All was silent in the universe. The peace that clung to all the nine realms could never be pulled apart. One realm in particular was in preparation for a very important event. The sun's brilliance and power shone down on the glorious Asgard, the home of the Gods in all manner of speaking. It was a wondrous day and worthy of celebration for a child was to be born. The lucky parents were good friends of the Odin King, old war buddies from long ago. They were being blessed with their first child after so many years of wishing. Odin was to celebrate their unity as a new and whole family.
In the greats halls of the palace, the King awaited with an assembly of people including his beautiful wife and two sons. The gold doors opened and the whole family walked through towards their king. He stepped down to greet the happy couple and noticed not just one bundle in their arms but two identical twin girls. They were so pleased in finding out that they were not only have one beautiful daughter but two. It was truly a wondrous day to celebrate. The Odin King regarded the sleeping babies with quick concern but it soon washed away when he saw how happy his friend looked. The twins did not entirely look alike for one had a freckle on her cheek. What a blessing this truly was.
'Our King,' the mother smiled. 'It would be such a great honor if you would to bless our daughters for good health and long life.'
'Every child is blessed,' his smile was tender. 'Under my watch, they shall always be protected and they shall prosper.'
The love between the couple was plainly obvious to the Odin King. His friend had longed for a family of his own as long as he had known him. A child to raise in his own image like that of his king and good friend. They were not sons but they were even better now that they were in his arms. The Queen and her two sons came down to bless the daughters as well with gifts of their own. His eyes fell upon Thor as he gently places his hand on the head of one of the daughters. Loki soon followed and seemed quick curious about the specks on one of the babies' faces. Odin looked down at the scene before him. The memories of when he looked upon his sons as little ones flooded into his heart. How happy he felt to see the people before him.
The celebrations continued in the city of Asgard. The King was about to retire for the evening when a messenger rushed into the room. He banged his chest with a fist and bowed. The message was from Heimdall, the gatekeeper at the edge of the city. It was about urgent matters to be discussed in person. Moments later, the two were facing one another in the chamber of the Bifrost.
'What urgent matters must you report at a time like this?' He was not angered but concerned. 'It is a day of celebration, not that of ill news.'
'It is to do with the origin of the celebrations,' he paused. 'How many children were blessed with the gift of life on this day?'
'Two beautiful daughters were given to a dear friend.'
'I only see one,' Heimdall spoke after a long pause.
'Is it what I've feared?' He turned away to look upon his golden kingdom.
'The father's prophecy of your demise is close at hand. What will you do?'
'Wait and see if anything comes of the child. It would break my heart to see a family torn apart.'
'Your decision has sealed your fate.'
The great chamberhall in the palace didn't quite have an uplifting mood. The sons of Odin stood together, one with the temper of a thousand storms and the other calm as an untouched pond. Thor could not contain his temper or his anger for that matter. How could he let such a thing happen? How could such a thing happened? Blessed he was with unbelievable strength that he could finally wield the hammer, Mjolnir, but what did it all mean at this point? Nothing. He was nothing without it. His younger brother tried to reason with him but his cool words only fed the raging fire before him. He quickly turned to face the golden figure that was quickly approaching them, their father.
'What is it, my sons,' the Odin King stopped only a few paces away. 'What urgent matters do you speak of?'
'It's gone,' Thor hit the hall and turned around. 'Mjolnir has gone missing.'
'Please say you are playing a joke on me?'
'Would I joke about such a matter?' He was at the point of yelling. 'Do you not see it at my side? Go to the chamber of relics and see the empty pedestal.'
'Thor,' his brow wrinkled and turned to walk away. 'You have great power and for that you can wield Mjolnir with ease and confidence. You also have a strong head on your shoulders. Go find it!'
'I was supposed to ride to Jotunheim tonight,' he pursued his father down the hall. 'I was to show them their place within the realms. To show them who's truly in power. How can I without Mjolnir?'
'You will do no such thing,' he turned around to face his firstborn. 'Did it ever cross your mind that perhaps another person had taken it and it wielding it now? And maybe for destructive purposes.'
'What do you suggest I do then? Ride out to each realm and look for it myself?' He finally raised his voice. He jaw clenched as he waited for his answer.
'It's not a suggestion but an order from your king. This kingdom is not safe until it's back in our hands. Anything goes astray will be placed upon your shoulder. You are to be king of Asgard. Start acting like one.'
With those final words, he left his son with his thoughts. Out of the palace and on horseback, the Odin King traveled to the Bifrost to talk to his most loyal servant. He dismounted and walked towards the entrance to the bridge that connected to the other realms. There he stood, hands resting on the hilt of his sword, forever watching the worlds before him. Relaxed he was when the King approached. With great weight upon his shoulders, the King asked the one question he thought he would never have to ask.
'Heimdall,' he stood tall. 'Pray tell me, do you see the hammer? Do you see Mjolnir?'
'I see all,' he paused. 'But I am blind to the mighty hammer of Thor.'
