"Stay here, Valkryje," she murmured, tucking her daughter securely into a sea cave by the ocean, where soft grasses and bushes kept her hidden from curious eyes. The cave was safe; Skogsra had ensured it was just out of reach of the tides, equipped with fresh drinking water that trickled down the back, and it would remain cool throughout the day. "Mother, where are you going?" alkryje inquired, tilting her bone-white head, her bright eyes fixed on her mother. "I'm going to see your uncle,"she whispered, gently brushing her muzzle along her daughter's arched neck. "Now, stay here, Atlantis isn't far. Once I speak with your Uncle, I will return for you."

Swimming her young daughter across the channel to Sigurder—now the King of Paradise—would be reckless. She needed his help and pushed aside the fear that threatened her determination. She could no longer remain in the Desert; she craved the freedom to choose where she and Valkryje could live. With a steadying breath, she paused at the cave's entrance, glancing back for one last look. "Megi guðirnir vernda þig," she whispered before stepping out of the cave and into the early morning sunlight.

She walked through the foamy surf and into the ocean's embrace, her radiant glacial eyes fixed on the horizon line where Atlantis awaited. Her heart raced wildly against her ribs, adrenaline surging through her veins.

─── ･ *.☽ .* ･ ───

The turquoise waters enveloped her as she swam until the ocean floor rose to meet her. Her eyes widened as she took in the lush jungle sprawled out before her. It had been ages since she had seen so much greenery, and her breath caught in her throat. She hurried through the surf and onto the solid sand beyond, water streaming off her sleek hide and pooling beneath her on the warm shore. Without hesitation, she parted her lips and called for her brother from deep within the dense jungle. Her voice echoed off the canopy, sending the resident animals into a frenzy of squawks and cries. Eagerly, she awaited her brother's emergence from the shadows so they could return to the Desert and retrieve her daughter.

"I swear, Sig, if you don’t show your face, I’m going to come get you," she growled into the humid air of Atlantis.