After chapter 20

#

Freyja snuggled closer to Brokk's chest in a half-dreaming state. It would be time to wake up soon, but it was difficult for her in the darkness of the dwarves' underground home. Brokk was snoring softly beside her. Her eyes felt too heavy to open... what time was it?

She heard some noises from the kitchen and groaned softly in dismay. If Eitri was up, that would mean that Brokk would soon be waking. His arms tightened around her at her noise and she tried to be still and quiet. He had looked utterly exhausted the past few days... Perhaps she could convince him to take a vacation. Maybe go to the happiest place on Midgard that Balder and Nanna had visited not too long ago, returning with mouse-ear hats...

Brokk's eyes flickered open. "Freyja?" His voice sounded... odd, slurred.

Freyja's heart skipped a beat. "Brokk? Are you alright?"

"Mmmm. Just tired..."

He looked around, his eyes unfocused. "Where's y' little one, Freyja?"

"What?"

"Li'l Hnossa... she's here somewhere, I saw..."

Freyja severely hoped Brokk was sleep talking- but he seemed fully awake. Should she call Eitri?

"Brokk, Hnossa's grown old. She's been gone for centuries now." She put her hands on either side of his face. "Brokk, look at me. Please."

His eyes were bleary. He frowned. "Who're you?"

"Freyja. I'm Freyja." Tears were rolling down her cheeks. Not so soon! Please!

"Freyja." Recognition flickered in his face. He touched her lips. "Marry me?"

She nodded. "Yes. Yes, I'll marry you."

He sat up, putting a hand to his head. "Right. I'm dying."

His head lolled as his eyes flickered again. His skin was horribly pale, and he grimaced with pain, clutching his head.

"Eitri!" Freyja shouted, clutching Brokk close to her. "Eitri!"

The younger dwarf rushed in, frantic. His eyes widened at the sight of his brother, and he rushed to a nearby cupboard, pulling a bottle of some dark, foul-smelling brew out. He held it to Brokk's lips.

"Come, brother, it will help, you know that," Eitri muttered as if to himself.

Brokk took a sip of it and grimaced. "Yuck."

"I know. But you have to drink it. You have to hold on a little longer!"

"Maybe's time to let go."

"But the girls all said they were going to visit today," Freyja gasped, clinging to Brokk's hand. "They said they were bringing you something."

Brokk's (and Eitri's) eyes widened.

"Your daughters?" Brokk sounded dazed.

Freyja nodded. "Yes. Your daughters and nieces. Please..."

Brokk blinked, and then allowed Eitiri to empty the medicine into his mouth. "Not going to die today!" he said, in an almost joyful tone. "Think I'll rest, though... Unless I feel up to something else."

Freyja laughed in relief at how much better he was already sounding and looking. He grasped her hips and she obligingly shifted closer to him, kissing him deeply. Eitri quietly excused himself. Brokk wrapped his arms around her, but stopped kissing her.

"I don't think I'm quite up to it right now."

Freyja brushed the hair back from his face. "You should have told me about the medicine."

"I haven't been needing it often. Are your daughters really coming?"

Freyja nodded.

"When?"

"After noon."

Brokk slipped his hand into hers. "Did you bribe or blackmail them?"

"Neither. They just said that they were coming... and make sure that I wasn't doing anything they didn't want to see." Freyja laid back down against him. His heart sounded so strong... It isn't fair!

"Just so long as they aren't going to smash my wares," Brokk murmured. "They've never liked me, I doubt that will change just because I am going to die."

"Quit saying that."

"Ignoring it won't make it go away."

"I know, but can't we just pretend right now? Please?"

"Pretending doesn't work."

Freyja sighed. "I know. I just wish I could do something..."

Brokk stroked her hair gently. "It's comfort enough that you are here."

Freyja managed to smile at him. She kissed him gently, and then rested her forehead against his. "Marry me?"

Brokk inhaled sharply. "You were actually serious about that?"

"Never more so."

"Would you change your mind if I said yes?"

"No."

"But you wouldn't if I wasn't dying."

"Brokk, I never realise how much I need people, how much they mean to me, until I stand to lose them. Or I've already lost them." A lone tear ran down her cheek. "I'm sorry."

He wiped the tear from her face with a soft smile. "I didn't fall in love with you because you were perfect, Freyja."

"You're saying you don't think I'm perfect?" Freyja asked in mock horror. "The wedding's off then!"

Brokk chuckled. "You're perfect enough."

Freyja chuckled softly, laying her head on Brokk's chest. "The girls should be here soon."

"Perhaps we should dress then. Eat something. "

Freyja sighed. "I suppose."

She stood up reluctantly, dressing swiftly before tending to Brokk. He laughed. "I am still capable of clothing myself!"

She pressed a kiss to his brow. "Let me do this for you."

"You're not going to start treating me like an invalid, are you?" he joked, but let her pull his shirt down over his head and lace it up.

"You might enjoy how I'd care for you if you were," Freyja replied with a sexy little smile.

Brokk cupped her face with her hands. "Will you really marry me?"

Freyja nodded.

"How soon?"

"I'm sure I can have a wedding put together in three days."

Brokk's eyes gleamed as Eitri brought in a tray of food.

"What are you so excited about?" he asked his brother, setting the food down.

"Brother, do we have time for a wedding in three days?"

Eitiri looked between Freyja and Brokk. "You were always the sentimental one. You'll have to tell Mother."

Freyja's eyebrows rose. She feigned shock. "I will finally meet your family?" This was coupled with a grin, so Brokk would know it wasn't a criticism.

Eitiri laughed. "You might not like meeting Mother. She has long scolded us for becoming in involved with a Vanir woman. 'Why can't you just find some nice dwarf women who want your babies?'" he mimicked. "'Must you involve yourselves with the arrogant, timid girls of Asgard?'"

"She'll be surprised when she meets our Freyja," Brokk interrupted. "Timid, you are not!"

Freyja burst out laughing. "I can pretend to be, if you wish!"

"No, definitely not," Brokk shared a grin with Eitiri. "You be as rude to our mother as she is to you. It's the only way you'll earn any respect for her."

"I think I can handle that." Freyja plucked up a crumpet and took a bite.

There was a tentative knock at the door of the shop. They only faintly heard it.

"That might be the girls..." Freyja mused. Eitri got up to go open the door.

"We had better get upstairs."

Grabbing one more crumpet, Freyja looped Brokk's arm around her waist and they headed up. Idunn stood in the shop, twisting her hands nervously. Her sisters stood grouped behind her, all looking awkward. Freyja and Brokk smiled warmly at them, but no-one spoke.

It was Nanna who broke the ice. "Here," she said, thrusting two braided flower crowns at them. "It's tradition."

Brokk's brows rose, but accepted the gift.

"We've decided something," Syn said. "You two won't be living together in sin. You're getting married."

"Yes, we are," Freyja agreed.

All the girls' jaws dropped.

"...you are?" Idunn managed finally.

"You just told us to!"

"We expected a bit more resistance... Actually, we expected to have to blackmail you or something."

Brokk was suddenly laughing. Everybody looked at him with raised brows.

"They're just like you!" he managed eventually.

Freyja and Eitri joined in the laughter.

"I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing." Freyja shook her head, wiping her eyes.

"We're not just like Mor," Lofn said with a frown. "For one thing, I'm much prettier."

That only led to gales more laughter, though Freyja did mock-glare at Lofn.

"Can we come in?" Idunn eventually asked.

Brokk nodded graciously. "Of course." he swept his hand in an inviting gesture. He and Freyja headed back downstairs, followed by Freyja's daughters, with Eitri following them.

"We don't have long," Var said as she stepped over the threshold. "I'm not sure Bragi can handle all the children for too long."

Brokk nodded his understanding. "How many do you have again, Lady?"

"I only have to one, but collectively we have ten, and Bragi was the only husband available to watch them."

"You could have brought them along," Freyja put in.

"Not yet," Idunn replied, a bit sharply.

"We weren't sure if Brokk was up to dealing with so many little ones," Nanna interrupted, trying to keep things peaceful.

"That was very considerate of you," Brokk said.

Var smiled. "Of course, if you would like to meet them... I could bring my daughter tomorrow."

Freyja looked pleasantly surprised. Brokk opened and closed his mouth, clearly not knowing what to say.

Var noticed, and tried to backpedal. "Of course, if you don't want to see her... I suppose a crafts shop is not the best place to bring an infant..."

"No, it would be nice," Brokk said. "I'm just... surprised."

Eitiri snorted. Brokk shot him a look. The younger dwarf rolled his eyes and walked away. Brokk turned back to Var, eyes bright.

"What's the little one's name?"

"Skaldi."

"Well, um, we brought you this." Sjofn thrust a package at him.

Brokk took it with a raised brow. "Is this a blanket?"

"Yes. It's probably not right, but... Sigyn has a good memory and we had her draw them."

Brokk and Freyja both unfolded the blanket. Freyja smiled. Brokk gasped. It was a patchwork quilt, with eight embroidered squares set through the pattern. Each one was a fairly good representation of the presents Brokk had given them. Except one, which Freyja didn't recognise. She glanced up to see Sigyn wearing a necklace of the same shape and make. Nanna was wearing hers, as were several of the other girls. Tears filled her eyes.

Thank you, she mouthed to Idunn.

Idunn nodded and smiled as Brokk's eyes fogged up.

The dwarf muttered something incoherent and folded the blanket again. "I should put this away. " He disappeared hurriedly.

Sjofn frowned. "He seems... uncomfortable."

"He is just surprised to see any of you." Freyja assured.

"Can you blame him?" Sigyn asked quietly. "Maybe it was too much."

Freyja shook her head quickly. "No. It was wonderful."

An awkward silence ensued as nobody knew what to say. Eventually Freyja shook herself out of it.

"Idunn, could you go to the florists and arrange for the wedding flowers? And Syn, Snotra, and Sjofn, you three clean the house and yard - actually, Var, you should probably join them. I know it's too quick for new dresses, but Nanna, can you coordinate colours, cuts, etc. and get new sashes? Lofn, please go to Midgard and inform Mother. Sigyn, you're in charge of your Uncle Frey."

"When is this wedding happening?" Snotra asked.

"Three days."

All the girls' jaws dropped.

"Isn't that a bit... sudden?" Var asked faintly.

"Maybe," Freyja shrugged. "But we don't have a lot of time."

There was silence, and then Idunn nodded. "Alright, then. Come on, girls, let's get this wedding organised."

They departed swiftly to begin their allotted tasks. Brokk returned just as Sigyn closed the door. He came up behind Freyja and put his arms around her. "Are you certain about this? You always refused before."

"I am certain. I probably should have married you a long time ago."

Brokk kissed her gently. "Thank you. I had best get to work. Will I see you for lunch?"

Freyja nodded. "Of course."

#

Nanna struggled to carry eight gowns and keep them falling in the dust when she heard Balder's voice she turned and smiled at him.

He looked at her, wide-eyed. "What are you doing?"

"Oh... Mor asked me to fetch these for her," she stated, giving the vaguest explanation possible.

"What for? Here let me help."

"Oh... thanks." She managed to smile at him, while wondering if she should tell him Freyja and Brokk's plan. People would find out anyway, surely? And they hadn't said it was a secret... She grinned, unable to help herself, imagining the look Balder would get on his face.

"Want to know what these are for?"

"Yes." Balder was eager, his eyes shining. "What?"

"Mother is marrying Brokk in three days."

Balder almost fell over in shock. "You are joking!"

"No, I'm not."

"What? Why? In three days?" Balder's jaw was hung slack.

"Mor just decided to marry him."

"Nanna? Why do you look so troubled?"

"Mor is marrying him because he's dying."

Balder opened and closed his mouth several times. "Oh," he finally mumbled. "That's... sad."

Nanna nodded. "She never would marry him otherwise."

He slipped his hand into hers, awkwardly holding the gowns between them. "Are you alright?"

"Why wouldn't I be?"

"He's your father, isn't he? I know I would be far from 'alright' if my father was dying, I just thought..." He turned away.

"Are those tears?" Nanna squeezed his hand. "It's sad, but really, he hasn't been much of a father, has he?" That, and I have no idea if Brokk is my father or my uncle!

"I also don't know if I'd be alright if it was suddenly announced that my mother was marrying in three days," Balder continued. "Especially if it was so close to my wedding."

Nanna shrugged. "Brokk is dying. They don't have the time to prepare a lavish wedding."

Balder frowned. "Will there even be a formal announcement made? It is custom, but Brokk is a dwarf..."

"I don't know. And what does it matter if he's a dwarf? He loves Mor, and she loves him." And I don't like your tone of voice right now...

"Uh-oh. I know that look."

"What look?"

"You're getting mad at me."

Nanna huffed in irritation. "I am not!"

"Uh-huh. The look on your face really convinces me of that. Look, all I meant was-"

"That you look down on Brokk because he's a Dwarf. Which makes me half-dwarf, in case you'd forgotten!"

"I know that. I don't care. But dwarves must have different customs, right?"

"I suppose..." Nanna's brow furrowed. "I've never thought about it."

"Maybe you should ask him? I think he'd like to have some of his own traditions included in his wedding!"

Nanna gave him a smile. He was always so good at deflecting her anger! "Thank you. I will. Now I've got to hurry and get these dresses to the tailor. I need new sashes for all of them."

"Should I come with you? I could help carry them, and I have nothing else to do this afternoon."

"If you won't get too bored," Nanna replied.

"Oh, I probably will, but I'll come anyway."

She shook her head at him, laughing. "Thanks, I think. Come on then." She walked off, leaving him carrying the gowns. She didn't see the devastation on his face.

#

Frey stared blankly at Sigyn. "She's what in three days?"

"Marrying Brokk."

"But..." Frey struggled for words. "They've been involved for years, and she's always refused. She gives in now, and why marry so quickly?"

Sigyn looked down. "Things for Brokk have changed. She's doing this for his sake, before he..."

"Before he what?"

"He's dying."

Frey blew out a long whistle. "I don't even know what to say."

"Neither do I..." Sigyn trailed off. "Will you at least come to the ceremony?"

"Of course... You don't suppose she wants me to conduct the ceremony, do you?"

"Why don't you come back with me and ask her? I still don't feel comfortable in that shop."

Frey jumped. "She's staying there? Before the marriage?" He sounded scandalised.

Sigyn shrugged. "She has before... and Brokk needs her there."

"Is his health that bad?"

"I think so... Mor and Eitri both look worried, and Brokk is hiding a lot of pain."

Frey's frown deepened. "I had best see what I can do to help, then." His gaze focused on Sigyn again. "Are you alright? Since..."

"I'm fine," she quickly said. "Nothing happened."

"But you did go there so something would."

Sigyn sighed. "I wasn't thinking straight that day, you know that, uncle. I won't do anything like that again."

"I would understand if being near them made you uncomfortable."

Sigyn's expression hardened. "Why should it? They're nothing to do with me. I can hardly fault them for not being paternal towards me as my sisters do- I am none of their concern."

Frey exhaled heavily as Sigyn strode past him. She called back over her shoulder.

"I'll tell Mor you sent her your blessing."

"Sigs-"

"I will see you later, Uncle."

Sigyn left; Frey put his head in his hands.

#

Var cursed as she lifted what she thought was an old piece of timber from the ground behind the shed, and caught her finger on a rusty nail. The triplets looked up from their own rubbish-gathering to see what was wrong. They were in a usually deserted part of the garden, which would be used for guests to mingle in after the wedding; if they could get it presentable in time!

"I honestly don't understand what Mor is thinking!" Var groused, squeezing her fingers to impede the blood. "Three days? The least she could do is give us a week!"

"I suppose she doesn't want to waste time. We don't know how long Brokk really has," Syn mused.

"She's only marrying him because he's dying, anyway," Sjofn added. "He won't be our step father or whatever he will be for long."

"He's our real father, in case you three have forgotten." Var pointed out. "Or at least, he fathered some of us."

"Hence the "whatever he will be." It's not like he's ever tried to be a real father," Sjofn retorted. "Ve's our real father, the dwarves are just sperm donors."

"Ve's never met any of us, though." Snotra spoke quietly. "And I think we'll regret it if we don't at least try and get to know Brokk before..."

"Maybe," Sjofn kicked the ground. "I wish Hnossa was here!"

"It would be nice if Mor could speak to her before she marries Brokk, if we all could..." Var sighed. "I'd like to hear what she thinks."

"But it's not time yet, not for three months," Syn said briskly. "No use in wishing for what we can't have."

"Shut up," Snotra snapped.

"What? I'm only saying-"

"Shut UP! Let's just get this stupid garden tidied." Snotra turned away. Her sisters exchanged confused looks.

"Snotra, what's wrong?"

"NOTHING!"

Var swallowed. "I'll go start at the front..." she left the triplets alone.

"Seriously, what's wrong?" The other two peered at Snotra worriedly.

"We're supposed to be working."

"Is it because I said-"

"No!" Snorta threw down the pile of briars she had been collecting and stalked off. "Just leave me alone!"

Syn and Sjofn exchanged looks, and then abandoned their own tasks to follow her.

"Tell us what's upsetting you," Syn ordered.

"Mind your own business."

"The last time one of us said that," Sjofn said, "was when Syn was pregnant at nineteen by a married man. So tell us what's upsetting you."

"I don't want Mor to marry Brokk! Happy now?"

"None of us do! But he'd going to die in a few weeks, what's the point in getting mad?"

"Mor's reputation- and ours- is bad enough as it is. You two do realise this is only going to make the gossip worse?"

"Worse?" Syn's brow furrowed. "She's been sleeping with them both out of wedlock for centuries! How is marrying one of them going to make it worse?"

"She's going to confirm that we are all half dwarf!"

Syn and Sjofn glanced at each other. "Rumoured, confirmed. What difference does it make?"

"What noble family will want to tie their son to someone known to be a half-breed?"

"Snotra, we're all already married! Unless... You think that Odin won't let Balder marry Nanna."

Understanding dawned on Sjofn's face.

"Oh," Syn muttered.

"And Sigyn," Snotra added.

"Sigyn told us earlier she isn't half-dwarf."

"You think the people in court will believe that?"

"And Balder and Nanna's marriage is already arranged. Odin will not undo it now," Syn tried to reassure her sister.

"He hates Mor!"

"But he loves Nanna."

Snotra still looked doubtful. "I just hope that's enough... Anyway, we should get back to work, I suppose..."

"Besides," Sjofn said as they headed back. "Having a half dwarf daughter in law can hardly be more shocking than a Jotünn son!"

the other triplets' eyes widened, then they all laughed.

"Good point." Syn managed, amid giggles.

"I wouldn't let Thor hear you say that, though," Snotra chimed in. "Or Balder- we'd never hear the end of it!"

In better moods now, they resumed their task.

#

Lofn eagerly slumped down her soup as Gaea waited for her to finish and deliver Freyja's message. She smiled indulgently as her granddaughter scraped out the last contents of the bowl, knowing she was only trying to delay revealing whatever the news was.

"That was delicious. Can I have more?"

Gaea nodded. "After you tell t why you're here."

"Can't I just visit my grandmother for the sake of visiting? "

"Yes, but you rarely do. What's going on?"

Lofn let out a long sigh. "Mor is getting married. "

Gaea jumped in shock. "What? To who?"

Lofn sighed. "Brokk the dwarf."

Gaea's jaw dropped. "Brokk?!"

"Yes."

"But... why?"

"I think it's his last wish, to actually be married to her." Lofn's voice was sad. "He's dying, Grandmother."

Gaea's confusion cleared. "Ah. I see."

Lofn stared at her hands. "I don't know how I should feel. He is my father, but he's practically a stranger."

"It's normal to be confused."

Lofn looked up at Gaea curiously. "Did you ever encounter Demiurge? Except for when you had his children? I suppose he's the nearest thing you have to a parent."

Gaea looked away. "No."

"So you grew up without parents?"

Gaea shrugged. "Oshtur was the closest thing I had. She would leave me alone for years though."

Lofn was startled. "Years?"

Gaea smiled sadly. "Remember, we do not reckon time the way you do. It wasn't that long by our standards."

"Still... years!"

"It is no different than not seeing your sisters for a few months. And that was after I was old enough to look after myself... for the most part." Gaea's expression darkened as she muttered the last part.

Lofn looked puzzled. "But... Mor and Uncle are half-Elder, and I know they aged like other Vanir."

"Once the other races began to emerge, we changed somehow. My children age at about the rate of your people, now."

Lofn sighed. "Do you think Mor should marry Brokk?"

"I think it is her decision, and a kindness to Brokk, if he truly is dying."

"What if he's lying, to trick her into marrying him?"

Gaea looked at Lofn steadily. "Why would he do something like that?"

Lofn shrugged. "Because he wants to marry her."

"No-one would feign ill health for that. And do you really think Freyja would allow herself to be tricked?"

"I don't know. It's just so sudden!"

Gaea put her hand on Lofn's. "Talk to Freyja."

"Are you coming back to Asgard?"

"Yes. When is the wedding?"

"In three days."

Gaea froze in shock again.

Lofn shrugged. "Mor and Brokk don't want to wait."

"Well," Gaea said, recovering from her shock. "No one has ever accused your mother of being too patient."

Lofn burst out laughing. "so will you be there?"

"Of course..." And I might be able to help Brokk a little.