Valhala
Chapter 2
Companions and Howie
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"What is Valkara?" Brian asked falling in step with Aketa's slow walk. "Is it a city?"
"Valkara is our capital. Our Queen, her husband and their children reside there. Inside the city is also our Mage's collage, Healer's collage, and Bardic college, as well as our Companion complex which is where we house our companions, our soul-sibs" she said in a proud voice.
"What are companions?" AJ piped up "I mean are they all horses like Aketa?" he asked rubbing the horse's head softly.
"Not all companions are horses, some are firecats, some are healwolves, while others are birds...those are more commonly known as bondbirds though. We were trying to breed companion gryphons....but its not working so well" she replied with sigh about the gryphons.
"Healwolves?" Howie asked interested "Like werewolves?"
"Werewolves I have never heard of, healwolves are a special breed of wolf that is stronger than normal wolves, has some human traits and has healing capabilities. Firecats are the same, except they have control of fire and no human traits other than sharp wits. They can call fire or stop it at will. Bondbirds are pretty much like the horses, they have mindspeech, and some mage gift and are very useful around enemies. Gryphons are just too powerful I guess." she said taking care of everyone's future questions about the Companions.
'Well put soul sister' Aketa said proudly.
"I agree" Nick added.
Jakara smiled "We will have to get you trained soon, all of you since Aketa informed me that you all have some sort of abilities."
"Since we don't know when or even if we'll ever get back home, we will be of service to you any way possible Jakara." Kevin said firmly.
"Yep" they all agreed.
"Do we get companions?" Brian asked stroking Aketa's flank softly and petting her head at the same time.
'I like him...maybe I'll trade you for him' Aketa told Jakara with a snort.
'No sugar for you then' Jakara replied.
Aketa snorted again and stomped her left back hoof stubbornly 'Mean little 2 legged one' she replied.
'Don't you know it' Jakara shot back.
Howie laughed "It's weird. I can't 'hear' what you two are saying but I can feel the love and happiness and sarcasm between you two...the love you two share most predominately though. What does that mean?" he asked
"That you are weird" AJ cackled.
Howie shoved him "At least I'm not a tattooed freak like you" he replied.
"Aketa?" Jakara asked.
'Your gift is empathy Howard, I'm also sensing some healing gifts too, mild mindspeech as well, just enough for you to be able to talk to a companion, obviously your four friends and anyone close to you' Aketa told him.
"Howie has always been able to soothe tembers and hurt feelings, not to mention he always takes care of us when we are sick" Nick said nodding at what Aketa told Howie.
Howie looked thoughtful "Hmm...a healer, I like it" he said smiling.
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