Tales of Asgard: Legends.
Hello! This is my first Thor fanfiction! I've already thrown myself into many other fandoms, as you can tell from my profile, but I've wanted to do something for Thor for a while. And Father's Day provided me with the perfect opportunity to start my Thor drabbles. So, here is a different view of Odin that isn't seen too often in the Thor fandom.
All-Father.
Odin didn't often get the chance to have a break as a king. When your subjects looked to you, a powerful and wise man with a title like the All-Father, there wasn't much room for rest. However, today seemed to be the one day where nobody had any complaints and peace reigned, much to his private joy. Frigga gave a knowing smile as he stood from his throne and waved away the court advisor, striding with purpose towards the big double doors that led to the rest of the palace.
"Where are you going, husband?" she called, smiling over her sewing.
"To do something I do not have time for normally," he replied almost eagerly, pushing open one ornate door. "I am off to be a father."
With that, he left to search for his first son, Thor.
When he happened upon Thor, it didn't surprise him that the young man was hacking away at a wooden dummy with glee. Behind him, the potential shield maiden called Sif waited impatiently for her turn.
"Thor, you have been at it for long enough! I need the practise as well!"
"I dare say she is right, my son."
Thor dropped his sword and spun around on his heel.
"Father! What are you doing here? I am not sparring with anyone today."
Odin smiled as he placed a hand on Thor's golden head, while Sif exhaled with relief and drew out her spear to start her practise.
"Do I need a reason to want to see my son?"
Thor grinned and gave him a brief push, which soon turned into a mock wrestle, leaving them both laughing uproariously and Thor parked on the floor.
"Besides, why do I have to watch you duel when I can teach you myself?" Odin continued after a moment, causing Thor's blue eyes to widen to the size of the silver dinner plates used at their many feasts.
"Are you…are you really going to teach me?" he asked, quivering with excitement and Odin laughed.
"Go and get your weapon of choice and meet me in the ring in five minutes."
Thor scrambled to his feet and ran off, leaving Odin to smile after him fondly.
Thor rounded the corner, nearly colliding with the wooden fence in his haste. Odin leant casually on one of the posts, Gungnir in his broad hand and an even broader smirk on his face.
"Are you ready, my son?"
The sky eyed prince nodded firmly, adjusting his grip on his war axe with determination, reading the restless glint in his father's one eye with delight. It had been a while since they had fought each other in a mock battle and Thor couldn't wait to show his mighty father what he'd learnt. Slowly spreading his feet apart, Thor tensed, watching his father do the same and waiting for him to make the first move. His tutor had criticised his lack of patience, so he would prove him wrong this time and make them both realise that he was listening.
Odin saw his son squirming, trying to hold his patience (he knew that Thor had a problem with patience) and inwardly laughed. He might as well take pity on him, seeing as he was trying so hard. With a swing of Gungnir, he leapt forward and tried to knock him in the chest. Thor jumped backwards, pushing the metal away from his body and lunging in one long step with the axe. It glinted in the sunlight as it smacked Odin's chain mail covered arm. The older man drew away and twirled the spear, catching Thor in the chin and making him hit the ground. Thor rubbed his chin, knowing that he would have a fine bruise in the morning to back up his tale of play with the All-Father.
The mock duel carried on in this fashion for some time, the two dancing around each other, not quite managing to put the other out of commission. A little gathering formed to watch this rare bonding session, but was soon shepherded away by a nearby guard, who recognised their need for privacy. Eventually, Odin gained the upper hand and Thor found himself pinned to the dirt by a triumphant king.
"It looks like you win again." Thor commented with a grin as he was helped up by the grizzled veteran.
Odin scanned him in approval, feeling pride swell up in his chest. Thor always tried his best and then some.
"And it looks like YOU have improved greatly. Well done, Thor."
Thor flushed with pleasure as his parent clapped him on the shoulder.
"Now then, do you happen to know where Loki resides at this point in time?"
Thor raised an eyebrow, not believing his father's innocent question for a moment.
"Father, you should know better than anyone where Loki likes to go."
The two Asgardians laughed as they met each other's eyes and said together;
"The Library."
Odin felt better after a change of clothing and a good wash, but he'd feel even better after some food and relaxation with his youngest son. Carrying two plates of food, he walked at a leisurely pace towards the Library. After all, Loki could spend up to two days poring over books in the grand room, so he didn't need to worry about the dark-haired one running off somewhere like he did with the first born heir to the throne.
Balancing the plates, he carefully pushed open the great oak doors that were lined with gold and stepped quietly inside. He waited until he was well within the shelves that spanned some twenty feet before gently calling his son's name.
"Loki? Where are you?"
He didn't expect an answer at first, because Loki was also well known for getting so deep into his reading that not even a dragon could rouse him.
Then the softer, calmer voice of the Asgardian answered.
"I am here, Father. Two rows to your left."
The King of Asgard smiled and headed towards the pile of cushions and blankets that made up Loki's little reading fort, placing down the food next to his son, who didn't take his eyes off the page.
"Loki."
With what seemed like an effort, the youngest prince dragged his gaze to his father.
"Do you need me for something, Father?"
Odin chuckled and lowered himself down on to the cushions.
"No, I wanted to eat with you for a while. Is that alright?"
Loki's eyes lit up with a sparkle he hadn't seen for a while and the young monarch shuffled closer, picking up a grape.
"I would love to. I can show some new spells that I have picked up, if you wish."
Odin put a heavy arm around Loki's thin shoulders, proud of his son's clever mind.
"I would love nothing more."
And so it was, that when Frigga stole into the Library later on that evening, she found both of her beloved boys curled up with their father, watching him put on a light show that re-enacted the battle of the Light and Dark Elves, Loki adding his own magic whenever he could, just to see the tender look Odin sent his way.
Frigga couldn't help the warm wave of love crashing down over her.
Odin couldn't always be there for his two sons, thanks to his never ending job as the King, but he was a wonderful father in her eyes (and apparently in theirs too) nonetheless.
I hope you like the first chapter! There will be more father son bonding with both Loki and Thor, but for now, have this simple chapter. And Happy Late Father's Day!
Love Lily. X