Ragnarök Unwound *Sample*

A Valkyrie Walks Into a Bar ✔

Ives was swiping through Tinder, nursing a double shot Mai Tai, when the Valkyrie plunked on the stool next to her.

At least, she was pretty sure it was a Valkyrie. She ran through the mental check list of mythical beings as she pointedly ignored the six foot blonde staring at her. Definitely immortal, the woman gave off enough heat to melt the ice cubes in her drink. There were a few creatures that fit those kind of physical parameters, but it was the runes tattooed around her biceps that sealed the deal.

In a place like Johnny Ho's Tikki Lounge, she stood out. Aside from the glitzy name, Johnny Ho's was more of a local hole in the wall than a tourist hot spot. Compared to the bronzed and burnt skin tones of Johnny's clientele, the Valkyrie practically glowed like a moon flower.

Ives sighed. It was a rather appropriate end to a shit-tastic day. Determined not to let the shield maiden interfere with her personal sob fest, Ives ducked her head and sipped her watered down Mai Tai. She swiped her phone a little too vigorously, sending a string of potential one night stands to the gutter without a proper once over. Damn, she hated being stared at, and immortals were the worst for it. Most of them didn't need to blink.

"Ikepela Ives," said the Valkyrie. The sound of her full name made Ives jump, sloshing her drink onto her hand. She swore softly as the blonde noted her reaction with a satisfied nod. The Valkyrie leaned in with the clink of metal, far too close for comfort and stage whispered, "I have come to secure your services."

The bartender paused before them, quirking an eyebrow at the blonde as he placed a tumbler in front of her. "Here is your scotch neat, miss."

The Valkyrie pulled back and beamed at the man. "Ah, thank you good sir!" She boomed, slapping a handful of old coins on the bar as she threw back the drink in one swallow. "Another," she said, belching delicately into her fist. The bartender blinked at her. His eyes went unfocused. It was the same glazed over expression most mortals got when they stared at a divine being for too long. She frowned at him as the staring continued, waving a hand in front of his face.

"Nick, the lady asked for another," said Ives, snapping him out of it with the sound of her voice. The bartender shook himself. Some of the glassiness of his expression subsided.

"Be right up," he mumbled, shuffling away.

"What was wrong with that man?" The Valkyrie turned to her.

"Tattoos, scars, and makes a mean grilled cheese," Ives murmured, doggedly keeping her eyes on the screen. "That has potential."

The Valkyrie drummed her fingers on the bar hard enough to rattle the tiny tikki statue decor. "Ikepela Ives-"

"Treat me like a pirate and give me that booty? Too cheesy even for me," said Ives. Nick returned to place another scotch in front of the Valkyrie, scurrying off when he caught the thunderous expression on the blonde's face. Sparks of electricity crackled through her golden locks.

"Ikepela Ives," said the Valkyrie, at the end of her fuse, judging by the tone of her voice. "I demand an audience."

"You call me by my first name one more time and I will break your fingers," said Ives. She slurped down the rest of her Mai Tai, and slammed the glass down.

The woman snorted. "Where I come from that is merely flirting."

Ives squinted at her, fishing a rum soaked cherry from the bottom of her glass. The alcohol was starting to hit, sending a warm flush through her cheeks and fuzzing her sense of self preservation. "What about a broken arm?"

The blonde grinned, revealing absurdly perfect teeth. "Foreplay."

"Yeah, well, you aren't my type blondie, so fu-"