Astrid Stormrunner

Description
Standing slightly smaller than average, the armored female has a warrior's stance that shows a wiry strength. Her long dark hair is usually in an intricate braided style and her icy blue eyes regard the world rather stoically. Her flawless skin is quite pale causing the runes tattooed upon her flesh to stand out. She favors clothing in shades of silver and icy blues or purples. When she does smile, her features soften somewhat, revealing the beauty that some may miss when she is focused upon battle.

Armor
She is most often seen in silvery heavy armor with icy blue accents, sometimes adorned with snow white fur.

Arms
She favors small blades that she dual wields, a spear or lightening magic, though she is known to use anything in a fight if forced to.

History
The younger of twin girls born to a Valkyrie mother and a heroic father, Astrid is focused on one thing and one thing only, earning her wings as a Valkyrie so that she can guide the souls of the dead to Valhalla. Living under the shadow of their matriarchal lineage was not easily. Astrid always felt the heavy weight of expectation. While she was proud of her blood and more than willing to walk the expected path, she did feel driven to rise above. Her relationship with her twin was close enough that the two of them did not feel need to compete with each other, instead seeking to compliment each other. Many saw them as two sides of the same coin, acting as one though slightly different. Those who sought to come between them or turn them against each other soon regretted it. The two would simply turn combined fury against any who dared. But there were always those who talked. The jealous and the ambitious always waited in the wings, ready to magnify any flaw or to spread word of any misstep. Which only made Astrid wish to reach higher, to go further. So the twins started to plan.

Tales of lands unexplored by any Viking inspired imagination, causing Astrid and her twin to speak to the seers and the völva. They consulted the priests and priestesses. They made their sacrifices and the choices. That choice brought her to this unknown land to prove herself worthy of her heritage.

Skills
Astrid is skilled at fighting, armor-making and cooking.

Major Flaw/Flaws:
Astrid is at times focused to the point of obsession and she can be hot-tempered.

Minor Flaw/Flaws:
Astrid has a rather salty vocabulary and can become bored easily.

Personality
Astrid lacks what many would consider the more political graces. She can have a foul mouth and straight forward way of talking. She does not mean to be rude, but in her world, people are more concerned with survival than true politics. She respects strength and tactics over long winded speeches. She does however enjoy music and when not fighting, she may have an instrument in hand or be composing songs. She tends to be stoically neutral regarding most, though she can be passionate about certain beliefs and easily riled if she feels she or her sister is treated unfairly. The abuse of females in general is a subject that will stoke her temper to a boiling point.

Beliefs
She is devoted to the worship of Freya and Odin and to the notion that her sister and herself were born to become a Valkyrie as their mother and grandmother before them. That one driving goal comes before all, including any romantic entanglements. Family, Honor and Duty guides her.

Quirks
Astrid hums or sings under her breath when fighting or working, especially if she is feeling nervous. It is her method of self-soothing. She also has an affinity for mulled wine and colder climates. She will complain about the heat in southern locales.

Relationships
Åse Stormrunner - beloved twin sister. Astrid is fiercely loyal to her fraternal twin. Ase is the one person who can talk her down when her temper gets riled.

Songs:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLNktQr3dyI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxptIpCYAJA&list=RDjxptIpCYAJA&start_radio=1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAV4Rf2yiIE&list=RDjxptIpCYAJA&index=5