in their own right. “This is but a humble church that serves our divine Lord.” He gestured for her to take a seat in one of the pews.

“Are you interested in hearing the word of God?”

Noting the faint limp, she wondered about him. There was nothing of a warrior, such a thing would call to her, but he clearly bore the signs of injury. The healer in her wished to ease it, but she wasn’t supposed to. Her powers were meant for higher purposes, and to reveal herself would to ruin what she was trying to do. Peace was more important than one man’s comfort. “Does your god not wish for more?” She settled into the seat, now watching his face. “There are other places of worship here, and they truly honour their gods with beauty.” Remembering that his god was one of those who had never walked the earth, she could suppose that maybe they didn’t really know what he wanted. There was no proof, even for an immortal like her, that his god was real. 

Eir shook her head at his question. “No. It is very kind of you, but I worship Frigg and Freyja. My strength comes from them.” Fortunately, that truth fit in for the story of Erica, a girl from the north. “Actually, perhaps I should learn more about your faith. I know of many gods, but those gods that stand alone, I know so little about them.” Looking at him, she smiled, aware he probably would have preferred to speak to a woman who already believed. “You will not be able to convert me, but I would still like to understand. Would you agree that understanding can bring about peace? That is what brings so many to Atlantis now.” 

She didn’t want to bring up the jinn just yet, not until she understood the master a little better. She could not do anything to separate jinn from master, such things were forbidden for supernatural beings, the Valkyrie would still worry. She always did when it came to the jinn. 

[d-thomson-deactivated20190605]

“Ah, Kænland,” He chuckled with a shake of his head, “that strange land. ” He had been there, of course, but the pack had moved on quickly. The northerners weren’t to be easily trifled with nor was the north itself. 

He took a long sip from his mug as his mind flashed back to his childhood. So long ago it seemed. “I was born in Albion, I suppose I haven’t found a place to settle yet. One day.” He nodded, his jaw set from behind his mug. 

“Everyone comes for the circus.” He laughed, “the treaty is nothing more than a pamphlet.” It may have been a bit too honest, but he had never been one for the song and dance of falsities. It just wasn’t his forte. “Do you ask every patron in your tavern what their business may be or am I just that pretty?” 

[healinghandmaiden]

“Every land is strange to those outside it.” Eir pointed out with a small smile. Valhalla was indeed different to all mortal lands, and even to the fae realm, or the realms of the gods. There, women ruled. She personally thought it was much better that way. 

Having been to Albion many times, she smiled more. “It’s a charming land. You didn’t wish to settle there?” It wasn’t too surprising. All the demigods she’d met were always moving, seeking something out, even if they didn’t understand why. 

Although she hoped the treaty would take place, she also had no high expectations, so she laughed softly. “It’s hope. Some might argue that’s important.” Used to the vanity of men, she rolled her eyes. “Yes, you are attractive, and you could have any woman in here if you are looking for that. But I do not take men to my bed unless I like them. You’re so often disappointing as a whole, so I see no reason to waste my time when I can take care of my needs.”

[d-thomson-deactivated20190605]

He regarded the barmaid carefully. The pack had its own wives tales of women luring great men to their doom through pretty words though the more he interacted with the masses the less he believed in his forefathers fears. Besides, a conversation couldn’t hurt, with any luck she would even be able to tell him a bit about the houses who had set sail for Atlantis. 

“I won’t bite.” He said, little it mattered with the way she had already made up her mind to speak to him. “Couldn’t imagine you would. My people tend to be travelers.” He shrugged, turning toward the barman to order another pint. 

“But you’ve been getting lots of new faces in here lately, haven’t you?” 

[healinghandmaiden]

Eir laughed softly when he said he won’t bite. “What a relief.” Valkyries could not be turned the way so many others could, and killing one was near impossible. She was not afraid of anyone on this island. The only people more powerful than her were people she knew and liked. 

“I’m a traveller too, before I settled here. From Kænland, originally.” It wasn’t completely true. She wasn’t from Kænland, but her kind was worshipped there, and while she’d seen every inch of the world, it wasn’t exactly travelling. It’d been her duty to pick up fallen warriors, and there was no part of the world war hadn’t touched. 

Considering she was technically one of the new faces, having only been in Atlantis for a few months, she shrugged. “Everyone has come for the treaty, it seems. Is that what brought you here?” 

[healinghandmaiden]

lasorcierestewart

Annabelle smiled to the girl, waving her hand dismissively. “It is no problem, really. I am more than happy to help.” Her smile was kind, friendly, and she regarded the woman, with warmth radiating from her eyes. Anna listened to her explain her headache, nodding along as she understood perfectly. At her comment, the witch chuckled, bobbing her head in agreement. “That I can understand perfectly. Men tend to bring us headaches. Not my Benny, though. I am happy to have him, so I can only offer you my sympathy for having to endure the rougher sex.”

She pursed her lips in thought, nodding to herself, as she rose to her feet, turning towards one of the cabinets where she kept her balms. “Yes, yes, I think I have just the things for you.” Anna offered her another smile, digging through the shelf, searching for the mint balm she made. Her fingers grasped the small box, and with a smile she placed it in front of the woman. “Rub this to your temples, and the base of your nose, twice a day; before you go to work, and before your go to sleep.”

“No, I’d never say that all men are boors. Just many of them.” She smiled, thinking of the men on Valhalla. Chosen for their valor and bravery, they often had to learn to obey the women that ruled that island. Even Odin, a king of gods, knew to treat Valkyries with mutual respect. “It is fortunate you have found a mate that suits you. It seems to me that many don’t. I cannot fathom such a thing.” 

Eir took the small box, opening it to sniff it delicately. It was exactly what she’d have chosen should someone come to her complaining of headaches. “Perfect, thank you.” She closed it again and slid it into the little bag she had brought with her. “How may I repay you? I insist on it.” She lifted the tea to her lips once again while waiting for an answer, studying the woman. Witches always interested her, with so many differences between them all. To take the path of healing was a good sign, in Eir’s book, and she seemed to have grace and intelligence, both of which she admired. But people were always more than what they seemed. 

[healinghandmaiden]

rosetwin

Friendliness.

Rose adored making new friends, and she took every opportunity for meeting new people,with both her arms wide open. Sometimes figuratively, and sometimes quite literally; today as of the figurative kind, as she only smiled wider, scooting a little to make more room for the pretty woman. Rose nodded at her words, the smile firm and happy on her lips. “It’s been like this for a while now, but I don’t mind. I love the sun. There’s something downright unfair about gloomy weather and sad days.”

“Rose. I’m pleased to meet you, Erica.” She introduced with a wider smile, contently leaning back against the tree trunk. “All days should be full of promise. I really don’t see the reason why would people strive to be cruel to each other, kindness is much easier and more fulfilling than cruelty and resentment.” She chatted.

The sweetness of the human was charming. Eir’s people, while kind, were not necessarily sweet. Battle was too much ingrained in them for such things. Eir had always believed that kindness was a choice, while sweetness was something inherent. The red head had both, from what Eir could tell. “Oh, no, gloomy weather has a beauty if you just see it differently. It can stir your soul, make you feel as though the world is taking a breath to strengthen itself. And storms? Storms are a sign of strength.” Since Thor was a god of thunder, she couldn’t help but see it that way. 

“Pleasure, Rose.” Settled, Eir watched the sky. “Unfortunately, for some, kindness is not easier. They start on a path, and they cannot see any other way. It warps them, making them see the kind as weak. But it’s the kind that hold the most strength. They make the choice every day not to give into darkness. People like you are the hope that others need.” She glanced over at Rose. “But you are right, it’s much more fulfilling to be kind. My q- my friend, she once gave me excellent advice. Always be kind, be kind, until the time has come to stop being kind, and you’ll have more conviction than the one who betrayed your kindness, and with conviction comes strength.” 

[healinghandmaiden]

vivianangmar

Vivian offered Erica a smile. She knew what she was, or at least she knew what her ghosts told her, and she found it impolite to ask so, rather out of character for her, she decided not to pry. “Thank you, Erica. I’d like another. This one was wasted on a dreadful conversation.” She replied to her offer with a smile, pointing to the seat beside her once she returned with her drink. “Sit with me, if you don’t have too much work to do. I could use a friendly face, or at least the face I’m not tempted to punch.” She smirked in a light manner.

“Certainly not the company.” She replied to her question with another smirk. “I’m here for a drink. It’s been an eventful day at the apothecary, so I figured I should head down here for a drink or two, before I head back home and hit the hay.” She replied. “How’s job going so far? Are the men giving you anything beside a headache and will to commit first degree murder?”

Although she believed in working hard, Eir saw no reason to take the now vacated seat next to Vivian. She was an independent woman, one who did things in her own time, which often meant seemingly leisurely. Like most immortal beings, Eir was never in a rush. “I’d certainly appreciate it if you didn’t punch me.” Amusement coloured her words. Punching a Valkyrie was an endeavour that would inevitably end poorly for the fool that tried to do so. No mortal being was her equal. 

“An eventful day? Anything interesting?” Eir prompted while making a mental note to go check out the apothecary. She was a healer back on Valhalla, so such matters always interested her. “Oh, the work is... alright. It is not what I am used to, but it’s no harder. The drunk fools here are not important enough to give me much of a headache. Murder, however, is another matter.” The little joke was delivered in the same even tone she always spoke with. Eir had no qualms about death, but she would only kill in battle. 

[healinghandmaiden]

alexandrabelmont

Alexandra greeted her new acquaintance with a nod of her head, as the woman settled on the bench, and sitting beside her. Her words brought a melancholic smile to her face, her nod now in agreement, rather than greeting. “It’s easy to understand one’s sister, at least in some things.” The mention of sisters made her miss hers, terribly, and she wondered briefly if their father would let the grand duchess accompany him for the signing of the treaty. He should, though, because one of her terms when she was deciding to spy on queen Belmont and Albion, was an opportunity to bring her sister closer to her, maybe even grant her to stay with her and her husband.

“I find it fascinating. The thoughts of another being. We can never know what someone’s thinking, and as annoying as it is sometimes, it’s a relief to know no one can truly know someone’s thoughts. Do you think the world would be a better place if we could all read each other’s minds? That way we’d always know the truth and no one could lie to us, but then neither could we lie, and sometimes lies serve to shield innocence.” 

The Valkyries and Amazons that Eir called sisters were as varied as any human family. Some, of course, were closer to Eir than others, but no matter what, there was a bond that would never be broken. Even when Elyris had left, the bond remained. It was love, their kind capable of deep love and passion, despite rarely having romantic bonds. Perhaps that was why the other kinds of bonds were so strong. “Even if I don’t agree with my sisters on all things, I always understand their choices. I’d like to think they understand mine.” 

Eir considered her words carefully. “The fairies are bound to complete honesty, unable to tell a lie, and yet that does not mean they tell the truth. I think it is in the nature of all things to wish for privacy. Many people think unkind things but choose not to say them, do they not? Having their thoughts heard, they’d never have the choice, with every ugly emotion on display, no matter how fleeting. People would be hurt.” 

[constantlady]

Loneliness.

It was a sentiment most attachable to the persona of young lady Pembroke. By nature she wasn’t supposed to be alone; she was a lady, lower in rank than her cousin Teresa, but a lady nonetheless. She was supposed to have marital prospects, but her uncle and guardian didn’t seem to want to arrange a marriage for her, or his daughter for that matter, and for a while she wondered if it was because he failed to care for her, or it was simply because he never thought about it. She long stopped hoping for fatherly love from him and long stopped regarding him as anything other than a guardian; she cared for him in a way one cares about family, but there was no true affection, since she received none from him.

Stanzi felt as if she were perpetually alone and so she observed. She was honest, and sweet, and caring, but she wasn’t naive nor was she prone to flattery, and that made some people reluctant to seek out her company. Instead, she was lonely and as such she learned to endure. Constance walked around the town, her thoughts quiet for once, as she mindlessly walked, soaking the sunlight which caressed her cheeks.

In her stroll she took a turn, and paused, watching the scene in front of her. She seemed to have stumbled upon public theater and she took a step closer, the murmur of actors reaching her ears. The play has captured her attention to an extent that she was lost to the world around her, until someone in her proximity spoke. “Hm? What was that you said?”

[healinghandmaiden]

Eir’s duties had not brought her to Atlantis in a long time, decades before any humans residing on the island would have even been born, but since her duties were now on this island, she intended to get to know it better. When a free day came, she decided to spend it wandering the town, mingling amongst the people there. It was an oddity for her, but a pleasant one. 

Seeing the theatre practicing, she drew closer with a faint smile on her lips. It was a play telling a story of Asgard, and she couldn’t wait to tell her sisters of how many inaccuracies there were. Things always got lost in time, mixed up until they were a shadow of the truth. But it was still very flattering, especially when one of the characters proclaimed the Valkyries to be the most beautiful of all souls. 

She may be biased, but she agreed. 

“It’s a rather endearing little story.” She commented, only for the blonde standing next to her to startle. “Oh, I just said it’s an endearing story. I don’t think Odin would like it, but Loki would find it amusing.” 

[navigatrixofneptuneclara]

Clara didn’t know what to think about the Treaty. She supported it for selfish reasons and, for a while now, those reasons served her well. Being a human with a Sight was a strange thing, she wasn’t part of this world, but she wasn’t part of anyone else’s and it was such a lonely thought. For a while she pondered taking up lessons from a witch, see if she’s got a talent there, but she’s always chickened out before she’d even have the opportunity to ask for a tutor.

Seated by the bar, Clara allowed her mind to wander, to lead her places she hasn’t been in, to give her opportunities she hadn’t taken yet, and that she doubted she’d ever have the guts to take. Aye, for a pirate she could really be cowardly. Not when it mattered and not in combat, but whenever she had to make a choice for herself, to take that final leap into the unknown that is witchcraft, she’d freeze.

When someone joined her by the bar, Clara snapped from thought and made the decision to talk to whomever it was. “So, do you think this treaty thing will take place?”

[healinghandmaiden]

Working, Eir was able to listen to all the different conversations playing out, but she wasn’t really participating. As a Valkyrie, she wasn’t really supposed to, but she’d accepted this mission fully, so she’d play the game carefully. Balance was required, but that was true of all things. As a being of battle and beauty, she’d long become accustomed to finding that balance within her. 

When a woman, one she recognised as a pirate who sometimes frequented the tavern, Eir smiled. The woman knew her as Erica, but Eir could see the touch of the supernatural about the woman, so she wouldn’t be surprised if she knew that Erica was more than just a barmaid. 

“I think peace is a lovely ideal, one that people should always strive for. Without peace, what would become of this world?” She knew exactly what had been prophesied, but she was curious what Clara would say. “I know battle is easier for so many, but don’t you think it’d be better if battle was unnecessary?” 

[d-thomson-deactivated20190605]

The Alpha sat at the bar, the music from a traveling bard making him tap his foot in time with the beat as he drank his mead. It was nice, being in a town. Growing up he had spent so little of his time in them, instead moving from forest to forest to find lost traders or other easy prey. 

It was barbaric. He could fully understand why the humans looked down upon them, they acted like beasts. Not that they would much longer, not under Aryn’s leadership. 

It wasn’t until he heard a voice behind him that he snapped out of his thoughts, his mug empty and his bow furrowing in frustration as he turned to the disturbance. 

“Anything I could help you with?” 

[healinghandmaiden]

Eir had the ability to sense most supernatural beings, especially those with the blood of the gods in their veins. When the man - not just a man, she knew that - came in, she quickly convinced the other girls to let her serve him. Considering she often handled the worst of the men for them, the girls had grudgingly agreed, although one did complain it wasn’t fair that Erica was keeping the pretty face to herself. 

She’d already served him one drink, watching to see if anyone would join him, but when he’d finished the drink and still sat alone, she decided to join him. Demigods were always interesting, and they were so often caught in the middle of things. A demigod in Atlantis during the treaty talks either spelled success or tragedy. 

“Would you mind if I sat with you?” She placed another drink with him and took a seat, not waiting for an answer. She never took no for an answer anyway. Sipping her own drink, she studied his face more openly. “I haven’t seen you here before.” 

[healinghandmaiden]

@hallowcd​

Having discovered the jinn was on Atlantis, Eir had decided to seek them out. She knew the trouble they could bring, either by twisting wishes or by the cruelty of their master. Finding her way to the lane filled with temples had been easy enough - Eir went regularly to make an offering to her two favourite goddesses. Frigg was a close friend of Eir’s, as she’d once been the Queen’s handmaiden, and, and Freyja was worshipped by all Valkyries. 

But entering the church made her hesitate, standing in the doorway. 

While she was not here as a Valkyrie, she was not here to worship anyone, it still felt wrong. She’d been a goddess once, one that would have been worshipped in a different temple. Although that time was long gone, and none worshipped her now (except the shieldmaidens who praised all Valkyries), there was still something holding her back. 

Noticing a man - no, a priest - walking towards her, she offered him a smile. The master, she could tell that much, and she changed her plans. She’d get to know him better, and seek out the jinn later. Forcing herself to take one more step so she was inside, she looked around the church. “Are all churches like this?” She asked frankly, having never set foot inside one before. 

[evclyncfengland-deactivated2021]

Hope.

She was a hopeful person. In her opinion, it was the feeling that guided the world and she strongly believed in it. Working at a farm was time consuming and she left most of the work to her sister, but when she had to roll up the sleeves, she’d do it. She was willing to do anything in hope for a better tomorrow and a happier future, anything to ensure her sister’s and her brother’s happiness, just as they wanted to ensure hers.

That was the reason why she was so ecstatic about the treaty. Rose had more than a few friends on the non mortal side, faeries and selkies, and she wanted to help them all. The treaty promised a better future for everyone and she sincerely believed it was only the matter of everyone’s arrival before it’s signed.

Lounging by an old, oak tree in the park that led towards the woods, Rose enjoyed herself with a smile on her face. A figure suddenly came to her line of sight and the red haired girl smiled wider, waving in greeting. “It’s a wonderful morning, innit? There’s plenty of room by the roots, come and join me if you’re not on a mission to somewhere.”

[healinghandmaiden]

Eir had been in the woods meeting with some of her sisters, sharing information secretly. The Valkyries could not openly meddle in the treaty, but they did support the idea of peace, even if only because of the prophesy the Coven brought to them. They didn't want the Final Battle to start yet, so anything that could delay it was good. It was always good, seeing her sister kind, the healer unused to spending so much time away from them, but her place as Erica the barmaid was helping her to understand everything.

Walking back, a basket of fresh herbs hanging from her arm as a cover for what she'd been doing, the bright red hair of a young woman caught her eye. She returned the smil with one of her own, adjusting her path to join her. "It is a beautiful day, yes. I think it'd be lovely to sit and enjoy it for a while." She set the basket down before sitting next to the red head. "You look as happy as I feel. Some days are just full of promise, aren't they?" Eir stared out over the view for a moment before looking over at her. "I'm Erica."

[alexandrabelmont-blog]

Alexandra has decided to mingle with the commoners. Well, not just the commoners, but everyone, the entire court of Atlantis, and anyone else who might want her company. It was a strategic thing to do, to gather sympathies for her cause, for the only thing she was taught how to do. She was meant to be a queen, and by the God, she will be one. She didn’t really have anything against the current queen, aside from the fact that she held her husband’s crown, and thus stole her own.

She sat on an ivory bench in the gardens, her ocean blue eyes scanning her surroundings, watching as people traipsed by, following their own thoughts and lives. Few moments passed when a person came closer to her. “It’s fascinating how everyone has a life of their own. Do you ever think about it? How every person is their own people.” Alex spoke, polite smile gracing her lips.

[healinghandmaiden]

Despite the fact she had no business amongst the royalty and nobles that had come to Atlantis, as she was supposed to be nothing but a barmaid, Eir had still wandered up to the gardens where she knew she might find out more about the players involved. She wanted to understand people, that meant talking to them. Wandering about, she admired the beauty while looking for people, thinking of ways to introduce herself to them.

The problem was solved for her.

The soft voice of a woman was enough of an invitation for Eir to join her at the bench, settling down next to her. "Indeed, I think of it often." That was her very purpose in Atlantis. "I find myself often not understanding others, how they act, how they feel. My sisters, I understand them, but that is different."

[healinghandmaiden]

lasorcierestewart

Annabelle was not the one to turn down an ailing person. She was in pain once, so long ago that it felt like another life, and if it were not for her husband, she would not have survived. Ever since, she has vowed to herself that she would help anyone, whenever they needed it. Stretching up from her bent position, Anna accepted the cup with a murmured thanks, and she turned around to inspect the woman. “Of course, of course. Please, sit down.” She motioned towards a chair that stood beside the table she was chopping the herbs on.

“What kind of a headache? It is throbbing, pulsing, does it come in stronger waves, or is it consistent? Bordering on migraine, influenced by allergies, or perhaps due to womanly problems?” She was always like that - if she wanted to help immediately, and without errors, Anna always asked for as much information as she could gather. “I apologise if my questions bring you discomfort, or if they seem intrusive, but I must know in order to give you the proper medicine.”

Gracefully, as grace and elegance were built into her by virtue of her very being, she settled into the chair with the mug of tea balanced on her knee. “You’re very kind.” Such things were important. The Coven needed to be kind, otherwise her Queen had made the wrong choice in alliancing the Valkyries to them. 

But she was here as Erica. 

As a healer, she had to admire the questions asked, feeling no embarrassment but only respect for the sense the woman clearly had. “I suppose you could say pulsing. It happens while working, usually. I do know what the headache is called, if that helps.” A quick smile flickered across her face. “Drunk men.” She waved away her joke. “No, I don’t mind the work, but it’s not what I am used to, and I suppose that must be having an effect on me.” 

[vivianangmar-blog]

Vivian didn’t have a busy day today which was surprising in itself. Normally, when there were more than four people in a same place at the same time, one of them was bound to end up in the apothecary, asking for any sort of remedy. It was a slow, lazy day, and for once she was content for it to be that way (she had a feeling there will be a certain dead interference tonight, and the less she’s drained by the living, the better). While it was certainly good to have a respite, the itch of darkness scratched beneath her skin and the necromancer clicked her tongue in distaste. Ay, fine. Fine.

After a moment’s thought, Vivian’s decided to head to the town for a round of drink, something strong, before she returns to her cot to deal with the dead. ‘and tonight shall be a night for fun!’ they sing-sang in her head. Great. Yey. With a sigh, the necromancer entered the Tavern, nodding in greeting to the women who worked there and sitting by the bar.

She had exactly two minutes of solitude when a ghostly entity mentally warned her about a presence to her left, moments before someone began speaking to her. Drunken men annoyed her to no end, and if it weren’t for the women working in the Tavern, she would have just poisoned the lot. When he persisted in his pitiful attempts to woo her, Vivian rolled her eyes, gracing him with a cold look. “For heaven’s sake, if I haven’t payed attention to you while you were talking, why do you think leaning on me will earn you anything other than a painful slap?” She growled.

[healinghandmaiden]

Eir enjoyed working, she really did, even if drunk men irritated her. It wasn’t that she couldn’t handle them, it’s that she was not supposed to. Not the way she’d handle them in Valhalla. There, no man would dare insult her, and if he did by accident, she’d teach him a lesson that ended with him covered in bruises. And as Valhalla’s main healer, those bruises often faded slowly, rather than without her assistance. 

Noticing a man leaning on Vivian, a woman that knew her as Erica (although Eir did wonder if the ghosts had whispered about her, she knew a Seer when she saw one), she couldn’t really help herself. 

The only man she obeyed was Odin, all other men were beneath women in her eyes. A twist of the man’s ear hand him falling at Erica’s feet, the petite woman then folding her hands together primly. “You have had enough to drink. Goodbye.” 

According to her own rules, which were not the same as a human’s, she turned to Vivian with a small smile. “Please let me get you a drink after that disgraceful display.” She didn’t really wait for an answer, unaccustomed to people ever saying no to her, and fetched Vivian a glass of her favourite drink. All of them were weak by the Valkyrie’s standard. “Here you go. What brings you in today?” 

[plvtcnian-deactivated20211114]

Chamomile was the perfect herb for tea - whether she needed it for the nerves, or to warm up in a chilly day, or to soothe whatever ailments she, her husband, or the customers of the Inn had, chamomile was her number one brew. Annabelle was in the kitchen, listening to her husband’s voice as he tended to the customers, telling jokes and laughing. She worked in the back with a smile on her face, her good mood staying on the level of content.

She was chopping herbs, while the chamomile brewed, and heard as Benny spoke to someone about her, directing the person in the direction of the kitchen. Anna heard the footsteps approaching, a smile immediately forming on her face as she called out, her attention still on the herbs she was cutting. “I am going to give you my full attention in a moment. While I chop these herbs, please help yourself to some chamomile tea. It’s fresh off the fire.”

[healinghandmaiden]

One thing Eir liked about Atlantis was how freely everyone spoke. Word had gotten to her about a supposed witch, one that everyone said to go to if not feeling well. Always interested in meeting another healer, the Valkyrie had planned to go to her. But when she’d realised that the name matched one of the witches with the Coven, she’d decided that she should go sooner. 

Eir hadn’t spoken with any of the Coven, and she didn’t plan on revealing herself just yet. Better to remain hidden for now, just to keep things fair. She trusted the Coven, because her Queen did, but Eir believed in fairness. She was not meant to take sides in the affairs of mortals, other than to pick up the fallen soldiers who would be taken to Valhalla. 

Shown in by a very kind man, Eir smiled at the woman. “Thank you, Mrs Stewart.” She made herself that cup of tea, pouring one for the woman as well. “My name is Erica, ma’am, and I heard that you had remedies that could help a headache?” Not that Eir ever got headaches, and of course, she could handle them herself, but it was her excuse. Unlike fairies, Valkyries could and would lie if they saw reason to. “My normal remedies aren’t helping.” 

[healinghandmaiden]

The Statue Inn has found Eir Erica Burgess of Asgard. She is immortal and is a Valkyrie.

Message me if you want to plot!

A former handmaiden to Frigg, Eir lived a life of peace and healing within Asgard. She was happy with her lot in life, but when the Valkyries were created, she immediately offered her skills as a healer. Although she loved Frigg, she felt honour bound to work with the women who swore allegiance to Freyja. 

Her happiness only increased. Although her heart broke for every man she could not save, she helped so many others. She was doing more. Eir became close to the other Valkyries, a bond like sisterhood formed through their duties, especially Queen Hippolyta. Used to serving, she provided invaluable advice, an advocate for the peace she felt in her heart. 

Although the time of gods is passing, the Valkyries still retain their strength, preparing for the final battle that would one day come. 

The Coven approached the Valkyries, warning them that the Final Battle was coming. Concerned, Hippolyta spoke to her council, and they created a plan with the Coven. Valkyries would keep the peace in Atlantis while the Coven manipulated things so the treaty would occur. Valkyries are forbidden from directly influencing much, but they could still try to help, thanks to the prophecy. 

However, Eir saw necessity for something more. She wanted to understand why the Final Battle was coming, to understand the people involved, but she knew they wouldn’t talk freely to a Valkyrie, not everyone at any rate. 

So she got permission from her Queen, and left for Atlantis several months before the treaty talks were started. She found work under the name of Erica Burgess as a bar wench at the Statue Tavern. The work is distasteful, and she can see why some of her sisters look down on men. 

Life as Erica is uncomfortable but it helps her to understand humanity now that it has been so long since she spent time amongst them. Understanding is the key to peace.