The cadence and din of battle was fresh and pulsing as Folkvar arose from the earth and found himself shrouded in mists. He could no longer feel the pang of physical exertion in his muscles but the rush of his blood still sung in his veins. In the distance he saw a rider coming out of the haze, he quickly saw that the rider was distinctly female though it was impossible to see her clearly. Her body was shuffled ever closer by the trot of her steed and every time a new shaft of light hit her she appeared different, as if all at once she was; blonde, brunette, redheaded, raven-haired, slim, athletic, voluptuous, and always beautiful.
When she reached his side and leaned down to take his hand he recognized her as one of Freya's Valkyrie, who usher the fallen from the battlefield to Valhalla, Folkvar took her hand without fear and rode with her through the mists and over a multicolored bridge in the sky.
He had fallen as Gudrun had fallen, at the point of battle heated steel and now he would be reunited with his wife in Odin's hall. The splendor of the golden hall laid spread out before him like the richest of battle camps. Warriors from every Nordic shore hefted and played with the finest weapons ever held by god or man. Horns of mead slaked the thirsts of combatants that died at each other's hands but now stood as brothers under Odin's banner.
At a far end of the hall, Folkvar saw the unmistakable beauty of his lost love being lead away by a flock of Valkyrie. He broke into a full sprint but was halted by the crossed spears of two who held him back while the others vanished with Gudrun around and unseen corner.
"What madness is this? Step aside or be moved by force." Before he had a moment to act or think on his threat, the Valkyrie where replaced by a man of towering iron muscle, a full mane of hair and beard and one piercing eye.
There could be no doubt that Folkvar stood before the All-father, Odin himself. Though his rage was cooled by the honor of facing his god, Folkvar held his ground and his conviction. "All-father, my wife..."
"Has proven herself most valiantly on the battlefield this day and has been selected to join the ranks of Freya's Valkyrie"
"No! I avenged her death and followed her across the rainbow bridge in like valor; she must be mine in Valhalla as she was in Midgard. By right or by steel I must have her." The passion in his heart outweighed any reverence or caution as he pressed forward with his hand fast apon the handle of his sword.
Odin's grip on his fabled spear tightened and his eye peered deep into the soul of this Norseman who dared to challenge him. "I rule the halls of Valhalla...you would do wise to remember that" Folkvar gave no ground but braced his stance. at this the All-father smiled and clasped his open hand on the shoulder of the Viking.
