💙03 - Echoes of the Silent Gods [Runes of Wyrd]🤍

In the pic, from left to right Skörta Eldrún – Princess and heir of Norway, daughter of King Håkon Eldrún Torstein Orrisson – Personal bodyguard of Skörta and loyal servant of the Eldrún family Album : https://suno.com/playlist/d3b85d17-41e5-4f6c-bfbc-4086191ed19e 💙🤍💙🤍💙🤍💙🤍💙🤍💙🤍💙🤍💙🤍 The forests surrounding Trondheim were quiet. Too quiet, if you asked Torstein. He moved carefully, bow in hand, each step measured and deliberate. Behind him, Skörta followed in silence, her sharp eyes scanning the trees, reading the forest as if it whispered secrets only she could hear. Torstein raised a hand. "Quiet, princess. Not a sound. There..." He pointed toward the damp ground. The imprint was deep, fresh. An elk. Skörta crouched beside the tracks, studying them with focus. "Recent," she murmured. Torstein nodded and slowly drew his bow, his posture tightening as instinct took over. A hand stopped him. He froze. Skörta shook her head gently, then gave him a look that needed no explanation. This was hers. Torstein hesitated for a breath, then lowered his weapon. They moved forward, closing the distance. Between the trees, the animal emerged. Large, powerful, unaware. Skörta inhaled slowly. Her movements were precise, controlled. The bowstring tightened in silence. The arrow flew. It struck true. The elk staggered, tried to flee, then collapsed a few steps away, its strength fading into the earth. Silence followed. Then Skörta stood, a faint smile forming. "Not bad," Torstein said as he approached. "You have improved. Especially at range. A shield is useful, but sometimes... you need to strike first." Skörta retrieved her arrow, brushing it clean. "I hope I never have to use this against my own people," she replied. "But if I must..." She glanced at him, a playful edge in her voice. "I suppose I have a good teacher." Torstein shifted awkwardly, clearly not used to praise. "That is... generous, princess. Though I think my student simply has too much talent." She let out a soft laugh. As they made their way back, the forest slowly gave way to open ground. In the distance, the outlines of Trondheim began to rise. After a moment, Skörta spoke again, quieter this time. "Despite everything... I do not believe the gods have abandoned us entirely." Torstein frowned slightly. "The Fimbulvetr is coming, yes. But it is not here yet. And Ragnarok is still far from us. There is time left. And perhaps... hope." Skörta nodded, though her expression remained thoughtful. "Maybe. But I would rather understand what they want from us. What the gods still have in store." He paused, then added with a faint smirk. "Or perhaps this is a test. For you, princess." His tone shifted again, more serious. "And we should be careful. These rebels... especially those from the south. They are turning minds." Skörta exhaled softly. "Torstein, in times like these, doubt is natural. Not everyone holds on the same way." She hesitated briefly before continuing. "I received a messenger recently. From Jarl Mikal-Finnvard Arvast." Torstein stiffened instantly. "That jarl..." His hand tightened around the handle of his axe. "What does that old traitor want?" Skörta rolled her eyes slightly. "He is sending his daughter. To speak of the future... and to discuss terms of peace." She gave him a knowing look. "You see, Torstein, diplomacy does not prevent a good celebration now and then." He cleared his throat. "I am perfectly diplomatic. Especially when there is mead involved." Skörta smiled faintly. "But his daughter... is she not the one who..." "Yes," Skörta said, cutting him off gently. "That was a long time ago. I was fifteen. She was younger, I think." Her gaze drifted for a moment. "But she was already fierce. Different." She continued, her tone softer. "She did not hesitate. She drew the wolf’s attention to herself. Calmed it." Torstein raised an eyebrow. "Calmed a wolf?" Skörta shrugged lightly. "Let us say... she understood animals better than most." A brief silence passed. "I remember it clearly," she added. "And yet... I never truly thanked her." She inhaled slowly. "We lost contact." Torstein grunted. "Still the daughter of an enemy." Skörta stopped and turned to face him. "Torstein, please. Not again." Her voice remained calm, but firm. "Let us hear what she has to say. I will never put the kingdom at risk." She held his gaze. "I know my priorities." Torstein lowered his head slightly. "Of course, princess." They resumed their walk. The gates of Trondheim now stood before them. And beyond them... decisions that could shape far more than a fragile peace. 💙🤍💙🤍💙🤍💙🤍💙🤍💙🤍💙🤍💙🤍 I walk where silence breathes between the trees... The snow... it listens more than men do now... My hands still tremble from the bowstring’s pull... Was it strength... or fear I felt just then? I saw its eyes... just for a moment... And something in me... almost... almost broke... If I must lead... if I must stand... Will I still know who I am? Forgive me, spirit... fallen in the snow... Your breath fades... but your gift remains... Your flesh will warm the hands of those in need... Your life... it won’t be lost in vain... I swear it now... beneath these silent skies... The gods... they see... they have to see... But where are they... when voices call? Are we alone... or being watched? Echoes of the Silent Gods... I call your name... Through frozen winds... through doubt and flame... Echoes of the Silent Gods... do you still see? Or is this trial... meant for me? Echoes of the Silent Gods... answer my voice... I stand between... no other choice... Echoes of the Silent Gods... don’t turn away... I’m still your child... I’m here... I stay... They watch me... yeah... I feel their eyes... Waiting... waiting for me to fall... A crown of doubt... sits on my head... Not made of gold... but fear... instead... If I break now... if I lose ground... Will they tear this whole world down? My father stands where I must go... And I... I don’t know if I’m ready... If the gods are gone... then who do I become? And if they’re watching... why won’t they answer... Echoes of the Silent Gods... I call your name... Through fire and storm... through ash and flame... Echoes of the Silent Gods... answer me now... Or leave me here... to break... or bow... Echoes of the Silent Gods... hear my cry... I won’t fall... I won’t die... Echoes of the Silent Gods... guide my hand... Or let me rise... and take this land... Echoes of the Silent Gods... Still I call... still I call... Echoes of the Silent Gods... Don’t let me fall... don’t let me fall...