A big thank you again to all my readers, I decided to reply to questions and reviews prior to each chapter as well as thank everyone who favorites and follows. I hope you all continue to enjoy my story! :D ahsoei: It is certainly a power of his gear, though he has far to go to discover all of it. On that note, let the Asgard Arc...continue...

Dorian and Thrud return to Asgard, successful in their mission for the Allfather and Lady Freyja. With the evening free, he sets out to see more of the golden city he has learned to call home…

Dorian and Thrud stepped off the pad, the Bifrost having returned them safely. The structure was housed at the edge of the bridge leading to Odin and Freyja's palace or towards the city of Asgard. The design was quite reminiscent of an airport with people coming and going to different destinations across the nine realms. Dorian could not help but notice that the amount of activity was well below what the structure was clearly designed to handle.

They did not hesitate in making for the changing rooms, returning travelers to Asgard seemed to often require new clothes from their respective tasks. Dorian was quick to relieve himself off his battered armor and equipment, switching into another of the ornate tunics he had awoken in his first day. It was the only attire of Asgard he was familiar with outside of his school uniform, plus the bronze went well with his golden hair.

Thrud was waiting for him outside wearing a professional black business suit; it seemed she had more to do.

"I will report to the Allfather and Lady Freyja. She bid me to inform you that your services will not be required tonight. You have the day to yourself, if you like, there are some shopping and recreational facilities nearby should you require anything."

"Th-thank you my lady," Dorian bowed in thanks. After what he had been through he was hoping for an easy evening at work. This was infinitely preferable. "But I will likely be turning in early tonight myself."

I am sure Kara won't mind taking a day off seal tutoring…

"Please, Thrud is sufficient outside of training, and I highly doubt that," she replied with a raised eyebrow, pointing behind him.

Dorian turned, his carefully laid plans of a peaceful, lazy evening shattered in a moment.

Waving in the distance were three familiar faces from his class. Herja was leading the way with Brynda behind her. Skipping alongside was a third Valkyrie, Misty. She had silver hair tied up onto a single high ponytail that went down past her shoulders. The silver accentuated her skin nicely, though Dorian felt Rossweisse's was a more vibrant in color. She was the most buxom of the three and was quite proud of her shapely build. Most of the class was sure she'd become a model when not fulfilling her Valkyrie duties. They were all wearing casual dresses with black leggings beneath, it was the first time Dorian had seen Asgardian women's casual wear. They were surprisingly normal compared to dresses from Earth, only the wave-pattern designs of the straps themselves and the noticeably lower cut of the chest seemed out of place from what he had seen.

"Dorian! Hey!" Herja called out. He had already been spotted, there was no escape.

"What are you guys doing here?" He asked, happy to see his friends, yet retained apprehensions of their purpose.

"Herja was worried sick, couldn't focus on her oof," Brynda started before being elbowed in the gut by her blonde classmate who proceeded to clear her throat as if nothing had happened.

"We hope the hunt went well," she replied politely with a short curtsy to Thrud.

"It was a success, Mr. Held performed…well for his first time, considering the unforeseen complications." Herja twisted her face in curiosity at the statement, but asked no more, likely to not appear too eager before the daughter of Thor.

"We wanted to make sure you got back okay…and to take you on a little outing of the city, if Lady Freyja has no objections."

"None in the slightest," Thrud confirmed. He is yours for the day."

Don't I make that choice? Dorian thought but decided against it. They were taking time out of their day to show him the city. Despite how exhausted he still was even after Thrud's healing, it was a golden opportunity. They had helped him prepare for the fight after all. I have money from my first payment as Freyja's retainer. It's not like I'm spending anything on rent right now and my schooling is covered 100% as a student under her benefit plan. He still couldn't believe the positives of working for the Goddess of Fertility.

"That sounds…like fun," he smiled. "But I've yet to leave the area; I'll have to rely on your intimate knowledge of the locale. I am in your hands." He concluded with a polite bow.

"Be gentle with him ladies," Thrud remarked as she started back towards the palace. "He is still recovering from my Sage Arts; he'll need a few hours without overly strenuous activity."

"Lady…Thrud's…Sage Arts?" Herja sounded like she was forcing out each syllable. Menacingly, the three classmates snapped their gazes onto Dorian, their eyes lit up like predators having found the slowest member of the pack, preparing for the kill. Thrud was already heading off into the distance without a qualm in the world of what she'd just done.

What the hell Thrud? You threw me under the bus!

Asgard Throne Room…

"Fortunately, Mr. Held's injuries were not too severe." Thrud assured as she concluded her report kneeling before the thrones of Asgard. "I can confirm there were no additional trolls using the cavern as a lair. The farmer has been informed that it will be safe again for his flocks."

"Lucky boy," Odin remarked to his grimacing wife upon hearing of Thrud's healing of the young man. "And do you feel this is an example of his power?"

"Truthfully Allfather, I do not. His martial and tracking skills were admirable for how short a time he has been among us, however I do not believe his Sacred Gear showcased its true abilities."

"Explain," Freyja demanded.

"The gem situated within it changed to a new color, yet reverted back to the azure state once we returned to Asgard. It is my opinion from observations that the strength was a byproduct of the Gear's overall purpose, to which I could not hope to guess at this juncture."

"Did he breach the realms again?"

"No Allfather," Thrud thought back to the feeling when she had impacted Dorian's gear. "I did not sense an overabundance of power from it…like the strength he was channeling did not belong to himself or the Gear."

"A conduit?"

"Perhaps, though there was no obvious source nearby."

"It seems he has more to learn," Odin mused to his wife as he stroked his long beard.

"Much more," Freyja confirmed. "He is a good lad. He tries his best and is the most eloquent and well-learned of my past Einherjar retainers."

"In terms of combat," Thrud continued as she could tell verbal sparring may commence. "He fought rather…forward. He relied on seals solely for defense which can be costly against less physically-based opponents; I suggest Rossweisse focus on their more offensive uses in future lessons."

"Regrettably, Rossweisse will be indisposed the next several days," Odin interjected. "We have heard disturbing reports of thefts involving especially potent weapons occurring among neighboring mythologies. Rossweisse will ensure we are not among them. She is around here somewhere, though seemed quite busy."

Busy with your insignificant errands you could do yourself no doubt, Freyja guessed correctly. He runs that poor girl ragged like a maid rather than a bodyguard when she isn't training Dorian.

"Understood," Thrud bowed low in acknowledgement. With a wave of Freyja's hand, she departed, her duty completed for the evening.

"You think they would make an attempt on the vault?"

"My dear, I've dealt with many over my long life. If there is one thing I have learned, beyond the utter appreciation of the female form, it is that those with aspirations will take any risk. I trust her more than most, as long as she has one of the keys and we have the others, they are safe."

Freyja remembered when Odin had the keys made, only three, no more. Two were kept by herself and her husband, the third was reserved for their trusted guard assigned to protect the vault at any given time. With any luck, Rossweisse wouldn't need to guard it for more than a few days before the worry passed and they could assign a standard guardsman. Many legendary Runic Blades called the Vault of Asgard their home, but one especially was valued above the rest due to its ability to bring even more blades to light...

"I got more letters from Azazel and Venelana…these thefts are causing great friction between the three factions of their mythology. Until it is resolved, they fear the summit won't happen."

"I know what this means to you my dear, I share your feelings," Odin took her hand and kissed it in a surprisingly serious moment for the old pervert. "Yet, we cannot make a move to aid any side without evidence of the perpetrators. An alliance with another mythology could help reinvigorate our own, but while there is conflict among them, we cannot take a side without making it worse."

Freyja huffed in her seat, ever frustrated when her best laid plans were delayed. "You speak the truth of course."

"There are others we can work with in the meanwhile; we are not the only dwindling mythology in this modern era who are open to reconciliations. What about that old friend of yours? You know, the one with the short fuse and shapely tits…Hera was it?"

A resounding smack echoed throughout the chamber as the air between monarchs returned to the status quo.

Asgard Shopping District…

"You have GOT to come with us when there's something fun going on," Brynda gushed as they walked the streets of Asgard. "They have festivals, competitions, performers…I hope you can hold your liquor."

"Well enough," Dorian adjusted his tunic nonchalantly. He'd had the occasional drinks in challenge or celebration at his various schools though was hesitant to test his mettle against the residents of Asgard.

"And the Einherjar emerge from Valhalla to visit," Misty pointed out. Dorian could not help but notice the positively mischievous grin as she thought of the strongest warriors of the Norse people visiting the city.

At Dorian's request, they had stopped at a nearby café to get something to eat first, he was starving. He felt fortunate to have the girls with him as the architecture of the Norse gods was utterly baffling to him. No matter how minor or insignificant an establishment, it felt like he was entering a sacred domain where mortals should not tread. The café alone had large spiral crystal towers leading up to an orb floating above them…the young Einherjar had mistaken it for some kind of church at first much to the amusement of his classmates.

It was embarrassing, but they had forced the events of the hunt out of him thanks to Thrud's insinuations. He assured them it was purely in a healing capacity due to the shattered ribs, but was certain it would be spreading like wildfire in the days to come. At least they were now content to drop the subject, having acquired the ammo they sought.

"What sort of performers?" Dorian asked as they walked through the shopping district. "Like plays?"

"All of the epics!" Herja assured him. "Tales to put a fire in your heart and a tear in your eye, you can ask Lady Thrud to one."

"But we aren't…."

Dorian ceased his denials as a nearby window caught his attention, his eyes widened. Sitting inside the store was a seven-string lyre. It was simple, yet he could not take his eyes off it. He had been a fan of music since he was little; while his preference had been the violin…there was something about a simple lyre that drew his interest. He doubted he could afford a real instrument until he earned more anyway.

His three companions followed his gaze to the window, glancing back and forth between the two as if checking which would look away first.

"Do you want it?"

"I…suppose I do," Dorian smiled. It did not take much encouragement for him to enter the shop, the three girls following close behind.

It may have been a small-time discount store, but the selection was impressive, everything from souvenirs to food could be found scattered around. The group split up to peruse the shelves. Dorian made a beeline for the lyre, but could not help but look over the options while walking up and down the rows.

Everyone has been so kind since I got here…would presents be appropriate to classmates? And if so, what to get them? Dorian felt self-conscious as he knew very little about the interests of the Valkyries in his class upon reflection…there was only one option left to him.

"Herja…" Dorian whispered upon locating her alone near the cosmetic section. "I need your advice on something…

Later…

The four finally left well over an hour later, bags laden with their purchases in hand. Dorian had placed his newly acquired lyre at the top both to protect it…and to obscure the items located below. Fortunately, the other girls had been distracted by their own shopping and did not inquire too closely on his own.

"Someone is having a good time!" A deep yet friendly voice called out. The four looked up at a pair of men walking towards them.

The first was rather tall adorned in an ornate robe almost identical to Odin's but with lightly different designs woven into it. He had long blue hair flowing behind him that seemed to float on its own as if he controlled it's every move. A matching colored gem was affixed to his forehead. He looked calm as he approached, yet his eyes caused a shiver to run up Dorian's back, his gaze was locked on him without even glancing at the others.

The second was a bulky man who looked to be made of pure muscle. He was broad-shouldered yet somehow did not come off as intimidating. He had white-gold hair and a matching beard, his eyes glowed the color of Dorian's hair. Quite the opposite of his companion, he wore a simple white-suit that was form fitting as if perfectly tailored.

The girls recognized the two instantly, dropping their bags they immediately bowed low with Herja grabbing Dorian by his collar and forcing him down with them.

"Ow, hey what is…?"

"That is Lord Vidar and Lord Loki!" She whispered harshly. "What in the nine realms are they doing here?" The broader one, whom Herja had motioned towards as Vidar, raised his hands with a smile on his face.

"Come now, there is no need for that," he laughed as he implored them to stand. "We are all just out for a day on the town, no need for such formalities. I am so glad to finally meet my beloved mother's latest retainer."

"And you, Lord Vidar," Dorian replied, extending his arm to reciprocate a VERY strong handshake. Vidar was the Norse god of vengeance if his memory served. The youngest son of Odin beneath Baldur and Thor…he had no idea what to even say.

"It seems based on your presence that the oath-fulfillment went…well?" The second man, Loki, known as the god of mischief snidely remarked.

"As well as can be expected," Dorian replied upon rediscovering his voice. "What was thought to be a single ogre turned out to be two trolls."

"How positively dreadful," his voice was dripping with sarcasm.

"Come now dear uncle! No need to belittle the dear boy." Vidar slapped Loki's back, he did not seem to appreciate the gesture. "How many warriors can say they fought a troll on their FIRST excursion, the lad has room to grow!"

"No other warriors can boast such tutors," Loki retorted. "Your dear niece and…oh my who was the other?"

"Lady Rosh…" Dorian started, biting his tongue before he mispronounced it before a pair of gods. "Lady Rose."

The two gods looked at him confused, it was Vidar who seemed to realize first.

"Ah yes, Ms. Rossweisse, Göndul's Granddaughter. I remember Lady Eir speaking very highly of her studies before she graduated from her college studies."

She's already graduated college…and only a year older? Dorian was amazed. He had focused on earning an education degree during his years traveling for his studies, but even he had at least one more semester to qualify for an assistant teaching position.

Loki seemed to act as if he was still having trouble recalling her, before finally raising his eyebrows at it apparently came to him.

"Now I remember, the Allfather's current 'bodyguard,' and then of course there is your…Gear. The only one that has seen fit to grace the people of Asgard. Though they did praise your layered defense seal technique, quite impressive for one so young, who was it that taught you?"

Dorian hesitated to mention Kara in front of the others behind him lest the topic of her rooming come up. Instead, he went with a truthful yet vague reply.

"My classmates helped me sir, their expertise and assistance cannot be understated." The three girls behind him practically burst red at his words of compliment before the gods.

"Of course they did," he practically seemed to hiss. "Whoever showed you that little trick, be sure to not let that one slip away."

Dorian clenched his right hand instinctively, Loki seemed more akin to the gods who saw themselves above others due to their status, he much preferred Vidar.

"May we see it, the object that has captivated us this hour?" The god of vengeance asked politely. He was maintaining his cheerful, verbose demeanor, but it was obvious even he grew awkward around Loki's superior attitude.

Dorian hesitated, taking a moment to realize what he was referring. Holding out his right hand, the root-like energy took shape, forming the bracer affixed with a gem of azure. The three Valkyries-in training stared in awe, it being the first time they had seen it so close.

"Fascinating, truly fascinating," Vidar commented with utter sincerity. "I have never actually seen one; truly this is a day of days. Oh do not wrinkle your nose uncle; we are looking at a device whose design was forged by the god of another mythology yet possesses the core fragment of our own. Does not such a dichotomy utterly baffle your imagination?!"

"My…imaginations are focused elsewhere," Loki added dryly. "You know my thoughts on the…lesser mythologies."

"All too well," even Vidar's enthusiasm seemed to be curbed by Loki's nature. "In that case I will let you all continue your day before his clouds darken it, thank you for indulging our…curiosity Mr. Held. If you are looking for a discount shop of note, try the Twin Wolves down the way," he motioned with his hands. "I hear tell your Lady Rose is quite fond of it."

"Of course," Dorian replied as the two continued walking down the street. Two gods of legend just taking a stroll, the whole situation felt ludicrous. Dorian looked akin to a deer caught in headlights despite having met so many fabled deities already. Turning to retrieve his bag, he was met by the fixated eyes of his classmates, looking at him like they were the cat that had just swallowed the canary.

"So…Lady Rose is it?" Brynda asked, raising her eyebrows suggestively. "I get the feeling we may not be able to call her the Valkyrie who has never had a boyfriend for much longer…"

"I…I can't pronounce her name very well," he admitted, hoping to placate them to no avail.

"I think it's adorable," Misty gushed, she seemed the most grounded of the three, though her sly smile was infectious. "Like a hidden name whispered silently between two…"

"I-in any case!" Dorian interrupted before she could go further, remembering Vidar's words. "Perhaps…we could hit one more place before we call it a day?"

Not Far…

"Must you be so rude uncle?" Vidar chastised his father's blood-brother. "I thought you were the one who wanted to meet the boy most."

"I was most interested in your niece's assertions that he can breach realms. I am surprised he is allowed to walk free."

"Are you questioning the Allfather's wisdom? My nephew said the same thing after his humiliation before his grandfather."

"Of…course not," Loki responded far too hesitantly for Vidar's liking. "I merely stress caution…for the good of Asgard."

"If you are so worried about Ragnarok all the time, you'll get wrinkles fast, even for a god," Vidar laughed with a renewed slap to the back. "Come, we are out and about and the sun is high, we might as well relax."

Loki only nodded; as his nephew-in law turned to leave he quickly checked an emerald crystal he had concealed in his pocket. It was in the process of emitting an eerie teal-green glow, confirming his suspicions.

The exact same essence as the sacred tree, identical to any piece of bark or branch from Yggdrasil itself…

Back at Dormitory…

Dorian was beat by the time he and the three girls returned to the dormitories. In a rather odd role reversal, it was the three who offered to escort him back to his room. Considering they were training to be battle-maidens, he saw no reason to insult them by refusing. They were oddly insistent as if they expected resistance…

"You didn't have to bring your bags all the way to my room," Dorian remarked as they reached his door, wondering if Kara was inside yet. "We could have dropped them off first."

"Please," Herja chuckled. "It gives good exercise, have to ensure a pure maiden like yourself reaches the room safe and sound, no idea what weirdos might be wandering at night.

Dorian made a silent over the top laughing expression at the mention of his status as a pure maiden. Still looking at them, he turned the door knob, walking in blind he didn't realize what had occurred until it was too late.

"SURPRISE!" A thunderous greeting hit him right in the face as the room lit up on its own; his left foot slipped at the suddenness and sent him flying backwards right into Herja's arms. "CONGRATULATIONS DORIAN!"

His dorm room was packed with the remaining 17 members of his class peeking out from around corners, behind his bed or even standing in the open when there was nowhere else. The room was covered in balloons, confetti and banners with his name on them; it must have taken some time to prepare.

"You three were…a distraction?" He smiled as he turned to his shopping companions, each one with a wide smile on their lips.

"We may or may not have been tasked with and/or volunteered to keep you busy while we…let ourselves in."

Dorian spotted Kara in the corner, a guilty look on her face as she held up a punch glass.

Culprit identified…again.

"What is going on in he…" Came a voice from behind them. Rossweisse had appeared investigating the noise, apparently completing an inspection of the dormitory being it was so close to after hours. She realized the reason for the commotion as soon as she rounded the corner.

She was out of her armor wearing a gray business suit not dissimilar from the one Vidar had worn earlier that day. While normally wearing her hair tied up for their lessons, she now had it down. Dorian was amazed to realize it traveled all the way down to her knees, still flawless as ever with pink ribbons tied into it on either side of her face.

"I don't recall seeing a celebration being approved for the evening," she started to chastise the class.

"Aw but we had to!" A redheaded girl called out in the back. "How often do we not only have an Einherjar in the class…but also get to be there for his first hunt? And with Lady Thrud no less!"

"And he didn't die!" Came from the distant back.

Assertions of agreement and head nods spread across the room aimed squarely at the silver-haired maiden. She was woefully outnumbered, Dorian shrugged his shoulders when her gaze fell upon him, clearly they had all worked hard on the evening.

Rossweisse sighed heavily, resting her head on a hand.

"Very well…you may continue, provided the drinks are of a non-alcoholic nature."

Herja delved into the mountain of bags she, Brynda and Misty had carried with them. Sure enough, within each one was soda, snacks and other assortments of party food. Their distraction duties had apparently also included food procurement.

Rossweisse checked her watch, noting the time.

"I suppose I can chaperone everyone for a little while, but I will have to leave shortly. I don't want any shenanigans after hours, anything reported will be relayed to Lady Eir. Is that clear?"

"Yes ma'am!" The class shouted in unison.

Hard to believe she's only a year older…she's so mature for her age. How am I supposed to give it to her…there are too many people here. Dorian squeezed his own bag of purchases, ensuring the desired package was still nestled safely within. Herja must have noticed Dorian's dumbfounded expression as she elbowed him hard, snapping him back to reality.

"Now that that's cleared up…let's get this party stated!"

The night started off with scattered mingling and snack distribution, it was clear the the Valkyries didn't get much spare time outside of their studies. Dorian barely realized after a while that he and Rossweisse were the only ones not chatting it up. The two just stood beside the couch, each gripping a glass of punch.

"So, Ms. Rose...Odin's bodyguard huh?" Dorian finally mumbled, breaking the silence between them.

"Yes," she answered quickly, eyes darting back and forth as she thought of more to say. "And just Rose is...fine...have you enjoyed your work with Lady Freyja?"

Dorian replied with an enthusiastic nod. "She has been easing me in to my duties, mostly clerical stuff so far, dictation, note taking and delivery...the works. I am sure it is not as glamorous as serving Odin himself," he added with a chuckle.

He barely noticed the battle-maiden's hand tighten around her cup.

"It is...not as glamorous as you may think." Dorian turned to face her, awaiting the explanation sure to follow. "My duties are...simple, mostly day to day activities. The only time true oversight is need is during business outings and the like."

"But, I heard from Lord Vidar earlier today that you graduated from college already, that is incredibly impressive. Why wouldn't he make full use of your talents?"

Rossweisse blushed slightly, brushing a strand of silver hair out of her eyes as she answered. "I am sure you have become aware of the Allfather's...interests?"

Dorian only nodded in response, Freyja often mentioned her disdain for his 'interests' daily.

"Sometimes I think he only picked me for that reason, rather than my academic achievements. Trying to curb those...fascinations is half my work most days."

Dorian felt awful, this was supposed to be a party and he had brought up what seemed like a point of frustration for her.

Say what you will...he has a good eye.

"I would...love to hear about your academic achievements." He hesitantly offered. "I majored in education myself, wanted to someday teach others, you know? Plus getting to travel so much gave an amazing point of view of the world. Did you write any papers?"

Rossweisse's face seemed to light up at his question, it made Dorian wonder how long it'd been since anyone had taken an interest in her scholarly pursuits.

"Nothing noteworthy, my graduating work was a combination of advanced sealing techniques and how they can be utilized in various unorthodox ways. I did write a work of my own personal research. I never published it but..."

"Ma'am!" A young emerald-haired Valkyrie named Hilde interrupted. "You're spending too much time with the man of the hour! We demand stories!"

Sure enough, it wasn't long before the entire class started asking the question they had wanted to know since Dorian arrived, where he had come from. He explained how he had been selected for an international exchange program at a young age on Earth...what they knew as Midgard. This allowed him to study in a different country or two each year. None of the Valkyries had ever been outside Asgard, though were fully aware that their duties would eventually draw them in many directions.

Rossweisse seemed to listen intently as he described his studies, understanding what it can be like to focus oneself totally on learning.

Dorian moved on to a retelling of the battle in the snow, everyone wanted to hear though some tuned out upon mention that Thrud did not hunt with him. Their attention was quickly grabbed at the end when he accounted how she had saved him from the second unseen troll. He was content to end the tale there, but Brynda had other plans and spilled the beans...with Rossweisse still present.

A resounding, "Ooooooooooo," swept through the room as she completed how Thrud had healed Dorian's injuries, though her version's choice in vernacular was much more…steamy than it had been.

"And so it was, that without the Lady Thrud's warm embrace, surely our new Einherjar would have perished on that frozen rock at the hands of the monstrous lovers that had called the cave their home!" How she had woven such a tale after only hearing of it a few hours earlier was equal parts impressive and terrifying.

It was only a few broken ribs…It wouldn't have killed me…

Dorian was beat red as his classmates reveled in the overdramatized events. Worse yet was Rossweisse who had turned as red as he was…what could he possibly say? He had already denied the accusations of nefarious thoughts a dozen times already with no change in the atmosphere of the room.

"As…fascinating as this is," Rossweisse huffed as she got to her feet. "Regrettably, I must be off, the Allfather requires my services. Do enjoy yourselves…but not too much." Despite Dorian holding out a hand, hoping to get a last word with her, she was already out the door, half-slamming it behind her.

"And she wonders why she can't get a boyfriend," Brynda remarked once she was out of earshot. "It was just a bit of fun, we all know Thrud is WAY out of your league."

Dorian just stared at her blankly with squinted eyes, he knew full well what she meant, but she did not word it well.

"Thanks…?"

The class split off into groups and started mingling to enjoy each other's company once the story had concluded. Dorian may have been the catalyst for bringing everyone together outside of class, but the evening was for each of them to relax as much as it was to congratulate his first hunt. He even got to practice a few strings on the lyre he had purchased, though his renditions left much to be desired without additional practice.

He used the chance to learn as much as he could about the girls in his class. Herja apparently became a Valkyrie due to the tradition in her family dating back to Odin's father Borr. Brynda had dreamed of visiting all nine realms and writing a book of her adventures, while Misty admitted she wanted to meet the perfect man…an Einherjar of Valhalla if possible. He was able to get at least a few minutes with each of the 20 Valkyries in the class.

At Herja's advice, he had bought a knickknack or souvenir for each of the girls in the class as thanks. They were small and not very expensive, but he felt he should get something for how much they had helped out. They ranged from keychains to boxes of chocolate…Herja knew her classmate's preferences well. After a little while only a single package remained at the bottom of the bag, the one he couldn't give when he had the chance.

Once most had split off and Dorian finally had some breathing space, he made his way to the windowsill, placing a container of strawberries he had picked up onto a low-hanging branch. As expected, the squirrel that had made a home in their tree came running. It actually picked up the entire container and eagerly withdrew back into the trunk, it was utterly adorable.

"You're welcome!" Dorian shouted with a chuckle as the last of its bushy tail disappeared within.

In the nearby corner, he spotted his roommate Kara, the 21st and last member of the class, punch glass still in hand. She was staring outside and swirling its contents as if disinterested. Despite being his dorm mate whom he saw more often than the others, he knew so little about her.

"Sorry if the others found out about you," he apologized as he took a seat beside her, leaning back for a much needed breather.

"It was bound to happen," she sighed uncaringly. "We had a long talk before you arrived. Want to have a longer one?" She suddenly looked interested again, a twinkle in her eye as she licked her lips.

She is so forward!

"It's too bad Ms. Rossweisse couldn't stay," she continued once it was obvious he wasn't taking her bait. "I am sure she would have loved to hear you play."

"Thanks," Dorian rubbed the back of his neck, still hoping she hadn't taken the stories the wrong way. She worked alongside someone as perverted as Lord Odin on a daily basis which had to skew her perception of men. What if she thought he was that way now? "I just wish she could have stayed longer, I wanted…"

"Apple for the teacher?"

"Huh?"

"The others may not notice…but I do, you haven't taken your eyes off the bag all night despite everyone's gifts being accounted for…mine included." She jangled the keychain he had bought her, a small purple and blue glass representation of Yggdrasil. "One left?"

Dorian sighed, reaching into the depths he revealed a small rectangular box standing vertically wrapped in gold and silver paper. He had spotted it on the shelves at the Twin Wolves and immediately purchased it.

"I'll have to wait until tomorrow."

"No good, she has a task set by the Allfather that will last several days."

"How do you know?"

"I hear people talk; she'll be standing guard at one of the palace vaults. The Allfather loves to collect trophies from all over and keep them locked up."

Dorian listened intently; Rossweisse hadn't mentioned where she would be and seemed keen on remaining vague. He assumed that they must have vaults…what place of power didn't? But why would Rossweisse be the one made to guard it if…

"Odin uses her for every little errand he can think of like a maid or servant more than a bodyguard," she continued as if reading his mind. "Being forced to stand by a meaningless door…I am sure she would like company for the night."

Dorian's heart skipped a beat at her wording. He remembered Rossweisse's assertion of the simple tasks assigned by Odin and it made sense.

"But she didn't tell us where…"

"I can take you," she immediately offered. "I know the palace like the back of my hand. Once the party dies down…we can sneak out."

Dorian thought about it, something felt wrong off, but the thought of Rossweisse bored to tears in some insignificant room overrode his normal trepidation.

"You got it, as long as we are back before dawn," he replied at length. "Once everyone is down for the night, we can head out."

Dorian learns more of his classmates, a fine time of relaxation is had by all. Under the cover of night, he and his fellow Valkyrie will pay a visit to Asgard's Vault, but what may the pair find within? As always, I hope you all Read and Review, but most of all Enjoy! :D