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gryfon-spanish-werewolf · 3 years

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The Choice - Part 2

Part 2 of my elsanna Hulder/Valkyrie au :D I know I said I’d make them 1-1.5k but I guess my sweet spot is 2-3k ¯\_(^^;)_/¯ Good for y’all

I highly recommend reading Chapter 1 and/or the original concept for context because this chapter picks up EXACTLY where we left off. And I do mean exactly. ao3 and ff.net links are up too!

Shout out to @like-red-lads again for indulging me in the concept, @giuliaciulia89 bc I know you’ve been waiting patiently for this one, and a quick spike for @snowmanmelting since you asked ever so politely for a notification of publishing 💖

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The woman who still crouched naked in the water leveled a glare at the Valkyrie. “What do you mean you don’t know?”

Anna felt like someone had wedged the padding of her armor directly into her skull. Her thoughts zipped too and fro, bouncing off the sides while whatever still sane part of her brain jumped desperately in the middle, trying to grab even one coherent thought.

Who are you? Well that’s easy, I’m Anna, the Valkyrie! Wait no, no, I can’t say that, humans that are still alive can’t know that.

What are you doing here? So funny story - I felt like I needed to be here and find you and I know why but I can't tell you or you won’t believe me, or maybe worse you will believe me and then we’re still stuck because-

Life or Death?

This question was causing the most trouble. Anna felt the answer gallop up her throat again, only for it to wilt and corkscrew off somewhere else as it neared the tip of her tongue. It leaped up her legs and tornado’d around her insides like a rock trapped in a gale, bruising everything it touched, but still it didn’t make itself known to her. It was a pressure, the kind that rattled the lid of a pot over-boiling above the cookfire.

Anna shook her head, feeling more than a little dizzy. The remaining part of her brain that was still running around for a legitimate answer grew tired as well and sat down, which prompted Anna to do the same, plopping down onto the rock below her feet in an unceremonious heap. The woman across from her flinched.

“I guess I mean,” Anna replied slowly as she crossed her arms over her chest, “that I really don’t know. And that’s never happened before.”

The woman narrowed her eyes suspiciously. “Which part?”

“All of them. Oh!” Anna pounded her fist into her palm. “Except the first question, I can answer that one. I’m Anna!” She grinned broadly, just like she had for the warrior in the battlefield. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“I wish I could say the same,” the woman groused, “but considering the circumstances, you will have to forgive me for not feeling the same.”

“It’s certainly odd,” Anna mused aloud, putting her chin in her hand. She missed the other woman’s exasperated expression entirely. “Today started out so normal but now everything is strange.”

“That I can agree with.”

“I know!” Anna threw her arms out. “First there was the fight, then my plans changed without warning and I miss my ride home, then I stumble-sprint through the forest following your voice and now you’re talking to me and--!” Anna pulled up short.

She was having a conversation with a human.

A live human.

Which meant…

“Hey, this is going to sound like a trick question but, you can see me, right?”

The woman blinked, a furrow deepening between her brows. “That… does seem like a trick question.” Anna waited patiently, and saw the moment the other woman realized she would have to answer: a defeated drop of her shoulders. “Yes. Yes I can see you.”

“Oh good!” Anna chirped. “I mean uh, not good, actually,” she frowned and looked to the side, thinking. “Well not baaaad.” Anna bobbed her hands in front of her, as though physically weighing the implications on a scale. “Just… unexpected, y’know?”

The look on the blonde’s face told Anna that she did not, in fact, know.

“I… can imagine that thinking you can’t be seen, only to be seen, would be… unexpected,” was the diplomatic reply.

But Anna had already retreated back into her own head, her mini-me having rested long enough to start picking up the pieces and sorting them into piles. Piles of Normal, piles of Weird, and piles of Highly Irregular.

Being seen by a living human was definitely Highly Irregular.

Maybe something had gone wrong with the magic today, or by leaving the company of her sisters the cloaking spell had frayed and broken with distance. Regardless, if this woman did not suspect Anna’s true nature, then she supposed it wasn’t a big deal. She still had the largest issue at hand anyway.

Again the Choice stirred under the skin of her palms, racing past her funny bone in a jolt and stinging the junction of shoulder and neck before disappearing like a snuffed candle.

“Any update on that second part,” a voice startled Anna from her thoughts, “or are we free to move on with our lives?” The woman in the water had started to shiver, goosebumps covering her arms and legs.

“I’m sorry!” Anna jumped up and reached out. “Here, let me help you up.”

The blonde looked at her hand like it was a poisonous snake. “I’m more than capable of getting out myself, thank you.” Her gaze flicked back up to Anna’s, “Especially because you won’t tell me why you’re here. Or you can’t remember, which I can’t say is any better.”

“Oh, right, well…” Anna withdrew her hand and rubbed the back of her neck instead. “I’ll let you do that then.”

A beat passed before something seemed to click in the woman’s brain. “You’re just going to stand there?”

“Huh? Yeah?” Anna cocked her head, “I mean, we’re both women.”

“We’re also strangers,” the woman responded, grinding the final word between her teeth.

“Sure but, it’s not a big deal, I’ve seen plenty of naked women.”

This time it was the blonde who blushed, making her hair stand out more starkly against her reddened skin. “Right,” she said flatly. “Be that as it may, if you’re so determined to stay I’d prefer it if you at least turned around.”

“I… of course. If it makes you more comfortable.” Anna spun on her heel, her back to the water. Throughout their conversation, the strength of the tugging had ebbed, less a riptide and more a kitten batting at a string of yarn, pulling against the middle vertebrae of her spine.

If the woman replied it was lost in the swoosh and splatter of water as she moved from the middle of the stream to the bank. Anna heard the droplets of water splash onto the rocks below, sometimes more, sometimes less. Perhaps she was wringing out her hair.

“Don’t peek,” the woman scolded.

“I wasn’t going to!”

“Prove it. Close your eyes.”

Anna nearly turned around to answer in spite, but caught herself and set her eyes straight into the trees. “I’m already facing away from you, isn’t closing my eyes a little much?” But Anna did as she was told.

“No,” came the muffled reply, as though the woman had turned away from her, also. There was a ruffle of cloth and the sounds of dressing, the clasp of a belt and the slide of shoes.

And then there was the knife.

It was nearly impossible for someone of Anna’s age and battle prowess to mistake the sound of a blade leaving it’s sheathe. And even if she had, the tether pressing against her back suddenly ignited - combusting, roaring and leaping against her like a brush fire.

In a heartbeat Anna whirled around, knees bent and legs spread apart. The woman stood before her a few feet away, now dressed, though water still dripped from her legs and soaked the fabric of her dress at the collar. Between them was a hunting knife, pointed at Anna’s heart.

“You’re armed!?” Anna blurted out.

“Isn’t everyone?” The woman called back, gesturing with the tip of the knife to Anna’s waist before aiming right back at her center. “And so are you, by the way.”

“Yes but that’s because I’m--!” Anna clapped a hand over her mouth in the nick of time. She couldn’t just say she was a Valkyrie, there had to be some kind of rule against that.

“A warrior, I know.” The woman scoffed. Anna swore for a moment her eyes flashed like the glint of sea rime at dawn but it was gone just as fast. “Come from the battle up the hill have you? Is that why you won’t tell me what you’re doing here, you’re not sure whose side I’m on? Whether I’ll run away from you or into your arms? Or are you a deserter? Tucking your tail between your legs and winding up here, caught without a backup plan?”

“Yes! No. What? Absolutely not. A-And no! In that order!” Anna straightened, rubbing a hand on her temple. Her head was starting to ache, not just from the situation (which was already far, far beyond what she’d ever imagined), but from the strain of the pull on her body. Never had it lasted so long or been so overwhelming. It trod up her sternum and into her throat, dancing along the edges of her jaw. Anna ground the heel of her forward foot into the rock below, needing to physically restrain herself from walking forward. The woman noticed her shift in posture and took a half step back. “Yes, I came from the battle,” Anna said, taking a deep breath. “But not because I was involved in it. I came here because… because I needed to find you. Because I heard you singing.”

Well that was true enough, Anna thought to herself. “Who lives and who dies is important to me,” she continued, finding her way through the half truths that would have to bear her along, like stepping stones made from clouds. “But equally important is that those who are not destined for combat are spared. That those whose lives are decided by other things are not drawn into battle needlessly.”

The woman knelt slowly, keeping her front towards Anna at all times while retrieving a bag from behind a rock. She slung it over her shoulder before speaking. “Oh, so you are a judge, too,” she said icily. “Well then decide. But bear in mind - your choice is not the only one guiding my fate today.”

Decide. Choose.

The words barked in Anna's head, bayed like hounds on the scent. The Choice bore down on her again, like the stones that crushed guilty men, one on top of another.

“My name is Anna,” she said gravely, drawing upon the power with which she made Choices before the war drums had even played their first beat.

“Part one,” the woman counted, standing tall.

“I came here to solve a mystery, to find whomever was at the end of a string… a song.”

“Part two…”

Anna felt it, the Choice zinging up her arm, raising the hairs on her neck, feeling the thrum of her heart in her chest. It was time.

“And I choose... to let you go.”

Silence passed between them, and then the woman frowned, the tip of her knife dropping just slightly. “What?”

“I mean, I never meant to keep you here, and I’m sorry that you felt threatened.” Anna placed as much compassion as she could muster into her words, which was quite a lot. One didn’t get good at comforting dead souls by being callous for hundreds of years. Besides, this woman was only human, and if there was a problem with Choosing, that wasn’t her folly but Anna’s, and something she needed to investigate on her own. “You must live somewhere nearby?” Anna coaxed. “The village southwest of here perhaps, down the hills? I’m sure they’ll be happy to see you safe. I won’t tell anyone you were here, just in case. But it’s not safe to stick around. You should go back home.”

“Home…” The word fell oddly from the blonde’s lips. “Yes I-, I’ll do that.”

Anna rocked back on her heels, hands settling genially on her hips. Despite the draw she still felt between her and this woman, it was manageable now. She wasn’t sure what she was going to tell her fellow Valkyries about this, but she’d cross that bridge when she came to it.

“If it’s all the same to you,” the woman said, interrupting Anna’s thoughts, “I’ll wait until you leave. You’ve made yourself more trustworthy than you first appeared, but I’d not like to take chances.”

Anna smiled despite the scrutiny. “Well I was going to offer to walk you home, but you seem like you can take care of yourself. That knife has hardly lowered once.”

“I think that’s a genuine compliment, for which I’ll say, ‘thank you’.” The flicker of a smile came and went in the dappled sunlight across the woman’s face, so quickly Anna almost missed it. “Don’t take this the wrong way… Anna,” the woman spoke as Anna began walking back into the forest, “but I hope I never see you again.”

The Valkyrie’s heart trilled at the use of her name, even as sadness dampened it’s cheer. It was entirely possible they’d never meet again. Perhaps on the next morn, battle long over, Anna would wake and the pull would disappear completely. Freed from the burden of Choice until it came around next time, for someone new. Though, Anna hadn’t been lying when she said she’d arrived following a mystery. And mysteries hated going unsolved.

But for now she trudged through the trees back toward the hill, throwing a last hand over her shoulder in farewell.

With each step the tug grew lighter and lighter - a snag, a tap, a whisper across the room, until finally it was only noticeable if she concentrated.

Clear frost filigree inside a spyglass.

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Elsa waited until the Valkyrie was long out of sight. She sheathed her knife only when birdsong came back to the wood, and with that movement went the last of her strength.

She fell to her hands and knees, trembling.

A Valkyrie. A Valkyrie had come looking for her.

In all her years, all her centuries of life, Elsa had never been so close to one. She knew who they were and to whom they were sworn. What they dedicated their life to. Reaping souls for the glory of another war and leaving the rest to rot.

Elsa breathed heavily, her brave and icy façade melting as her lungs begged for air to quell the panic in her heart. She’d made a mistake reacting to the Valkyrie's presence, even if it had been a genuine surprise. Humans couldn’t see Valkyries, and if Elsa wanted to remain hidden, she needed to keep pretending she was human.

But the Valkyrie… Anna..., had seemed distracted too. Something had been bothering her, or maybe even hurting her.

Yet she’d been armed, and knew how to use the sword at her hip. She was a woman who decided whether a person would continue on to see the sunset or not.

Even though she’d been kind, Elsa had not been willing to take the risk.

Elsa’s jaw clenched, her hands forming fists, drawing lines in the sand and loose dirt of the riverbank. She’d been clumsy but she hadn’t been caught. Her secret was safe, for now. The Valkyrie still thought she was nothing but an innocent woman, bathing too close to a battlefield.

She gathered the rest of her things, not that she had many. It was time to disappear and lay low for a while. The song she was singing before came back to her mind, but now it felt tainted so she didn’t even hum. Her malaise showed despite her best efforts however, in the irritable swish and flick of her tail beneath her dress.

That is when she had felt the most terror. Anna had not just come upon her naked in flesh, but in spirit.

Every moment she’d crouched in the water had been eons in her mind. Her muscles still ached with the effort of keeping her tail wound around her calf and ankle. Praying that the Valkyrie would have the modesty not to look, or if she didn’t, to be unable to see through the ripples in the water.

Coupled with the intense need to keep her front to Anna’s at all times, lest she see her back, left Elsa with hardly enough energy to stand.

That’s why Elsa had asked her to close her eyes, even with her back turned. She couldn’t trust the Valkyrie’s word, not when Elsa didn’t know the true reason she’d come. While her lie about following a song hadn’t been entirely false, it certainly wasn’t the whole truth. At least Anna had complied with her request. Elsa wasn’t sure what she’d have done if she hadn’t.

Probably disappear into thin air.

But that would have been more suspicious, and Elsa had known she still had a chance to ward off the preoccupied Valkyrie. Though she’d been successful, that triumph, in its wake, only made her light headed, with nerves so bundled up in her core she felt nauseous.

Elsa checked her surroundings one last time before reaching out in front of her, a little above her head. She felt for a Seam, running the pads of her fingers up and down, along divots and warps until she found one and pulled. An opening appeared before her, like a drape pulled away from a window. Inside the world was muted, duller, quieter.

Elsa took one last breath of fresh air before she stepped inside, feeling the doorway close behind her.

After all, the Hulder did say she’d go home.

#The Choice #The Choice Part 2 #my writing #mythical creature au #Valkyrie!Anna #Hulder!Elsa #elsanna #must I always publish these late at night where they won''t get notes xD #yes the answer is yes #(I'm joking I just always want to publish the moment I'm done and that tends to be late xD)

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hafanforever · 4 years

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Names of the North

Northuldra

By now, many Frozen fans like me know that the real-life Sámi people were the inspiration for the Northuldra people in Frozen II. But I believe that the Northuldra aren’t simply inspired by the Sámi people; rather, they ARE Sámi people, albeit a unique kind.

Similar to their indigenous inspiration, as shown by the concept art image of young Iduna, the Northuldra’s attire consists of gáktis, which resemble tunics and have a “skirt” part that differs in length between those worn by men (short) and women (long). The Northuldra also wear woven or leather belts around their gáktis, as well as boots with toe ends that are curled or pointed.

Besides their clothing, many Northuldran adults are shown with at least one knife, which are most likely Sámi knives, held in their belts. But the fact that they herd and keep reindeer as pets is what has fully convinced me that the Northuldra are Sámi people because reindeer herding is a major part of Sámi culture in real life.

As for the meaning behind their name, the first major half of it obviously refers to them residing so far north of (presumably) Norway. The second half derives from “huldra” or “hulder”, which is a seductive forest creature in Norwegian folklore whose name means "covered" or "secret". This definition reflects the Northuldra’s status as a hidden group of indigenous people living in the Enchanted Forest. Since the Northuldra live in the farthest northern regions of Norway, their full name means that they are, in a manner of speaking, "the huldra of the north". And despite not having their own magical abilities like the mythical creature after whom they are named, their name still references their deep connection to the magical spirits who live alongside them in the forest.

Ahtohallan

Now that I have explained the meaning behind the Northuldra peoples’ name, I want to also discuss the meaning of the name of the famous magical river Ahtohallan.

“Ahto” apparently derives from the identically-named king (or god) of the sea in Finnish mythology, who lives in his castle called Ahtola. "Ahto" is also a Finnish term that means "compressed" or "crammed", and a similar Finnish word called “ahtojää” means “pack ice”. It is possible that the word may even come from the Northern Sámi (which is exactly what I believe the Northuldra are 😉) term “áhčči”, which means “father”. As for the second half of Ahtohallan’s name, “halla” is the Finnish term for “frost” or “cold”, specifically for frost that occurs on the ground at night during the growing season(s) and can harm crops.

So combined with the meanings of these related terms, and its location being in the Dark Sea, the potential translations for Ahtohallan could be "Frost of the Sea", “Ice of the Sea”, “Compressed/Packed Ice of the Sea”, or even any of those listed with “Father” included at the end.

Conclusion

So to repeat myself, I believe that the Northuldra are a special, different group of Sámi people within the Frozen universe, partly because their clothing and keeping of reindeer is so much like those of the real people and their culture. But given the Norwegian/Scandinavian-related terms that define the latter half of their name AND the those that make up the name Ahtohallan, my exact thoughts are that the Northuldra are Sámi who differ from most, if not all, others in Norway and the rest of Scandinavia because they live so far north in a magical forest protected by spirits that represent the four elements of nature.

Before I forget, you may notice that the Northuldra’s clothing are very similar to those worn by Kristoff, who is also a Sámi person. But let me be clear: he is NOT a Northuldran. When he stands next to Ryder, you can see these similarities, but there are very clear and noticeable differences, too. In fact, I believe the Northuldra’s clothes are a bit less pronounced and distinctly different than those of Kristoff to display how they are set apart as a unique group of Sámi.

@oreoagod One reason I wrote this was for you, so I could explain to you the full extent on what made me believe the Northuldra are a special kind of Sámi when I first mentioned it in the analysis where I responded to your question about Anna and Elsa’s Northuldran roots possibly being foreshadowed by Anna’s Four Winds hat in Olaf’s Frozen Adventure. Hope you like this! 😁😄😉👍🏻

#Frozen 2 analyses #Frozen analyses #Disney #Disney Frozen 2 #Disney Frozen #Frozen 2 #Frozen #Northuldra #Sámi #Ahtohallan #names #meanings #my stuff #mine

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themountainsays · 3 years

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What do you think about Frozen meshes with Norse Mythology? Such as Anna being Thor (Shes even a redhead hehe)

Well Frozen takes place approximately one thousand years after the decline of the pagan norse religion but yeah why not? I'm sure one could figure out the logistics of it. Though I have to admit I don't know much about norse mythology. I did hear something about the hulder being a creature in norse mythology, right? She had a cow tail which she had to hide and everyone wanted to kill her and she had to marry a human man in order for her tail to fall off and become human and it sounds like a racist story white european gentiles would tell about people they didn't like it high key reminds me of Elsa which ÓwÒ how much meta do you want to get Anon? I still need to write my long analysis post about why I like to take the changes F2 made into consideration to interpret F1 as a story about assimilation and shit but let's not get out of topic, partially because I think she'd be very cute with a tail idk you could tell a story about her not needing to marry anyone to be safe and loved by frohana? Like she can just be herself with her adoptive little sister, her boyfriend, their reindeer and the talking snowman.

I also heard about people commenting Anna would be a valkyrie! Actually @gryfon-spanish-werewolf wrote a story about it iirc. You'll find more content/info in their blog.

Idk much about norse mythology tho 😭 i never read the Magnus Chase books and it's been like 5 years since i last played Age of Mythology

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gryfon-spanish-werewolf · 4 years

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Uuh dunno if you would like this prompt : Anna and Elsa as a mythical creatures.

Would love too see what you will write them as ^^

@like-redhead-probably I sat thinking about this ask for a long time, because while I IMMEDIATELY thought of one for Elsa, Anna’s absolutely eluded me. And I know you were probably looking for a story, but I am unable to stop myself from first EXPLAINING my choices xD

I was already thinking about the myth of the Hulder (or huldra if we’re speaking of the creature in general instead of the specific Norwegian myth) for other story-related reasons, and as I did more research, I felt like the Hulder REALLY shared similarities with Elsa.

Generally speaking the huldra is a Scandinavian myth of a pale skinned, blonde or brown haired, attractive young woman who lives in the wilderness, often luring men away with song or dance to be killed or misled, stuck wandering forever. Sometimes she’s connected strongly to water, and instead of making men lost, she drowns them. Sometimes she is described as similar to an elf or fey-like creature, with characteristics related to other Huldufolk (we’ll get to them later) such as living in a parallel world, or a world Underground, and therefore preferring caves or appearing and disappearing suddenly. Sometimes she is depicted as having a hollow back, or a cow’s tail, which she hides out of embarrassment or to conceal her true identity. Which… how cute is that?

Before the 11th century, the myths were focussed more around the Huldufolk, which literally means “Hidden Folk”. There are lots of stories as to why and how the Huldufolk came to exist, but for the purpose of Elsa I think it most appropriate to look at the Christianization of the myths. Why?:

Frozen and Frozen 2 are modern movies made by an American company and Christianity is nigh untanglable with American culture, they take place in ~1840s Norway, F1 has a dedicated place of Christian congregation depicted in said movie, an official royal crowning overseen by a Christian faith leader, and the adaptation of Frozen generally comes from author Hans Christian Anderson and therefore should take his life and society into account, etc.

The Christianized myth says that one day Eve was washing her children (presumably after Cain, Abel, and Seth) in the river, when she heard God approaching. Ashamed that He would see her kids unclean, she hid the half she wasn’t done bathing, and when God asked, “Where are the other children?” Eve claimed that she had all of them present, indicating the clean ones. This gave God pause, but in the end He said, “Then let all that is Hidden, remain Hidden.” The children that Eve lied about became the Huldufolk, unable to live among humans. These people would eventually become characterized as dwarves, elves, fairies, etc., as time and interpretations rolled on, the huldra being just one of many mythical “species”.

So. Who is Elsa? She’s a:

fictional, blonde-haired, blue-eyed, fair-skinned young woman who led thousands of men wlw to wander helplessly into the dark caves and wildlands of social media with a power ballad and a jaw-dropping transformation sequence

Okay I’m joking… mostly…

In fact my interest in choosing the Hulder for Elsa lies purely outside of any romantic or sexual appeal, especially since Elsa as a character exhibits next to 0 romantic or sexual interest across two whole movies and an additional two shorts. Indeed, there’s a reason people headcanon her as either asexual, aromantic, or both! No, the reasons I chose the Hulder are:

Elsa’s name

Her upbringing

Her duty as queen, and

Her general behavior, specifically in regards to Frozen 1, as Frozen 2 Elsa is, at times, an almost completely different character

Elsa’s name was chosen very specifically by the filmmakers because it means “God is my Oath”. Oaths are binding, heavy, and invoke the maker’s or subject’s actions and personhood in the future. In Elsa’s case specifically, it invokes divine witness: perfect for a queen, someone born to rule. A promise to be fair, to uphold, to protect, to lead, to be a dignified and honorable face for the country. And Elsa was so ready to be that… except for the powers of course. Or at least, when they became something other than a magical gift of wonder and joy. When they became dangerous. Then there comes another oath, spoken to powerful creatures of magic, the Trolls, and born from parental fear: “She can learn to control it.”

Binding, heavy, invoking of Elsa’s future. As she grows, Elsa becomes closed off, quiet, hiding in her own home. She still takes her duties seriously, but now that she has been Other’d, taught to hide herself and her curse, she is just as much shadow as person. To young Anna, Elsa must have been almost ghostlike, disappearing right when Anna thought she’d cornered her, only to reappear sometime later down the hall, out of arm’s reach.

God promised Adam and Eve that their children would inherit the earth, even after leaving the Garden of Eden. Then suddenly that changed, due to Eve’s fear and shame of her unwashed children, and some would now inherit Underground, or somewhere else entirely. The lost children of Eve had become Other’d, needing to hide, disappear, and resort to inhuman tactics just to exist. Maybe they’re jealous, maybe they're just tricksters. But it’s not their fault. And it wasn’t Elsa’s either. Another reason they are similar.

Now, it’s not all doom and gloom for the Hulder, or for Elsa. While the Hulder is generally known for her more chaotic and negative attributes - just like our favorite snow queen, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. There are a few myths that say burning a charcoal fire -instead of a coal or gas one- is most pleasing to the Hulder, that she’ll even watch over it during the night, and wake the sleepers in case something happens. If a traveler leaves supplies behind with a note or offering for the Hulder, they will travel safely. In fact, some people leave caches for her, as though to cater to specific requests. Coming across the Hulder by chance can have a multitude of outcomes, but if an astute observer spots her cow tail and mentions it, she may become shy and run away. Don’t mention the empty back though, that’s almost certain death.

Basically my point is… trade out the word “traveler” for the name “Anna” and we can draw all the similarities we want. Anna did all of those things, in a way. Anna gave Elsa a little gift of their favorite snowman every Christmas. Anna knocked on Elsa’s door and spoke to her, treated her kindly despite the distance between them, literal and metaphorical. It’s not hard to imagine that Anna left little notes around the castle, hoping Elsa would find them, read them, and know that Anna still loved her, still missed her. And, well, hopefully Anna wasn’t setting any fires and falling asleep next to them - but Anna always kept a light on for Elsa, in her heart. And it flickered and wavered sometimes, but it was a strong fire most days. And we know Elsa was always drawn to it, drawn to Anna because she loved her right back. Loved her first, even. And because it was a warmth that pleased Elsa, she tended it, quietly, carefully, warmly. Like putting a blanket over an Anna that had fallen asleep in the painting room, refusing that slice of chocolate cake so Anna could have two desserts, and listening, for hours and hours, days and days, for the sound of Anna’s glorious bonfire-like soul outside her bedroom door. Even when her secret was revealed, Elsa believed that the best way to protect Anna’s life, her flame, was to distance herself, running to a secret, special place all her own - much like the Hulder might run away back to the Underground.

And this last part’s just me, but I’d like to think that if the Hulder was treated kindly, respected, and given dignity, maybe it wouldn’t be so bad if someone came across her accidentally. That instead of being instantly drowned, or the Hulder becoming sheepish and attempting to run, it would feel recognized. It could be called by name. And instead of feeling the need to hide it’s Otherness, it could be treated as part of it, and cared for just the same. I don’t even need to be subtle here: Anna called Elsa by Name, really saw her, and reframed her darkness into light. Anna hasn’t fought God yet, but she did walk through hell and back for a sister that everyone else saw as a threat, monster, and sorcerer. A category 9 Other. Too bad for them, Anna’s got a Category 10 heart.

Speaking of. We finally got to Anna.

Anna was difficult to pin down because to me, Anna is so very, very human. That’s what makes her special! Yes, yes, you could throw any mythical creature at Anna and the fun part would be trying to make it work within her personality and characterization BUT since the question was Anna AS a mythical creature, that changes the game! The word ‘creature’ itself tends to conjure something distinctly INhuman. So I…. tried, and cheated maybe a little. Because I picked for Anna the Norse Valkyrie.

Most people know what Valkyries are so this one takes significantly less explaining. Valkyries are women that are warriors, shieldmaidens, and the hands of Odin, and they choose who lives and who dies during battle. Their chosen dead ride with them to Valhalla, while those they choose to live are usually granted honors in life. There are the darker sides of Valkyries that paint them as blood hungry maidens waiting on the sidelines before a war, singing the names of who will die with glee… but generally speaking the version of Valkyries that most people know and admire today are accurate! And thank goodness because attempting to depict Anna the other way would probably give me an ulcer.

Anna, much like the Valkyries, is a woman of valor and strength, who is perceptive, guides others, sees into people’s hearts and reveals their goodness. Valkyries are also warriors of prowess themselves, and Anna in Frozen 2 with that ice sword? We all know she was ready to use that for real. She also exemplifies traits that Valkyries both look for and have! Bravery in the face of danger: hello Marshmallow, Elsa’s own blizzard, Hans’ lethal sword strike, LIVING MOUNTAINS, and a damn collapsing.... dam. She also defends those who cannot do it themselves: saying publicly that, “My sister is not a monster… she was scared, she didn’t mean any of this,” even if that cast suspicion or doubt on herself, and the crown, as a whole. Anna knew and believed in Elsa, despite all the years and heartbreak and anger. Despite the impossible magic that literally just happened before her very eyes. Belief in character, despite appearances. And once they were reunited, Anna made every effort to stay by Elsa’s side because she STILL had that faith in her. Anna’s name means “Grace” or “of Grace”, and damn if she didn’t extend that to the person others found most unworthy, even to Elsa herself. Valkyries see what others don’t, and their decisions are final.

[Deep breath] SO! You asked for Anna and Elsa as mythical creatures. You got… a small academic paper, by social media standards xD. I intend to write a little piece about a Valkyrie who encounters the Hulder on the edges of a battlefield and… realizes she never made a choice about this particular woman. And wonders why she can’t ;). BUT I didn’t wanna leave you hanging any longer. Hope you like my choices!

Oh also, nobody asked, but Kristoff is a werebear. No research required

#there's almost 2k words to this uhhh..... eyup that's all I have to say about that #the inner academic kinda popped out #begging to be utilized after a few dusty years xD #I have links to all this stuff btw if people want them #but now I should REALLY go to bed #or I'll be slowly flame-broiled by a certain someone who is about to find out I'm awake in the worst way possible #like-redhead-probably #mythical creature au #Hulder!Elsa #Valkyrie!Anna #mythology #also yes I know I didn't stray far from Scandinavian territories for the mythical choices I couldn't help it #once I got digging into the huldra I had a hard time looking anywhere else #still I think Valkyrie fits so nicely for anna #she might as well be on irl tbh #Elsa #Anna #my writing #and yeah I'll get to a little short story bc they're so CUTE like this!!

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gryfon-spanish-werewolf · 3 years

Text

The Choice - Part 1

Decided to write the Valkyrie/Hulder au in chunks! A challenge since I prefer having everything done in one go. I also set a challenge to write 1000-1500 words per Part. So... failed step 1 but that’s okay! (its 2.2k) @like-redhead-probably I hope you enjoy the story your ask has started, and @giuliaciulia89 I know I’ve kept you waiting a lil on this one

For anyone popping in first? Here’s the original ask where I explain why I chose Valkyrie!Anna and Hulder!Elsa as a mythical creature au. Other than just, “I think it’s neat”

Edit: Ao3 and ff.net links!

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Anna knelt down among the grasses and extended her hand to the woman at her feet, hauling her up with a strong arm. The body gave up it’s soul without complaint, leaving it in the capable hands of the Valkyrie, which was a relief. Anna had seen many today that were not ready to move on.

“Thank you, Valkyrie, for choosing me,” the woman said, standing in front of Anna in wavering spectral blue.

“You fought well,” Anna replied, throwing an arm around her shoulders in camaraderie. “I knew you were the one the moment you donned your armor. Speaking of,” Anna’s eyes turned sad, “I’m sorry to make you wait. That wound it… was painful, wasn’t it?”

They both peered back at the ground, where the woman’s body lay. Anna felt a tremble run through her Chosen. “It wasn’t that bad,” the woman grit her teeth, attempting a smile.

Anna hummed in understanding. There was no need to put on a brave face, especially for those bound for Valhalla, but she had seen enough over the centuries to know that humans often brushed aside their suffering in the face of the unknown.

“Is there anyone you will miss?” Anna asked. She always asked.

The warrior’s head drooped, looking away from her body. “My wife,” she said solemnly. “I said goodbye to her but, there’s always the hope that you’ll get to say it one more time.” The woman put a hand on the back of her neck, suddenly sheepish. “Is it weird that I’ll also really miss my cat?”

The Valkyrie paused, blinked, and then a laugh sprang from deep within her, lighting up the middle of the battlefield like a summer breeze.

“Not at all!” Anna squeezed the woman tightly, walking them towards the edge of the field, where other Valkyries, their Chosen Dead, and their mounts, awaited. “Our pets are family too.” Anna acknowledged the other Valkyries as they approached. Many returned her greeting with smiles, but some were occupied with their charges. A few spoke softly to their Chosen, consoling them. One looked like she was regretting her choice as her warrior whooped and hollered, begging them to be off. Anna steered her Chosen to her own mount, brushing the horse’s flank. “We’ll send a message through Embla to your wife that you made it to Valhalla.”

The woman paused, bouncing back down on the leg that would have gotten her into the saddle. She looked over her shoulder, an odd expression on her face. “How did you know my cat’s name?”

Anna’s eyes twinkled. “Don’t you know? Cats are very special to Freyja. If they’re staring off into space, they’re probably talking to something you can’t see.” Anna jabbed her thumb against her armor covered chest. “And that something is usually someone, like me.”

The woman looked back at the winged horse she was mounting, then skyward. “It’s one thing to hear the stories, but… I suppose I’ll get used to this one day, won’t I?”

Anna grinned again, putting her hands on her hips. “One day, and sooner rather than later. Though hopefully, the world won’t lose it’s magic for you too quickly.”

The woman patted the neck of the steed below her, making it whiney in happiness and ruffle the feathers in its wings. “No,” she murmured, “I don’t think it will.”

“Alright then, scooch over,” Anna made shoo-ing motions with her hand.” No no, the other way! Trust me, you’ll want the view, and with me behind, you won’t fall off.” The woman paled to a morning sky blue as Anna put her foot in the stirrup, “And while you’re already dead, the fall wouldn’t be pleasant and we’d have to come rescue y--”

A small, wistful tug at the small of her back pulled her up short. The subtle kind, like the soft plucking of a musician tuning their instrument in the corner of a crowded drinking hall. The kind where they feel for the vibrations more than listen to the note to tell if they’re on the right track.

Anna froze. A frown creased her brow, her green eyes unfocussing to the middle distance.

“Is everything alright, Valkyrie?” Anna blinked and looked up at her Chosen.

“Yes, I thought I felt--.” The pull came again, against her lower ribs, close to her spine. Anna jumped back to the ground, raising her fingers to her mouth and giving a piercing whistle, bringing a fellow Valkyrie to her side immediately.

“I need you to take my Chosen to Valhalla,” Anna said firmly.

The other Valkyrie’s eyes widened. “Why?”

“We missed one.”

The Valkyrie cocked her head, concentrating. “I don’t sense another, sister.”

“But I…” Anna’s eyes were locked on the treeline at the edge of the battlefield. “I could have sworn--.”

“The skirmish is over, and you have your Chosen,” the Valkyrie motioned to Anna’s charge. “It’s your duty to take her.”

Anna’s eyes drifted back to her sister and her Chosen. She balled her fists. “We missed one,” she repeated. “I’m sure of it.”

“A deserter perhaps?” Both Valkyries looked up at the Chosen, who balked immediately. “S-Sorry,” she stammered, a ghostly blush appearing across the bridge of her nose. “I guess I don’t know how it works but, you Choose people right? Who lives and who dies? And maybe this person slipped away before the fight, which is why… you didn’t…” She sputtered to a stop, the glow overtaking her features. “Maybe that makes no sense.”

Anna and the other Valkyrie shared a look, then took in the field again.

“I suppose…” the Valkyrie began.

“...That’s possible.” Anna concluded.

The Valkyrie sighed, turning and taking the reins to Anna’s horse. “You’d better investigate then. Just to be sure.” Anna nodded, turning to take her leave. “And, Anna?” The Valkyries' eyes met, an understanding passing between them. If someone was Chosen, then it was a Valkyrie’s task to collect, one way or another. “No one escapes their fate.”

Anna put a hand on the hilt of her sword. “They won’t,” she said evenly. “One way or another.”

She bid farewell to her Chosen and all the others. As Anna made her way across the battlefield she heard the beating of wings, neighing of horses, and stomping of hooves digging into the dirt for lift off. It was always a thrill to watch the face of her Chosen as they began their journey, but as the tug came again --now a snag on her sternum, light but insistent as she trudged forward-- Anna resigned herself to next time. She focused on the feeling in her chest, thrumming with warm tension, like a rope holding a sail in place against the wind. A familiar sensation, but this one was different, and she hadn’t known how to say as much to her fellow Valkyrie. Normally, when someone was Chosen, all a Valkyrie had to do was see them, and the decision of life or death was known in an instant. If Life, a mark was placed on the person, protecting them from harm; if Death, the collection and honoring of the soul after battle and a ride to Valhalla. But this one was outside of battle - it was after, or aside. If the Choice was Life, then Anna could let it be, make the mark and return home. But if it was Death… what then? A Valkyrie was not meant to kill mankind, but to ferry and guide. What would she do if there was no one to do the deed for her?

Anna reached the treeline and paused, shaking the thoughts from her head. She would cross that bridge when she came to it, no sense in worrying before the answer was revealed. And it would be, soon, as if she had always known it.

The phantom pull beckoned her forward, as surely as being led by the hand, but now it was joined by another sensation, ringing against the shell of Anna’s ears.

Singing.

A melody without words. Unfamiliar. Lofting, glazed and sweet, through the air like droplets of honey.

Anna strode forward, swallowed immediately by the large conifers, her footsteps muffled by a dense carpet of dead pine needles. A low fog clung to her boots, eddying about in whirls at her passing. The colors of the forest were rich, swathed like dark paint strokes: greens and chips of brown, flashes of ruddy red, all saturated in hue from moisture that clung to the air itself. Compared to the carnage at her back, the serenity of the woods made Anna feel like she’d stepped into another world. Another, other world. Not one of gods or men. One of tranquility, dominated by only one thing: the voice.

It was beautiful, hitting each new note effortlessly, enchanting in it’s grace. It enticed Anna along as easily as her Valkyrie pull, in harmony with it, even. Anna felt like she was being pushed along and reeled in at the same time, a fish on a line, her pace quickening, nearly stumbling in her efforts to reach her destination. While she realized distantly that her haste should probably alarm her, fear was the furthest thing from her mind. There was only the song, only the tune, only the knowledge of her upcoming Choice.

The calming shush of water rode under the belly of the song, and in the next moment Anna realized she had arrived. The babbling curve of a river cut her off from the other side of the forest. Hardly an insurmountable gap, but a solid stop nonetheless as Anna found her footsteps echoing beneath her, now on a flat stretch of stone instead of grass and loam.

The notes ground to an abrupt halt, the silence left behind stark and empty.

...Until Anna found eyes of startling ice blue and the screaming started.

Well, Anna thought, clapping her hands over her ears, more like shrieking.

There was a flurry of movement and water sloshed up near Anna’s boots. A mouth moved but Anna couldn’t hear, still fighting the ringing in her head at the unexpectedly shrill noise. Slowly she eased her clawed fingers from around her ears, but regretted it almost instantly.

“I said--!” A graceless, high, and not at all calm voice broke through, making Anna grit her teeth, “What in the name of Odin is wrong with you?!”

Anna went to retort and give the person a good earful of her own, but to her shock, her jaw simply refused to work. In fact it was stuck, awestruck and lame. Conversely, her heart was working overtime because…

The woman in front of her was breathtakingly beautiful. Long pale hair cascaded down her shoulders, over her heaving, arm crossed chest, fanning out where it dipped into the water. Those blue eyes like the glaciers in the realm of the Frost Giants shone dazzling and fierce, framed by dark eyebrows. The mouth that had accosted her was now a firm and set line, waiting for the Valkyrie’s reply.

But more than all of that, understanding was crashing through Anna with all the power and might of Thor’s lightning. The voice, the song, and those words, the Pull: they had led her here. This woman was her Chosen. The tether in her chest practically crackled in the short distance between herself and this stranger, tingling down her limbs and filling her with the energy to act just as much as it rooted her to the spot. It became so intense that Anna felt a flush creep up her neck, the pressure of everything she felt akin to a summer bonfire trapped beneath her armor.

The woman took this change --and Anna’s continued silence-- poorly, and sank further under, leaving just her head above the water.

And maybe that was the most unbelievable thing about the whole situation. Anna was half convinced Loki had set this up - it would explain all the confusion, the unknowns, and the general strangeness. Never in all her centuries of life had a Choice made her feel like this.

Anna had found her Chosen, and the question of whether she was a warrior, which side she fought for, if she was a deserter, or just late to the fight, was suddenly irrelevant. She wasn’t lying dead waiting for Anna to pick her up, she wasn't a tortured soul, tired of combat and waiting for release. She was a young, very alive woman trying to hide as much of herself as possible, while also attempting to not get water up her nose.

Anna had found her Chosen. It was obvious and it was insistent and it made the flush creep up higher into her face, now with genuine embarrassment adding itself the list of irrational, unhelpful emotions.

Anna had found her Chosen. And to both party’s all consuming discomfort, she’d found her:

Completely, one hundred percent, naked.

“--can’t believe this…” Anna heard the woman grumble over her clamoring thoughts, “...maybe she doesn’t--.” The woman dissolved into muttering near the waterline. She seemed to reach a conclusion, clutching all of her limbs closer together as she spoke, “Who are you, and what are you doing here?”

Anna felt the Choice rise on her tongue alongside her response. Who was she? Why was she here? Life or Death?

She answered all three questions at once.

“I don’t know.”

#Valkyrie/Hulder au #Valkyrie!Anna #Hulder!Elsa #October Story Haul #my writing #I tried 4 times to end this @1500 words and every time it was just never satisfying in its ending #so I'll try going forward but meh... if /I/ don't like the story then what's the point xD #plus I think the dynamic is neat so full steam ahead!#also welcome to me posting at an absurdly late hour again! I thought I'd have this finisehd by 10:30 #NOPE it's 2:30am #like-redhead-probably #giuliaciulia89 #story #fan fic #ask prompt #scene 2 is everyone just being.... really silly #because I crave silliness #and then you know>>>mysterious

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gryfon-spanish-werewolf · 2 years

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Looking for some motivation so if people wanna know about or see lines from any of the below WIPs, send me an ask and a page number (in parentheses next to Title) or a “thoughts^TM?” and I’ll give ya the goods

Prey!AU (6, but extensive in my head)

A Banisher’s Dilemma (74)

Bodyguard!AU (71)

The Choice aka Hulder/Valkyrie!AU (18)

Star Wars!AU (123)

Devil Tramping Ground!AU (5)

Soulsborne!AU Extended (9)

Dance of Embers!AU aka dragon!Anna, witch/assassin!Elsa collab (all thoughts^TM)

#if I don't answer right away it cuz i sleep 😴#but I will get to them #my writing

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gryfon-spanish-werewolf · 2 years

Note

I have awoken and now request all of the aus with page 4, or 44.

Cheeky >xD

Prey!AU, (Thoughts) -

In this scifi au Anna participates in experiments that affect her memory and personality, eventually leaving her with fragments of other people's memories that she confuses for her own. I have a scene where she mistakes "her birthday" for someone who is already dead.

A Banisher's Dilemma (44) - [An OC is talking, an older gentleman injured in demon attack, recovering in the hospital]

“...my wife, used to help me with sudoku but only because they were her favorite. Mostly I wanted to keep up with the grandkids and their smartphones.” Johansson sighed. “You’ll know what I mean when you’re older.”

Kristoff smiled, his pen scratching along a new page. “Honestly? Things move so quickly these days I have a hard time keeping up already.”

“Is that why you only use this to contact me?” Anna unclipped her pager from her belt and waved it in front of her.

Without looking up Kristoff replied, “No, that’s just the only communication method I trust you not to break.”

Bodyguard!AU (44) -

“Well I think it’s a wonderful idea.” A warm arm slipped through Elsa’s. Iduna gazed tenderly at her, addressing the crowd as she said, “Heaven knows she has our blessing.” Elsa felt herself color heavily, following the queen with the barest tug down the steps to the cleared circle where Anna was waiting. Angarr kept pace on her left, his humor palpable, mustache twitching with barely contained laughter.

“Your Highness,” Agnarr bowed as he entered the circle. “May we present Ms. Elsa Hallvardurs, your…” he looked at Iduna for clarification but she had none. “Husband really isn’t quite the right word.”

The Choice (4) -

Valkyrie!Anna spends some time trying to puzzle out Elsa. She comes back to the village as human many times, starts heading out into the woods, despite the warnings. ... [After setting a fire], Anna falls into restless sleep, thoughts heavy, and as she finally turns on her side and drifts off, Hulder!Elsa reveals herself. She’s been watching for a long time, assessing. Anna seems harmless, even knowing what she really is. She just seems curious, and Elsa cannot figure out why. Why would a Valkyrie be trying to find her?

Star Wars!AU (4) -

The two girls grinned at each other when their Master mounted the speeder. With a high pitched sound the machine sprang to life, lifting them off the ground with anti-gravity pulsers.

This was living [Anna had] realized. Going faster and faster with each passing moment, alive and free and boundary-less. They could go anywhere. The speeder swerved between rocks and trees, heading into the forested area of the planet just beyond the flat stretches of plain that housed the seminary. Birds scattered at the clamor they raised and Anna beamed at the extravagant reds, blues, and yellows as they flitted through the trees. She reached out with the Force to greet them but lost concentration as they continued to dodge and weave around obstacles. Perhaps their Master would let them meditate out here again, but that had been long ago.

Before Elsa.

Devil's Tramping Ground!AU (4) -

The clouds make the moonlight flicker and dance. Anna advances to check it out, getting about halfway [to the circle] before the moon comes out again, bathing the clearing again and reigniting that shimmer. Except this time the shimmer has a shadow. A shadow that moves. Anna checks her surroundings. In town there hadn’t been any tall structures to shine light, reflect heat, or cast a shape anywhere near the forest, especially considering the trees and distance. Only the water tower perhaps, but that was a normal, squat round thing on spindly legs.

This was something a little too… humanoid.

Towering. Menacing.

Horned.

Soulsborne!AU Extended (4) - [Note: Elsa is non-verbal bc she is a literal dire wolf in this au]

“You remember.”

Elsa lowered her [furred] head, pressing her cheek into the side of Anna’s forearm. A whimper strained in her throat, lost and small. “It wasn’t your fault.” Elsa merely pressed her face into Anna more. “It wasn’t,” Anna soothed. “Stop believing that my death [is] on your head - that it is a curse on your name, or a blight on your white fur.”

Elsa whined again, summoning a small light from the snowflake mark on her forehead. It floated between them, resting like a moth over Anna’s left shoulder. The smoke dissipated momentarily, revealing Anna’s irreparably broken arm, before churning back into place.

Dance of Embers!AU (Thoughts) -

While learning beer-making from Honeymaren, Yelena, and Ryder, Elsa accidentally makes a beer so intoxicating that it even makes Anna's draconic metabolism succumb.

Anna is absolutely the worst drunk Elsa (and Bruni) have ever had to deal with because Anna is 1) big, 2) strong, and 3) can light things on fire.

She's also not good at hangover recovery, and makes half the fridge for breakfast the next morning.

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Thank you!!

Ask about my aus

#sourviking #my writing #opening all of these files made me realize how freaking many of these I have. christ #thanks for the ask!!#ask

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