Author's Note: I've been tossing these 2 around in my head for some time now. I decided that maybe I wanted to write something since there isn't a lot out there. Maybe someone else would enjoy my musings. If asked when I started writing if it would ever be for a video game, I would have said you were crazy. Here we are though. Takes place after Ragnarök. Freya's point of view. Spoiler warning. All mistakes are my own.
Disclaimer: I own absolutely nothing pertaining to God of War. This is purely for fun.
Walk
It is a simple thing for her to walk through the forest. The plant life around her makes the path clear, just for her. She has been checking on Vanaheim from time to time to make sure it continues its path of healing. The places are familiar yet feel different. She is relearning all there is to know about a place she was willing to sacrifice her freedom to save. The brilliant green surrounds her and breathes its life into her, making her stronger for it. It is good to see the beauty once again.
He peace reverie is broken, however, by a being she herself reanimated. A being she continues to learn to accept even with the difficulties of their past. For they share something, or rather someone, in common. A being not from here, but one that now belongs here.
"Brother," Mimir starts a question on the horizon, "why are we traipsing through the forest? Lady Freya knows what she is doing, and the plants move for her. There's no need for you to continue to follow her when the plants don't show us the same regard." It's true. Though she has tried to calm the foliage of the realm, it still does not trust a being that carries an axe.
At first a soft grunt is the only response from the pale man behind her. His red markings stand out in the sun as the shade plays tricks with his armor. He is well camouflaged for the time being. The bright colors of the forest undergrowth shield him from any unwanted eyes.
"We are not following her," Kratos informed the head at his belt, "we are accompanying her. There is a difference.
"Did she invite ye, Brother?" Mimir inquires, softly. There is caution in his voice, and maybe a hint of fear. Both know what it means to be on the receiving end of her ire. Neither want to repeat the experience if they can help it. She knows this to be true. Though Mimir is more diplomatic than Kratos about it.
"She did," she finally speaks, interrupting their conversation. It had taken them some time to find exactly where she had told them to meet her. "Although, you are unexpected, Mimir." Her voice is teasing, unable to resist the urge to have a little fun at the head's expense.
"You won't know I'm here," Mimir responds cheekily. Kratos grunts in reply. It almost sounds amused. She shakes her head and begins to lead them deeper into the forest. Kratos must walk beside her to avoid the local fauna hitting him as it shifts back into place after letting her pass. He does not utter a sound of complaint. He simply continues to move forward with purpose, trusting her to keep the worst of it at bay.
They settle into a companionable silence. Walking together throughout the realms is something they do often. Many times, there is a specific purpose for them to be in a place. Today, it is different. She is here to experience a moment of quiet in a place she loves with people she has come to consider her friends. It is aimless walking for the sheer joy of it.
The calm is broken by the lightest touch of the tips of his fingers on the outside of her arm. Oh, they have touched before, in battle, or sealing an agreement, but there is something inherently different about this touch. A moment later she hears what the touch of his fingers is warning her about. Her hands flutter toward her sword, but an altogether different thought floods her mind. She unconsciously allowed him to keep them both safe from threats. Fully relied on him to keep her safe. The thought unnerves her for a precious second. Relying on him could be…dangerous.
His fingertips remain on her arm as she sorts through all these thoughts offering his silent support to her. When she finally looks at him, an understanding passes between them. This threat is one they can overcome together. The fact that she does not need to speak to him to convey information verbally unnerves her once again. When had that happened? She can't pinpoint it.
As always, they are both prepared for a fight. The purpose of their walk was not to find a fight, but it appears one has found them. Keeping the peace throughout the realms comes at a cost. Both of them are good at what they do and well respected for it. This raider camp will not see another sunset.
"I will lead," he states. There is no argument in his tone. It is not chivalry. He respects her abilities. No, his lead makes sense with the element of surprise on their side. He can crush the sentries quickly before alerting the leader of this particular raider camp. She will support him in this fight, as she has supported him for longer than she ever thought she would.
Finally, he removes his touch. The loss of it is staggering. It is something she will have to consider the implications of after they have returned to their respective homes. Right now, she needs to focus. She needs to fight to keep a peace that so many died enacting. A peace a God of War fights to help her keep.
Note: Not my absolute favorite work, but it feels like a nice warm up after a long hiatus.