Review reply
Merendinoemiliano: The club? I do not understand.
Optimus470: It is sad, Freya loves all her sons, even if Thor and Vidar are not her biological sons.
Century: The change for Sif being more understanding sounds better than the edgy cringe woman I first wrote. Hahaha! IF I had done this a harem you can bet I would have Rose and Sif be in it along with some other goddess XD
Some1call4MR-E: I do know. :D Thank you for the compliment about the cover image. It was done by an amazing artist and good friend from the UK, AlphaDeltaArt.
Xander: Such a taste may take a while for even Odin cannot find the Queen of the Valkyries.
Predaking: Fun for fellow jokers yes but not to those who face his horseplay.
Alpha Mallus: Challenge accepted! You also forgot step 5: solve the mystery of his foggy past, step 6: regain Mjolnir, and step 8: win the girl!
Chapter 6
First Mission: Hostage rescue
He stood tall in the ruined town, its buildings crushed and streets littered with weapons, corpses, and blood. Yet despite all this, he smiled. He smiled because such a gruesome scene was prevented from continuing. The people who surrounded him clapped and cheered. For he was their savior.
Many lives were lost but many more were saved.
There was a tug on his sleeve. He looked down to see a little girl smiling at him.
"You're our hero!"
Yes. He thought as he sat her upon his shoulder while raising his mighty hammer high and released bolts of lightning into the sky.
He was their hero.
Their savior.
Their protector.
He was their God of Thunder!
Thor's eyes fluttered open, what an interesting dream.
at the dream about the heroic deeds he would perform. Soon he would go out and protect the Realms. When his vision became clearer he noticed a blanket of silver. When he touched the silver blanket he felt it was very soft. Soft like...hair.
Hair!?
Wait a minute…I don't have a silver blanket in my room! This isn't even my room or bed! And there's only one girl I know who has hair this color!
Slowly sitting up to get a better view, he saw Rossweisse filling the empty space of the bed sleeping peacefully. Looking around he realized he wasn't in the palace but a bedroom that most likely belonged to Rossweisse. Thor wanted to slap his forehead because this was Rossweisse's bedroom and he was here because of what happened in Downtown.
He had been exploring Asgard Rossweisse and Rota before having a cheap, but enjoyable, dinner at a sandwich shop. After that Rota departed leaving Rossweisse to continue showing him the rest of downtown until exhaustion started to overtake the girl from her long hours on the job. Since he was taught about kindness from the Church, he chose to take the bodyguard of the Royal Family back to her home, despite her sleepy complaints of needing to protect the Allfather. It was only after falling asleep in his arms did he decide to take her home before realizing he did not know where she lived, leading to take her to his room in the palace. Luckily Muninn, in raven form, guided the prince to the Valkyrie's house where he was able to get her to bed after the raven spoke an incantation to drop the barrier on the door to let him in.
Afterward, I planned to leave but crashed on her couch to rest for five minutes. I must have walked into her room while I slept...why?
Why indeed? What prompted him to sleep in the silver haired beauty's bed?
The Thunder God listened to her gentle breathing. Maybe he should wake her up but if he did that while still in her bed she would freak out and demand why he was here. Maybe going to the couch or leaving was the better option. As quick and quiet as he could, Thor pulled the bed covers off and tried to make his way to the door…
"Hmmm…"
…and froze when she moaned and rolled over, the edge of her fingers brushing against him.
Her fingers are so soft…
Before he could remove himself from her room, aqua eyes slowly opened. He stared at her like a deer caught in a car's headlights and she stared back.
"Good morning…"
"Hmmm good morning Thor…" She mumbled before shutting her eyes.
3… 2… 1…
"THOR!"
He winced at her shriek as she covered herself in her blanket, her cheeks as red as his hair.
"W-why are you in my bed!? How did you get past the barrier!? We….we didn't do anything lewd did we?"
Now Thor was blushing. The fact she assumed they had performed intercourse was not something he was prepared to answer. Thor had zero experience in that subject since it was rarely spoken about in the Church. Sure he saw many women of different shapes and sizes but they were all clothed. Not once had he seen a woman naked or thinking of intercourse for such thoughts had never been important to him.
Tossing the covers aside Rossweisse scowled at the state her suit was in, "Why didn't you take them off!? Now there wrinkled and have to be ironed!"
"I wasn't going to strip you! I'm not a pervert!" Thor yelled, his whole face red, "And to answer your other question I am here because you fell asleep and I decided to take you home. Muninn showed me the way and dropped the barrier to let me inside. I was going to leave but fell asleep as well!"
"I was talking about my jacket and shoes!" The silver-haired warrior corrected with puffed cheeks. The jacket was one thing but sleeping in shoes!? Who keeps those on while sleeping in a bed!? Slowly she calmed herself down before continuing in a level tone, "Well, thank you for taking me home. Now please allow me privacy to change."
After leaving the bedroom and shutting the door on his way out he took in the state of her living situation and was appalled; the strongest Valkyrie youth was reduced to living in a one bedroom apartment. The walls were white and no pictures could be seen anywhere save for one he caught a glimpse of in the bedroom. What was in that small frame he could not see since he was focused on getting out of the bedroom to get Rossweisse dress. There was a dark green couch able to sit two people on it with a coffee table set between it and a television. The large shelf on the opposite wall was packed to the brim with books on magic, history, mathematics and, to Thor's surprise and amusement, romance novels.
Is she being forced to live like this because of the debt Asgard owes Nidaillir? There has to be a way to solve that financial crisis but how? Huh? The Aesir prince stopped his browsing of the books when one caught his eye. It was the largest book the Valkyrie had in her possession, over a hundred pages had to be in it with how many he could see. There was no visible title on the spin meaning it had to be on the cover. Curious to see what the book was called and whatever knowledge was hidden away within its pages he took the book from the shelf and stared at the large golden letters on the cover.
The Beast: A mystery or real?
The Beast? What could that mean specifically? Fenrir? The World Serpent? Unable to hide his curiosity he opened the book to the first page then shut it and put it back were he found it when he heard the door knob turn. He was sure Rossweisse wouldn't want him looking through her personal stuff but what exactly was The Beast? Dangerous obviously since there was a book written about it half the size of the Bible.
"What are you doing?" Asked Rossweisse, who had opted to wear a black suit today.
"Looking around." He said with a sweep of his hand before asking with a hint of anger, "Was it Odin who made you live here?"
Surprise then understanding blossomed on her face, "He did not make me live in this apartment nor does it have anything to do with our debt to the Dwarves. I chose to live here because I want to be financially stable."
"Oh." Was all he could say, he knew she liked being cheap but not to the point of living in such cramped conditions. Turning his gaze back to the shelves saying, "You have so many books. There's so much you can learn from them like fighting someone stronger than you or lore about another Pantheon or romance tips."
"Y-y-yes. Romance tips..." She muttered blushing at his words. Spells weren't the only things Rossweisse read nonstop about, she was a lover of sappy romantic novels which she kept in her room for nobody to see. Besides, if she was to ever get a boyfriend she needed to know exactly what to do to make him happy.
Suddenly her eyes lit up, "Oh! Before I forget I have something for you." She rushed to the bookshelf to grab a handful of books, "Take these. They are about magic to help your training and as a thank you. Please take them. I insist."
Thor accepted them with a smile. "Thank you. These will definitely come in handy. Heh. I'm sure a lot of these are what helped you become a master of magic."
Rossweisse smiled at the compliment, "Thank you, Your grace."
Thor snorted, "Ok look, Rossweisse. I understand I am the Prince of Asgard but you don't have to call me that when we are alone. You can just call me Thor. We are friends after all."
Rossweisse's cheeks felt hot, there was that word again. She truly was touched to know Thor considered her one. Speaking of the Aesir prince a loud growl escaped his stomach and he sheepishly looked her way.
"Hungry?" She had received a nod and was about to head to the kitchen to prepare food when the Lord of Thunder stopped her saying he can take her out to breakfast and pay for it. Looking over her shoulder she asked, "Why?"
"Why?" Asked Thor surprised, "Because you rescued me from the Biblical Faction, tutoring me in magic, and showed me around downtown last night. How can I not offer treating you to breakfast?"
Rossweisse turned away to hide the blush forming on her cheeks at the flattery he said. He wasn't being a gentleman, he was being honest and it was true. She had worked hard to become a master of magic and now was using that knowledge gained in Valhalla to pass it on to him.
"Ok." She managed to say without stuttering, "There is one place I haven't gone to since I was a little girl."
Asgard shopping district
Rossweisse was usually a serious person but the pure delight escaping Thor's lips from across the table couldn't stop an expression of pleasantry and amusement forming on her face. The restaurant she had spoken of going to as a child was called Andhrimnir's Cafe and, despite its price, was the best food in all of Asgard serving food no realm or faction could match in taste. What made this visit even better, was the fact that all prices for him and the Valkyrie's were discounted because he was the Allfather's son. It was quite amusing for customers that day to walk in to find the greatest chef of Asgard arguing with the God of Thunder about giving him discount prices who in return insisted he can pay the normal price. The argument would have gone on if not for Rossweisse stepping in to settle it with a two percent discount for drinks and side dishes which was agreed upon.
"I can see why you like this place so much. Andhrimnir is without a doubt the best cook."
"The last time I went here was to celebrate graduating Valhalla and joining the Valkyrie Corps." Said the silver haired maiden, nostalgia filling her mind of that happy day in her life. Noticing Thor adjusting his wounded arm she said, "Your wounds should be fully healed soon."
Thor grinned, "Good. I'm dying to continue our magic training. I am surprised the wounds Cadmus gave me have taken longer than those when you found me in the collapsed buildings rubble. Speaking of Cadmus, any word about him?"
Rossweisse shook her head, "He still keeps himself locked in Valhalla. Your victory over him has deeply affected him."
"As it should." Said Thor, "I admire his skill in battle but his bullying at Valhalla was not necessary. It caused a lot of trouble at the academy. You know Alruna said he purposefully insulted her saying she will never amount to becoming a Valkyrie before she punched him in the face. Maybe being humbled by me caused him to rethink his life."
"Perhaps." Said Rossweisse, being Odin's bodyguard gave Rossweisse access to all the gossip of Asgard. Now she could share some of that with Thor, if he wanted to listen, "So what is your plan today?"
Thor shrugged, "Focus on my homework until I'm all caught up and let my wounds heal. After that I guess I'll just keep attending Valhalla until I graduate."
"Is that really all?" Asked the Valkyrie.
Thor glanced about before leaning forward so nobody could hear him, "I want to see what I can do to fix the Nine Realms. I want to solve the debt we have to pay Nidavellir. And…I think Asgard could use its queen's guidance once more."
Thor's words filled Rossweisse with wonder; could he complete such a task? Could he truly reforge the old alliances? Could he even track down and find Lady Freya? Perhaps Odin was right; perhaps Thor will lead Asgard into a new era. But such a task could not be done alone…
Slowly she reached her hand across the table to take his and squeeze it gently, "If you can do this know that you will not be alone in this endeavor."
Thor smiled, "Of course not. I was hoping you can help me."
But Rossweisse shook her head, "When I said you won't be alone, I meant you have your friends, Vetr, Rota, and the other Valkyries."
"But you are my friend as well."
Now it was Rossweisse's turn to blush, "I know and I'm grateful for thinking of me as such but I cannot always be by your side helping you. I have my duty to protect the Allfather. Especially after the rumors Azazel brought."
Thor's brow knitted together, "What rumors?"
Rossweisse's face grew dark, "Azazel informed the Allfather that there are whispers of an assassination plot on the Faction leaders. That is why my duty to protect Odin is important."
Thor's brow furrowed at the girl's news about assassinating the Faction leaders. That sounded like quite a daring plan but who would be dumb enough to pull it off? You'd need hundreds if not thousands of well-trained assassins to get the job done, if the job could be done. As much as he wanted the Valkyrie's aid he understood her duty to protect Odin, to protect his father, was just as important as fixing the Norse world. Hopefully this information was just a rumor and such attempts would not come to pass.
Four weeks later
On the day the Vikings named after the God of Thunder, Thursday, Thor was caught up in all his classes and fully healed allowing him to continue his magic training. Unfortunately, due to Azazel's news about the assassination plot on Pantheon leaders her duty to protect the Allfather had doubled leaving Thor to train himself and denying Sigrun the privilege of meeting the woman she admired. This, however, was not a problem for either of them because Sigrun was a patient person and Thor wanted to show Rossweisse his advancement in skill next time she saw him.
I really need to thank Rossweisse for those books she gave me. They have been such a benefit in learning magic. He told himself while blasting three targets with lightning.
"Good spell." Said a familiar voice followed by clapping.
"Rota." Said Thor, surprised to see the green haired girl, "Don't you have a class today?"
"I just came back from a mission." She answered, "I couldn't help myself from wondering who was over here casting lightning."
"I do magic training for a class from ten to eleven." Thor answered, "Usually Rossweisse would be tutoring me but she has her duty to protect Odin."
"I see." Rota said, she paused then said, "Is that how the duel with Cadmus came to be? Did he come here to bother you while training?"
"That's right." Said Thor, "The whole fiasco happened because I refused to duel him the first time. He got his chance when he insulted Rossweisse and paid the price for it."
Rota smiled sadly, "That he did. I hope he is ok."
Thor blinked, "You hope he is ok?"
"Of course I do." The green haired youth said, "He did some mean things but I believe he can be given a second chance."
For a brief moment Thor considered giving the former human a second chance until remembering the hurtful words said to Rossweisse. He may have defended Rossweisse's honor but she still was called the Valkyrie who never had a boyfriend by the students in Valhalla and it grinded his gears. It made a great anger swell up inside him and his way of letting it out was to punch the student who would call Rossweisse that horrible nickname.
"I know a thousand better titles for her. The warrior maiden of a thousand spells. The Silver Witch!"
"Silver Witch, huh? That sounds catchy."
Thor blinked when hearing Rota's voice then he blushed not realizing he had spoken his thoughts out loud.
Rota smiled, "Rossweisse is very talented in magic and that is something to praise her for. She just's-"
"She's just been the target for bullying." Thor interrupted angrily, "That nickname she was given. The Valkyrie who never had a boyfriend. It pisses me off, Rota. Rossweisse isn't the only girl to never have a boyfriend. Alruna is still single. Herja is still single."
"I'm not talking about myself, myself, Alruna, Sigrun, or other Valkyries in training." Rota corrected, "I'm talking about the warrior maidens in the Valkyries Corps. They have or still are in relationships."
"And that is why she is called that horrible nickname!? Is that why she is so desperate to have a boyfriend? Because she was teased for studying instead of chasing after boys!? They can tease her all they want but all that studying has made her proficient in the magic arts and a great tutor!" Thor's voice had grown louder making Rota shift uncomfortably. He sighed deeply, "I'm sorry."
"I understand." Rota said soothingly, "I would be upset too if one of my friends was bullied for being single."
Thor harrumphed, sounding like a rumble of thunder in the distance and said, "With all that bullying I'm surprised she isn't distrustful."
"I think she is or was until you returned."
"What do you mean?"
Rota smiled, "You showed her the kindness other men never did. You even called yourself her friend. That may have allowed her to give other people a second chance. That is if she felt distrustful at all."
"You said it again."
"Say what?"
"A second chance. You said Cadmus should be given a second chance and now about Rossweisse giving other people a second chance."
Rota smiled at his words, "Because I believe many people deserve a second chance."
"Many?"
"Yes. Many." Rota repeated, "Those who committed atrocities like rape and genocide do not deserve a second chance. Cadmus was just a bully, not a murderer. Rossweisse was bullied but you have allowed her a second chance to trust again."
"You say she's distrustful. Is that really true?"
Rota shrugged, "That's a question you should ask. She is your friend not mine."
"You could be her friend too if you, as you say, give her a chance."
"I would if she was still attending Valhalla. Now she is busy with her duty to the Allfather."
Especially now with that assassination plot talked about. Glancing at his watch he saw it was almost lunch time, "Come on, let's get something to eat."
Just then a magic seal appeared near the two and out of it stepped Hlin, "Begging your pardon, your grace, but the Allfather wishes to see you immediately."
Thor turned his gaze to Rota, the Allfather wanted to see him?
"What does that aloof foo want?" Thor asked in an unfriendly tone.
The maid raised a brow at the prince before realizing what he was talking about. "Ah. I suppose you saw the Allfather's hobbies?" When Thor nodded she sighed, "Your Grace, I understand your anger about who you thought your father was but mark my words he is a powerful and wise man. He just rarely shows it. Someday you will see that wisdom." She reassured him with a smile.
I doubt that, Thor said to himself before following Hlin into the teleportation seal to the Palace.
Hlidskjalf
Thor stood at the feet of the stairs leading to Odin's throne that he sat upon looking wise and powerful. Although wise wasn't the correct word for Odin though, the truth about him being a pervert still burned in his mind. Taking his place beside the Allfather was Rossweisse, her face set in a serious expansion.
Whatever this was about it must be important.
"Kneel." Odin commanded, waiting for Thor to do so before continuing, "Thor, your studies at Valhalla have been going smoothly from what Vili tells me. So has your training despite not having Rossweisse tutor you. Your duel against the Einherjar has made you quite popular with the people of Asgard and shows you are a skilled fighter. With your skills and knowledge improving and your wounds fully healed it has come to my mind that now is the time for you to take your first mission as an Aesir to protect the realms."
The anger Thor felt was washed away, replaced with excitement at the Allfather's words. Finally, he would get to see the other Realms of the Norse Faction. To go and protect the Realms was a privilege any Aesir would be honored to do. His eyes flickered to Rossweisse who, despite her serious expression, managed to send a proud smile his way.
Thor was about to speak but Odin raised a hand to keep him from interrupting, "This will not be an official mission. Rather, a test to prove if you truly are worthy to undertake the daunting tasks of protecting the Nine Realms just as the other Gods of Asgard have done for centuries. Hlin, give him the details."
The maid of Freya stepped forward and cleared her throat, "Lord Heimdall, The Watcher of Asgard, has the gift of future-sight but he cannot see all futures. Nevertheless, his power has allowed Asgard to prevent many catastrophes through the centuries. Today, however, he was not seeing trouble but rather feeling the prayers aid from Skjult Dal. Skjult Dal, is a town far away from civilization and the only one where everyone is a follower of our Faction. Whenever our believers pray for us, we answer them. What they require is unknown but we will not abandon them."
Thor stayed silent as he took in the information. So he was going back to Earth to help a town. Not the most exciting mission but at least he would get to experience travel through the Bifrost. The bridge that connected to all Nine Realms was said to be able to transport someone anywhere.
"Thor, are you ready for this task? Are you able to face this trial?" Odin asked, seriously.
Thor nodded, "I am. More than ever."
"If you succeed. Do you swear to protect the Realms from evil?"
"I swear."
"And do you swear to give your life to preserve that peace at a moment's notice without hesitation?"
"I swear!"
"Then go! Ready yourself and prove to Asgard that you are an Aesir!" The Allfather commanded.
With that Thor rose to his feet just as Rossweisse was descending the stairs, looking intensely at the red head, "Thor, listen carefully; while I am happy that you are being given the privilege of taking the test, what you are doing is a trial many are not able to pass. Those known by humans are all who have taken the test and passed. When you pass the trial, not only will you be allowed to travel the realms but join our Pantheon when the Allfather feels you are ready. So you must make sure you pass this, otherwise, you will never be able to travel the realms."
Thor nodded, readying himself mentally for whatever this test was. Was he to hunt a dangerous beast? Save some people? Or was it something simple like help build a home? Whatever it was he would pass it and show he was the God of Thunder.
"Which is why you will have my bodyguard follow to be sure you do pass it." Odin said.
"But Heimdall-"
"Cannot see all futures." Odin repeated Hlin's words, "Nevertheless I know you will pass it. You are Asgard's strongest warrior afterall."
Thor couldn't help feeling pride swell within him at Odin's words, a pervert he may be, but the Allfather did have a way with words. Thor could feel the confidence growing, he could pass the test. He will pass this test! Plus with Rossweisse, the strongest Valkyrie youth in Asgard, watching his back he couldn't feel any more secure.
Asgard outskirts.
After readying themselves for the coming mission, they were escorted out onto the Bifrost, the only way in and out of Asgard and to the other eight realms. It was said by the followers of Norseism that whenever a rainbow appeared, it meant the God's had come to the mortals' word. The door opened to the Bifrost chamber and Thor felt as if he had just stepped into a hotel lobby, the square shaped room was larger than it looked on the outside and its dark blue flooring had silver patterns on it. At the other end of the wall was a great Norse magic seal with eight orbs surrounding it with the bottom one Thor noticed was blackened out. In the center of the building at a great console was an old burly man with a neatly trimmed white beard, white braided hair, and bright violet eyes with a great horn girthed at his side.
It did not take a genius to know who the tall old man was and it filled Thor with glee to meet the Guardian of the Bifrost at last.
"Welcome, Thor and Rossweisse." Heimdall greeted in a deep calm voice. "The Bifrost is ready to take you to Midgard."
Midgard. The realm were humans dwelt, the realm were he was a test subject for nineteen years.
Thor watched Heimdall prepare their departure to Midgard. His fingers danced along the keyboard before the magic seal lit up in a dazzling blue before a rainbow portal formed. He was staring into the Bifrost.
"Good luck, Thor, may the Fates guide you to succession." Said Heindall as Rossweisse led the pair toward the seal.
As soon as Thor stepped into the portal he felt himself falling - no- flying at the speed of light while the colors of the rainbow zoomed by. Add the silver flow of Rossweisse hair into the mix and… well there was no other word to describe it… beautiful.
The Bifrost was truly beautiful.
…and so is Rose…
Just then he felt his feet hit solid ground and the Bifrost disappeared, replacing the rainbow tunnel with a grassy field leading for miles towards enormous snow peaked mountains and a great forest. A herd of deer could be seen grazing in the meadow, some looking upon the two teenagers with curiosity. By the looks of the landscape and the name of the town they were going to help he was in Scandinavia, the subregion in Northern Europe. Thor followed Rossweisse over a hill and saw Skjult Dal nestled away in a valley near a lake. The townsfolk must know about the Supernatural world since they landed so close to it and everybody was gathered and awaiting their arrival.
The two Aesir approached the civilians, all held hope in their eyes.
"They've arrived! The Aesir has arrived!" yelled a woman.
"Odin has heard our prayers! We are saved!" Shouted an elderly man.
Thor glanced at Rossweisse, but her serious composure didn't waver under the many looks the men gave her. She marched over to a muscular man with a bushy beard filled with many braids. "Mr. Aksel, it is good to see you once more. What's the problem this time?"
"It's Orcs. They have set up camp in the gorge and are raiding our farms and kidnapping anyone who ventures out too far. Please, get rid of those animals whatever the coast and bring back our missing, if any are still alive…"
"We will return what you have lost and remove this problem. You have my word." Said Rossweisse, motioning for Thor to follow her. When they were out of sight, Rossweisse asked if Thor knew how to fly. He answered by floating off the ground. At least flying was easy to learn. Lifting herself into the air she led Asgard's youngest prince to the gorge Aksel spoke of. As the drew nearer she said, "Remember, this is a test. I cannot intervene unless it is nessecary."
Thor slowly descended toward the ground giving one last look at Rossweisse who hovered above with crossed arms before proceeding down the rocks, eyes alert for any sign of the Orcs. It was time to put Skadi's hunting skills to the test. Crouching low he began creeping toward the gorge looking for any signs of bent grass blades, footprints, or dropped items. Yet try as he might he could not find any, he did not, unfortunately have the skills of a hunter. Nevertheless, he still had to find those hostages and free them.
It didn't take long for the young God to find an opening in the gorge and the sound of screams coming from the entrance. That had to be the Orc camp… and those they had kidnapped. The closer he neared the cave mouth, the louder the screams grew. Those poor people… hearing their screams of agony...the laughter of pleasure from those Orc...from those animals… made his blood boil! Of all the intelligent beings in the Supernatural world Orc were the wickedest and most hated species, even more than Fallen Angels and Devils. They are, however, not to be underestimated for the numerous wars they fought through the centuries turned them into battle-hardened warriors and when faced in great numbers, make them very troublesome.
Another scream and Thor felt a great desire to draw his axe and knife and charge in to save the villagers, he would not let his feelings cloud his mind. As he moved deeper into the gorge he saw a cave and when he approached the cave snickering filled the air as Orcs brandishing bows and other crudely made weapons appeared from behind rock formations. Some had brutish looks to them, others were out of shape and bald or balding with greasy gray skin glistening in the sunlight.
Thor said nothing as he drew Jarnbjorn for battle, he would not waste words on these vile foes; they would speak to his axe. Knowing that his foes surrounded him and would try getting the jump on him, Thor began moving into a position to have all his enemies in eyesight. That plan, however, was foiled when the Orcs rushed him at once while others began raining arrows upon him. Tensing his muscles for the fight, Thor lunged and made the first move by throwing his axe as fast and hard as he could at the closest archer. The great axe found its mark, burying itself into the Orc's skull. The sickening sound of flesh splitting, bone-cracking, and the cry of death as he fell from the rock echoed through the gorge.
One down… and whoever knows how many more to go.
Turning his attention to a closer Orc, he weaved between two strikes from the club before cutting his foe's throat open with a drawing slash from his knife strapped to his forearm. Jarnsaxa had tasted blood at last. Grabbing the dying creature he used him as a human shield to protect himself against the continuous rain of arrows while making his way to the corpse he left his axe buried in. When he was within arms reach of his weapon he threw the corpse into another Orc, the force of the impact sending the burly creature stumbling into the rocks to break his neck on a particularly large boulder. Now rearmed with his axe he parried and dodged each stab and swing sent his way while arrows who found their mark merely bounced off the armor.
Those archers are a problem I need to get rid of.
Not wanting to throw his axe again at another archer, he planned to cast lighting at the foes but that, however, would have to wait until he was clear of his current attackers. One by one or two by two Thor hacked, slashed, and stabbed each Orc coating axe and knife in their green blood. Two tried to attack either side of Thor but the young God was two steps ahead of them, allowing his left gauntlet to take the brunt of the large spiked club and parrying the spear with Jarnsaxa. The clubman pulled back to try again but Thor took the opportunity to hack off his legs with a single swing before burying Jarnbjorn's head into the spearmen. Just as Thor sheathed his knife to send bolts of lightning to the archers he was suddenly blindsided, sending him tumbling to the ground losing his axe in the process.
Looking up, Thor found a very large Orc pinning him to the ground and holding a large rock over his head that he was about to use to smash his skull in. Thor threw his arms forward to catch the boulder and began a power struggle with the Orc to push him off, which was proving quite difficult. Unable to draw his knife and his axe out of reach, Thor fired a bolt of lighting at point blank range erasing the rock, arm, half the Orc's face into nothingness. Shoving the corpse off but not fast enough to keep blood from covering him, Thor scrambled to his feet bringing Jarnsaxa out again to recommence the slaughter of the Orcs.
This was getting tedious, he had to get to those hostages before something happened to them. He rushed to where he last saw Jarnbjorn, dodging arrow fire as best he could till he retrieved it. Now rearmed he decided to try something learned from the books, channeling his magic into the great axe he raised it high before bringing it crashing down to the earth with a mighty roar. Rocks shattered as a tremendous shockwave spread throughout the gorge, electrifying all it came in contact with, which just so happened to be all the Orcs. They howled in pain before dropping like leaves from a tree.
Damn it… I used too much magic! Rose is definitely going to scold me on that one but I had to end this swiftly. I have to save them!
Taking deep slow breaths to regain what energy he could, Thor marched into the cave, weapon ready and eyes alert for any traps or surprises he may encounter. The lanterns strung along the walls flickered ominously, there light being the only source of guidance through the cave.
Suddenly there came the sound of someone pleading up ahead, prompting him to double his pace. Finally reaching the end of the tunnel, he peeked out and spotted the Orc camp. It was stocked to the brim with food and weapons, obviously stolen from the village, and possibly other places. A large fire burned in the center and far off to the left where the captives, the state they were in was a sad sight to see.
They were chained to the walls like animals waiting to be slaughtered or trophies earned from a game. What clothing they had before being kidnapped was ripped to shreds, exposing cuts and bruises earned from the pain there captives endured upon them. One poor soul looked as if they were no older than thirteen and was on the verge of collapse. How long had these people been here!? What in the name of Helheim did these creatures put them through!?
Thor did not want to look to where the screaming was coming from but forced himself. He spotted a large Orc dragging a young girl, probably fourteen or sixteen by the looks of it, to the back of the cave with a face twisted into a sickening grin of pleasure while the girl screamed
This… has gone on long enough!
Out of the shadows Jarnbjorn slammed into the Orc dragging the girl, splitting his head and turning the earth green with blood. Two great bolts of lightning lit up the cave as they skewered two Orc's like a fork into meat. The enraged look on the redhead's face had the Orc's quiver for a brief moment before hastily leaping into the action to protect there treasures.
Even though the girl shrieked in horror at the gruesome death she just saw she was nonetheless grateful to see someone come to save them. She watched the stranger bury his knife into another Orc's belly and retched it free with a hard twist. The handsome red head threw his other hand out to send another bolt of lightning to erase another of her kidnappers from existence. It wasn't long till he began a mass-slaughter upon the others. Despite their ferocity, none could harm him. He dodged, blocked, hacked, and swung with the skills of a seasoned warrior. When the last Orc fell, he made his way to her with the blood of his enemies dripping from his weapons.
"Are you alright?" He asked gently, to which she nodded slowly with tears in her eyes. She couldn't believe it. After enduring so much pain and praying so hard, the Allfather had heard her cries and sent her savior. Now she, and all those who also had been kidnapped could go home.
Her hope he saw in her eyes died immediately as she stared at something behind him. Her exclamation was not needed for him to know something large had come to stop his rescue. Whirling about he found towering over them was not an Orc, but a Cave Troll! It roared once then swung a large muscular fist outward sending Thor flying across the cave, losing his axe and knife in the process again, before slamming against the wall with a hard crash. Sliding down the wall he saw the Troll raise a fist to turn the girl into mush.
"NO!" Yelled Thor as he raised an arm to prepare a spell but he was shaking violently and his vision was blurry. Surely if he cast a spell now, he could accidentally hit the girl or the other civilians. So, the Asgardian chose instead to sprint full force towards the Troll with sparks flickering around his fists.
"AAAARGH!"
His roar of defiance alerted the creature of his coming attack making the Troll answer his challenge with a roar of its own before throwing a punch at him to which Thor responded with his own making a miniature shockwave from the impact. Quicker than expected, the Troll's other arm shot forth to grab and slam him into the ground three times before throwing him onto the ceiling. As gravity pulled him down, Thor could see the Troll winding up a punch that would probably break his skull.
This Troll is no pushover, he's giving me quite the challenge! And it's making me excited…
As the Troll threw its punch, Thor twisted his body to counter with a dropkick. As the two attacks collided, Thor channeled all the magic he had and unleashed it in one powerful blast of lighting into the Troll's face. The beast roared in pain as it fell flat on its back with a loud thud.
"Catch!"
Despite the struggle, the girl had managed to lift and throw Jarnbjorn as best she could to Thor allowing him to chop into the beast's skull. Five times he chopped and five times the grotesque sound of flesh and bone getting torn and broken echoed through the cave. The Son of Odin stared at the Troll, it was dead at last and now these people were free. He withdrew his axe from its head, cleaned the blood off, and made his way to the girl, who was freeing the others.
"Thank you! By all that is good of Asgard, thank you!" An elderly man said, tears in his eyes.
"It's alright now. You're safe. All of… you..."
A loud groan of pain and anger was heard from behind. Turning on the spot, Thor's eyes widened as he watched the bloody faced Troll rise to his feet. How much more could that thing take!? He used all his magic in that spell and buried his axe into its head five times!?
The Troll roared loudly and all Thor could do was yell back, their combined shouts were like thunder to the hostage's ears. If they kept this up, their eardrums would burst. Thor readied himself for another smackdown as the Troll prepared to charge.
Suddenly a barrage of magic bullets crashed into the Troll's back, followed by lightning, fire, and water. The bombardment of spells sent the Troll crashing face-first to the earth with a boom. Thor looked in the direction of the spells and spotted Rossweisse round the corner, hands alight with spell ruins.
Thor was left speechless by her casting of multiple elemental spells. No wonder she was chosen as Odin's bodyguard and called the Strongest Valkyrie Youth. Her mastery of magic knew no bounds.
"It's over." The hostage girl sighed in relief while working on freeing another prisoner.
Yes… Thor though, it's finally over.
Skjult Dal
As promised all hostages were rescued and returned safely to Skjult Dal, families and lovers reunited at long last after what seemed like years of separation. In gratitude for Thor's success, a feast was thrown but Thor was not in attendance. It had been a long day for him and even though he wanted to go home and rest, he couldn't bring himself to ignore what he had done for these people. However, he didn't want to be among the bustling crowds and loud music yet. For now, he wanted peace and quiet, and he was given it on the banks of the lake while gazing up into the sky.
Still clad in his battered battle attire Thor stared at the stars, there lights twinkling in the sky reflected off the water. As a child, he would always stargaze whenever he could. Back then it was always from a room's window.
"There you are." Came the voice of Rossweisse, "I've been looking all over for you. Are you alright? You aren't at the feast."
"I'm fine." Thor reassured with a wave, "I just need time to myself. It's been a long day. I wasn't expecting the Orc's to have a troll with them. I thought their species never interacted with one another."
"On the contrary they do." Corrected Rossweisse, "Though it is very rare. The Orcs must have either made a pack or persuaded him to join them in their raids on Skjult Dal."
"Then whoever wrote that book on the creatures of Norse Myth was wrong." Snorted Thor, "I do hope this village isn't harassed anymore. Then again no Orc was left alive to tell the others to stay away."
"Unfortunately, Skjult Dal will always be a target for the creature of the Norse Myths. Luckily it only gets Orcs and Goblin. Very rarely do Troll's and Draugr terrorize the village."
Finally turning in her direction, he noticed she was wearing her business suit. She had to teach him how to change clothes through magic.
"So since I saved the people does that mean I pass the test?" Thor asked excitedly.
Rossweisse glanced passed Thor, spotting a raven perched atop one of the buildings watching them closely. A tiny smile spread across her lips. "Yes. I believe you did. Come, let us celebrate."
Thor followed the Valkyrie back to the village, his eyes flickering to her every few minutes. He didn't want to seem like a pervert but she was so beautiful.
Beautiful… When he asked about beauty in the Church they said it is a combination of qualities, such as shape, color, or form that pleases the aesthetic senses, especially the sight. Did Rossweisse meet those qualities? In the Bifrost, her hair seemed to glow like the moon's lights. The way it stood out within the rainbow tunnel was quite captivating. Her aqua orbs held a sense of calm in them, just like the sea.
Yes...he thought with a smile while following her into the largest building in the village, yes she did meet those qualities.
The Great Hall of Skjult Dal was packed to the brim with town's people. All chatting and feasting together merrily. At the far end of the room, seated at the head of a magnificent long table with Mr. Anker and those who had been rescued from the Orcs. When he spotted the duo he rose to his feet, smiling while yelling, "Hail to Lord Thor and Lady Rossweisse! Rescuers of Skjult Dal's people!"
"Hail to Lord Thor and Lady Rossweisse!" Roared the townsfolk joyously, toasting the Aesir for their accomplishment.
Neither Aesir flinched at the attention they were given, both being used to large crowds but neither were unsure of how to interact with the party.
"Come, my friends, join us!" Shouted a big burly man while shoving a mug into their hands. "Drink and enjoy the night!"
Rossweisse recoiled in disgust, she recognized the smell of alcohol. An action the man took notice of and laughed about.
"Can't stand the smell of alcohol!? What about you boy!? Can yee stomach the taste!?"
Rossweisse turned to Thor, preparing to tell him to not listen, only to watch the Son of Odin drink his mug.
"Lord Thor!"
Thor turned to the girl, her eyes wide and mouth hanging open in shock at him drinking. What is the problem? There are both eighteen, the legal drinking age plus is a party after all. Odin was right, she really needed to mellow out. Removing the glass from his lips, he grinned with amusement.
"Come on, Rossweisse, we saved these people. The least we could do is drink with them. One glass of alcohol won't kill us."
"It...It's not that! It's because-"
"It's cuz ya can't hold ya, liquor lass!?" Chuckled the burly man, after chugging his fifth beer, "And here I thought the Valkyrie of Asgard were stronger than mortals!? Your Valkyrie sisters must be disappointed in yee for not showing us mortals that you Aesir are better!"
Rossweisse's brow furrowed. Disappointed!? She graduated from college at fifteen! Became the strongest Valkyrie youth from her training and bodyguard to the Royal Family! How dare he say such a thing! Gripping her mug tightly in her hand, she raised it to her mouth and started to chug it which made all within the building raise their glass and cheer her on. Once finished she wiped the foam away with her sleeve exhaling heavily at all the liquid she swallowed.
Thor raised a brow at the girl, she drank that whole mug in one go! Most impressive. Before he could join in on her chugging, the silver-haired warrior began to sway side to side, her eyes glazing over and cheeks turning very red.
...Uh-oh...
"Rossweisse?" He asked, lowering his mug.
"Hic...Tooooorrrr...I...hic...s-sheeee twhoooooo of whu."
Thor shot a glare at the man who goaded her into drinking, who knew one glass would get her drunk so quickly. Perhaps now was time to go home.
"Thank you for this feast but we really-hey!"
The Valkyrie grabbed Thor's hair and began to tug on it. "Hmm. Yah huur ish shoo shoft. It's like Wodin's..." She paused and was silent for a long moment before her brow furrowed, "Woooodin! Woodin is always woogling yuung guurrls!"
Thor shook his head and set his mug on the table, it was time to go home. He took Rossweisse's hand and was about to lead her outside before she abruptly stopped, swayed, then projectile vomited all over the floor. Thirty minutes after a hasty trip to the bathroom, medicine and water the Valkyrie ceased her sickness but she still was tipsy. Getting the silver haired spell caster on his back he carried her out of the town far enough to let the Bifrost take them home. Today he earned two valuable lessons; Trolls are tough foes and Rossweisse is never allowed near any alcoholic beverage.
"You know what I think!?" The silver-haired warrior asked, a lopsided grin on her pretty face. "I think you should have fried that Troll! They make great food when fried! Hahaha!"
"Uh-huh."
"I also think you…you should use your lighting to light up the sky like fireworks! Make everything go boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!"
"I'm sure you'd like that…"
"I also like you~"
Thor stopped when he heard those words and looked back at the girl. Her face was full of amusement, like a child getting free candy. She…liked him? Of course, she did…they were friends after all but that didn't stop him from asking, "Why do you like me?"
Rossweisse adjusted herself to lay her head on his shoulder, her lips curling into a content smile. The effects of her chugging was starting to wear off but still lingered within her system.
"It's because you cared..."
Thor watched her eyes slowly close after giving her answer. Cared? She must be talking about when Andrew insulted and tried to hit her. It had to be then since there wasn't any other time he had stood up for her. He thought for a moment of what it was like in Rossweisse's position and could see why she would say that. Before meeting him, no man had ever done what he did for her. That was why Rossweisse liked him because he cared for her wellbeing.
"You're right Rossweisse…" Thor whispered with a smile as the Bifrost opened to take them home, "I do care about you."
Not much was changed save for adding more scenes with Rota