Chapter 8

Song: "Into The Great Wide Open" – Tom Petty

Lyrics used: "Into the great wide open
Under them skies of blue
Out in the great wide open"

Fandas walked the familiar route to Freyja's specially assigned quarters, fighting off the tears that threatened to fall. This whole situation was completely uncalled for, but there was nothing she could do about it now. Fandas halted. Well, she thought to herself with a smirk, Maybe not nothing…

She backtracked only a bit so that she was by Heidrun and Eira's quarters (which they shared, conveniently enough.) She opened the door slowly, being sure to make herself invisible before completely entering the room. Heidrun was tossing and turning in her sleep, muttering something about working in the kitchens. Eira was lying very still and Fandas noted that the same frown Eira wore during the day was still etched into her wrinkling face. For a moment, much like the many she'd had before, Fandas wondered exactly why it was that Eira frowned so often. As curious as this made her, she shook the thought away. Heidrun and Eira were to be punished for their blackmail before Fandas left. She knew the women prided themselves on their appearances, and that was exactly what card she would play.

Raising her arms, Fandas allowed magic to flow through her and shot purple light at the two sleeping women. Instantly, red boils popped up on their features. With another flick of the wrist, their graying hair gradually turned a bright pink hue while the tips faded to green. She then waved her hands gracefully in the air as a purple mist fell upon Heidrun and Eira. This was to ensure that these unfortunate physical appearances would be permanent unless removed by magic. Fandas observed her handiwork thoughtfully. It wasn't the best she'd ever done. Perhaps something else could be done. Fandas wracked her brain. What else did Heidrun and Eira have that could be taken away? The answer came almost immediately: cooking. Fandas hesitated. Their cooking was how they made their way in Asgard…the strongest talent they had.

"No," she muttered. "That would be going too far."

She left the room as silently as she had entered it, pushing down the cruel sounding voice that softly urged her to go back and steal their strongest gift.

Before Fandas could even knock on Freyja's door, it flew open, revealing her mentor to be very frazzled. "You are later than I thought you would be, my child," she hissed, pulling Fandas inside.

"How did you know I was coming?"

Fandas faltered at Freyja's dry expression.

"Do not insult my gifts, I beg. What kept you?"

Fandas looked down at the ground, a smirk crossing her features against her will. "I was simply teaching certain people that their behavior must have its consequences."

Freyja's previous expression of distaste melted into a grin. "It is lovely to know that you have chosen to use your abilities for such a worthy purpose."

Fandas smiled. "You know why I have come to see you at such a late hour."

"I have a very good idea," Freyja's grin faded, "though I am not at all fond of you leaving Asgard." She placed a hand on Fandas's shoulder. "Are you certain that there is no other way this could be dealt with?"

"I would not be here if there were," Fandas gave her answer with a feel of bitterness.

"Very well. Before I take you to Heimdall," Freyja said, guiding Fandas into the hall, "you must know that there is a price to be paid for those who willingly leave Asgard with no intent to return."

Fandas blinked. She did not know this. "What price?"

"You will soon see."

"This is a rather late hour for visitors, would you not agree?" Heimdall's deep voice boomed through the spherical room.

"Gatekeeper, you need no explanation regarding our visit," Freyja replied, "You are quite familiar with our intentions."

Heimdall nodded. "I am. You understand your exchange for leaving Asgard, yes?"

"I am aware that such an exchange must be made," Fandas answered slowly, "Though I know not what it is." "The price you must pay," Heimdall said slowly, "is your memory of Asgard."

Fandas choked. "What?"

"It will return in time," Heimdall reassured, "but the length of your memory loss will be determined by your actions in MIdgard."

"Midgard? Is that where I am going?"

"That is the safest place to be."

Fandas faltered. "I suppose there is no other option." She straightened herself. "Very well. Freyja," she looked at her longtime tutor and friend, "I thank you with all my heart for what you have done for me and my mother."

Freyja waved a dismissive hand. "I will keep eyes on you while you live your new life in Midgard."

Fandas embraced Freyja.

"Miss Larsen," Heimdall said patiently, "It is time for your departure."

Fandas took a deep breath and shakily walked to the gatekeeper. His usually hard demeanor softened as he gazed down at her. "Are you ready?"

Fandas nodded. Heimdall climbed to his usual position and with one smooth movement, slammed his staff into the appropriate place. A loud hum echoed the Bifrost, and Fandas closed her eyes. Soon afterwards, she felt the very strange sensation of levitating. Her eyes popped open and she gasped. In front of her was the Rainbow Bridge, though it seemed to go on for ages. Before she could properly take in her surroundings, she abruptly gained speed. Colors whizzed by her, causing her to become very dizzy.

Then, as soon as it had started, it was finished. Fandas landed with a great thud in a dark, vast place. She attempted to stand herself up, but was unsuccessful and fell to the ground once more. She looked up at the dark, starry sky, and as her eyelids began to close, she could have sworn she felt her mind be wiped clean of Asgardian memories. The last thing she saw in her mind's eye was her mother's tearstained face.