If you've found this story by chance, this is an additive to the story "The Way Things Were". If you've been directed here from the story, hi! I'll keep the timeline as clear as I can. I'm also open to requests for chapters/ideas.

Approximate time: Childhood

"Dyre, I learned a new move from Tyr. Would you like me to teach you?"

She was mildly interested. "Alright." She stood and dusted off her pants, standing next to Thor as they faced the straw practice dummy.

He lunged forward and immediately ducked, landing an uppercut to the dummy's jaw. He then spun around with a roundhouse kick to the face, followed by a flurry of blows. As a finishing move he gave one swift punch to the gut. He backed off and looked to her, a grin on his young face. "Your turn."

She shrugged but a movement by the entrance of the training area distracted her. She balled her hands into fists. In an instant she was imitating Thor's blows perfectly against the dummy, all except the last. "I don't remember this one; can you show me again?"

He nodded and took her place. "It's easy. Just punch the dummy like this." He ran at the dummy, preparing to punch it.

A straw arm came to life and grabbed his hand, bringing the young prince closer. "Who are you calling 'dummy?'"

Thor let out a startled sound and swiped at the straw while Dyre rolled on the ground laughing. His brother came out of the shadows, laughing as well. Thor glared at him. "Grow up, Loki!"

"Your form was sloppy," the young boy answered, shrugging and folding his arms behind his back. "I was merely saving you from embarrassment."

Dyre sat up, wiping her eyes. "Oh he wasn't so bad. Besides, what creature would expect a sloppy form from a prince?"

Thor turned on his brother. "You skip Tyr's lessons, you don't take battle seriously, and you think having magic makes you so special." He curled his lip. "It means you are a freak." He stormed out of the arena, leaving a thick tension in the air.

Dyre looked over to Loki, seeing his mischievous grin had faded. "Loki? Are you alright?"

He gave a stiff nod. "Not like I haven't heard it before." He looked to the dummy, curling his lip at the expressionless straw. "It isn't as if I enjoy it. I hate this burden. Everyone looks at me differently for having it. Even my own father dotes upon my brother more than I." In a snap of anger he threw a ball of magic at the dummy, setting it on fire. He cast his gaze to the ground. "It makes sense. The kingdom couldn't be ruled by a freak."

She had seen his temper flare occasionally, but this took the prize for angriest. Regardless she got up and stood in front of him, taking his hands. The shock of being touched made him look at her. "I don't think you're a freak."

"You should."

"But I don't." She nodded to the burning dummy behind her. "I think you're unique, interesting. How many people can do what you do?"

"Not many."

"And how many can swing a sword?"

"Almost everyone."

"Exactly." Her smile brightened. "I'd rather have a magic user for a friend than a barbarian. At least you make things fun."

He arched a brow. "And my brother is not fun?"

"He has his moments. He can't make me laugh like you though." She pulled away from him, but he yanked her into a tight hug.

"Thank you, Dyre."

She let out a breath of a laugh and hugged him in return. "Don't hate your gift. Use it to your advantage. I would if I could use magic."

He scoffed into her shoulder. "How?"

She pulled away, mischief in her blue eyes. "First off, let's pay the cooks a visit. Then, we'll find your brother and make sure the rest of his day is horrible."

He grinned. "And this is why you're my best friend."

She bowed and grabbed his hand, leading him out of the grounds. "The day is still young. We have a lot of work to do."

"Give me ideas and I'll see to doing them."

She gave him a sly smirk as he matched her pace. She may have been friends with his brother, but Thor deserved a day of misery for his deeds. "I don't think we'll have any trouble making him regret getting out of bed today."