#dielle arcano

[kathrynalicemc]

Yuletide at Skalafell

[kathrynalicemc]

How about you pick an AU for me?

Eheheehehehehehehehehehe >:) I was hoping someone would do this because I had some AU ideas myself. So ty ty and here we go

ATLA Bender AU

Dayamanti is of course a firebender with the lightning subset. In fact, this bending inspired her creation agdjdhd

Dafne is the hardest to think of one. I would say maybe either water for her viking vibes or air? Either way, she focuses a lot on the spirit world rather than bending

Dielle is water with the subset of healing

Siv was also hard. I was originally gonna say air because she loves flying but she’s way too chaotic for the monk lifestyle. My other idea is that she’s the Avatar 🤡

Mikael is definitely an earthbender. Either just pure earth or maybe metalbending too? Unsure.

Lennox is a waterbender with the subset of blood bending eheh.

In conclusion, a lot of waterbending but I think that is awesome for the viking vibes with their snow and longships 👀

[kathrynalicemc]

Arcano Cousins + Troubled Bird memes

Shhh nobody talk about my coloring I know it doesn’t all match. Also prob shitty gif quality. But anyways Happy New Years!! Taggin @endlessly-cursed

[kathrynalicemc]

Arcano Family: HPMA Gen (90s-00s)

This will be linked to a Masterpost for the Arcanos! I will be doing multiple posts for every generation as I cannot fit all of them in one post 🤡

Dayamanti Arcano • 1994 • Gryffindor • Parents: Annika Arcano & Tyr Fraye • Gift: Fire & Lightning magic (Evocation)

Tired responsible older sister energy who just wants to look out for herself. Independent but has the weight of grief and the responsibilities of her sisters well-being on her shoulders. She later becomes a blacksmith.

Dafne Arcano • 1997 • Ravenclaw • Parents: Annika Arcano & Tyr Fraye • Gift: Necromancy

Bullied for being weak and weird because of her obsession with history and the dead. She feels like she doesn’t belong in her viking family. In her teenage years she purposely tries to be cold to people to push them away before they can get close and hurt her. In adulthood she becomes the Archmage of a library and researches the forgotten culture of viking wizards from the past.

Siv Arcano-Thorne • 2000 • Slytherin • Parents: Kaari Arcano & Semele Thorne

She takes after her father in more ways than one. She is reckless, carefree and is just here for a good time. Some of her favorite things are music, her truck, and her dragon Zepheline. In adulthood she is an advocate for dragon rights and takes over as Dragonologist at Fossan’s sanctuary.

Dielle Arcano • 2002 • Hufflepuff • Parents: Annika Arcano & Tyr Fraye • Gift: Healing & Shields (Abjuration)

The baby of the three sisters, she is often coddled and also left behind because of the age gap. She also feels a similar way to Dafne that she doesn’t belong, but instead of being weak she feels like she is too girly and soft. She’s determined to prove herself capable of fighting but also that kindness and protection is also valid. In adulthood she proves her skill as a fighter, both offensive and defensive, and becomes captain of a city guard.

Mikael Arcano-Thorne • 2002 • Ravenclaw • Parents: Kaari Arcano & Semele Thorne

Taking after his cousin, he also has a knack for knowledge. He has great fondness for languages and knows dozens by the time he reaches adulthood. Not only a genius, he also has a love for the outdoors and sport. You will often find him in the woods or playing quidditch if his nose isn’t in a book. His favorite books are on languages but his second favorite are those about a certain captain Aquila and his adventures in the sky. In adulthood, he will follow in Aquila’s footsteps and take up the mantle of captain on the same skyship.

Lennox Arcano-Thorne • 2005 • Slytherin • Parents: Kaari Arcano & Semele Thorne • Gift: Necromancy • Owner: @endlessly-cursed

The baby of the generation, she is not to be underestimated. As her sister took after their father, she did the same with their mother. She possesses both beauty, brains, and elegance. The second to be born with necromancy powers, she is guided by her cousin Dafne. In adulthood, she becomes the keeper of the dead and prepares bodies for their final resting place.

[kathrynalicemc]

HPMA Kids + Faceless Part 2

Top left: Dafne and Mikael hanging out

Top right: A quiet Mikael & Eula moment @cursed-herbalist

Middle: The whole gang on a midnight adventure

Bottom left: Siv sneaking through Ella’s window @potionboy3

Bottom right: Cliff jumping at Skalafell with Elio & Jupiter @cursed-herbalist

[kathrynalicemc]

A/N: Sorry this is kinda late today! I was busy and totally forgot it was Valhalla Thursday 😂 IM SO EXCITED FOR THIS ONE!!! Here comes a big lore drop!

Characters: Dafne Arcano, Dayamanti Arcano, Dielle Arcano, Merla Varangr, Mjöll Ymir, and Rikke Ymir

Warnings: None

Song: The Lonely Mountain

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Chapter 5: The Gifted Three

“Hey, wake up,” Dafne whispered as she shook her sleeping companions. “C’mon. We are going to enter that mountain, no matter what. I don’t care what Rikke says.”

“Just give it up, Daf,” Dayamanti groaned and rolled over, pulling the furs back up.

“Fine. You can go home if you want. I didn’t want your help anyway. But I’m going,” she hissed quietly and then started to pack up her things as quietly as she could.

Dayamanti was quiet for a moment, but reluctantly got up too after seeing Dielle and Merla follow Dafne.

“Why must you two always be such a headache? Stubborn Arcano pride,” she muttered more to herself and unceremoniously started to shove her bedroll back into her bag.

A noise at the threshold to Rikke and Mjöll’s bedroom made the girls jump, thinking it was Rikke. Instead, they saw Mjöll tip toe out of the room and quietly latch the door behind her. She was already wearing full leather armor and a heavy cloak with a bag thrown over her shoulder.

“Oh good, you haven’t left yet. Please let me come with you! I haven’t seen anything but this damn cabin my entire life.”

“How’d you know we would go?” Dayamanti questioned.

“Nobody has ever shown up here. If you’ve come this far, I doubt my mother telling you ‘no’ would be enough to stop you.”

Dafne let out a soft chuckle, but then her smile faded. “Are you sure you can handle this? We could get killed.”

“Being trapped in one place your entire life has its advantages. I had to pass the time somehow, so I learned to fight. Also, I do have the Gift like you guys.”

“What is it! Can you show us?” Dielle excitedly whispered.

“I already have,” Mjöll lifted her head proudly. “I can control the wind and air. That storm you encountered was of my making. It keeps us hidden.”

“Not hidden enough, apparently,” Dayamanti scoffed.

“That’s because I let you in. Don’t tell my mom, but I was curious and wanted to meet you. I’ve never seen anyone else in my whole life.”

“That must be really lonely. I’m sorry, Mjöll,” Dielle approached and laid a gentle hand on the girl's shoulder.

“Thanks.”

“Sorry to interrupt, but we have to get moving. Rikke could wake up any second,” Dafne motioned and they rushed out into the midnight snow.

——

“It’s over here,” Mjöll waved from a ways ahead of the group, the snow around them gently glowing from the conjured orbs of light drifting in the air.

“For centuries, there has been a powerful illusion enchantment upon the mountainside to hide the door. Follow my steps and keep going.”

Mjöll continued walking straight towards the snowy cliffside. She was just about to hit it when Dafne blinked and she was gone. Dafne followed next, breathing deep as the ice and rock got closer and closer. The moment she expected to feel ice and snow meet her face, she instead felt a warm energy as she passed through it.

A laugh escaped her lips and joined the laughter of the other girls. They were now in a small cave with the biggest set of doors they had ever seen. Nearly 20 feet tall, the doors were carved out of solid stone. Upon it was a large tree, its branches and roots spreading out at the base and the top of the door. In the space between was three carvings of shields, each one displaying the family crest of the Gifted Three.

On the right was the Varangr crest that consisted of various runes around the outside with a large animal paw print right in the center. Dafne had seen this crest a few times in her life, but not very often.

The left side of the door had a crest that Dafne was very familiar with. As with the Varangr crest, it also had runes around the outside. Dafne read them again, as she did every time she saw it after learning to read Nordic runes. “The brave shall live forever in the halls of Valhalla.” In the center of their crest was a vegvisir, a symbol used for navigation which also meant guidance and protection. Her grandfather Alatar always used to tell her that Norse magic originated from runes. This was the Arcano family crest.

In the center of the door rested a crest that Dafne had never seen. She guessed that this was the crest of the Ymir family. It had, yet again, the same carved runes and decoration around the outside of the circular shield. The center of this crest contained a smaller version of the same tree that was carved upon the door it rested on.

To each side of the doors, the walls of the cave were decorated with elaborate carvings and runes. At a glance, most of the carvings depicted fierce Viking warriors and what she guessed to be the Valkyrie Guard.

Above the door were the biggest runes of all of the writing.

ᛏᚼᛁ ᚴᚱᛅᛏ ᚢᛁᛋᛅᚱᛏ ᚴᛁᛏᛁ ᚬᚠ ᚢᛅᛚᚼᛅᛚᛚᛅ

“The Great Wizard City of Valhalla,” Dafne translated instantly, a shiver going up her spine as she finally said those words out loud.

Dafne started to move, as if her feet had a mind of their own. She stood in front of the massive doors, her hand instinctively reaching up to touch the Arcano crest. The stone beneath her hand was freezing, but she didn’t mind. All she could think of was Iolanthe. She too once stood at these doors. How could she witness something like this and not tell her family about it? Even with her promise not to publish her research, she never even told her family the truth about it. A piece of their history has been missing for centuries. It was time they reclaimed it.

“So, how do you expect us to open it?” Dayamanti sighed. “If our ancestor couldn’t manage it with all her magic, I doubt you could.”

Dafne turned around with a scowl, her mouth opening to tell off her sister but closing when she saw Rikke standing in the entrance holding up a lantern.

“Step away from the door,” Rikke demanded with a hiss. “I did not give you permission to see it. I granted you shelter, but you have broken that trust. You need to leave. Now.”

“You have no right to forbid us from it. It’s our birthright too!” shouted Dayamanti.

“I have sacrificed my whole life to remain here to guard it. Just as my mother did, and her mother before her, and countless more of my ancestors going back centuries! I have the only claim!”

“I don’t want that life, mother!” Mjöll suddenly shouted back. “We are the only ones left. Even father left us. It’s not worth it! I want to see the world!”

Rikke turned to Mjöll, the anger upon her face changed to shock as a silence stretched on. Dayamanti slowly reached towards the hilt of her greatsword.

“How long is this going to go on, Rikke,” Dafne called out. “Eventually, whether it be days, months, or years, your line will end here. Mjöll will not stay.”

“Will you take my own daughter from me?!” Rikke hissed back indignantly in response, anger returning to her face.

“Whether I go or not will be my choice. But if you make them leave now, I’m going with them. You can’t keep me here!”

“Mjöll, we cannot let them unseal it and release the-“

“-the evil within,” Dayamanti mocked. “Yes, we get it.”

“Your family's sense of honor and duty has curdled into cowardice,” Dayamanti’s grip tightened on the sword's hilt. “We can do this the easy way, or you can die here doing your duty.”

Rikke’s eyes darted around, inspecting each one of them as if sizing up their skill and willingness to fight.

“Please, mother!” Mjöll pleaded. “..don’t make me fight you,” she whispered with tears in her eyes. Dirt started to kick up and swirl at Mjölls feet as her eyes flashed with gold light.

“We can do this,” Dafne breathed. “It’s time for your family to be free.”

Tension filled the uneasy silence as it stretched on. The lantern light flickered upon the walls, sending shadows of Valkyries and swords dancing across the cave. Dafne’s heartbeat hammered in her chest, but she stood her ground. Keeping her gaze locked upon Rikke, she tried to keep her expression confident and not let the fear show.

Rikke’s eyes passed over each girl. She took in the white hair of Dayamanti, Dafne, and Dielle. Her eyes just barely noticed the edge of Merla’s birthmark on her chest peeking out from her furs. Lastly, she turned to her own daughter who’s eyes glowed with the golden color of the sun. It was at that moment that she truly realized that the Gifted Three had finally converged again for the first time in centuries.

“She never would have been able to open it anyway, even if Ran told her how,” Rikke relented with a quiet whisper, the tension in her body melting away.

“Iolanthe?” Dafne probed and Rikke nodded.

“This secret has been passed down through the generations. It’s true, even I have had the temptation to open the city cross my mind more than once.”

Rikke turned to Dayamanti, “What you mistaken for cowardice is simply the inability. At one point in my youth I might have done it myself, as I’m sure countless Ymir ancestors before me would have too. If I wasn’t lacking the missing pieces, of course.”

“What are the missing pieces?” Dafne inquired.

“You are,” Rikke answered with a stare that sent shivers down Dafnes spine. The stare then shifted and landed on Merla and then Mjöll. “All of you.”

Seeing their confusion, Rikke sighed deeply before starting her story.

“Ever since that day the city was lost, the Three broke their familial bonds and scattered. A great argument started between them, as each family blamed the others for what had happened. For you see, rumors had started to spread beforehand about unrest among some of the male members of each family. They believed it was unfair that only the women could inherit the Gift.”

“So, the Arcanos and the Varangrs disappeared into Norway to find their own separate destinies. The Ymirs stayed and vowed to guard the city forever, for we knew the truth. It was a Ymir who performed the ritual. My ancestors felt that it was our duty to keep the evil contained so we could pay for the sins of our family. All those people were lost because of one of us.”

“What does that have to do with us specifically?” Dayamanti scowled.

“It is actually fortunate that Iolanthe completed her expedition, even if it didn’t reward her and her team with the knowledge they sought. A man on the team named Elidon Greyloc would end up returning to the mountain alone some months later, for he had fallen in love with my ancestor Ran, and her with him. He is the reason my daughter and I exist today, for without him Ran wouldn’t have had kids.”

“Many puzzle pieces had to fall in just the right ways to get us here today. The feud between the Arcanos and the Varangrs had to end and the Ymir line had to survive. For only the blood of the Three together can open the door,” Rikke finished with a glance to the three crests on the door behind them.

“What do we have to do?” the words barely a whisper as they left Dafne.

“Simply make a cut on your hand and place it upon your respective family crest.”

“Well there is only one Varangr and one Ymir here. But who will do the Arcano one?” Mjöll inquired out loud.

“Daf, you should do it,” Dielle suddenly spoke up. “It means the most to you, so you should have the honor.“

“Alright, if you are sure,” Dafne replied with a glance to Dayamanti who gave a nod of encouragement.

“You can come with us, you know,” Dafne suddenly turned back to Rikke.

“I’m sorry, but I think my youthful vigor days are behind me. Truth be told, I cannot say for certain what exactly you will find in there. But please, make sure my daughter comes back safe,” she finished, her hand resting on Dafne’s shoulder.

“I promise.”

With a deep breath, the three of them made a small cut on their palm and walked up to the door. Glancing at each other, they nodded and placed their hands upon their own family crest at the same time.

A few seconds passed and Dafne felt the stone beneath her hand steadily grow warmer. A burst of light lit up the small cave as a brilliant white energy gathered at the base of the tree's roots. The group watched in astonishment as it climbed up the roots and then converged at the trunk. Within seconds, the light then split off again, following the branches upwards.

The moment the light touched the top of the door, a deep resonant clunk echoed out from within. The large stone doors shuttered, dirt and dust falling off and swirling in the air. With the sound of loud scraping of stone and the rush of stale air, they slowly opened inwards to reveal an inky black void of darkness.

For the first time in over a thousand years, the Valkyries returned home just as the sun started to rise over the horizon.

[kathrynalicemc]

A/N: It’s finally here!! The adventure is finally starting! Reminder again that next chapter will be in 2 weeks

Warnings: None for now?

Characters: Dafne Arcano, Alatar Arcano, Dayamanti Arcano, Dielle Arcano, Else Arcano. In mention: Unni Arcano, Iolanthe Arcano, Kaari Arcano

Song: Into The Unknown by P!atd

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Chapter 1: The Answer

The next morning came after what felt like an eternity. The morning sun rose over the peak of the mountains and glistened upon the fresh snow like diamonds. Dafne had barely slept after the dream she had. She angrily rubbed at her eyes as she ladled hot oatmeal into her wooden bowl from the cauldron gently bubbling over the fire.

“Dafne, dear. You look exhausted, are you feeling well?” Else, her grandma, asked with concern as Dafne joined her family at the table.

Her grandfather Alatar sat beside Else. Also at the table was Dafne’s two sisters. The oldest was Dayamanti at 26. She was strong and tall, her dark hair fading to a brilliant white at the ends. Her youngest sister was Dielle. She was 18 and had just graduated from Hogwarts. Just like her sisters, she also had white in her hair. Unlike them, however, all of her hair was white and not just parts of it.

“I’m fine. I just had a little trouble sleeping,” Dafne dismissed quickly.

“I bet it was that nightmare again,” Dayamanti sneered with a smirk.

Dafne angrily glared daggers at her older sister before shooting back with gritted teeth, “They aren't nightmares.”

“Really? Because I would say they were considering how loud you gasp awake all the time.”

Dafne didn’t respond and instead continued to eat her breakfast in silence, mostly just moving her oatmeal around with her spoon and not actually eating. She kept replaying the dream over and over in her mind. It had been roughly five years since they started. They were always vague, the image of a mountainscape, a call of a horn in the dark. The one last night was vibrant and full, way more than they’ve ever been. She didn’t know what they meant, until now.

“Grandpa, do you think you could tell me about Valhalla again?” she asked sheepishly.

“Of course, min kjære. It’s been a long time since you’ve asked me for that story, so forgive me if I forget some details,” Alatar reminisced before growing quiet and staring off as he gathered his thoughts. Then he began his story.

“In ancient times, the wizard population of Norway were revered by the muggles as Gods. Somewhere deep within a mountain in Norway was a vast and thriving wizard civilization made entirely from stone in grand caverns that went on for miles. The city was home to many magical shops and businesses, a bustling trade port, and even a huge repository of knowledge in the form of a library. This was Valhalla.”

“As a security precaution against muggles or raiders, a city guard was put into place. The group entrusted with this duty were called the Valkyrie Guard. Only those born to one of the Gifted Three families could join this guard, the Arcanos being one of them. The second family, of course, were the Varangrs. The third family is unknown as their line has long since ended. It was an ancient tradition for the Arcano women to join the guard, although occasionally, some women weren’t born with the gift or chose not to guard the city. Their job included patrolling the city streets, tracking down wanted wizards, and guarding the front gate. Sometimes, they would even ride out on horses to patrol the surrounding lands and visit smaller neighboring wizard settlements. Valkyries would also have to check travelers, for only wizards of good intentions were allowed inside. If the visitor was deemed worthy, the guard would allow them entry into the city. Those deemed unworthy, however, were turned away.”

“One day, tragedy struck. A dark wizard used the scrolls in the library to attempt an experimental ritual when it went horribly wrong and exploded. The magic covered the entire city, only sparing the Valkyrie Guard stationed far away at the gate and whoever happened to be away traveling. Everyone was killed instantly, but then something mysterious happened. The dead rose up as living corpses. The city was deemed too dangerous and was sealed up by the Guard and abandoned. Valhalla was left to deteriorate in the dark and the city of the dead slept. Muggles told stories of the people and the city, the facts lost and warped by time,” he finished, his bowl of oatmeal now empty.

“Does the story ever mention where the city is?” Dafne probed.

“Well, no. This story has been passed down over generations, many of the fine details have been lost in the retellings. My grandmother Iolanthe was quite enamored with it and had various research notes about it. She must have passed that love onto me because I spent many years of my youth foolishly traveling the country. I never managed to find it,” he answered with a glance around the table, “In fact, I was around your age. I lived in the wilderness for a handful of years before finally relenting to it being just a fairytale.”

“You wouldn’t know where her notes are, would you?”

“I read them myself when I started my search, however it didn’t help me. Most of it was just a vague journal about her travels. After she died, I never saw them again. I don’t know what she did with them, I’m sorry.”

Dafne was quiet for a moment. “Alright. Thank you for the story again, Grandpa. It’s my favorite too.”

“I’m glad to hear that, min kjære.”

——

A few hours later, Dafne found herself suddenly in the dark catacombs of the burial mound on the edge of the village. She would come here many times growing up. It was both a safe haven from bullies and also a quiet place to think. The dead always intrigued her, their stories lost to everyone. She wondered at what their lives were like and just how much knowledge has been erased by death.

Her feet stopped in place at a familiar sight. She now stood next to a stone coffin, the lid sundered and cracked. Through the cracks erupted a gnarled and leafless tree, its bark an ashen gray color. The branches of the tree resembled twisted roots as they touched the dirt ceiling above.

This was Dafne’s favorite grave out of all of them. She stared at it for many years to know it belonged to Unni Arcano, without having to look at the nameplate. Now that she was older, she knew from her studies at Hogwarts that the tree growing from it was most likely the result of a yew wand buried with its owner. The wand wasn’t the only thing buried within the tomb, however.

Glinting off the flickering torchlight, a long greatsword rested on the dirt floor next to the tomb. A dark red splatter was dried to the edge of the sword. It was her own blood, Dafne recalled as she gently touched the twelve year old scar over her eye that has been blind ever since. That encounter with the bully was the first time she ever used her Gift.

All three of the Arcano sisters were born with the family Gift. The white in their hair was the telltale sign of it, although nobody had been born with it in roughly a hundred years.

Dayamanti’s Gift was fire and lightning. She could create both at will. It was handy for her work as a blacksmith.

Dielle’s Gift consisted of force shields and healing. Even without her powers, she was also talented in healing via the use of herbs. It was something she picked up quickly from Else as a child before her Gift showed itself at the age of 10.

Dafne’s Gift was of course necromancy. She couldn’t bring the dead back to life, per say. However, she could use their bodies as puppets to help protect her. She strived to discover more about her powers and find the limit of it.

What was she doing? She couldn’t possibly take off into the wilderness because of some dream she had about a story that could have been made up. Many people before her have tried, and they failed. What makes her think that she could succeed where they could not?

Iolanthe Arcano was her great great grandmother. Dafne didn’t know much about her, other than that she was the youngest Magiens Mester, or Minister of Magic, of Norway. Dafne considered herself as one of the most intelligent of her family, but Iolanthe must have been five times as intelligent and talented in magic than her to be the Minister so young.

Dafnes feet started to move and she suddenly found herself standing at the tomb next to the one with the tree. Upon it, carved into the white stone, was the name Iolanthe Arcano. The birthdates and proximity to each other seemed to suggest that Unni was the mother of Iolanthe. Dafne smiled gently at the revelation. She finally knew how Unni was related to her. She always felt like a distant ancestor, but now she felt a little closer to her.

With a quiet gasp that echoed off the earthen walls, Dafne suddenly had an idea. Throwing all of her weight upon it, Dafne tried to shove off the large stone lid to her tomb. After a few minutes with no success, she gave up with a huff. It was true that she was one of the smartest in her family, but it was equally true that she was definitely one of the weakest. She cringed slightly before taking a step backwards and withdrew her wand.

“Sorry about this, great great grandma,” Dafne whispered and with a flick of her wand, the heavy lid cracked apart sending pieces flying into the air.

Coughing from the dust, she approached and sifted through the pieces, straining from the weight of the larger fragments. Eventually, her hand touched the smooth texture of bone, a feeling she knew all too well. It was an arm bone, and tucked underneath it was a journal. Pulling it free, Dafne blew off the dust to reveal a plain purple-red cover.

“Thank you, Iolanthe,” Dafne smiled and hugged it close to her chest. The dead could be quite loud, if you ever bothered to stop and listen.

She put the pieces back and mended them as best she could with magic. As she made her way back down the tunnel, she hesitated with a sideways glance at the sword resting on the ground. She scooped it up too and exited the burial mound into the noonday sun, her mind made up.

——

Dafne stood upon the creaky docks early the next morning, various bags laying at her feet packed with essentials and provisions. It was still dark out, the stars overhead giving her comfort as she gathered the courage to leave.

She stood in front of the Jörmungandr, her uncle Kaari’s own longship. It was the smallest of the longships, having no decks below in the hull. She knew she couldn’t take one from the Trading Company as they were way too big for her to try to pilot herself. The boat swayed slightly in the breeze, the ropes securing it to the dock creaked as they grew taught and then relaxed again. Dafne really hoped her uncle wouldn’t mind if she borrowed it for a while.

A noise behind her suddenly made her jump, thinking she was caught. Approaching from the darkness came Dayamanti and Dielle.

“What are you two doing here?” Dafne quietly cursed under her breath.

“Could ask you the same question,” Dayamanti replied coolly.

“It’s none of your business. Just go back to bed and when they ask, tell them I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

“You’re going to search for the city, aren’t you?” Dayamanti deduced.

Dafne ignored her, turning her back and started to toss her bags into the longship.

“So let me get this straight. You are going all by yourself to try to find some ancient city full of zombies that may not even exist? All because a dream told you to?”

“Yes,” Dafne turned back around and replied without a second beat, her face and eyes set with determination.

“Then we are coming too,” Dielle grinned and chucked her own bag onto the deck of the longship as well along with her bow and quiver.

“What if I don’t want you to?” Dafne furrowed her brow.

“You have no say in the matter. Ever since mom and dad died I’ve had to keep you two safe, so I’m coming,” Dayamanti sighed in annoyance.

“WELL I NEVER ASKED YOU TO!” Dafne snapped, the words echoing off into the quiet night sky, “I can take care of myself.”

Dayamanti fell silent as her gaze dropped to her feet.

“...You shouldn’t need to ask, Daf. I’m your sister, I’ll always protect you. It’s my job,” she stated quietly after a long pause.

“Also, what makes you think you can pilot this longship by yourself? You’ve never had an interest in helping mom and dad on their ship, you probably don’t know how to turn the sails.”

“Alright, fine!” Dafne relented quickly with a glance to the pink haze in the distance, the sun already threatening to rise over the horizon, “Let’s just go before someone catches us.”

The three of them finished loading their bags and supplies into the longship and untied the ropes. The Jörmungandr slowly drifted away from Skalafell, exiting the mouth of the fjord and entering the ocean just as the first golden rays of the morning rose above the water.

[kathrynalicemc]

A/N: Ehehehehe new OCs for this one! Well i've had them for a long time but never said much about them yet because I was waiting for this!! Reminder again that next chapter will be in 2 weeks

Warnings: None for now?

Characters: Dafne Arcano, Dayamanti Arcano, Dielle Arcano, Jorren Varangr, Kyne Varangr, Kodlak Varangr, Merla Varangr, Julio Aquila + Crew, Atticus Demiurgos-Kennedy @endlessly-cursed, Elidon Greyloc, Brokenshire & Cairncross Family @cursebreakerfarrier, Irene Quinn and Agnes Malinda @gaygryffindorgal

Song: Ode to Fury by Miracle of Sound

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Chapter 2: Svalbard

“So where are we going?” Dayamanti asked as soon as they reached the open ocean.

“Svalbard,” Dafne replied.

“Why there? You honestly don’t think Valhalla is there, do you?”

“No. But like you said, I can’t possibly take on a mountain full of zombies by myself. We need some help, and maybe see if they have any more information.”

“They?” Dayamanti questioned with a quirk of her eyebrow.

“The Varangrs. It’s their history too, so it’s only fair that we ask.”

“Alright then,” she replied and went to work angling the sails, the longship turning to head north.

The journey would take them roughly three days with the help of enchantments upon the sails to increase their speed. It would be easy enough as Dayamanti had made the journey herself a few times for the Arcano Trading Co. The longship itself wasn’t too large, however the deck was just large enough to set up a small tent which, of course, was larger on the inside.

Dafne ducked and entered the tent to get out of the bitter cold wind and ocean spray. The tent once belonged to Alatar so the interior was very simple consisting of a few cots, a small bonfire in the center, and various rugs and furs piled on the ground around it.

Picking a comfy looking fur, Dafne sat down upon it and pulled another tight around herself. Producing the purple journal once belonging to her ancestor, she began to read.

——

Iolanthe Arcano, Magiens Mester

Entry #1

Date: May 15th, 1928

This is it. I’m finally going to do it after years of planning. I’ve got some vacation time coming up and everything is in order for when I’m gone. It could just be a bedtime story passed down for generations, but I’m betting it’s real. If it is, I can only imagine the amount of long forgotten knowledge hidden away in that city. Now all I need to do is find myself a team, and I have a pretty good idea who can help me..

Entry #2

Date: June 1st, 1928

We have managed to gain passage on a skyship called the Empyrean. I am familiar with Captain Aquila, we’ve been friends for a while. He has incredible navigation skills that will be a big help. Along with the ship's crew, I have also hired my own crew.

Senior Undersecretary Elidon Greyloc was my first pick. My second pick, of course, is my beloved Atticus. They were both an instant hire. As for the rest of the team, I have hired a few members from both the Cairncross and Brokenshire families.

Doctor Elias Cairncross and Reginald Brokenshire are leaders in their respective fields. Their knowledge of cultures and languages will be very beneficial. Also joining the team is Reginald’s son Asa Brokenshire and Elias’s daughter Zelda Cairncross. Zelda is an anthropologist whereas Asa has skills with defending against the Dark Arts. It must really run in their family, because I also hired Zelda’s son Leo Cairncross. I’ll have three generations of experts with me.

Lastly, Irene Quinn and Agnes Malinda round out the team. Irene is a private investigator, a skill I believe will come in handy for solving problems. Her partner Agnes is a journalist, to my dismay. I personally don’t want to get the press involved but Irene requested her help. I’d hate for the press to get news that my expedition was useless if this story ends up just that. A story.

Entry #3

Date: June 25th, 1928

We’ve been traveling on foot across the north of Norway for nearly a month now, occasionally taking the Empyrean if the distance is too far. After the Empyrean lands, we make our way to a few sites we thought might have the city. One after one we crossed off the list, not finding any hints of any entrances among the mountains. The team is getting restless and homesick, having nothing to show for weeks of camping. Even during summer, the north of Norway still has snow up high in the mountains.

Most days are long, requiring travel by foot or aparating longer distances. By choosing to do this in the summer, we have the luxury of not wasting daylight as the Midnight Sun never sets in the north. Although, it can be challenging to try to sleep under the almost sunset. This also proves difficult for navigating as our most skilled navigator Jules Aquila usually uses the stars at night to guide him.

We only have a handful of possible locations left to check. I’m starting to lose hope of the lost city even existing. If we don’t find anything, I’m worried my team might think I dragged them out on a wild goose chase to waste their time on a fairytale.

Entry #4

Date: August 3rd, 1928

I knew it! Ever since I was a child listening to the stories by the fire, I’ve dreamed of finally reclaiming the lost wizard city of Valhalla. I’ve studied the stories and maps for years and I have asked almost everyone from Skalafell to recount it to me, each story having new details or losing others. All this work was actually worth it. We think we have found it.

Entry #5

Date: August 9th, 1928

Today, the team will board the Empyrean once again. After two months, we are finally headed home, but I am sad to report it will be empty handed. They all worked admirably and I am proud of how far we came. I am frustrated and disappointed beyond belief, but I refuse to give up. I hope someday I can return and finish what we started. This will be my last entry about the lost city. Agnes has promised not to write about it publicly, our expedition will not be recorded for the history books. I look forward to a time where it could be...

——

Dafne’s brow furrowed as the text abruptly ended. Quickly flipping through revealed that about only a quarter of the journal was filled. The rest were blank pages. However, her attention was caught when flipping a page caused a folded piece of parchment to slip out and land on her lap. Unfolding it revealed a rough map of Norway, red paint crossing out multiple locations except one.

These must be the locations Iolanthe and her team explored. The only location not crossed out was on the coast of northern Norway. At least they had their starting location, although Dafne was worried about what they would find there. Iolanthe was certain they had found it, but the next entry told a different story. What could have happened?

——

The days passed slowly without event, the sisters spending the time together in the tent. They talked about anything they could think of. It was nice to have some free time to catch up as the last few years Dielle was at Hogwarts and Dafne herself attended a muggle university.

Before they knew it, the Jörmungandr thunked against the frozen docks on Svalbard belonging to the Varangr family. They were very nomadic and lived off the land so they didn’t really have a named village like Skalafell. The docks only existed because of the trade route their families established. In fact, it was Dafne’s grandfather Alatar who broke their centuries long feud and made peace with them. It was such a long grudge that neither family remembered what it was about.

Dayamanti, Dafne, and Dielle made their way off the ship and further inland, their boots crunching on the fresh snow of late autumn.

“How are we supposed to find anyone? Svalbard is huge and they could be anywhere!” Dielle questioned.

“No idea, I’ve never actually met them. Whenever I would make a trade, I would just leave the crates on the dock and take the ones already waiting,” Dayamanti replied.

Dafne was just about to make a sarcastic remark about perhaps trying to yell into the bushes when a voice yelled out at them.

“What is your business here?” an imposing figure stood in the distance off to the side, speaking Norwegian. He was draped in furs and had long gray hair that was braided in places. In his hand was a spear that rested on the ground like a cane.

“Oh, um my name is Dafne Arcano. These are my sisters Dayamanti and Dielle. You may know our grandpa Alatar?” Dafne offered back, matching his Norwegian.

“I do,” he answered gently, “I’m Kyne Varangr. How may I be of service?”

“Well, it’s kind of a long story. Do you have a leader we could talk to?”

“Aye. Follow me, I’ll take you to her,” Kyne motioned with his spear and started to walk away.

They followed him further into Svalbard, keeping a respectful distance behind. It only took about ten minutes of walking before they started to see pillars of smoke in the distance. Their destination consisted of a handful of large tents, substantial enough to house many people comfortably but makeshift enough to be taken apart and moved.

Kyne led them to the largest of the tents and pulled back the fabric, revealing the inside. The girls took this as an invitation and entered. Unlike their own, this tent wasn’t magical or bigger on the inside. The Varangrs were known to not use magic as much as normal wizards.

Sitting around the fire in the center were three figures, one man and two women. The youngest of the women looked to be around the same age as Dafne. She had black hair and a large raven perched upon her shoulder. The other woman was older with gray hair like Kyne. The man was between their ages.

The older woman stood up as they entered, bowing her head slightly and gesturing to the furs on the ground. The three of them exchanged a glance but then took a seat around the fire.

“Welcome. You must be Arcanos. I’m Jorren Varangr,” Jorren spoke, this time in English. “This is my son Kodlak and his daughter Merla. You’ve already met my husband Kyne, I see.”

“We are pleased to meet you. I’m Dafne and these are my sisters Dayamanti and Dielle.”

“I’m sorry to take up your time, but I came with an inquiry. You do know of the story of Valhalla, don’t you?”

Jorren nodded her head with a smile.

“Well, my sisters and I are embarking on a journey to find and reclaim it. We were wondering if you had any information about it or even if you wanted to come along?”

Jorren remained silent for a few moments, leaning over to whisper to her son before she spoke, “I’m sorry, but there is nothing we can do for you. It is a fairytale we can’t afford to chase.”

“I understand.”

“As for information, however, I can offer you this. Whatever’s been sleeping in that city will need more than three young girls to defeat. There’s a reason a whole group of trained city guards abandoned it without a fight.”

“You mean the Valkyries, right? They were my favorite part of our Grandpa’s stories,” Dielle remarked wistfully.

“I do,” Jorren nodded.

“So you won’t help us?” Dayamanti suddenly interjected.

“Be glad we let you this far, Arcano,” Kodlak shot back.

Jorren reached out her hand to quiet her son, “Do not take this the wrong way. I would just hate to see young wizards rush to their doom.”

“We understand and appreciate your concern, but we can handle ourselves,” Dafne rushed to speak before her sister could argue more.

Jorren nodded again with a gentle smile, “Then we have nothing left to say. I wish you well.”

Dafne took the hint and motioned the others to stand, “Thank you for your time, we will get out of your hair.”

With a few more head bows of acknowledgement, the three of them ducked back out of the tent and started their trek back to the docks. Once safely there, Dayamanti started to untie the mooring ropes and they had a moment to discuss.

“Well that sure was useful, wasn’t it?” Dayamanti sarcastically grumbled.

“I liked them. Especially Jorren, she was nice,” Dielle confidently stated.

Dafne sighed heavily, “It’s always worth asking. Iolanthe had an entire team with her. We can’t afford to be stubborn and keep it to ourselves. We need help.”

“Why did we sneak away from home then? I’m sure Uncle Kaari would have helped us!” Dielle nodded with a smile.

“They would have tried to stop us. Plus, they don’t believe it’s real. At least the Varangrs took us seriously.”

Suddenly a caw erupted into the crisp air and, with a flap of feathers above them, a large raven landed upon the edge of the longship. It looked at each of them one by one with its shiny black eyes.

“Do you know what you’re doing?” A quiet voice with a thick accent behind them caused them to jump and whirl around, their hands going to their weapons.

It was the girl from the tent who was introduced as Merla. She had a bag slung over her shoulder and, now that they were closer to her, they noticed her eyes were milky white and didn’t quite meet theirs.

“Do you know for sure where it is?” She spoke again when nobody answered her.

“Uhh we think so. Yes,” Dafne spoke up.

“Then I’m coming with you,” she stated and carefully made her way onto their longship, the raven's gaze following her the whole way.

“I’m Merla and this is Egyja,” Merla pointed to her raven.

“Eye?” Dafne translated.

“Yes, she’s my eyes. I was born blind but my Gift allows me to communicate with and see through animals eyes. I assume you guys also have the Gift, considering the white in your hair.”

“How do you have the Gift? You don’t have white hair!” Dielle asked.

“The Varangr family shows the Gift differently. Each of the families has a different way it shows up. Women from my family are born with unique birthmarks. This is mine,” she answered, pulling away her fur coat to reveal a dark mark upon her breastbone that vaguely took the shape of an eye.

“That’s so cool,” Dielle mused, “My Gift is healing and sometimes I can create shields to protect people!”

“I can create fire and lightning,” Dayamanti added and crossed her arms proudly.

“And mine is necromancy. I can’t bring people's souls back, I just puppet their bodies,” Dafne finished.

“And you think the four of us can reclaim the city alone?” Merla arched an eyebrow.

“I guess we will find out,” Dayamanti replied.

With a heavy thunk, the anchor was raised. The mooring lines were untied and the sails unfolded, billowing with the bitter cold wind. The Jörmungandr lurched forwards and then crawled forwards until eventually it hit top speeds. They had their heading.