The feeling of the sun's rays and warmth began to awaken Eventide from her sleep the sun slowly rose high into the heavens above the sleeping town. Eventide woke up with Firehearts arms wrapped around her stomach looking at Fireheart she smiled to herself seeing Firehearts lips were a few inches from her own. Not wanting to wake up the sleeping teen who slept soundly next to her Eventide slowly moved her hands over Firehearts arms gently running her fingers along Firehearts forearms.

Slowly Eventide lifted Firehearts arms up gently moving the sleeping teens arms to her side leaning in she pressed her lips to Firehearts forehead ending the kiss she moved the blanket and crawled out of bed. Yawning and stretching Eventide felt pain in her right side looking to her bandages she thought to herself, “Damn that bear I should have killed it when I had the chance.”

Turning back to her sleeping friend Eventide gently lifted up the blanket once more pulling the covers back over Firehearts body tucking her in. Running her fingers through Firehearts hair Eventide tucked a lock of hair behind Firehearts right ear before tip-toeing out of the room. Quitely shutting the door behind her Eventide headed down the hall into the kitchen noticing the clock on the stove.

“Five in the morning.” Eventide muttered to herself, “I’m normally up at four guess grandpa let me sleep in a bit.” Looking around she soon found a bowl of grapes sitting on the kitchen table, “Ah breakfast.” She finished.

Sitting down Eventide took a small clump of them out of the bowl setting them on a napkin she found in front of the bowl. Looking out the kitchen window she saw several rabbits hopping about. Sighing Eventide ate her food got up and headed back to Firehearts bedroom quickly and quietly picking up her clothing Eventide quickly got dressed. Tip-toeing once more back out into the hallway she very quickly made her way back into the kitchen getting there a few moments later. Eventide opened up the refrigerator taking out two carrots and an apple grinning to herself she muttered, “These will make a good snack for Vinr.”

Eventide quickly placed the carrots into her right back pocket and the apple into her shirt front pocket. Opening the front door Eventide headed outside breathing in the cold chilly mornings air stung her lungs looking around she saw snow lightly falling in all directions.

“It’s a bit chilly today I better take Vinr for a walk to help warm him up and give him his breakfast too.” She thought to herself. Walking the short distance to the garage she opened it saying aloud, “Vinr.” Looking at the horse she added, “Easy boy, your going to be alright.”

Gently Eventide took a hold of the horses reins leading him out into the front yard walking him towards the front gate she stopped feeling the horse's muzzle rubbing her back. Chuckling to herself Eventide turned to him laying a hand on his snout gently stroking his fury head. Reaching behind her she took from her back pocket two carrots holding them up for him to see laughing as he gobbled them down.

“Good boy.” She gently said scratching his ear “I’ll give you the apple in a little bit right now we need to get you warmed up.” feeling him nuzzle her check she lowered her head sniffing lightly, “I know boy I know you miss Horse I miss him too but.” raising her head with pride beaming in her eyes she finished, “He is in Valhalla with Odin and the other gods so there is no need to be sad.”

Leading Vynr out the front gate into the street she began to mount him hearing the door open and slam shut Eventide turned her attention to the front door seeing Fireheart standing on the porch. Wrapped in her blanket Fireheart stood for a few minutes shivering in the cold as Eventide checked over Vinr’s reins and saddle satisfied nothing was amiss she turned her attention back to Fireheart holding out her hand to her. Gulping Fireheart took Eventide’s hand letting the blanket which was wrapped around her shoulders fall to the porch step allowing herself to be pulled up onto the horses back. Fireheart quickly placed her arms around Eventide’s waist still shivering in the cold seeing she was cold Eventide dismounted picked up the blanket offering it to Fireheart. Shaking her head Fireheart gestured towards the street looking to the street Eventide sighed remounting Vinr dropping the blanket in the snow.

“Hold on.” Eventide said smiling taking the reins up again, “We’re going to go a little fast.”

“What do you---” Firehearts words were cut short as Eventide spurred Vinr’s sides hard, the horse suddenly much to Firehearts shock bolted forward out of her front yard and down the street. “holy shiiiiiiit.” Fireheart screamed tightly gripping Eventides waist trying desperately not to fall off “Eventide what the hell are you doing!?!” Fireheart finished.

Happy laughter escaped Eventide’s lips feeling the cold air rush through her shoulder length red and yellow hair the horse galloped through the streets looking to her right Fireheart saw lights coming on in the homes they passed. People of all ages rushed outside to see what was causing all the nose. Faster and faster the horse galloped down the streets with Eventide veering him left or right as they passed house after house and intersection after intersection Fireheart did her best to hang on.

“This is great!” Eventide screamed Fireheart quickly buried her face into Eventides back glancing behind her Eventide added, “Aw come on Fireheart I won’t let you fall off.”

“Make him stop please for the love God make him stop!” Fireheart cried out.

Shaking her head Eventide quickly brought the horse to a full trot before saying, “Whoa there boy, whoa easy now” Gently patting his neck she added, “Good horse.”

Eventide felt Fireheart’s body trembling looking behind her Eventide coxed Fireheart into letting her go long enough to dismount safely on the ground Eventide offered her hands to Fireheart. Taking Eventides hands into her own Fireheart allowed herself to be dismounted from the horse. Once safely on the ground herself Fireheart threw a fist hitting Eventides right shoulder brushing it off with a playful grin Eventide said, “That was pretty---” Eventide began being quickly cut off by Fireheart.

“Not fun at all!” Fireheart screamed turning around she began to walk away from Eventide folding her arms under her chest adding, “What in the hell is wrong with you?!”

Looking down while holding Vinr’s reins in her left hand Eventide sighed looking back up and seeing Fireheart was several feet from her Eventide called out to her, “Hey wait up.” Not getting a reply Eventide led Vinr down the street following Fireheart who narrowed her eyes trying her best to ignore Eventide seeing how upset Fireheart was Eventide quickly added, “Hey look I’m sorry alright I didn’t mean to upset you like that.”

“You didn’t upset me Eventide you did however frighten me.” Fireheart finally said kicking a soda can down the street “It's just that, well--you see.”

“What? Please tell me I want to make this right for you Fireheart.” Eventide said stepping in front of Fireheart stopping her in her tracks Eventide added, “I know I screwed up by spurring Vinr like that I know I messed---”

“My older sister Braveheart used to do stupid things like that before the police took her away.” Fireheart interrupted Eventide getting a worried look from Eventide she added, “I still recall when they came for her I was seven asleep in my sisters bed I had a high fever that night. Braveheart had gone out to get medicine for me at least that is what she told me when she left that night. Only she didn’t get it instead she and her boyfriend hit a convenience store for money they had latter planned on using this stolen money to buy drugs.”

“What happened if I may ask?” Eventide asked clearly worried and not liking where the conversation was going.

“Well I am not entirely sure.” Fireheart replied, “But from what I was told and from what I learned during her trial the clerk that ran the store was killed.”

“I see so that is why you don’t talk about her.” Eventide asked looking down adding, “I never meant to cause you any pain Fireheart if my actions with Vinr caused you to think about your sister then I am truly sorry.”

Laying her hands on Eventides shoulders Fireheart pulled her into a warm hug breathing in Eventides scent ending the hug she locked eyes with Eventide who offered her a weak smile. Taking her right hand into her own Fireheart lead Eventide down the street towards a large building looking at the sign which read ‘open at six in the morning closed at ten at night Monday through Sunday.’ she pointed to it.

“I don’t understand Fireheart why are we here?” Eventide asked clearly confused adding, “It looks like a normal building to me.”

“You told me last night we needed to offer Odin plants, mead, Cheese, bread and spears due to our behavior last night this is where we will find what we are looking for.”

Taking her free hand into her own Fireheart led Eventide and Vinr towards the front entrance of the store stopping at the front door. Looking at the horse let go of Eventides hand watching her tie the horse’s reins up on a nearby tree giving her a nod the two headed into the small shop. Shelves upon shelves lined every corner and free space of the shop filled with plants of all types. The smell of fragrant flowers, plants and ointments filled Eventides nostrils quickly throwing her left arm around her nose and face Eventide let out a loud sneeze.

“Bless you.” Eventide heard Fireheart say adding, “Let me guess this place is making you sneeze huh?”

Sniffing Eventide nodded feeling Firehearts hand on her own she blushed offering her a light smile Fireheart led Eventide to the front counter ringing a bell. The two didn’t need to wait for long when a woman with long pink hair, freckles, pink skin and a crown of daisies in her hair came out from the back of the shop. Looking at the two she smiled warmly to both Fireheart nodded to her saying, “We need to get some supplies for a offering today Ms. Daisy.”

“Sure thing.” She replied adding, “To whom do you plan on making this offering to you Ms. Sk’oll if I may ask?”

Looking to Eventide then back to Daisy she replied, “My friend and I are making offerings to Odin today and I will need the---”

Folding her arms under her chest Daisy narrowed her eyes giving Fireheart a stern cold stare gulping Fireheart took a step back Eventide looked between the two of them clearly confused. Stepping around the counter Daisy leaned in her face was grim her eyes darkened keeping her eyes locked on Fireheart seeing a look of worry on the young teens face Daisy stepped back behind the counter.

“You do fully understand.” Daisy began ending the awkward silence between the three of them, “That Lord Odin is one of the most powerful ancient Norse deities and he young sk’oll is not to be trifled with?”

“Yes we both understand this.” Eventide chimmend in adding, “Now are you going to allow us to buy the supplies we need for this or do we have to go elsewhere for our supplies?”

Turning her attention to Eventide who gave her a cold stare in return Daisy growled out, “Do not take that tone with me Eventide Shimmer Soleil!” watching Eventide give Fireheart a passing glance she added, “Yes I know who you are and I know who your grandfather is as well.”

“Wait back up how do you know me and my grandfather?” Eventide asked clearly confused adding, “I have as far as I know never met you until today that is.”

“Do you recall when you broke your right leg you were eight years old at the time being your grandfather told you not to stand up in the saddle while you were learning how to ride a horse.” Daisy stared at Eventide with conviction in her eyes as she added, “But you have your mother’s need to prove yourself burning within you so you stood up and got yourself tossed off the horses back.” Watching Eventide look down she continued, “You didn’t cry once not even when I had to reset your broken bone I also recall six months after you got your cast off your grandfather insisted that we take you on the ritual hunt.” Slowly Eventide looked her face showed a demeanor of calmness and happiness at the memory, “You were so eager to prove yourself to us that you rather foolishly rushed the boar taking it with your bare hands the animal mauled your right shoulder but to my shock and your grandfather's as well you took down the boar.”

Placing her left hand over her right shoulder Eventide squeezed her shoulder tenderly looking to her shoulder then back to Daisy Eventide smiled letting out a sigh. Smirking Eventide chuckled lightly Fireheart gave her a passing glance chiming in, “So since you know Eventide can we get our supplies please?”

“I just wanted to make clear to you both that you should know what yourselves getting into before you buy the supplies that you will need to make a proper sacrifice to Lord Odin.” looking at Eventide, Daisy added, “And from the look on Eventide’s face I’d say she recalls me rather vividly wouldn’t you say that as well peu guerrier.”

“No one has called me ‘Little Warrior’ since I was nine years old. And you are correct I didn’t cry because as a warrior it is wrong for me to cry. I will never cry for anything or...anyone.” Eventide replied adding, “Daisy we both fully understand what we are getting ourselves into can we please with your permission gather up what we need to do this?”

“ You will find Eventide that as a warrior you are allowed to cry even when you think it is not the right time or place.” Daisy replied adding, “You’ll find all that you need including the spears and a wagon complete with a hitch in the very back of the store just take Vinr round back and I’ll do the rest.”

Quickly taking Eventides hand into her own Fireheart led her outside to Vinr taking the horse’s reins into her own free hand Eventide gently led the powerful horse around the back of the shop. Seeing a large wagon complete with all they needed to hitch up Vinr Eventide and Fireheart set about getting the horse ready to pull the wagon down the street towards home. Daisy came out with her arms full of all that they needed placing the items into the back of the wagon. Giving her a nod Eventide mounted Vinr while Fireheart got into the wagon waving their farewells to Daisy.

“Tell your grandfather Eventide I’ll collect my wagon upon the next harvest.” Daisy called out to the girls.

“I’ll do that.” Eventide replied cracking the reins adding, “I look forward to the hunt again Daisy see you then.”

Heading back down the street Eventide whistled a light toone to herself Fireheart took out from her backpack a flute placed it to her lips and began to play. Stopping her tune Eventide looked back to Fireheart offering her a pleasant smile, “Will you teach me how to play your flute Fireheart?” Eventide asked.

“Of course I will but first we must make the sacrifice.” Looking up to the sky she added, “It should be about nine o’clock so if we hurry we can do this before noon then I’ll teach you how to play this.”

Coming up to Firehearts home a few hours later Eventide pulled on Vinr’s reigns stopping him in his tracks getting off the horse she walked over to the wagon setting the break in place. Walking behind the wagon Eventide opened the back of it as Fireheart hopped out helping Eventide to carry in all of the supplies. Looking around Fireheart noticed the house was quiet entering the living she found a note pinned to her father's chair unpinning it Fireheart waited for Eventide to set down the supplies she had carried in. Watching Eventide take a seat in a chair near the fireplace Fireheart read outloud.

“My daughter,

Cernunnos and I have gone to see the Mayor about Three Toes please do not go into the hills or mountains until I get back. Make sure that Eventide doesn’t leave the safety of the town until she hears from us we will be back as soon as we can until then there is stew in the stove and fresh bread in the cupboards.

Love

Dad"

Cernunnos wants to make sure Eventide gets plenty of rest and doesn’t practice her technique or hunting, tracking or skinning skills she is to rest and do nothing more than that.”

“Great.” Eventide grumbled, “So I’m grounded.”

Looking up from the note she had just read Fireheart quirked an eyebrow setting down the note Fireheart walked over to Eventide laying her hands on Eventides shoulders. Gently helping Eventide up Fireheart pulled Eventide into a warm hug whispering into her ear, “You are not grounded Eventide.”

“Alright if you say so.” Eventide replied ending the hug adding, “Let's get this stuff outside and ready to make our offering to Odin.”

“Sounds good to me then afterwards I’ll teach you to play the flute.”

Gathering up their supplies both Eventide and Fireheart headed outback Fireheart began to look through the plants making each one was clearly marked. Eventide began to set the spears against the ash trees stepping back to inspect her work Eventide smiled to herself hearing thunder off in the distance she glanced up seeing the clouds above were turning charcoal grey.

“We need to hurry Eventide.” Fireheart called out to her, “I don’t know about you but I for one don’t want to get soaked.” watching Eventide approach her she finished, “You stay here I’ll go get the drinking horns and fill them with my fathers beer then we can make a proper offering to Lord Odin.”

“Agreed.” Eventide replied watching Fireheart leave. “And while she does that I’ll set up the altar and the cheese a bread.”

A few moments went by before Fireheart came back with nine small drinking horns placing each one in a triangle on the altar that Eventide had set up. Each wheel of cheese had been placed in the center of each triangle of plants and candles. Feeling around her pants pockets Eventide groaned in irritation, “Damn-it I didn’t bring my grandfathers zippo with me.”

“Here use this.” Fireheart said, handing over a small lighter she added, “Its my fathers I snagged it before coming back out I thought it might come in handy for this.”

Heading back inside Fireheart came out with a large pitcher of beer handing it to Eventide taking the pitcher from her Eventide began to fill the horns with beer. Her work complete Eventide set the pitcher down looked to the sky above calling out, “We the children of Midgard do hail you Lord Odin and ask upon this day that you might forgive us for our transgressions from the day past.” though still in pain from her bout with Three Toes Eventide slowly began to raise her hands above her head with Fireheart copying the gesture Eventide added, “ Hail the grey wanderer for many years you have knocked at the hidden doors to our souls, patient yet ever insistent: awaiting our response.”

Thunder boomed over heard Eventide smiled her eyes darkened keeping her arms raised she closed her eyes for a few moments taking in the cold chilly air and thunderous nose of the oncoming storm. Fireheart closed her eyes calling out, “All Father you who knows the passageways to my heart. Yet patient, waiting, not treading there within uninvited.” Opening her eyes she added, Wise one you teach me the greater worth of a path freely chosen. I welcome You now into my heart, unfettered by reservation.”

Watching Eventide lower her arms Fireheart stood silently for a few minutes as Eventide gestured to the drinking horns before lowering her own arms. Eventide looked up with pride showing in her eyes calling out, “Odin you are Lord of all Asagard we your followers offer you these nine horns of beer so that you might drink your fill and offer us safe passage on the journey that you have shown us today.”

“Spear Shaker You who incites wars amongst nations and the battles within each of our hearts: You spur us now to rise to the challenge of a warriors calling to take part in all that life has to offer to us.” Fireheart called out as Eventide gestured to each of the nine spears Fireheart added, “One eyed god your quest unhalted by sacrifice so do we commit to follow your internal will now and forever shall we be yours to command.” Gesturing to Eventide who took out from a small pouch sitting on a altar in front of her a handful of rune stones Fireheart finished, “Master of the runes through your gift we glimpse the web of Wyrd so do we two your daughters of Midgard seek the knowledge that your staves reveal to you and to the other gods.”

Lightning flashed across the sky rain began to fall Fireheart looked up shaking her head looking back at Eventide she watched Eventide close her eyes. Eventide breathed in slowly letting out her breath her eyes slowly opened her face was eerily calm Fireheart looked for any sign of pleasantry but could find none showing on Eventides face.

Worried for her friend Fireheart was about to speak when Eventide cut her off, “Patron to the skalds bringer of the mead of inspiration may our words be pleasing to your ears.” Taking a step towards the altar Fireheart saw only emptiness behind Eventide’s cyan eyes watching her slowly raise her arms again adding, “Master of fury primal and uncontained: dictated by necessity. May we two daughters persevere, unrepressed, in adversity to show you your glory in all things to come.”

Gulping Fireheart stepped towards Eventide watching her lower her arms Eventide turned around facing Fireheart thunder boomed over head as lightning crackled. Several loud explosions could be heard off in the distance Fireheart locked eyes with Eventide. Taking another step towards Eventide, Fireheart stopped as Eventide said, “May your queen Freya and her Valkyries find the two of us daughters of Midgard worthy when the web of our lives has been cut by the Norns and may we both pass under the mighty tree Yggdrasil with your blessings Lord Odin.”

The rain began to fall hard Eventide bowed her head Fireheart quickly copied the gesture turning to leave Fireheart called out to Eventide, “We’re going to get soaked if we stay out here much longer we should head inside.”

“Alright we’ll head in.” Eventide called back over the sound of the pour rain “Looks like grandpa and your father are going to get soaked out there man the rain sure is coming down hard.” heading inside the house Fireheart headed to her bedroom while Eventide headed to the living room sitting down she began to get a fire going thinking to herself, “I hope grandpa and Cernunnos have found a dry place to bunk down for the rest of the day.”

“Here try these on they might fit you.” Firehearts voice snapped Eventide back to reality “There dry and warm I hope they fit comfortably.” Watching her take the clothing from her Fireheart added, “While you get changed I’ll finish getting the fire going.”

Taking the clothing from Fireheart Eventide headed into Fireheart’s bedroom changed and returning a few moments later finding Fireheart sitting in a her fathers recliner. Taking a seat next to her Eventide trembled slightly catching Fireheart’s attention getting up Fireheart headed into her bedroom returning with her blanket draping it over Eventide she smiled pleasantly to her.

“Thank you.” Eventide said, wrapping herself up in the warm wool blanket “So uh, now that we are back would it be alright if you teach me how to play that flute?”

”Sure thing then perhaps you can tell me what Gloriosa meant by ‘you have your mother’s need to prove yourself burning within you’ I don’t really understand what she meant by this.”

Chuckling to herself Eventide breathed in placing a hand to her ribs rubbing the area tenderly looking into the fire she closed her eyes letting the warmth of the fire dry her wet skin. Opening her eyes Eventide looked down saying, “I have the same spirit that my mother Celestia has I was taken away from her when I was seven and placed in the care of my grandfather. I am sure my mother hates me that is why I was taken away from her.” Looking back up Eventide added, “I can hear and see things that to many people are not real but I know what I see and hear is real.”

“Tell me what do you see when you look at me?” Fireheart asked getting up Eventide watched her head to her room returning with her flute sitting back down Fireheart added, “Do you see birds and animals when you look at other people?”

“No.” Eventide replied swallowing hard she added, “I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t make fun of this.”

“I am in no making ‘fun’ of this for I too see things that most would say are not there only I see animals or at least I think they are animals but I am curious. If you have felt this way why has your grandfather not sought out medical help for you?”

“He was in war though he won’t talk about it I have secretly read his journals I know he saw what medical science can do if it is abused. That is why he doesn’t trust medicine. As for you questions I see a woman dressed in red with long silver hair shimmering red eyes and light freckles on her face. She is dressed in a long flowing red cloak she has long slender elf like ears pale moon-white skin and a soft kindly voice.”

“Does this person have a name.” Fireheart asked.

“Yes I call her sparrow there is another that I see one that completely terrifies me one that I wish to the old Gods that I didn’t have to hear or see. She is always covered in feathers only her shoulders, stomach and feet are visible the rest of her is covered in thick feathers. Her ears are small tufts of brown hair matted and torn her eyes are a dull dead brown with no life or light behind them whatsoever. She wears a golden circlet around her brow with a large red jewel in the center. Her face is hard and corse when she speaks I feel nothing but fear she has golden bracelets around her upper forearms silver wings covered in blood protrude from her back. She is sadistic where Sparrow is always calm and kind.”

“What do you call this uh, person?” Fireheart asked clearly worried and not liking where Eventide was going with their conversation. “I um, well that is I---”

“She is called Elf.” Watching Eventide begin to show signs of unquenchable fear Fireheart watched Eventide’s jaw tremble as she finished, “And she is standing right....behind you.”

"Hello Eventide." Eventide heard Elf begin, "Time to play."