#Knight Errant of Eos | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

eldrylva · 3 years ago

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“Someone asked for me? Here?” Disbelief colored her words and expression.

“Yes. By name, profession, and Homeland.” Eos’ tone was light as she lead Astrid along, chuckling softly. Astrid’s brows knit as she struggled to keep up with the Ascended’s long strides. Name, profession, and.. homeland?

“Lady Astrid Eldrsdottir, Shieldmaiden of House Sunshield, and born of the Grizzly Hills. Come now, we mustn’t tarry long.” Eos repeated scholarly, peering over her shoulder and down to the redhead with an amused expression. It only confused the vikingr more, truthfully. The only people that spoke like that were either Southern-born Knights-Errant or.. people from her homeland.

Her mind fluttered in various directions; could it be one of her brothers? Her sister? Father? Her father being here brought a smile to her face. He would ask after her that way. Astrid remained quiet the rest of the way, her poorly concealed wonder and excitement writ on her features by way of a stubborn smile that wouldn’t say hidden no matter how hard she tried, the kind that forced the muscles in your face to hurt after a moment. Would her father truly be here?

It felt like forever that the pair walked, a brisk pace. They halted before a golden and white portal, the destination on the other side unclear. Astrid’s brows furrowed at that, peering back up to Eos. Before she could open her mouth to question, Eos began quickly:

“This is where I must leave you. On the other side of the portal lies the one asking for you; she will take you back to Azeroth when she is finished. When you wish to return to the Shadowlands, well. You may be the one doing so shortly. Farewell, Astrid. You have earned this rest, and this gift.” The Watcher bowed her head politely, and once again before Astrid had a moment to think or process, she was ushered through.

Portals. She fucking hated portals, magic.

It felt like forever she traveled, her stomach churned and her skin burned with the presence of the arcane, though this presence didn’t feel as grating or sharp as she was used to; it felt warm, welcoming.. familiar. Perhaps her eyes squeezed shut, stepping blindly through one end and for a moment.. everything was black. Dark. Until it wasn’t.

Laughter filled her ears; the sound of hammers beating on anvils, swords clashing in the distance. Her skin was chilled, warm with hearthfire nearby but not hot. Drums, she heard the pounding of drums, the sound of tankards clanking together, the scent of ale and venison... a feast? For a moment she felt like she was home.. in her Longhouse, the sounds of her people laughing and singing and dancing and brawling all around her. It made her chest bloom with warmth and comfort.

“Velkomin, Shield-Maiden. You may open your eyes.” It was a strong, feminine voice that was thunderous, one that resonated power, confidence, purpose, and one that was unfamiliar to her. Yet, she bade response. When she opened her eyes, her stomach dropped. Astrid froze, her jaw dropping at the sight before her. Storm greys were reflective in the firelight at either side of her body, braziers to welcome fallen warriors home.

Before her stood a golden figure, one adorned in the leather and plated garb of a Valkyra. Golden wings were at rest at her back, and her helm was propped against a bare hip, amber eyes bright and akin to fire as they peered down to her. Oh.

It was absolutely a Valkyra.

Astrid was stunned. Any sound of surprise or confusion or both, were halted in her throat in a lump, and one she couldn’t swallow. Was she breathing? Sure she was, right? Her heart pounded in her ears, the blood rushing through her neck and chest was thunderous. The Val’kyr was patient, knowing, dark lips tugging briefly in an amused smirk. Where.. was she?

The redhead looked around, then, still not allowing herself to breathe, and took in her surroundings. Golden wings peppered an equally as heavenly sky, and behind the Val’kyr waiting in front of her was... Odyn’s Great Hall.

She heard the sagas, heard the stories. Skadi had entertained the setting to her once or twice, mostly glimpses and fractured memories, but this? This was.. unmistakable.

“We have been waiting for you. We observe the deeds of many mortals on Azeroth, especially the ones that honor traditions and the Keepers present-day.” She began, broad shoulders rising and falling in a pleased sigh as she gazed upon the redhead. Who finally released a breath, coughing softly.

“Y-you have been.. waiting for me?” Astrid croaked, her knees turning into jelly. This was impossible. Should she be kneeling? Immediately she dropped to her knees, chin craning high to gaze upon the helmed being. Inhale. Exhale. Absently her fingers splayed at her sides, touching at the ground beneath her feet. This was.. real. This was real, the stone and metal plating beneath her fingers. The etchings on them, an eternal saga to welcome home her fallen people.

This was the Halls of Valor.

The Val’kyr before her chuckled softly, helmed head bobbing once.

“We have. Odyn has seen and witnessed your deeds, Shield-Maiden. You should be proud.” The woman continued, bobbing her head to the left. Golden wings flared outwards as if preparing to fly.

“Come. Rise. Your gift awaits.” A hand was outstretched towards her, waiting.

“G-Gift? Eos mentioned nothing of a gift..” Astrid croaked, clearing her throat awkwardly. Oh, she was still kneeling... could she even move? She wasn’t sure. Her legs felt like jelly, but she knew she couldn’t say no or keep a Daughter of Eyir waiting. Up she rose, springing upwards and clasping the forearm of the creature in front of her. She.. just touched a Valkyra. Her skin was cool to the touch, a subtle warmth beneath her veins. Dead, but not. With a swift tug Astrid was hefted to her feet as if she were weightless.

“Wh.. what is your name?” She finally managed with her usual soft, airiness to her tone.

“Vydha.” The Valkyra replied, closing a fist over her chest as she began her stride.

“As in.. Vydhar?” Astrid perked at that as she peered upwards. One step, two, she prayed her legs wouldn’t fail her again as she peered around. This was.. unreal. To be here, to see and feel this place without it being merely a vision in her mind in her meditating.

“He was my namesake in life, yes.” She replied plainly, her chin tilting upwards curiously. She stopped, causing Astrid to stagger to a halt as well. Her stomach churned. Wait. Did she say Odyn-- oh she was off of the ground.

Vydha’s hands cinched around Astrid’s waist and hoisted her up, one arm tucking the Shieldmaiden to her side. Her wings flared and up they were. Oh fuck. Oh Gods. What should she do with her hands? The only logical thing, of course. Astrid’s hands snatched up against Vydha’s breastplate to keep her in once place.

Once more the words were plucked from her throat, the Halls of Valor below her just as beautiful as they were up close. It was then she saw the bridge to the Hall of Glory. Val’kyr lined either side of the bridge, waiting dutifully. It looked like they were encroaching on a ceremony of sorts. Vydha dipped sharply, coasting the bridge that lit a brilliant gold and glimmer as they flew, sparks of Light and fire fluttering around the pair as the Val’kyr knelt with her arrival.

Through the grand entrance they soared, the stadium lined with boisterous Vrykul. Wolves were interspersed around the center ring, every other Rune housing one Dire Wolf with bright golden eyes. Astrid was deposited in the center, Vydha hoisting herself upward midair.

There he was. Standing before her, before his throne, stood Odyn himself. The One-Eyed Keeper gazed upon the Shield-Maiden, his eye a bright azure like fire, but nothing like the beard he bore. Odyn’s flaming fucking beard, indeed.

It was indeed a ceremony, but.. it was hers.

This couldn’t be real. She was staring at the All-Father. The very one she prayed to for guidance, for strength, just before her sister’s wedding. Was this all just a dream, as well? Her stomach threatened to upturn its contents and briefly she wondered if the roaring in her ears was her blood or the Vrykul in the stands around her. She took a breath, long and steadying. Her stare looked between the Dire Wolves situated around her, pride in their gazes and elegance in their statures. Familiarity bled between her and the wolves; pack, kin, clan, home. These were her people... her ancestors.

“Heil, Lady Astrid.” His voice was thunder, commanding attention without needing to say it. Her stare was wrenched away from her family and up and up to Odyn himself. No.. the way her bones rattled and her chest echoed with his voice, this was real. She was standing before the Gods. This time there was no question, Astrid dropped to her knees, bowing her head. Fiery curls and braids spilled over muscled shoulders, her palms wet with sweat atop her thighs.

“Þakka fyrir, All-Father.”(Thank you) Astrid breathed, and his guffaw of laughter threatened to bring the ceiling crashing down atop her head. It caused her chin to rise in confusion, and his hand crooked upwards at the wrist once.

“Rise, Child of Fenryr. This will be brief, and all we have in this world is precious little time. Most of us.” He remarked, and there would be mischief behind his eye if it was one to be showed. At once her feet curled under her and the Shield-Maiden rose to her full height, which, in comparison... was much to be desired. She was a barn mouse in a den of Frost Giants.

All around her the Dire Wolves bowed their heads in reverence, and Vydha hovered down before her, facing Astrid. Gloved hands rose, palms skyward, waiting. Without thinking, Astrid laid her hands in Vydha’s palms before they slipped upwards. The pair gripped each other’s forearms as if in greeting, only Vydha’s grip was firm and unrelenting.

“I-I don’t understand what is happening, truth be told.” Was spoken first to Vydha, then to Odyn.

"You have Fenryr's blood burning in your veins, and a wolf beats in your chest instead of your heart." Vydha remarked, helmed head tilting as she gripped Astrid's forearm. Gold bled from her fingertips, fire, and shot into the Shield Maiden's skin, dipping directly into her flesh, her blood. Astrid snarled, jerking at the sharp pain, but the Valkyra's grip was unrelenting. Fiery brows knit as sweat beaded on her brow, shooting storm greys up to the towering angelic figure in front of her.

"I have witnessed your deeds, Daughter of Fenryr; you slew a Jormungar Bone Sentinel in Northrend, held the line with your brothers, shields in hand. You slew the Sea Witch’s Kvaldir, a bitter memory surely, but! You've lived through Helya's torment in the Maw, and still you fight for your People. As relentless and ferocious as a true warrior. That is only to name a few of the deeds you have wrought to earn my gaze." He continued, and time seemed to slow around the pair in the center of the Hall.

Astrid hardly noticed the tattoos given to her during her Conclave were burning a bright gold, the shapes and tapestry of her ancestry shifting and molding into a new story, a saga. Astrid remained stunned, unable to tear her stare away from the Valk'yr... the Gods haven't abandoned her here, after all. She had come to this understanding in Bastion, but... to be here?

“The blood you have spilled in honor of your fallen friends, family, and even those you have never met before is testament to your courage, your strength. You do your People proud. A friend to those that may not have had one, a shield to those that needed one, and a warrior when no one else can or could be.”

The veins in her arms were burning a bright gold, and she was able to see the fire and blood pounding and flying under her skin. Odyn was speaking, but she couldn't hear.

"Take this blessing, Shield Maiden. This blessing bestowed upon you by none other than Me; Eyir's Light, and my flame. Smite and strike down your enemies and any that should stand in your way. Bring glory to the Mead Hall when your time comes."

Those words. Those words alone rang in the back of her skull like a bell. Sweat beaded on her forehead and dripped down the sides of her face. Her eyes, once a bright storm grey were now that feral, frenzied gold, only now without Fenryr’s rage. With the Light of the Val’kyr, the ferocity of the Valarjar. She peered upwards, past Vydha’s head and up to Odyn. Still her tattoos moved, like an animated saga. This couldn’t be real. She had to be dreaming. The pain was a reminder that it was.

“You will be freed of Fenryr’s rage; his gift an eternal part of you that I will not take away!” There was a distinct burning in her back to which she cried out; the Bindrune for Wolf was burned away from her back’s center, between her shoulder blades. It bled across her skin like silk, shifting now to her left shoulder where a black sun encircled with runes now sat; as ever a part of her now and forever.

“You will be blessed with eternal life; your longevity graciously emboldened. You will serve Azeroth, fight and die to protect her and the People you now serve. Should you perish, you will retire to the Eternal Hunting Grounds to join your ancestors but not for any longer than a week. You will return to the surface where your duty will continue.”

Astrid’s heart leapt in her throat. Eternal life..? Free of Fenryr’s rage...? This was too much.

“I-I cannot accept this! This gift is meant for someone more worthy than I!” She cried, Vydha still holding her hostage in place. Odyn guffawed while the Vrykul roared around her. She felt cornered for a moment, but the overwhelming feeling of pride and courage silenced the fear and confusion.

“I had thought you might say that, Shield-Maiden. You have already proven once that you will die for your People, and have! I can see no other reason why you are not worthy enough. Many do not get the gift of second or third chances, even a fourth chance. You will walk away from these halls no different than when you arrived, I can assure you.” He promised with a respectful bow of his head.

As soon as the pain had begun it was over, Vydha releasing Astrid’s forearms and soaring once more to the sky. She gasped, wheezed, even, the tension from the fire burning in her veins easing as it subsided. Astrid grunted, inspecting herself. Gold replaced her veins, rushing beneath her skin, bleeding to her fingertips and disappearing with the Val’kyr. Her breathing was heavy as her hands fell to her side; she truly did feel no different. Merely emboldened. Too late to say no now, she supposed. Though how could she?

Upon her inspection she saw her tattoos were different. Her eyes widened. The Valknut she had recently gotten in honor of Araian Sunshield in his disappearance was no longer on the back of her neck, but emblazoned in black ink on her right shoulder. Knotwork and runes were littered elegantly down her arm, the wolf head no longer on her right bicep but on the outside of her left, maw wide and aiming to swallow the sun; Fenryr’s tale in Ragnarok. Her left arm remained a tale of her people and heritage, but her right now displayed her tale of the Val’kyr.

“Go now, Daughter of Odyn and Eyir. You were promised respite and I intent to keep you no longer. Until we meet again; live, fight, and die, like a Valkyra.”

Before she could say thank you she was swallowed by a fierce golden light. Everything went white and white hot, her shout lost to the noise all around her; the shouting, the howling, and soon she found herself plummeting. How long had she been falling..? She looked behind her, and at first she thought she was being carried by Vydha again but no, those were her wings flaring behind her.

Now she absolutely had to be dreaming. There was no way those were hers.

Until they flexed and flared, she had realized they weren’t real, but temporary. She caught herself midair, still her arrival was bright and telling as she rocketed to the ground. This was familiar.. Kul Tiras? Saltwood Hold was below her and she banked a hard left; maybe she should have taken flight lessons from Thenios after all.

When she landed it sounded like the world had split in two. Light surrounded herself in a shield, much like the shields Araian or Adamar wield when they fight. Runes floated around her protectively, and all that was left was her in one piece and a decent sized hole in the ground with her impact. She grunted and struggled to stand, having landed in a crouch, and looked around; these were the woods around the Keep.. wonderful. She was home.

Astrid took a deep breath, closing her eyes. The scent of the household staff in the distance, the woods around her, pine, saltwater, damp earth. Home. The hole in the world, the one in her chest when she was away from Skadi was full. She was nearby, she could feel it. Ever-reaching closer, faster. She was running. Slowly Astrid stepped forward; she was back in her comfortable leathers, no longer in her Kyrian garb. She was home.

Astrid crested the crater, her wings effervescent and luminous in appearance, though they were fading now that her arrival was permanent. They appeared to be made out of the same Light that had shielded her that had now disappeared into flamelike embers. Before her stood the panting Denmother, large and intimidating in appearance, crimson eyes wide and frenzied, worried. A grin broke across her features and she laughed, a whole and hearty sound. Skadi bristled defensively; her companion reeked of Odyn, not of their blood. Questions for later.

“... Velkomin home, Astrid.”

@theborderlandcoalition

#ic things #long post #whoop

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blogging-phelddagrif · 8 years ago

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EDH Deck Tech: Darien, King of Kjeldor

[you can see every deck tech here]

Hello & welcome to this weekly deck tech! This week we’re jumping into EDH for a very interesting & straight-forward deck: Dorien, King of Kjeldor.

This card really hit a soft spot for me when it came out because I love the Ice Age block. I started playing during Alliances and it that set, as well as Ice Age always stuck with me; seeing Coldsnap come out years later was a pleasant surprise! And with Dorien coming too I was really happy since back in Ice Age there were tons of talk about Kjeldor, but we never had gotten a card to depict the King. This card has a really unique ability that let’s you generate tokens for every damage you receive. In a regular game of magic what that would do is slowly your opponent down, by creating more & more blockers while getting damaged, and if your opponent wants to race, then you’re getting more & more attackers. With a car like this, your opponents really have to think things true because if they can deal massive amount of damage but not kill you, it might come back in their face. There’s also a way for YOU to use Dorien’s ability to your advantage, on top of being a great defensive mechanism.

Healing your Wounds

That you like it or not, you will lose some life during the course of the game. That’s part of the plan with your commander, but even if it wasn’t of him, you’d still lose life; you need way to say alive, that’s why you play Soul Warden’s effect. Cards like this one help you gain quite a bit of life, especially in multiplayer, making sure you stay healthy. What’s VERY interesting in this situation is the way this interacts with Dorien’s ability. Let’s say you take 5 damage, you’ll then get 5 soldier tokens out of the deal; those 5 tokens coming into play will make you gain 5 life out of the Soul Warden-type effect and bring you back to your original life points, just with 5 extra soldiers on the board. So yeah, cards like Soul’s Attendant, Suture Priest, True Conviction, Path of Bravery, Healer of the Pride, Auriok Champion & Blind Obedience are all good ways to keep a steady life-gain through the game; it doesn’t need to be the theme of the deck, but having a few cards like these are very helpful.

Hurting Yourself

So while you’re gaining some life with Soul Warden effects, you can freely abuse Darien’s ability by hurting yourself. This is a big part of the deck, having access to a lot of little effects that deal you damage (be careful, life loss doesn’t work, so Mana Confluence is a no-go) while doing their things. City of Brass, Nomad Stadium, Tarnished Citadel, Grand Coliseum, Staff of Nin, Jade Monolith, Mana Vault, Mana Crypt, Anhk of Mishra, Ancient Tomb, oh and the mix of Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth & Karma; dealing a bunch of damage to everyone, including you, but you’ll get some tokens which will gain you life & blah blah blah.

TOKENS

A good way to take advantage of the fact you’re already making a bunch of tokens is by making even more tokens & embracing the Darien & Soul Warden effects. Entrapment Maneuver, Martial Coup, Hero of Bladehold, Precinct Captain, Brimaz King of Oreskos, Evangel of Heliod, Hanweir Militia Captain, Benalish Commander, Raise the Alarm, Militia’s Pride, Nomad’s Assembly, Deploy the Front, Decree of Justice, Kjeldoran Outpost, Conqueror’s Pledge & of course Increasing Devotion.

Soldier Tribal

You might have noticed that pretty much all the tokens made by those spells are Soldiers. It might be a coincidence, but it might not either. So why not embrace this and play some sweet Solider synergies? Captain of the Watch, Catapult Master, Knight-Captai of Eos, Field Marshal, Daru Warchief, Mobilization, Preeminent Captain, Ballyrush Banneret, Veteran Swordsmith, Rox Pikemaster, Veteran Armorsmith & Obelisk of Urd are all amazing cards that support the Soldier archetype!

Full-On Anthems

Now that all your Soldiers are boosted and strong af, you can really do things the right way and pump them up even more. Go grab those anthem effects and make your 1/1s into something really more menacing! Cathar’s Crusade, Honor of the Pure, Elesh Norn Grand Cenobite, Mirror Entity, Archetype of Courage, Crovax Ascendant Hero, Archangel of Thune, Jazal Goldmane, Thalia’s Lieutenant, Champion of the Parish, Paragon of New Dawns, Angel of Invention, Phantom General, Mikaeus the Lunarch, Angel of Jubilation, Spear of Heliod, Eldrazi Monument, Coat of Arms, Door of Destinies, Hall of Triumph, Call for Unity, Marshal’s Anthem, Dictate of Heliod, Intangible Virtue, Glorious Anthem, Crusade & Divine Sacrement. With ALL those anthem effects you’re really set to have HUUUUUGE tokens that will come into play consistently with your commander’s ability. Just hope you don’t get hit with mass enchantment/artifact removal…

Answers

Speaking of mass removal, you need some answers yourself. Ideally stuff that only deals with your opponent’s stuff, or something that keeps your commander on the field. Also, sport removal & direct answers are important; you have plenty to choose from! Return to Dust, Grand Abolisher, Avacyn Angel of Hope, Mother of Runes, Path to Exile, Condemn, Swords to Plowshare, Oblation, Rootborn Defenses, Disenchant, Brave the Elements, Make a Stand, Mass Calcify, Austere Command, Fell the Mighty, Retribution of the Meek, Grasp of Fate, Oblivion Ring; also Lightning Greeves, Swiftfoot Boots & Darksteel Plate to protect Darien.

Ramp

This might sound weird, but playing mono-coloured decks provide you with a lot of ramp, even in white! You HAVE to utilize those effects to really accelerate your plays and make sure you can always cast Darien, because he is essential to the deck. Cards like Caged Sun, Knight of the White Orchid, Land Tax, Pearl Medallion, Sol Ring, Gauntlet of Power, Nykthos Shrine to Nyx, Marble Diamond, Thran Dynamo, Sword of the Animist, Extraplanar Lens, Mind Stone, Worn Powerstone, Gilded Lotus & Thawing Glaciers.

Elspeth

She deserves her own category. Elspeth just fits in this deck soooooooo well. Any of her cards are just amazingly good in here! Elspeth Tirel is probably the best by gaining you a bunch of life & creating some tokens; Elspeth Knight Errant is most likely the least good but it still creates some tokens and can make your stuff indestructible if not dealt with; Elspeth Sun’s Champion is amazing too since you can create a lot of tokens and destroy everything that’s too big!

Wrap-Up

There you have it! I hope you guys enjoyed this deck tech. If I missed anything let me know! I’ll see you guys next week for a Standard deck tech.

#mtg #magic the gathering #magic #magic: the gathering #magic blog #edh #deck tech #mtg blog

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