Alajn

Alajn is a valkyrie reaper of Starnheim, paired with the shepherd Njala.
==Description==
Alajn is a reaper Valkyrie who is tasked with observing battles and killing deserters fleeing from battle and sending them to Istfell, the hall of spirits. She has a paired sister named Njala, who serves as a shepherd. Alajn has a striking and otherworldly presence that emphasizes her role as a harbinger of death. She has pitch-colored eyebrows, suggesting dark and severe features. Her overall appearance is one of calm and calculated menace, fitting her role as a reaper who deals with cowardice and unworthy deaths.
Alajn embodies a grim and pragmatic attitude toward battle and death. She is less emotive than her sister Njala, often speaking in a dry, almost detached manner. Alajn is focused on her duty, which involves reaping the souls of those who flee from battle. She shows a small smirk or smile at times, indicating a wry, perhaps slightly cynical, sense of humor. Despite her stern nature, there are moments where she shows a softer side, particularly in her interactions with Njala, where she demonstrates sisterly concern and patience.
==History==
Alajn and her sister Njala observed a series of skirmishes and duels involving Tuskeri warriors, particularly focusing on their new leader, Arni Brokenbrow. Alajn's role in these events was to watch for any acts of cowardice that would necessitate her intervention as a reaper.
Alajn and Njala watched as Arni Brokenbrow led his Tuskeri warriors against a group of Skelle raiders. Despite being outnumbered, the Tuskeri displayed remarkable bravery and combat prowess, quickly overwhelming their foes. Alajn noted Arni's boldness and bravery but remained vigilant for any sign of cowardice among the warriors, which would call her to action.
Alajn and Njala later witnessed Arni and his band confront a fearsome hellkite. Despite the creature's terrifying appearance and deadly attacks, Arni managed to subdue it using a combination of bravery and clever tactics. Alajn's pragmatic nature was evident as she assessed the battle, but she ultimately acknowledged Arni's success with a degree of respect.
Even later, an honor duel between Arni and the giant Kannah warrior Tover Giants-Blood caught the sisters' attention. Alajn and Njala watched with great interest, expecting this to be Arni's final battle. As the duel progressed, Arni appeared outmatched, especially when Giants-Blood caught him in a crushing bear hug. Despite this, Arni's cunning and determination allowed him to break free with a headbutt and ultimately defeat the giant human. Throughout this encounter, Alajn maintained her composed demeanor, even as Njala became increasingly anxious and emotionally invested in the outcome.
==Story appearances==
Title	Author 	Publishing date	Set 	Setting (plane)	Featuring
 	Roy Graham	2021-01-22 	Kaldheim	Kaldheim 	Njala, Alajn, Arni, Hormgart, Tover Giants-Blood
==References==