Chapter 7

Song: "Raise What's Left of the Flag" – Flogging Molly

Lyrics used: "A life once full
Now an empty vase
Wilt the blossoms
On his early grave."

The day after the feast was not nearly as light hearted, as it was the day the Asgardians held a memorial of sorts for their fallen warriors. Fandas readied herself in her quarters as Aslaug waited impatiently, already dabbing at her eyes with a bit of cloth.

"Are you nearly ready?" she asked.

Fandas nodded. Aslaug took her daughter's arm as they walked slowly to the Bifrost, where the departed's bodies would be released in the waters below.

The Bifrost was extremely crowded, but held Asgard's population well. Fandas noted that the Allfather, Frigga, Thor and Loki were all at the head of the Bifrost, where Heimdall usually stood.

When all of Asgard had gathered, Odin allowed his staff to fall to the ground, causing a loud boom to echo across his kingdom.

"Asgardians," he said loudly, his voice having an extremely similar effect as his staff had, "We are gathered to say our final farewells to our fallen warriors. Unfortunately, as the number of warriors was so great, there will be no time for all family members to speak."

Fandas looked at the heap of cloth wrapped bodies that lay in front of the Allfather.

"However, I will have Freyja perform the Asgardian Mourning Song."

Odin stepped aside, allowing the beautiful goddess to do her duty. Fandas thought her mentor did a marvelous job, as did the majority of Asgard, it seemed, for a resounding applause broke out after Freyja had finished.

"Thank you all," Freyja gave a sad smile, "and to all Asgardians, I would like to convey my sincerest apologies for your losses." She lowered her head as she stepped a few strides behind the Allfather.

Odin thanked Freyja and sighed.

"Well, it is now time for the departed to make their way to Folkvangr. Freyja will accompany them, being sure that they make a safe journey." Odin looked then at Freyja, who nodded solemnly. "Let it commence."

Freyja closed her eyes and levitated the deceased. With a flick of her wrist, they gracefully lowered into the oceans below. After the last body descended, Odin made further comments about a memorial feast that night, and the crowds parted.

Fandas went to follow them, but noticed that Aslaug remained behind, gazing into the water.

"Mother," she slowly approached, "We must journey back to our quarters…"

Aslaug held up a hand. "Fandas, my dear girl," her tone was cool and had a bit of an edge to it. "If it is so important to you that you are back at our quarters, I urge you to continue on without my accompaniment."

Fandas sighed.

"Very well…do not be long, mother." As she walked away, she heard her mother say her name softly. Fandas turned to see Aslaug walking toward her. Fandas met her halfway and her mother took her hands.

"My sweet girl…such a strong soul you have." Aslaug cupped her daughter's face in her hands, "You are meant for great things, and of this I am certain."

Fandas held back a sigh as her mother placed a small kiss on her forehead. "Mother, we must make haste to the feast."

"Yes, yes…of course." Aslaug glanced down at the waters below. Fandas took her mother's hand in her own and gently guided them away from the Bifrost.

As far as feasts went, Fandas could only assume that this one was going splendidly. Her fellow Asgardians held joyous expressions as they danced, leaving her to be one of the few that chose to stand along the towering walls of the hall.

Fandas was jerked from her thoughts as an icy voice reached her ear.

"You have appalling gall, Fandas Larsen." With a groan, Fandas turned to see Eira and Heidrun glaring daggers at her.

"I believe my attendance was to be expected at a memorial feast, having lost a loved one."

"Of course, you realize that he died due to your actions!" Heidrun hissed.

Fandas closed her eyes in an attempt to keep her temper in check. "As I am sure I have explained before…"

"Yes, yes, excuses that we have no interest in hearing," Eira waved a dismissive hand. "We have a bargain for you."

Fandas furrowed her brow. "A bargain? Of what sort?"

Eira stepped close enough so that Fandas could hear her whispering voice. "Because you are a threat to Asgard, I think it only fair that you leave."

Fandas snorted. "Leave Asgard? What in the name of Allfather would make you think that I would do such a thing?"

Heidrun stepped closer as well, her mouth just by Fandas's ear. Had anyone bothered to look in their direction, they would have thought the three women were sharing a good gossiping session.

"If you do not," Heidrun whispered, "Your mother will suffer greatly."

Fandas's eyes narrowed as Heidrun drew back, a wicked smirk placed upon her plump features. "Suffer greatly, you say…"

Eira rolled her eyes. "You wish us to elaborate." It wasn't a question. "Your mother will be shunned from society; We will see to it that she is treated as poorly as a Jotun by those who once held her in high regard."

Fandas snorted again. "Forgive me, but I hardly think the pair of you has given this a great deal of thought. My mother is respected among the widows of Asgard. Your plan to sabotage her reputation is much like the one you used against me. That was an easy task, I imagine; I was not particularly well-liked in the first place."

Eira grinned.

"My dear," her tone was poisonous, "These gullible people will believe anything that Heidrun or I tell them about Aslaug for one very simple reason: You, the girl whom everyone avoids at all costs, are her daughter. For all they know, Aslaug is as much a student of Freyja as you are."

Fandas glared. "You have indeed given this blackmail plan of yours much more thought than I had originally assumed. However," she allowed a grin to cross her features, "there a bit of a snag in your otherwise flawless scheme."

Heidrun and Eira shared doubtful looks.

"Go on."

"Asgardians may not leave Asgard unless they are a warrior, a messenger, or a Royal. The only way to leave is to have the Allfather cast you out. I believe it goes without saying that I do not have any intention of displeasing the mighty Odin."

"That is a rather perplexing situation," Eira glared, "however, our conditions remain. Find a way to leave Asgard before the next rise and fall of the sun, or your mother shall pay the dearest cost."

Without another word, the two elders walked away, both giggling to themselves. Fandas groaned. She definitely did not want to leave Asgard, mostly for her mother's sake. Aslaug had already lost one child to battle. Losing another…Fandas shuddered at the thought. She slowly walked back to her quarters, her mind reeling. She could be selfish and not leave, but her mother would be miserable. Breathing in heavily, she made up her mind. She would leave, but she would tell Aslaug of the situation and her reasons for leaving.

After the feast, Aslaug returned to the shared quarters. "Fandas! I had wondered where you'd gone!" she slumped on the bed with a heavy sigh, "as luxuriously lovely as those feasts are, I cannot help but feel as though they take away my energy!" she looked over at Fandas, who was sitting on the edge of her bed, looking forlorn.

"My daughter, you look troubled! Are you well?"

"Mother," Fandas said slowly, "I have something to discuss…well…to tell you."

If Aslaug was distracted earlier, she was paying full attention now.

"What is it?"

"I must leave Asgard."

Aslaug gave a skeptical grin. "What? Leave?"

When Fandas gave no indication that she was joking, Aslaug's grin fell.

"Fandas? What do you mean you're leaving?" A look of horror crossed her features. "You didn't…use your special…against someone…did you?"

Fandas looked offended. "Of course not! Well…nothing that would warrant my casting out…"

"Then why ever would you leave Asgard? You've no reason to!"

Fandas sighed and told her mother of Heidrun and Eira's attempt to blackmail her. After Fandas's explanation, Aslaug laughed.

"Child, I hardly think they are a match for your 'talents.' Could you not simply erase their memory?"

Erase their memory…the words resonated in Fandas's mind.

"I do not have the ability to do that, mother," she sighed, "as I said before, this is not a discussion. I am telling you that I am leaving. If it were under any other circumstances, I would stay, but I worry for what those wretched women would do to your reputation."

Aslaug looked to be at a loss for words.

"Fandas…"

"Mother, please do not make this parting more difficult than–"

Aslaug placed a finger to her daughter's lips. "Though it pains me greatly to see you leave," she whispered, "I cannot stand in your way to do what you think is right."

Suddenly, Fandas was enveloped in a tight hug.

"I shall miss you terribly, Fandas. I shall visit Heimdall daily to see how you fare on your own…wherever you may end up."

"Goodbye, mother." Without wanting to delay things any longer, Fandas released her mother and left the quarters, not looking back.