The valkyries in Eldwick aren’t exactly adored by the citizens they’re sworn to protect. Our beloved heroes would know, as each one has been affected by the arrogance and power abuses that happen at the Valkyrie Academy of Defense and Reformation (VADR).

Bellamy Hirsch is three months out of graduating with his Master’s in counseling, and his internship at VADR has been frustrating at every turn.

Edie Thorn is a former ward of VADR who only sticks around for the sake of her best friend, a powerful but anxious valkyrie named Vere. When Edie’s father challenges her allegiance to the valkyries—and to her best friend—who will she stand behind at the end of the day?

Orion Pendleton‘s whole dream was to run a child protective organization for shifters like him, but in the course of a day, VADR closes him down and convinces him to come and work for them instead.

Vere Stromgaard is from a powerful valkyrie family but struggles to fit themself into VADR’s rigid expectations.

Can these four friends find a way to find themselves and stand up to the injustices of a powerful valkyrie organization?

Inspiration

I have long wanted to write a story about valkyries. For a while it was a high fantasy sapphic novel. But VADR Haters happened organically every chaotic step of the way as an urban fantasy comedy romance lol. With stupid decisions, plenty of bickering, queerness every which way, and a healthy dose of action, this story was SO much fun to write because literally any time I got bored I’d be like “what campy trope can I throw in to make things more fun?” and THAT WORKED.

The four main characters are brand new and so goofy. Edie literally has one vampire fang guys. One. Haha. Edie’s dad, Alan Thorn, is one of my favs: he was inspired by Alan Alda first and foremost, but his vibe is a little bit like if Silko from Arcane was crossed with Trent from Ted Lasso. Alan felt so so so fun to write, he’s the literal DILF Daddy who is suave and intelligent and SUPER MEDDLESOME.

Yeah idk, I had no idea where this project was going when it started and that’s completely unfair when considering how wildly cohesive the story ended up being, with every convoluted part pulling itself back in and exploding into the exciting climax that successfully tied up every loose end.

Recurring characteRS

NOBODY!

I was really planning to give Micah a cameo at least, but the valkyries are all women except Vere and Ripley, so it just never really ended up happening haha.

I think that’s a testament to how much fun the ensemble cast was. I didn’t need any security characters to ground them.

Gallery

the chibi heads