Happy early Halloween folks! Today we go to the realm of the Dwarves with minor updates to this redux chapter.
3bodyjaa: Thank you
Century: Well hopefully this one with be a good length for you
Quasar: We shall see
Salazar You'll find out today.
Emerald: I am happy the rewrite for Rota is being praised. She is a great character with many more planned for her.
Geyser: It may be Thor or maybe be Issei, or even Rossweisse. Nothing is set in stone.
Nidavellir
He was running across the landscape. He could barely see with blood flowing into his eyes from the cut on his head but kept going, arms out in front of him to help navigate the thick mist. He slipped on a large rock, panting and coughing as dust entered his mouth. He got up and quickly rushed over to a larger rock and hid behind it to catch his breath and clear his vision to see better. His clothes were tattered and stained with dirt and blood and his blue hair and beard were a mess.
"I'm going to need a bath once I return home. If I return home. Ugh! I knew this was a bad idea! The expedition should have never happened!" He said, despite being alone.
This was Aivil Son of Malvil and was running for his life because of an expedition going horribly wrong.
Aivil was one of the forty Dwarfs sent on an expedition to mine for ore and bring back to the kingdom. To do that, however, they had to trek across Nidavellir's dark surface for two weeks and face the creatures that drove them into the darkness eons ago, a task only the bravest Dwarfs would dare to do. Aivil was brave but did not agree to this journey, he knew it would be filled with danger, so why did he go? Because his king commanded and he would never disobey him. All had gone smoothly for the first half; no trouble was encountered on the journey and the mining was going well until disaster struck. During the mining, they had awoken a stone giant from slumber and he began wreaking havoc upon them all. Aivil had grabbed a small bag of what they were mining for and ran as fast as his short legs could carry him. Now here he was all alone trying to find his way back to the kingdom.
Inside the bag he considered more important than his own life was pieces of silver-white rock of different sizes. This was what the Dwarfs walked across Nidavellir for. A mineral so rare it can only be found on Nidavellir and the deepest places of Midgard, Mithril. Many things could be created from Mithril, armor being the most common, a chain mail was made as light as a feather and strong as dragonhide. The secret behind making Mithril armor was known to no one, not even the Allfather, for the Dwarfs refuse to share anything about their people with anyone.
However, the Mithril he had could not make armor. It could only be used to make door knobs, jewelry, or embedded onto cups and crowns. They had found a fortune of Mithril in that area and despite wanting to go back and take it all he knew it would be suicide with that stone giant around. They would need an army to bring just one of those monsters down. Unfortunately, that wasn't possible, not after what happened…
If only there was a way to get rid of that giant.
Suddenly, as if his prayers were answered, a beam of rainbow shot from the heavens crashing down upon the earth and clearing the mist away for several seconds. As the beam of energy subsided, six teenagers emerged into the renewed mist. Four were Valkyries by the armor they wore, one colored emerald, and the boys were of different shapes and sizes. The tallest had a helmet sat securely atop his head, metal armor made of chainmail covered his body and arms, a knife was tucked away into his belt and his great war-hammer slung over his back, he looked like a human ready to go on a Viking raid but Aivil knew better he must be a Jotun. The other boy had flowing red hair, carried a great axe and was riding a giant goat.
"Something is not right." The white haired Valkyrie said, looking through the fog and drawing her mace.
"What do you mean? We're here aren't we?" The red haired boy asked, giving a confused look to the Valkyrie.
"We are. However, this is the wrong location. We aren't supposed to be on Nidavellir's surface. The Dwarfs built their kingdom underground. Heimdall would never send us to the wrong location unless…"
"Unless what?" The green haired Valkyrie asked.
"Unless something happened to Nidavellir and we didn't know about it."
"Well, we aren't going to get anywhere thinking about it. We need to find the entrance to the kingdom and speak to the king." Said the Jotun.
"But we won't find it by walking. It isn't called the dark fields for no reason." The emerald armored Valkyrie said next, "The mist is so thick you can't see anything in front of you. That makes it extremely dangerous for us since we don't know what's lurking out here. The only way into the kingdom is with the help of a Dwarf and there are no Dwarfs around here."
"Are you saying this trip was for nothing?" The pink haired Valkyrie moaned with disdain.
"No. I'm saying that we need to find a Dwarf who is brave enough to walk the surface."
Aivil couldn't believe it, Asgard had come back to Nidavellir. No doubt to discuss the debt Asgard owed them. That topic could wait for the king. For him, he may be able to get their help.
Sealing his bag shut he stepped out behind the rock making his pressing known and approached with hands raised meaning no harm. He watched them whisper among themselves before the redhead on the goat trotted forward, a kind smile on her face.
"Greetings, master Dwarf. What a pleasant surprise to see someone we were just talking about. I am Thor, Son of Odin. With me are Vetr the Giant and the Valkyries, Sigrun, Alruna, Herja, and Rota." A fifth Valkyrie would have been with them but Rossweisse insisted she stay by Odin's side. With the silver haired genius refusing to go, Thor chose to take Vetr, Rota, Sigrun, Alruna, and Herja with him to Nidavellir to aid him and also, after convincing Odin, make the Valkyries test to travel to the other realms.
Aivil did a double take at the red head. Now that he was closer he could see the resemblance the boy had with the God of Thunder; red hair, blue eyes, and the giant goat had to be Tanngrisnir or was it Tanngnjostr? Despite looking like Thor, how could this be possible? Odin's son was supposed to be dead, how could he be back in a younger body? Had he found a way to cheat death? Whatever happened it couldn't distract him from asking for help.
"This is most surprising but we can talk about it later. I am Aivil Malvilson, I was part of a mining expedition that was attacked today. I need your help dealing with the stone giant. Do this and I will take you to our kingdom."
Vetr blinked in perplexity, "You will let us see the king of Nidavellir in exchange for solving this problem?"
"This problem has caused the deaths of many good Dwarves." Aivil answered.
"Then what are we waiting for? Lead on, master Dwarf." Said Thor, he was told by Sigrun to address any Dwarf, young or old, as master to show respect unless told otherwise or speaking to the king.
Thor adjusted himself to let Aivil sit in front of him on Tanngrisnir. The goat was brought along not only for transportation but as a show of power and royalty. They followed Aivil who pointed the warriors in the direction he had been running for hours. Despite not having a weapon with him, he readied himself for the coming battle against the Stone Giant.
The Giants, better known as Jotun in the Norse Faction, were some of the toughest beings in all the world, their power varying from low to high class. Only Surtr and Loki had reached God class but Loki cast aside his Jotun heritage after becoming the Allfather's blood brother. Regarding the different Jotuns, there were the Jotun's of Jotunheim, giant men of flesh and blood, their northern brothers with power of ice, Frost Giants, next was the Stone Giants of Nidavellir with skin as tough as steel, and lastly were the most deadly of all, the Fire Jotun's, the monsters spawned within the fire's of Muspelheim.
"So," Said Rota to break the silence, "Anyone got a plan to take out this Stone Giant?"
"We pound it to dust." Thor said, a hint of excitement stirring in the deepest part of his mind.
"Funny that you suggest such a tactic, Thor, for that is how you beat a Stone Jotun before." Vetr said with a grin, "You have to use all the strength you have to bring one down. Between the six of us we can do it."
"Would you let me off before the battle begins? It'll be happening soon." Aivil was right, through the mist a silhouette of something large, jagged and human shaped could be seen. No doubt it was the Stone Giant that the expedition had awakened during mining. It stood at ten feet and was made of many different rocks.
"I would also advise to lead it away from the mining site. Otherwise we will never get the Mithril." Said Aivil as he slid off Tanngrisnir.
"Will lure it away for you and Vetr. Valkyries, attack!" Yelled Sigrun leading her fellow warrior maidens toward the Giant. They vanished into the mist soon followed by the sounds of battle and flashes of light by magic being cast. The Giant swung its great arms in an attempt to swat the Valkyries out of the sky. Soon they could see the Giant take great steps trying to chase the girls who led him away.
"Ready, Thor?" Vetr asked.
"Ready. Let's go, Tanngrisnir!" Thor ordered, spurring the goat forward. As one the goat and Giant rushed after the Giant eventually coming close enough to see the weapons and spells hit the stony being but doing little harm to it. Tough as it looked they would bring this brute down!
Noticing more attacking him, the Giant swung a large fist at Tanngrisnir who jumped high into the air without his master's command, landing perfectly upon the fist and running up its rocky arm towards its face. When Thor reached its shoulder, he channeled his magic into Jarnbjorn, a feat learned from one of the many books Rossweisse gave him, and began dragging the axe head along the rocky skin while Vetr put his full weight into a swing with his hammer that brock off a large chunk of rock from the left foot. The Valkyries slashed, hacked, and fired spells; however, all they did was annoy the Giant with their attacks.
Tanngrisnir rode across the giant's chest, hopping down from stone to stone till it was close enough to jump to the ground. Thor praised the goat, he may have gotten them away unharmed but this battle was not yet over. They were barely doing any harm to it, was their full strength combined not enough to take this thing down? If Rossweisse was here she would have unleashed thousands of spells to send the Stone Giant crashing to the earth.
In the sky Rota and Herja unleashed spells at the giant's face while Alruna, Herja, and Sigrun slashed, bashed, and stabbed any part they could with sword, spear, and mace. Each time one of the Valkyries attacked they would fly away to keep out of range while also still luring it further away from were the Dwarves had been digging. Aivil didn't say how far to lure it so it'll be his own fault if it falls on the mining site.
On the ground, Vetr roared as he swung his hammer a fifth time against the left foot, chipping more rock away until after the sixth swing caused cracks to run along it. Feeling the pain the Giant kicked its foot out sending Vetr flying across land disappearing into the mist. He would have gone far if not for Tanngrisnir noticing and running as fast as his limbs could go to allow his master to catch the large teen.
"This guy just won't go down." Vetr growled.
"He will fall." Thor reassured before opening a communication seal to the Valkyries, "Ladies, if you can hear me target his left foot, Vetr has opened a wound. Let's make it bigger!"
As he rode back into the fight he spotted Alruna and Herja each cast a spell, fire and lightning, on the crack in the foot causing more rock to break and the Stone Giant to a knee. Tanngrisnir jumped on the Jotun's arm to run towards its face were he knew his master wanted to target. Charging the axe with all the power he possessed, Thor threw it with all the strength the Aesir prince could muster. The axe spun through the air, crashing into the Giants face with the force of a freight train as lightning sent chunks of rock in all directions. Thor grinned at finally getting a critical hit on it.
Now let us end this, he thought before calling to Sigrun with his hand out for her to grab. He was unable to contain his grin when she flew straight at him. The violet haired beauty understood what his plan was and took hold of his hand without hesitation. Thor spun her around twice before sending her to the wound he made in the Giant's head. He saw flames cover her sword meaning she too could channel magic into her weapons.
With a cry Sigrun stabbed her flaming sword into the Giant, burying it all the way up to the hilt. When she gave it a hard twist, the fire exploded out of its head, like a volcano erupting. It staggered two steps before crashing to the earth with a boom before silence fell upon the battlefield.
As they descended to the ground the Dwarf came rushing out yelling with joy. Despite the doubts he felt, the old Dwarf knew the Stone Giant was no match for them. Especially Thor, he was the Bane of Giants after all.
"You did it! You did it!" The Dwarf cheered, "Asgard is still unbeatable! Now that you have dealt with the Giant. I can establish a teleportation seal on the mining site."
"You didn't set one up before you started mining?" Alruna asked.
"We did but when we awoke the Jotun it destroyed it. I hope others survived the ordeal."
The search for survivors at the mining site proved fruitless for none but Aivil survived and he wept openly for their deaths. When he had mastered himself he readied a teleportation seal to take them to the kingdom.
"It has been many centuries since Asgard came to Nidavellir." He said as they gathered within, "Much has happened here and it isn't good"
The Asgardians exchanged worried looks at the Dwarf words. Was Asgard not the only one to suffer from Nidavellir breaking their alliance? Had Vanaheim and Midgard stop trading with them or had something worse happened?
"Why?" Asked Rota.
"It's best if you hear it from the king." Answered Aivil.
Dwarven kingdom
When they stepped through the portal the Asgardians found themselves at the foot of a great mountain. It looked like any other mountainside save for the magic symbol beneath a battlement that jutted out two feet were guards walked along it. When they were spotted a sentinel challenged them.
"I, Aivil Son of Malvil, I'm the only survivor of the expedition. I return to tell the king what happened and that Asgard has come to speak with him."
A long silence followed as the guards looked in bewilderment at the news Aivil brought before replying, "Your news is troubling and interesting. We will allow you entry.
The magic seal glowed orange before the side of the mountain opened like a gate. The Dwarf led the Asgardians through into a wide hallway filled with pillars, lamps, and many Dwarves in armor. Aivil led them next into a long corridor, up a flight of stairs, and through another corridor before approaching a large door with many symbols on it and a group of guards. Bright gems flashed on their sword hilts as they turned them towards Aivil and Gods in sign of peace.
"Aivil, Son of Malvil. You have returned." Greeted one of the guards before staring at the strangers, "And with guests from Asgard I see. We have not seen a Valkyrie since the days before the Fall of Thor."
Thor shifted at his words but kept calm.
"Yes," Said Aivil, "I have much to tell the king."
"And so you shall. As for our guests. What weapon or magic you have must remain here."
Rota blinked, "Leave our magic outside the door? How?"
"A simple sealing spell. You must understand our king's safety is important."
Thor was the first to step forward and lay his axe and knife against the wall as a sign of trust to the Dwarves and waited for his friends to do the same. When they had all surrendered their weapons they allowed the seal to be placed on them. The guards said something in their native language before stepping aside and, like the symbol outside, glowed before the door opened into the throne room. Like the rest of the kingdom, it was lit by lamps that shone bright enough to show the floor was made of silver and the pillars of gold with mithril entrusted into them. On a beautiful carven throne with gems embedded into it sat a very old looking Dwarf, there were many wrinkles all over his body and his white beard reached to the floor but his gray eyes were full of wonder as they stared straight at him. On his head sat a crown made of pure Mithril that glittered in the lights.
The king of the Nidavellir raised his eyes and said, "What are you doing here Aivil and who have you brought?"
"I have returned with troubling news and guests from Asgard!" Answered Aivil.
A long silence fell upon the hall before hundreds of Dwarves stepped out of the shadows. The men were broad built with beards of different length and shape, some trimmed, some shaggy, some were woven into a single braid or multiple braids of different colors ranging from red, orange, yellow, green blue, purple, brown, silver, white, and black. The women were the opposite; beardless, and voluptuous. They stared in wonder and awe at the Asgardians, most were focused on Thor and Tanngrisnir.
"We have not had visitors from Asgard since we broke our alliance. Who are they?" Asked the old Dwarf sitting atop the throne.
"Vetr, Alruna, Herja, Rota, Sigrun and Thor." Aivil answered.
A collection of gasps erupted through the crowd as everyone turned their sights to the red head.
"That's impossible, Thor is dead..." Retorted a Dwarf off to the side.
"The Fates have granted him a second chance!" Yelled a Dwarven maiden who had a baby in her arms.
"The Prince of Asgard has returned!?"
Thor looked at his friends as the Dwarfs continued to take up the call of the God of Thunder's supposed resurrection. This was the complete opposite of how Asgard greeted him who were grateful for his return. The Dwarves, however, had looks of doubt, skepticism, and distrust. Would Nidavellir trust him? Would they ever see him as Odin's son?
Thor was jolted from his thought's by a tug on his pants. Looking down he saw a tiny Dwarf, a child, looking up at him in wonder.
"Are you going to help us fix Nidavellir, Mr. Thor?" He squeaked in a tiny voice.
Thor was surprised by his question. What did he mean by fixing Nidavellir? Perhaps it has something to do with Aivil mentioning bad things that have happened to the Realm of the Dwarves. Something terrible must have happened here but what it was he would only know from the king who he realized was gesturing for them to come closer.
When they were in front of the throne Aivil bowed saying, "Allow me to introduce Hreidmar, King of Nidavellir!"
Thor and his friends bowed and waited for the king to speak.
"Rise." Hreidmar commanded in a soft voice, eyes never leaving Thor, "the last time you stepped into my hall was before Surtr attacked. How have you cheated death, Your Grace?"
Thor was unsure how to answer the question for he couldn't keep telling everyone he wasn't the real Thor and a test subject from the Church, they may not believe him and only his family, Rossweisse, and Sigrun knew the secret. However, he couldn't lie for that would make him no better than the Church who kept him hidden from the world. He glanced at Sigrun in hopes for her to step in. When she didn't he chose to speak for herself.
"The Fates have granted me a second chance to live, your grace."
Thor had heard the Fates be mentioned by everyone in Asgard so he decided to ask what was so important about it. It was Vidar who answered his question saying, "Like humans, we believe in a higher power, the Fates. We are free to choose what we do but it is they who guide us down the roads we walk."
"So you believe it was the Fates that guided God of the Bible to become who he was? That it was they who guided me to where I am now?" He had asked his brother.
"Yes. They have guided you through a dangerous childhood but you survived it and now are among us." Vidar answered before hugging Thor tightly, "Odin even suspect's the Fates are Old Gods."
Thor was baffled at his words before asking, "There were God's before the current Gods?"
"I'm not surprised you've never heard of them. They are the Gods who came before us. Said to be on a higher plane than us."
Incredible, Gods stronger than the current Gods. Maybe one of these days he would sit down and talk about them with Odin. For now he had an alliance he needed to form.
Hreidmar nodded, "You are lucky to be blessed with this. Not all are given a second chance to live. But you have not told me why you are here after we broke ties with Asgard centuries ago. Has it taken you this long to finally collect enough to pay off the debt for your queen asked us to do?"
"No." Said Thor before going into detail about Asgard's alliance to coexist in peace with the Fallen Angels, how their new allies were helping to refill Asgard's bank with their financial businesses, the Elves protest to remove Freyr from power, and his desire to reunite the Nine Realms in peace.
Hreidmar listened to the God of Thunder's words, when he had finished the old king said, "We know of the issues with the Elves but not of your alliances. I never expected to live long enough to see two Pantheons of different religions to unite in peace. But what does this have to do with your debt to us? The Fallen Angels seem to even be struggling to help you with it."
"I will be getting to that, your grace." Answered Thor, "But let me first ask what has happened to your Realm? Aivil says many bad things have happened."
Hreidmar glared at Aivil who shuffled two steps back before sagging in his throne and sighed, "I guess there's no reason to hide it now that you are here. When King Ori the Tenth cut ties with Asgard our trade with Alfheim, Vanaheim, and Midgard started to decline and soon only the Dwarves of Midgard became our main partners for trading. That was only the beginning of our troubles for when word spread of what happened, Giants, Goblins, Orcs, and other foul creatures came to Nidavellir invading or destroying castles and forges on the surface forcing those who live above ground to join us or flee to Midgard. Things grew worse when Goblins invaded the underground kingdoms. Only three kingdoms were conquered in the war but we managed to drive them back."
"We fought a Stone Giant at the mining site Aivil was at." Said Alruna, "But no Orcs, Goblins, and other foul creatures."
"Perhaps they were too scared to face a group of Valkyries, a Jotun, and the Prince of Asgard." the old King said before turning his gaze to Aivil, "What happened to the expedition?"
Vetr answered, "We saved Aivil from a Stone Giant awakened by there expedition for Mithril." She paused to let the news sink into the king's heart before continuing, "We found him and slayed the Giant. Thus giving you freedom to mine until no more Mithril remains in that area."
"I made sure to set up a teleportation circle to give us quick access to it as well." Aivil added.
Hreidmar listened to the murmurs of sadness and joy sweep through the room as remorse filled his heart. He sent those men out in hopes of gaining Mithril for the smiths to make. Instead he sent them to their deaths for Asgard to avenge. At least now that the Giant was dead they could continue the work in peace but a barrier would need to be set up and a company of armed Dwarves would need to help protect the miners. However, it would decrease the number of guards in protecting the kingdom.
"These attacks," Hreidmar continued, "Have caused many Dwarves to die. Our limited trade has made us scarce in weapons, armor, tools, food, and most importantly fuel. For fuel is what we need most to keep our forges lit."
"If it is fire you need," Said Thor, "Why not magical fire? Maybe if we go to Muspelheim..."
"NO!" Everyone shouted, startling Thor greatly before Hreidmar answered, "We will not reignite the forges with the fires of that hellish land. The Allfather has sealed all passage to and from Muspelheim. If anyone goes there they are trapped forever."
Thor nodded in understanding, so much for that plan. He would need to find a new source of flame but where else could one be found? Would any flame work or did they need a specific one?
"I'll find a way, your highness. You have my word."
Hreidmar, after many centuries, gave a small smile, "I know you will, Prince Thor. You were always one to keep your word even when it took many years. But we are getting off topic; what of your debt to us? How much have you collected?"
"Not much." Thor admitted, "However, that is what I wish to discuss with you. How much exactly does Asgard need to pay?"
Hreidmar exchanged looks with a guard and said, "In modern Norwegian krone currency it would be…three billion."
"Three billion!" Screamed Alruna, looking as if she was about to faint at how high the debt was.
"Yes, three billion and unless you do not find that much by the end of this year it will climb to two billion. I doubt even your new allies can help gather that much money before the year is up. Unless you are willing to rob human banks."
"I would never do such a lowly thing." Said Thor, "Plus I doubt you'd want human money anyway."
"I do not care if it is human or not. All we ask is that you have one million before the year is over."
"He must be joking! One million!?" Alruna said to Herja who silenced her with a look.
"That is a lot. Nevertheless, we will find a way." Said Thor calmly, "Is there anything we can do for you?"
Hreidmar stroked his beard in thought before saying, "Their is little the Son of Odin can do. Our problem with the evil in our Realm can be overcome by our weapons; we just need our forges to have fire again."
"But surely Asgard can help." Thor pressed.
Hreidmar shook his head, "King Ori's word is law and the previous king's order cannot be evoked. Nevertheless, the order to make those statues was done with great effort. After paying the debt then we may trade and ask for aid once more."
Thor nodded, "I understand."
"Then if we have nothing more to talk about you may leave. Should you have a solution to your debt you may contact me." Hreidmar signaled a servant to step forward and hand a small cube to Thor which he thanked her for, "Goodbye for the present and may the Fates guide you."
Asgard
"And then I stabbed my sword into its head and it exploded from the flames of the blade I poured into it!" Sigrun shouted with a grin as shouts and mugs slammed on the table she sat at.
When Thor had returned and gave his report the Allfather was not pleased. Nevertheless, his son succeeded in his mission leading to a celebration for Thor's first step in reconnecting with Nidavillir. Despite being the one to order it, the Allfather had slipped off to a pub with scantily clad waitresses. Leaving Freyr, who had finished another meeting with Alfheim, to tend the great feast alone. Nevertheless, he sat tall and proud within his chair looking out onto the hall watching Vidar charm the women surrounding him and Hildisvini competing in drinking contests and arm wrestling, which were common at Norse parties.
"I see the Allfather is not here again."
Freyr glanced over his shoulder at the speaker and smiled. "You can't blame him, Miss Rossweisse. Odin was always like that, even before marrying my sister."
"How she endured it I will never know." Rossweisse said, shaking her head.
"She endured it because she found his antics adorable. He may be a pervert but he was loyal to her before she left. Not all men can control their lust unfortunately."
Rossweisse hummed before bringing up Nidavellir, "I heard what Thor did."
"Yes." Freyr said with a slight frown, "However, I am not happy the Dwarves' payment is so high. Even Azazel says Grigori cannot collect three billion in a year's time. We must have a solution to this debt before the year ends."
"Speaking of Thor; were is he? I wanted to congratulate him for succeeding in his mission." Said Rossweisse looking around the hall.
The frown reformed into a smile as he glanced at the Valkyrie standing beside him. Rossweisse was the most loyal bodyguard he ever knew. Despite her flaws she was making Gondul proud and the former bodyguard knew it.
"I haven't seen my nephew since his return from Nidavillir. Can you go check on him?"
It wasn't easy getting through the crowd but after wading her way through Rossweisse finally managed to reach the hallways. Now she could begin her search for the God of Thunder. The first place she could try is his room, if he wasn't there then she would need to search the palace or the city itself. The only way to truly find him was by calling for Tanngrisnir, wherever he was Thor would be there. So she began wandering the halls calling the goat's name but the only answer she received was the cheering of the partygoers. No clopping of hoofs or baaing was heard.
"I hope you're in your chambers…" She muttered aloud as she assenced a flight of stairs to the upper levels where the bedrooms were. Lo and behold, as soon as she reached the top there was Tanngrisnir sleeping by a large door. Rossweisse shook her head, of course they'd be sleeping; they worked there butts off in rebuilding those great forges the Dwarves use. She looked out a nearby window and saw the sun was still high in the sky. Thor and Sigrun had departed Asgard early this morning, long before the sun had arisen and by the time they got back it was nearly midday.
Hopefully they weren't sleeping too long, otherwise he would be late for school tomorrow or fall asleep during class. As she approached the door, Tanngrisnir's ear twitched and opened an eye before closing it.
"Oh Tanngrisnir, you need to go back to your stable. You can't follow Thor through Hlidskjalf." She said while gently stroking his head before turning to the door. If Thor was sleeping she'd need to wake him up. She turned the door knob and stepped inside.
"Rossweisse!?"
"Good you're up! Lord Freyr sent me to..."
The rest of her words died in her throat at what she was looking at. Thor was awake but he was standing in the doorway of his bathroom wearing only a towel. His hair was damp and matted against his shoulders with water dripping onto his body, which she couldn't keep her eyes from roaming over. His physique was similar to an athlete but if he kept training his muscles would grow bigger. Thinking about that made her face become as red as the Thunder God's hair.
It took her a good thirty seconds to finally summon the strength to turn away. It was good Rossweisse did so because the door was wide open for Tanngrisnir to stare into, which he was doing and giving the Valkyrie what appeared to be an amusing smile. Quickly shutting the door she sighed in relief before yelping in realization that she forgot to leave! Before she could reopen the door again, Thor blocked her prompting her to look away.
"J-just look away before I get dressed and I'll join the feast."
Why in Asgard's name didn't I knock before entering!? She yelled at herself and shut her eyes to give Thor privacy. As she waited for him to dress, the thought of seeing him naked tempted her but she pushed the lewd idea into the darkest parts of her mind. Despite wanting to do dirty things with a boy, she would not stoop to the level of the Devils or Fallen Angels.
At least not until she was in a relationship...
...or married...
"Ready?"
Rossweisse opened her eyes and faced Thor. He was wearing the violet tunic and tan pants from the day he first awoke in Asgard. It matched his hair, she thought with a smile before looking at the red locks before noticing something was missing.
"Thor, where is your braid?"
"My braid?"
"Yes, your braid. You should have gotten one after defeating the Einherjar and passing your test." The owlish look Thor gave her prompted a giggle to slip between her lips. "It would seem you still had much to learn of Asgard and its culture. Come here, I'll help you."
Thor sat on bed while Rossweisse used some simple summoning magic to obtain a hairbrush and string.
"Now, which side?"
"Uh...left I guess."
Rossweisse sat on his left while studying his features like a sculpture artist. Nodding to herself she grabbed the left side of his hair and began brushing it gently while running her fingers through the red locks.
"So why is it so important?"
"In our culture, they symbolize the victories you achieve in battle. Think of them like trophies won in a game." The Valkyrie answered, her fingers wrapping strands together expertly.
"Is that so? I guess that explains why the statues of the Original Thor have so many braids on his beard. And here I thought it was to be fashionable."
He heard Rossweisse giggled again as a tingly feeling swirled inside him for a brief second.
Perhaps in years to come when I have a beard I'll braid it. Her braiding is going along smoothly. I guess with how long her hair is it isn't a problem for her… is that perfume I smell? No wonder she smells so good…
His cheeks were red he could tell immediately, she was so close to his face making the warrior braid he could smell the flowery scent on her. His heart sank at what Vetr and Vidar would do if they saw this. Those two would have a field day spreading the gossip and joking about it.
"But really, Rose, is this necessary? All I did was defend you against a bully and slay some orcs. I highly doubt those are worth earning a braid for. Wouldn't it be more suitable for something more dangerous? Jotuns or Gods?"
"Of course it would, facing a Jotun or God, or any being stronger than you is always worth a braid. However, no braid is worth earning over an Orc, their vile creatures. As for Cadmus.. your actions of defending me were very noble." Thor didn't see the blush spread across her cheeks when she said that.
"And done," She declared, smiling proudly. Her braid forming skills would be nonexistent if it wasn't for her grandmother teaching her.
Thor got up and looked in the mirror to see a single red braid tied in blue strings framing the left side of his face.
"Well?"
He turned to her, a big wide smile on his face.
"I like it!"
So the mission to Nidavellir comes to an end with a slight change to the what happened to them. Personally this change is more reasonable then having a mini-civil war over money. Happy Halloween everyone.