Shield Maiden Astrid - In the heart of the Viking age, amidst the rugged landscapes of Scandinavia, there lived a tribe known as the Fjord Fangs. They were a fierce people, renowned for their prowess in battle and their unwavering loyalty to their chieftain, Sigurd the Bold. But amongst them, there was one whose courage burned even brighter than the northern lights: Astrid, the shield maiden.

From a young age, Astrid had trained alongside the warriors of her tribe, honing her skills with sword and shield. She possessed a spirit as untamed as the roaring seas, and her determination was unmatched. Despite the expectations placed upon her to conform to traditional roles, Astrid yearned for something more - to prove herself on the battlefield alongside her fellow warriors.

When news reached the Fjord Fangs of an impending invasion by a rival tribe, led by the fearsome chieftain Ragnar the Ruthless, the warriors prepared for battle. But Sigurd hesitated to send Astrid into the fray, fearing for her safety. However, Astrid refused to be sidelined, insisting that she could fight alongside her comrades and defend her people with all her strength.

As the rival tribe descended upon their lands, Astrid stood shoulder to shoulder with her fellow warriors, her shield held high and her sword gleaming in the sunlight. With a ferocious battle cry, she charged into the fray, her courage inspiring those around her. Despite facing overwhelming odds, the Fjord Fangs fought with a tenacity born of desperation and the determination to protect their home.

In the midst of the chaos, Astrid distinguished herself with acts of unmatched bravery. She defended her comrades with unwavering resolve, her shield deflecting blow after blow, and her sword striking true against their foes. Her leadership on the battlefield rallied the warriors, turning the tide of battle in their favor.

In a climactic showdown, Astrid found herself face to face with Ragnar himself, the imposing chieftain towering over her. With a steely gaze and a fierce determination, she squared off against her adversary, refusing to back down. In a clash of steel and fury, Astrid fought with all her might, her every move a testament to her skill and courage.

In the end, it was Astrid who emerged victorious, her blade piercing Ragnar's defenses and striking him down. With their chieftain defeated, the rival tribe fled in disarray, their hopes of conquest dashed upon the rocks of Astrid's indomitable spirit.

From that day forth, Astrid was hailed as a hero among her people, her bravery and leadership earning her the respect of all who knew her. And as the fires of victory burned brightly in the night sky, the Fjord Fangs stood united once more, their tribe stronger than ever before under the fearless guidance of their shield maiden.
https://youtu.be/Xa8Hc00cYPs?si=QqfaASv8ZejzktYI

Enchantment - In the vast gardens of the great castle, under the soft glow of the summer moon, lived a servant girl named Elara. She moved through the castle corridors with grace and humility, her heart filled with dreams beyond her station. And it was on one magical summer night that her destiny intertwined with that of a handsome young prince.

Prince Alden, with his striking features and kind demeanor, often sought refuge in the castle gardens, away from the pressures of royal life. One evening, as he wandered among the fragrant blooms and winding pathways, he caught sight of Elara, tending to the flowers with gentle hands.

Enthralled by her beauty and grace, Alden approached her, his heart racing with a newfound excitement. As they exchanged shy smiles and idle conversation, they found themselves drawn together by an invisible thread, their souls recognizing a kindred spirit in each other.

Under the silver light of the moon, they strolled through the gardens, their laughter mingling with the sweet melody of nightingales. With every whispered word and stolen glance, their connection deepened, forging a bond that transcended the boundaries of their worlds.

As the night wore on, they found themselves alone in a secluded alcove, surrounded by the fragrance of roses and the soft rustle of leaves. There, bathed in the moonlight, they shared their hopes, their fears, and their deepest desires, each word a testament to the growing love between them.

In that enchanted moment, Elara and Alden knew that they were meant to be together, their hearts entwined in a love that defied all odds. And as they embraced beneath the starry sky, they vowed to defy convention and follow their hearts, no matter the consequences.

From that night onward, Elara and Alden's love blossomed like the flowers in the castle gardens, filling their days with joy and their nights with passion. And though their path was fraught with challenges and obstacles, they faced them together, their love shining as bright as the summer moon that had brought them together.   https://youtu.be/mXbIF9eoLZ4

Touch my heart for I am yours.

Dancing as smoke effortlessly, filling the form of corporal air, moves to capture,  exotic as being, imagined, she could have been so fair.

As spirit for a heavenly moment, as melody, visions of her seem to be. Was she once a tribal tent dancer, a princess of desert seas; was she the most beautiful women of some century. Was she adored by many, did she get to love some special one. Were wars fought and did kingdoms pay for the passion she could bring a man's way. Was she a great queen, the chosen wife of an ancient empire, or the goddess of Egypt in her day?

Perhaps it was she who had worked there, this smoky cafe,  from early before, her presence still realized, each time her music plays.

She hid herself in the park, on an icy cold day, this pink rose that began to open the closer I came her way.

She spoke and said to me,’ hold me in your hands, as I being so small as you can see, will touch  a beloved’s heart with my beauty no matter how cold today can be.  Delicate as I may be, give me warmth so I may flower;  your gentle touch does not threaten me’.  

Opening with radiant petals, so fair, with her sweet nectar as the air, so soft, so unique, joined at the center as part of each, what kind of miracle was this existential moment of nature’s love affair?

Protected from the frost, tender, laying in my hands,  I brought her to one as splendid as she.

I am attracted to you, as you to me.  Does this mean we have reason to be -

For better or worse and in sickness and in health they were meant to be. But now having been companions for life, they are separated by utility.  

Like the parting of a great sea, helpless each remains, as time brings them to their own final change.  Does love’s partner now have to be seen as one of life’s luxuries. Should they just be grateful for what they had?  ?  Can their minds still fathom memories and reflections; or do things now fade into lost realities. Separated will they ever meet again as they use to be.

Hope, yet a fantasy, but what is reality if not first a dream - How shall they find eternity?