Norse To Meet You
Summary: What happens next for Anya.
Rating: PG
Timeline: Right after the series finale. Definite spoilers.
Dedication: to M. Scott Eiland, for his fic Valhalla,
which gave me the idea for this one. Also to everyone on the alt.tv.buffy. creative
newsgroup who were so quick to answer my question about Anya's original name.
And of course to Melissa, Jen, Vic, Meg and Dot.
****
Anya slowly woke up and opened her eyes.
<Hold on,> she thought, <that can't be right. I was sure that last one got me.>
"It did," a deep female voice informed her. "But he did not live much longer than you."
"Good," Anya said with satisfaction, standing up and stretching. "So where am I? And who are..."
Her words died in mouth as the woman stepped in front of her. She was tall and sturdy and wide-shouldered, dressed in armor and helmet, carrying a spear and shield. Her golden braids reached down to her waist, and her breasts were like melons. Watermelons.
"A valkyrie?" Anya asked in amazement. "I thought you guys were extinct."
"Not so," the valkyrie intoned. "We remain in wait for those of the old ways who die with valor."
Anya blinked. "So what are you doing here, then?"
The valkyrie smiled. "I am Brunhilde, and it is my honor to come for you, Anya, formerly Aud. With your bravery and your sacrifice, you have proven yourself worthy of the company of the finest warriors of all time. You have earned admission to Valhalla, the home of heroes!"
Anya looked at the valkyrie for a long moment.
"Huh," was the best comeback she could muster. "Valhalla? Me?"
Brunhilde smiled. "Of course. You fought bravely and well, saving the life of your comrade and helping to save the world. What could be more noble?"
"Well, when you put it that way," Anya mused, "I guess it does make sense. I really kicked some ass, huh?"
"You certainly did. Will you accept the invitation?"
Anya started to answer, then stopped. "Well, I don't know."
Brunhilde nodded. "If it is thoughts of your companions which hold you back, they are well. All but the vampire survived."
"And Xander?" Anya asked eagerly.
"He acquitted himself well, and emerged unharmed from the battle. He mourns your passing, and is more proud than words can convey."
Anya smiled, tears in her eyes. "Thank God he's alive. Will he be okay, do you know?"
"I know not the future, but I believe he shall be well. In time, perhaps he will love again."
"In time," Anya snorted. "He'll be screwing Buffy inside a month." Her face softened into a smile. "They'll be good for each other. I just hope she appreciates everything I taught him."
She squared her shoulders and nodded. "Valhalla, then. Why not?"
"Excellent!" the valkyrie cried, then reached out to take Anya's hand. "You will be happy there, I think," she went on as she lead them towards a winged horse Anya hadn't noticed before.
"What's there to do in Valhalla?" Anya asked, taking the horse in stride. <A flying horse. Big deal. I'm dead here.>
"The heroes tend to fight all day and feast all night."
"Well, the feasting sounds good. I'm not really into fighting all the time, though. What else ya got?"
Brunhilde thought for a moment, then said, "There is very much drinking and gambling, as well."
"Now we're getting somewhere! Gambling for money, you mean?"
"Gold and jewels, for the most part," the valkyrie answered. She reached up to pet the horse's mane. "This is Anya, my friend. She will ride with us this day."
"Gold and jewels works for me," Anya said, smiling at the horse. "I think I'm going to like Valhalla. Hey, what about sex?"
Brunhilde turned from the horse. "You shall most likely have your pick of suitors. The female heroes and we valkyries are very much outnumbered by the men."
"Really?" Anya asked.
"Oh, yes. You will be the first new woman in two centuries, I believe it is. I'm sure you'll be very popular. Perhaps we could double date. I can introduce you to some nice berserkers."
"Brunhilde," Anya said, "this could be the start of a beautiful friendship."
END