Lyniffer Posted January 3, 2016 Report Share Posted January 3, 2016 Kara gritted her teeth as she raised her shield up to ward off the blow of the sword arcing through the air. Metal met metal in a clang that resounded through the air and jarred all the way up through her arm and her body, shaking her with it's strength. A flurry of curse words flew past Kara's lips as she countered the attack, bringing her own hammer up and sending it crashing down on her enemy. He brought his shield up to deflect the blow then twisted in a maneuver she had not seen before that allowed him to block and attack almost simultaneously. The shield on her forearm was brought up to counter the swift attack and he simply shrugged the efforts off and continued to rain blow after blow at Kara. She struggled to protect and defend and find a way to attack herself, even as her strikes seemed to show little to no effect on her opponent. The young Valkyrie cursed and attempted to roll away from her opponent as he let loose a barrage of attacks swifter than she could anticipate or protect herself from. She let loose with a torrent of curse words as she put some space between the two of them and warily eyed the man moving after her. She had the strength of the Gods, she stood toe to toe with the denizens of the Nine Realms, and yet to him it was as if he was under assault from a fly. If not for the shield in hand there was no doubt that her body would be a mass of cuts and injuries. As it was head to toe throbbed, every slash and thrust deflected sending jarring pains and aches all over. The shield arm was suffering the brunt of it and Kara knew the next day her limb would be unusable and numb with bruising and pain. The rhythm of battle was interrupted by a sudden shift in tactics on the part of her enemy. A sword was brought up as if to attack and Kara moved to block it. Out of the corner of her eye she saw, too late, his shield coming up to be used in the attack as well, the dual attack shifting her focus to move away. But it was too late,. She had already moved her own block and shield and even as she turned to roll from both blows the shield caught her entire right side firmly across her breastplate. She flew back on to the ground and he followed her down. With one hand he slammed the shield down, pinning her weapon in place, his weight upon her shield and his sword brought to her neck. A sharp sudden motion and she felt the sting of the cut as the sword slid across her neck, leaving a shallow cut to mark his victory. “You lose Curly One†“I know. No need to state the obvious, you Old Goat!â€Expletives followed her comment and he managed to raise his brow even as he pulled back and stood up off of her. “I was not aware one could do that with a hammer, my face and a sheep. Perhaps you can demonstrate with your own at the next feast.†“Perhaps I can use my hammer on that tiny excuse for a manhood you claim instead?†“Such a violent young woman.†He reached down and grabber Kara's hand, yanking her to her feet with a smirk. “One would think you could channel that into fighting better yet I find you, once again, laying on your back before me.†She shot him a dirty look, practically snarling at him and his comment. “I fought fine you Goat! I would have had you in another few blows.†“Pah. You had nothing Valkyr. You're blows were like that of a gnat biting at a horse. You were exhausted swiftly, easily. You did not anticipate or react quick enough to my change in tactics, too stuck in the idea of hack and slash. No doubt you are still swimming in last nights mead. You are ill prepared for the battles ahead with the abysmal training you've received. How are you to survive battlefields the world over much less Ragnarok when you cannot even spar with me. You will take no souls for Asgard and Valhalla the way you are now!†“What shall I do then?†Her insults were gone, the bravado shattered with the truth. Her eyes shifted to her teacher seriously and he nodded with a smile. Finally she would take this seriously. “You will build up your strength. You will exercise your body. You will train in battle and defense. Stop filling your body with bread and booze. Being a cup bearer does not mean you have to drink enough to pass out every night, Curly. You will prepare. You will listen. You will rise as a Valkyrie, not a silly girl any longer.†Goal One: Strength "Come, Curly. Follow me and I will show you what you need to do with that hammer of yours and a few other items I have." Her teacher guided her through the practice yard and took her to piles of discarded leather from armor crafting cut offs. "Stand here. Hit the leather. Don't stop until I say." "You want me to hit....leather? Why?" He sighed and eyed Kara fiercely. "Do as I say Valkyr, or leave and let me find another student who can listen." Growling the Valkyrie lifted her hammer and began to slam it into the pile of leather over and over. Being born with the strength of the Gods is all well and good but when the Gods and other beings of the 9 realms are your enemy and are stronger than you that must change. You need to build that strength up to stand toe to toe with Giants. For this challenge I will do 3 strength exercises a week, a combo of Maces and Crossfit. Goal Two: Endurance "Keep running." "I haven't stopped, Goat!" "You're slowing down, Curly. Keep moving or they'll get you." "They haven't got me yet!" "Shutup and run or they'll bite you!" The gnashing of teeth as one of the hounds chasing Kara lunged at her calf reiterated the point and the Valkyrie turned to keep running, trying to ignore the pain in her side as the weight of her armor slowed her steps and burned in her lungs." Being strong and facing down Frost Giants or a handsy drunken Thor is only one aspect. Valkyries live on battlefields and collecting souls sometimes means taking part. Being strong doesn't help if battles are long and drawn out (or if you're running around tables to elude Thor until Sif can knock him cold and drag him off.) To be the best Valkyrie you need the endurance to withstand enemies in battle. I will do four endurance/cardio based workouts a week, any mix of Rucking or C25K sessions. Goal Three: Defense "Why don't I have my weapon?!" "Because I took it from you." "And?" He growled, turning to backhand her, the blow ringing through her face and ears, leaving her gaping at him. "Because if an enemy manages to take it from you it won't be a slap you'll be facing." Any further comment was cut off by a growl as Kara leaped through the air to land on him and begin pummeling him with her fists, making him laugh. "That's it, girl. Now you understand!" Knowing how to swing a hammer and block a shield is one step in being able to fight. Learning more than one way of fighting and moving is useful along with improving agility and flexibility. One can never say when they may be stripped of their weapons in battle. To this end I will do one Krav Maga session minimum a week. Preparing for battle of any kind is the task of a true Valkyr! Goal Four: Buck Furpees! He watched the young woman as she cleaned out not only her armor and weapons but even the sweat stained under tunic. He hovered, making sure every last drop of moisture was dried, that no rust would be forming on her gear. Then observed her sharpening her sword and checking over the mace for any weak points are cracks. "I would have thought hitting you with this would have made it crack, as hard headed as you are, Old Goat." "There you go, thinking again." She snarled but he merely chuckled, causing her to shake her head at him in disgust. She muttered obscenities under her breath but keep working on her gear and making sure it was ready for battle. Preparation is a key to battle. Going into a fight means taking care of yourself, your armor, your supplies. It means knowing what you may face and being ready for whatever is thrown at you. Being prepared for me means facing the dreaded Burpee head on. I will be doing the Spartan in June and Burpess will inevitably be a part of that. I must prepare, even as I curse them. Every week I will do Burpees before bed and when I wake up. Each additional week I will add on 5 Burpees until I can easily do those I need to in preparation to become a Spartan Valkyrie! I will start with 5 my first week. Goal Five: Nutrition Halfway through throwing back the cup of mead Kara found it wrenched from her hand and thrown to the floor. The young woman turned to face the einherjar she was sure it was and found her face to face with her teacher. The snarl that had been forming died on her lips and she stared at him pouting. "That was my mead." "What did I say." "To stop swimming in my food and gorging myself." "So..." She frowned and bit her lip but reached out and grabbed some meat and cheese and fruit to eat along with a tankard of cold, refreshing....water. Ugh. Swilling wine and mead and beer is all good for any Cup Bearing Valkyrie. But feasting and drinking until one is swimming in it is not. The body must be ready for battle along with the mind and reflexes. Stuffing my face is not part of that. The holidays are over. Time to Ranger Up! I will eat 2 primal meals a day every day of the week, allowing myself one day to eat Primal only once. The day is my choosing but it does not mean I will gorge. Only that I can relax and let myself embrace my inner Valkyrie with a little good food and good drink. Life Goal: Live Winning a battle is all well and good but one must learn life is not always about the next battle, the next fight. One must enjoy and live. Fear must not hold back your life. So every challenge I will pick one new thing to do, one thing I am uncertain of or afraid of. I will do it and will conquer it. I don't know what it will be each time. It may be something small and simple. It may be life changing. But it will be done and I will post in my wrap up what I did each challenge. Completing each challenge I will award myself a static set of stat points (subject to change with tomorrows release of more info) based on what my focus for each challenge was. At the end of everything if I have achieved all my goals I will reward myself with something from my list. My newest tattoo. Piercing. Massage. New athletic gear. Kara listened to all her mentor laid out for her and nodded with a sigh. She looked at the looming edifice that was Valhalla and watched those inside. The souls of countless warriors in battle taken before she had come along and there would be countless more she would add to the teeming mass. She could not approach this as casually as the others may. She was collecting souls for battle, for Ragnarok and she was determined they would not lose, no matter what the Norns and the prophecies claimed. Asgard would stand strong, she would serve the All Father. She would do what it took. “Let us train some more then, Old Goat.†5 Quote Level 2 Elf Ranger 6 Dex, 11 Con, 2 Wis, 2 Cha, 4 Str My Current Challenge Past Challenges: 1/2/3 My Battle Log Link to comment
Lyniffer Posted January 3, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 3, 2016 Finally! I've been trying to post since Friday night and the website kept eating my posts or refusing to let me log in. Grumble grumble. 3 Quote Level 2 Elf Ranger 6 Dex, 11 Con, 2 Wis, 2 Cha, 4 Str My Current Challenge Past Challenges: 1/2/3 My Battle Log Link to comment
Elastigirl Posted January 3, 2016 Report Share Posted January 3, 2016 Love the story, looking forward to the challenge. 1 Quote Wisdom 22.5 Dexterity 13 Charisma 15 Strength 21 Constitution-13 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind' Luke 10; 27 Link to comment
Kes Posted January 3, 2016 Report Share Posted January 3, 2016 Awesome set-up. I can't wait to read more. Are you into comics at all? Because Fearless Defenders. Valkyrie is OMG *swoon* 1 Quote Link to comment
Lyniffer Posted January 3, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 3, 2016 Love the story, looking forward to the challenge.Thanks! I'm looking forward to it. I've decided this will be my theme until my Spartan Race June 4th. Then I will re-evaluate and see. Quote Level 2 Elf Ranger 6 Dex, 11 Con, 2 Wis, 2 Cha, 4 Str My Current Challenge Past Challenges: 1/2/3 My Battle Log Link to comment
Lyniffer Posted January 3, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 3, 2016 Awesome set-up. I can't wait to read more. Are you into comics at all? Because Fearless Defenders. Valkyrie is OMG *swoon*Oh man I love comics. I used to steal my brothers growing up. Valkyrie is a favorite, along with Witchblade, Darkness, X-Men,. Avengers....all the things! 1 Quote Level 2 Elf Ranger 6 Dex, 11 Con, 2 Wis, 2 Cha, 4 Str My Current Challenge Past Challenges: 1/2/3 My Battle Log Link to comment
AshPS Posted January 3, 2016 Report Share Posted January 3, 2016 Oh soooooooo awesome Lyniffer! I am loving this! Super epic challenge my friend and I am excited to be following along! love the pics. You are so going to Rock this challenge. big hugs!!! 2 Quote Level 6 Pixie Assassin Rangerish Adventurer Current Challenge: Guess What?? Previous Challenges: Spoiler 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 12th 13th 14th Battle Log -We can't always change the things we've done, but we can change what we do next. -I don't have a choice. I deserve a better life and this is what I have to do to get there. -Whatever doesn't kill me....Had better start running. Link to comment
Lyniffer Posted January 3, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 3, 2016 Oh soooooooo awesome Lyniffer! I am loving this! Super epic challenge my friend and I am excited to be following along! love the pics. You are so going to Rock this challenge. big hugs!!!Thanks Ash! Loving that you stuck with Harley. I need to do my Poison Ivy based challenge but that's still....8 months down the line I think. lol. Though after today I was itching to go with it. I got Poison Ivy Caramel Apple flavored lip balm! 1 Quote Level 2 Elf Ranger 6 Dex, 11 Con, 2 Wis, 2 Cha, 4 Str My Current Challenge Past Challenges: 1/2/3 My Battle Log Link to comment
AshPS Posted January 4, 2016 Report Share Posted January 4, 2016 Thanks Ash! Loving that you stuck with Harley. I need to do my Poison Ivy based challenge but that's still....8 months down the line I think. lol. Though after today I was itching to go with it. I got Poison Ivy Caramel Apple flavored lip balm! Well, it was that or Lady Thor, but I felt the Harley still had at least one more round, I'm kinda partial to her as a theme. And if you ever decide to do Poison Ivy I want a heads up so I can definitely do a Harley! Oh seriously! Did you get that from Etsy???!! They have a Harley lip balm I want for my birthday! Does it have a good flavor? I wish you an excellent day 1, hopefully I'll get my goals up by tonight, if NF behaves. Quote Level 6 Pixie Assassin Rangerish Adventurer Current Challenge: Guess What?? Previous Challenges: Spoiler 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 12th 13th 14th Battle Log -We can't always change the things we've done, but we can change what we do next. -I don't have a choice. I deserve a better life and this is what I have to do to get there. -Whatever doesn't kill me....Had better start running. Link to comment
Rurik Harrgath Posted January 4, 2016 Report Share Posted January 4, 2016 Lyniffer, you're fast becoming one of my favorite Rebels. Your narrative is awe-inspiring and your theme superb! Really excited to follow along with you this challenge. 4 Quote [Level ??] Rurik, Templar-Marshal Class: Paladin of the Order of the Sacred Flame (Conquest Paladin/Champion) BRUTALITY 11 | FINESSE 10 | VIGOR 11 | INSIGHT 14 | WILL 13 Equipment: Leather armor, questing longsword, and adventurer's pack with alchemist's kit. "Rangers have to at least give up on pants. It's a special rule we enacted after Rurik became a Guild Leader.” – DarK_RaideR "Did I just get my ass kicked by a member of Metallica meets History Channel's Vikings?" - Wild Wolf "By the Well-Oiled-and-Meticulously-Groomed Beard of Rurik!" - Tanktimus the Encourager Link to comment
Einar Posted January 4, 2016 Report Share Posted January 4, 2016 I like this, I think I will stick around to see how it goes. 2 Quote A true warrior does not train tirelessly to fight, or to kill. A true warrior trains endlessly that he may return home alive. -R. Calloway Maybe the ultimate wound is the one that makes you miss the war you got it in. - Sebastian Junger Challenge 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Battle Log Doodlie PVP Johari Window Epic Quest Character Link to comment
Jezaraen Posted January 4, 2016 Report Share Posted January 4, 2016 Not the mead! Ha ha love it. You are a great writer! Can't wait to follow you on your journey 1 Quote Level 2 WoodElf Ranger| Epic Quest Previous Challenge | Final Countdown Current Challenge | Link to comment
TankGrrl Posted January 4, 2016 Report Share Posted January 4, 2016 Wow, I'm following along for the awesome artwork, story and epic boss battle. You rock. 1 Quote Level 10 - Ironborn sellsword Weight loss goal: 90kg --> 70kg Endurance goal: non-stop 5km Power goal: 10 full form pushups Find me: My Fitness Pal | Fitbit | Feb 16 challenge "I don't want to have a dozen sons. I want to have adventures" ~ Asha Greyjoy Link to comment
Lyniffer Posted January 4, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 4, 2016 Well, it was that or Lady Thor, but I felt the Harley still had at least one more round, I'm kinda partial to her as a theme. And if you ever decide to do Poison Ivy I want a heads up so I can definitely do a Harley! Oh seriously! Did you get that from Etsy???!! They have a Harley lip balm I want for my birthday! Does it have a good flavor? I wish you an excellent day 1, hopefully I'll get my goals up by tonight, if NF behaves. I got it in a gift pack sent to me. It was awesome. There was a Poison Ivy glasses, a little Ivy action figure and the lip balm. Caramel Apple. My favorite ever! Day 1 was not as rousing as I hoped. I forgot to set my alarm for my new classes. *hangs head* I totally derped. But! Forward! 3 Quote Level 2 Elf Ranger 6 Dex, 11 Con, 2 Wis, 2 Cha, 4 Str My Current Challenge Past Challenges: 1/2/3 My Battle Log Link to comment
Lyniffer Posted January 4, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 4, 2016 Lyniffer, you're fast becoming one of my favorite Rebels. Your narrative is awe-inspiring and your theme superb! Really excited to follow along with you this challenge.Aww, thank you Rurik! Means a lot coming from you. Your stories and themes are win! 1 Quote Level 2 Elf Ranger 6 Dex, 11 Con, 2 Wis, 2 Cha, 4 Str My Current Challenge Past Challenges: 1/2/3 My Battle Log Link to comment
Lyniffer Posted January 4, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 4, 2016 I like this, I think I will stick around to see how it goes.Thanks Doc! Always glad to have more Doodlies along for the ride! Quote Level 2 Elf Ranger 6 Dex, 11 Con, 2 Wis, 2 Cha, 4 Str My Current Challenge Past Challenges: 1/2/3 My Battle Log Link to comment
Lyniffer Posted January 4, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 4, 2016 Not the mead! Ha ha love it. You are a great writer! Can't wait to follow you on your journeyAww, thank you. Just hope everyone has some fun and enjoys the battle and brew! 1 Quote Level 2 Elf Ranger 6 Dex, 11 Con, 2 Wis, 2 Cha, 4 Str My Current Challenge Past Challenges: 1/2/3 My Battle Log Link to comment
Lyniffer Posted January 4, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 4, 2016 Wow, I'm following along for the awesome artwork, story and epic boss battle. You rock.Thanks. :) I can't wait for all the fun to come and the story! Quote Level 2 Elf Ranger 6 Dex, 11 Con, 2 Wis, 2 Cha, 4 Str My Current Challenge Past Challenges: 1/2/3 My Battle Log Link to comment
Volki Posted January 4, 2016 Report Share Posted January 4, 2016 0.o That story, those pics and those goals were amazing! I am definitely going to follow along. I especially like the try something new every challenge. 1 Quote Link to comment
Lyniffer Posted January 4, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 4, 2016 0.o That story, those pics and those goals were amazing! I am definitely going to follow along. I especially like the try something new every challenge. Thanks! I appreciate it coming from you with your awesome stories. I love reading you and Rurik and Wild Wolf. You guys rock out theme based stories. I'm sticking with Valkyrie Rising for the next 5 challenges and then I'll reboot after my Spartan! So should be a nice long, epic tale! 1 Quote Level 2 Elf Ranger 6 Dex, 11 Con, 2 Wis, 2 Cha, 4 Str My Current Challenge Past Challenges: 1/2/3 My Battle Log Link to comment
Wild Wolf Posted January 4, 2016 Report Share Posted January 4, 2016 Great intro story, Lyniffer! I missed your debut challenge and I'm sad for that. This one looks AWESOME! I love all the Valkyrie pics, especially this one: Somehow this said, that even in the midst of defeat and turmoil, you will ALWAYS get back up for more. Love it. Wolf 4 Quote Wild Wolf Class: Peerless Scarred/ Height: 6'2 / Weight: 188# Instagram: @ryanwolfbell / Facebook: Ryan Wolf Bell / Bible App (YouVersion) Ryan Wolf Bell Current Challenge: Intro to Wolflean Spoiler Last Challenge(s): 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12/13/14/15/16 Epic Challenges: Welcome to the Fireteam & Wolfpool Gotham Project: 1 " Know, O prince, that once the sun burns out and the earth's core becomes solid and cold, there will come a man to provide the endless energy needed to sustain life and for the planets to keep moving. He is the source of light and the warmth of hope back into the hearts of humanity...." - Dark_Raider A wolf rises in my heart; against my darkness; against my demons; against my despair. I DECLARE WAR! Romans 8:28 (CSB) We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to His purpose. Link to comment
Volki Posted January 4, 2016 Report Share Posted January 4, 2016 Sweet I am definitely a sucker for an epic story Keep it up and I definitely look forward to hearing more 1 Quote Link to comment
Lyniffer Posted January 5, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 5, 2016 Great intro story, Lyniffer! I missed your debut challenge and I'm sad for that. This one looks AWESOME! I love all the Valkyrie pics, especially this one: Somehow this said, that even in the midst of defeat and turmoil, you will ALWAYS get back up for more. Love it. WolfDefinitely. That is what it's all about after all. Getting back up even after taking a beating. Ranger up and on! 3 Quote Level 2 Elf Ranger 6 Dex, 11 Con, 2 Wis, 2 Cha, 4 Str My Current Challenge Past Challenges: 1/2/3 My Battle Log Link to comment
Lyniffer Posted January 5, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 5, 2016 Sweet I am definitely a sucker for an epic story Keep it up and I definitely look forward to hearing more So am I. Can't wait to see where this one ends up taking me. lol 1 Quote Level 2 Elf Ranger 6 Dex, 11 Con, 2 Wis, 2 Cha, 4 Str My Current Challenge Past Challenges: 1/2/3 My Battle Log Link to comment
AshPS Posted January 5, 2016 Report Share Posted January 5, 2016 I got it in a gift pack sent to me. It was awesome. There was a Poison Ivy glasses, a little Ivy action figure and the lip balm. Caramel Apple. My favorite ever! Day 1 was not as rousing as I hoped. I forgot to set my alarm for my new classes. *hangs head* I totally derped. But! Forward! Awwwe, me too! I got Harley Quinn's Red Velvet Cake! Plus some Harley pins and a Harley comic. It WAS awesome. Yep! Onward and upwards my kick butt Valkyrie! 1 Quote Level 6 Pixie Assassin Rangerish Adventurer Current Challenge: Guess What?? Previous Challenges: Spoiler 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 12th 13th 14th Battle Log -We can't always change the things we've done, but we can change what we do next. -I don't have a choice. I deserve a better life and this is what I have to do to get there. -Whatever doesn't kill me....Had better start running. Link to comment
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