3
An hour of sifting through a freshly assembled wardrobe consisting explicitly of purples trimmed in rose golds among variations of black and white modestly accentuating her shape, she reacquaints herself in the space she shared with Idunn all those years ago does Inia realize she missed an opportunity to have word with Frigga. While she could seek the AllMother and potentially disturb her rest, she is swift to fall prone to the guilt of doing so. Instead, she sees no issue wandering to the dining hall or visiting the kitchens to see if the queen has chosen a different path besides slumber.
While Inia is wary to leave Nerthus alone on foreign soil, she also must uphold her purpose of existence, that of a harbinger.
Desion made with vigor, she scrawls a note for her kin and tucks it beneath a slim chalice on the nightstand beside the four-post canopy bed and pointedly secures the veranda then commands the guardians posted outside their doors to remain vigilant, assuring her absence shan't be long. It takes her but a moment to retrace her steps and usurp disappointment in her wake upon a reassembled dining hall far more festive than she remembers centuries before.
Servants, barmaids, and designers alike partake in adjusting rows of long tables, lounge furnishings, set flatware as others polish surfaces to sparkle for the banquets ahead.
None seem to spot her so she sighs dejectedly and approaches a guard swathed in gold, maroon and black silhouetted beside an entryway, positive he is positioned there regularly and interchanges his post with a trio of the other crimson hawkmen of his royal battalion as per-usual.
She can only assume, seeing as that is logical and the way Vana Palace does so.
"Pardon me, did you happen to witness the Queen's recent visit to the hall?"
"I did."
"May you tell me which direction she went? I must have word with her."
"I know not of her activities. I apologize, for I am not her personal guardian, Priestess."
Her mouth frowns at his tone, a sinister glean clouding the astral plane of this realm she may recognize, greatly feeling she does, though the title of this darkness evades her mind's eye. "Are you well? Has something I said offend you?"
"No. Forgive me, Priestess."
This is strange.
"I see. Pardon me."
Well, that was counter-productive. The guardians outside Nerthus' and I's chambers are not curt and I sense no distrust from them. What has angered him toward me? Perhaps his corral is not with me but trouble in his personal abode concerning a lover, a bride or a child? I know not but tis rather brash and unkind to spat his tongue at me as if I had a hand in his misgivings. No matter, I shall enquire of his name at a later time and offer him a fortune blessing if it aids those of his abode.
Unable to satisfy the itch for solution on a sensitive manner for the secondary party within her prophecy, she forgoes seeking Frigga and continues on to her next best option.
The library.
Inia is quite proud she did not step in circles journeying to the ancient archives of Asgardia Palace. The moment she enters, an elder librarian with braided fair hair and pale eyes twinkle at the sight of her and sets aside a weathered tome, unknowingly awakening a dormant bundle of nerves within the Vanir as the lady encroaches closer beaming recognition and excitement.
Gracious Norns, give me patience and please help me be kind. I worry for this lady's crazed gaze as it settles upon me.
"Priestess!" She bows her neck eagerly and wrings bony hands behind her back enthusiastically, "Tis a great honor to be in your presence. How may I be of service?"
Ignoring the spectacle of the few patrons leering every inch of her façade and measuring it to whatever fabrication they may have heard of Yggdrasil's fabled harbinger or as the Vanir priestess, she ends her scan of the endless ocean of volumes onto the petite lady. "I seek knowledge of masquerade enchantments. Preferably tele-psionic or illusionary. The realm of origin and craft matters not."
"Ah. Seeing truths beyond farces in the Palace already, are we?"
Inia replies quietly, bouncing bright eyes over the floor-to-ceiling leather bound records. "Perhaps. Tis why I am eager to pursue my studies. Please, could you guide me to the path I seek?"
"Oh, yes! Of course! Follow me, please." The stage whisper puffs her heavy bosom; her wide smile exposes dimples below sharp cheekbones, restoring centuries of youth even if for a moment.
Inia smirks, flowing easily behind the lady's prim steps and has to shorten her long gait on several occasions to prevent crashing into the delicate blonde as they weave in and out of shelves, questing deeper inside eons of the universe's unfathomable knowledge. Equipped with an eidetic mind, her blossom sight commits the numerical plaques dotting rows of monumental shelves tightly organized by realm and alphabetical purpose. One hand smooths over the tome passed to her, feeling and memorizing the strange texture of pelt used to bind parchment ages ago when this treasure was first published. Only once the librarian finishes clarifying hours of operation and policies does the Freyrdottir return the hefty tome and take a step backward to scope the soaring shelf.
Oh my Gaea. I have never seen so many tomes in my five centuries of life. Not even in Midgard, and their poets are icons of legend. Tis a thing of wonder, thus beauty.
"This is the closest tome in our location. If you intend to stay, I can provide you a bureau and pluck whatever I can on the subject should you wish, Priestess."
"That sounds lovely, but today shan't do. Perhaps next time. I simply wanted to ease my mind and see with my own eyes that you indeed have what I seek so I may come another day. Soon."
"Of course. I completely understand. Please, come again whenever the desire strikes." The elder lady lays a hand upon her heart and tips her chin respectfully. She speaks softly, "Pardon my etiquette, my lady. I am Vor, first librarian and archivist. Should you need any assistance during your visits, please seek me. It would be my greatest honor, Priestess."
"Mm. You are gracious, Lady Vor. I shall be sure to hold you to your word, you have been warned."
"Oh. I-I thank you. Is there anything else I may assist you with?" Posture wound tightly and shoulders squared, Vor inhales a galvanized breath and quickly returns the tome to its place of origin, recovering it from the priestess' grasp once again. Any initial confusion lacing her ripened features vanish when she recognizes the small, barely-there smirk tugging the gal's mouth that immediately calls another academic royal to mind. The first librarian smile gentles, shining nearly maternally on its own accord.
"No. I know not when I shall return, hopefully soon. Good day, Lady Vor." Brushing aside the funny look the lady fixes her, Idunn's sister dismisses the library scoping the plaques noting various realms and devoting them to heart. Once again, Inia finds herself traversing the halls.
She wonders, if the walls of the Palace could speak, what they would utter?
"Priestess."
She faces the source of the silken voice.
Loki.
Why is she not surprised?
"My, what are the chances of us stumbling upon one another in a large palace in such a short span of time? Are you following me, Prince?"
"Feeling direct, I see."
Spying the sly glean of mischief burning just below the surface of his cool and collective visage, she stretches several paces between them very cautiously as if any sudden movement may startle and cause his inner predator to strike its prey.
Under any circumstances, she cannot allow him to touch her. She knows not if he is aware of his parentage and until she knows of an enchantment to deflect, not hide, but deflect the cerulean flesh caused by one Jotunn connecting with another, Inia shall do all she must to prevent frightening him firstly. Asgardians have never been on good terms with Jotnar despite Odin's Treaty of Peace with Laufey unlike their sister race of Vanir but still, the premonition could be a prelude of Loki losing his reputation of royal title if he is exposed. That is not a choice she dare steal from him nor a risk of his life's purpose she shall take. Tis not her place to reveal it to him nor to shield him from it either, but in the same breathe, she cannot be held liable for acting on behalf of the Norns. Very few alike Freyr, Frigga, and Nerthus comprehend the unique nature of her Norn-Vanir crafts as closely as possible despite their lack of an intimate tie to the three Fates of Yggdrasil, and Inia appreciates their compassion. This begs the question: if she were to alight Loki's truth, would Odin understand her motives? Fair or tragic, now or later, truth always prevails. For now, she shall speak only when prompted so if he ponders, his truth is fair game. Odin cannot fault her even in his greatest anger, for he granted her diplomatic immunity across the realms long ago due to her Norn-given purpose which cannot so easily be stripped as twas granted.
"You of all know I am a blunt creature. Now, please answer the question."
"I have not followed you, though your accusation of me raises my suspicion of your behavior." He departs from the shadows rather ghostly and smiles mercilessly at her expression flirting between consideration and hesitation. "I happened to see you in the library and was prepared to offer my assistance, then I saw Vor has done so. Did you find what you seek?"
"Perhaps. What does my curiosity matter to you?"
"Oh, you have no idea." A devastatingly handsome grin curves his mouth.
"Mm. Rather you continue to seek me for whatever reason strange or not, I am sure we may 'coincidentally' stumble upon another regardless."
"Tis meant to be, yes? You saw this?"
"I know not because I have not."
But yes, I have dreamt of you.
Her eyebrow crooks interestedly. "You are disappointed. What is amiss, Loki?"
"I have endured many disappointments." He scoffs.
She gives into the torrent of sadness swimming in her belly and threads a rosy gaze with his striking green much too easily, as quickly and simply as breathing.
Suddenly, the words tumbling her lips seem too intimate of an exchange considering the waves of compassion and sadness dispersing her initial instincts of doubt. In truth, she urges to chastely embrace him and stand vigil as his guardian to protect him against any who dare oppose him a right to happiness and contentment, though she squashes the feverish itch to physically reach out to comfort him by closely examining her boots. "I grieve for you."
"I do not need your pity nor your saintly whims!" Glad to see her attention center on him once more due to his seething and the supposed transparency of his upmost annoyance due to her lack of cowardice in the face of his stoic glean, Loki stalks closer and stiffens to a stop when she presses herself into the wall suddenly, violently really. He frowns.
Her hands flatten on the surface behind her. Despite her tactics of evasion, a stern tone serves to protect herself. "Twas not pity. Gods you are brash and brazen."
"Damn right I am. You are in my realm, my palace, my abode, Inia." He scowls.
"You dare threaten me?" She counters.
What happened within a few shorts hours to make him so hostile? I know I have not a hand in this, then what?
"Take it however you wish. If you shall pardon me, I am to be anywhere else but here."
The moment he is well out of earshot, she scoffs and fiddles her lip angrily between her teeth. "Well, that was unnecessarily rude."
Loki doubles back and apparently ignores the blatant discomfort lacing her features, relishing the surprise swirling her soul windows. "Pardon? Have something to say, Priestess?"
He is much too close. She can feel his cool breath hinting naturally sweet of mint and cedar. Akin to a Jotunn in the depths of winter. Alike her Mother.
The scent of a memory she thought lost to her forever wets her eyes.
She cannot bear to look at him so she does not and tries to shuffle aside but his hovering form falls in step with hers, stirring the cauldron of apprehension into involuntary bubble of panic.
"Are you…weeping?"
Blinking, a tear drips but frosts mid-fall and freezes upon the flesh of her cheekbone, causing a wave of nausea induced alarm to overtake her. Inia immediately spots Loki's puzzlement and cowers into the wall as his hand unthinkably, instinctively gravitates to her face. "NO!"
Loki jerks back, clearly startled by her scream. Eyes wide and face stricken, he evaluates her but only identifies an all too familiar fear and terror etching Inia. A thicket of ice cold, razor-bladed guilt and shame drops heavier than any stone in his stomach, hurling Mjolnir to the forefront of his thoughts and that of her golden keeper salting the infected wounds of his past transgressions.
"Do n-not touch me...please."
"I did not… Are you well? Do you need to be taken to the healing ward? Should I fetch Nerthus? Tell me what you need. Is this a premonition? Inia, please. Tell me what is wrong!" Sinking to the floor aside her knees held tightly to her chest, he lowers to his knees before her shrinking form not knowing what to do with his hands in the strange predicament and reaches for her anyway to –
She scampers, managing to swoop acrobatically below his long arm in a flash, standing once again. Glancing madly between her trembling hands, his outstretched artesian hands long and narrow eerily similar to those of icy blood, his stunned and worrisome face, she spins on her heels and dashes down the corridor, betting he hears her low sobs and sees the quake of her shoulders.
She cares not.
-O-
Inia glimpses in the wall of mirrors within her water closet, abruptly feeling her handmaiden's efforts pause in their vigor to thread the owl feathers in the cascade of curls and strategically woven braids framing her sharp, waiflike features. Seeing Frigga dazzling a teal frock twinkling her evening stones with the realm's famous golden immortal roses peppering an articulate braid ending mid-breast, the priestess mutters for Geffjon, the handmaid appointed to her, to finish her task. "I hope I age as gracious as you, Frigga. You are captivating."
The royal woman humbly states, "I have a feeling you shall age finer than the richest wine, dear. I see you don the feather of your Ehwaz companion. Purple has always suited you well."
"Verily. I assume you spoke to Nerthus as well?"
"Not yet. I came to you first. Vor tells me you visited the library earlier. Did you find what you seek?"
Gods she sounds precisely alike Loki. Now I understand where he inherited his inquisitive nature.
"Yes and no. I was hoping you would lend me the knowledge I quest."
"Of course. But first, I wish for a word with you."
Swiftly and silently taking cue, young Geffjon ties the end of a thin braid and steps outside the room to tidy the chambers of strewn fabrics and assumingly prepare the evening frock Inia shall don for the festivities.
"Loki confided in me regarding your confrontation earlier. He knows not if he did something to provoke such a reaction from you and he feels lousy about channeling his aggravation onto you. I am not making assumptions nor am I upset, dear, I just wish to know what happened. Tell me, are you well?"
"Yes, I am well. Simply overwhelmed, I suppose."
"Dear, you need not to protect me from truths. You are in a safe place, we are safe. No harm shall come to us as long as we are united and are truthful with one another, do not forget this. So tell me, what irks you?"
Feeling the softness of a maternal touch rove her curls and sashay them behind a shoulder, exposing her face and shoulders to the brightly lit gathering of delightfully smelling candles dotting the vanity and fur-pelted marble floors, Inia looks at Frigga's encouraging reflection. She sighs dismally, unable to deny her regent mother. "The night before our arrival, I foresaw an event. I know not when this shall happened, for I could not distinguish much my environment, but I knew well enough twas celebratory. I was dancing with a figure whose face I could not distinguish. All I felt was the coolness of his pale hands and then…"
"All is well, dear," Frigga plays loftily with strands of white silk, hawking her goddaughter with an intelligent rosy glean. "Heed your memory, there is no need to rush your words."
"…peridot. Those eyes were the most striking color of green I have ever seen."
Frigga's hands freeze.
"I know now who it is. The resemblance is uncanny, but only he would be able to make me feel such a way."
"Oh?"
"I mean, he…he is beautiful. Yes, he is mischief, lies, and chaos personified, but he is so much more, Frigga. He is dark and mysterious, observant and sharp, untamed but so considerate. He is a unique sort of dark beauty that cannot be matched by another. He fascinates me. When I went to accept his hand in dance and our flesh met…" Tapping her fingers on her thigh and moistening her lips, her eyes flash upward and connect with the Queen's intensity.
"Go on."
"Everything was blue and red all at once. Cold yes, but so comforting." Serene and still, Inia counts the beats of silence that pass before the AllMother speaks again.
The irony does not escape her notice when exactly nine breaths pass that Frigga sighs and justifies the predicament.
"I apologize for this burden Odin and I have placed upon you. Had we told Loki long ago you would not have foreseen this as a liability and thus placed you in the center of our stronghold." The smallest of smiles touches her lips whilst hope shimmers her eyes. "In the same breath, it gladdens my heart that you of all know. You must understand that we initially stowed the truth of his parentage to protect him. Asgard had not the grace as Vanaheimr regarding Jotunheimr so we never wanted to endanger Loki in any form. I love him and Thor dearly and I fear the consequences of Odin's choice to stow this for so long from the very one it regards. I happen to know my son better than anyone in the Nine and it devastates me to know the immense feelings of heartache and betrayal he may face. …that he has faced." She squeezes Inia's shoulder. "But with your arrival on Asgard, I feel the Norns has blessed us. I see many similarities paralleling you and my son, but there are differences that stark and contrast magnificently. In your similarities I imagine you shall unite, but these differences shall strengthen each other."
She frowns, Unite? I cannot do such a thing. I forbid myself to burden another with my own stronghold and alignment with the Norn Fates by becoming a priestess. What she says, it cannot be nor shall it ever. I understand Frigga means well and yes, I shall do all in my power to aid Loki in these times lurking in the near future only in the form of virtue. Tis the only way I can help him, my vow of sainthood prevents me from seeking longings and lust. Yes, tis difficult because he is so strikingly divine but I refuse to allow a single force of any shape deter all the effort I made to become the lady I am today. He may be a sly silver-tongue but I see him transparently; he cannot hide from the truth as none can. … Perhaps this is why Frigga tells me this? In their youthful reign as young queens, Frigga and Gerd were as close as can be without being blood and she never feared my mother's heritage nor has she treated Idunn or I any different than her own children. Perhaps she believes I am able to show Loki that he is not cursed nor that he is anything but a masterpiece chiseled by destiny? I know not, but I seek to know her ponders.
A deep flush of pink heats Inia's neck. She mutters sarcastically, "I am sure your meaning of 'unite' is vastly different from mine."
Frigga simply smiles.
"Who else knows?"
"Odin, Eir, myself, and now you. None else." Loki's mother fiddles here and there, arranging, sweeping, laying, placing, and twirling snow white tresses around jeweled fingers.
"What of Thor? He has slain more Jotnar than any other. Forget feeling fright and despair over the revelation of his heritage, Loki shall want nothing more than to be far from his brother or he shall be so ashamed he may lose himself trying to accept this farce of normalcy. Well, if he would still see Thor as a brother." Inia absentmindedly rubs the sash of her robe between her fingers, fiddling madly in anxiety's grasp. "I hope my words shan't come to pass, but it would be foolish to not consider all possibilities."
"I agree. I know not of Thor reaction, but I hope he directs his outrage to the proper party."
Odin. While I cannot order the AllFather, I certainly would have advised him to reveal the truth to Loki to avoid the possibility of confrontation and tragedy had he summoned me long ago. I would have prompted foresight from the Norn within myself with the assistance of something belonging to the Prince and could have prevented this. Damnation. Why can nothing be simple? Must there always be suffering and devastation lurking every turn? Tis incredibly tiring. Norns help me.
"Please keep this matter for our ears alone. Please."
Inia steadily links their gaze, her neck angled sharply over her shoulder. "If he asks, I cannot deny him honesty."
"Then do not give him reason to ask. But there is something else I must request of you, a contingency if you will."
"Of course."
What if he enquires? Then what shall I say? How shall I say it? That place is for his father and mother, not I, a stranger.
"If something is to endanger the life of my son, I request you beckon Gaea to offer him refuge in the Mother-Realm with compassion and discretion. Vanaheimr has no quarrels with Jotunheimr due to the treaty of peace and nuptial of Njord and Skadi long ago and have reinstated these terms with the arrangement of Freyr and Gerd. Please, if we cannot haven him here, I beg of you to help Loki accept truth. Please, Inia. I cannot foresee things as you, but I sense a great catastrophe nearing the House of Odin."
Catastrophe is an omen of death in the world of a harbinger, this Inia is sure of.
"Vanaheimr and Asgard are on good terms as well, thus I shall see to it that Mother Gaea may fulfill your request. Also, I shall pray on this in Loki's stead."
A grin alights the entirety of Frigga's face as her soul windows glean relief and an overwhelming amount of absolute trust. Hands circle the shoulders of the young woman occupying a cushioned bench reflecting a graceful perseverance and kisses her crown as emotion seeps into her voice. "You are a blessing to us all, Inia. I thank you, dear. A thousand thank you's."
"Your welcome. Do you still wish to know what happened earlier this day?"
"Oh, yes." A concerned look crests the Queen. "What on Asgard was spoken to affect him in such a way?"
Guilt festers in the cauldron of emotions steeping the pit of her stomach. "Well. I have been pondering this premonition long and hard and had decided to seek masquerade enchantments no matter the realm. I know tis a form of deceit and I cannot wield it but I am not prohibited from bringing to the attention of another party. Cease how you gaze upon myself! I did not want to disturb you and I knew not where Loki was to enquire! I knew not what else to do so I found the library and Lady Vor approached me. I did not have the chance to divulge in any studies there and then, I am on guardian duty and had to return to Nerthus who was resting, but I was interrupted by your son. I have not an idea what could make him so hostile within an hour, we had a fine time before so I knew it had nothing to do with me, yet he tried to relinquish his anger upon me. I claim no innocence in the quarrel, we are both equally at fault but his emotions were not what made me reaction the way I did." Inia sighs deeply, overwhelmed by the memory of the distinct scent. Her hand snakes around Frigga's that circles her shoulders and leans into the queen's shoulder, inhaling the Asgardian scent marring Her Majesties' skin. "If he touches me, the truth shall be revealed. I kept us apart but when he became close, I smelt winter's depth in the chill of his breath. It called forth memories of Mother I was unaware that I suppressed and it caused a scene. I did not mean for this to happen and I certainly do not wish him to blame himself for a sadness I have that he had not caused nor can control. … Do you know if any others witnessed this? If so, how many?"
"None that I am aware of. A guardian was called into the library moments before Loki approached you in the corridor. If it is my presumption, I assume my son falsified it to have a word with you. He is sly, mischief personified if you have forgotten."
Trust me, I have not nor may I ever forget, Inia snorts in reply. She frowns, and therein lies my dilemma.
"Well, he did not let on the intent of his discussion. He mentioned seeing me in the library and confessed that he would have helped if not for Lady Vor intervening, he then proceeded to enquire if I found what I seek. Even I must acknowledge how cryptic he is. How can you make sense of half the words that leave his mouth?"
"I raised him. I know him. Worry not, adapt to it after a while and more times than not he becomes predictable." Frigga winces and sternly pleas, "Do not utter a word of that to him."
Inia giggles.
Frigga smiles. "Worry not of the illusionary enchantment. It shall be done by my hand before I have word with Odin to inform him of your knowledge. Also, if there is anything you may know of Jotnar histories or any form of studies, may you please share these things with me? I am interested to master these things for the wellbeing of my son."
"Yes. We have many tomes in our libraries regarding Jotunheimr's histories from the realm's lands to the medicinal practices and their tribal cultures. Even their philosophies, cuisine and fashion. Before the end of Jera, I shall summon Skirnir and provide these texts for you, Frigga."
"Is he to be trusted?"
"Skirnir is Yggdrasil's courier, messenger of the realms. He does his duty faithfully and covertly. Thankfully, he is not one to question the motives of another nor is he one for gossip so I have not a reason to disclose the nature of my yearning these studies. He shall not ponder any requests, I assure you."
Appreciation shines in her gentle manner of etiquette as she beckons Inia out of the water closet to the adjoining wardrobe. "Come along, we must clothe you with your frock and allow Geffjon to finish your festive cosmetics."
"Must she? Can I not go out looking as I am?"
"You could, yes, but I am afraid that it would cause the men to riot at your feet in your natural state of beauty. We cannot have that now, can we – "
"INIA!"
Nerthus.
Bolting off the dais fisting wads of the robe's hem, Inia races to the door joining their double chamber not manifesting Heill and rearing back his bowstring to produce a gleaming white arrow. Arrow nocked with mastery form sighted directly on the young royal, she notes Frigga's frock whisk around in her peripheral and glints at the pair of aghast handmaidens huddled in the corner. Seeing and sensing that harm no longer plumbs the ambiance, she lowers the enchanted longbow and scans the suite in its entirety cautiously before gliding to the open balcony, ignoring the drapes fluttering around her in the breeze.
What happened here?
Scoping close and near, far and wide through the sight of her favored weapon, Inia decimates the arrow into nothingness by simply releasing her pull on the bowstring and marches inside. "Are you wounded?"
"No." Murmurs a shaken, trembling Nerthus.
"Oh my, what happened here?"
Inia glances around the room habitually seeking clues and raises a brow at a battalion of crimson hawks, the elite royal guardians, standing at attention in the entrance of the bed chambers, dwindling halfway within the foyer incase their queen is in need of protection.
"Nerthus, what attacked you?"
Nerthus clarifies, "Who. Not what. Who attacked me."
"Who attacked you?" Frigga pries softly at the foot of the veiled mattress, soothingly brushing loose caramel blonde out of the Princess' glistening eyes.
"The maidens were finishing my cosmetics when I happened to glance in the vanity. What I saw…she was looking right at me. Her smile was a thing of horror, her eyes were darkness."
"Nerthus, please. We cannot prevent the intrusion again if you cannot tell us."
"I-I am not the one she desires."
Inia's eyebrow raises curiously in reply to the distress and hesitation scrawling her fair features. "She?"
"Yes. She desires darkness everywhere within everything."
"What? Why? Speak her name. Who is this foul woman you protect?"
Nerthus' head snaps up as does her body decorated in a persimmon orange evening frock dotted with rose gold sequence. Her voice seethes inches from the face of her guardian, "Do not accuse me of protecting a monster! I am not protecting her!"
She hardens back, feeling purple Norn sedir alight the fingertips of her free hand as the other holsters Heill tightly. "Then speak her name! Give me the truth willingly before I compel you to do so!"
"Y-you would not do that to me."
Coils of frustration tightening and testing her patience, the priestess hears her voice grovel much darker than she intends. "If it means your protection and of others, I would, as it does. For the love of Gaea! Tell me now."
"Kar –"
The echoing boom of double doors sound in the foyer, altering the group of an incoming presence.
The three ladies exchange a wary glance.
Loki treks in the chambers donning an air of urgency; peridot scan the trio of women, hovering over Frigga the longest conveying something of an unknown topic to the Vanir natives, a swarm of crimson hawks intimidatingly lining each entryway. "Mother," He greets.
"What is it, my son?"
"Odin summons the attendance of the Harbinger and the Princess to the throne room. Immediately. I am to escort you."
"Escort? What of Thor? If you are here then he should as well." Nerthus slips into a pair of elegant sandals as her face pales further in trepidation whilst processing the collective tones of Frigga's whispered affirmations. Her hands continue to quiver and fret no matter how small she makes her fists or how often she refolds the silken robe around her lithe silhouette, unknown of another Vanir native with snow white hair studying these subtle nervous ticks, pink garnet gems swathed with fierce concern and determination.
"Very well." Nodding to Loki, Inia passes Heill to the guardian she recalls questioning earlier before the library fiasco and cradles her kin's limp, disheartened hand, twining it into her own. To her despair, Nerthus' eyes glistening unshed tears.
What was she shown to shake her so?
Understanding her Princess' wounded emotions, she kneels and tilts her neck to scour the terror twisting sharply, identical to a knife deep into the depths of her soul. "Nerthus, I know not the extent of what you saw and it wounds me greatly that I had not been able to prevent this affliction. Do you recall what my Mother always said in times of tragedy?"
"Strength shall find you sooner than you ever thought it would." They speak in unison, and both snap to Frigga who also adopted Gerd's tongue.
Nerthus smiles meekly, mimicking Inia.
As confidently as she sounds, Inia summons a vigor of courage and hopes it translates in her tone and the hopeful squeeze she gives. "Draw from my strength as you have before and I have yours. We shall overcome this, whatever dare cross our path. It shall be slain as long as we are together. Shall you walk with me, Nerthus?"
Her speech must have had its desired effect because Nerthus sweeps the caramel blonde of hair curtaining her face wearing a steely resolve. "I shall."
-O-
Bowing in salutations to the AllFather, she stands before the glory of a gilded dais with a stiff, doe-eyed Nerthus flanking her. "I am here, Your Grace."
Odin sits regally upon the throne, Gungnir clutched in a meaty fist as the other drapes neutrally on the armrest. "Did you foresee this attack?"
"No." She replies as simply and stoically as him.
"Why?"
Inadvertently, she flickers to the green and black figure lurking aside Frigga steps below the pinnacle of the dais to sympathetically center the line of conversation upon herself, not a frightened Nerthus, and quickly blinks from his quizzical eyes painting a cool mask of indifference. "I know not."
"Then allow me to enlighten you, child."
Norns give me patience, she internally sighs, the chastising begins.
"The fatherland Nornheim of Asgard has once again become shadowed by black Norn sedir. Nornheim's Dark Queen is at work and she seeks the bestowments of your blood for herself, as she believes the power of the Norn Fates you have been bestowed is her birthright alone. Karnilla seeks vengeance for her misgivings and strikes now that you have returned to Asgard, desiring darkness to consume all of everything in her wake and beyond."
Karnilla. The Enchantress Supreme that mothers darkness, flanked by droves of shadow demons. The monster who slain her mother. That Karnilla.
Gracious Norns! No. Anyone but Kar – that MONSTER!
"H-how can this be? She is bound to Nornkeep Palace with little resources, no crafts and she –"
"We know not." Odin silences her emotional exclaim with a small raise of his palm.
There are limited options of procession. How did she not see Karnilla reemerging after all this time? Why was there no alluding to this? She saw Loki coming but not Karnilla? What sort of jest is this? Karnilla is the adversary, she MUST be stopped and condemned for violating the Nornheim-Asgard treaty. If they do not find a way to stop her soon she shall wreak havoc upon the royals here and dare Inia think, they could come to Vana Palace and slay everyone to sate her vengeance. It would be so easy with Freyja away in Muspelheim for fertility affairs, unable to guardian the imperial House of Gaea as First Valkyrie... This must end here and soon or else consequences shall arise. "Catastrophe", Frigga's voice reverberates in her mind. Inia remembers the news of Gaea stripping Karnilla of all crafts and banishing her from Vanaheimr as punishment for her murderous transgressions against the realms. Odin made sure to physically bind her to her own astral plane of Nornheimr for eternity which was the severest conduct he could commence since she truly is not of Asgardian heritage despite ruling the miniscule land of Nornheim of which the Norn Sisters where born and slain and ultimately resurrected to throne Yggdrasil's branches of the universe, harnessing the forces of time now and forever. Despite losing her titles of nobilities and forging her own dark, twisted kingdom in the scared, archaic, and forbidden legend of Nornheim, Karnilla holds no crafts of magic. So who does the dark queen's bidding? Who quenches the former Enchantress Supreme in her thirst for vengeance? For what purpose is this happening? Vengeance is not a lasting stimulant, it burns strong and rampant but it flickers and extinguishes quickly; vengeance gains no eternal satisfaction. What is the true motivation? What does she hope to accomplish by gathering and wearing Inia's entrails, painting and drinking her blood and donning her eyes? No, no, wrong enquires. The correct one is simple: what is it Karnilla seeks?
"Mm. So, it is I she is after?"
"Ultimately, yes."
Rather flippant in her tone and stoic in her demeanor, Harbinger voices the worry plaguing all their minds sounding much more brazen than she lets on. "What do you believe she would do if she acquires me? Drain me of my blood to gain craft, a source of pure Norn sedir? Torture, certainly. Perhaps she would replace her eyes with mine –"
"Enough of these foul words!" Frigga intervenes, startling those in her radiance to awe at the finality and power in her words. "You shan't fall into her wicked hands. We shall protect you, do you understand?"
"Yes." Ashamed and saddened greatly for burdening them greatly with herself, she discretely wipes away the iciness of unshed tears before they fall with the heel of her hand, simultaneously wiping the literal stress from her stoic face.
"Good. Then no more of this. When dawn breaks, I shall summon the mage coven to devise concealment and shield enchantments. Hopefully with us all together we may be able to form a barrier around Asgardia so this cannot happen again. Loki, I request your assistance with this in the morn."
"As you wish, Mother."
"Very good, my beloved." Odin nods. "In relation to the circumstances, I task you to investigate the situation of both past, present, and future afflictions. With this in mind and accounting for your safety whilst on Asgard, I relieve you of guardianship over Princess Nerthus and declare Thor her guardian."
Flashes of Nerthus in Thor's embrace in the meadow pillage the forefront of her mind's eye –
~ Six colors of omnipotence slam into her senses, alike the Bifrost, but in separate gems of vibrancy unique that hum a beauty of an addictive hypnosis broader than the sweet mermaids of Niflheimr each harnessing their own creations and destructions. Blue. Yellow. Red. Purple. Green. Orange. ~
She swims within the cryptic premonition, numb to Nerthus' hands clasping hers gently due to the residual haze of an otherworldly starriness rolls her eyes a brilliant purple and deaf to semi-familiar deepness of the AllFather commanding something or another.
What importance do colors have in the century to come?
Suddenly a jolt of epiphany tingles in her head and zaps harshly to her stomach, mentally lurching her into an abyss of preputial dismay for all that is to come. The realization sweeps aside the enlightening cloud suppressing her attention to the present day of Asgard, settling a reassuring sensation of awareness absorbed in each fiber of her being within her bones and beyond.
Great gods of yore, she curses in shock, the end has already begun.
Feeling intense green bore into her quite worriedly, Inia's mouth purses, her demeanor tensing. "With all due respect, I must request you to reconsider what you suggest."
"Suggest? A command is not a suggestion, child. Nerthus may be in Thor's care unless I say otherwise." He retorts.
How can he request her aid and demean it in the same breath? And dare call her "child" as if she is gal ignorant of her truth and might. Rather swiftly, Inia reminds herself of the farce he bestowed his son which further appalls, angers, and renews her spirit.
"Pardon me, Odin, but there's not a chance in Hel I can allow this."
"Inia!" Nerthus hisses desperately at her side, a rush of sheepishness coloring her.
Inia insists, "If you believe my suggestion so frivolous then by all means explain this to the one who desires my blood so she may cease this ridiculous quest for vengeance! Whatever the Norns bestow me to speak is not without purpose, Odin! You above all know this so do not disregard me as some witch! I have reason to protect Nerthus just as you me. Heed my words, please."
"I apologize, but my decision has been made. Thor may be her guardian and that is that. We shall speak no more of this."
"NO! The Vanir traditions demand she be remain pure for my blessing of fortune so Vanaheimr's future is blessed under her reign!" Odin parts his mouth looking stern and dismissive but Inia surges to the foot of the dais and levels a haunted, watery gaze with him.
Odin's eyebrows skyrocket to his hairline, taken aback by her desperation and fear that was once so unabashed and passionate not a moment before.
"You do not understand! Things are changing across Yggdrasil! I feel it in every breath I take!" Her lips sorrow and the telltale coolness of tears line her cheeks to jaw. "I know not what this titan of a force is but a time is near where the realms shall come together in a time of a great decimation across the universe in an infinite battle. I feel pain that has not yet been felt by those to perish. I hear the anguish of their loved one's sobs...nothing haunts me more than these glimpses, AllFather. Please. Vanaheimr shall be needed in this catastrophe and without the blessing of fortune for Nerthus' pure reign, I fear Vanaheimr be one of the firsts of all to end. If you simply heed my words, such a small decision may blend into others and change this fate for all of us. Without the sedir realm intact, surely we all are doomed."
"Near you say? When?" Thor's booming voice severs the thicket of silence.
She wets her mouth, dreading the answer. "I sense it no later than one century of Asgardian-Vanir time."
"Dear Gaea!" Nerthus gasps, gobsmacked alike the royal family.
"You are certain of this?" Frigga moves forward to clasp each of her sons' hands, a stricken expression pinching her eyebrows.
"Absolute. Karnilla's involvement solidifies my beliefs, for all the forces of darkness shall rally as one against the life light of the universe. …This is the beginning of the end of everything."
"Then this is our final Jera." Odin states solemnly.
Nerthus steps forth and ties a hand to Inia, the loaded exchange of fear, sorrow, and tremendous love conveying their glance meaning more than words ever could. "But we can change this fate, can we not? A millennium for Midgard may be but a century to Asgard, for we Vanir live long alike our Aesir brethren, but time translates differently across each realm. Again, take Midgard for instance. Tis a treasured feat if one of their own lives a full cycle of their century. Speaking from my heart, I believe we can avoid these misfortunes only if we act accordingly now."
Pride, admiration, gladness, and hope glimmers in Inia's fuchsia sapphires.
Her beliefs of Nerthus' prosperous reign seem to becoming true as well.
Praise the Norns.
A rare glean of surprise, approval, and overall respect lightens the King-Father's single inquisitive eye.
Heartbeats of silence pass for what feels eons with four pairs of eyes belonging to Frigga, Inia, Thor, and Loki flickering to one another in unanimous agreement, each holding their breaths ventured from the smog of tension thickening between Nerthus and Odin who, impressively, never break their thread of stoic sight.
"What is it you propose, Princess?" Odin caves.
The room releases a mental, collective sigh perspiring relief.
"I um…well, it may not be any consolation…" Sucking a breath through her nose, Nerthus glances hopefully to Frigga, suddenly conscious of five expectant gazes heavily upon herself and expels a flooding proposition seemingly in a single breath. "If what Inia has seen may come to pass and the realms are to align, then it beckons an insinuation of Midgard harnessing a weapon powerful enough to rival against the forces of darkness. If this is so, I would not be opposed to sending an ambassador to warn and prepare them as the sister realms converge for war and relay this revelation throughout Yggdrasil. They cannot help if they know not and I believe the Midgardians have the right to know because their place in Yggdrasil is of equal import as Asgard and Vanaheimr. After all, the realms balance the universe together."
"Aye." Inia states whole-heartedly. "I agree."
Thor scoffs dismissively, "An ambassador? Who would voluntarily journey to such a desolate realm of dirt? Who is to say they may comprehend these words at all to join this infinite war the Harbinger speaks of?"
Frigga and Loki's eyebrows piquing with astonishment at the blatant statement, as it does not escape Inia's notice either much to the dark prince's ever-growing curiosity.
Nerthus narrows her sight on the golden prince, rhetorically retorting, "Who is to not say so? Surely you, the All-Knowing, Foreseeing Thor."
Immediately, Inia's hand rests on her kin's shoulder to defuse the bickering and quell the boiling temper of the prince and princess trading glowers. "On behalf of the Norns, I forgive your arrogance and shall proceed to give His Highness the benefit of the doubt concerning His ignorance."
Loki snorts an abrupt laugh, drawing a crowd of eyes, and wipes a smooth hand over a manically grinning mouth. Said smile does not leave a peridot gaze.
Thor looks sharply from Loki to Inia with brash anger accompanying upmost embarrassment; large fists ball at his sides as topaz eyes flame with annoyance and offense.
Frigga quirks a smirk but places a hand on Loki's shoulder to calm and cease his torso rattling silent, mirthful laughter.
"I shall ponder everything greatly before revealing this to the war council for advice. As of now, we may proceed with the festivities as planned and enjoy this harvest of rebirth. This revelation shan't pass our lips until I deem so, for I do not wish chaos dwelling the commonwealth in a time of celebration nor worry our kingdom if need not. Frigga, you and Loki may discretely proceed with the mage coven as discussed regarding Karnilla and I shall ponder Thor's guardianship of Nerthus and have come to a decision by dawn. For tonight, Inia may remain as Nerthus' guardian until that time. Inia, you are to mediate on these things, find sense in them and deftly report to either Frigga or myself." Blue eye unwavering, he white-knuckles the sentient staff, anticipation radiating throughout the room. "… I have one final question for you, Harbinger."
"Yes?"
"What do you address this titan force of darkness?"
"I know not, its face has yet to be revealed to me. All I know is that it dwells in the depths of darkness surrounded by death, so much that I have not been able to press beyond its shadow. But I shall."
"Indeed. You may all take leave."
AUTHOR'S NOTE: YAY! Finally another Chapter! Whooo-hooo! Just 1 new Face Claim this time around, guys :( Thank u 2 those who are following and have favored this fic! I freaking love Loki & Inia is probably 1 of my top 3 favorite OCs I've ever done. So, as always, CC during R&R is always ALWAYS appreciated! Have a great day, guys! xoxo
~ Norn Vision/Foresight as Harbinger~
LADIES:
Helen Mirren – Vor, Asgardian Goddess of Wisdom | Var, Asgardian Goddess of Awareness