"Hmm…" Skadi felt like she forgot something. Oh yeah...there was that kid...the one with red hair. What was his name again? Red hair-kun...yes he was supposed to accompany her and help her find @Freya . He already knew of the fact that Skadi was a goddess due to the fact that gods and goddesses emitted a presence, a divine aura that gave the secret off. If it were possible to mask that presence, she did not know as she has only descended recently. So after all that had happened in the mountains, her and the red haired guy were standing right here...at the trade quarters. From him asking people for information from different people, they finally arrived at the fact that Freya could be somewhere in this place. The only problem was...where was he all of a sudden? She vaguely remembered him saying that he will ask around some more and that she stay where she is right now. But she got distracted by a certain scent which made her wander off. And here she was, all by herself in a sea of people. In a place where she's never been to before. If she were normal, she would be panicking right now but that was specifically the problem. She wasn't normal, she could never "feel" strong emotions as much as she wanted to. Even when she was still a goddess, she was the personification of grace under pressure. Either that, or she's just totally emotionally unavailable. That, she doesn't know either. For the time being she was once again distracted by a sizzling sound at a corner stall making her remember about the reason why she got lost in the first place. It was that scent, someone was making some kind of food. So without further ado, Skadi strode across the street and went towards the stall where she watched the stall vendor, a middle aged man cooking. "Yo! Little girl! Do you want some of these?" The old man asked her making Skadi tilt her head to the side. A frown appeared on her forehead as she thought back to the red haired guy...he seemed to have sensed that she was a goddess after a while, why couldn't this old man sense her presence? With that in mind, she remembered what had happened a few hours earlier when she descended down from heaven… -Flashback- Pat pat pat Pat pat pat Pat Pat Pat Thud! A dull sound resounded in the snowfield as a barefooted girl with dark blue hair fell on the snowy ground evidently from the exhaustion of running. Her snow white clothing was tattered in areas and some parts were even bloodied. On her knees, crimson blood was starting to dye her alabaster skin as the gash she suffered from when she fell started bleeding profusely. Biting her lip to keep herself from moaning from the pain, Skadi tried to stand up. "You are tougher than this Skadi! The goddess chastised herself, her pride as a huntress wouldn’t let her stoop that low and allow her pursuers the pleasure of hearing her moan or seeing her writhe in pain. Her knees wobbled and it took everything in her power to keep herself from falling back. She walked slowly, an obvious limp to her gait as she trudged slowly. "I swear, I will get back Eris for this…" Skadi muttered under her breath A sudden sound from behind her made Skadi turn around, all her senses on high alert. What emerged from the curve was a white wolf that was about twice the size of normal wolves. The majestic creature ran towards Skadi but her pace slowed to a halt once she arrived near the goddess. The wolf lowered its head as a form of reverence before it resumed position. "Goddess, please forgive my kin...they are not themselves. They have been contaminated by something and this caused them to act in such a way." The wolf spoke in a maternal voice but the words only resounded in Skadi's head. If others were listening in, all they would've heard are barks and moans from the animal. Skadi's amber eyes receded, black rings forming in the outer and inner portion and the amber portions now glowing gold. "Wolves have always been loyal companions of mine...and I am glad that you still recognize me. I will forgive this one instance but I give you a fair warning...there is no going back for them. The best mercy we can show them is by ending their lives and bringing them at peace…" She huffed, wincing in pain as she slowly walked leaving bloody foot steps behind. No matter how she hoped, there was nothing else she could do, the wolves are expert trackers and she will be found if she didn't keep moving. She still had that last resort...if her life was really threatened she could always unleash her divine powers. But then again...that would also mean she would have to return back to heaven...and it had only been an hour since she descended. 'Damn that miserable goddess for throwing me here…' Why wasn't she sent to a temple for their pantheon? Or at least somewhere near the city. "Of course my goddess! Wolves have always been under your care in these harsh mountains. It is only natural that we serve you and protect you especially in times like these…" The white wolf's voice once again resounded in her head, snapping Skadi back to the present. Before she could react to that, more dull sounds could be heard as a pack of white wolves came running towards their direction. The difference is that with these wolves, it was noticeable that their eyes were devoid of any color. Yeah, they were affected by something alright. And now they're out for her blood. @venjamin
It wasn’t exactly charity. The Goddess had fallen in the mountains where he’d been hunting, and it was honestly the only thing he could do. It didn’t matter that he got a little roughed up in the process – wolves were scary, but not when you got a decent start on them. The end result, however, had been him escorting an otherwise unknown Goddess to the city, and offering to help find yet another deity. It was the kind thing to do, he supposed, even if it was cutting in to his original plans. ________________ It wasn’t exactly charity. It might be considered so by his parents, who considered discarded tissue given to commonfolk a charity, but for now, he was hunting mostly because he was certain that he needed to finish his “quest.” It was one of the little things he was doing – but it was getting easier, now. He’d learned to hide himself, moving unseen and unheard. He could hit his target with fair accuracy. Licking his lips, he tasted the snow of the mountain. His breath came out in fairly small puffs, as he crept low to the ground. The coniferous trees were all he really needed for shelter, even if they were few and far between. He was tracking smaller animals, because inevitably, the larger ones would make an appearance where the little ones were. After all, they were hunting as well. Perhaps it was that, more than anything else, that held him in one place. The noise, though – the noise of someone crashing over snow and underbrush. It was the noise of the chase. That much was obvious. He thought, for a moment, that it would be a mid-sized animal. And much to his surprise, it was decidedly not. A younger girl, who seemed somewhat wounded – but still managed to keep an air of regal pride around her. Even as she moved barefoot. He did that, too, but not in the mountainous area in the snow. He watched her, carefully, trying to determine what was going on – but even as he did, he reached out and pulled up a handful of snow. ”Give power to my hands.” He whispered, focusing on the cold and ice – and in a brief moment, that energy took shape, a frigid, frozen arrow. It was cold, even as he knocked it. She was speaking – speaking to a giant wolf. But her words weren’t pleading or placating. He couldn’t make them out, but her tone and body language didn’t really suggest any fear. She didn’t back away – and the wolf didn’t have blood on it. He was downwind, at least – and that was likely his only saving grace, as the louder sound of a pack of wolves – which that? Made no sense. Wolves weren’t known for their loudness, especially when hunting. His eyes narrowed as he drew the string taut – and he exhaled the same moment he released it. It didn’t even whistle, as the arrow passed through the air seamlessly, driving itself into the eye of one of the front wolves. He didn’t have time to make a new arrow – so he drew a regular one from the quiver at his back. This time, it did whistle – it was physical, not magical. Not as good a strike – it struck another wolf at the front shoulder, and it seemed ultimately unperturbed – but he was drawing attention now. Popping up to standing, the cloaked archer readied another arrow before letting it fly at the pack of moving creatures – nailing another one in the side. He did not want that girl to die because he was useless. Tugging a fourth arrow, he shouted. ”Hey! Over here!” The weapon gliding through the air – and sinking into the snow at one’s feet, when it stopped short. Well, wasn’t that annoying? @Skadi
When Skadi didn't return his question, the old man stopped what he was doing and looked at her. His forehead started to crease as he tried to figure out something. "Little girl...you wouldn’t happen to be a goddess...would you?" The old man asked, doubt in his voice. She tilted her head to the side, "Yes I am, my name is Skadi...I have just descended to Orario and was in the task of looking for someone but I got sidetracked by the scent of that thing that you are making…" The goddess' eyes moved down to the food, barely missing the widening of the old man's eyes. "Then I was right! Sorry for calling you little girl, goddess Skadi! I didn't know you have just descended. Hmm...I know! As commemoration for your descent, please have one of our treats, on the house!" The old man laughed out loud and went back to giving her one of the food he had cooked up. "Here you go! Just promise me that you won't forget my store once you get your own familia!" Skadi reached out to get the food from the old man, he seemed really kind and there was nothing wrong if she tried what he offered. Her stomach grumbled as the scent once again assaulted her senses, it had a fruity sweet scent that made her mouth water. She took a bite of it and stiffened, all the while the old man observed her. Her expression became blank as she muttered, "It's hot…" with her tongue sticking out making the old man burst out laughing. She knew she was forgetting something...or someone...yet she couldn't exactly remember. Flashback Before that first arrow flew through the air...no, when the arrow was just being materialized, Skadi was able to sense the changes in the air. Mana or Magic was being used. It was only natural for a goddess who had infinite magic powers to sense something of that nature. Feeling the energy flow through the air and gather at one specific point. To feel it solidify into something that was willed by it's creator. So even if there weren't any movements or sound after that. Skadi knew there was someone else with them. Whether that certain someone was there to help was another matter. Battling a pack of wolves is not simple afterall as these intelligent creatures, no matter if they are tainted, attacked tactically using their packs. The huge white wolf that Skadi was conversing with earlier turned around and bared its fangs to its previous pack. One can see conflicting emotions through its eyes, one of sorrow and one of determination. It believed the goddess when Skadi said that her pack was far from gone and it was too late for any retribution. And so she will do her best to protect her patron goddess and to render absolution to her ex comrades. Before she could even react, an arrow was shot and one of the wolves fell on the ground, dead. The action made he warry but seeing as whoever it was that came to help them hadn't attacked her yet meant they were on their side. Nodding towards the goddess, the wolf pounced on one of the wolves whose had its shoulder's shot and ripped through its throat rendering an instant kill. "You need not suffer anymore my children…" The wolf mentioned to herself. Skadi on the other hand remained vigilant as one by one the pack of wolves lost their lives. Her eyes flew to the direction of where the arrow came from, detecting the location of the hunter from his second shot. Although she detected his presence with his first arrow, magic was used and so an accurate location couldn't be established. The next one confirmed the general area where the arrows were coming from. And true enough, Skadi spotted a figure emerging from the direction she had surmised. She held back and stopped herself from using her magic, although her powers have been sealed, she still had access to a few of them especially since they were in her domain at the moment. Instead of helping she surveyed the ongoing battle. The archer seemed to have taken cared of a third wolf but something went amiss, his feet sunk in the thick snow making him miss his target. The wolf who was able to dodge his arrow by a hairsbreadth naturally retaliated and headed for his direction. "Look out!" She yelled but it seemed that the archer wouldn't make it in time. Her amber eyes glowed as she manipulated the magic coursing through her body. Usually this feat was impossible to do but since she was in her domain and her element was readily available everywhere it became possible. She grasped the snow a between the wolf and the man and arching her right arm towards the air, it created an ice arrow which shot upwards. The wolf pounced on the boy with its jaws wide open, it's razor sharp teeth ready to make a meal out of its prey, but the arrow shot through underneath its jaw then pierced upward towards the roof of its jaw, through its brain and outside the top of its head. Blood splattered on the floor as the shot caused the wolf to drop dead. Unlike the first ice arrow shot by the hunter that shattered after awhile, hers remained intact as if it were a physical object made from ice. She could've shot the arrow from where she stood but she knew it might not make it in time. "Goddess are you alright?!" The musical voice of the wolf who saved her resounded in her head. "Yes...do not worry about me." She answered as she started moving towards the hunter. "Are you alr---" "Goddess watch out!" Before Skadi finished her words, the frantic words of the wolf resounded in her head and the next moment a lone wolf flew from her blind spot. A definite tarnish to the reputation of a hunter goddess, normally she would be able to easily detect such presences, but having her powers sealed greatly lowered her skills as a huntress which caused this mishap. The huge wolf fought off the other wolf which was almost of the same size. Skadi calmly watched and readied herself if ever the white wolf failed. After the ruckus the last wolf had been killed but on the ground also lay the bloodied body of the wolf that protected her. Skadi walked towards the wolf slowly, her face not showing any kind of emotion. "Forgive me goddess...I will not be able to serve you anymore…please...take my fangs. Take them with you and use them carefully. You may have your powers sealed but with that, my kin will not do you any harm..." The wolf started as it lay gasping for breath. To the hunter and other onlookers, it may see a whimpering wolf on its death bed but it was different for someone who could talk to them. "No, you have done well in serving me. Do not waste your strength. Do not worry, I will make sure the souls of you and your pack return to Asgard. And someday...you will join me once again…" As she spoke, Skadi's right hand reached out and a faint bluish glow emanated from her hand. As the light on her hands faded, so did the life of the wolf that protected her. Skadi stood up, feeling a tinge of...something on her chest. It was like someone pinched her, but it was gone after a second. She turned around to see the hunter had gotten up. "Are you alright?" She asked calmly as if nothing had happened.
Nothing of any particular interest stuck out at him - he hadn't really been too sure where to look. He'd mostly just asked a few people if they knew where Freya was, and the answer was a repeated 'no.' Ah well. He returned to the woman - no, Goddess - Skadi, and shook his head. "I wasn't able to find where Freya is located. Though I'm sure he has a house somewhere." He explained, almost casual. He quirked his brow, though - she had a snack, and the old man seemed to be otherwise... eyeing her. Creepy? Probably. "Come then. Let us go and check another part of town." ____________________ He didn't miss under normal circumstances. Sure, it was possible - he wasn't a God by any stretch. But at the same time, he was good. He'd all but dedicated his life to the bow - it was the one skill he'd mastered. But the wolf had moved almost preternaturally - stopping far short of what any normal creature should have been capable of - as far as he knew, anyways. Either way. His eyes narrowed, and he was already moving to pull a new arrow from his quiver. The wolf hadn't ignored him, though, and it charged. All the mental calculations were running - he drew the string, released the arrow, and to his great dismay, the wolf sidestepped it like it was nothing. Just a moment later, it was in the air, flying towards him, and he managed to shift his grip on his bow to defend himself... But didn't need to. The woman was apparently a mage of some sort - she launched an icy arrow up from beneath the wolf, driving it skyward in a single blow. It went clear through the creature, spattering blood upwards in the process. Its forward momentum still carried it into him, but there was nothing going towards his neck, at least. He tossed it off of him in much the same movement, rolling so that he was on the other side of it. His hand slipped behind him, drawing a new arrow - he had counted more wolves, but one... just wasn't seen. Had it taken off? Even as the woman was approaching him, making to say something - that final wolf pounced, only to be intercepted by the large one. The tautness of his bowstring almost hurt - he was trying to get a clean shot. It didn't happen, however. The two wolves took each other out. Well, better the wolves than the person. Lowering his bow, he frowned as she seemed to resume her conversation with the wolf. It wasn't until she mentioned Asgard that it clicked. Ah. "You're a Goddess? Why are you out here alone?" He asked, uncertainly. "From what I understand, it is not necessarily safe for you to do so. Your familia should be protecting you." Easy enough to point out, especially when it was true. @Skadi
Her hand glowed briefly and then it wasn't glowing anymore, after that happened, the food she was eating had apparently changed. Instead of being a hot treat, it became a cold desert instead. The food was then brought closer to her lips as she slightly nibbled at it and basked at the coldness of the desert. Yes, if the old man had made this desert this way instead of serving it piping hot then he would definitely get more customers. Hmmm...she would never forget this old man for his kindness...or not. Definitely this old man will be easily forgotten if he wouldn't try to make more of an impact to Skadi. If he did make more of an impact then his face might get retained in her memory but she will definitely forget his name. In any case, "Thank you…" One of the things she was thought before she descended was that food given in the mortal world to the gods aren't offerings or tributes. Usually it is offered through their kindness or they are expecting something in return such as gratitude, payment or an ulterior motive. From what the old man had said earlier, it was a gift in celebration of her descent so in return she expressed her gratitude. Three things immediately came into her immediate attention. One, the whereabouts of Freya where still a mystery to them. Two, C….what was his name again? C-cancer? No, she felt that cancer was a word she heard before but it wasn't a name. 'Hmm…' Then how will she deal with this conversation? And lastly, she just figured out that she never even got the name of the old man. It was fortunate as at least, she would have an excuse if ever they meet again. It won't be an issue if she didn't really forget something she didn't know in the first place right? And now to take care of the man who had informed her that he had returned without anything. Oh, she had an idea! "Red-haired-kun, Freya is not a he...don't ever let her hear you call her otherwise..." She said nonchalantly and added a means as to divert the fact that she had forgotten his name and called him with a different one she made up. Tastelessly for that matter, she just used the first thing that came into her head and since he had vibrant red hair, Skadi decided to use that. Flashback "Yes I am, my name is Skadi and I am the goddess of ice, mountain and justice...I have recently descended so I have no familia as of yet." Kneeling down, Skadi muttered softly as she held out her hand. The wind shifted and with it, the falling snow started to gather on her hands, it spun into a ball furiously and then grew bright. As it was wrapped in a divine aura, the object started to take shape in the form of a knife. Clasping the handle, Skadi knelt down and petted the wolf who had just died. Ensuring that the last wishes of this noble creature was fulfilled, Skadi went on with the task of dismantling the wolf's remains. As a huntress, dismantling a prey was a second nature for her. And she did so with precision and grace, her hands moved and she definitely knew what she was doing. First things first… "Item acquired! Wolf fangs x16!" She exclaimed...not really sure why she would say as such. And after her outburst, she went down again to work on the hide of the wolf. It wasn't part of the wolf's wishes. But by doing this, she is giving more honor to the wolf. She looked up and saw the red haired guy staring at her. Nodding her head to the direction of the other wolves, Skadi informed the kid that he shouldn't just stand there and start the dismantling process as well. If he was an adventurer, then he needed a part of the monsters body as proof when he returns for his quest. If he was a hunter, then he needed the meat among other parts . After all that was done, she took the fur and threw it at the boy. It was a token of her gratitude for the way he had assisted them earlier. Stooping back down once again, she used the knife to dig beside the wolfs body uncaring whether she dirtied her hands or if she got more wounds on her hands from the grunt work. Once she had dug just about the right depth, Skadi carried the remains of the wolf and buried it underneath. As for the other wolves? Skadi did not care, they should stay there with their disemboweled bodies and be eaten by other predators. They had it coming for them for daring to attack a goddess. Justice had to be doled out, and it was the decision she has come to in this situation. Once she was done, she stood up and awaited for the young man to finish with his business, and with it maybe she can coax him into rendering his service. She would pay him of course, and on her hands was the payment she could offer him once they do business.
