Frau Hunter Ash
(Aka Dana Cooper-Kjarr)
Xena and Gabrielle grinned when Hercules and the boys rode into sight two days later. Sasha laughed delightedly and ran to greet her foster father and brothers.
Asher grinned and dropped off his horse easily as Virgil caught his reins. Sasha lifted the boy high in the air and hugged him tightly. She looked up with a grin for Hercules and Virgil.
“I’m so glad you got here,” Sasha laughed. “I’ve missed you guys.”
“We’ve missed you,” Hercules agreed. “Your visit over Yule was nice but too short.”
Sasha sat Asher on his feet and looked him over closely. “Staying away from wild horses?”
“Yup, Mom Meg won’t let me anywhere near the war horses she keeps stabled for the Captain of the Militia,” Asher answered easily.
Sasha looked up into the shy brown eyes of her foster brother.
“And you, Virgil? Keeping him out of trouble?” she teased.
“Nope,” Virgil smiled back. “He keeps me out of trouble.”
Laughing, Hercules dismounted and hugged Xena and Gabrielle as they trotted over to greet everyone. Xena grinned and grabbed Asher by the head and rubbed it quickly with a fist as he howled in mock pain. Gabrielle took the reins of the horses so Virgil could get down.
She hugged Virgil tightly and then Asher, glad to see her son and foster son.
“How’s Meg?” Xena asked Hercules as she turned to hug Virgil.
“Doing well, really,” her half brother answered. “Having baby Rachel to care for helps. She says she doesn’t have time to worry about anything.”
“Good,” Xena nodded as the small group began moving towards the cabin.
“I’m glad you’re here, Sash,” Hercules grinned, wrapping an arm around the adult woman. “How long are you here?”
“Until the moon,” Sasha replied.
“She’s about to take the final steps to be a full Valkyrie,” Xena explained further. “Wanna help train our warrior?”
“Sure,” the demi-god agreed readily.
“Can we watch?” Virgil asked and Asher nodded, hoping for approval.
“Sure,” Gabrielle answered after a moment. The last thing Xena, Gabrielle or Hercules wanted was the boys growing up to be soldiers but knew it was very likely. Already the boys were training with the older boys in Greece in staves and tracking. They were naturals on horses, except for wild war horses, Gabrielle corrected mentally.
Xena caught Gabrielle’s frown and shrugged, figuring both of them were thinking along the same lines. It was time for the boys to start training with weapons and getting serious about it. Xena had been so pleased when Solan had turned away from being a fighter. Bitter thoughts of his death crossed the warrior’s mind. Her peaceful son had been killed by a fighter, a warlord and insane goddess named Callisto.
Asher apparently had inherited both his mother’s skills in fighting. He was fast as a cat, acrobatic like Gabrielle and as talented with a sword as Xena was at his age.
Virgil had inherited his father’s shyness and his mother’s blue eyes, other talents yet unrevealed apparently.
++++++++++++++++++++
Gabrielle shuffled her feet as Xena growled. Sasha was making her goodbyes to Hercules and the boys while the Goddess Freya waited nearby under a tree.
Xena, finally unable to keep quiet, walked slowly over to the Goddess.
“Ysla,” Freya greeted, using Xena’s northern name.
“Freya,” Xena responded. “Listen, I know part of the test is to face the other Valkyries. I don’t have a problem with that but can you let us know the outcome? She is our daughter.”
Freya smiled gently. “Of course, Ysla. She will do fine, the test is meant to help bond them together, not kill the Valkyrie.”
Xena was obviously relieved.
“We don’t tell the trainees that, we want them fighting at their best,” Freya explained.
“You make the stakes high enough for the best performance,” Xena nodded, appreciating the strategy.
“It’s not easy,” Freya said firmly. “She will get hurt and will probably hurt a few of the others.”
“I understand. Thank you,” Xena said softly and turned to see her daughter hugging Gabrielle and the bard trying to hold back her tears. Xena understood the emotion; she was biting back her own tears.
Now she knew how her mother felt, watching her kids grow up into adults and go off facing dangerous situations.
Xena held her arms open and hugged Sasha tightly as Gabrielle wiped at her tears.
“Freya says that we’ll find out how you do but I know you’ll be great,” Xena said, trying to smile.
“I’m the daughter of Xena, Gabrielle and Ares,” Sasha grinned. “Can’t lose.”
“Gods, she inherited your ego,” Gabrielle teased and got punched playfully on the arm by Xena.
“I love you both,” Sasha said softly and moved out of Xena’s arms to stand next to Freya. The Goddess wrapped an arm around the young woman’s shoulders, the cloak of falcon wings covered both of them and they disappeared.
“Damn!” Xena muttered.
* * *
Sasha looked over her weapons with a critical eye. The sword was sharp, the spear shaft was made of seasoned wood with the head finely honed and firmly attached. The shield was well made and the bracers fit very well. A typical Viking Sax knife completed the assortment of weapons.
Sasha redid the laces over her boots and tightened her belt. Unlike the usual bright chain mail armor the Valkyries usual wore, this test was about skill, not show and terror. She and the other Valkyries were dressed in simple tunics, woolen trousers, boots and had their hair in warrior braids.
Unlike her mothers, Sasha had never faced multiple opponents before except when training with the Valkyries and she was nervous. She wasn’t going to show it though.
Sasha turned to face her opponents.
The Valkyries were grouped together, facing Sasha.
They all looked to Odin and Freya standing on a slight hill.
“Let the test begin, may the Norns bless your efforts,” Odin announced.
Sasha wasn’t surprised when the Valkyries spread out, forming a semi circle as they advanced on Sasha.
The would-be Valkyrie dropped her shield and dashed forward. She jammed her spear firmly into the ground and spun herself up and around it. Using her momentum she “ran” along the chests of her opponents in the semi circle, knocking them back into their companions. Two went down with broken jaws when Sasha spun around again and caught two of them with her boots.
That left eight more battle-trained female warriors.
Sasha knew they wouldn’t fall for that trick again and barely got the spear up with both hands, taking two sword strikes on the iron wood. She quickly brought one end around across the jaw of one of the quicker fighters but winced when one struck under the spear, glancing across her ribs.
Sasha brought the spear up under the chin of another warrior and then back flipped out of the way. Landing on her hands, she kicked upward, just as Gabrielle had taught her.
Three more down from major wounds that bled freely.
Sasha ducked a sword strike as she bounded to her feet, grabbing up her shield with her boot, tossing it to herself in time to take another sword strike across it. The blow was strong enough to break the wooden shield.
The Greek would-be Viking dropped the shield and drew her sax before beginning to fight with both weapons as the remaining five Valkyries overwhelmed her.
Sasha knew she was in trouble in a matter of moments and used every trick her mothers and Hercules had shown her. She managed to break free from the group and everyone seemed to hesitate a moment, catching their breath. Two more fighters were down, one nursing a split skull from Sasha’s sword hilt and another one holding a bad stomach wound from the young woman's sax.
The remaining Valkyries spread out as Sasha tried to keep all three of them in sight. She had taken a deep slash and the loss of blood was making her lightheaded.
All three rushed her at once. Sasha, instead of leaping up, as Xena was known to do, or trying to defend against all three at once, dived forward. She rolled into the legs of the lead warrior, causing her to fall into the path of the other two. In a moment, all three warriors were a tangle of legs, arms and weapons.
Sasha slashed at each lightly, causing a small cut along their necks and stepped back to the sound of applause from Odin and Freya.
The trainee felt the goddess’ arms wrap around her as everything went gray from the loss of blood.
* * *
Xena bolted up in bed with chakram in hand.
“Easy, warrior,” a gentle voice said softly.
“Freya?” Xena whispered, her voice harsh with sleepiness and surprise.
“Yes, Sasha is safe and passed her first test, she did better than any other before her,” Freya said softly.
“Thank you,” Xena said softly and laid back down, feeling the energy change and knew the goddess was gone. Xena smiled, unable to keep the pride from dancing in her eyes and across her face.
* * *
Sasha stretched her aching muscles in the morning sun. She was stiff and sore from the fight the day before and the general healing from Freya. Sasha would carry scars, the goddess refusing to totally heal, leaving sore muscles and scars for memory.
The Greek Viking was surprised and pleased with herself but had blushed most of the night away as her companion Valkyries praised and teased her throughout the night. The group had celebrated almost until dawn.
Now the second part of the testing was coming up and Sasha felt her confidence fading quickly.
The would-be Valkyrie hadn’t been exactly truthful with her mothers. Sasha had been with a couple of women in sexual encounters before, both of them fellow Valkyries but she hadn’t been with a male. Unlike some of the rumors about the Valkyries, not all of them were sexually active with the heroes they chose. That was reserved for full Valkyries given the volatile nature of Vikings, emotions, and the power of life and death over the heroes. The trainee Valkyries, like Sasha and a few others, weren't allowed to be sexually active with the heroes about to die.
Sasha had no doubts about her sexuality. She desired both sexes but her training had taken up all of her focus and time over the years. Now she was being faced with picking a hero to die and giving him a night of sexual pleasure, precluding his endless night of joy in Valhalla or Folkvang.
The Greek Viking stood up from her stretch and stood facing the sun, absorbing its warming rays. She felt the hackles on the back of her neck standing up and turned to find Odin standing under a nearby tree.
Sasha approached him confidently.
“AllFather,” she said calmly.
“I am pleased with your test yesterday,” he smiled, adjusting the patch covering where his right eye once rested.
“Thank you, Father,” Sasha smiled in return.
“Your next test is ready, I will take you to a large settlement that is facing a battle in two days,” he explained. “We’ll watch the warriors and you’ll make your pick.”
Sasha tried not to let her nervousness show but Odin, watching her eyes, merely laughed.
“Don’t worry, you’ve escorted warriors to our realm before,” he said gently. “This will be more difficult, you’ll actually get close to one of them. You will do fine and I have no doubt you’ll pick a worth warrior for my Einherjar.”
“What are you looking for in this hero?” Sasha asked.
“Someone level headed and calm,” he told the young Valkyrie. “And a good fighter.”
“Of course, it will be done,” Sasha said, sounding more self-assured than she felt.
* * *
Sasha walked with Odin as they wandered through the settlement, listening to the debates among the warriors and the general talk among the women. Both were invisible to the mortals and so moved easily among the Vikings.
Sasha had learned from Freya and Odin that a lot more information could be learned from listening to the women than the men, sometimes. Women talked frankly and freely.
God and Valkyrie learned which leader was trusted, which warrior was favored by the young women, which ones were thought cowardly and who was overlooked.
A day and a night was spent among the Vikings.
At dawn the next day, Odin turned to Sasha.
"Have you made your choice?" he asked.
"Yes, AllFather," Sasha answered slowly. "Thorkell is a good man, a good warrior and level headed. He is admired by both warriors and villagers for his wisdom at such an early age."
"He could benefit the settlement by living," Odin pointed out.
"Yes, so could most of the warriors chosen by you and Freya," Sasha countered. "His brothers are also very much like him but not as good with warrior skills. They will be the asset to the clan."
"Good choice, I am pleased," Odin smiled gently.
"What happens now?" she asked.
"You approach him after dark," Odin explained. "It's your choice whether you reveal what you are and why you're seeking him out. Let the night happen and tomorrow during the battle you will point your spear and choose him to fall."
Sasha swallowed with difficulty.
"It is difficult the first time," he nodded.
"I know sexuality is different among the gods than mortals but I'm not experienced and I've never gotten close to one chosen," Sasha said slowly.
"It will be easier once it's over and you'll have the choice if you want to enjoy him once he reaches Valhalla," Odin offered. "All sexuality is your choice, even this test. You can walk away with no dishonor."
Sasha frowned.
"It's time to choose your path, young one," Odin said gently. "You will still be treasured among us if being a Valkyrie isn't your calling. You have until nightfall."
With that Odin was gone, leaving the young woman to wander through the village. She was still invisible to the inhabitants and Sasha found herself staying away from Thorkell at first but unable to keep her distance.
She spent the day watching as he helped the settlement prepare for the upcoming battle and reassured his mother and sisters that all would be fine. Sasha didn't listen to the reasons for the battle or even who the settlement was fighting, she didn't care. Odin and Freya had already decided who would win the battle and it really didn't concern Sasha and her choices.
The Greek Viking found that her assessment of Thorkell was a correct one. He was also gentle and loving to his family and clan mates.
Sasha sat down in the shadows, alone with her thoughts.
* * *
Xena held Gabrielle close as they watched the river passing nearby. They had decided to take the day off after hearing word that Sasha would be facing her final test the next day.
The boys and Hercules were off hunting for spring deer, leaving the two women the perfect chance to relax again.
"Careful, lover," Xena teased. "We'll get lazy."
Gabrielle laughed and nuzzled Xena's arm.
"Tonight is the moon," Gabrielle said softly.
"I know, that's the reason Herc took the boys to the hunting cabin tonight," Xena said easily. Even after all their years together, Xena knew that the Bacchae craving that hit Gabrielle once a month was still a source of pain for her bard.
"Alright," Gabrielle said softly.
"Gabrielle, accept it already!" Xena urged.
"Easier said than done!" Gabrielle snapped, pulling out of her mate's arms. "Even Artemis used it against me at my trial. How many Amazons now think I'm a monster?"
"Gabrielle, I can't do anything about that," Xena growled. "She was wrong to bring that up."
"Well, it happened and now I've got to deal with it," Gabrielle said wearily.
"The Northern Amazons know and don't care," Xena countered.
"That's not totally true, some of them treated me differently once they knew I was like the vampires they were fighting," Gabrielle protested.
Xena frowned. "How many times are we going to argue this?"
Gabrielle laughed softly, her body and face relaxing.
"Forever?"
"God, I hope not!" Xena teased, pulling Gabrielle back into her arms.
Gabrielle met Xena's lips roughly, her body covering the warrior's. Xena moaned, feeling the bard's arousal rising. Xena loved spending spring and summer days with Gabrielle. Her mate had reverted back to her favorite mode of dress around the farm: small top that showed off her ample breast and beautiful upper body strength, a leather skirt with shorts underneath showed off the bard's fantastic leg muscles as well. Xena loved watching Gabrielle every chance she got.
Xena didn't dress in her traveling warrior clothing as much as she did in their early years. Cotton trousers were more practical around the farm most of the time but she still preferred a leather vest like top with bracers.
Gabrielle's tongue begged and Xena readily parted her lips as her own tongue played back with her mate. The bard's hands moved to the laces on Xena's vest and a leg went between Xena's legs.
Xena moaned and thrust up against Gabrielle's leg. Her own hands went to Gabrielle's ties and loosened them. The bard whimpered as she worked Xena's laces open, both women uttering a small cry as bare breasts touched each other.
"Oh Gods, Xena," Gabrielle whispered, her breathing fast and her pulse racing.
"Yes!" Xena urged, her hands moved down and tugged at Gabrielle's shorts. Her mate wiggled until they got the clothing out of the way. The warrior knew her bard's arousal was always intensified on a full moon and that Gabrielle usually wanted it fast and fairly rough.
That was a side that had surprised Xena at first until she really thought about it. Gabrielle's inner fire had been something that had drawn the warrior to the gentle bard. Peace loving aside, Gabrielle could be a tiger in bed and Xena had crawled out of their bedding many mornings bruised, scratched, but well loved.
The warrior knew this was one of those times and felt a playful streak come over her. Xena flipped Gabrielle over and pulled her skirt off. Gabrielle growled and wrapped her legs around Xena, wanting her warrior close.
Xena grinned and grabbed Gabrielle's wrists together and pulled them over the bard's head. Gabrielle's eyes widened in surprise. Usually on full moons Xena relinquished control to her, this was new.
The warrior moaned as she lowered her body on top of Gabrielle and the bard arched up to meet her. Xena moved her lips all over Gabrielle's face, neck and ears, never staying long in one place until Gabrielle was moaning.
"Xena!" Gabrielle begged as the warrior moved to her breasts with her lips and teeth. The warrior ignored her bard's pleading and Gabrielle's thrusting against her as she took her time to love her mate. It was something Xena loved doing and never got enough of.
Xena kept a firm hold on Gabrielle's wrists even as she moved down Gabrielle's ribs, tracing each one with her tongue and lips, leaving little nips as she went until Gabrielle was whimpering.
Once Xena crawled between Gabrielle's legs, she released the bard's wrists but she knew Gabrielle would allow Xena whatever her plan was as the bard clutched at the blanket underneath them. Her body was trembling and sweating as Xena moved to the bard's feet and worked her hands and lips along the inside of Gabrielle's legs. By the time Xena got to Gabrielle's sex, the bard was almost in tears with the need for release.
Xena was determined to take her time and gently spread Gabrielle's labia lips and ran her fingers through Gabrielle's wetness without allowing any kind of release. The bard whimpered and Xena smiled up at her love.
Gabrielle's face was flushed and her eyes were heavy with arousal and Xena thought she had never seen anything more beautiful than Gabrielle during their lovemaking.
Xena felt Gabrielle's muscles shaking and groaned, her own body highly aroused from all the noises coming from her mate. The warrior couldn't hold back any longer and entered Gabrielle slowly with one finger, barely relieving the bard's need.
"Xena!" Gabrielle demanded, rising up, her eyes now Bacchae yellow showing need on all levels.
The warrior smiled and thrust into Gabrielle with several fingers and danced her tongue over the bard's clit.
Gabrielle's body arched and her head snapped back with a cry of surprise and arousal.
Xena pulled almost all the way out and thrust back in roughly, knowing Gabrielle was beyond the gentle loving now. She growled and felt Gabrielle's body thrusting back against her fingers as she entered the bard again.
"Xena!" Gabrielle cried out, clutching the blanket tightly.
The warrior prolonged her loving as long as she could, pulling several minor orgasms from her mate and then ran her tongue over Gabrielle's clit and entered her roughly once more. Gabrielle screamed as her body arched and then collapsed.
Xena gathered Gabrielle into her arms and gently rocked her mate, holding her close and whispering to her.
* * *
Sasha waited until everyone had finished with the evening meal before approaching Thorkell. She finally got her chance when he picked up his sword and walked towards the woods, obviously deep in thought.
She followed quietly until he came to a small stream and sat down on a rock, beginning to sharpen his sword. The habit reminded Sasha of her warrior mother and she had to smile.
The Viking was handsome with reddish blonde hair and beard and he was even taller than Xena and Sasha. She appraised his body with the critical eye of a potential bed partner and found that she was pleased with the firm muscles and lean body.
Sasha mentally shifted to where she was visible and stepped out of the shadows into the moonlight.
Thorkell spun with sword in hand.
"Easy, warrior," Sasha said calmly.
He took in Sasha's bright chain-mail armor, weapons, warrior braids and rich embroidery around the hem of her tunic and sleeves.
"Valkyrie," he said just as calmly.
"Yes," she nodded, no sense lying to him, she figured. Honesty always worked best, she thought.
"You are for me?" Thorkell frowned.
"Yes, for the battle tomorrow," Sasha answered softly.
Thorkell sat back down heavily on the rock.
"This is hard, Valkyrie," he admitted, leaning on his sword pommel.
"Yes, for both of us," Sasha admitted. "I'm Sasha, Thorkell."
"Will my clan be victorious?" he asked. "Will my brothers live?"
"I can't tell you that tonight," Sasha countered.
"What can you tell me, Valkyrie Sasha?" he asked with a smile.
"That you are worthy to be chosen by AllFather," Sasha said softly, sitting down at his feet, wanting to take away the feeling of deity between them.
"Then my life has merit," Thorkell said calmly. "What happens tonight?"
"You aren't married or engaged," Sasha said slowly.
"No, I've had women but no one permanent," Thorkell answered.
"What would you do on the last night of your life with a beautiful woman at your feet?" Sasha questioned with a small smile.
"Will you be the one to come for me tomorrow?" Thorkell asked.
"Yes, I wanted to know you tonight before taking you to Valhol," Sasha explained.
"Are we mates?" Thorkell asked with a frown.
"No, we aren't soul mates but we can pass the time in pleasure or just talk tonight," Sasha explained.
"I would like to talk," Thorkell decided. "Knowing I'm going to die tomorrow, I'm not sure it will rise to the occasion tonight," he joked.
The Viking slid off the rock to sit beside Sasha. She grinned, somewhat with relief. The Greek Viking had no idea how to seduce someone or even if this was a seduction.
The two began chatting, it was awkward at first but discussion turned to Sasha's training and Thorkell's brothers and home life. Soon they were talking like old friend, throughout the early evening and into the night.
Sasha found herself laughing so hard she fell against Thorkell's shoulder as he giggled like a boy over a story he told about himself as a boy. The Valkyrie looked up into Thorkell's blue eyes and felt a flush spreading over her body.
Thorkell's eyes darkened and he leaned down, his lips meeting hers softly for a moment.
The sensation sent sparks through Sasha's body and she moaned, reaching a hand up behind his head, pulling him closer. Thorkell deepened the kiss and pulled Sasha into his arms and the Valkyrie melted easily.
The Viking pulled back slightly and looked deep into Sasha's eyes.
"You'll come to me tomorrow as a friend?" he asked softly.
"As a lover," Sasha corrected and pulled him back to her lips.
* * *
Xena felt Gabrielle come up behind her as the warrior sat in front of the fire. They had spent the evening reminiscing about raising the kids and missing Iolaus. Gabrielle had been particularly mellow and relaxed after the day by the river.
The warrior was content. Their sons were healthy and growing up quickly, their daughter was going to be a legend if Odin and Freya had their way and the warrior and bard were still together after so many years.
Gabrielle leaned over Xena, running her hands down the front of Xena's cotton tunic. Xena felt her pulse begin to quicken when Gabrielle's teeth nibbled her earlobe.
"Full moon?" Xena teased as she leaned back in the chair, stroking Gabrielle's arms as the bard hugged her, her hands dancing across Xena's breasts. "What are you needing, Little One?"
"You, my warrior," Gabrielle growled, her teeth moving to Xena's neck.
Xena felt her back arching slightly and her nipples hardening.
"Yes, Gabrielle?" Xena teased. "You needing something? Maybe me in front of the fireplace here, you ripping my clothes off? Your hand deep inside of me as your fangs sink into my neck, breasts and thigh? My blood flowing over your fangs and down your throat?"
"Oh Gods!" Gabrielle growled and moved around the chair with the swiftness of her gladiator past, pulling Xena to the furs in front of the fireplace and covered the warrior.
The bard pulled Xena's top off in a flash. The warrior grinned as Gabrielle growled and pulled Xena up and onto her knees.
"You want it rough, warrior?" Gabrielle hissed. "Like this?"
Gabrielle pulled Xena's trousers off and ran a hand between Xena's legs.
"You're wet, my love," Gabrielle growled, turning the tables as Xena moaned in arousal. "Thinking about earlier when you drove me insane? You want me to take my time? Just run my hands over you for the rest of the night without touching you here?"
Gabrielle cupped Xena's sex and felt the warrior thrust against her.
"No, please! Now!" Xena begged. Just Gabrielle's voice, husky with desire, was enough to send Xena into a frenzy.
Gabrielle felt her control slipping as her eyes changed to Bacchae yellow and her fangs extended.
She thrust into Xena roughly as her body covered Xena's from behind. The bard knew her warrior very well and even when giving it rough, Gabrielle knew how to pull more and more out of her warrior until Xena was thrusting back, her body begging for more.
Gabrielle whimpered and Xena moaned as the blonde felt her entire hand being taken by her lover. She stopped for a moment, letting Xena's body adjust to the sensation until Xena began rocking back into her lover, small noises building as the intensity built.
One advantage of being together so long, Gabrielle knew exactly how to please her wife. She rotated her fists and pulled slightly and then pushed as she plunged her fangs into Xena's neck.
The warrior's screamed and bucked against the bard. Gabrielle drank deeply as Xena continued to thrust against her hand until the warrior collapsed against the fur and Gabrielle followed her warrior down. She gently pulled out of her mate and wrapped her arms around Xena.
* * *
Sasha moaned as she lowered her body down on Thorkell, taking him deeper again and again until they were both whimpering as he thrust up into her.
It was almost dawn and Sasha found that part of the Valkyrie magic enabled both of them to continue having sex all night. She also discovered that sex with a loving male was very nice.
She collapsed against his chest, panting. Thorkell held her tightly in his strong arms.
"I have to go soon," he muttered.
"Yes," she nodded, reluctant to let him go.
"Will it hurt?"
"I don't know," she admitted. "I've never died."
"Me either," he smirked and kissed her nose. "Oh well, Valhalla awaits!"
Sasha frowned and pulled back from her lover.
"What is wrong?" he asked.
"I've never done this before, not this close," Sasha admitted.
"The rest is simple isn't it?" he asked. "I go into battle, fall and you gather me up and I meet AllFather and the greatest heroes of history."
"It's not just that, I'm the one that points the spear at you, deciding your fate," Sasha explained.
"You don't think you can do it because we spent time together?" Thorkell questioned.
"I'm not sure," she shrugged, reaching for her trousers.
Thorkell reached around her and hugged her tightly. "You decided my fate and I am honored that you chose me for Valhalla, I am honored that you chose me as your first warrior companion, and I am honored to have met you. Finish it or we both lose."
Sasha nodded and reached for her tunic with a sad smile.
* * *
Xena spun around with chakram in hand, knocking the milking stool over. "Odin?" she muttered, not quite believing the sight of the AllFather in her barn.
"Yes, Ysla," the deity smiled. "Shall we join your mate?"
"Is Sasha alright?" Xena demanded.
"Forgive me," Odin said quickly, "Yes, she is fine."
Gabrielle spun just as quickly as Xena had with sai in hand and dropped the goblet she had been cleaning. "Freya?" she questioned.
"Yes, Gabrielle," the goddess answered softly with a smile. "Sasha is fine, this is a friendly call."
Freya looked toward the doors and Gabrielle waited patiently for a moment and smiled as Xena walked into the cabin with Odin following her.
"What's going on?" Gabrielle asked everyone.
"We would like you both to observe Sasha's final test with us," Odin explained.
Gabrielle looked at Xena and nodded. The warrior turned to the warrior deities.
"Yes," she said firmly.
Gabrielle stepped up next to Freya while Xena stood next to Odin.
In a moment they were all standing on a hill overlooking a small valley where two groups faced each other.
"Where are the Valkyries?" Gabrielle asked.
"On the other hill, watching for their chosen warriors," Freya said, pointing.
The two mothers spotted their daughter among the warrior women watching the opposing forces.
"Can they see us?" Xena asked.
"No," Freya said gently.
Xena, the experienced warrior, could feel the energy building below as the sun began to rise over the tree line. The forces began stirring and Xena knew they were building up their energy and stress, preparing for the first charge. Judging from the way the warriors were arranging themselves, this wasn't going to be a battle of tactical skills of the leaders, it was going to be an all out crash between the groups.
It would be a slaughter and a lot of good warriors were going to die or be maimed.
Xena turned away when the warriors screamed on both sides and rushed forward. The former warlord found she no longer craved the first rush of battle. The sound of crashing metal, shouts, and sounds of horses screaming assaulted their ears. Xena wrapped her arms around Gabrielle as the bard turned away from the carnage.
Xena looked up and saw the Valkyries moving their horses towards the edge of the battle. She spotted Sasha's dark hair among the typically light colors of her companions. Most of the Valkyries had chosen white steeds but Sasha's horse was as black as her hair and stood out among the rest.
Gabrielle, feeling Xena's energy change, turned and followed Xena's finger and spotted Sasha on her magical horse along with the other Valkyrie.
* * *
Sasha found part of the Valkyrie magic was the ability to see every warrior clearly, as if they were standing separately from the others on the field. She easily found Thorkell among the second rank. Sasha knew that he couldn't see her but when he glanced her way she was startled. He turned his attention back to the battle and fought with skill and a tenacity that Sasha found pleasing.
Sasha found herself watching his opponents and waiting for a worthy one before calling his fate to its end.
The Greek Viking watched closely and found she had fallen into her role naturally. She realized she was honoring not only Odin in choosing a worthy warrior but she was also honoring Thorkell by trying to find him a worthy death.
* * *
"She's made the mental connection," Odin commented to Freya and Xena saw the goddess nod.
Xena hoped this path was the right one for her daughter; it wasn't an easy role to fill. Occasionally Xena had found herself in the miserable position of deciding someone's fate and hated it worse than royal functions.
Gabrielle watched the battle and Valkyries with a natural bardic curiosity. She was also afraid for Sasha's emotional state. The adopted mother knew she never wanted to be in the position that Sasha had trained for.
* * *
Sasha saw three opposing warriors rushing Thorkell; one with a sword and the other two with spears. She knew that Thorkell might be able to take them but made the decision without thought.
The Valkyrie raised her spear and pointed it at her warrior.
Xena and Gabrielle's breath stopped as their hearts pounded.
Thorkell shouted a battle cry, finished off the warrior he was fighting and turned to face the three rushing him. He deflected one spear with his sword but his shield shattered under the sword and the second spear got through. Thorkell shouted in anger as the spear sank deep into his chest and through a lung.
The spear caught on his ribs and he was left standing as the warrior tried to wrench his spear free. Thorkell coughed up blood as he tried to raise his sword to take the enemy with him when he saw the sword from the other warrior swinging for his unprotected neck.
The Viking fell, his eyes closing before he hit the ground.
Sasha spurred her magical horse forward with a shout and leaned down low off the horse, sweeping Thorkell's spirit into her arms, away from the battle.
* * *
"Odin?" Xena questioned in a whisper.
"Just watch," he said softly as Sasha took her horse to the opposite hill.
They watched as Sasha dismounted with Thorkell in her arms, tears streaming down her face.
* * *
"Thorkell?" Sasha called softly.
The Viking opened his eyes and blinked. Sasha helped him to his feet and he looked down at his unmarked clothing.
"I died?" he asked.
"That's why you're here with me," Sasha smiled, relieved that he was still the same man she knew from the night before and that he wasn't angry with her.
His eyes sought out the battle and then he shook his head.
"It is strange," he said slowly. "It doesn't matter for me anymore. Will you spend time with me in Valhol?"
"I would be honored, warrior," Sasha smiled and mounted her horse easily. She held out her arm and Thorkell mounted behind her, wrapping his arms around her and nuzzling her neck playfully.
Sasha laughed and spurred her horse towards the sky.
* * *
Xena and Gabrielle heard both Odin and Freya sigh and turned to the deities as their daughter disappeared.
"She passed magnificently!" Odin grinned.
"Sasha will be a credit to the Valkyries," Freya agreed. "She shows intelligence, insight, and a gentleness that will help warriors cross to our realm."
Xena and Gabrielle sighed and held each other tightly for a moment. Both felt tears filling their eyes.
"Your daughter is grown and has found a part of her destiny," Odin said gently. "It isn't an easy path but she faced it with courage."
"It's a special gift she'll bring to the Valkyries, one of gentleness and open emotion," Freya commented. "Part of Gabrielle's gift to her, I think. Sometimes a Valkyrie can become hardened to the emotions."
"Thank you for your training and guidance," Gabrielle said softly.
"Sasha will visit you soon," Freya smiled and raised her arms.
Gabrielle and Xena blinked and looked around at their yard as Asher and Virgil scampered out the door. It was barely past dawn and none of the males had missed them.
"Gods, we lead a strange life even when we try to be normal," Gabrielle muttered as Xena wrapped her arm around the bard's shoulder.
"Yup," Xena agreed. "Let's see if we can rack up a few more years before the next strange event."
To be continued in "Scrolls from Rome, An Awakening XXXI"