"A'ight, you sopping saps, out of the way!" A voice calls out from the masses that have emerged.
From the crowd, just as stout as any dwarf, a forge master of silver hair emerges. Her attire comprises chained bracers, a leather tunic with two metal plates over her chest. Her boots are just as bulky in the thickness of materials, with metal link straps littering her ankles as well. The series of sigils that circle and spiral up to her shoulders is the darkest shade of black, standing apparent atop her pale skin. The moment of catching sight of Atreus and Sigyn only sinks her deeper into impatience. Though the butch woman shows to be unimposing, an unsettling shiver ripple through the duo. Her behavior radiates with that of a protector. An individual who's uneased by the company of strangers due to past deceit and struggles. The dwarf's eyes glimpsing back to her people as they observe from afar, engraving this knowledge into Atreus's perspective of her.
"Aye, you must be the one everyone's gumming about," the dwarf comments, marching to the duo.
"You know who I am?" Atreus questions in a skeptic tone.
"That I do," the dwarven maiden spouts stressfully. "The names Moira, and I've heard from all angles how Midgard has a mangy protector who fights like an animal."
A familiarity rings in the dwarven lady's harsh tone and attitude. Even though she appears unwelcoming to their presence despite their aid, Atreus cannot alleviate the distinguished ambiance. Looking to Sigyn, she, too, squints perturbed by her behavior.
"Then you have heard right," Atreus responds in hesitance. "My name is-"
"I know you're fucking name, Atreus," Moira spouts impatiently. "If it wasn't for you're goldilocks mate here, then the several rumors floating around like the stink of troll shite would be enough to know!"
If her intrusive notions weren't enough to baffle Loki and Sigyn into submissive silence, then Moira's steadily bold approach only cements their inability to speak at the moment. The sorceress can only turn away, hinting at legitimate concern for whatever may leave the dwarf's lips next. Even the courageous Wolf of Midgard finds himself baffled and stunned by the upfront approach and remarks.
"Speaking of rumors," the dwarven woman continues while leaning toward them. "Ya wouldn't happen to be close to the Huldra Brothers, would ya?"
The sparks of realization flash in Atreus's mind at her question. Her mannerisms match that of the snarky dwarven siblings of Midgard. Atreus can't help but grin in a gawky fashion due to his experiences with the dwarven brothers. Especially given that the siblings have a notorious reputation, even before working for the Aesir. Whatever they did, Atreus can read the distaste for them by Moira's scowl alone.
"That I do..." Atreus confesses, dragging out the answer.
"Fantastic!" Abrupt and unsuspectingly sudden, Moira's demeanor flips to overjoyed. "If that's the case, I've got a message for you to pass onto them." Her tone dials down, and the rapid shifting of her eyes entails it's a secret.
Instinctively, Atreus follows suit, but even he can't spot anything of particular notice. Cautious, he lowers himself to the dwarf. Even Sigyn draws slightly closer out of intrigue. Yet, the moment Loki lends his ear to the forge master, his cheek is met with a firm slap. Not enough to instill pain, but to smear an expression of bafflement. A few seconds are spared to recollect if what just transpired was real.
"Tha's for never staying in contact with me!" Moira notes distastefully. Yet, before Atreus can make a retort, another smack is placed across his other cheek. "And tha's for Mjölnir!"
"I'll make sure to present the message clearly," Loki can only reply dumbfoundedly. Sigyn, equally as stunned, can only awkwardly giggle at the harsh dwarf's attitude. At the sound of her minor amusement, Atreus questioningly looks over his shoulder to her. Yet, the sorceress instantly ceases her sounds of humor, terribly acting innocent.
"Honestly, what reason could they have to send two kiddies here?" Moira questions, equally as stupified.
"We came here on our own accord," Loki professes. "We've come for the flawless Niðavellir Steel."
The mention of the rare ore evaporates all neighboring discussions of the dwarven people. Many appear weighted in horror over the subject, much to the three who hold the most prominent conversation.
"Well, you'd be shite out of luck," Moira speaks begrudgingly. "Those nasties you fought have made the mines their nest..."
Thinking back to their encounter with those hellish beasts, Atreus can't fathom how they proved such a grave challenge. They didn't behave like regular animals, but were cunning, organized, trained for the art of killing. Sigyn herself looks disturbed by the idea of encountering more of their number. She rests her hand atop her racing heart, still unhardened by the adrenaline of battle.
"What were those things?" Atreus questions, unswayed by the challenge. "I've never seen the like of them, and they couldn't have originated here."
"Glad you're an observant one. I've dealt with enough idiots," Moira comments in sarcastic relief. "Those scorched lizards would be Drakes, very distant cousins to dragons. If it wasn't for them being flightless, they'd be just as dangerous due to their numbers. Not to mention their violent, ruthless nature, persistent resolve, and their hunger that rivals a wildfire in summer..." The more she forms the thoughts, each ending phrase drags out longer. Her facial looks gradually shift with her tone, matching the puzzlement that seeps from her. "But... There's only one place in all of the nine realms where them fiends dwell..."
"Muspelheim..." Atreus dreadfully assumes. "And let me guess, did anyone here feel an earthquake before their arrival?"
Atreus's wild but accurate guess ripples concern throughout the crowd, invoking confusion among them as they burst into conversation. Even the stern Moira can't help but sigh warily, even grasping and rubbing her biceps to alleviate the tension. The unsettling reactions are enough to warrant his suspicions correct.
"What are you talking about?" Sigyn asks, left in obscurity by the topic.
"It's no coincidence," Atreus notes. "It would seem that Odin isn't the only one making his move... This brings me to my next reason for being here..."
"Save your trap the work of spilling the words," Moira interjects snarkily. "I know what you want, and the answer is Hel, no!"
The snappy response renders the Last Son of Sparta perplexed to the point his throat locks, preventing him from immediately retorting. The Huldra Brothers did warn of their kins stubbornness and reluctance, but even with his deeds and prowess, it proves not enough.
"B-but, you must know what is going on?" Loki asks, addressing the events that unfold around them. "The Twilight of the Gods fast approaches. War is upon us!"
"A war that we will have no part in, especially when it's lead by a boy," Moira speaks neglectfully. "Do you know how many times the Aesir and Vanir tried to bring us into their squabble? Their attempts to bribe, blackmail, and even attempt to subjugate us to their sides? After the 'Huldra Brothers' created the damned hammer, both god tribes thought they could work us to make more! Why else do you think we developed our tricks for getting out of tight-ass situations?"
The weight of Mjölnir's legacy persists atop the shoulders of the dwarves to this day. Many in the crowd are fatigued by the stress of the upcoming war, their eyes droopy in exhaustion. Atreus and Sigyn spot this decline in hope in them, dragging down their spirits as well.
"You can't run from what's coming," Atreus notes, dampening his urgency. "Odin has already begun his conquest across the nine realms. Seeking to subjugate all those who stand in his way. It's only a matter of time before his armies raid the forests of Niðavellir. I want to put a stop to it, to fight back and free the worlds from his tyranny."
Despite the conviction carried in his words, Moira is unswayed by his tone. Instead, the forge master squints in concentration at Atreus's mannerisms. Every second, she studies his body language, every detail she can make out on him physically and spiritually. Something to her is off and misplaced, and even Sigyn takes note of her insight and reaction.
"Oh, my boy, you're starting to believe in your own lies," Moira claims with disappointment.
The sharp, critical blow of her words ceases Atreus's confidence to speak further. Sigyn can't lend her voice as well, just as baffled by the harsh claim.
"You speak as though you want to be the hero of some childish folk tale," Moira speaks, disapproving of his notions. "But I can read you like the stones of history. There's a deep-seated hatred, a thirst for vengeance... You've been wronged just like the rest of us. The scars of your hardships, emotional and spiritual, are plain as the glow of these forests. The only difference, is that you can't move on from your past. And you continue to let it nag and pester on you like a damned leach... As you are now, though you may want to help, you may cause more harm than good on the path you walk... We're not going to trade one warlord for another..."
Atreus cannot fathom nor form the right words for a response. Willowing in the brutally blunt remark binds his tongue and his will to retort. All that he can do is expel a stuttering sigh in frustration. Sigyn stands beside him, her hand steadily resting upon his shoulder. She, too, develops a glare of severity towards the dwarven maiden's distasteful claim.
"You're wrong," the sorceress speaks up. "If you'd seen what I had seen, been with him for those who he'd saved, and experienced the impossible triumphs he accomplished, then you'd know the faults in your insult!"
Her surge of courage steers Atreus's eye to her glowing persona. Although the radiance of her support lifts his spirits, he cannot bring himself to wholly agree with her statement. But, her loyalty does brush away a sliver of his remorse. Moira, just as intrigued, but still holding her conviction, lends her ear to the defensive Sigyn.
"I don't doubt him, and what he can do, and what goals he seeks to aspire," she continues on. "You may claim it impossible, but Odin can be stopped, and we will be the ones to end his reign!"
Her tone matches one who has seething spite towards the Allfather as well. In Sigyn's moment of confidence, the sympathy between her and Atreus only emboldens further. The Wolf of Midgard, inspired, disregards the distress within himself. His mission, regardless of its complexity or the difficulties of its challenges, remains the same. He can't help but grin at the impression he's left on the initially timid sorceress.
"Well, in that case, princess, do feel free to prove me wrong!" Moira replies, humored by their strive. She paces to a parted clearing in the illuminating woods. A paved pathway presents itself, extending beyond the limits of the mortal eye. The only clear marker is two mountain peaks, which tilt and reach for the other across the vast distance. "If you wish for the Niðavellir Steel, the mines of Svartr Djúpr are beyond the valley. Where the beating heart of the realm lies. But as I mentioned, the Drakes have roosted themselves there."
"Can you give us accurate odds and what we might expect to find once inside?" Sigyn asks, taking the initiative on the quest.
"Other than a few machinations that may help you clear out the caverns, there will be the heart chamber," Moira notes carefully. "That is the primary room where you'll find the deposits. But, the earth there has been rumbling with uncertainty... Whatever's transpiring in those caverns, that's a mystery that eludes us all."
The hectic memories of his last encounter with Muspelheim's horrors still tremor in his mind, just as the earthquakes beneath his heels. Though his experience was brief, his suspicions already drive his mind to picture the worst outcome. Whatever rests within those caves may prove far more dangerous than the Drakes that guard them. And with his focus straying in the direction of the mines, severity fortifies his heart. Bracing for what hides beneath the surface.
"If you're willing to kill them charred iguanas, I'll reward you for your service," Moira offers.
"I'm not turning back now," Atreus assures, glancing back at Moira. "No matter what the world thinks of me."
Being called out, the forge master lets loose a broad smirk at Atreus's challenge. A small salute, a simple sign of good luck, is all she passes on in response. While the Wolf of Midgard pays no mind to it, Sigyn can help but sense an ulterior motive in her actions. With Loki's eyes averted, Moira gestures for the sorceress to be quiet while wearing a playful smile. But, before she can determine the nature of the dwarf's course, Atreus presses forward to Svartr Djúpr. Sigyn rushes behind, prompted by his urgency to finish their objective.
Several yards out, Sigyn continues to admire the environment of the dwarven realm. The wildlife illuminates just as vibrant as the stars and constellations above. The simple moths, butterflies, and other insects flicker across the air in a dazzling display. Yet, the sorceress cannot remain drawn to the Marvelous display of saturated lights. Although Atreus, for the most part, has alleviated the tension from Moira's claim, her words still cling to his heart. As a result, his eyes remain honed on the location far beyond them, ignoring the scenery.
"Are you okay?" Sigyn asks.
"Would it be an obvious lie if I said I was?" He asks jokingly, trying to lessen the worry placed on him.
"No, but I would know," she remarks, unamused by his carefree response. "Just like I know what she said is still discomforting you?"
"Not just what she spoke of, but because of how truthful it is..."
As the two converse, the distraction gradually lessens Atreus's agitation and marching pace. Just as before, the forest lights the way for them as they tread incautiously. Glowing flowers bloom beside them, lush colors ripple across the fields, and the ecosystem lends them company on their stroll.
"It's true that my hatred for the Aesir runs deep, burning in my veins the more I dwell on what they've done," Loki reminisces. "The atrocities they've committed and how much I've lost because of them. I'll admit that I seek their undoing! I want them gone with every fiber of my being... But the ways I tried in the past failed and left me in a worse place than before... I want to be better..."
"Don't we all," she replies. "You're not the only one bottling their anger, your disgust. I don't doubt that all of the realms wouldn't agree. But, because of you, I feel I've finally found my footing to stand my ground on... I can't imagine where I'd be if it wasn't for you."
Her praise and gratitude leave the Wolf of Midgard speechless by an overwhelming sense of humbleness. His eyes wide in interest are bound to her, and her passion, the world of Svartalfheim pales compared to her emitting glow. One day, she'll know the truth of him, and in his heart, he wants to explain it himself. Perhaps that day, when his darkness is revealed and the shadows of his guilt exposed, may he find the light of redemption.
(Authors Notes)
I'M EXCITED FOR THE NEW GOD OF WAR!
The new trailer has dropped, and it looks incredible! As to be expected, Kratos and Atreus (Boi) will continue their adventures together! With that, I believe it's time to answer some questions and give some of my own thoughts.
Question 1: How many children does Odin have?
The one thing Zeus and Odin had in common in traditional mythology is they both had many children with multiple mothers. Depending on the source you go off of, Odin could have up to seven or eight children, while others depicting he only had three. But I highly doubt we'll be seeing them all in the next installment.
Question 2: Would Thor try to tempt Atreus to his side?
This is an exciting concept, and given the nature of the franchise, maybe not impossible. But, personally, I don't see this offer coming from Thor. The God of Thunder has only ever been described to have two decent qualities, and that's his warriors' honor and his loyalty to his family. Honor in the sense that he'll respect a worthy opponent, but that's as far as that goes. And for commitment, he supposedly deeply cared for Baldur when the Aesir lost his mind from his curse. Even going so far as to order his own sons to be respectful to him. This has been noted to stretch to his father, as he's followed every command without question. But, who knows, that would be a fantastic twist to see in the game.
Question 3: With the game coming out, will I be taking inspiration from the source material?
To a degree, maybe. But, more so, depending on how far this story progresses, I'll adopt small elements such as character appearances and aesthetics to world designs. But overall, many plans for this story are set and stone, such as key events, relationships, and other significant factors. I want to provide a unique narrative while also respecting the original source material. By adopting too much, I feel like it would be lazy and rude to the readers and official designers of the game.
Question 4: Will Atreus ask Freya about the weakness of Asgard?
Any advantage he can gain against the Aesir, you can expect he'll take it. When the opportunity comes, may it help shift the tide to his favor.
Now to clarify some thoughts and comments.
I thought Fimbulwinter was the start of Ragnarok:
With how obscure the Prose Edda and Poetic Edda are, the story of Ragnarok is very subjective, depending on perspective. However, the three-year winter can definitely be taken as the beginning of the end and follow that course in the next game. But, my aim was to show how God of War would be if Atreus took up his father's mantle. Given that at the end of Fimbulwinter, he was only 12-14 years old, I don't think the series would be as appealing with a teenager killing veteran warriors and gods. But, not only does that ten-year time skip allow him to mature and hone his skills, but it also grants the readers the realism that he's as prepared as can be for war.
I thought if Thor Died, he'd go to Valhalla:
Traditionally, he should, and the other Aesir based on the lore in the game. But, truth be told, I decided to have fun with this and twist the original story of the Prose Edda. Where instead of The Ferryman just toying with the Aesir, he decided to curse him. Something I felt many would be delighted to know, especially given all the horrible deeds the God of Thunder has committed.
Thank you all soo much for your continued support of this story! I'm very grateful! I wish you all the best during these times, and I'll see you all in the next update!