Exton

Suddenly Raina stopped pacing. Her thoughts were coming so fast that when she tried to speak it came out in a combination of English and Norse. Noticing the bewildered looks she was getting she took a deep breath and tried to explain. “I know what will hold him. We have to work fast, we are running out of time and this may take a bit...” Mortuis looked at her, puzzled at first, until she said out loud “Fenris, I can go to the spirit world and speak with the Aesir....”

Mortuis nods his head in agreement, “It may the best chance we have to capture and kill him.”

Raina started making plans in her head, a list of things she needed...

Nick is confused, “Rain? What do you mean by going to the spirit world? Wont that be dangerous for you?”

“I dont care if it is, its the only chance we have.” and she leaves with Pandora to see if they can gather the things she needs...

Raina is in a hurry and tries her best to explain things as she sets them up. Pan brought the most beautiful scrying bowl she had ever seen. Large and made of black marble, it would be perfect. “First I need Pan to burn the sage and bless this space. Keep doing it no matter what you hear or see. We need to keep anything evil away. It shouldnt be a problem but just in case. Open the elements as you would do for yourself, I dont have time to call on them and it shouldnt matter who or of what belief does so.” Patti nods and gets started. “Ob, your job is to help her in any way she needs.” and to watch Stoney, he looks like he is going to collapse on us, but she wasnt sure if Ob could pick up on her thoughts or not. She turns to Nick as she is tying the rope around her waist. “Do not let go of this, hold it tight and no matter what happens, do not let go. Stoney will tell you if he is able to see, when to start pulling, in case I cant get back by myself. Stay behind me with it, do not get directly in front of me.” She hands him one end of the rope and Nick moves his chair to sit behind her.

Nick look as if he had been stabbed in the gut, “What do you mean if you cant get back? Rain, please, is there another way?”

“No, there is not. Do not let go of that rope...” She lights the lantern and places it in front of her as she sits at the table. She pours the water from the pitcher into the black bowl, only filling it about half way. Looking at Stoney she says, “Your job is to watch and to try to keep track of me. You can try to touch minds with mine, it might work once I am there. You will be able to tell when I am in a trance and my soul leaves this body. Do you know how to scry? Its very simple if you have the ability, you will be able to watch in the water what is happening. Do not be afraid of what you see. I will meet with my ancestors who will take me the Aesir, if they will see me. Pay attention, there is someone I want you to see if I am permitted to speak with her. We will talk of it later. You can keep the others informed of my progress.”

Raina turns to Nick, “There is much I would say to you vampire, but there is no time.” She gives him a kiss and returns her focus to the table. “Are there any questions before I start? You may not know the language, if Stoney can touch my mind while I am there he can translate for you.”

Raina starts to chant in an ancient language. She turns her arms, forearms up, the runes on her arms glowing in the light from the lantern. Her pets are still and silent, as if they understand the importance of the ritual. Raina is still now, barely whispering, her eyes focused on things no one in the group can see. Stoney leans close to hear some of what she is saying, “I see my line to the beginning, from my father who made me, to Freya who breathed life to me, I ask Orchil who weaves death and life from her looms to bring me to the spirit world and safely home again. I need my spirit family to help the earth family that I have found. The tapestry is not clear but I know our threads are forever woven together and I must help to save one of us. I ask in the name of....” and Stoney sighs, unable to understand further.

Suddenly she goes silent, and doesnt appear to be breathing. With a loud gasp, she leans back and then forward again, still and silent as the dead. Nick stands up, unsure of what to do, but Stoney waves him back, “I can see her in the bowl, she is okay...”

Raina feels confused and lost for a moment. The air is cold and reminds her of home. A heavy fog is everywhere, making it hard for her to see. She can tell there are shapes and shadows in the gloom but is unable to see them clearly. She takes a few steps forward and sees a small shape walking towards her. As it gets closer, she can make out the shape of a woman, a very small woman, with long black hair much like her own. The woman steps forward, taking Rainas hands, and smiling at her.

Raina gasps, “Mother? Are you really my mother?” The woman nods, and Raina cries, “I have missed you so much, even though I never knew you.”

The woman wipes the tears from Rainas cheek, “I had to go for you to become the woman you are now. I have always been with you, my daughter and always will be. But come, there are others who wish to see you.”

As they walk along a path the fog starts to lift and reveals a great forest, much like the one Raina remembered from home. She sees the spirits of people she knew as a child, smiling and waving as they walk by. Raina could see the forest opened up into a clearing a few yards ahead. Her mother tells her “This is where I must leave you. Your father wishes to speak to you.”

Raina turns to see her father walking up the path. She turns back to her mother but she has gone. As her father approaches Raina starts to sob. He takes her shoulders in his giant hands and says “Daughter”. Raina slips to her knees and sobs. “I ask for your forgiveness father. I disappointed you when Tara....died. I couldnt save her and I know you couldnt bear to look at me after that. I did what I could....”

Her father gently raises her up and holds her close, “There is nothing to forgive. I have seen inside your heart, I know what happened. I should be the one asking forgiveness from you. I was a foolish old man who could not see past my grief to know others were equally as hurt. I understand why you are here. The one that follows you, he is in great pain. More than we were. Such love is rare among the creatures of the earth. Your loyalty to your loved ones is to be commended. I am proud of you. Dry your tears, daughter. The Aesir have heard your prayer and one of the goddess' will see you. Syn, who guards the doors at the longhouse will send her out to speak to you. I will walk with you, I know time is of some importance.” He took Rainas hand in his and led her to the clearing. Raina took some comfort in his gesture, as she did as a child.

The woods opened to huge clearing, a large longhouse, the roof covered in shields instead of shingles, situated in the center. The sun shining, making it all glow with a warm light and the snow shimmering in the brightness. “Its beautiful, just like home..” Rainas father leads her to the entrance. “I must take my leave of you here. Someone will take you back through the forest so you dont lose your way. I will see you again on that day when you take your seat with the warriors in Vahalla.” He turned from her and was gone before she could say anything. She waited while Syn opened the heavy door and spoke to someone on the other side.

Glancing in the door as it opened Raina could not see a thing. The light was bright and hurt her eyes. From the noise and smells, it seemed to be a feast of sorts. Music, talking and laughing, servants hurrying about and the smell of foods that Raina has missed for a very long time.

Suddenly a woman appears at the door. Raina, come let us sit together.. and she leads her to a bench near the door.