A/n Thank you to CrystalSapphiremoon for dropping a follow! Enjoy chapter one everyone!
Raija crouched in the corner of her room, eyes focused on a levitating ball. It spun slowly on a tilt, the morning light reflecting off its surface and casting a glow on the wall. A distinct blue light emitted off of it, fading out into wisps that curled outwards. She watched with fascination at what she could do. She knew it was her with certainty; for if she thought it should rise the ball rose, and if she wanted it to spin faster it did just that.
Although, she had no idea how she was doing it, just that it was happening. As far as she knew her parents could do nothing of the sort, so she began to question if she was normal.
It lasted that way until the young age of fifteen when her mother caught her hair braiding itself. And from then on she had lessons under a private tutor to help her understand her power. Frequently, Lady Frigga would stop by, as her parents had high rankings in society they were allowed luxuries like a casual visit from the Queen.
When she entered the Academy it was required that she took courses in magic. There were few others in her class, the ones who were like her. And when they graduated they had already secured work, either at the palace or somewhere in the kingdom.
Raija although, didn't pursue a career until many years later. Her father thought it would be best for her to master her magic before doing anything of the sort.
— ʀᴏᴜɢʜʟʏ 500 ʏᴇᴀʀs ʟᴀᴛᴇʀ —
She placed her feet inside her steel boots; tightened the straps making them a snug fit. The breastplate caged her chest. At first she had felt suffocated, but after getting used to it slipping on the armor was easy and gave her a sense of security. She gathered her hair together, running her fingers through it's locks searching for any snarls. Finding nothing, she smoothed down any pieces sticking up then pulled it back into a low ponytail which rested on her neck. Turning, she picked up her helmet and slid it on.
Today was her first day as a palace guard. Her mother, a war hero, had attended a dinner with someone who she'd fought with. Apparently that 'someone' was close with the King and had put in a good word for her. So now she would be working in the palace, a great honor as her mother had said.
Her blue eyes stared back at her in the mirror. They betrayed the very thing she tried to hide; she was nervous. She had visited the palace before but never had she imagined would she be working in it. The King and Lady Frigga would be there, the princes, along with other guards with years of experience. She was going to be the newbie, running around like a chicken with its head cut off.
"Raija! You will be late if you don't leave now!" Her mother's voice echoed up the stairwell and caused her to look towards the door in alarm.
"Great," She muttered.
With one last glare at herself in the mirror to steel her nerves, she ran downstairs. Once on the ground floor, Raija glanced around for her mother. Her eyes scanned the room; the white curtains were open, letting light pour in from outside, the dusty rays warmed an empty sofa. The sounds of talking in the kitchen let her know where her mom was.
"Goodbye mother!" Raija called out. At her words, Freydís Gudurndottor, rushed out to bid farewell.
Freydís, already knowing she was on the verge of being late, enveloped her in a hug. Freydis' frizzy graying red hair tickled Raija's face, causing her nose to wriggle in discomfort. They pulled apart and a strong hand gripped her shoulder. She looked down at her with smiling eyes, "Your father would be proud of you, as I am. Now go on."
Raija gave a nod. "I'll see you later!" She then waved goodbye and headed out the door.
Her pace which had begun as a fast walk, grew into a sprint. She weaved in and out of citizens going about their day, almost falling as she turned the corner too fast and ran into someone.
After going through the gates, she finally entered the palace grounds. The one who was to be showing her around was supposed to be waiting for her at the entrance. Aside from the occasional servant, the area was empty.
"Brother you can't–"
"Can't what? Those monsters hurt my friend so it's only logical we retaliate."
Her eyes widened in panic for she recognized those voices, they belonged to the princes — whom she was definitely not ready to face yet in her untrained state. Frantically she looked around for something to hide behind. Sadly since she was on a walkway there was nothing near. So instead, she stiffened acting like she was standing vigil as the two brothers passed by.
Prince Loki threw himself in front of his older brother, an irritated look on his face. "It would be logical to wait until Father tells us how to advance."
"Why should I have to wait to hear what Father says? The attackers are getting further away right now! We're wasting time!"
"You should listen to him because he is our father." Loki put simply. "And if you insist on going on your pointless revenge–"
Thor cut him off, pointing a finger threateningly, "My revenge is not pointless."
"–then I want no part of it. When Father hears of this, you'll be the only one receiving his rage."
Thor snapped around. "Fine."
"Fine."
The heated conversation ended and Thor went stalking out of the palace grounds, heading towards the Bifrost. Loki hadn't moved, watching his brother's figure growing smaller in the distance. He exhaled heavily, turning around, and began to walk; his strides were long and hurried. As he passed her their eyes met, only for a second but the look inside them made her shiver.
It was an icy look, a resentment festered there,
Raija diverted her gaze, looking towards the Bifrost. Once Loki had left, she exhaled the breath she'd been holding in. Since the person who was supposed to show her around wasn't here yet, she decided to wait on the palace steps until they found her.
Ten minutes later a burly man approached, he showed her around and told her how things worked. Before the day was over she asked him why he had been late that morning. To which he replied, "I was on time, you were early."
— ʀᴏᴜɢʜʟʏ 500 ʏᴇᴀʀs ʟᴀᴛᴇʀ [ᴘʀᴇsᴇɴᴛ ᴅᴀʏ] —
Raija stood in a hallway, the distant sounds of trumpets reached her ears letting her know the coronation had begun. She sighed, letting herself relax as she leaned against the wall. How she wished she could be there, but instead she was stuck outside the vault. Deep within the palace, one of the most boring jobs for nothing ever happens. A pair of sentries passed by, she stood to attention, watching them as they made their rounds, entering the vault and leaving her line of sight.
Once again she relaxed, leaning her head back so it hit the wall.
The ground suddenly vibrated and a roar filled the air, three pulses followed.
Alarm filled her at the wild thought that someone had somehow infiltrated the Vault. With a hand resting on her sword, she rushed forward to heave open the door.
Cautiously she entered, examining the Vault with hesitant blue eyes. A cold feeling washed over her and she momentarily froze, taking in the motionless bodies of the two sentries. She rushed over to the closest one, flipping him over, and recoiled when she saw he was covered in frost.
In a daze, her hands hovered over his skin. She murmured, "Frost Giants,"
"What happened?" Odin's sharp voice caused her to flip her head. She stood and straightened herself.
The prospect of the King's rage was enough to make her both embarrassed and fearful to admit that she was not in the room when it happened; she'd been slacking off to be precise. Still, she said, "I did not see what occurred here. Only that the two sentries that came in appeared to have been killed by–"
"Jotuns, yes." Prince Thor cut her off. Her eyes flickered over to the Prince, or if the coronation went as planned his title would be King, as he stared at his father in annoyance. He ran his eyes around the room once before turning on the man again this time in rage. "They must pay for what they've done!"
In a neutral voice, the King responded, "They have paid with their lives. The Destroyer did its work. The Casket is safe and all is well." The Casket was a term she'd known from mentions around the palace, it was something Asgard had taken from the Jotun's at the end of the last war. Such a broad attempt to steal it back — and on the Prince's coronation day no less — worried her that this might be the beginning of something unpleasant.
Thor scoffed. "All is well? They broke into the weapons vault. If the Frost Giants had stolen even one of these relics–"
"But they didn't." Odin cut his son off, his tone now annoyed.
Thor continued his banter, "Well I want to know why!" His shout left the room in an uncomfortable silence. Raija cast her eyes towards the floor, away from staring into the back of Thor's head.
"I have a truce with Laufey, King of the Jotuns."
"He just broke your truce!" Thor exclaimed, causing her mouth to drift open in surprise. She knew how the Prince could be immature at times, but she never witnessed it first hand directed at the King. Out of the corner of an eye she glanced at Loki to see how he was faring. He appeared unfazed by the fighting, no doubt having experienced conversations like this many times before. His gaze suddenly slid in her direction and they met eyes. Not allowing hers to linger, she snapped her gaze over to Thor, and tuned back in to the talk.
"March into Jotunheim as you once did. Teach them a lesson." He was completely serious and that made it even worse. She tried hard to hide the incredulous expression that threatened to appear. Did he want to start another war? "If we do this they'll never dare to cross our borders again."
Odin sighed, then waved a hand at her. "Wait outside." The hold around her chest released and relief filed her. She gave a stiff nod, grateful to be away from the family drama, and marched outside. The voices only escalated after she left, making her even more thankful she'd been excused when she was. Moments after it became quiet, the doors flung open and Thor stalked out. She stumbled back, out of his way as he flounced towards the door at the far end of the room. Put off by his manner, she stared after him.
Odin and Loki followed more calmly out of the room next. Loki brushed past his father, sparing her a glance before he continued in the same direction Thor had run off to. The King however, turned to her and asked, "May I have a moment?"
Her brows drew together in confusion. Nonetheless she answered, "Of course."
They began to walk slowly forward and then Odin spoke. "I'm assured you heard the conversation between me and my son."
Raija nodded. "Yes, my King."
With a heavy sigh he began, "I believe Thor will go against my wishes and travel to Jotunheim."
Alarm stilled her and she breathed out, "Then why not stop him, sir?"
Odin smiled faintly. "He never listens to me. And besides this could be advantageous." He saw her curiosity but waved a dismissive hand. "No worries. As for you, I recall when Frigga would spend hours training you in magic. Have you kept up on it?"
Her cheeks flushed and she couldn't help the smile that crossed her face as she reminisced about her past. "Yes I have." The smile fell and she inquired, "May I ask why you want to know?"
He nodded thoughtfully. "If my hot-headed son decides to go to Jotunheim, he could use you. Protect him." Her mouth drifted open, at a loss. Odin was allowing his son to attack another realm despite knowing the consequences of it could be an all out war. Odin continued, "I know you've never fought in a battle before, so this will make for a good experience."
The choice had already been made but Odin wanted to hear she'd accepted it in her own words. She swallowed hard and tried to moisten her dry mouth. Stiffly she shook her head. "Consider it done, my King."
Odin bobbed his head, muttering to himself. "Good, good. I suggest you find Thor with haste, no doubt he's already concocted a plan for retaliation."
Raija had come up from the lower levels and hurriedly walked around the palace. A worker had directed her to a disturbance in the dining hall where she found a surprising sight.
The large table was upturned, food scattered over the floor and plates shattered to pieces. Thor sat beside his brother, the Warriors Three and Lady Sif stood nearby. They were in conversation and hadn't noticed her. Raija cleared her throat announcing her presence.
Five pairs of eyes flickered over to her but only two showed recognition. Thor guffawed. "Well now, did my father send you to be my babysitter?"
Her head inclined to the side. "Yes."
The Prince snorted. "Well go back where you came from, I can very well look after myself." Thor then stood and glanced around at his friends. "Shall we get going?"
"Won't she be a problem?" Hogun asked, his eyes scanning her. "She'll just run to Odin and alert him that we've gone."
Raija steeled herself against the irate glances being thrown in her direction. She shifted, standing taller. "I won't. I'm coming with you."
The boisterous Volstagg laughed. "This isn't yours to meddle."
She rebuffed. "With respect I am not meddling. I'm helping you."
Loki narrowed his eyes and inquired, "What could a guard of the vault have to offer us?"
Raija locked eyes with him. His steady, blue eyed gaze waited for her to divulge her secret. Looking at his composure it hit her again how different the two brothers were. She glanced at the other people inhabiting the room, then said, "I'm trained in magic. I can help defend if a fight breaks out." Mentally she added on; which no doubt it will.
The group regarded the news in silence. Lady Sif voiced, "I say bring her." The Warriors Three agreed, Loki eyed his brother expectantly for he had the final word.
Thor broke out in a tight grin, his hands thrown up in the air. "The more the merrier!"
After a few moments of idle chatter, Thor announced it was time to go. The group made their way through the halls trying not to draw suspicion. They were approaching the entrance hall when Loki slipped back to pace himself beside Raija.
Casually, he inclined his head to whisper, "Does my father know we're going to Jotunheim?"
Raija cocked her head, wondering if she should answer. If she told the Prince he might decide to tell the group and perhaps the expedition to Jotunheim would be cancelled. While as if she denied him an answer he might not allow her to go with them at all; she would fail a direct order from the King and that was the more fearful outcome.
She inhaled deeply and the answer slowly rolled off her tongue. "Yes."
Loki's jaw clenched. He then gradually increased his pace until he was walking closer to the group ahead. She watched him warily to see if he would tell anyone but he remained silent.
They acquired horses and rode across the Bifröst. Heimdall stopped them yet it was revealed he was allowing them passage for he wanted to know how the Frost Giants had slipped by his all-seeing eyes. Thus, the Princes Thor and Loki; the Warriors Three; Lady Sif; and Raija all arrived on Jotunheim shortly after.
Swirling through the bridge, a strong wave of vertigo overwhelmed Raija. It was the first time she'd traveled via Bifröst and her stomach found it strongly discomforting. The blur abruptly disappeared and hard ground planted itself beneath her feet. A hand drifted to her head and unable to keep her balance she crouched close to the icy floor. Bile rose in her throat and for a moment she thought she would puke. Instead, she clenched her jaw and kept her breathing even.
She wouldn't lose her dignity in front of these people.
Standing, she saw Thor, Volstagg, Sif and Hogun were engaged in conversation. Loki stood silently off to the side. Fandral appeared to be multitasking between listening to the group's conversation and adjusting his clothing.
Fandral and Raija's eyes met and his lips quirked. "It does get easier." She gave a half smile, saying nothing.
Her attention snapped over to Thor as he turned away from the group. He said, "Let's move."
They navigated down a gentle slope, through the darkening environs of Jotunheim. Unstable blackish ice sculptures towered over them, sounds of pieces of it crumbling to the earth echoed in their ears. No one spoke. Thor pushed on with a fierce determination that outweighed anyone else's. In Raija's mind there was the unfamiliarity from the bitter wind, a tension that aroused a desire to use her magic and surround everyone in a bubble of safety.
They arrived in a clearing, the frozen earth was cracked and uneven; if possible the air was colder. Surrounding them were signs of civilization. To their sides were structures embedded in the winter earth, frosted over with multiple layers of ice and packed snow. In front of the group was a stairwell winding into a wall leading to a massive tower.
The silence and blatant lack of Jotuns was unsettling. Raija's hand moved to rest on the hilt of her sword, she swept her blue eyes over the wasteland searching for signs of life.
Sif spoke up sounding on edge. "Where are they?"
Thor responded, "Hiding, as cowards always do."
A deep, resonating voice broke the quiet. "You've come a long way to die, Asgardians." Raija started, jerking the sword from its sheath the slightest.
"I am Thor Odinson," Thor declared.
"We know who you are." The same raspy, voice echoed in reply.
"How did your people get into Asgard?"
There was a pregnant pause. Then, "The House of Odin is full of traitors."
In spitting rage Thor paced forward, shouting toward the voice, "Do not dishonor my father's name with your lies!"
In the shadows in front of them, a figure abruptly stood. Judging from where they placed themselves above the other Jotuns, Raija guessed this was Laufey, the King.
Laufey matched Thor's acidity when he spoke, "Your father is a murderer and a thief! And why have you come here? To make peace? You long for battle, you crave it." The voice fell to the back of Raija's mind as she slid her eyes around the clearing, noticing shapes melting out of the darkness and surrounding them.
Her hand tightened around her sword, a knot of unease twisting inside her gut. She had never fought in real combat before. Raija recalled her mother's war stories about how she had gallantly rode into battle with confidence and valor slaying multitudes of the Jotun and Raija had hoped her own first fight would be something like that. Yet now Raija stood grasping the hilt of her weapon, palms sweaty and bordering on nauseous. She didn't know if she could do it.
Raija came back to reality to see the Jotuns forming weapons and realized she didn't have a choice. She was about to draw her sword when Laufey spoke.
"You know not what your actions would unleash. I do. Go now, while I still allow it."
Raija pursed her lips, exhaling heavily. There was still a chance they could leave without any altercation.
Laufey walked forward from where he'd been speaking from the shadows with slow, purposeful steps until he stood before Thor and Loki. Raija watched from behind the pair, alarm bells ringing inside her mind.
Loki suddenly spoke in a controlled voice. "We will accept your most gracious offer."
The brothers glanced at each other, Thor not budging for a solid moment. Loki turned to leave when begrudgingly Thor went to follow, a scowl on his face. Relief blossomed within like a flourishing flower and Raija met eyes with Lady Sif, flashing a quick smile.
There would be no war. She wouldn't have to fight; that would be for another day.
A gravelly voice called from the shadows, taunting the retreating Prince, "Run back home, little princess."
There was a pause, and within that moment Thor chuckled; Loki swore; a thrill of panic surged through Raija; the Warriors Three and Lady Sif had a mix of exasperation and a reaction similar to enjoyment for they were anticipating the fight.
Thor flew his hammer back and collided it with the Jotun, commencing the battle.
The Jotuns surrounded each fighter in a swarm, whenever one would be knocked down another would appear to replace it. Raija faced her first opponent at unease, her sword raised to combat his weapon of ice. The Jotun gave a guttural roar and charged, swinging his weapon down from above his head. Her body moved on it's own, the decades of training reacting to the threat before her.
Blade met blade, the force of hers shattering the ice in half. The Jotun made to kick her off-balance, but she used her magic to create a shield in which his foot collided with and sent him stumbling back.
Out of the corner of her eye Raija caught sight of another Jotun charging at her. She sidestepped and as they passed she sliced at their stomach with her sword, causing them to collapse in pain.
The first Jotun had gathered his bearings and formed another ice sword. Raija and the Jotun regarded each other for a moment before exchanging swords, ending with her blade piercing his chest.
She yanked her blade from the body of the Jotun, pausing a moment to catch her breath. Adrenaline coursed through her and she found in the heat of the battle, she was no longer afraid. Her heart pounded like a wild stallion in her chest and she found it exhilarating.
Her eyes scanned the fighting. Thor was doing fine — thankfully, or Odin would have her head. The Warriors Three and Lady Sif were also alright. And then Raija's gaze landed on Loki who was cornered to a cliff, Jotuns charging at him.
Immediately her hands raised and she placed a shield between him and the danger. The Jotuns skidded to a stop, curiously looking at the boundary separating them and their prey. To Raija's and the attacking Jotun surprise, the figure of Loki suddenly flickered out of existence and another him twirled into the scene; dagger in hand, stabbing one of the Jotun's in the throat while shoving another off the cliff. Loki dealt with the remaining Jotun while it occurred to Raija — who was feeling very stupid — what Loki was trying to do.
He had been trying to set a trap.
After everything was dealt with, Loki searched the chaos until he found her. His cool gaze stared her down for a moment then he threw himself back into the fight. Raija pursed her lips in embarrassment, but followed Loki and rejoined the fight.
Everything was going as smoothly as a battle could go, until an agonized cry pierced the air.
Raija froze where she was engaged in a confrontation, her eyes snapping over to the source. Fandral had been run through by an ice formation. While she was distracted her opponent tried to impale her but she blocked and finished the fight, promptly running over to where everyone had gathered around Fandral to offer her services.
Her jumpy gaze flickered around.
Volstagg and Hogun had managed to remove Fandral from where he was impaled but it didn't look like the man could fight anymore. Sif and Loki were yelling at Thor to retreat, the kill-happy Prince paid them no mind and mowed down a row of Jotuns with his hammer.
A light ran underneath the ice catching Raija's eyes, she followed it curiously, to where it flowed into an enormous frozen sculpture. Seconds later the sculpture began cracking, shedding it's frozen blanket as whatever monstrosity inside awoke.
Volstagg's yell for everyone to run startled Raija from her thoughts and she booked it as the creature shifted out of it's home and began pursuing them.
The rush of the battle still fueling her, Raija ran across the ice along with everyone except for Thor. Ice pillars were crashing down around them, Sif had a close call when the creature's spiked tail encased her.
The sky lit up behind them and Raija risked a glance over her shoulder, only for her stomach to drop at the sight of the earth crumbling to nothing. She called out a warning, "Can we run faster?!"
Members of the group looked over their shoulders as well and they grimaced, increasing their pace.
Fandral abruptly laughed and Raija only hoped it was for something good had happened and he didn't find humor in their unfortunate situation.
The ground falling forced them to a cliff side. Volstagg shouted as they approached, "Heimdall! Open the bridge!"
For a grateful moment of stillness there was no fighting or running. The only sound was everyone panting as they caught their breaths, but everything has to come to an end.
Like a cockroach that wouldn't die, the creature was back. It's large paw slammed onto the cliff's edge, it's claws digging into the ice to pull itself up to stand looming over them on its hind legs.
At the sight of it, fear crept into her veins. It threatened to take a hold of her but she wouldn't allow it, in her mind she relived the thrill of the battle and told herself that this creature was like any other thing she would eventually have to face. Raija pushed herself in front of everyone and activated a shield.
"Stay behind me." Raija said.
A red streak shot overhead, an object shooting through the creature's head. A disgusting popping sound was heard in the air and was followed by brains exploding from the back of the creature's head, the thing subsequently fell dead to the ground.
Thor landed, a shit-eating grin on his face. He took notice of the shield — to the naked eye it was visible as a border of blue, wispy, energy — and gave Raija a thumbs up. His grin abruptly faded causing everyone to turn to see what caused his gravitas.
A hoard of Jotuns surrounded them. It seemed they would be overwhelmed as they began to close in around them but a light from above disrupted the fight. Raija turned her head toward the cloudy sky as a rainbow illumination filled the air accompanied by the whinny of a horse.
The King was caught in the glow. He rode Sleipnir and bore a suit of armor fit for battle.
Thor called up to him, "Father! We'll finish them together!"
In response the King hissed, "Silence."
Laufey rode the ice so he was of equal height to Odin. "All-Father, you look weary."
"Laufey, end this now."
"Your boy sought this out."
"You're right. And these are the actions of a boy, treat them as such. You and I can end this, here and now, before there's further bloodshed."
Laufey's voice was dangerously quiet. "We are beyond diplomacy now, All-Father. He'll get what he came for. War, and death."
Odin ruefully smiled. "So be it."
Raija saw as Laufey formed the ice dagger, instinctively she moved forward, alarm written across her face. Laufey went to strike when Odin roared and summoned the Bifröst.
Once again, Raija was pulled into the torrent of the rainbow bridge.