An Einherjar tale at Olympus

As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, Thor, Andrew, and the Valkyries trooped along the Bifrost Bridge in a single column. Each one prepared for the journey to Olympus. Each one showing no fear to enter another religion's land. This was a big responsibility they were tasked to do and if they failed they would be the fools who failed to make peace with another Faction. They had to succeed. They would succeed!

Thor glanced around at the other seven Valkyries. Each one of them introduced themselves to him yesterday. Helmwige, Ortlinde, Grimgerde, Schwertleite, Alruna, Herja, and Rota. All seven being the best Valkyries under Brynhildr's command.

Ten women and two men. Why does it feel like Odin did this on purpose, Thor thought as he looked around at the team.

All of them were skilled but just women? Why did they not assign more men to the escort? Did Odin want him surrounded by women to look at their beauty? They were very pretty but didn't make the young stop and stare. Well, except for one and she was in the front with Brynhildr talking.

Rossweisse was, in his honest opinion, the prettiest Valkyrie -no- the prettiest woman in all of Asgard. She didn't just have beauty, an incredible mind, and a master of magic. He had thought of all those things before many times but never went beyond that.

...yet…

Was the kiss she gave him just for thanking him? Did she really see him as more than a friend and if so, was she trying to hide her feelings for him out of respect for her as the Allfather's bodyguard? He would have to talk to her once they arrive at Olympus.

Speaking of Olympus, only Andrew was excited about the journey and for good reason. He was going home to Greece to see the Gods he worshipped. Thor looked back at him, wondering what he should do. Frey said he should be given another chance but Sigrun was right saying an apology wasn't enough. He may not forgive him yet but should at least get to know him since they were both going to Olympus. Slowing his pace he was soon walking beside the Greek Einherjar.

"Lord Thor. I'm sorry."

"I hope you are. But I didn't come to hear you apologize. I want to know how you became an Einherjar. What caused you to go to Valhalla instead of Elysium?"

Andrew's shoulders slumped. "I-"

"Lord Thor, I need to speak with you," Rossweisse called.

Thor gave a reassuring pat on Andrew's shoulder before joining Rose. He's asked again another time.

"Whatever you do. Please don't tell anyone about yourself. Me, your family, and Sigrun are the only ones to know about your connection to the Church."

"Why not?" Thor question, "My affiliation with the Church can't be hidden forever. As much as I don't want Asgard to know, my life as a test subject will be revealed eventually. Either by me or Loki…"

Rossweisse was told about the argument Thor had with Loki. Peace and coexistence would help in not only ending the fighting but ensure their survival. After Christianity and Hinduism became the two most powerful religions in the world. Norse Paganism and other religions, such as Irish Paganism, Ancient Egyptian, and Shintoism declined in power and faith through the years. Some still believed but were few in numbers. If they all came together then maybe there would be a chance to keep on surviving and end the fighting.

Surely Odin, Azazel, and Zeus weren't the only Faction leaders wanting peace. What did the other Gods and species think of peace? Did the Youkai, Devils, Magicians, and Dragons also want peace? Perhaps they were waiting and watching to see if the Allfather's goal for peace was possible. They allied with Grigori now it was time for Olympus.

"Don't let his words discourage you." She said with a reassuring smile, "We will ensure Odin's goal is achieved."

"We? I thought you said you wouldn't join my team?"

"Only this one time. The Allfather sent me as your escort for this mission and it is important to ensure not only the success of these peace talks but your safety."

So she says. Freya and Odin both said she was to train him and now she was going to Olympus to protect him on their orders. Had Freya told Odin about the kiss? Was that why Odin ordered her to join the team at the last minute? Brynhildr, Sigrun, and the other Valkyries were all skilled in their own way. However Rossweisse was the closest to him, she knew him the longest, trained him in magic, kissed him.

"Rossweisse. When we arrive at Olympus, I need to have a private word with you." He said in his most serious voice. He needed to know if she saw him as more than a friend but right now wasn't the best time for that. He saw her give him a strange look before nodding to do so.

After some silence, Thor asked, "What can you tell me about the Einherjars?"

"Your kidding right? Don't you study it at Valhalla?"

"I am not joking. Remember I was enrolled in a class that's graduating this year. So my knowledge of Asgard is still limited."

When Odin enrolled him into Valhalla he did not tell him the third years were graduating. This very month acutely. So even though Thor was getting an education he was still not learned in everything yet. Lucky for him he knew Rossweisse was a knowledgeable woman and could fill his head with the information he needed.

"Well, the Einherjar," Said Rossweisse in her usual professional tone when asked a question, "are humans who have died in battle and are brought to Valhalla by Valkyries and prepare daily for the events of Ragnarok, when they will advance for an immense battle at the field of Vígrid. Valhalla has always been the Einherjar home, even after the construction of the academy, that is the castle were Einherjar and Asgardians study together."

"I see. Can other beings aside humans, like Devils, or creatures, become Einherjar?"

"No. Only humans can, so long as they die in battle on Scandinavian soil. Denmark, Norway, and Sweden are all part of the Norse Faction. Unfortunately, that doesn't stop the Biblical Faction from entering and claiming towns for their territory."

"You said only if you die in battle you become an Einherjar. That means Andrew died fighting someone or something?" Thor asked, casting a glance at the Greek Einherjar.

"That's right. Because Brynhildr is the commander of the Valkyries and Lady Freya the queen, only they know how a human dies before becoming an Einherjar. At least that's how it usually is. The Einherjar's always share their stories of how they came to Valhalla. Andrew however, has been very quiet about his own tale."

"If he's willing to make amends with Asgard, perhaps that's something he should share on the journey to Olympus."

"Prepare yourself!" Brynhildr ordered once they reached the Bifrost.

When the doors opened they saw Heimdall already at work typing in the coordinates to Greece. He nodded to them when entering before resuming his work on the Bifrost. The team gathered in the center, the magic circle lit up, and all twelve warriors were flying through the Bifrost.

"Mitera! Adelfi I'm coming home!"

Thor glanced over his shoulder at Andrew wondering who Mitera and Adelfi were. Could they be friends he knew before dying and if so, allowed to visit them? His questions would have to wait for later, for now, he had ready himself for meeting the Greek Gods.

"Wow," Rota whispered as she and the other's stepped out the Bifrost onto a giant marble floor balcony.

Fields of grass were laid out below them; pristine and untouched by all save the wind. The sky was a clearer blue than he had ever known, not a single cloud could be made out above. Had this place been built based on the ideal of beauty in Greece so long ago, or was it the basis for it? Regardless of the answer, Thor did not have time to appreciate the view. Before him, a hallway lined with columns, bushes, and trees stood dwarfing even the ones back in Asgard. Beyond the hallway, situated above, was a tremendous palace with many windows and smaller buildings surrounding it.

So this is the home to the Greek gods, Thor thought as he gazed up at Olympus in awe.

"Asgard! Welcome!" An Olympian God made his way down the hall. He was very thin and wore a loose deep blue robe, a golden helmet, and round spectacles that enlarged his green eyes. On his sandals were two feathery wings.

"Hermes," Brynhildr said, greeting the God with a handshake.

"I remember you! Bryana wasn't?'

"Brynhildr. I assume Zeus sent you to greet us?"

"Sure did. He was busy doing his usual stuff…" The God of messages said rubbing the back of his head sheepishly.

Alruna wrinkled her nose in disgust. She had a good idea of what the God meant.

The Norse team followed Hermes down the hall until they reached a large glass elevator. When they all were inside the glass box started its ascension. Hermes did not join them, rather he flew alongside them with his winged sandals. As they ascended higher they could see houses dotting the horizon before disappearing into the clouds.

"I hope Heimdall is wrong about these Gods. I don't want the smell of sweat and sex ruining my time here."

The other Valkyries gave concerning looks to one another at Ortlinde's words. Rumors about the Greek God's love for parties and sex had been talked about before but the last time Brynhildr and Sigrun were here they had not seen any of those rumors. Now that they were back perhaps they all would know the truth to these rumors.

As they breached the clouds the elevator stopped, signaling their arrival to the top of the mountain. As they filed out they realized they were back in a giant hallway when first arriving but this time it was connected to smaller hallways, buildings, and rooms. There was also more color to give it life to the all-white marble on the lowest level. The blue tiles filled the floor while red covered the roofs and gold decorated the pillars and doorways.

"Welcome to Olympus," Hermes said proudly.

"Amazing...I never imagined it would look this beautiful."

"Of course the Greek says that about his Gods," Herja whispered to Schwertleite who rolled her eyes.

"Asgardian!"

Exiting one of the buildings was an old man brimming with joy. Despite his age he had the look of a bodybuilder with muscles so huge they could break chains just by flexing them. He wore a dark blue robe and a crown of coral upon his brow that kept his neck length grey hair in place.

"Lord Poseidon" Brynhildr greeted bowing respectfully to the Greek God, "It's an honor to meet you once again."

"Valkyries, ten of them." The God of the Sea muttered, eyeing them in a similar fashion Odin did, "The women of Asgard are truly the curvy bunch."

Thor felt his eye twitch. The Gods of Olympus were said to have lots of sex so that means they are perverts...just like Odin. He felt his fists clench in rage at the memory of Odin surrounded by younger women and ogling over their bodies. Even though he wanted to tell the God of the Sea to stop eyeing the Valkyries, specifically Rossweisse, he held his tongue. He knew this alliance was important so for the time being he would endure these perverted Gods.

"And this must be the new Thor I've heard so much about!"

Thor blinked as Poseidon came nose to nose with him. His blue eyes stared wonderingly into Thor's face for a good ten seconds before pulling away with a smile.

"Y-you know me?"

"Not personally!" The brother of Zeus laughed joyfully. "I heard a rumor long ago that Asgard was attacked by that psycho Surtr and the Original Thor sacrificed himself to save his home. I did not believe it until your father told my brother. How did you come back? How did you cheat death?"

Thor glanced around at the Valkyries for help. Why did Odin tell him about the Original Thor's sacrifice? What could he say to answer the questions? He saw Rose shaking her head vigorously, she was silently pleading to not speak. Should he not share his past, Olympus was going to be their allies should they not keep secrets from one another?

"Lord Poseidon, as curious as you are. Please don't pester the Allfather's son. He just arrived and if he doesn't want to answer questions he can."

"And who are you?" The God asking eyeing the violet haired Valkyrie slowly.

"Sigrun Hallbjorndotter, your Lordship." The Valkyrie answered, trying her best to be respectful despite his roaming eyes, "Lord Thor, myself and Rossweisse shall be representing the Allfather for the talks."

"Wonderful! Zeus has said the talks shall take place in three days. Granted this for all the Gods and Goddess of our Pantheon to be notified and attend it. An alliance of peace between Olympus and Asgard has always been the dream Zeus and Hera have wanted."

"And in three days that shall happen, my dear brother!" Boomed a new voice.

Standing at the entrance was a tall man and woman holding hands. The man was a head shorter than the woman but was built the same as Poseidon in muscles. He wore dazzling purple robes and a beard so long it could rival Odin's. The woman had long blonde hair running down to her waist and eyes that shone like rubies. These obviously had to be the king and queen of the Olympus and all the Greek Gods; Zeus and Hera.

"Welcome to Olympus, my friends. It's so good to see you again."

"You as well, Lord Zeus." Brynhildr said with a bow, "Please allow me to introduce the representatives for Asgard. Lord Thor, Rossweisse, and Sigrun."

Zeus did the slight of double-takes at Thor. He had never met his Norse Thunder God counterpart but knew of the feats he had performed and his rumored death. Now here the man or rather, the boy stood looking very uncomfortable at being the center of attention. How he returned from the dead was a mystery even the Allfather did not have the answers to. If this boy truly was the God of Thunder reborn it would take a long time for him to reach the ranks of the Top Ten again. For now, however; Odin's son wished to reach a world of peace and that was something he would support.

"Lord Zeus. How nice to see you again. I'm sorry for what happened the last time we were here."

Zeus laughed and waved his hand, "Don't worry about it, Ms. Sigrun. I'm not one to hold grudges over a drunk man's funny insults. You remember my wife, Hera?"

Hera nodded in greeting, "I see the rulers of Asgard sent their people to represent them again."

"They have to oversee the rebuilding of their kingdom and speak with our Grigori allies," Rossweisse answered.

"Of course. Of course. A ruler must ensure the survival of their kingdom. I do hope to see Freya again soon once we are allies."

"You know, Freya?"

Hera's red eyes turned to Thor and she smiled, "Not personally. I have spoken with her many times before your noble sacrifice. She seemed so much happier then."

"She is happy!" Thor couldn't stop himself from yelling back, "I mean. She's very grateful that I am alive."

"I'm glad to hear that." Hera chuckled, amused by the boy's outburst before drawing herself to her full height. "Starting as of now until you depart you are free to explore Olympus and the lands around it. Keep in mind that should you be denied anything, such as access to the restricted sections of the library or entry to the armory or cells, kindly comply. For now, allow the servants to show you to your rooms."

Hera clapped her hands and a group of men and women clad in extravagant white robes trooped into the hallway bowing and saying "This way please." To the Norse guests.

While the Valkyries, God, and Einherjar were led away Hera whispered to her husband and Poseidon, "You do realize someone new must take the God of Thunder's place among the Top Ten. Typhon always said he wished to be among them and now this will be his chance."

"And he shall have it until Odin's son regains the strength he had and defeats the King of the Monsters. Now that is a battle I would love to see." The God of the Sea laughed. Watching Thor fight Typhon to reclaim his spot among the strongest beings would be the battle of the century in the Greek world.

"I have heard so much about Thor and had hoped to meet him someday. Today is that day and yet...I don't feel as excited as I thought to be." Said, Zeus.

"Perhaps it is because this isn't the original Thor we are meeting." Said Hera.

"Perhaps. Thor was said to be the strongest warrior of Asgard. How someone like him could have died is unheard-of."

"Maybe Thor did survive and become a teenager."

Zeus cast a dubious look at Poseidon, "Are you implying that Thor was de-aged?"

"It's quite possible. Don't the Aesir have a garden of apples with magic powers like us? Perhaps he had one too many and the healing caused him to grow young."

"A far-fetched theory." Hera countered, "Didn't Odin tell us the trees that grow those apples were destroyed in Surtr's Invasion? If this is Thor as a teenager then he either drank from the Foundation of Youth, another theory I do not believe, or the more likely one, being that Freya used her Seidr magic."

Zeus rubbed his chin in thought. Poseidon's theory would have been a possibility if Hera didn't point out the obvious of what happened to the trees. His wife's own theory was more plausible. Vanir's magic was full of many mysteries. It was what blessed Baldur with invulnerability, could it have the power to de-age someone? Is that why Freya still attained a youthful look and Odin didn't?

He would ask this to Freya the next time he saw her. A shame she couldn't attend the peace talks but Zeus was confident these kids could handle the responsibility of representing their people.

Olympus quarters

"The look of awe on the Einherjar's face hasn't changed since arriving at Olympus."

"Well, why shouldn't it? He's walking through the hallways of the Gods he worshipped. So this probably is a dream he always wished to come true. And yet his smile isn't reaching his eyes. Shouldn't he be happy?"

"Why do you care?"

"Why don't you?

"I care about not getting molested by these sex craving Gods."

"But what about what Lady Freya said? We should give him a second chance."

"Yes she did but Sigrun is right. He's going to need to do more than apologies. Actions speak louder than words."

Rota's shoulders slumped. The youngest Valkyrie on this mission knew Grimgerde was right but shouldn't someone talk to Andrew? Thor was doing it before arriving at Olympus. If Thor can give the Einherjar a second chance then so can she.

Squaring her shoulders she marched out of her quarters to find the Greek. The only problem, she didn't know where his room was. He could be in any of them and poking her head into every room to find him would be rude and embarrassing. The dark green haired Valkyrie didn't want to intrude on anything private. Luckily her search would not be as difficult as first thought. A servant was standing nearby and could lead her to him.

"Excuse me, can you show me to the Einherjar's room?" She asked.

The servant obeyed the question and led her down a corridor to a door. Rota thanked her and the servant bowed her head low before departing. Rota steeled herself and knocked on the door. When it opened the bewildered expression of Andrew came into view.

"Hi!" Rota said cheerfully.

"Uh hi..." Andrew said back, "I remember you. Your-"

"The Valkyrie you called a bitch." She interrupted and there was a hint of anger in the girl's voice, "but it's alright. All in the past now."

Andrew sighed, relieved that she at least was willing to forgive and forget.

"So what are you doing here?"

"I came to talk."

"About?"

"You. Don't friends talk to each other?"

Andrew glanced away. This Valkyrie had been one of the few who tried talking to him, despite his insults to her. It clearly upset her but she still persisted in her attempts to open up to her. He remembered seeing her cheer for him in his duel against Thor. Now she was trying again to befriend him.

Might as well talk to her."

"Ok. Well...do you wanna walk with me…"

"Rota. Rota is my name and yes I'd love to explore Olympus with you, Andrew."

The Einherjar's cheek turned red as he led the way through the hall. Even though he didn't know the way around Olympus he was more than willing to explore it, he just wasn't expecting the company of Rota. But he wouldn't argue about it.

"Since you were human, where did you live?"

"I was born in Athens. Lived there all my life."

"Ohh! I hear Athens is very beautiful. But something doesn't add up. If you've lived here all your life then how did you become an Einherjar? The last time Sigrun was in Greece was last year and you joined us months ago."

There was a deep silence as the two teenagers climbed a set of stairs leading to a balcony overlooking Olympus. They could see all of the kingdom and the lands below, the breeze whipped at their hair. Andrew remembered overhearing them talk about Einherjars between Thor and the Allfather's bodyguard and their stories of joining Valhalla. Now was his turn.

"I was in Denmark visiting relatives. Two days before my departure, I was walking in the woods with my sister when this monster attacked. I think it was a Troll. It went straight for Kassandra, intent on either killing or eating her. I ordered her to run while trying to keep its attention on me by yelling and throwing stones at it. I finally did when I struck him in the eye. Of course, that only made him mad and he rushed me like a boar. The last thing I remember was flying through the air and being slammed into a tree and a figure appearing out of nowhere and slaying the Troll. When I awoke I was in Asgard, not Elysium as I had hoped for my bravery in protecting my sister."

"And that's the reason why you hated us. Because you didn't go to Elysium." Rota muttered, staring at the Einherjar with sad eyes.

"Or let me return to Greece. I couldn't go trespassing on Greek territory to see my family. I was so angry I refused everyone's help. After my embarrassing defeat by Thor, I stopped going to Valhalla at all. Knowing I'll just be laughed at. However, before the day of discharge from the hospital, your Queen came to see me. She told me about Odin's goal of making peace with the other Factions, which included Olympus. She said if I change my ways and allow her to help in my studies, I will be allowed to go to Olympus."

Andrew froze as he felt the Valkyries arms embrace him in a hug. He didn't know what to say or how to react, especially since he felt her huge breasts pressing into his side.

"I understand your frustration to not see your family again. However, you should be thankful for becoming an Einherjar. I heard that you cannot leave Elysium once you enter it. You may have desired to wander its golden fields but instead you, like Thor, have been given a second chance to live and you can see your family again."

Andrew was silent as Rota continued to hug him. She was right in her assumption about Elysium being inescapable and his joining of Asgard had indeed given him a second life. Oh, how stupid he was to let his anger blinded him. The regret for all the cruel things he said swelled like a balloon within his stomach. He wanted to rush back to Asgard and apologize to everyone, especially the Allfather's bodyguard and son, who he could since they were here as well. For now, he would start with his new friend.

"Rota. I'm so sorry for what I've done and said."

Rota smiled and continued to hug him. "Don't worry about it. I know the others will forgive you. Just give them time. Hey, when this is over let's go see your family and explore Greece."

Andrew started at Rota. She wanted to explore Greece and meet his family? To go and explore the islands and see her try Greek food sounded nice.

It sounds more than nice...it sounds fun.

"Yes. He said looking out onto the horizon as a smile spread across his lips. "Yes, we will."

At last, the backstory for Andrew is revealed and the start of a beautiful friendship. Could it possibly go beyond that? Qill the other Valkyries forgive him like Rota has? What will happen between Thor and Rossweisse? And will Thor regain anymore? All shall be answered...some soon others later. Perhaps all these questions shall be answered in chapter 15; The Hero, the Goddess, and the Valkyrie