"It's good to see you once more, Lady Vanya," Heimdall, guardian of the Bifrost, said as he bowed low to the new arrival.

As she stepped from the bright light of the Bifrost, her appearance glimmered, coating her in the aura of a noble. Her gown was pitch black and only glimmered when the light of the stars hit just right. Her bodice was fitted perfectly in the material, but down her hips it cascaded in turrets of darkness. Her arms were encased in sheer layers of the same material, but belled out from the off-shoulder hemline. In the daylight, it was contrasting to its surroundings, but at night it would've mirrored the beauty of the night sky.

"Oh, it's good to be home finally. Three hundred years is much too long. How are you, Heimdall?" she asked as she stepped up to the large man. Her eyes were swirls of deep purples and blues like the galaxies that surrounded his observatory. As his golden suns met her starry galaxies, Heimdall's senses were heightened. He didn't need to answer her with words. His gaze was all she needed to know the answer to her question. Her entrance into his mind was quiet and welcomed, but he had to tear away when everything became overwhelming.

"Hopefully the two princes are settled now. But I'm glad to see all other matters are well for you. I've been well myself, since you were wondering. Vanaheim was beautiful and served me well. But we can discuss all this another time. I am home now, friend. Please show me where my brothers are." She answered all of his unasked questions that swam in his mind.

"They are at the palace in your family's wing," Heimdall informed her with a small bow.

"Do not bow for me," she said as she placed a kind hand on his shoulder. "You are my friend and need not lend the knee." She left him and walked the rainbow bridge to the home of her brothers.

The gold of Asgard was breathtaking to see after centuries away in another world. Although Vanaheim had its natural beauties of cascades, mountains, and trees, it was strikingly different from the beauty of Asgard. She smiled at the few that caught her gaze and returned a small bow to those that remembered her from centuries ago.

Her family was old, powerful, and were favourites of Odin. The house of Idharin was always housed in the palace of the All-Father. Through wars, conquests, and threats, their family protected the crown and its treasures. There were the guards, of course, but none had the trust that her family had. What made them special was the one thing that kept them in such close favour.

The house of Idharin was a family of trained assassins and protectors. Idharin himself had spent many of his years refining his craft and teaching his children. When the millenniums had caught up with him, he was forced to advise the throne and oversee his children carry on his legacy: Aranhil, Thalion, and Vanya.

In their youth, the children trained, fought, and played alongside each other and other members of the elite palace dwellers. But as time passed them, the three children surpassed the skills of their tutors long before they hit the prime of their youth. The Valkyrior had set eyes on Vanya at an early age, but their interest in her dropped when Idharin had confronted them about taking his daughter from their family honour.

She was the family jewel in a family of glittering gems. Where her brothers were tall, blond, and had eyes of deep sapphire, she was petite, midnight haired, and eyes of the galaxies around them. One of her brothers was broad and strong while the other one was lithe and agile; she was quick, strong, and graceful. She was everything her mother was. But differing from them all, she had magic beyond the family's. At a young age she would often run away to hide in the palace's library, reading about the universe's history, its wonders, and magic. She had the natural gift and her parents were not going to stop their child from using a power that would aid the most.

If she couldn't impress with her skills, her looks would do the trick. Her face was elegant and strong, even as a child. She had a fire in her eyes and calmness to her features. Her brothers were just as handsome, but no eyes could divert from Vanya, daughter of Idharin and Lothiriel. And if you managed to look away from her, her words would recapture you under her spell. But just as she was becoming of age to enter court, she disappeared. Sensing their end, Idharin and Lothiriel sent their only daughter to the world of the old gods and magic. That was where she trained, only seen by her brothers and the eyes of Heimdall when she allowed it.

Reaching the doors of the palace, the guards stopped her with the crossing of their spears and defensive position of shield. "Announce yourself!" one guard demanded.

With her back straight and her head held high, she smirked. "I am Lady Vanya of House Idharin. I am here to see my brothers."

At the mention of her name, their lightened eyes grew wide and their positions bent till they were on one knee. "Pardon us, my lady."

The gates opened for her and she strode in with purpose, the lighter layer of her gown trailing behind her in its own wind. There was no one around as Vanya walked the steps she remembered to where she was needed to go. She did not stop to gather the sights of paintings or architecture. She only had one intention.

Two large doors were closed to her and she knew this was where she had to be. Holding her palm up to the centre of the two doors, they opened up to allow her passage into the All-Father's hall. In his large, golden throne, Odin sat with his chin on a fist. Gungnir leaned against an arm, at rest and not needed by its commander. The opening of the doors that were to have remained closed alerted the All-Father and a crease of anger centered his brow. But as his aged eyes focused on what was walking before him, his face smoothed into a smile. "Vanya," he let out lowly with his breath. His old knees struggled but managed to raise him to his full height. A soft smile graced his lips as he held his arms open wide for the girl he treated like a daughter.

"All-Father," Vanya said as she bowed at the bottom step to her king. She stayed in her lowered position until the hem of his golden robe was in her sights.

"You need not bow to me, Vanya," he said as he placed his hand in front of her to ease her posture.

Gently, she accepted his outstretched hand and stood to her full height. "You are my king, All-Father," she stated with a genuine, soft smile. "And when I had reached the age to speak, I had vowed to always be at your service. I will always bow."

Odin's smile grew at her words. "Then be that only in public. In private I am just another Aesir who watched over you. I have seen you since you were a babe and treated you as if you were one of my own." His large, calloused hand rested against her cheek. "You may have vowed to be at my service, but I had vowed to your parents that you will be treated like family."

At his words, Vanya quickly jumped up to embrace the old king. A small chuckle escaped him when her weight was placed around his shoulders. He held her tight, like the last day she walked the Rainbow Bridge to Vanaheim. "Welcome home, my child."

Stepping away from her king, a smile that was infectious took over her ageless face. "It's good to be home. Where is everyone?"

Her question was simple, but the past took over Odin's mind. Vanya searched his mind through his one eye and saw the pain of the death of the woman he loved. She was not there for it and the memory made remorse tug at her stomach. She wasn't there for Thor's banishment, for Loki's rebellion and recklessness, nor for the death of the woman that acted as her second mother. The loss and years weakened him and he kept her brothers away, having them focus on his two sons. He was alone, and she should've been there.

With watering eyes, she softly hugged the All-Father once more. "I'm sorry," she softly stated as a lone tear escaped her choked back emotions.

Odin's despair dissipated at her simple statement. "Do not be sorry, my child. What had come to pass was not your fault or responsibility. Do not blame yourself for what you cannot control. Wipe your tears. Let us find your brothers."

Taking his arm, his golden robe clashed against the dark arms of her dress but blended with the paleness of her skin. The pair toured the halls until they came upon the arena that was used for sparring by the members of the royal family and their guests. The sound of clashing metal and deep grunts resonated from the door until they had become deafening upon their entrance.

Odin's entrance halted all the activity. All four men on the sparring grounds bowed their heads quickly before looking up at their All-Father.

"My sons, sons of Idharin – look who has returned," Odin announced as he had Vanya step forward towards her brothers.

"Hello brothers, my lords," she said to the two groups of brothers. The latter pair earned a small bow from her, but as she neared her brothers, she was consumed by the hug of her eldest brother, Aranhil.

"By the gods, we've missed you," he said into her dark hair.

"I've missed you too, brother," she said as she took in his sweaty scent. Her brothers were all a head or so taller than her and their embraces consumed her petite frame. After two enveloping holds, she was left open to greet the sons of Odin.

Remembering her manners, she bowed deeply to the two princes. "Pardon my intrusion on your activities, my lords." Over top her head, her brothers smirked amongst themselves at her behaviour. They hadn't bowed to the brothers in their private company in centuries, but yet here's their sister doing her civic duty to the royals.

Both Thor and Loki were still in shock seeing the beauty before them bow perfectly to them. She stayed perfectly still in her position and they were amazed at her perfect posture and appearance. They both forgot about the almighty figure that was their father until the soft echo of Gungnir sounded around them.

"Your interruption is never intrusive, Lady Vanya," Thor started. "It is good to see you are well after all this time on Vanaheim."

"Like your brothers," Loki continued. "You are most welcome in our home, for it is your home too." 'Mother would've loved to see you back,' Loki thought to himself.

The dark prince's thoughts cut through Vanya and it took much of her strength to keep the shame deep in her heart and away from his calculative gaze. "Thank you, my lords, for allowing me to stay with my brothers. All-Father," she started as she turned back to the oldest man in the room. "Allow me to remake my vows to the crown. I believe my absence requires such actions."

Odin nodded and smiled. "Tomorrow night you may repeat your vows if it settles you. But until the sun starts its journey past the horizon, you are to rest in your room. It remains where you last remember it." He knew she hadn't forgotten, but Odin offered her escort to the rooms she grew up in as a child of the palace.

Far into the palace where the sun last says 'goodbye' were the rooms for Idharin's children. Odin chose it for them for they were all born in the night with the sun just rising or setting at their first cries. They had the entire hall to themselves. Servants only came once a day or when beckoned. Only welcomed guests walked this far into the palace, let alone their wing. Guards only glanced down the hall to ensure its peace yet otherwise remained far away from their portion of the palace. Just beyond the hall's reach was a private garden that was once under Lothiriel's care, but has since been passed down to her sons and daughter. Although the All-Father could always stroll down without permission, he never did in respect to the children of his late best friend, protector, and advisor.

Vanya had the furthest room down the hall. Her chambers, like her brothers, were large but not larger than the royal bedchambers. If she chose to, she never had to leave her room. Her bed was large, but not large enough to take over the entirety of the main space. A fire pit was placed in the centre of the room, encircled by couches and benches, singular seating, and a window bench. Tall shelves of books surrounded the walls and filled the immediate distance in front of it with the scent of old paper. Where there wasn't fine architecture, there were doors; one leading to a large room that was her closet of dresses, robes, sleepwear, armour, and other fabric creations, and the other door leading to her large bathroom. But the large window that opened to the moon and the stars were able to draw anyone's attention away from the vast room.

If the materials didn't suit Vanya, the architecture did. Although it was done in the palace gold, the intricacy sculpted in was breathtaking. Nature motifs were subtly etched in with the knots and symbols. Runes of protection and other various charms were hidden amongst the detail that Vanya still hadn't found them all. Nothing had changed since she had left years ago.

Odin watched as the girl's eyes lit up with a happiness he hadn't seen since her mother. Although her looks differed much from most of her family, their spirits were intertwined within her. His one good eye misted with tears of memories with the sight of the young girl in front of him.

"Rest now, Vanya," Odin softly commanded. "I will have a guard send for you when it is time to publicly retake your vows as the daughter of Idharin and Lothiriel." The All-Father beckoned even her brothers to follow him and to leave her with her mind. The lasting look his sons left with did not go unnoticed by him as he shut the doors behind their presence.

She didn't need the rest. Despite how much practice she was put on Vanaheim, she was always well-rested. The sun and moon were different there. The two sky hangings rejuvenated the inhabitants and beauties of the realm. Her magic was different there as well. It flowed freely from her body to the earth and the air. Nothing stopped the magic blending with each other. The gods of Vanaheim taught her lessons she never thought she could learn. Magic of time was bestowed upon her. The Norns of Fate granted her access to what they could see.

On Asgard, magic was rare and never cultured as much as it should've been. The All-Mother had magic, but not as much as her son, Loki did. But even his magic paled in comparison to Vanya's. For some time her and Loki partook in the same magic lessons side by side, but as time passed them, Vanya was taken apart from them to be tutored in private. With the memory of what she left behind on Asgard plaguing her mind, her starry eyes closed at her window bench and sleep won.

Odin sat in a small audience chamber with his sons and their advisors. The two sons of Idharin sat below those they advised: Aranhil below Loki and Thalion below Thor.

"I am glad to see Vanya return, but tell me, sons of Idharin, why has she chosen to return after three centuries?" He loved Vanya as much as his own flesh, but there were always suspicions with her power.

"We have seen nothing, All-Father," Aranhil spoke from his seat. "Heimdall has kept an eye on her all this time and she has only done what was expected. The Vanaheim gods taught her about magic, fighting, and diplomacy. They did not send her back themselves."

"She left on her own accord," Thalion confirmed. "Although she keeps herself guarded, even against us, she has been searching for home. News of what has come to pass here on Asgard did not fail to reach her in the other realm. We felt her heart break when news of death passed her ears."

"Is it truly hard to believe that she just wants to be home, All-Father?" Aranhil asked his king. "You were there as she grew. The darkness that's in her mind and heart matches the same darkness in the pair of us."

Odin hung his head with a sigh. "It is not hard to believe, Aranhil. We have all missed her so much that I do not want anyone's hearts to break if there was another intention behind her return."

The four younger men in front of him nodded at his statement. Vanya's brothers shared a bond that the young princes did not. They felt each other through a small magical bond. Although not gifted with much magic themselves, they understood each other's emotions without explanation.

"Why have we not asked for her return earlier? She should be beyond the years necessary to enter court," Thor rationalised.

Odin shook his head. "It was Idharin's last wish that his daughter be left to return on her own and for her to never be part of the Valkyrior."

"The Valkyrior?" Loki voiced. "The women of legend? I thought they died out ages ago."

"They did," Aranhil stated. As the eldest, he remembered the days of the Valkyrie clearer than the rest. "But the few that remained wanted to bring back their legion with her at the helm. By sending her away, he allowed the legion to diminish into nothing more than legend."

"She was not a leader then and is even further now from being one now," Thalion stated with an ounce of sadness in his words. "She was always meant to fight alone."

"Enough!" Odin shouted. "She is your sister and you will do well to remember that."

"I mean no wrong, All-Father," Thalion apologised. "I merely mean to state that with us is who she belongs with, the family that understands her and her power. But she is at her best when on her own. She is skilled in strategy, but she's a huntress not a warrior."

The All-Father nodded. "Be as you are, children. I will have the guards summon you when the time to reconvene arrives." With the order to return at his call, he left the boys to their own minds.

"Be honest now," Loki started with the two that did not share his parenthood. "What's different about her?"

Both Aranhil and Thalion looked at each other with blank stares. "She has grown up," Aranhil simply said.

A/N: Hello readers! I have had this fic for a little while, but I've been stuck in a rut with the story. I do want to finish it, but I want your help in guiding it to its end! Tell me what you want to see, what you like, and what you don't (please). I have six chapters written, but after that, it can go anywhere!

If you just want to see the story continue, that's fine too! Share that like though! Any inspiration is much inspiration right now.