Cool Cats and Old Goats

When word had reached Sigrun of what occurred between Thor and Sif, the Emerald Valkyrie took off to the hospital and found her friend recovering from the beating he took against Sif. The doctors said he was lucky Sif had held back on her attacks, otherwise, he would have had broken bones instead of bruises and cuts. Wanting answers, but knowing what Thor went through, Sigrun chose to wait till he was discharged from the hospital, which luckily had been the very next day.

"The magic of Asgard is truly one of a kind," Said Thor while exiting the hospital into the bustling street. Some bystanders stopped and bowed to them.

"It is not Aesir, Vanir." Sigrun corrected with a smile, "After the marriage between Odin and Freya, the Aesir and Vanir began sharing their cultures and magic was the greatest gift offered by the Vanir. In fact, Vanir magic is one of the greatest mysteries in the Norse Faction. It's so mysterious that not even the Scholars of Mimir have been able to solve its secrets. They have speculated it may be Ancient Magic."

This had caught Thor's attention. Its secrets dated back to the Ancient Times when the Old Gods thrived? The Norse Faction must be filled with some of the oldest history known to the Supernatural World.

There was a pause before Thor asked another question, "Hey Sigrun, can I ask. Brynhildir is your godmother so what happened to your parents?"

For the first time Sigrun's smile turned upside down, her eyes filled with sadness.

"They… died. I was ten years old when it happened. They gave their lives protecting a Dwarven settlement on Midgard against a Dragon. Since they named Brynhildr my Godmother, it was her responsibility to raise and train me. They were good people and would have loved to meet you."

"And they would be proud to see how far I've come." Thor said with a reassuring smile. Poor Sigrun, at least she knew who were parents were… unlike him.

"You said you never knew your real parents."

Thor nodded. "Yeah. Like I said before at the dinner I don't think I ever had parents before Odin adopted me."

Suddenly Sigrun blocked his path and pulled him into a tight comforting hug.

"But you do now. Even though you're adopted you are, and always will be, a part of this family. Thus you need not call Odin the Allfather but simply father for he is your father and you are his son."

Thor's spirit lifted and he nodded. The feeling of sorrow that was building within his heart faded away from the Valkyrie's words. He is the Son of Odin and Odin said to call him father. However, Thor could not do so, for he was not his trueborn son. He may have the name and powers of the God of Thunder but deep down in his heart, he knew he could never replace Original Thor.

"Hey, let's go celebrate your recovery and passing of your first mission with drinks at The Drunken Draugr. It's a famous place." The violet haired girl said, taking Thor's hand and leading him to the bar she spoke of.

"Sigrun, wait, I don't think that's a good idea! We-"

"Oh come on, Thor! The legal drinking age in Asgard is the same as Norway? Trust me, you'll love it! The Drunken Draugr is my number one bar to get drinks at."

They walked the rest of the way in silence before arriving at the bar and going inside. For a famous place, it was very dark and shabby. A few men were sitting in a corner, drinking large glasses of ale. One of them was smoking a long pipe. A tall man in a suit was up on stage singing to a crowd who danced to it.

Hey, Pachuco!

Summer '43 the man's gunnin' for me

And blue and white mean war tonight

They say damn my pride

And all the other cats livin' down east side

Or maybe just my plan's too wide

Hmmm... Marie

You better grab my jack

And zip gun for me

And I'll face no shame

'Cause tonight's the night I die for our name

Well, I'd like to be swingin'

Dancin' and swingin'

Just havin' a time

Free to do whatever

Now more than ever

I've gotta stick with that gang of mine

Hey Pachuco!

The song ended and the gathered crowd roared with applause.

"What...was that?"

"Music, silly. To be more specific, Jazz." Sigrun answered with a wide grin as she led him to the bar.

The low buzz of chatter stopped when they walked in. Everyone seemed to know Sigrun; they waved and smiled at her, and the bartender, who was quite old and bald, reached for a glass, saying, "The usual, Sigrun?"

"As always, Otho, and give my Thor here a shot of Asgard Whisky," said Sigrun, clapping her hand on Thor's shoulder and leading him to the bar.

"Thor?" Said the bartender, peering at Thor before grinning with a chuckle, "So you've brought the God of Thunder to get drunk like Rossweisse eh? Oh this will be one to remember. Heh. I remember when you and Lady Gondul took her here for her eighteenth birthday and when she had her first taste of alcohol she went bouncing off the walls firing magic everywhere! Ha! She had everyone ducking for cover after taking a sip! Hahahah! Oh that is a day I'll always remember."

"Well her talents lie in magic, not drinking." Sigrun laughed.

"Quite right. That lady has quite the brains about her. I just can't understand how no man can want a woman like that? She's a master spell caster with the brain of a genius. Two incredible traits that landed her the position as the Royal Bodyguard. Ah enough babbling from me. Here's your drinks, both on the house!"

Thor looked at the whiskey Otho served him. His face reflecting in the golden liquid. He glanced at Sigrun who raised her glass to him before chugging it down like it was water. Guess she was sturdier than Rossweisse was with alcohol. Speaking of Rossweisse, he needed to seek her out to continue their magic training now that he had recovered from the fight against Sif.

But that can wait till later. For now, he had a drink to enjoy with Sigrun.

"So you're the cool cat I've heard old man Odin talk about."

Thor jumped spilling his drink in the process. Turning on the spot he found himself face to face with the singer. He was a lot taller with how close he was to him. His orange beard was trimmed neatly and his silvery eyes twinkled with joy.

"Yes...I am Thor..."

"Hey, hey, hey. No need to be cautious of a fellow Aesir. The name is Bragi and I am the God of Music and Poetry and the husband of Idunn. Of course you already knew that cuz it was I who sang that classy song." The singer laughed before turning his gaze to Sigrun, "So, Sigrun, did you take him here to join us in the love for Jazz or get drunk?"

"Both!" Sigrun laughed at the question after chugging her ale. "And I do hope you stick to Jazz. Of all the music you've played in your years as a musician, you're Jazz tops all."

Bragi laughed before patting the Goddess on the head, "You're words bring joy to my heart, Sigrun Hallbjorndotter. I'd love to join in on your drinking but I have another song to perform. Till next time, my prince."

Thor said farewell to him and returned his attention to Sigrun who was already downing her second drink. So her father's name was Hallbjorn, that was quite a name.

"Bragi takes his title as God of Music very seriously," Said Sigurd, whipping the foam from her lips. "He knows every type of music. My father always loved listening to him sing. That's how I was introduced to him and his amazing music."

"Guess you could say it's one of your favorite hobbies." Thor smirked.

"Speaking of hobbies. I recall you saying you didn't have hobbies before the Allfather adopted you. Why don't I help you find some? Surely you wanna do something beside training and fighting?"

Thor stared at Sigrun who smiled kindly at him. Having activities that don't revolve around fighting and training was a dream he always wished to come true. Gardening, story writing, and cooking, were a few he heard of within the Church. What else did people do for hobbies? Sigrun would have the answers.

"What do you like to do for a hobby?"

Sigrun laughly lightly, "Well, aside from loving Jazz. Tendering the gardens and caring for the animals was something I always loved doing when I was a child. Some people thought I was from Vanahiem because of my love of gardens and animals."

Animals and gardening. I guess even the mightiest warriors have soft spots, Thor though before asking aloud, "You talked about the situation with the Nine Realms before. Is it really that bad?"

"Were you not listening to what I said back at the dinner?" Sigrun said, a hint of annoyance etched in her tone. "Please don't make me repeat myself."

"I was listening." Answered the God, "I'm just surprised to know the situation is this bad."

"Unfortunately it is. Your goal is easier said than done. If you want to renew these alliances, your best bet is to have good negotiators with you to ensure both sides come to an agreement. Lucky for you, Brynhildir taught me those skills so should you ever need a negotiator I-"

"Was going to ask you and Rossweisse to join me in this task." Thor said with a smile, "All the Church ever taught me was how to fight and follow their religion, the latter they failed spectacular at."

Sigrun sat up, excitement shown in her amber eyes. After Rossweisse became the Allfather's bodyguard she opted to work alone but to be offered to work alongside Thor and her best friend as a team to travel the Nine Realms to rekindle old alliances… how could she say no to that!? Words weren't needed to say yes to his offer, just a nod and the raising of her glass. He got himself his negotiator!

After an hour of drinking, listening to Bragi's music, and a list of hobbies Sigrun suggested, the two friends felt now was the time to call it quits before they got drunk.

"Aahhh that was fun!" Sigrun exclaimed, stretched her arms, "So? What do you think of the Drunk Draugr?"

Thor turned to her when asked the question. What did he think of the place?

"It was fun." He said a smile. The bar was comfortable, everyone was nice, Bragi's music was relaxing, and the drinks were top notch. Otho really was the greatest bartender in Asgard.

"Good. Because the next I take you there I seriously will get you drunk!" Sigrun laughed with a playful grin.

When they returned to the Palace, Thor saw a fluffy grey cat sitting at the foot of the steps, it's tail swishing back and forth as it looked at the two Aesir.

"Bygul." Sigrun said, picking the cat up and scratching its ears who purred enthusiastically at the affection he received, "Did you wait out here waiting for me again? You know you're not supposed to do that mister. You need to stay in Freya's office, you silly goose. Oh. Since you are here you can meet Thor." The Emerald Valkyrie said, turning the cat to face Thor.

Thor stared at the cat who kept meowing at him. Bygul and Trjegul were the great cats who pulled Freya's chariot but Bygul did not look like a great cat. Either the myth exaggerated or they could change sizes.

"Bygul and Trjegul have grown close to me since I helped Lady Freya tend to the artificial Yggdrasil. Becoming a Valkyrie wasn't my only goal. My greatest goal is, if possible, to tend to the real Yggdrasil."

"Does she still use them?"

"Not anymore. Even since we learned flight magic by the Vanir, we keep our animals as house pets. Though others still use them for transportation like Freyr and Gullinbursti or Odin and Sleipnir."

"What about-"

"Look out he's loose!"

"Get out of the way or he'll run you down!"

"Somebody stop him!"

Thor looked up the stairs when he heard the screams of terror. Someone was making a commotion in the Palace! Fearing for anyone getting hurt, Thor rushed up the stairs to confront who or whatever was loose in the Palace. When reaching the top he saw something large collide with him, the force of the impact was so great it sent him flying to the foot of the stairs. The red-head groaned at the pain flowing through him.

What the hell was that?

He couldn't see exactly what it was but it looked like an animal. Rising into a sitting position, Thor saw a large goat come charging down the stairs towards him. As it drew nearer he saw it was the size of a horse with white fur. It's great horns were chipped and scarred from years of combat and another scar ran over its right eye. His face reflected in its large golden eyes as it stared at him.

Thor knew right away who this was. One of the two great goats that pulled Thor's chariot, Tanngrisnir and Tanngnjostr, their names transplanting into teeth-barer and teeth grinder. Which one it was he didn't know.

"Tanngrisnir, how did you get out of your stable? Ugh, I'm gonna have to talk to the stable master about how you got out." Sigrun scolded.

"S-So this is Tanngrisnir. What about Tanngnjostr?"

"Tanngnjostr charged back into the battlefield despite being ordered to return to the city."

Thor hid his surprise and pain at hearing of another death during Surtr's Invasion. Poor Tanngrisnir. Losing Tanngnjostr and Thor must have left a great pain within the goat's heart. Hopefully that would be the last he heard of someone dying that day.

Tanngrisnir moved closer to Thor. The great white goat bared his teeth as hot air from his nostrils passed over Thor, it felt like an oven being opened. What was teeth-barer -no- Tanngrisnir going to do? Tanngrisnir pressed his nose against him, sniffed his face, and then began nuzzling against him, releasing noises that sounded like joy and excitement.

The Emerald Valkyrie raised a brow at the goat's action. It seems he recognizes Thor, despite never meeting him. He must think he's the Original Thor de-aged. Well who wouldn't mistake him for the Original Thor? He looks just like him when he was younger.

"Oh ho so this is what all the ruckus is." A light hearted voice said with amusement.

"Lady Freya! Azazel!" Thor exclaimed, trying to pray the joyful goat off him, which was proving very difficult.

The Allmother smiled as she gracefully descended the stairs, the Governor-General accompanying her while trying not to glance at her cleavages. "I see you've met Tanngrisnir and Bygul, who I should have known was waiting for her second favorite person. Where have you two just come from?"

"Just to get some drinks and listen to Bragi." Thor said, hoping Freya wouldn't find out they were drinking alcohol.

"Drinking." Answered Sigrun.

"Drinking!?" Azazel roared with laughter, "You got balls taking a man to the bar who just got his ass handed to him by one of the strongest Goddesses in Asgard! Did you get him drunk?"

"No, but I intend to."

"Ms. Sigrun," Freya said, after helping her son remove Tanngrisnir and help him to his face, her green eyes gazing at her intently, "The next you wish to take my son to the bar for alcohol, I would advise to wait a few days after his discharge from the hospital."

"Y-yes, Allmother." Sigrun said, bowing a little at the Queen's words.

"How does the hunt for the rogues go?" Thor asked the Grigori General, his hand stroking the great goat's head gently who enjoyed it greatly.

"In short, it is going well. A rather large group was convinced to return to the fold after Baraqiel and Vidar negotiated with them. Heh, well what choice did they have? Facing down the Lightning of God and the God of Vengeance would make anyone surrender." Azazel said, cracking a smirk at the last part.

"And with each mission success is another increase to Asgard's coffers. Despite most of that money coming from our own people going to your strip bars." Freya added with the slightest trace of annoyance in her tone.

"Well this is just the start of regaining money, my Lady. Remember I also promised that other businesses I open will send half its success percentage to Asgard." Azazel reassured, his grin never faltering.

"Well I hope it will be soon because disposing of the garbage piles in the lower levels and setting up shelters for the homeless won't rebuild Asgard. We need supplies and construction workers to fix lower levels. Unfortunately neither of our Factions have either of those." Freya replied with a shake of her head.

"But you know which group does" Thor said, immediately understanding who she was about to speak of.

"I do. However, their trust in us was broken because of Odin and myself. They will not answer us."

"They will not answer to you, Lady Freya." Thor said, a confident grin appearing on his face, "But they will answer to me."

"Thor-"

"I said I would rekindle the friendships of old. Let me talk to them, I may find a way for them to regain their trust in us." Thor said, straightened himself up. He was prepared to face whatever dangers lie on this quest he would embark on.

"I'm going to Nidavellir!" Thor announced before shifting his gaze to Sigrun who was grinning, "And I will not be going alone…"

And that ends this chapter! I tried to make this a casual chapter after the action that occurred in the previous chapter but now the fun is about to begin! Thor got some bonding time with Sigru too. I will be going on a short hiatus before going to the Realm of the Dwarves. If any of you wish to ask me questions just DM me and do not ask for spoilers unless I know you personally.