Days had passed and Astrid was trying to adjust to living with her Aunt Thyra. There was a stark difference to her aunt and mother's ways. Aunt Thyra was older than her mother, never married as she 'was married to magical endeavors', and was much more matter of fact and to the point with Astrid. She was stern with her on aspects but could be warm when the right topics were brought up. Being here only made her miss her own mother and friends more as Thyra kept Astrid to herself. Five years to Thyra were brief in what she needed to do.

Today Aunt Thyra brought Astrid to the living room and there were a lot of books. Astrid raised up her wrists but her aunt shook her head. Tove taught her to be eager in learning magic; good but not the lesson she would be learning today. Astrid knew nothing of her roots. There were things Egil and Tove tried to hide but they could no longer stay hidden.

"No magic today. You must learn about your family history. Don't know why my little sister never bothered to teach you a darn thing about it. You barely knew a thing about your family origins, disgraceful I say. Why when I was your age, I knew pretty much everything about the courtships of my parents to even my own conception! You will dabble in your history and continue to do so in your time here."

Astrid grimaced at that and she thanked her mother for never wanting her to know how she came into the world and spared that. Thyra looked at her niece a bit more carefully and could clearly see aspects of her sister. Egil's features weren't reflected at all and she knew where to start.

"Let's start with how your parents met. What do you know about their meeting?" she questioned.

"They met in the war between Vanaheim and Asgard. Mother was a healer and my father a diplomat…"

"Lies!" Thyra yelled, throwing a book at Astrid.

Astrid jumped out of the way to avoid being hit and the book opened to a page. The text lifted off the page and showed an illusion of her mother fighting with her father. Her eyes widened as she saw both her parents were ruthless and they were the farthest from love they could be. The fight was violent; her father Egil was being an animal in his strikes while her mother avoided his swords and axes. Her mother was truly magical and this battle showed just how powerful her mother had been. She quickly overpowered her father, damaging him pretty badly with her energy blasts and energy and magical based weapons. It made sense why her mother didn't teach her hot to conjure magic based weapons, it reminded Tove of her past as a fighter and she wanted to bury it. She relented in her finishing strike when he showed her a brand on his back and her face shifted from anger to shock and guilt. Her mother healed his wounds and made small talk which evolved into laughter. Thyra sighed in annoyance since she knew her sister was unhappy and this moment started it all.

"Your mother was a skilled sorceress. Do you really think she would only have wanted to heal? She did that too mind you, but she also fought. Make no mistake, with how much of a disgrace Egil was, it was an honest mistake that she mistook him for an Asgardian. Guess she wanted a false romantic narrative for you. Your mother was as strong as they came before meeting your father. In her life she's gotten so weak and it breaks my heart. I bet she barely uses her magic aside from teaching you...that my dear is a tragedy."

Astrid studied the mark on her father's shoulder. It was one she had never seen before and was curious as to its origins. It was a multitude of runes and spirals that formed an elegant t shape.

"Why was that mark enough for my mother to spare him?"

Thyra sighed.

"My sister really left you in the dark...pitiful. It's the mark of a very powerful sorcerer in Vanaheim by the name of Trygve the Swiftminded, your grandfather. He contributed a lot to the world of magic and Egil was his second born. Bit of a vain narcissist if you asked me but his name still means something to our kind. Never liked Egil and quite frankly, I agree with him on that. Never quite was at the level of magic he wanted and honestly, never saw why your mother would willingly marry him. There were others...so many others."

Astrid raised an eyebrow as a book went to her about Trygve. Illusions of his acts of heroism, diplomacy, and conquests emerged from the pages and his tales were very legendary. He was a hero in Vanaheim but he had a very unsavory reputation with ladies and dark arts. He noticed that Trygve had long rose colored hair like she did and wondered if it passed on through her father in unknown ways.

"Your father 'failed' Trygve on multiple levels, including in appearance. Egil was never the man Trygve wanted but he was a spare. Both he and his brother Frode were marked with his crest, Frode on his shoulder and Egil on his back. Trygve wanted to be sure that when the time came for his sons to court and marry, the women would know outright where they were from. He wanted his legacy to flourish and forever marked his sons and wanted them to match his greatness. Egil never seemed to despite what he's done."

It astounded Astrid just how vain her paternal grandfather was and kind of understood her father's insecurities and hatred of being compared to him and his brother must have really eaten away at him and no wonder he left to travel the other realms to find his place. She glanced at her mother's histories and it was much more modest. Her mother and Thyra grew up in this very same village, training in magic, and both their paths taking different directions. Her mother wanted glorious purpose and to be a strong sorceress with a family of her one while Thyra wanted to keep grounded and be a teacher to give back her magical talents to those who needed it. Thyra found her students to be like her children and smiled softly when Astrid was reading into hers and Tove's lives. Thyra was even a magical marvel and was a spell maker and a spell scholar, looking into old spells and runes to uncover their uses and charms. There was more to be done with magic and that made Astrid excited.

As she went over the histories, there was someone Astrid wanted to know about; the person that led Astrid to come here the first time.

"How was my Uncle Frode? I know Trygve was ambitious, skilled, vain, and kind of an awful man and father in morals...how was his first born son?"

Thyra nodded since her niece needed to know about Frode.

"Take Trygve's ambition, love of magic, and diplomacy but remove all of the womanizing and vanity you would have Frode. Truly a man of respect, loved nature, and was very much a Vanir man. He seemed to want to better himself while living up to the good of his father's name...before he was murdered he was trying the impossible of complete peace with Joutenheim. Based on how they haven't invaded us again; I say he was successful. He found the good and strengths in everyone, including his brother. He tried so hard to teach him, but most magic was beyond Egil's reach and understanding. Truly a person he was."

"Did you love him?" Astrid asked.

Thyra cackled and shook her head.

"I respected him for who he was and his magic. He and my sister were far closer than any pair of friends I've seen. I warned my sister when she first met Frode that he would challenge her...choices are there and she made wrong ones."

Astrid seemed confused as a book came to her. It opened up to an illusion recollection of the two families meeting for the first time. Her father was proud and showing off her mother to his mother and father; but things shifted a bit when her Uncle Frode came up. Astrid needed to do a double take and make sure she wasn't seeing things. Frode had soft rose colored hair that reached to his shoulders, soft honey amber eyes, a delicate nose, a lanky yet toned body, and lovely cheekbones. This freaked Astrid out slightly since...he looked more of her father in looks than her own father. Her father wasn't an ugly man, far from it, but looking at her mother's features and Frode's features….no, no she thought. Seeing the three of them, she did have her father's eyes shaped...although both men had almond shaped eyes. Both men had curls and waves then her mother's straighter hair type. Astrid's thoughts were tossing and more questions came than answers.

"Something the matter?" Thyra asked.

Astrid closed the book and shook her head.

"Maybe...I'm just a little tired." She somewhat lied.

Thyra laughed but nodded. Pieces were coming together she thought and her niece was a smart young woman, her awakening had started.

"You learned so much today that I don't blame you. Now let's brew you some tea before we take our afternoon walk. There's more you need to see and more you shall learn."

A year came and went and Astrid was adjusting well despite missing her home in Asgard. No contact with any of her family of friends there bothered her, but she knew that there was a reason for her mother and aunt's ideas. She did feel her head clearing since coming here and her magic seemed to be getting more potent. Thyra decided to have her niece to demonstrate her skills since coming here. At first she thought her aunt would have another of her students or perhaps a former student to come and spar with her essentially. When they got to a vast valley clearing and it was still only the two of them, Astrid grew concerned.

"Aunt Thyra..."

"You need to show me your skills, the best way for me to assess them is to see them first hand."

Astrid was concerned. Even with demonstrating her powers with her mother, her mother would have training dummies she conjured never herself. Thyra could see Astrid's hesitance and raised an eyebrow.

"You have sparred with magic with another person have you not?"

Astrid sighed but nodded.

"Sif's different though. She likes fighting, is a good friend, and wants to be a warrior. She would use weapons where I used magic; it's a might versus magic type thing. I never had to fight my family with magic."

What was with this girl Thyra thought; had her father really stripped Tove of aspects of their backgrounds.

"Your mother or father...which one has limited this? My sister and I often trained like that in our youth. Must be your father since Frode would win all the time in strictly magic duels."

Astrid seemed a bit taken aback that this was normal for Thyra to have these magic spars with family. Maybe she would have had them if she had a sibling, her mother would have pushed this...but her father's extreme hate of magic made her wonder if that would occur. Thyra approached her niece and sighed.

"Our parents, Tove and mine, would check our magical process with spars such as these. To hear your mother is omitting aspects of her own training does have me worry. She was a sorceress, a warrior for Vanaheim; and now it seems like she teaches you magic to have just for the sake of it. Wars and fights will occur, and you need to be ready to fight when opportunities arise. Now enough talk."

Thyra pushed Astrid away with a strong magical force. Astrid's eyes widened as she conjured her magical spear and shield. Her aunt didn't look phased as she saw Astrid running towards her. She stepped back and made a copy in front of her. Astrid's eyes widened as the copy fought her with a newly conjured sword and bashed away at the shield. Thyra's copy was able to use magic to push Astrid back with a shockwave and have her fall over backwards. Astrid groaned as slowly rose up from the ground.

"You always need to be on your toes Astrid." her aunt spoke as she made her copy vanish.

Astrid unconjured her weapons and started to shoot energy orbs and blasts at her aunt. Not looking phased, Thyra summoned a huge wall of energy to block and absorb the hits her niece dished out. Thyra made a circling hand motion and shot the blasts back at Astrid. Panicked, Astrid teleported to get away from the incoming blasts and she hid behind a bush.

"You can't hide Astrid." her aunt spoke.

Astrid peeked from behind the bush and focused on the space next to her aunt. She channeled her powers and projected her mind to make a copy.

Thyra looked to her side and honestly seemed impressed with it. She glanced at it as the copy ran off. A decent distraction tactic, but her seasoned eyes can tell a real person from a conjured copy.

"You still need work on illusion casting or is this perhaps a copy protection. Either way, with real training; you could have copies act and behave like yourself, down to them using magic like you."

Thyra summoned an energy spike and stabbed the copy, making it disappear.

Astrid was amazed as she slowly came out from behind the bush and Thyra smiled.

"Did your mother teach you how to make copies?"

Astrid shook her head which did surprise Thyra, not because her sister didn't teach her, but someone else did. The Queen wouldn't have taught that skill just yet since it would be a parenting nightmare...she wonders who taught this useful skill to her niece.

"Ah it matters not how you know this, but I will sure have you improve that skill. Now let's take things back and have you show your might on my conjured training dummies. It's clear you need more work on training with people but you're not horrible. You're almost competent young one."

Astrid nodded as Thyra conjured many dummies around Astrid.

"The training will end when you strike down all the dummies." Thyra told her.

That's more like it Astrid thought as she went full force with her energy blasts, fire conjuring, magical spear slashes, conjured arrows, and even some plant based magic. Thyra nodded since her sister did teach her niece strong magic and she had great promise as a sorceress. She was also impressed with Astrid's stamina, which Thyra chalked up to her friends in Asgard with their fighting way of life. Astrid finished off the last dummy with lifting it off the ground and shooting an energy blast to shred it into pieces. She was exhausted and she was panting as she stumbled to her knees. Thyra approached her niece slowly and offered her hand. Astrid gently took it and Thyra hugged her.

"Well done. You show great promise but you still need a lot of work. Thankfully, you have a wonderful teacher and I will teach you what I know."

"Thank you Aunt Thyra."

Thyra warped them both back home for a home cooked dinner. She caught Astrid trying to write letters to her friends back home and swiped them away. Astrid sighed but she knew it was futile to push her.

"You will see them again in time, Astrid. There's a purpose you must uncover for yourself with little distractions."

Astrid just nodded as Thyra turned the letters to ash. She then changed the ash into a small flower, giving it to Astrid. Four more years Astrid thought.

Another year passed and the pain of missing her mother, Thor, Sif, and Loki had numbed for Astrid. Astrid still missed them, but there was a lot to do. She was always kept busy with family history, magic and outings across the whole of Vanaheim. This day was no exception and Thyra seemed rather bothered by this trip in particular. They were heading to Vanaheim's capital city to see the council at the citadel. The council was the in-between between the people of Vanaheim and their King and Queen. Thyra knew whispers must have finally reached them about her niece and they wanted to see her for themselves. Astrid was very weary about meeting officials for Vanaheim since she didn't know much about the place of her birth. She was working on expanding her knowledge but still felt a bit inadequate. Thyra looked to her niece and took her wrist firmly in her hand.

"Let me do the talking unless they ask you to speak. They will be critical and they will be internally judging you. Unless they address you, remain silent." Thyra warned.

Astrid simply nodded as Thyra teleported them to the citadel. Astrid was blown away by the towering marble and gold building, protected by rocks and floating on the water. Astrid and Thyra were let in by the guards and were led to an open room. Marble and gold decorated the room, tapestries of the past hung on the walls, and the air was tense. Nine Vanir men and women observed Thyra and Astrid as they entered the room and light musings could be heard. Astrid looked to her aunt and she looked firmly at the Vanir man with long flowing white hair and blue eyes that sat in the very middle on a towering throne of sorts.

"Thyra Runedotter...how marvelous of you to see you again. Time has been so kind to you. It's nice of you to arrive and with your...niece." the white hair man mused.

Thyra bowed to him and Astrid followed her aunt's lead and bowed as well.

"Volund Gislison...an honor to be in your presence and the rest of the Vanir council. The king and queen couldn't be here?" Thyra questioned.

Volund chuckled and shook his head.

"They wanted us to deal with this matter as they have confidence this won't be a hostile meeting. They might even have a use for your niece...Odd thing is, last time you reported to us on your sister she was having trouble conceiving a child. How odd indeed." Volund expressed, looking at Astrid.

Trouble Astrid thought? Did the goddess of fertility deny her mother and father a child for many years before she came to be? What sort of acts did her father do to cause the struggle? It couldn't just be because he wasn't extremely gifted in magic could it.

Thyra didn't know how to answer and Volund emerged from his chair and slowly walked down to them both. He motioned Astrid to rise up and he lingered softly at her while circling her. He chuckled slightly as he looked at Astrid's golden eyes and her soft delicate rose hair.

"You're not the traitor's brood; I see it with every fiber of your being. How rich." Volund mused playfully.

Astrid was extremely confused and looked to her aunt as she stood before Volund. Thyra shook her head so Astrid didn't answer Volund's words. Volund wasn't bothered and he took Astrid's hand. He trailed his fingers up her arm and questioned,

"Who are you?"

Astrid gulped at the intensity in Volund's eyes. They were cold despite the warmth of his eager smile. She wondered if there were many ways he could kill her without her making a single move. She was questioned so she had to answer him.

"Astrid Egildotter."

The rest of the members chuckled at the statement and that made Astrid upset.

"Dare I ask what is wrong with what I said?" she questioned.

Volund motioned his peers to stop and he shook his head.

"My apologies...but it's like I said; Egil couldn't possibly be your father. Your features are all wrong. No bronze hair, no blue eyes, and clearly you're a natural in magic if whispers ring true. He was close to getting himself exiled for nearly abandoning his people in the way and switched sides to our former enemies of Asgard. Thankfully those actions had meaningful results but his actions still trouble us. No way a man like him could have offspring, let alone one like you. Now his brother on the other hand...yes I can see that as a more likely link. You must be seeing that too, do you young one? You're practically a female doppelganger." Volund mused.

Astrid was about to open her mouth but Thyra interrupted,

"Why have you called us here, your grace? It's not like you to make social calls...at least not with the council's time." Thyra asked firmly.

Volund chuckled and glanced at Astrid again. He pressed his fingertips on her wrist and smirked lightly as he felt her magic coursing her veins. It was a strong force, the strongest he felt and he seemed very intrigued and pleased.

"We want to be a part of her education in her time here and her future visits to Vanaheim. It's clear the blood of her grandfather, the dubious yet ingenious Trygve Helgeson the Swiftmind flows in her veins. If taught properly in diplomacy in her life by us in her future encounters and visits, she can be a very key part of continued peace between Vanaheim and Asgard someday...That is where Egil stole your mother off to yes, Asgard?" Volund asked.

Stole made Astrid angry. They weren't a perfect couple, but she swore that her mother loved her father. Her father wasn't that kind of a man...least Astrid hoped he wasn't.

"My mother loved my father and went willingly." Astrid defended.

"Dubious as best. A lot of what Egil did is dubious. We're still looking into Frode Trygveson's murder since we know how frost giants operate and Egil's story doesn't make the most sense, him being Frode's brother aside. Now let's get back to what we are here for." Volund spoke.

Astrid simply nodded and Volund acknowledged his peers.

"My fellow councilmen and councilwomen, we are in the midst of a curious yet special Vanir. Do you agree with us, Thyra?" Volund spoke.

Thyra looked at her niece and gave a soft smile.

"I'm biased, Volund, her being my sister's child. But if you say she can make a difference, anyone can. However, Astrid with the right information can be truly a sorceress of peace. Asgard blinded her a bit, but with the right teachings I know she can be astounding."

Volund looked at Astrid and conjured a book. He turned the pages until he smiled, showing an illusion of a younger version of himself and her Uncle Frode in the council. He chuckled softly.

"We were the young runts back then with hopeful endeavors for the future of our people. He taught his brother Egil enough to convince Asgard to stop fighting with us. Without Frode's words and time; Asgard and Vanaheim would have fragile peace, maybe even warring still and who knows what should happen to your mother."

Astrid recalled the story her aunt told her and acknowledged.

"They met and fought on the battlefield. His mark of his father spared him and they sparked a connection. I can see how Egil being on Asgard's side and my mother sparing him could deem her a traitor if Frode didn't teach and connect to his brother in war time. Both their lives would be taken for their insolence and betrayal, that much I know."

Volund clapped gently and nodded in approval.

"Such a sharp and understanding mind Thyra. She is Frode's..."

Not the time or place Thyra thought.

"Are part of her days in Vanaheim going to be her coming here and being taught by you Volund or by one of your subordinates? I want to be sure I make her time meaningful and not interfere with anything. After all, her time here grows shorter as of now." Thyra questioned.

Murmurs could be heard but Volund stopped his peers from speaking among themselves once more.

"You've gotten a taste have you Astrid. Would you like more?" Volund mused.

Astrid bowed to him and spoke,

"Even after my five years are up, I will return here at more frequent rates. This place is my home as well as Asgard. I want to learn all I can."

Volund smirked and gave a small nod.

"Then she will get lessons in diplomacy. After all, I made a vow to Frode to look after and teach his family and that is one I will repay. Now you may both go and start teaching her to teleport here Thyra. We wouldn't want to impede your days." Volund smiled softly.

Thyra scoffed a bit but soon chuckled.

"You still care for me, I see. Good since you know how I hate wasted time."

Volund chuckled and took Thyra's hand, kissing it softly.

"Don't I know that to be true Thyra. What you're doing with your niece is impressive." Volund complimented.

Astrid was at a loss for words but Thyra pulled her hand back politely.

"My sister wouldn't have sent her to me if I wasn't. Thank you for the meeting, Astrid will be waiting for her next arrival here."

"Not long Thyra, not long. Have her return in a few days time...perhaps four?" Volund asked.

Thyra and Astrid both nodded as they left. Astrid looked to her grandmother and asked in surprised,

"Did Volund court you when you were younger?"

Thyra cackled a bit and nodded.

"He did actually but nothing but bonds of friendship I'm afraid. Though sparks linger it seems. Now don't disappoint me...Volund rarely wastes his time like I do but with favors from me and Frode, he's willing to stick up for you. You understand?" Thyra asked firmly.

Astrid nodded.

"Good, now let's see if you can use your magic to aid in the cooking tonight. Volund being an old friend or not, my nerves get shot going to the citadel."

Astrid cracked a tiny smile as her aunt and her returned home. On Aunt Thyra's porch, there was a small stack of books. Astrid lifted one up and it read, 'Beginner's Guide to Diplomacy'

"And so it starts." Thyra chuckled.

Four years total since arriving, Astrid was comfortable with herself and Vanaheim. Her magic flourished, her family history being uncovered, and she was becoming very accustomed to Vanaheim politics and diplomacy. The only thing that troubled her was when she needed or wanted to go shopping in the bigger cities in Vanaheim and the men who wouldn't let her be. Most men were harmless, gazing at her as she shopped, tried sweet talking her, asked her out, but none of them were worth her attention. Today's trip was the most troublesome she had with men. She could hear wolf whistling when shopping and it bothered her immensely. A small group of men followed her where she went and it was becoming a real bother to her. It wasn't until one grabbed a hold of her from behind that she slapped him away and really was getting pissed.

"Find another woman to court, gentleman. I'm just here to shop." Astrid spoke firmly.

A tall blonde with brown eyes lingered over Astrid's dress and grinned lightly. She was a beauty with her hair, her eyes, but most of all her body. A flower waiting to be taken, he thought.

"You know, a woman like you would be worthy of being mine. How's about I show you a good time?" he called.

Astrid forced a grin but spat,

"I know how to entertain myself. Besides I don't think relations with me would be good for you; more so since I plan to return home in a year or so."

They looked confused as another man with brown hair conjured a rose for her.

"You fit in nicely here so I think you're lying sweetheart. Now we can make things easier for you…"

Astrid conjured a small magical dagger for protection, causing the men to chuckle at her. They were dealing with a cute lady with magic tricks.

"Oh look at this; she's a fighter. What else can you do?" the blonde purred.

"Stay away from me! I don't want to hurt you, especially your fragile pride." Astrid commented.

"Now don't be like that. Have you not been courted by men before, is that it? I assure you, we're some of the best they are." the strapping blonde expressed, staring at the dagger.

He moved his hand over it and made her dagger disappear. Astrid didn't really want to start a fight in the plaza but she felt the group of six men surrounding her. She didn't show her fear, but this was a bit startling.

"Relax darling, you're going to pick at least one of us...unless you want all of us. We can make sure you have a good time until you are sore." the blonde mused, stepping closer to Astrid.

Her breath hitched as she conjured some of her magical energies to her wrist. No way she was going to be taken with these men.

"Enough." a strong yet firm voice called.

The men turned their attention to a lone male with dark black hair and brown eyes. He glared at them and found their actions dishonorable and disgusting.

"Stay out of this Hogun! We have no quarrel with you." one of them called.

Hogun locked eyes with Astrid and nodded.

"You need to remember your manners. Stand down or we will have a problem." Hogun spoke calmly.

The group of guys summoned weapons out of thin air and Hogun didn't seem bothered. Astrid conjured a light spear with her magic and knocked one of the men out with it. Hogun seemed impressed and he was able to knock down three more of the men with little effort with his sword and mace. The blonde chuckled a bit but a bead of sweat trickled down his brow. The brown-haired male who tried giving Astrid a rose, approached Astrid with a hungry look in his eyes, but Astrid shot him back with an energy blast. The blonde saw the feat of strength from Astrid and bolted before she could blast him. Astrid breathed a sigh of relief and turned her attention to the man who helped her.

"Thank you."

"You're one of Asgard aren't you?" Hogun asked.

Astrid eyes widened a bit and Hogun stiffen a chuckle.

"You were raised there but born here. I helped your aunt with errands when I was a small boy and she taught me a few spells. It's good we get to meet."

Astrid cracked a light smile and raised up her hand.

"You're strong...very strong. Maybe someday you'll be a grand warrior to protect the Nine Realms. I'm Astrid."

"Hogun. It will be my mission to help others and preserve peace. Our paths might cross again I'm sure." Hogun spoke quietly.

"Perhaps...are you planning to go to Asgard like my father did? He lives to serve his friend, his Majesty King Odin."

Hogun said nothing but he cracked the smallest of smiles. His goals will cross with her he thought, more so since she seemed to be a woman on the path of sorcery, advanced sorcery. Asgard needed more magic users and they will always want men with a thirst for peace and justice.

"So you must be friends with the princes. Quite an honor you must have. Then we will definitely have our paths cross again. Just be careful, there are dogs among every race; including the Vanir."

Astrid stiffen a chuckle since that fact was clear as day.

"So I've noticed but hopefully this will be a warning to them. I'm not weak and I'm glad to have an ally here."

Hogun gave Astrid a light bow and said,

"Nice meeting you and until we meet again." was all he said before going his own way.

This would not be the last time Hogun she thought and their paths would continue to cross long after her time here ended. After all, both wanted peace and that meant maybe working with Thor to achieve it someday.

Astrid returned home and informed her aunt about the guy that helped her with some men. She chuckled and nodded.

"Hogun, a fine fellow. Warrior's mind, slight magic use, few words but the words he speaks matters. I see him going to Asgard in his future. Could be a contender in your life too."

Astrid shook her head, clenching her necklace tighter. Aunt Thyra saw this motion and had Astrid show her necklace. Reluctantly, she showed Thyra the crescent moon necklace with a dangling emerald pendant. She smiled lightly and asked,

"A boy gave you this?"

Astrid nodded but blushed. Thyra scoffed and asked,

"How much of a warrior's brood is he?"

Astrid shot a look and expressed,

"He's the queen's son...second son and he's very talented in magic. Remember when I showed you my copies and projections of myself...he started to teach me that."

Thyra seemed rather surprised but in the best way. She went towards her niece and examined the way Astrid spoke about him. She learned the boy's name, what they did together, and how close they seemed to be. There was a tenderness in Astrid's eyes, soft pink to her complexion, and just a warm feeling from her. Thyra smiled and questioned,

"Do you...see a future with him?"

Astrid blushed harder and she admitted,

"I feel...I'm starting to feel different with him. My heart flutters when he's near, I'm charmed by his words, he makes me feel all warm...It hurts me a lot that I left him and I'm starting to want his touch. He's not bewitching me is he?"

"Far from it Astrid...the winds of romance are brewing between you two. Childhood friends blossoming to lovers is an old tale but a sweet one. If he's one of magic...it would be a great union between you two. I'm not forcing anything as Egil does enough of that on his own with him and the first born of Odin. All I ask is that you are sure of yourself and what you want. Tove, my sister, your mother, I'm afraid wasn't sure. She spoke of doubts and yet still married him...before you leave... I will share the sad story of your mother and Frode. But now, let us do a bit more lessons on illusion projection and illusion casting. It's a skill you'll need to master before you head back home."

Astrid nodded but her aunt's words lingered. Sad story...what could be sadder than her uncle losing his life and her mother losing her close friend. Unless….there was more and in her heart of hearts, she knew there had to be.