Chapter 58 – Blood Mead

D265/0 ABY

In the halls of Aegir, the great, whose palace was in the far reaches of Niflheim, which was on the same plane of existence as Jotunheim. Here the great god was so busy with the brewing of mead, that he didn't bother with the happenings of the rest of the world.

"My lord", his wife Ran called up to him, as he was atleast a thousand feet taller than her.

"What is it? Speak up.", Aegir spoke in an irate tone.

"An army from Hell stands at our gates.", Ran shouted.

"Destroy them.", Aegir waved his hand dismissively.

"My lord, we can't. They have invoked guest rights.", Ran shouted.

"GUEST RIGHTS. WHO DO THEY THINK THEY ARE?", Aegir boomed.

"Just some old friends, Lord Aegir.", came the voice of Lucifer.

"You!", Aegir spoke, "But how, God imprisoned you."

"I was released from my prison.", Lucifer said.

"Why was I not informed of this?", Aegir looked at his wife.

"My lord, I did inform you.", Ran spoke.

"I understand that you have developed quite a taste for brewing excellent mead my lord.", Lucifer spoke.

"That I have.", Aegir smiled, "Fimafeng, Eldir prepare a feast." He then waved his hand and the room transformed into a large dining hall, following which they all sat down. The seating arrangement was such that they were at eye-level.

"Your hospitality is legendary as always.", Lucifer spoke to the two.

"Thank you for your kind words. Why have you brought forth an army form hell to our gates?", Ran asked, while Aegir curiously looked at him.

"To seek refuge under your care, Lord Aegir.", Lucifer chimed.

"I remember a time, when you were truly a sight to behold – the light bringer of Asgard, the right hand of God. Now, you come running into my halls with your tail between your legs while possessing the body of Baldur Odinson.", Aegir spoke, while Lucifer kept an impassive face, "I see a great many things while brewing my mead, why only yesterday – I received word from Lord Bor.", Aegir continued while Ran looked in mild surprise, but quickly recovered.

"What word did my nephew give?", Lucifer asked.

"He wanted me to turn you away. Naturally I refused – the halls of Aegir are open to all who can give me a sample of mead I have not tasted before,", Aegir answered, "and you have no mead with you. So, before I throw you out, I want to hear your reasons for coming here – Lucifer, the one who was rejected by the Light."

A calm face on the outside, but anger and rage burning inside following the words of Aegir, Lucifer spoke, "My lord – I do have a sample of mead, which I understand you have been wanting for a long time.", he then produced a vial of black liquid in his hand, "I believe they call this 'Kvasir's blood'?"

"By the Allfathers, it is true.", Aegir spoke his eyes fixed at the vial in Lucifer's hand.

"My lord…", Ran said imploringly, knowing Lucifer's intentions, "You must refuse.", she whispered in his ears. By then, servants had appeared carrying voluminous dishes filled with all sorts of food.

"My lady Ran, I bear no ill will towards my host.", Lucifer spoke in a sweet tone. Using the force, he directed the vial towards Aegir, "This is my gift to you, Lord Aegir."

"My lord.", Ran implored urgently. But Aegir snatched the vial, uncorked it and drank it one go. As he did so, Lucifer smiled nastily.

D268/0 ABY

Onboard Home One, there was an air of celebration, the Emperor and Darth Vader had been defeated at the battle of Endor three days ago, the fire of the Republic was in full force and the Empire was now completely crippled. Apart from that, the galaxy was now free from demons and monsters. During all of this, Chancellor Mon Mothma, General Leia Organa and General Hera Syndulla were currently on their way to meet King Thor, who like them had chosen to forgo the celebrations. They were accompanied by Satine Kryze, Winter Retrac and Kanan Jarrus.

As they neared the hangar bay, the group walked towards the Ghost. Entering the ship, they heard two loud voices arguing with each other in unfamiliar languages. As they entered the common area, they saw the source of the commotion, an argument between Thor and Etri, the latter was sneering at the former. Fenrir was present, trying to calm the two down, but to no avail. Etri then said something, after which both went silent and Etri looked afraid. Although he was a hologram, he started to back away, while Thor merely looked at him. He wasn't radiating power, but his body language was enough to scare a rancor. Thor then raised his arm, almost bringing his fingers together, but before he could do anything Fenrir shut off the hologram. Thor then turned to look at Fenrir, who raised his hands in a placating manner. Thor then said something to him in a deadly low voice, to which Fenrir said, "Sire, it was a good thing."

He then switched to Enochian and said, "Tia deserves tol c t. Cirp t trian blans noan doalim capimao (He deserves all of it. But it would have been a bad time)."

Thor then spoke something in Enochian, to which Fenrir bowed his head and said, "Of course."

They then turned towards the new arrivals. This display was starting to frighten Mon Mothma, she then glanced at Hera, who stepped forward and asked, "Is this a bad time?"

"Not at all.", Thor answered. He then turned towards Mon Mothma, bowing a little, "Chancellor."

Mon Mothma returned the courtesy and said, "King Thor, this is General Leia Organa, Winter Retrac – Republic Intelligence and Satine Kryze – Senator of Mandalore, she was once the ruler of her people."

Thor bowed to all of them and they returned the courtesy. "I trust that you know Prince Fenrir, my nephew."

"We do.", the two of them answered.

"I offer my sincerest condolences for the loss of your home.", Thor said to the two Alderaanians.

"Thank you, King Thor. In return, we offer our heartfelt thanks for your aid in our cause.", Leia spoke.

Thor bowed slightly at this and then looked at Mon Mothma, "Forgive any accidental rudeness Chancellor, but may I ask the reason behind this meeting?"

"We wish to form an alliance with you King Thor.", Mon Mothma answered.

"Are we not already allies?", Thor asked.

"It was never made official at the behest of General Syndulla and Commander Fenrir.", Mon Mothma answered.

"I see.", Thor answered, "What are your terms for this alliance?"

Fenrir had briefly excused himself, stepped outside of the Ghost to take a breather. As he was sat down with his back against the Ghost, he saw Satine Kryze appear.

"You look troubled.", she said.

"Yes.", Fenrir said.

"If you don't mind me asking, what was all that about?", Satine asked.

"It all started normally, with Thor trying to reason with a stubborn ill minded idiot in the hologram. It started spiralling, when said stubborn idiot refused to take ownership of his mistakes and started insulting Thor along with the rest of the family.", Fenrir spoke looking at the ground.

"Alright.", Satine said, with her eyes narrowed in confusion.

At that moment, Fenrir's commlink started to beep. "Excuse me.", he said as he answered the commlink and saw the battle worn and weary face of Queen Amaya and his aunt – Ygritte.

"Where is King Thor?", Amaya asked.

"Forming an alliance at the moment.", Fenrir answered.

"Then inform him that we have secured the fourth ring.", Ygritte said in a tense tone.

"There is something else, isn't it?", Fenrir asked.

"Lucifer and Aegir have joined forces.", Ygritte answered.

Fenrir was stunned for a moment. "I'll inform him immediately."

Heading back inside the Ghost, Fenrir and Satine found the rest of them sitting down as Mon Mothma and Thor discussed terms of the alliance, which was being recorded by Chopper. Fenrir then went over and whispered the message of Queen Amaya and Ygritte in Thor's ear.

"Chancellor, please excuse me.", Thor said standing up immediately, "An urgent matter has been brought before me."

"I understand.", Mon Mothma answered.

"If there are no objections, I would like Hera to discuss terms of the alliance on my behalf. She has my full trust and support.", Thor said.

Hera looked in surprise at this, but Mon Mothma said, "There are no objections King Thor." As he was leaving Thor gave Hera the briefest of smiles and gestured at Fenrir to follow him.