A/N: Thanks for the wait guys! I have been working very hard on this chapter and at last it is ready! Hope you enjoy! Let me know what you think so far! :0)


-o-o-o-o-

Previously...

She hit and bit and scratched and in return the arms tightened around her, almost to the point of crushing her, squeezing her of breath.

The pain was phenomenal. The bones of her ribs rubbed together and the wounds at her side pulled taut and tore. She could feel the warm wetness seeping through her clothing. Her knees buckled. Tears rolled down her face.

Just as she managed to suck in one deep cleansing gulp of air, her legs crumbled away from under her and she started to fall.

As her head lolled back her eyes skimmed across the highly domed ceiling, to the golden covered walls, to the two tall familiar figures standing close, watching them.

A certain pair of darkened green eyes drew her hazy, unfocused attention. But not before the world around her whirled and sounds faded away, until all that remained... was an empty blackness.

-o-o-o-o-


Chapter 3

-0-0-0-0-

The fear that clawed at her throat was overwhelming, utterly and entirely consuming of her senses. It gripped at her like an iron fist, refusing to let her go, growing tighter with each passing breath she took.

With wide eyes she scanned the world around her, plumes of smoke rolling, choking her as she searched the wreckage. What had once been her village now lay in ashes at her feet. Houses were cinders; smouldering piles of stone and wood. The market place, shops, taverns, the temple, the beautiful gardens. All of them a part of her childhood, a part of her memories, her life. Her home... it was gone! Destroyed.

Her body trembled as the shock began to take over her frame. Almost robbing her of her reasoning. Only one thought kept her grounded, kept her sane, gave her purpose...

The children!

When the giant beasts had attacked, she had been playing with them in the lavender fields; a wonderful game of hide and seek. The moment she had sighted the smoke rising from the town, followed by shouts she and the little ones had ran back to seek help.

Such an error it had been.

The trolls were everywhere, slashing and pounding their way through every structure and being that crossed their paths. Leaving nothing in their wake in one piece.

Upon seeing the four children's young and frightened faces, Bryn knew she had to do something. They did not fully understand what was happening. She had to protect them.

A new game of hide and seek had begun, but it was a game of life and death. She had told them. Told them to run and hide, somewhere safe.

They had nodded, their faces pale and uncertain.

" Bryn, no, do not leave us." Tom the tanner son had spoken shakily to her.

Arms latched themselves around her legs, hugging her. " I'm scared." Came the sweet voice of little Mae, the butchers niece. Her little cherub face pleading with her.

Bryn knelt down to them all, and drew them all into a tight hug. She kissed each child in turn on the head and ushered them away. Telling them to go, to hide.

She promised them. Promised she would return and come for them. That they would be safe.

They had nodded and hesitantly they began to run. Bryn did not have time to watch them to make sure they got there safely, for out of no where a great meaty fist grabbed her from behind around the throat, lifting her cleaning off her feet.

She fought them. Hands grabbed at her, tore at her, crushed her of her very breath and blood. They came from everywhere; great towering grey creatures with mangled faces and enormous arms and heads. Though there were so many of them.

She battled them with every ounce of her strength and courage she could muster. If she died today, she would do so protecting the children. She would not let them perish and fall into these monsters hands, she would...

Fresh smoke filled her nose and through her struggles she heard the desperate shrieks of the other villagers. She turned her head to see many more of their homes being burnt. To see her people, people she knew as friends, running for their lives and from the death that awaited them.

Through her maddening struggles she caught sight of a single building in the distance. The stables. Its thatched roof alight. Its entire structure being engulfed by the hungry searing flames. The panicked cries of the horses...

Along with the pitiful screams of the four small figures trapped within.


-o-o-o-o-

The moment Bryn opened her eyes, bright beaming light assaulted her vision. Her heart hammered as she became instantly aware of herself and her surroundings. Her side ached terribly. Her body pulsed and throbbed with each breath that she took; the air around her heavy.

Where was she? Her eyes peered around, cautiously. She was laid upon some strange solid surface. The ceiling above her was high and domed. Strange glowing lights, like tiny orbs, danced above her body. Like strange fireflies they floating down to her, brushing against her, softly seep into her. Feeding her their warmth and strength.

A single though entered her mind. Where were the others? Where was Thren?

" She is awake."

The voice, feminine and soft, broke her from her worries. She reacted instantly. Ignoring the pain in her side she shot up and rolled off the odd stone surface to face a group of three simply dressed women. They appeared surprised as she scrambled back against the nearest wall. Fear was a growing sensation in her chest, making it feel like the walls around her were closing in on her.

She needed to go... but to where exactly? Where was she?

The women took a steady, careful step towards her. One woman, the eldest of the three, held her hands out in a supplicating gesture.

"Be at ease, my child." Her tone was gentle, almost motherly. "You have nothing to fear from us."

Who were these strangers? Her gaze ran over each of them. She did not know them. Where was Thren? And Borik? And Valnir? Bryn did not take the time to consider it for long. Quickly scanning the room around her with wide eyes, she slid against the wall, edging her way towards the domed entrance to the room. Her only way out.

With each step it was agony, the bones of her ribs seem to rub and grind against each other. The wounds at her back were pulled taught, she could feel the warm wetness seeping through her... she paused in thought, and looked down and saw she had strange plain brown shift on. Her one and only dress she possessed and had arrived in was gone.

Her head spun, feeling strangely light. She felt so confused, so lost. Her mind was awake, demanding that she take flight and flee for survival. But her body was slow, uncooperative.

"These are the healing halls." Another of the women spoke, as though sensing her turmoil. Her eyes were grey and kind as they stared at her. "You are in the house of the all-father."

"Fear not," said the oldest again, "None shall harm you here, we are here to help you."

Healing halls? All-father? Bryn's head span, and then it all slowly began to come back to her. She was in the golden halls of Odin. In Asgard. They had managed to escape the trolls and had found themselves here. They had been chased by guards and then a dark haired prince had arrived...

Bryn shivered as she remembered. Those emerald eyes were imprinted in her mind. Burning her. His sharp pale features and hair as black as the night sky in winter. With the ability to create mist in the palm of his hands, to conjure anything he wished.

Since she had been a child she had always been told of such creatures who could wield and manipulate the magic of the realms. Dark and powerful magic. Deadly magic. Such power was feared, unheard of, unspoken of. Only evil could ever come of it. That was what she had been told, what she had been brought up to believe.

Thren had been unable to defend himself against such abilities. The thought was creating a sickening lump in her throat. She only prayed to the goddess Hela for mercy and that he was alive and well.

The form of one of the women taking another step closer pulled her out of her reverie. The woman's hands were outreached to her, as though about to touch her, to usher her back to the table.

"You must rest." She encouraged, "Come, we must..."

She did not finish her words. The moment the older woman's fingers almost brushed her skin, Bryn lunged for the archway and into the awaiting corridor.

"Wait!" They called after her, "You are too weak to..."

Bryn's heart hammered wildly, she cast a wild look around her surroundings, trying to decide which direction to go...

"Guards! Stop her!"

The three women appeared at the entrance, following her. Their gazes flashed to something, or someone behind Bryn.

She whirled to see two golden clad guards merely a few feet away, approaching with swift intent.

Run.

She span and bolted in the opposite direction. Her lungs burned and her entire body was on fire as she used all of her strength and energy to will her legs to move. Her bare feet were unsteady against the marbled floor, almost tripping over themselves as she heard the clunking of steel and heavy footsteps gaining behind her.

Why?! She cried in mindless panic to herself, Why were they doing this? She was no threat to them. She just wanted to find her friends, to go home.

"… you have come to our realm, uninvited and unannounced." A voice, deep and male, resounded from somewhere in the distance, echoing around the endless halls like the crack of thunder. " What cause have you to be here?"

"Where is she? Where is Bryn!?"

Her heart leaped, relief filling her. She knew that voice! Its familiar soft male drawl filled her legs with a sudden unknown strength...

Thren!

" Rest assured," that deep authoritative voice replied. "She is in safe hands."

With a final surge of strength and the heavy breaths of the men following closely behind her, she flew towards the huge set of golden double doors and pushed them open. They were so heavy; It took all her strength, but she managed it. All but throwing herself into the huge expanse of a hall that awaited within.

Blinding golden hues surrounded her. They reflected of every wall, every towering column, every surface. The doors slammed on their thick hinges, causing all focus to land onto her.

The moment Bryn's eyes fell on Thren and the other two of her companions, she all but wanted to cry. They were stood before a grand set of curving stone steps, upon it sat a majestic throne, a single man sat upon it with a woman standing at his side.

Bryn surged forward without thought until she was beside them, their larger bodies huddling around her as they spoke to her...

"Bryn?!" Thren was equally surprised to her.

" By the gods, you are here!"

" Have they harmed you?" Borik's hand was at her shoulder.

" What is this?" It was the broad looking man upon the throne that broke the moment. His regal bearing and proud stance had everyone's attention. Everything about him spoke of a noble nature; like the great lions she had read about, born from the world of Midgard. From the detailed armour on his chest, to the striking long staff in his hand. His beard was long and stark white. His eyes wise and knowing, though one was covered by a single patch.

They all knew whom he was. This great being, whom was father and creator of all that was legendary and great; like the rocks that formed the mighty mountains of their home. He was the all-father. Protector of the nine realms. King of Asgard.

This was Odin.

"Goodness." It was the gentile looking woman who stood beside him that spoke up. Her gaze on Bryn as she furrowed a brow in concern. "What is she doing here? She should be with the healers."

This must be Frigga, Bryn thought in confirmation, Odin's Queen. Her classic beauty, gentle nature and fierce loyalty was known throughout many of the eternal realms.

Heavy footsteps drew all gazes to the two guards as they finally made their way into the grand hall and forward to kneel before Odin.

They raised a hand to each of their chests in salutation, as one said rather breathlessly, "Forgive us, my king. My queen. The woman woke so suddenly, the healers had no time to..." when Odin did not move an inch upon his throne in concern, Bryn could see the guard swallow nervously before continuing, " She ran from them."

"Bryn, are you well?"

It was Thren's voice that reached her ears from beside her. But she did not turn to look up at him. The moment the old Kings wise eyes moved over to her, she felt herself being examined, closely. It felt as though, like the parting of a vast sea, the bodies around her moved aside at his silent stare, demanding she reveal herself from the protection of her companions.

Was she well? Was she hurt? She shook her head. She was not quite sure to which of the questions she gave her answer to. All she knew was that she wanted to just leave and hide away from all of the prying eyes that peered at her. Be it in pity, concern or mistrust.

"Father! We have arrived!"

A group of six figures entered the hall. The leader was a tall and broad warrior of a man. With fair golden hair, and a flowing red cloak at his back. A heavy and deadly looking hammer was gripped tightly in his hand, with such an ease and strength that made her suddenly uneasy.

The others consisted of a youngish looking man, both handsome in appearance and bearing. Another was stout and large in stature. The woman at his side looked equally fierce, with shining armour and sleek black hair pulled up high on her head. The third male Bryn recognised by his exotic looks and fierce countenance.

Hogan the grim. Of Vanaheim, their homeland. A legendary warrior amongst the Vanir.

The final addition to their company, however, was the one that truly had Bryn's focus. The moment he advanced into sight, her gaze landed onto him and she felt herself stiffen.

His gaze wandered over each of them with a cold detachment. The pale smoothness of his features and complete black attire made him look otherworldly, making his stand out in stark relief against his companions. Those green eyes, so frosted in appearance that they almost looked like frozen water upon a lake, paused when they glided over to her. When they did, she was both entranced and frightened by the intensity in which they delved into her. Something flashed within them, a silent kind of acknowledgement to her presence. It was as though they missed nothing; no thought was left unseen to his eye, no secret unknown.

"News has met my ears that we have visitors." The man now recognised as the all-fathers son, Thor spoke.

"Forgive us, great king." Valnir stepped forward suddenly, "But we are in dire need of your help. We are escaped prisoners from Nornheim..." There was a long drawn out moment when he said the name. Bryn could feel the negative emotions coming from the warriors in waves.

"Me, my comrades and many others I have not the heart to speak of or remember have been captives of the rock trolls residing there." He gestured back to all of his companions, " They took us from our homes, in Vanaheim. We managed to escape them by entering the Frostgrinder. It is what has brought us to you."

"You sent them to us," Borik interrupted loudly, his broad countenance tightened in barely constrained anger. " You banished them from Nornheim and they came to our realm. They have destroyed everything we hold dear."

" Borik," Valnir glared at him, " That's enough, it will not change anything."

" No I shall not!" The moment Borik's shout left his mouth the guards moved to stand before him, shielding their king. Borik paid no heed to them. " I will not be silent any longer! They killed my wife! my children! They brought chaos and despair to our village! You have done this to us!"

The fair haired prince was quick to act, " How dare you address my father so ill?"

The clink of armour was their only warning before blades were drawn and pointed into Bryn and her companions direction. It was only when Odin lifted a hand to still them did they draw back and lower.

" I am not aware of this situation. It has been many years since an attack on Vanaheim has been heard of." Odin's voice broke through the tension."You say there were many of you taken?"

"Where are the others?" The queen, Frigga stepped closer to us, her aged but nonetheless beautiful face a welcome to Bryn against the harshness of the men around her. " Only four of you managed to escape? Only so few?"

"The rest are dead." It was whispered; Thren's voice was quiet, haunted with memories.

There was a long pause in which no one spoke. But it was filled with the understanding that whilst there was only so few of them that had escaped, they had survived a nightmare no living creature should have had to endure. The loss of loved ones. The loss of self worth. The loss of life and many hundreds of years of made memories.

" I know not of how this great misfortune came upon you." Odin spoke suddenly, calmly, "I can only take blame for the pain and suffering you must have been through and for that I will make amends, rest assured." he held out a withered but strong hand out to us in welcome, "You will have my full hospitality here at the golden halls of Asgard. Whatever you shall need, it will be supplied to you."

There was a pause, a long silence in which Bryn and the others became thoughtful, considering the offer. The offer for peace. For freedom. The time to think and reflect. To heal.

"You will need care." Frigga moved to stand before Bryn and reached out to touch her hand in kindness. Bryn out of instinct moved away from the contact. The good queen did not appear offended, rather a small smile of understanding was cast across her features. "Our healers will take care of you." she turned to the others. "We will provide you with clothing, a warm bed and a good hearty meal."

Odin nodded in agreement, "I will send my finest to investigate the reason for this attack. Once your strengths have returned we will make arrangements to have you all returned to your homes, in Vanaheim. "

Your families. For some reason, the words stung her. She felt a deep pain in her chest. A pain no healer could repair or heal. Small, trusting little faces flashed across her memory. It caused a thickness to form in her throat, heavy with emotion.

"Hogan is of the Vanir," Thor spoke up suddenly, drawing their thoughts away from the darkness, " He is one of you and one of our greatest warriors."

The dark clad warrior stepped forth and place a hand upon his chest in an oath, " I will see to it that the trolls will not return."

"Truly?" Thren sounded hopeful, "You will help us?"

Thor nodded, "You have my word," he turned to gesture to the group standing beside him, " This is the Lady Sif and the warriors three. Fandral. Hogan. And Volstagg." The four took turns to nod their heads to them in greeting. Thor finally turned to the opposite side of his father, where the dark haired figure of the second, younger prince stood. " And this, is my brother Loki."

The moment he said the name Bryn felt the ground shift from beneath her. He legs grown suddenly weak, her stomach dropped in dread. Loki? As in, the god of all that was deceitful? The master of lies and trickery. This was the being that had spared her and kept her hidden from the guards. But why? The fact that he was Thor's acclaimed brother was equally disturbing, as they looked nothing alike. They were as different as light and dark; night and day. They bore no resemblance.

Loki, the dark one, did not nod to them as the others had. Instead he simply stood there, unmoving, watching them closely.

" What of us that do not have families." Borik asked, breaking the moment, " My loved ones are dead. I have nothing to return to in Vanaheim. My wife, my children have passed across the great river into the realm of the Valhalla. I am alone, as is Bryn." Bryn felt herself flinch at the bluntness of his words, "Her family was slaughtered along with the rest of them."

"Is this true?" Odin asks her suddenly, drawing all eyes onto her yet again.

Bryn opened her mouth, out of habit more than anything. But the words would not come to her. She felt her jaw moving , slowly, trying to articulate the words. But there was nothing.

It frustrated her beyond imagining. It had been so long since she had uttered a single sound. She still found herself trying to on occasions, but always failed. Just as she was failing now.

" Is there no one who would be worried for you? No husband? No Children?" Odin questioned, oblivious to her struggle.

For some reason her cheeks heated at that. A Husband? Yes she was of marrying age and had been for some years now, but she had never had the opportunity... because of what had happened.

It made a bitter lump drop into the pit of her being. As for children? Oh, yes. She had had many of them; though not in blood, but by bond. And she had loved every single one of them. They had been her life, her purpose.

And now, they too were gone...

"When my father speaks it is polite that you answer." It was snapped, and Bryn's eyes flashed up to the golden haired man standing beside his father.

She swallowed, her mouth suddenly dry at the fire in the large man's blue eyes; demanding her to speak. Though somewhat handsome and fair; he was broad and appeared hard all over including his bearded face. He was intimidating.

"She cannot speak." It was Thren that came to her rescue, " She is... mute. And like Borik, she has no one. We have been captives for many winters, she was taken when she was but a young girl, barely of age."

Frigga gave a nod of her head in understanding. Her gentleness comforting. Bryn wanting nothing more than to trust them, to trust this woman who was reaching her delicate hand out to her in welcome and friendship.

The ache in Bryn's side was reminding her that she needed to rest. She was so tired. Exhaustion was making it difficult to stand. He legs trembled and she found herself leaning gently against Thren's side. As she did so her eyes slid slowly over the queens shoulder to meet the green eyes of the silent figure behind her. So bright and sharp.

Loki lowered towards the golden head of the queen and whispered something to her, all the while holding Bryn's gaze. An uneasiness washed over her. Frigga listened and then her focus once again fell over them, as though considering something.

What had he said to her?

" Then stay with us." it was spoken forth so suddenly that it took everyone by surprise. Frigga stepped forward and smiled "There is more than enough room for you here."

That is not what any of them was expecting. Bryn and her companions cast unsure and uncertain glances to one another.

" Indeed. You are welcome to stay with us," Odin joined, " For as long as necessary until we are sure it is safe for you to return back to Vanaheim."

"Father," Thor spoke up, " Are you sure you mean to do this? We do not even know them..."

" I know them as brothers and sisters in need. This is my doing, I wish to heal the damage that has been done. It is but a small gift I can offer to you, if you will accept it."

The reality of it began to sink into Bryn's mind. They were offering them a home; temporary or permanent, which ever they desired. Such a thing was a great honour, to be offered sanctuary into Asgard.

" You need not answer now." Frigga motioned with a wave of her hand; the healers at the entrance stepped forward and before any of them could answer they were being ushered away further into the palace, " Rest, think about our offering. There is always tomorrow to make a decision. Our healers are very skilled and will take care of you."

Bryn felt as though she was in a wave of emotion. Kindness. They were showing them such kindness it made her want to cry. Her body longed so much for what they offered, the very thought of having a decent meal and some well deserved rest was encouraging her to follow the women leading them towards the stone archway. She was in such dream like state she did not realise that when they passed through into the open hallway that Thren and her other male companions were being urged into the opposite direction from her.

She paused, anxious, as she met Thren's gaze; uncertain of what was happening.

"I will see you soon, Bryn," he said, " Be at ease."

" I am afraid you cannot be with them, child." Bryn turned as one of the healers spoke to her, " It would be most unsuitable to have a young maiden amongst the men. We have a separate room for you, if you would but follow us."

Slowly, Bryn relented, and she was eventually led into a small room. It was beautifully decorated; Though simply designed. It was circular in shape. With drapes of the finest golden silk hanging from wall to pillared wall. At the far end was a huge archway leading to a balcony that overlooked the beauty that was the palace grounds and gardens. Just beside that, a silken covered bed.

Bryn paused at that. Her eyes widening.

A real bed.

With enough pillows and blankets enough to bury her. It was so large, Bryn knew she would look like a small child sleeping in it. How many years had it been since she had slept in one? Or even seen one? How many long years of drifting away on a solid, hard, cold stone?

" Come," The older of the women urged her towards another door to the left, " This will be your room for a while. My name is Aida and this... " she gestured to her two companions, "... is Fiorna and Ghaela. We have a hot bath prepared for you and some clothes that we believe may fit you."

The youngest, Ghaela, stepped forward with a smile, reaching for Bryn, " Come I will help you undress and then..."

Panic rushed up into her throat and before she could stop herself, Bryn shot back and away from the young woman's seeking hands. Ghaela paused, hesitant it seemed. She cast a glance to the eldest, Aida, as if unsure of how to proceed.

Aida simply shook her head and then turned to Bryn, smiling coaxingly.

" All is well, child. The bathing room is through there," Bryn followed her gesture towards an archway at the other end of the room, " We will allow you to bathe yourself, if it is what you prefer. We will leave some sleeping attire for you on the bed. We will leave you, but we will need to assess your injuries in the morning."

Bryn, as though realising that their intention was to examine her, began to shake her head.

" I am sorry," Aida spoke, " This is something that we must do. It is our duty as healers to take care of you. You have many wounds that may become infectious if left unattended."

Bryn simply stood there, torn of what to do. They were unmovable on the subject.

The three healers turned, and without a word left the chamber. Leaving Bryn to her troubled thoughts.

She moved tentatively to the archway she had been directed to and peeked around the edge to the room within. Steam rose up to meet her and she cast her gaze across the wide expanse of a bath that was so big she could possibly swim in it.

Carefully, Bryn slid off her plain shift and let it fall to the floor at her feet. She stepped out of it and towards the tiled steps that lowered into the crystalline clear water that waited for her. The moment her foot submerged itself into the searing heat she wanted to gasp in pleasure.

One step, two step. Then another and then another. Until all at once she was encased by a rippling blanket of warmth and comfort. Its seeped into her body, her very soul, removing the coldness that lingered in her. She used her small hands, slowly at first as she tried to cup the water in her hands and pour it over her aching body. Washing away the grime, the stench, the smell... the memories. Her hands became more wild more desperate. Feeling tears well in her eyes, and satisfaction seep into her bones as she watched the darkened water float away and dissolve into nothingness.

It was over. It was all over. They were free. She was free.

A noise erupted within the chamber, echoing. And then another, and then another. A whimper. Bryn was taken aback, until she realised the sound was coming from herself. She had made such a sound, with her own mouth. All at once, like huge wave of emotion, she began to weep. Gasping, gut wrenching sobs. Both in remembrance and in revelation. She cried until she had nothing left to give, and exhaustion was her only companion. When the tears finally stopped did she pull herself from the chilling water.

With her short hair still wet, she dressed herself in the silken night shift that was left for her. Bryn felt herself yawn.

Carefully, almost unsure, she lowered herself onto the bed, feeling it dip underneath her slight frame. She crawl here way up it and pulled back the soft covers. She burrowed herself within them. The sensation foreign to her.

Once fairly settled, she allowed the growing dimness of the chamber to encase her. Trying to encourage her mind to sleep.

But it just did not feel right. She turned this way and that, trying to get comfortable in the mass of sheets and pillows. They were soft, almost too soft. To the point were she felt stifled, suffocated with the amount of material surrounding her. It felt wrong. Unnatural.

Without a sound she gathered the sheet about her frame and rolled out of the bed and gently lowered herself onto the tiled floor. Its hardness a familiar sensation against her body. She curled herself up tightly and pulled the sheets further around her shoulders.

It did not take long. Her eyes began to drift as the world around began to fall away. The darkness began to close in around her, Bryn could feel her heartbeat begin to slow. Her breathing evened out as sleep began to creep up and into her.

But not before a single thought entered her mind.

And that was, that for once she looked forward to tomorrow. Because tomorrow included a world. A world that no longer filled her with pain and terror...

But a world of freedom, of kindness; without any pain or suffering.