Wow, first I want to thank everyone who replied to my inquiry from the last chapter! I got so many I couldn't reply to them all individually so I wanted to do so here. It is good to know where my fans stand in regards to my plans for the future. :) The next arc is still on temporary hiatus as I plan and work other projects, however this chapter and the next are the bridging episodes so I wanted to give you guys something during the main plot downtime.
Dorian shot up in his bed, sweat still damp on his brow though he swiftly wiped it away. He was breathing heavily and could still almost feel the flames.
That damned dream again.
He remembered it vaguely dating back to his first day awakening in Asgard yet since obtaining his balance breaker, the frequency of the visions returning had noticeably increased. Silently, he slipped out of bed and ducked into the bathroom to splash cold water on his face.
Maybe Lady Freyja or Thrud's Sage Arts can be used to give good dreams.
The memory of the cave flooded his mind again, the pain of the troll's attack followed by the embrace of…
"Gooood morning!"
Dorian slammed backwards into the wall, suddenly realizing the face in the mirror wasn't his. Instead, the visage of the incorrigible grim reaper could be seen smiling wildly at him through a portal.
"Bennia!" He shouted mostly out of surprise as his heart still raced since the unsettling nightmare. "What did I say about your personal teleports!?"
"Always use responsibly?"
"And what is using it to enter someone else's bathroom?"
Bennia glanced up at the sky as if deep in thought before answering. "Ir…responsible?"
"Very goo…," Dorian started to congratulate her before she was tugged back through, the scolding words of her roommate Hecuba echoing through the air until the schism closed and he found himself in privacy again.
Between the repairs still ongoing to Olympus and the disagreement over a suitable location for their Headquarters, the cross-mythology task force had been set up in Dorian's Dormitory for the meanwhile. The building had been a backup in case of special circumstances and until that point he was the sole occupant. Since returning, the room across the hall had been refurbished for their Olympian members. Bennia and Hecuba slept on beds across from one another with all the amenities of his own room. The young Einherjar had not heard anything from Rossweisse or Thrud and assumed due to their own homes being in Asgard they need not move in and would commute over should a mission call for it.
The retainer to the gods fiddled with his hair, trying his best to straighten the new braid he had earned. After the victory against Forcas, despite Rossweisse's finishing blow, she had assured him he was worthy of a second. For the moment he had hoped to even-out his appearance and had tied it on the opposite side from the first though the difference was night and day. Against Rossweisse's immaculate completion of the first, his was messy, frayed in parts and lopsided to the other.
Maybe I can beg her to do all my braids; he could not help but chuckle.
The smell of breakfast assailed his nose, between the three of them only Hecuba had any skill at cooking. Apparently she had studied for survival tactics and could make food from just about anything that grew or moved. Her morning preparations were appreciated though was, for the lack of a better term, a bit Spartan.
Once dressed and washed up, Dorian entered the commissary where Bennia was already picking at her meal. It was the same that Hecuba had made each morning since moving in, a pair of eggs made to their individual preference, a loaf of bread for all to share and a handful of grapes apiece. This morning had something new as she laid a bowl of a thick creamy substance in the center.
"What…is it?" Bennia poked at it suspiciously.
"Staka."
"Gesundheit."
"It is butter made from goat's milk and is very good for you, better than the processed stuff I've seen here."
"Danger assessment?" Bennia turned to Dorian, a rare serious look on her face as if it was preparation for another battle.
"Well," Dorian sliced off a portion which was surprisingly thicker than it looked and started to spread it on his bread with some effort. He did his best to hide his trepidation at the unfamiliar margarine. "I'll try anything once."
"Only takes once to kill ya," Bennia looked away from Hecuba's scathing stare.
"This is eaten daily by thousands of my hoplites, if not one of them were felled by its taste then I highly doubt…"
The front door to the building flew open, drawing away Hecuba's ire as a familiar silver-haired Valkyrie strolled inside. Rossweisse was arrayed back in her standard business suit she wore when attending as Odin's bodyguard with a beaming smile on her face.
"Rose!" Dorian greeted before taking a bite of his bread. He had to admit the butter added a richness he did not expect despite the odd texture. "Good Morning!"
"Good morning everyone," the Allfather wanted to ensure the accommodations were to your liking."
"I slept quite comfortably," Hecuba stated as if she were providing a report. "My energetic roommate not withstand…"
The Spartan commander turned, just realizing that Bennia was gone with only a fading teleportation rune left behind. She had absconded with her plate, food and drink…yet left the staka behind.
"I swear I would have executed her myself were she in my troop back on Olympus," Hecuba muttered to no one in particular as she massaged the sides of her head.
Dorian did his best to hold back a chuckle as he finished off his scrambled eggs quickly. Stacking the plates he started collecting what he could.
"Have you made any progress on the Olympian tome?"
Stars lit up in the genius-Valkyrie's eyes at the question. "More than progress! There must be a commonality between the roots of our respective fields of magic. It took only a few minor quantum-dimensional calculation adjustments and I was able to near-seamlessly adapt my formulas to their structure. Isn't that wonderful?"
Dorian just nodded along with an awkward smile on his lips, barely understanding a word of what she said. He may have grown adept at imitating the magic circles she had mastered, but he was FAR from being capable of calculating them himself.
"Did you need anything else?" She turned with a blush at realizing how eccentric she was sounding. Upon looking back, she immediately started analyzing his appearance, spotting the poorly hidden bags under his eyes.
"Not at all, in fact I wanted to show you my little project!"
Dorian led Rossweisse back to his room, once inside he presented what he'd been able to accomplish in the days since Olympus. As it was a two-person room with a single occupant due to his status as the only man amid the cross-mythology task force, there was considerable room to spare. The young man had cleared out the spare bed and replaced it with a sturdy oak desk filled with shelves, cubby holes and other compartments to allow a myriad of space.
Behind the desk and a sturdy high back chair was a large table. Currently only a lone map of Asgard covered its surface along with a few paperweights to hold it down. He was so proud of the workstation he had made for himself.
"You'll need a map of Olympus too," Rossweisse teased. "And one for each of the eight other realms."
Dorian's chipper expression flattened at the thought of overlaying so many on a single table in an organized manner. He had hoped to start small, they currently had no work between the members of the new coalition and he had time to think. Rossweisse sighed with a shake of her head as she stepped towards him.
"You must improve your technique," she playfully chastised as, without warning, she started to fix and adjust his new braid. "I can show you again once we have some time."
Dorian remained absolutely still as the silver-haired beauty of Asgard stood as close as was possible to accomplish her task. It was fortunate that he was oblivious to the importance of a woman tending to a man's braid in the Norse culture lest embarrassment claim him. The ever-mature yet naive Valkyrie did not consider the ramifications of her actions or how they may have been perceived by observers, so comfortable she felt when around him. From such a distance, the bags under his eyes were all the more obvious to her..
"Have you not been sleeping well?" She asked upon finishing up, the concern evident in her voice.
"Just nightmares," he admitted, smiling back serenely to placate her worry. "The same one I had in Olympus when I woke…and I'm pretty sure I had it before."
"The one about fire?"
"Yes, I remembered a bit more of it this time. Whatever was doing it was enormous, laying waste to everything, Asgard, Olympus, Midgard…everything."
"Well, it is only a dream, today is a busy time, perhaps once you have something to focus on…"
"It was so vivid," he interrupted without meaning to, barely able to contain the myriad thoughts at the images in his head. "The fire, the death, the details of utter ruin, the heads…"
"Heads?" Rossweisse raised an eyebrow at what he meant.
"The thing responsible, I could only make out a silhouette, but it had many heads, seven I think. They looked at me once; I couldn't describe the chill it sent through me."
Dorian was talking mostly to get it out and was not looking at the maiden-Valkyrie. Had he noticed, he would have been unnerved by the wide eyes and open mouthed expression of shock at the description he had just given.
"S-seven heads?" She stuttered, trying to hide her fascination at the eerily familiar description she recalled from her time in college. "You are certain it had…seven heads?"
"Unless it was hiding more elsewhere or I am worse at math than I thought," he half chuckled, trying to downplay the seriousness. "Thank goodness it was only a dream, something like that existing would be," he paused to select his words. "Monstrous."
That's impossible, I spent years studying every scrap of knowledge and found no clear cut evidence it even existed. How can he be dreaming of it? I must be a coincidence or…
"Get back here!" Hecuba shouted as she tore past them, trying to head off Bennia's next short-ranged teleportation attempt. "I made enough for an army; you are trying a bite or so help me I will send one after you!"
"Over my reaped soul!" Bennia called out after her as she kept ahead. The two were quite energetic when they had some free time on their hands.
"Free time?" Dorian looked at the nearby clock. "I gotta go!" He patted Rossweisse on the shoulder as he sped past her, missing her hesitant hands reaching out, begging to ask him more questions about the dream but there was no time left. "I can't be late, it's graduation day!"
At the School…
"Herja…step forward."
The blonde Valkyrie took center stage, kneeling before Brynhildr, Chief-Valkyrie of all Asgard, Vanaheim and beyond. She had long light-blue hair of similar length to Rossweisse; Dorian assumed it must have been a fashion choice of Valkyries. Ratatoskr had been kind enough to educate him how the beauty of women in Asgard was often considered based on the length of their hair above all else, making Rossweisse's lack of a boyfriend ever the more baffling.
"Our halls are grand, yet our family is small," she proclaimed over the young woman. Herja was dressed in her bronze battle attire which resembled a leotard; each girl could choose the color. It clung to her frame in a way that made Dorian question whether he should be watching before she was granted her armor as the previous women had. Nevertheless he had been assured it would be rude to turn away and she was the last to go. "These were the first words spoken by Lady Freyja at the conceptions of our order…"
Dorian stood off to the side alongside yet not among his classmates as she continued the pronouncement. They were all graduating to become full-fledged Valkyries and advance to the college-level training that would follow. Dorian had joined so late in the year that he did not qualify, even if he had pushed to becoming a Valkyrie despite his unique situation. Lady Eir stood beside him, a smile of pride etched on her lips at one of the finest classes she had ever taught. She assured him his credits were universally transferable to whatever school or institution he chose to attend.
"Have you decided where you'll study next?" She whispered to the young Einherjar. "I can provide a letter of recommendation…"
"Not yet," he replied as Herja's ceremony neared the end. "It'll have to be somewhere with flexible hours depending on how much work my new position garners."
"If only the ceremony allowed any to become Valkyrie." The older woman sighed somewhat at the statement. "Our numbers have ever been few yet we are the only ones that can invoke the old magic to create Einherjar for the future battle against Ragnarok. I would have pushed for you to be allowed to attempt it."
"It is appreciated my lady," Dorian replied with a reassuring smile. Rossweisse had long ago explained to him the limitation of their reincarnation. That only warriors who died fighting for something important to them could be made Einherjar once judged worthy by a Valkyrie. Yet even then, only those who worshiped the Norse gods or were unaffiliated like himself could take the blessing. "Though I doubt I have the figure to pull off the armor very well."
It took considerable effort for the elder Valkyrie to stifle a chuckle at the ridiculous statement.
"You would have looked quite dashing in the original armor, before peace was made and Allfather Odin made...requests to alter them."
I KNEW that was his idea!
"So take this burden and grow our family," Brynhildr concluded. "To carry out your task, take this armor and may it keep you safe from all ills as you search for those worthy of Valhalla's halls!"
A tremendous blast of lightning descended from on high as the magic took shape, striking Herja head on. Were it not for the previous nineteen instances, Dorian would have worried; even then he was ready to jump in at the unlikely event of trouble. As with the last, that was not the case.
As the blinding flash dimmed, Herja stood to her feet now arrayed in armor identical to Brynhildr's and Rossweisse's. While the battle suit beneath could be customized, it seemed that the rest was universalized. Only then did the young Einherjar realize that Thrud's was the only unique armor he had seen though assuredly Freyja's would be of her own design. She waved to her teacher, family and Dorian in the crowd before joining the rest arrayed across the stage proudly.
Lady Eir started clapping excitedly as soon as it was appropriate, Dorian joining in, putting fingers in his mouth and letting out a few sharp whistles for emphasis. They would all be moving on to complete their studies, leaving Dorian with a simple question on his mind.
More classmates moving on without me, the more things change the more they stay the same. Memories of the many schools he had studied at around the world flashed through his mind. At each he would make friends yet inevitably leave them behind as he traveled to the next country for study as part of the program he had been enrolled in. Where do I go from here?
After the Ceremony…
"Check me out!" Herja spun in place to showcase her new armor, Brynda and Misty nearby doing the same. Brynda had nearly frozen on stage at meeting her namesake face to face, but somehow found the strength to kneel and rise again arrayed in her Valkyrie apparel including a deep blue battle suit beneath. Misty had chosen a bright magenta variant and stood out the most of the three.
"I look just like my mom!" Brynda gushed, running her hands up and down the smooth plates unable to contain her smile.
"To ride onward to glory like our foremothers of old!" Misty proclaimed from the side, standing proud.
"Any plans for the future?" Dorian asked, his heart beaming at the happiness in his classmates. The three glanced towards one another with sly smiles as if plotting something nefarious before responding.
"Well, normally we would move on to college, studying the refinements of our skills and duties. We will do that…but…" Herja hesitated while Brynda continued.
"We want to apply to join the Cross-mythology team forming between Asgard and Olympus!"
Dorian just stared, the idea of his classmates joining him in the dorms alongside Bennia and Hecuba causing simultaneous joy and trepidation at adding fuel to the chaotic fire that was the small grim reaper.
"We would serve not one, but two Pantheons alongside our sisters and honorary brother."
Maybe…some things can change.
"That would be wonderful, the more the merrier," Dorian replied at last. "I am not sure the requirements or stipulations as it is quite new, but to continue learning and working together…I'd like that very much."
"Awww, bring it in," Herja motioned him forward as the four came together in a group hug. For once Dorian felt like the one underdressed as he was the sole participant not armored. "We can worry about that later; one of those festivals I promised you'd love is going the next few weeks. Don't think you'll get out of it!"
"Decided to have a group huddle without me?"
Thrud had approached from behind, her mischievous grin that was becoming more common present on her face. To Dorian's amazement she was adorned in her golden Valkyrie armor. As always she was the ultimate combination of overwhelming strength and feminine beauty.
"If I could tear him away for a few moments ladies, the Allfather requests his presence, though I think we have time for one more session."
"Session?" Dorian asked, only realizing what she meant after asking the obvious question.
"Exactly, I won't go as easy as before…now, whip it out won't you?"
Not long after…
Twilight Star slammed into the newly chosen instrument of the daughter of thunder's wrath, a powerful two-handed battle-axe once known as The Iron Bear, Jarnbjorn, a weapon wielded by her father long before he claimed Asgard's mightiest experimental weapon Mjolnir. She had renamed it for her own use, Gullbjorn, the Gold Bear. The silver-twilight steel shimmered in the light exemplified by the gold patterns working up the blade of dwarven design that flared with each impact. Dorian could not tell if it was an impossible weapon, but it would not have surprised him if it were. With the destruction of her twin blades at Olympus, she had eagerly sought a replacement weapon and was not disappointed by her family's recommendation.
Thrud had insisted he don his Balance Breaker for their latest sparring match though he had foregone the helmet, based on the twinkle in her eyes she was actually taking him somewhat seriously. Each clash sent a wave of wind rippling past them, the strength of each swing backed up by their respective weapons.
She was holding back so much all this time? Dorian weathered another swing barely even with his powerful armor as it groaned beneath her blows. As ingenious as Rose is with her magic, Thrud is as mighty with her body. Woe and pity upon any who faces both their wrath at once.
They had been going for quite some time and he was starting to get winded. His fight against Forcas had been quick and brutal, when drawn out it seemed his stamina to maintain the armor required improvement.
"I envy Rossweisse," Thrud remarked as she bent backwards to avoid his swing. She had a grin of admiration on her flushed face at the drastic improvement to everything when the form was active. "She got to see you go all out in this, between your armor and the strength boost you have improved considerably."
She dropped low, sweeping his legs out from under him with the blunt side of her axe. Dorian fell though quickly recovered, catching his fall by extending and planting Twilight Star into the ground, using it as a pole to swing about and kick her. Thrud had her axe waiting, catching his blow on it though the force of his attack sent her sliding backwards.
"I'm sure I'll…get the chance to use it more," he gasped before falling to one knee. With a final exhalation he dispersed the armor, breathing heavily like a marathon runner who finally crossed the finish line.
"Stamina is easy to improve," Thrud assured him as she approached with an arm extended. Reaching out, Dorian gripped hers up to the elbow and pulled himself to his feet. "Just because the class has officially ended don't think you're getting out of our spars."
"Never crossed my mind, I'd be heartbroken and disappointed beyond words if they were to end. We'll be colleagues together after all." The young Einherjar assured her with absolute honesty as he staggered over for a glass of water, missing the relieved grin on her face at his words that was quickly gone by the time he turned to her. She made sure to not mention the fact that there was a small, barely noticed scuff on her shoulder…part of his attack had made contact for the first time since they met.
The two had drawn quite a crowd, between the usual students watching their fight from afar, many of those present for the ceremony had chosen to watch as well. It wasn't every day that Thor's daughter fought so seriously and against the young man who had bested Modi in single combat no less.
"We seem to be rather popular," he chuckled, mirroring his words from their first day.
"Ignore them," she commanded once again. "Focus on me."
Dorian complied, facing his combat instructor as their eyes met. She had seemed so far above and distant from him when they first met, the literal daughter of a god whom he had been fortunate enough to be assigned to teach him the ways of war so he could accomplish his duties as retainer and guard to Lady Freyja. Yet now, he felt like he was looking into the eyes of someone he could trust, a true companion. As he continued staring, she crossed her arms over her chest and bowed respectively. He returned a look of confusion, unaware of what brought it on yet nonetheless returned the gesture, bowing lower to show his appreciation and esteem.
"Hope you have your best suit ready," she suddenly shifted back to her more aloof demeanor, cocking her hips as she leaned casually back on it. "From what I was told we will be having a guest at the palace today."
Asgard Palace…
"You old goat, how have you been?"
Odin was boisterously embracing the newcomer whose face remained ever serious when Dorian entered the hall. Rossweisse stood at her post by the Allfather's side, her eyes lighting up slightly yet noticeably at his approach.
The visitor was tall and quite muscular wearing a gruff, stern expression that meshed well with his black mutton chops and trimmed beard. He was wearing a black muscle suit that had yellow lines traced across it and a wide-brown cloak over his shoulders. His no-nonsense look clashed greatly against the more aloof and wide smile of Odin beside him. What truly caught Dorian's attention was the dark wings receding beneath his cape.
Ten wings…he's even stronger than Forcas.
"As well as can be," his answer was short and to the point. "To think that Kokabiel had a hand in the trouble we hear occurred in Olympus. What remains of our order is already under fire from both the devils and angels, we need no more enemies."
"Ah, here is the boy now, come in Mr. Held, come in," Odin beckoned him over. "Mr. Held, this is our appointed representative of the Grigori. He was sent by our mutual friend Azazel and will be assisting in our search for Forcas' master Kokabiel."
"Baraqiel," the fallen angel held out his hand to shake which Dorian accepted while trying to hide his surprise at the strong grip. "You and your Allfather's bodyguard were the ones to best Forcas in combat? I apologize for everything my former brother put you through."
God of lightning? Dorian translated his name in his head. Better watch out for Thrud's dad, he may take that title as a challenge.
"Dorian Held, retainer to Lady Freyja," he introduced himself in return. "And he died for his crimes; you need not apologize for him."
Baraqiel nodded, accepting his answer as he stepped aside, revealing a second man dressed in a black suit and tie behind him. The first thing Dorian thought was how he resembled a butler between his attire, thickly rimmed glasses, immaculately trimmed dark hair and white gloves. He bowed slightly with a hand over his chest upon being revealed.
"This is my aide, Zepar. He will be going over what we know and act in my stead when I am unavailable.
"A pleasure," was the young fallen angel's only reply. Dorian could not help noticing his mismatched eyes, one violet, the other red.
"I was hoping to start immediately," Baraqiel jumped immediately to the point. "Forcas spoke with you most Mr. Held; I would have you tell me everything you can recall. Even the slightest detail may be important."
The five participants made their way to a nearby study to have the information exchanged. It was there among the roaring fire, furred carpet and comfortable high back chairs that the neophyte Einherjar regaled him with all that he could. From the strategy utilized by the attack on Olympus to every word exchanged from the moment he entered the armory till the traitorous Grigori was pulverized to dust by Rossweisse.
"He was after the first thunderbolt of Zeus," Dorian finally concluded after several cups of coffee shared between them. Odin, Dorian and Baraqiel were seated while Zepar and Rossweisse stood nearby in case needed. "He said that Hrotti and the others were sufficient even without it."
Baraqiel nodded along with his words, clearly taking each into account as explained. His thoughts were completely unreadable behind his eyes.
One hell of a poker face.
"The legendary weapons of our respective people have been the target of thefts across the realms," Baraqiel spoke at length. "Your Hrotti, Zeus' thunderbolt, even Forcas' sword, The Black Blade was one such theft from our halls and we thank you for its safe return. While we have few friends among the church, the signs of attacks on their own reliquaries are evident. They have even gone so far as to blame the Grigori as a whole rather than the rogue factions within."
"Has the Khaos Brigade been sighted among any of the other thefts?"
"None that we have heard, it is possible they were only recruited for the larger assault required to enter Olympus' vault. Let us hope their sway has spread no further than the Greek lands. Thus far only known ex-Grigori agents were involved."
"Is there any purpose to stealing these specific weapons?" Dorian risked interruption to ask what grated on his mind. "In the case of Hrotti and the thunderbolt, they had ample opportunity to steal other weapons yet targeted those specifically. Any ritual or commonality between them…anything?"
"None which we can discern," Odin was the one to reply. "Other than their overwhelming power they hold no relation to one another."
"The history of each is clear," Rossweisse stepped in, her knowledge of the weapons histories surpassing the collected others. "None have interacted in any way with the others, though that also leaves the unknown of what COULD happen by their gathering."
"We also are still unaware which church weapons have been targeted," Zepar added. "Without that information we have a gap in our ability to theorize the purpose behind them."
"But we know their goal," Dorian pointed out. "War, he said that Kokabiel would have his war."
The room fell silent, the reincarnated warrior of Asgard was new to the political turmoil that was the various myths and remained blissfully unaware of the horror that the war between the biblical factions had wrought. Even Asgard had felt the tremors of that conflict and none present were eager for it to return. The tension was practically suffocating.
"Let us pray it does not come to that Mr. Held. We know that the church has been sending agents and exorcists to Earth, your Midgard. We shall monitor them; however they cover their tracks well. We are uncertain of their destination, but it is surely where they believe their stolen relics have been taken."
"The peace is growing thin," Zepar remarked ominously. "If any one faction takes overly drastic steps to retrieve what is theirs, it may push the others over the ledge."
"Then we shall hold our ground atop that precipice," Baraqiel assured them as if taking the young man's words literally. "Whatever the cost."
"Well," Odin finally leaned in, shattering the tense calm with his aloof tone. "There won't be any precarious perching today. I believe we have heard enough for the moment?"
Baraqiel nodded as he leaned back into the chair, seemingly satisfied with the information provided.
"Excellent, then I suggest a rousing night on the town to clear our heads. You may wish to take advantage of the lull in interesting worldly events Mr. Held and relax for the time being," the Allfather of the Norse gods let out a resounding, almost cackling laugh. "I won't take no from you," he pointed squarely at Baraqiel. "You need a good time, and you are always welcome Mr. Held."
Dorian stiffened at the invitation, eyes glancing between his Allfather and Rossweisse behind him.
Of course they'll be visiting hostess clubs, he sighed internally. Where else would he be going?
"The invitation is…appreciated," he answered diplomatically. "I will most certainly take time to relax, however I must decline the offer for tonight."
Rossweisse relaxed somewhat at his answer, he felt bad…as Odin's bodyguard she would be required to accompany him on his little excursions. No doubt she'd need a nice relaxing evening afterwards to recover from the Allfather's many requests and embarrassing pronouncements sure to follow.
"You could order him to come with us?" Baraqiel mentioned after Dorian had left the room. "He may wish to hear the rest."
"Nonsense, let the young ones rest in ignorance until necessary," Odin shrugged off his thoughts, drawing Rossweisse's attention. "I knew full well our unique Einherjar would have declined my generous offer…not that I wouldn't have relished bringing him around for a good time on the town."
"Please try to keep the corruption of our warriors to a minimum," Rossweisse sighed heavily though was relieved by Dorian's restraint.
"Hoping to prevent others from catching his eye?" Odin turned to his bodyguard with a gleam in his eye at the growing red on her face. "Some of the hostesses we've visited can be quite forward and his popularity has grown. If you wish to break your track record of being unable to find a man you must be equally ruthless!"
"Allfather! That has…nothing to do with…I-I am merely trying to maintain some dignity of the ruler of Asgard! You must be more reserved when in public."
Odin raised an eyebrow suspiciously towards her, forcing the maiden-Valkyrie to look away in embarrassment, eyes squeezed closed. Baraqiel and Zepar could only glance between each other with blank expressions, both utterly confused at the mannerisms of the ruler of an entire branch of mythology.
"Worry not my dear, for I am a generous Allfather. Feel free to take the day off tomorrow to stroke that merciless side of yours. On another note," he turned to Baraqiel. "Do thank Azazel next time you see him won't you? The data he provided on Mr. Held's Sacred Gear has had our experts fascinated and holed up in their labs for days. It will take some time to analyze and understand, but who knows, perhaps something can be created for the future…
Freyja's Chambers…
Thrud was kneeling before the fireplace, one of Lady Freyja's black cats lounging on her lap as she stroked its fur affectionately. The other cats were scattered around the office with a single small white one curled up and apparently sleeping on her head. When the situation called for it, the felines pulled Freyja's sleigh, however much of the time they were simple pets. Thrud hid her immense love for the small animals well, yet Freyja had often caught her babying and gushing over them when she thought none were looking. For the moment she let the warrior maiden keep up the illusion that she was none the wiser.
"And?" She asked while stamping the latest note. "Has he improved?"
Thrud nodded slowly so as not to disturb the cat sleeping atop her head, understanding to what she was referring. "He has not been as somber as he was since Olympus, I believe the memories of Elysium have receded into his subconscious and are no longer at the forefront of his mind."
She knew I meant his mental well-being and not just his physical improvement. Hardly seems like the same overly serious girl wanting to impress her father who first joined my Valkyries at such a young age.
"That is welcome to hear, a lifetime of one's dreams being snatched away would break most man. With luck he will not let them trouble him further." Despite her words, Thrud seemed somewhat distracted. "Is all well?"
"Just thinking," she admitted. "Apparently his idea included a family, he was vague on with whom, but it seemed large. The Allfather said he was an orphan and traveled often…he wants what he has never had."
Freyja paused in her work, sliding the glasses from her face slightly so she was looking over them at Thrud pondering by the fire.
Many friends, but no family. Freyja considered her own situation, Odin had many sons and she as many daughters, yet Baldur was the only mutual child between them after the peace had been forged and they loved him dearly. I certainly desire to protect the boy; his situation was so far beyond his control, but as a mother? Young Dorian seems to have grown on both of us.
"Perhaps a day to clear your head will be good," she finally snapped back to the present. "Enjoy the festival tomorrow; we have much to be grateful for. After that you can return refreshed and revitalized."
"Tasks demand my presence here," she attempted to resist. "I will not be able to serve as your protector much longer once the unified task force's duties grow larger. Besides that would only leave Dorian as your guard…"
"Oh, he has already been granted the day tomorrow," it took all her godly willpower to resist a smirk of victory as she saw Thrud's resistance melt at that realization. "Plenty of Valkyries shall be available should my life be threatened tomorrow. And while you shall not be in my official service much longer and I will miss our daily discussions…you will always be welcomed to visit as will Dorian once he has moved on from the position of a mere retainer."
Thrud considered the proposal, trying to recall the last time she had attended such an event. Up till then, the extent of her spare time was often training, improving herself or the time she went out with Rossweisse and Dorian.
"Perhaps…"
The door opened and closed quickly as Dorian emerged, pressing himself against the frame as if to prevent it from being forced by pursuers. There was an awkward moment of silence as the three just stared at each other, neither quite certain what to make of his entrance.
"They all want to know what fighting you is like," he half chuckled while finally catching his breath to regain some composure. "Not just the class…their parents too!"
Both relaxed, shaking their heads as the young man took a seat across from the Vanir Queen. Without direction, he picked up the letter he had been unable to finish the previous day and got to work. Thrud rose to her feet, disrupting the sleeping cat above and forcing it to pounce for the safety of the floor.
"Did you get to meet Baraqiel?" Dorian asked casually while continuing his penmanship, having picked up a few multi-tasking tips from his goddess. "His family can harness lightning too; he'll be staying in the diplomatic wing for the duration."
"Father will be gunning for him; I hope he reins in his competitions to less…destructive options."
"They'll have plenty of those with the festival tomorrow if Misty's dramatic descriptions are accurate."
"Then you're going?"
"Of course," he asserted. "It'll be a sort of graduation party for the class, everyone is going. The Allfather was very insistent I take some time to myself."
Thrud eyed Freyja out of the corner of her eye, the goddess nonchalantly continuing her work as if she were unaware of their conversation in the slightest.
Our Allfather insists he relax and you do the same for me, either a storm is coming they want us rested for or she has forgiven the old man a little bit…or maybe both. I suppose for the moment it doesn't matter.
"Well then," the strongest young warrior-in training proclaimed as she stood taller than ever, hands rested securely on her hips. "I suppose I will see you and Rossweisse tomorrow then!"
Life settles down as much as it can in Asgard, as those in power work to track down their next leads, Dorian will find a day of peace and merriment with those closest to him. The young Einherjar seizes the opportunity for relaxation; however rest is ever an elusive dream among the halls of the Norse Pantheon. As always, I hope you Read and Review…but most of all Enjoy! :D