Worship of the Gods

The beautiful journey of today
can only begin when we learn to let go of yesterday.

– Steve Marboli, Unapologetically You


Chapter Thirty-Four: Into the Belly of the Beast

Ellie tantalisingly stared across Alfheim, breathing in the hibiscus wind which swept over the trees. There were no wargs in sight, nor smoke from distant fires. The realm appeared serene; at peace.

Its soul was not. Ellie gripped a branch in her hand, her knuckles turning white as the realm screamed. She felt the ground being ripped up and set alight. Great caverns were opening up and wargs clambering out of their hives.

They stalked the edge of Aesla's forest, waiting for a glimpse of the war which was coming. She wasn't sure how they knew, but they were preparing for battle.

Tears filled her eyes. The evil and malice caught hold of her spying. She almost felt the warg's scratching at her insides.

"Are you finished with your prayers?" a voice startled her. She gasped, letting go of the tree and turning up to see Thor. He had clambered up the tree, no doubt in a loud and brawling manner. Ellie was so preoccupied she hadn't heard.

"Thor," she murmured. "What's wrong?"

"Well," he said, taking a seat beside her. The branch creaked beneath them. "It's either the impending war or your lack of faith."

"I don't lack faith. I'm apologising to Him."

He raised an eyebrow, looking up at the sky. "Why?"

"I'm supposed to rest with him when I die, not an alien planet." Ellie fiddled with her torque. "I doubt he's impressed."

"But you might live."

She grinned. "Perhaps."

"Don't you believe so?"

Their eyes met. "I'm not sure. I don't think so."

"I thought you'd be more upset about dying. You're very calm."

With a wordless shrug, she sat straighter and closed her eyes. A long exhale left her lips. "The Queen said I was an absolute rose. I could become one now."

Another creak groaned out of the tree. Thor lifted his legs to cross them over one another. "My brother is angry at you."

"I guessed."

"Was it the shouting? Or the magic he used to drain the pond dry?"

Ellie laughed loudly, remembering the events after her kiss with the queen. "Both. Why is he angry? I've hardly given up. I won't be in my body when I die."

"When Aesir die, we join Valhalla. We still have our souls. You'll be trapped here, Ellie." His voice became very soft, dropping to a saddened murmur. She cracked an eye open. "And not even in your kingdom with your grandfather; you'll be in the ground. Forever."

"I might not die, though," she edged. "Even if I did, you could visit, and I'd be compost for a beautiful flower."

His features tightened. The visible pain created an itch inside of Ellie. She closed her eyes again and held her face up to the sun. There was a heartbeat of silence.

"What are you saying in your prayer?" Thor asked.

"Want me to say it out loud?" she asked, looking at him again. "Okay. I'm saying: Heavenly Father, who art in the Kingdom of Heaven, grant me forgiveness.

My body belongs to you regardless of time and space. It is yours to use as you please, whether it be disintegration or everlasting existence. Forgive me for resting my body in the unholy land but grant me with enough love to make it so.

For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory. Amen." She held her fingers to her lips, squeezing her eyes together. A hot tear burned her lashes.

"Your language is very beautiful," Thor said. "I know I have been ignorant to your world and words… Gods. I fear you choosing this afterlife has made me weak." There was a hint of amusement in his voice. Ellie opened her eyes and pushed his arm.

"You already were," she teased. "You're just a softie with the muscle mass of a mountain."

"Perhaps."

A sonic boom exploded behind them, blasting white light across the forest. Ellie's hair whipped in front of her. She clung to the branch and watched the Bifrost fill the realm with magic. Thor laughed loudly. Through the blast, they watched shadows zooming down and onto the woodland floor.

Hundreds of them thundered below. Ellie could hear their chatter through the high-pitched wail of the portal.

Her green protective leggings were adept to the agility of her climb as were her boots. She swung her legs over the branch and began to slip down the tree. She came to sit on the largest branch, meters from the ground as Ljósálfar's soldiers marched out of holes in the ground.

There wore shining lilac armour, embezzled with gold. Their thin capes reflected the sunlight into Ellie's eyes.

She squinted as she found Loki. He was leaning against the base of the tree, chewing a plume of berries. He studied one in his hand and threw it into the air. As he opened his mouth to catch it, his gaze caught sight of Ellie. The berry fell to the ground. He clenched his teeth visibly and stormed out of sight.

Half of Ellie despised how she hurt him and Thor. However, the larger half felt justified and proud of her choice. She wasn't free in her destiny, but the tiny decisions were hers to own.

She leapt to the ground. Thor followed loudly, making the ground shake. The Bifrost stopped a moment later and they were met with the boisterous storm of soldiers. They were led by several captains. Few Ellie recognised: Tyr and Skurge. A smile grew on her face.

"Sir," she said, hurrying toward him. "I hate to admit that I missed that malicious face of yours."

A wry grin grew on his face. From the tattoos, freshly shaved head and stout build, he was mostly the same. A single braid grew out of the back of his head with a dozen beads clamped on it. "You may have made it out of training, but I'm still in charge here."

"Of course, sir," she bowed. Her hair fell forward, revealing her ears. If he was shocked, he didn't show it.

"This is yours," he said gruffly and revealed an ugly pouch from his cloak. Ellie took it with a grimace, turning it over. She gasped, suddenly sensing the Alkar's power. Her eyes snapped to Tyr's. "It's safer in that thing. Escapes the wandering eye of spies," he said. "Put it away."

Ellie hastily shoved it inside of her tunic, feeling its warmth against her heart.

"When we return it to the rest, I wouldn't hold it so close," he said. "Rumour has it, it can drive a man insane."

"The rest. Of course." Ellie acknowledged the list of tasks to complete before returning it completely. The Alkar stone was merely a chip off the real heart of Alfheim. It wouldn't be so easy to stash it next to her rib when it was complete. "How was the journey?"

"Pain in the arse. Half of my soldiers won't stop yapping about you."

"Why?"

"They like to claim they trained with you. It's a bit of a competition." He shook his head, shooting a look at the stream of soldiers embarking on the journey out of Aesla's kingdom. "Pissing annoying." In the crowd, they caught sight of several true storytellers: Malai, Naeva and Gustav were beside one another with their heads held high. Close-by, Lounn stumbled. He was too distracted by the beauty of the forest.

"Head up, fool!" Tyr suddenly cried.

Lounn jumped, his cheeks flushing red. When he spotted Ellie, he smiled and waved his long spear. The armour, which would've once been too big, sat neatly on his bulking form. She held a hand up to him.

Tyr straightened. "Join the back. I'm on the frontline in case there's an ambush."

"Do you have directions to Lord Vali's Keep?" Ellie asked.

"Do I look unprepared," he motioned his heavy armour and shield.

Ellie shook her head quickly and swallowed. "Never sir."

"Exactly. On with the great fight." He bowed momentarily and stormed towards the conjoining armies. Ellie turned and caught sight of Queen Aesla and the princes. They were bidding one another goodbye.

With an apprehensive lump in her throat, Ellie stood beside Loki. He radiated annoyance, barely shooting a glance at her.

"This is farewell," little elf," Aesla said to her. "My gift for you Ellie is the heart of fae." Aesla eyes fluttered angelically across her face, before unfolding a silk package. It was a necklace made of white gold with a glowing lilac pendant. Ellie lowered her head as she pushed the jewellery over her. It came to rest in the valley of her breasts, vibrating like a hummingbird's heartbeat. "And the final craftsmanship of Aoife – a historical king who blessed the stone beneath our forest – Hrunting's sword."

Out of Aesla's cape came a sword of glistening white. Its hilt was black stone with a pommel of purple crystal. It felt smooth in her hands. Turning it thrice, she stared and smiled at the queen. "Thank you," she said softly. The fae touched her cheek. Ellie knew the gesture meant: you will return to us.

She swallowed and stepped out of the way. Loki and Thor Odinson came forward and bowed. The queen beckoned a servant who rushed up to them and revealed an axe and two daggers from beneath a stretch of fabric.

"The Axe of Forseti," she said as Thor picked it up. His eyes shimmered with delight. "It calls for war and will work with you as its master." She looked at Loki and nodded for him to take the two knives.

"Your father took place in fighting for Alfheim after the Alkar was lost. He used the Sword of Angurvadal which was cracked in battle." Loki turned the daggers in his hands, his eyes drifting over the sharp tip. "We used the blade to forge the Daggers of Angurvadal."

"Thank you, Queen Aesla," he said. Thor bowed, thanking her deeply. They turned to the marching army strutting past them. Aesir were intertwined with fae and elf. In their mismatching uniform, it was a startling display of unity towards Lord Vali's city.

The final soldiers passed their farewell gathering. Skurge was barking orders alongside several other captains. The Warriors Three appeared with waving hands and smirks. Ellie took out the Alkar's pouch and clutched it tightly.

"Blessings to you," Loki continued as he sheathed his daggers. "We must join our kin and restore peace to your realm."

"Indeed, little god," Aesla bowed, her silver hair trailed the ground at their feet. "Perhaps we shall meet again."

"Thank you," Ellie said. "For everything. I will save your realm." The Queen pressed a kiss to her forehead. Her full lips lingered on the skin and hovered close to Ellie's ear. She expected her to ask her to stay with her, but she was silent and only smiled when they parted.

The Queen of Deceit didn't have to trick Ellie into staying, she already held the promise on the tip of her tongue.

Ellie trailed after the princes with the bounce of her weapon at her side. Hrimeer and Aetri were just ahead, bellowing orders to the fae.

The marching cleared a path through the woods. Beneath their boots, the lush ground was a muddy mess. The ruin mirrored how Ellie felt inside. Now that Thor was beside his brother, both were ignoring her completely. They walked in silence.

Arguably, they could've been listening for a bannerman sounding a horn of attack. However, it was clear the princes were disturbed by her agreement with the fae.

"Loki," she started. "I didn't sign a death sentence." He held a hand up to silence her and stared ahead. Ellie closed her mouth, unable to handle Thor's rejection as well. She resorted to holding the pendant from her neck and studying it intensely.


"Bloody fae nearly had my name," Gustav complained as he took a seat beside Ellie. "Did you see that? Just asked what is was. The cheek of it. Don't they know who I am?"

"A buffoon," Malai snarked.

Naeva chewed a berry and the juice was turning her lips purple. "They only trick people they think are weak-minded."

"That's not true," she said. "They try anyone."

"Oh, so you mean they've tried you and I've hurt your feelings?"

"I didn't mean anything."

"But you admit they've tried to trick you. What was it?"

As they stood in a huddle, the rest of the soldiers recalibrating and sorting through supplies before the final push out of the forest, they chatted idly. It took a while to find one another, but it was a joyous reunion. Ellie grinned, watching their exchange. "They tried to take my name," she said.

"Ah," Gustav laughed, pointing a knife at her. "See? Are you calling elvish royalty weak-minded?"

Malai scoffed. "Royalty? I saw you fall on your ass a dozen times. That's hardly royal."

"Watch it," Lounn edged. "She'll call for the guillotine any moment." Ellie shoved him and frowned. She couldn't imagine resorting to such medieval methods.

Gustav leaned towards Malai. "Go on. What did the fae trick you for?"

There was a heartbeat of apprehension. Malai's face twisted with discontent. "I'm not saying… I won't… I mean, uh…"

Their small group edged together, smiling and suppressing their giggles. Malai was hardfaced and cruel sometimes, but they seemed to be reaching an impasse. With a small explosion of frustration, she groaned and threw her hands down. "Fine! They asked for my name. I gave it… to her."

All of their mouths dropped. Ellie's hand shot to her lips. "Mal," she said. "Who was it?"

She pointed to someone behind her. It was an eccentrically tall fae woman. Her angelic beauty was hypnotising and as if sensing their stares, she turned and met them with a smirk. Malai groaned and shook her middle finger at her. In return, she blew her a kiss.

"Isn't that assault?" Ellie asked.

Malai shook her head. "I could allow her to keep her trick or challenge it."

"Why didn't you? You're one of the strongest fighters I know."

A blush appeared on Malai's cheeks. "I didn't quite mind how my name sounded when she said it."

Tyr blew through a cattle horn. It screeched through the forest and called for their stations to be reassembled. As Ellie straightened, she joined in with her band of warriors as they laughed at Malai. She threatened to punch Gustav and shot a menacing growl at the rest of them.

Ellie thought deeply about how her name sounded on their tongues. Her mind wandered to Loki, who managed to articulate it with such regality that it sent a shiver up her spine. Even as a memory. She filled with warmth.

In desperation, she turned on her heel and abandoned her friends. She marched to the back of the force until she found him in conversation with his brother.

"Can I talk to you?" she demanded, startling both of them. Their lips were stained red from fruit. It would've been humorous, but her annoyance ruined it. "Alone?"

"How alone can one be in the middle of a war?" he said, raising a bemused eyebrow.

She scrunched her face and stormed past him. He, to her gratefulness, stopped until they were a short distance from the soldiers. There was a momentary silence.

"Why are you so angry at me for making a deal with the fae?" she hissed. "It's my decision. They wanted my body if I died. And I might not die."

"And what if you do?" he said venomously. "What if you die? You wouldn't be mourned over on Asgard. You'll be fucking compost for the tricksters."

"It's just a body, Loki."

"It's not just a body. It's yours. You have no idea what it means – what it will do to the people who want to mourn you."

"And since when were you so righteous about me, Loki?" Her voice trembled with anger. "You treated me like shit until you found out I wasn't just some lousy human."

"Don't," he snapped. "This is about you deciding when you're fit to die."

"But I might not," she said. "I might not die. I've trained enough. With you – and Tyr – and your mother?"

"It's not enough," he burst, coming to a stop. "It won't be enough."

Ellie stilled in shock, staring at him as a man unbecoming. "This is why it's better if God can't answer back."

"So, you can be indulged in your own delusions?"

"Exactly. I can be selfish. I have every right to make my own choices and I chose to give the fae my body when I die."

"And death is such an easy concept for you now?" he spat.

"How did you guess?" They were painfully close, their chests only inches apart as they breathed heavily and angrily. Loki was holding back what he truly wanted to say, and it made Ellie want to scream. He would've enjoyed her begging, but she suppressed the urge and clenched her fist.

Could it be that Loki had come to care for her since they'd met? A grimace of shame swept over her features. She blinked quickly, remembering Aelsa's kiss and the swiftness of their exchange. "You know, she tasted of honey," she said quietly. "It was sweet."

Loki's lip curled up in disgust. "Why did you do this?"

"I don't know," she admitted. When she looked up, Loki's eyes were shimmering with blue and green. The brightness of them was as intoxicating as Aesla's pond. She stared into them, begging him silently to say her name. That was all she wanted. If he said her name, she would feel better and the turmoil would desist.

Instead, she said his name. It slipped from her lips accidentally. A forbidden prayer. His revulsion disappeared and was replaced by confusion.

"We're under attack!" Tyr's shrill voice screamed.


comments:

SenSen-Chan: Thank you so much for commenting so fast! They always make my day. Here's another chapter I hope you enjoy:)

vivienneflwr: thank you for all of your comments! I'm glad you found this enjoyable enough to read again!