Exton

Raina takes a seat with the woman, not entirely sure of who she is. She is pretty, long reddish hair and big brown eyes and moves with a grace Raina knows she will never have.

You are graceful, just in a different way....

Raina freezes, “oh...”

Dont be afraid. We have heard your thoughts and prayers and spoken to your father....I am Lofn and have been asked to speak to you. The men are getting ready for another contest and feel this situation was more appropriate for a woman to handle. I have permission from the Alfather to bring together men and women no matter what difficulties lay in their way. And now seems such a time. You dont ask for yourself but for another. Admirable.. We find it odd that your antagonist throughout your life has been a wolf or a related creature. Since you are Seidkona, a shaman with animal totems...but I suppose you cant control everything...You desire a rope like the one used on Fenris? Raina nods... Do you know what it was made of??

Raina nods and says “The spell-caught sounds of cat-paws, the breath of fish, the spittle of birds, the hairs of a woman's beard and the roots of a mountain and spun them around the sinews of a bear. They made a bond that looked as fine as a ribbon of silk...”

Yes and since it was made of things not of the mortal world, nothing in the mortal world can break it. It would seem a good choice given the situation. The Alfather asks me to remind you that he may call on you to return the favor at some point. I imagine we should send you on your way. When you cross over the veil, the rope will be with you. I dont think we have to tell you to use it wisely. Go, your sister awaits...

Raina stands and starts to express her thanks, but Lofn stops her. It is not necessary. The request is an honorable one. Go to your friends, they need you......

Raina watches as Syn opens the door for Lofn and she disappears inside. She turns and Tara runs to her, “Raina!” and her sister is in her arms, laughing and happy as if nothing has ever happened.

“The older woman went back inside and she is talking with this girl.” Stoney cant believe how this girl resembles Alise. Her and Raina and laughing and hugging when it dawns on Stoney who she is. “Its her sister that has passed over...she is dead..I mean the sister...” Nick relaxes thinking at first he meant Raina.

Raina cant believe her sister is actually in front of her. “Tara, I have missed you so much. I am so sorry about....I mean I wish I could change things. And I wish you could meet Alise, she is so much like you..”

Tara shakes her head, “None of it matters now. All happens as it should, the tapestry woven long ago.. Our fates are fixed, you know that.” They start to walk towards the forest. “I know of your Alise.” and Tara laughs at Rainas shocked expression, “But how could you know of her??”

“Remember the legends father used to tell us? Of the warriors peaking out of the heavens and the stars falling? Well, not only the warriors get to peek.. I saw how sad you were sometimes, and I asked for a sister for you. Or at least someone to be like a little sister. She is not of my spirit, but very close... But now she is in trouble?”

Raina nods, unable to speak for a moment. Tears start to fall again, “I am sorry, this has been so difficult for everyone, and then coming here and seeing all of you again...”

Tara stops, and lifting a hand wipes the tears from Rainas cheek. “The Aesir thought to give you strength, not make you sad. But I understand...”

As they walk through the forest it starts to snow and gets darker. The wolves start to howl and Raina stops, “How long have I been here?”

Tara takes Rainas hand, “I must leave you now. It's not much further, just follow the path. I love you Raina and will see you soon. Say hello to Erik for me...”

“Erik? I have never been able to find him”, but as Raina turns to her sister Tara has gone. She takes a few steps forward and can hear the wolves moving in the trees and then sees the glowing eyes, watching her. Stoney, gods I hope you can hear me, pull the rope, tell Nick to start pulling the rope....

“Nick, start pulling the rope!”

“Why the hell is there more now than when she tied the damned thing on?”

“I dont know, but she says to keep pulling...”

Suddenly Raina is back in her body, gasping for breath and coughing. Nick rushes to her side and helps her stand. “Thats the rope you went for? It doesnt look like much. Are you sure that will work?”

Raina looks down at the rope tied around her waist, how did that get there? “Yes, this is it. How long have I been gone?”

As she starts to stand her sisters light blue shawl falls to the floor. …