This is part one in what will hopefully be a series that encompasses mythological creatures of all sexes from all eras and areas of the world. I hope you enjoy!
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The sky was a turbulent grey over the battlefield. The clouds had descended not long before the warring had begun. They rumbled and roared as sword clashed against sword and cold metal bit into warm flesh.
Aiden's sword was stained red, his bared skin and his leather armor was spattered and flecked with it. The wind howled through the valley below, keening like a woman's wail.
Aiden knew that there would be over much of those wails when he and his men returned to the encampment triumphant tonight. He grinned in anticipation as the metal of his sword fell another warrior. These one-god-worshipers were poor fighters. Their fear clung to them like a second skin. A few had even fled before encountering Aiden's men.
It was cowardly, weak.
"Oh, God!" It was a cry that ended on a gurgle as Aiden's sword came flashing down. Blood splattered, striking his face.
Another glance into the valley below had him pumping his sword and shield toward the sky in triumph.
"Victory is our's! Victory for Valhalla!" Aiden's bellow rang out over the valley and hills as the very last of the enemy was vanquished.
His men's answering cries rivaled that of the thunder that crescendoed.
Uncannily bright lightning struck before Aiden. The spear of light emitted a deafening crack and Aiden twisted away, elbow drawn up to cover his ear. His eyes saw stars for a moment as his ears rang.
When he turned back, he beheld a creature of the most enrapturing beauty.
A woman with skin the color of freshly fallen snow stood before him. Her cheeks were high and flushed the same pink as her lips. Long blonde hair the color of the autumn moon waved to her waist, twisted into plaits around her delicately pointed ears. Her eyes shone a brilliant silver. She was beautiful, exquisite, really. Her body bore the most mouth-watering curves.
A good deal of her body was bare to the cool storm winds. A long sapphire cloth hid her womanhood, clasped at the hips by a belt of white furs and silver. The same adorned her shoulders and draped down her back. Deep blue spirals and glyphs were painted over her bared skin. The markings drew the eyes unerringly toward her breasts and hips. A battle-ax was strapped to her back.
There was a great murmuring from the ranks below. In an expanding ripple, every man knelt, head bowed unto the woman.
Aiden's forehead touched the cool earth. Even over the scent of it, he could still smell her. She smelled of rain and of the storm from whence she had been born.
"My lady Valkyrie," Aiden spoke.
The Valkyrie's warm, soft fingers tucked beneath his jaw and raised his face.
After a moment's study, she released her hold and straightened. Aiden silently bemoaned the loss of her touch.
"Arise, warriors of Odin." Her voice was like the thunder. It echoed over the land and held the attention of every man. "You have emerged victorious this day. Go now and celebrate. Know that you have curried the favor of the gods this day."
Cheers and cries rose at her words.
The Valkyrie's eyes flashed silver again and her lips lifted in a smile. She turned to Aiden once more and when she smiled again, it held a different edge.
Aiden swallowed and bowed his head in acknowledgment of her godliness. "I am pleased to be of service to the gods."
Her small hand stroked his blood-flecked arm above his bracers. "But would you be pleased to be of service to a Valkyrie?"
"I would for one such as you, my lady. Your beauty is like that of your lightning. Bright and dazzling."
Her laughter was like music. "Your words are pretty, Aiden the Bear, but I did not come to have my ego stroked."
"Then what did you come for, my lady?"
