I carefully watched my reflection as I applied the finishing touches on my face paint. It was red. I liked red. I was very proud of the design. It was strong. It was powerful. And it would represent Thor well. Just as I would.

I beamed at myself, proud of my handiwork. I focused on my eyes. On the orange lines that created lightning cracks through them. There were one hundred and twenty nine. I swore to the gods and to myself that one day I’d have a great accomplishment for each one. Today, I would add another when I kick Volym into the dirt. The thought made me giggle.

“Hildr!” Came Mamas voice from around the corner, before her head popped into the bathroom. “Are you ready, my darling?”

I spun around, proudly sticking out my chest. “READY!!”

“Well let’s see the damage.” She smiled, slightly. Her face was as beautiful as every canvas she touched. It was a enthralling pattern with blues and whites. Her favorites. I did not like blue. It was a debate spanning centuries. But she knew more about this than anyone.

She walked up and studied my face with a critical eye. “Hmm.” she hummed, strands of hair hanging over her face, falling out from her ponytail. “You chose red.” She said simply. “That’s...a decision.”

“Red is the best color.” I respond, resolute.

“Yes you would know.” came her sarcastic retort. “After all you’ve studied color theory since you were sixteen.” She looked me in the eyes, deadpan. “Oh wait.”

“There are the two strongest women in the world.” Papa said, popping into the doorway. His face was a simple pattern using green and black. “Are we ready?”

“Yes.” Mama smiled. “Very well done, my darling. You look very fierce!” She said, pinching my chin, as I bared my teeth and growled. “Come, Hildr. Do you want to keep Thor waiting?”

“NEVER!!” I roar, jumping from my red stool and sprinting to the front door. Standing there, holding my coat for me, with a similar face to Mama, was Nicolai. Giggling madly, I jumped into him, throwing my arms through the sleeves of my coat given to me by Papa. We fell onto the ground and sat there laughing for a moment.

“My, but someone is excited aren’t they?” He giggled, as we helped each other up. “But tell me, darling sister, do you plan to wear your jacket like that? How will you properly do battle tonight if your armor is not properly equipped?”

“He’s right, Hildr.” Papa said as he and Mama came around the corner. They were holding hands, I made a face. “If you’re going to do something do it right.”

I held up my arms proudly, as the hood fell onto my face, and muffly said, “I put it on efficiently and expediently!!!”

“Don’t use words you don’t understand, Hildr.” I heard Nikolai say.

“You’re a butt!” I said, pointing at where I assumed he was.

“Come up with better insults, dear.” Mama said, taking my coat off. She motioned with a finger for me to turn around. I did so, as her word is law. “I am not going to have a child that can’t form a proper retort.” She placed the coat over me, and patted my shoulders.

We walked out the door and I jumped to a stack of wood just next to our doorway. “I want to carry the most!” I shouted, holding my arms out.

“Wants are not needs, my darling.” Mama said, watching the crowd of families moving down our neighborhood, even as Papa had moved to give me the largest stack. He smiled and so did I. We shared a wink. Mama did not need to know everything.

Bundles distributed among us, we joined the crowd of our neighbors as they walked to the hall. I marched happily along a few steps ahead of my family. Leading the way. Humming loudly. Mama and Papa were hand in hand, as always, and Nikolai was talking with friends. The cold of the night did not reach me. I was surrounded by the crowd. I was warmed by community.

“Hildr!” Came a young, familiar voice, and my stomach immediately performed confusing somersaults. “Hildr is it true?” Kazimir asked, running to my side. His glasses sat crooked on his face, which was painted green, with white stripes down the middle. I almost laughed at him right then, his bundle was smaller than mine. Barely a bundle at all.

Instead I huffed indifference, as I looked away. “Truth is a title that is held by many things.” I quoted Mama. “You’ll have to be specific...stupid boy.” I added for effect.

He frowned, his shiny, dazzling eyes analyzing my reaction. I refused to look at them. So that my face wouldn’t burn and I would be able to think clearly. I had enough of that earlier. “You’re right.” He agreed. I hated when he did that. “Is it true that you’re fighting Volya the Mighty tonight?”

“What of it?!” I demanded, harsher than I intended. He made feelings hard.

“Are you going to be okay?” He asked concerned. My heart fluttered and my face burned. I blamed him. And his pretty eyes.

“I have Thor and skill at my side!” I barked, turning to him, puffing out my cheeks. “I am not weak! I am strong! He won’t know what hit him!” I was shouting now.

“To glory!” My father chuckled from behind. I nodded once, sharply. Papa was smart, he understood me.

He sighed, seemingly relieved. “Well if you think you can do it you can.” He said confidently.

I got caught in his eyes, stunned by his words. My insides a spinning whirlwind I couldn’t begin to understand. Eventually I settled on annoyance and huffed. “No one asked you!” I growled, before running off into the crowd. We were almost at the hall, anyway. I had no time for stupid boys or their hazel eyes.

I wasn’t paying attention when I sprinted forward. This caused me to bump into someone. I quickly apologized, because Mama does not raise rude children. My apology was met with laughter. I looked up to see Uncle Petya grinning, his white teeth shining in the firelight of the torches.He gestured with his head, and I joined him as we walked forward.

“How was your day, Hildr?” Auntie Vada, a tall, strong woman with calloused hands, and ashy curled hair from the forge, asked me cheerfully, a skip in her step. It was always there, and she was always happy.

“We had a war!” I say happily, walking shoulder to Demyan, my stoic general. My bundle was larger than his.

“How lovely.” She whistled

“A good way to honor Thor.” Uncle agreed, with a single nod. He wasted nothing. Even his actions. “Demyan said you fought well. And that you are finishing the battle in a dual with this Volya child?”

“Thor graces my blade.” I say proudly in response.

“A sensible way to end the conflict.” he smiled, Auntie leaning her head on his shoulder. “Thor shall gift you this victory, my Niece, or Wodinn, a fine lesson.”

“I’d rather win.” I huff.