Song: "I'll Make A Man Out of You" – Donny Osmond

Lyrics used: "Once you find your center

You are sure to win."

Even with Herlof's conceited nature, Fandas always found him to be extremely interesting. Not only because he was her older brother, but also because she wanted to know what it was that made him so special to everyone. He was charming, that was certain. Fandas looked at her reflection often, noting their few physical similarities and wondering if she'd become more accepted if she somehow enhanced them. She and her brother both had a head of medium auburn hair, though hers sprung in wild curls around her pale oval face. Herlof's hair was indeed curly, but in a more attractive fashion. Rather than his curls gaining a life of their own, they were tame, going just barely to his shoulders. His eyes were a deep blue, and they almost seemed purple, matching his tan skin well.

About a week after being found out as a sorcerer in training, Fandas followed Herlof to his warrior training. There was rumor that Asgard was going to battle with Vanaheim soon, and she was itching to know whether it was true or not. She made herself invisible as she trailed him through the crowded, glowing hallways of Asgard, being sure to walk on the balls of her feet to make less noise.

Soon, Herlof and Fandas reached a large room, in which warriors were in several straight lines.

"Ah, Herlof!" a booming voice shouted from their left, "We were afraid you had been with another maiden and had forgotten about our gathering!"

Herlof gave a loud, false guffaw.

"Not so, Volundr. Not on this day, anyway."

Several warriors laughed along with Volundr as Herlof made his way to his spot.

Fandas took this opportunity to creep onto a set of stacked benches against one of the walls.

"Warriors, we have very special guests joining us this eve," Volundr boomed, "The princes of Asgard have chosen to act as spectators to our session."

Fandas noted that the warriors stood taller still as a large pair of doors on the opposite wall opened with an echoing creak. Urging herself to keep hidden, she watched as the princes Thor and Loki entered the large room. She noted that they had grown a great deal. The last time she'd seen Thor, he was much smaller…and less muscular. While she'd only seen Loki on one occasion (he preferred to keep to himself, as she did), she came to the conclusion that he looked rather the same as his child self.

"My princes," Volundr bowed deeply, "We are honored that you have graced us with your presence on this day."

Thor grinned. "We are honored that you've agreed to have us." Loki simply gave a half smile.

"Please, have a seat."

To Fandas's horror, Volundr gestured to the benches that she'd seated herself upon. Before she could make herself scarce, the princes sat inches away. If she moved, they would be sure to notice, and she would get into a heap of trouble; the common folk of Asgard were not allowed to be at such meetings as this.

"Now, men," Volundr directed his attention back to his warriors, "as you know, we are to go to battle Vanaheim in a fortnight."

"Yes, sir!" the warriors chorused.

"You know, therefore, that it will be a very dangerous battle. One that all of you may not return from."

Again, the warriors shouted, "Yes, sir!"

"I would like to do battle!" Thor bellowed, causing Fandas and Loki to jump.

"My prince," Volundr said in a calm tone, "You are not yet of age to do battle. I doubt very much that the Allf–"

He was interrupted by Thor slamming his large fist against the wall just above Fandas's head.

"I am old enough to know when I am ready to do battle, Volundr," he growled, "unless you would like to go against a member of the royal family…"

As Volundr's face blanched, Loki stood and grabbed his brother's arm.

"Thor," he spoke smoothly and softly, trying to keep Thor's temper under control, "I believe what Volundr says is true; You are not ready for battle. Soon, you will be, but not within a fortnight's time."

Fandas looked on in awe as Thor's shoulders somewhat sagged. From what she understood, Thor was not easy to reason with. Without another word, he stormed out of the room, barely grazing Fandas's knee. Loki gave a frustrated sigh as he trailed behind Thor. Out of curiosity, Fandas almost followed the two of them, wanting to know what the life of royalty must be like. Before she could rise, however, Volundr's voice cracked through the otherwise silent room.

"Gentlemen," he said curtly, "Before we go into battle, keep in mind this: A calm interior results in a strong exterior. This will lead to a doubtless victory."

He raised his right arm diagonally to his chest in salute.

"In the name of Odin Allfather!"

The warriors followed suit and repeated Volundr's cry.