First Feather ✪ [Video]

[sleepingvalkyrie]

[ When the warp band flickers to life, the image is held steady, revealing a rather serious-looking young woman with silvery hair and dark blue eyes. Though her shoulders are bare, the rest of her body is clad in plate mail, with feathers shaped to form wings on either side of her face. A bright blue swablu is perched on her left shoulder, still puffy with the fluff of the recently hatched.

Her lips press into a thin line, before she takes a breath to address her viewers. ]

I am Gwendolyn of the Ragnanival Tribe. I have been sent here to represent them in Union on behalf of the Citadel, and offer our strength in battle if Union would have use of it. It is the least we can offer, after the aid your people gave us.

[she shifts very slightly, looking momentarily uncomfortable] I have also brought a gift on behalf of my tribe, some arms and armor that may be of interest to those among you who are warriors. Our craftsmen are noted for the fine quality of their blades.

I am also told there are other Valkyrie present within the city. I would be grateful if I could be directed to them.

...Thank you for your time.

[with that, there's a polite bow of her head, and the feed ends]

Comments

VIDEO.

[miracle_miko]

[ Ohmygosh, first Mami, and now Gwendolyn?! This was... wow, this was intense! So many awesome Valkyries suddenly appearing, it was enough to make a fangirl shrine maiden like her faint! The feed comes on to a green haired priestess, her face perhaps a bit too close to the camera. A campfire roars behind her, and she looks bundled up from head to toe. ]

Oh wow, it's such an honor! I'm not sure if you know who I am, but I'm from Citadel too!

[ And the award for the most awkward introduction goes too... ]

I'm Sanae Kochiya. I'm a priestess of the Great Tree, but I'm also living in Union for the time being.

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[sleepingvalkyrie]

[ That is. Not. At all the reaction Gwendolyn was expecting. Then again, having lived around Valkyrie so long, perhaps the excitement has worn off a bit? ]

Ah...Thank you? That is most kind of you to say.

[...it would in fact be terribly rude to admit that, no, she has no idea who the green haired girl is, but fortunately Sanae fills in the blanks quite adroitly. Or perhaps it is merely good luck for her part. The blue bird on Gwendolyn's shoulder giggle-chirps meanwhile.]

Of the Great Tree? I am sure Union must be honoured to have you here with them in turn! But...is it not difficult, to be so far from Citadel, Priestess Kociya?

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[miracle_miko]

Eheh, I wouldn't go that far.

[ She waves her hand a bit, looking embarrassed. Aw, shucks. ]

I'm actually on my way back from a return visit to Citadel, actually. I had a few things to take care of back at my shrine, but we should be back in a few days. As long as the weather holds up, that is.

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[sleepingvalkyrie]

[ It's still an important role! ]

I see. I hope that your visit to the shrine went well, and that the New Year's blessings were bestowed upon you.

The weather was fair enough for our journey here. Cold, but not as harsh as on the northern border. And we had the blessing of the wind at our backs for the entire journey.

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[miracle_miko]

It did, thank you! It was really nice to be able to see everyone.

[ Sanae nods a bit. ]

That's good, I'm glad the weather held up for you. Everyone's been able to rest, right?

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[sleepingvalkyrie]

It helps that the weather here is far milder than back home. I've also been told that the season does not last as long. [Lucky Unionites!]

The lodgings we have been granted are quite suitable, yes. My wing are taking their ease now that we have stowed our items.

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[9tailedtemptress]

[A very curious face comes into view as if studying the image on screen for Gwendolyn. Once she finishes, Ahri smiles but remains inquisitive.]

What's a Ragnival? Is that some kind of Pokemon? Or is it more like a human tribe?

[She does look a bit excitedly for a moment before she speaks.]

And I'm always happy for gifts! Could I try some out?

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[sleepingvalkyrie]

It is the name of my tribe. We hold the northern territories of Citadel, stretching as far as the frozen wastes. [there's a clear note of pride in her voice about that fact]

Yes, of course. We wouldn't want you armed with something unsuitable. [there's a faint smile for Ahri] My wing have been given lodging near the gate guardsmen's headquarters, you may find us there.

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[9tailedtemptress]

Oh! [So a tribe of humans, she's heard of such things before and it made her giddy with curiosity.] I was in the northern areas before! In a big battle wish some fire slinging humans. [It was actually one of her first assignments ever since reaching Union] I'd love to have more time to freely explore it without that. It looked amazing.

[Noting she was going off-topic, Ahri smiled and waved her tails behind her.]

But anyways~ I'd love to! I'll see you soon then? [Ahri winked]

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[sleepingvalkyrie]

We heard about that battle! I was still a fledging at the time, so I was not permitted to join those sent to the front lines, or to escort those in need of safety. [A pity, but Valkyries in training could not be choosers.

Speaking of her home territory is easier] It is a difficult country, wild but free. Unforgiving of those who do not treat it with the respect is deserves. But as long as you are prepared, it is well worth the effort.

[She's. Not sure what to make of that wink. So she ignores it] Certainly. ..Ah, you are?

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[9tailedtemptress]

It was intense for sure. [She inadvertently rubbed one of the spots she had been injured in.]

The more you speak of it, the more I wish to have a chance to vist and explore and learn more of it~ [Ahri giggled and winked.]

Oh, right! It's Ahri, nice to meet you~ [She smiled and waved with her tails.] Well, soon to be met I suppose!

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[wishingalone]

Ah, Gwendolyn! I'll have to save someone the trouble of directing you to me.

[And there's Mami, addressing her Warp Band and smiling down at it. She winks at it, too, for good measure; then she tilts her head to the side. Blades and crafts from Citadel? That sounds like it should be popular.]

[(Nationalism, ho!)]

So, you've come here, too. I'm pleased to see it. How was the trip? Everything went quite all right, I trust?

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[sleepingvalkyrie]

Mami! [eyes light up, the first hint of relaxation evident as her pose straightens, and there's a curious warble from the bird on her shoulder] Tis good to see you, you are looking well.

I have. We have the wind at our backs the entire journey. We might have made it in two days early had we not the wagon to escort with us, but aside from snow, all was well.

How have you been? Is Union treating you well?

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[wishingalone]

I am! You look the same. It's good that you found your way here. [She peers at the bird; for her part, her Florges -- formerly a Flabebe -- peers up behind her back and stares down happily at Gwendolyn.]

The snow's a constant this time of year, anyways, even in the south. I've done well. This place is... quite interesting.

[She smiles.] I think you'll like it. The towers are quite something to fly through, too. Do you plan to stay here for awhile?

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[sleepingvalkyrie]

[ The focus of attention turns the baby bird shy, head pulling further into fluff before his face is hidden against Gwendolyn's neck. There's a soft smile for her little friend, followed by a polite one for the flower pokemon - it looks familiar.. ]

Winters in the north are worse. If it is a constant here, that at least is something I will have little trouble with.

That is the intention. My wing and I have been given temporary quarters nears the gate guardmen, you are welcome to join us, we can catch up there!

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[wishingalone]

They end earlier here, though. It's quite nice!

[She brightens up at that. She likes Union, to be sure, but Mami's never stopped loving her homeland and the Valkyries are hers. They're someone to talk to. She nods, quickly!]

Then, I'll be there shortly. I think I know exactly where that is.

[Mami isn't actually there shortly, though. It takes her a little bit to fly over. True to form -- and like the old days -- she went back to her place first to pick up shortbread cookies. Gotta feed the people she looks after. Then, the drill curl-sporting Valkyrie drops from the skies, right near the guard house. Her magically created ribbon vanishes when she does.]

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[senpaidol]

Hey, another Valkyrie! Welcome to Union, Gwendolyn!

[sleepingvalkyrie]

Thank you. [she doesn't recognise you, however; her head tilts curiously] And you are?

[senpaidol]

Rise Kujikawa. I'm a Pokémon trainer and an actress, and I like saying hi to new arrivals when I have the chance.

[sleepingvalkyrie]

Thank you for your welcome. It would seem that the reputation of the people of Union being very friendly is true.

If I might ask, what sort of performer are you, as an actress?

[senpaidol]

Well, I work at Union Divine Theater. Have for like...not quite two years now, wow. We usually put on musical comedies or melodramas, which works for me since I also sing and dance.

[mightydemacian]

[ Garen hasn't had many chances to speak to Valkyries, but as a Sword of the Savior, it felt like his duty to greet her. From one fighter to the other. ]

I'd rather not have so many pointy objects lying around. It makes not killing more difficult. But thank you for them regardless. A lethal weapon is better than no weapon at all.

So welcome to Union, Gwendolyn. I'm Garen Crownguard, a Sword of the Savior.

[sleepingvalkyrie]

Well met, Garen Crownguard.

I have heard of the Swords of the Savior, you and yours would be welcome to select an item from this cache. [A frown forms] Our weapons training ensures we are not so poorly behaved as to leave bare weapons out in the open. Nor would we simply hand one over to the untrained.

[That would be disrespectful to the weapons, for one. And unsafe for any pokemon around.]

[mightydemacian]

Your generosity is appreciated, but I'd prefer not to use a sword. We Swords don't kill, and it's rather difficult to keep a bladed weapon in check. My abilities and my Pokemon partners will simply have to do.

[sleepingvalkyrie]

I...see. [Swords..lacking swords? This Gwendolyn will have to see for herself at some point!] Well, we do have some armor as well. When others have claimed gifts of interest, I will instruct my wing to deliver them to the Swords headquarters.

What sort of partners do you have?