And so I am back, from a very short hiatus. This will be a downtime/character growth chapter.
Battlefield: He sure did.
Optimus470: That decision has been answered in this chapter.
Predaking: We can't have every Devil die lol. But it was good to see the man who started this whole mess get a good knock out punch and be arrested afterwards.
Xenomorph: It will also cause A LOT of political trouble in the Underworld. No doubt some nobles, cough cough House Bael and there supporters, will want payback for the killing of a house leader.
Zoom 2. 0: We shall see.
Altair: That depends on what Odin thinks. I'm pretty sure Sirzechs and other Satan's won't approve of the Stolas and Vassago families actions in New York.
Feral: Ah but you forget Kokabiel IS a Fallen Angel and the Fallen Angels are Asgard's allies. Asgard helped stop rogue Fallen Angels so if a Fallen Angel leader decides to try starting a war, Odin and Azazel will want that madman stopped.
Odin was happy, with their alliance to Nidavellir rekindled trade and friendship grew swiftly. While the master builders worked on rebuilding Asgard, workers and warriors sent by the king of the Aesir to help work the forges of Nidavellir and push the Goblins and other evil creatures out of the kingdoms overrun by them. The next challenges were finding a solution for an eternal fire to Nidavellir's forges and choosing the next pantheon to coexist with. That was what the Allfather and the other Gods talked about all morning. Any fire could work but Thor's report about using Muspelheim's fire had put the thought of a fire burning forever was a good idea but how could he obtain it?
The other problem was who would or could they open talks with next? Azazel wanted to wait until the time was right to make peace with the Devils and Angels but who knows when that would happen, and other factors, Youkai and God, preferred staying out of the affairs of the humans and isolating themselves. Getting nowhere on any of the discussions, the Allfather called for a pause in the talks to give him time to clear the headache pounding in his head. Reminiscing about his still missing wife he decided to do what she always did to clear her head of a headache; a tranquil stroll through gardens. The garden was full of Arctic wildflowers; Arctic Willows, Moss Campion, Sedum, Draba, Svalbard Poppy, Arctic Chickweed, Snow Buttercup, Tufted Saxifrage and other flowers in Northern Europe.
Freya…my beloved Freya. Were are you? Have you heard our son has returned and paid our debt? You blamed and exiled yourself for it. Will you return to us? Will you return to me?
"Allfather." The old king was stirred from his thoughts by Freyr, "I expected you to be at a strip bar."
The old ruler shook his head, "I considered giving myself a pleasant time surrounded by gorgeous women but… I feel like taking a walk where my wife used to go. It helps me more than watching perfectly sculpted breasts bounce around.
Freyr chose to ignore the comment about a woman's chest, "I wish my sister was back. She held as much wisdom as you did."
"She did. If she was here she could tell us who we can extend the hand of friendship to next. I have been thinking for a long and hard time but nobody comes to mind." The Allfather said, leading them into a secluded spot by a beautifully crafted fountain. As smart as Odin was, he even needed advice and Freya, his beloved wife, was always there ready to help should he need it. Now was one of those times he wished for her wisdom.
"None come to mind?" The Vanir God asked, brushing his fingers lightly across a snow buttercup, "Azazel was the only one brave enough to open talks with us. Everyone else will deny the offer."
"I wouldn't be so sure…" Mused Odin pausing in his stride to pick a flower, his wife's favorite flower, "I'm sure some want to coexist with us. They just need some convincing."
"Yes but who?" Asked Freyr.
Odin mused again on who they should ask but stopped short when he caught the sight of something silver and red. Back peddling he saw a sight that would make Freya's heart melt. His bodyguard and son were sitting at an outdoor pavilion with food and drink on the table talking about something that Thor was writing onto a notepad.
"Now what could they be talking about?" Whispered Freyr.
Earlier that day in Valhalla Academy.
"Anyone know when Odin became King?" Asked Hildisvíni
"Two Hundred Thousand years ago." Answered a student in the back.
"Correct! Odin's reign as King began one hundred thousand years ago. At the time he was thirty-three. A very young age to rule in God years. Since then he has ruled Asgard wisely."
Thor listened to the Vanir lecture about the Allfather's time as a prince and eventual rule as king. The deeds he did in his youth were incredible, like leading the Aesir to victory against the Jotun Empire, ending the Light and Darkness War peacefully, ensuring the Nine Realms lived together in harmony. His greatest deed, they say, was his journey to Mimir's Well to know everything, to gain wisdom and knowledge of things hidden from him. What happened there he did not tell anyone, not even Freya, but when he returned his left eye was gone, and had a new title; Allfather.
Three weeks had gone by since obtaining Fafnir's treasure and it still was talked about by Asgard and had gained those who participated in the hunt much popularity. Cadmus especially was being praised for not only his idea to look for Leif Eirkson but turning over a new leaf and giving Asgard a second chance. Speaking of Leif Eirkson, the old Einherjar made a surprise visit to Valhalla to give a presentation about his adventures and what the Native American Pantheon was like.
Three weeks after being discharged from the hospital Thor doubled down on his magic training to never lose his magic like he had in America. His time spent their was not boring, everyday Rossweisse came to read The Hobbit and was a quarter of the way finished when he left the hospital. He reminded himself to go pay her a visit to finish the book.
"Our lesson about the Creation of Asgard will end tomorrow. Next week will be about the Heroes of the Norse Faction. Svipdagr, Hothbrodd, Helgi, Beowulf, Starkad, and Siegfried."
Thor bristled at the mention of Beowulf, he had not forgotten becoming a Devil nor the lessons from the Church saying Beowulf was a hero of England and that he was seduced to join the barbaric Norse Gods with promises of fame, power, wealth, and women. Another lie by the Church to convince him the Norse Gods were evil where in fact they were the evil ones.
Soon the bell rang for class to end and as Thor shuffled out with the other students to his next class he heard Hildisvini remind them they had an essay to deliver next week. That was easy enough to do except for the fact he was unsure of what to write. His musing was interrupted by Vetr's large hand grasping his shoulder.
"I'm so jealous you got to go on a treasure hunt and meet a dragon!" Whined Vetr, "It's a shame I was away on a mission. I'd have loved to go treasure hunting with you."
"You've told me since sharing the story with you. I admit we could have used your strength against the Devils, especially Vassago. He was not an easy foe to slay."
"What was it like fighting him?"
"Fighting that Stone Giant at Nidavellir only covered in fire."
"Ah, then it was more like fighting a Fire Giant. Like your legendary battle against Surtr."
"Yeah… just like that…" Muttered Thor as the dream of falling surrounded by fire and smoke flashed through his mind.
"The new Einherjar, Cadmus, is a lot nicer now that he's giving us a second chance."
"He is," Said Thor, "He wouldn't have changed if it wasn't for Rota."
"The cheerful green haired Valkyrie in training?"
"Soon to be graduated Valkyrie you mean." Corrected Thor, "I hear the exams are coming up. Soon Alruna, Herja, Sigrun, Rota, and other girls will be Valkyries if they can pass the exam."
"They are? I must have forgotten about them. I hear they are quite intense."
"They are." The two boys and many other students halted when a woman with transcendental beauty, long light blue hair and wearing a black suit approached them. Her eyes were the color of winter ice and held an intense gaze in them. This was the leader of the Valkyrie core and teacher of Valkyrie training, Brynhildr. "Any woman who cannot pass the Valkyrie test is not fit to be a warrior maiden."
"Your right, Lady Brynhildr," Said Thor, "Sigrun and Rota proved their worth as warriors in the treasure hunt."
"Indeed. Their report about the mission was quite a thrill to hear. Especially Sigrun killing Devils. Her title as the Emerald Valkyrie will spread far and wide through the Nine Realms when she becomes a true warrior maiden."
"Lady Brynhildr, if I may ask," Vetr started, "Why is Sigrun's armor green? Isn't Valkyrie armor supposed to be white?"
"Because that armor belongs to her family." The strongest Valkyrie answered, "Before Vanaheim and Asgard became allies, Valkyrie armor was rare to see and usually painted different colors. The original twelve bodyguards of Lady Freya each had different colored armor. Her great-great-great-grandmother was one of the original bodyguards of Lady Freya and dubbed The Emerald Valkyrie."
"So that title is a part of her family then? I had no idea." Said Thor feeling ashamed about never asking Sigrun herself.
Brynhildr nodded, "Her ties to Vanaheim and colored armor are why she's so popular in Valkyrie class. I have no doubt she'll pass her exam without effort. I was even considering making her and Rota official Valkyries after helping you obtain Fafnir's treasure."
"What made you stop?" Asked Vetr.
Brynhildr answered, "It would be unfair to give them special treatment."
"Rossweisse was given special treatment." Vetr pointed out.
Thor shot Vetr a look, "She put time and effort into studying which allowed her to graduate early and become the Allfather's bodyguard. She is a remarkably talented woman and should be praised for what she has accomplished. Not teased for having no boyfriend."
The heat in the prince's tone drew Brynhildr's attention, was Thor taking a deeper interest in Rossweisse?
"Anyway," Vetr said, steering the topic back to Sigrun, "You said Sigrun's family took part in the war. Did they survive?"
"That's a question you should ask her yourself, Mr. Vetr. After your class. The bell will ring soon."
Reminded they were still in school, Aesir and Jotun took off to find their next class. As they did, the God of Thunder finally knew what to write for an essay. The history of the Valkyries was a perfect subject to write about and who better to ask about the Valkyries then one of their own who was also the smartest woman he knew.
Upper Asgard
It was rare for Rossweisse to have a day off of work but the Allfather granted it and she spent this day sitting in her new home. When Thor was discharged from the hospital he took it upon himself to use Fafnir's treasure to buy a new luxurious condo in the upper levels of Asgard near the palace the Dwarves recently built. The prince's act of kindness brought her to tears of joy, something she hadn't shed since her last birthday with her parents and that was a long time ago. Normally she would prefer living in a small space and shop at discount stores but with so much space in her new home she couldn't resist buying a larger bookshelf and cabinet for books and clothes. Not only had her living situation been upgraded, she and the rest of Asgard were given a healthcare system by Grigori bought by Thor with the treasure.
She realized only two months had passed since Thor's return and things were improving for the Norse World. Asgard's debt was paid off allowing Nidavillir to rekindle their alliance with the Aesir which in turn allowed the kingdom to have many of its buildings renewed and even create new ones like the condo Thor bought her. That last thought brought fresh tears to her eyes.
Oh Thor, why would you do this for me? I am grateful and the view is nice out here and I am closer to the palace but I've told him I prefer living cheaply. Because of my job I won't have time to clean such a large place. Next time I see him I will talk to him about it.
She was interrupted by her thoughts when then there came a knock at the door. Curious who could be wanting to visit her she opened it.
"Hi, Rossweisse."
And slammed it shut immediately with a face as red as a tomato.
Is this the work of the Norms!? She cried to herself before slowly reopening the door to see the shocked expression of Thor, "T-Thor. Why are you here? Aren't you supposed to be at school?"
"School ended five minutes ago. May I come in?" He asked, noticing she wasn't wearing her business suits but a white sleeveless blouse with ruffles in the center and a blue skirt. He never saw her wear casual clothes before and she looked stunning in them. He kept his eyes on her as she sheepishly opened the door wider to let him through. As he stepped inside he said, "I hear the Valkyrie exams are coming up soon. Will you be going to watch them?"
"Only if the Allfather allows it but you didn't answer my question; why are you here?"
"Oh that yes." Said Thor after taking a look around before giving the Valkyrie his full attention. Hildisvíni is asking for an essay to be turned in and I was wondering if you can help me with it."
Aqua eyes narrowed with suspicion, "In what way?"
"In telling me what I wish to know. You're the smartest woman I know and can give me the help I need in writing an essay on the history of the Valkyries."
Suspicion became excitement. The history of the Valkyrie's had been one of her favorite subjects in her training to become one. Now that Thor was writing an essay about them and asking for her help she could share all her knowledge about them.
"Of course! Let me get some snacks and drinks and get started."
"Actually. There's somewhere else I'd like to go. Somewhere peaceful and quiet."
Asgard palace
The God of Thunder had asked if her lesson about the Valkyries could happen in the palace garden. The garden, which Odin ordered built for Freya as a wedding gift to remind her and other Vanir of Vanaheim, was situated in a large building behind the palace with a glass roof allowing sunlight to creep in through the vines that covered the ceiling. When a cool breeze swept through the building making the flowers sway this way and that it also sent the silver locks of Rossweisse's hair dancing as well drawing Thor's attention towards her. Bringing the snacks and drinks along they found an outdoor pavilion were Thor began writing down everything Rossweisse shared about the Valkyries.
"During the Aesir-Vanir War, twelve handmaidens served as Lady Freya's personal bodyguards, always seeking out Lord Odin to slain him. However there duels would always end in stalemate, they had the numbers but she had the skill. When peace was made; Lord Odin's father, King Bor, was so impressed by Lady Freya's skill he asked her to train the handmaidens as an elite all-female group that would be the first to respond to threats and guide the dead to Valhalla. Eventually they helped Lady Freya teach it to other Aesir and Vanir who wished to join the female warriors. Thus the Valkyrie Corps was created. Before the mass-produced white armor was made the twelve handmaidens and other warriors colored their armor to designate themselves as who they were and what clan they come from. After Lady Freya exiled herself, Lady Brynhildir was chosen as the new chief of the Valkyries. She is the strongest amongst us and a brilliant leader."
"I see." Said Thor hastily jotting down notes as fast as he could before asking, "Was it your goal in life to become a Valkyrie?"
"My goal?" Repeated the silver haired maiden, "Well my goal to become a Valkyrie is achieved but…"
"But you have others? What are they?"
Rossweisse blinked, nobody ever asked what her goals were. The young Valkyrie had many goals; one in particular she was too shy to share…
"Since Odin wants to make peace with other Factions, I want to try establishing a Norse magic school in all the territories we ally with to train new Valkyries from them."
Thor smiled, "That is a noble goal and not an easy one at that. Yokai, Devil's, Angels, and other Supernatural beings outside of the Norse Faction becoming Valkyrie's does sound interesting. However, female Fallen Angels as Valkyries sounded very ludicrous. They are seducers of men, not soldiers. Still, if they wished to become a warrior of Asgard then they'd best prepare themselves for the challenges that come with it. I don't recall seeing any at Valhalla."
Rossweisse shoulders slumped, "It is more difficult than it sounds. Not a single Fallen Angel wishes to be a Valkyrie. This goal may be impossible."
"You can make the impossible possible." Thor reassured, "I'm certain whoever we allie with next will give it a chance."
"What's this? Having a romantic picnic?"
The two looked up, Rossweisse blushing at the question, to see Odin and Freyr approach, the former holding a mischievous twinkle in his eye. Looking about the table Thor did realize they were indeed having a picnic. He had been so focused on learning about the Valkyries, and Rossweisse, he had lost focus on his surroundings.
"I guess you could say that." He said, unaware of the deepening red on Rossweisse's face, "Rossweisse was sharing with me about the Valkyries' history for me to write an essay on them."
Freyr grinned, "The History of the Valkyries can be read in a library book, brother. Yet your way sounds much funner. Asking a warrior maiden about their history is something nobody has thought about."
"And Rossweisse is a genius."
Rossweisse felt as if she was about to faint, First a new home and now praises!? Oh how couldn't other men of Asgard be nice to me like you are, Thor?
"That she is." Freyr agreed, "Truly I wish my sister was here to see the growth of her creation. So many great women have become fine Valkyries."
"Do you think this year many will pass the exam?" Thor asked,
"I hope so." The blue haired man answered, "There are a total of two-hundred and eighty girls training to become Valkyries but it won't be. Few women ever pass the exams but those who do are held in high praise. Brynhildr, Helmwige, Ortlinde, Grimgerde, and Schwertleite were part of the third generation and are the greatest warrior maidens serving in the corps."
"What generation is this one?" Thor asked.
"The fortieth." Answered Rossweisse, "I was to be a part of it but graduated early."
"Because you had your nose buried in a book instead of chasing after men!" Laughed Odin but Thor was quick to come to her defense.
"Ah but you forget, Allfather, were it not for keeping her nose in a book instead of chasing boys she never would have graduated earlier nor become your bodyguard." And, He added as an afterthought, I wouldn't have been able to have her read to me.
Freyr grinned, "He has a point, Odin."
Rossweisse was struggling to keep herself calm but it was very hard with the insults and comments flying around about her. Coughing loudly she chose to direct the topic away from her, "Ahmen! What exactly are you both doing here? Aren't you in a meeting?"
"We were." Said Freyr, his grin fading somewhat, "We have been trying to figure out how to solve that solution for unlimited fire for the Dwarven forges and who we should make an alliance with next. We have gone round and round in circles with no answer in sight."
Thor blinked, "Surely the Allfather can come up with an answer."
It was rare for Odin to be serious but this was one of those times, "I traded my eye for knoweldge but even the very wise cannot see all and must seek advice from the lesser. Speaking of which, since my bodyguard is said to be a genius; who do you think we should make an alliance with next?"
A part of Rossweisse was furious to have her be the center of attention again but another part was glad it was about a serious subject. Crossing her arms her mind began pondering the king's question; who could Asgard make an alliance with? Another Pantheon would be the best decision if any of them were willing to coexist and share information like Grigori was doing. They were on friendly terms with their fellow Northern Gods from Ireland and could possibly be talked into becoming allies to strengthen the north and, though she hated to admit it, keep the Norse and Celtic religion thriving. Many Pantheons saw a decline in human followers because of Christianity spreading, luckily the Norse Gods were one of the few who still had followers in the form of neo paganism.
"Vili says the new Einherjar is becoming quite popular among the ladies at Valhalla Academy after giving us a second chance." Freyr said to break the silence, "What was his name again?"
"Cadmus." Answered Thor.
Rossweisse's mind halted on the name and at last she knew which Pantheon they could talk to.
Four days later at Valhalla Academy
Cadmus slumped to his room, exhausted by his twenty-fifth day of training. Since returning to Asgard he made it a point to improve not only his relationship with the kingdom but his knowledge and skills. Each day after school for three hours he would go to the training area to hone his skills with sword, shield, and spear. Sometimes alone and sometimes with Rota to spar which drew quite a crowd of witnesses, mostly Einherjar and Valkyries, each cheering on whoever they supported. Today he practiced alone and had pushed himself to go two more hours, an idea he regretted now doing.
I can barely stand. Is this how the Spartans felt after a hard day of training?
He had just turned the corner to the hall leading to his bedroom when another Einherjar stopped him saying the God of Thunder wanted to speak to him immediately. Curious, but still tired, he walked back into the main hall to see the God of Thunder standing their, hands planted on his hips waiting for the Greek Einherjar. Other Einherjar stared at the pair wondering why Odin's son wished to speak to the boy.
"Thor."
"Cadmus."
"What does the God of Thunder want with me?"
"I wish for you to come with us on another mission."
Cadmus' interest was doubled, he was asking help from Thor for another mission? What could it be? He looked past Thor but saw nobody with him meaning Thor must have gone around asking others to help before coming to him.
"Were to?"
"To land you were born."
A surge of renewed energy filled the former human as he looked hard into Thor's face. No lie could be seen in them. His shock soon turned to disbelief and joy.
"Greece!?" He choked out as tears formed in his eyes.
"Greece." Repeated Thor and quickly caught the Einherjar as his legs gave out. Guiding him to a chair and getting a glass of water he waited for the boy to calm himself before continuing, "It was Rossweisse's idea. The Allfather came to us asking for advice and when Freyr mentioned you that's when she suggested the Greek Gods."
"Because of me?" Asked Cadmus.
"Yes. She said and I quote "Our religions, Germanic and Greco-Roman, though not followed by many, are still talked about. Plus we turned a human from Greece into an Einherjar. Maybe it was a sign by the Fates to have Asgard and Olympus become allies." Besides being Greek, you helped us find Fafnir's treasure and gave us a second chance. I believe that is more than enough to allow you to come to Olympus with us."
More tears welled in Cadmus' eyes at being the catalyst to allowing Asgard to make peace with another Pantheon, "I...I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything Cadmus. Just know that you are going to get to meet the Gods you worship. Odin has already sent a message to them and is waiting for a reply back. He has already chosen me to represent Asgard should we talk. He cannot leave Asgard at the time with the city under construction. You are coming because beside being Greek, you'll be one of my bodyguards."
Cadmus blinked, "One of your bodyguards?"
"Odin has insisted on choosing more to join us should Zeus agree to peace talks. Before that, however, we have the Valkyrie exams. When they are over then we will go to Olympus. For now, let us cheer for our friends training to become Valkyries."
Later that night
In the kitchen of Rossweisse's condo she sat opposite of Thor while eating dinner and sharing more lore about the Valkyries. The interruption of their picnic at the garden put a pause on the essay to go with Odin back to the meeting to speak with the others. It wasn't a surprise to hear Loki's disapproval but it was surprising to hear not only Skadi, but Njord and Heimdall side with the Mischief Gods. Their reasons; doubt of it can work and in Heimdall's case, foreseeable danger. Nevertheless the idea of peace with Olympus was approved. By the time the meeting had come to an end the two were back at her condo continuing to work on the essay.
As Thor continued writing his essay, he kept glancing at Rossweisse noticing how the garden enhanced her beauty, just like the Bifrost had done. He pressed his lips together as those thoughts returned again. Whenever he was around her he would think how pretty she looked or guess if she's wearing perfume. Sometimes he'd lie awake in bed thinking how amazing she was facing down Balog Vassago alone and her drunk confession about liking him. Sure he had simply stood up for her when bullied by Cadmus but it was the start of their growing friendship and sometimes the simplest of things can leave the biggest impacts as it had for him and Rossweisse.
He liked her as well but had not said anything yet. Aside from being the first person he saw waking up in Asgard, she had taught him how to use magic, gave him books to expand his knowledge, and the motivation for not only searching for Fafnir's treasure but making an alliance with Olympus. How could he dislike her after all these amazing things she did for him and Asgard.
It was these feats that prompted him to use the treasure to give her a home. He knew a house would be too much of a hassle and an apartment was just too small so he settled on one of the new luxury apartments built by the Dwarves. Her surprise and tears had left him worried she would hate it but her thanks put pay to it.
She deserves this after all the achievements she made. Plus she would still live a simple life, just in a bigger home. He thought before sharing a topic with the silver haired genius, "Brynhildr says the Valkyrie exams aren't easy to pass. Did you take it?"
"I did." Said Rossweisse, her aqua eyes shimmering with memories at the question, "It took all the skill and knowledge I learned at Valhalla to help me pass. I'm not sure if the others will be able to pass but if they are studying then they may have a chance."
"I'm sure Sigrun will pass with flying colors." Said Thor, remembering the violet haired girl slaying Devil after Devil during the treasure hunt, "I just hope Rota and the others can pull it off. What happens when they pass and become a Valkyrie?"
"They are sorted into a squad of three to four members. However, that is very rare to see with so many failures since Lady Freya's exile."
"Would her return boost their motivation?"
"She is the Queen of the Valkyries and many women admire her. I am one of the few who became a Valkyrie after the queen's self imposed exile."
"Because you worked hard to achieve it. I'm sure your family is proud of you." Said Thor, his focus on the paper to write the essay prevented him from seeing the smile fade from Rossweisse's face.
Mentioning her family brought memories of her past to the surface, a past she was unsure about sharing with anyone, even Thor. He was her friend but even friends didn't share everything about themselves for fear of being judged. Rossweisse wasn't neglected but showered with love by her parents who, when hearing she became a Valkyrie, took time out of their work to throw a surprise celebration party for her achievement.
…they are proud of everything I have done but how can I be proud of myself after failing them all those years ago…
"Are they proud of you?" Thor asked worriedly.
"Yes." She answered, "They are very proud."
Thor smiled, "That's good. Perhaps someday I can meet them."
Rossweisse shifted, busy as her parents were; they would take time off work to have an audience with the Son of Odin. Tales and adventures of Thor's achivemens was always told by her grandma around the dinner table and filled everyone with wonder. Her father admired the Prince of Asgard and wished he could have met him. Now that Thor returned perhaps someday he could but not yet. Not yet.
Her parents meeting Thor brought forth another question, would word about his death and revival be spread around the Supernatural World? Only the Norse World knew until the Fallen Angels became their allies and the ones who went rogue surely must have spread the word but would it be believed? Of all the Supernatural beings, Fallen Angels were said to be the most hated species along with Orcs, Trolls, and Goblins. Sure Azazel was a kind, albeit perverted, and smart man but once he was the most ruthless of his kind in the war against Heaven and Hell. Speaking of Hell, Seekvaira Agares met Thor but showed no sign of shock leading Rossweisse to assume she was raised to keep calm in the presence of someone greater than her.
That and Thor did not greet her very kindly. His hatred for Devils must have stemmed from living under the Church's thumb and only doubled after the treasure hunt. If Odin decides to try making peace with them or the Angels will Thor disagree with it?
Thor hummed, then asked, "Rossweisse, were you born in Asgard or Vanaheim?"
Rossweisse blinked, yet again he asked her a question nobody else asked.
"Midgard." She muttered bashfully.
"What?"
"Midgard. I was born in Midgard." She repeated and saw wonder come into Thor's eyes.
"No way! Really? Are there others like you?"
"A few I think. Though most are born in Asgard or Vanaheim."
"And have you been to Vanaheim?"
"I lived their for a short while with my parents before moving to Asgard to start my studies at Valhalla."
"Ah. So if you lived in Vanaheim you are technically a Vanir."
Red crossed Rossweisse cheeks, "I guess you could say that."
Why am I telling him these things!? I should be sharing this with a guy on a date not in my kitchen!
The rest of the night was spent finishing the essay, which turned out to be longer than Thor expected. This however would certainly give him a passing grade for it. Collecting his belongings he went to the door and was just about to open it when Rossweisse's voice reached his ear.
"You can stay here tonight if you like."
Thor looked back to see her standing in the kitchen entryway shuffling slightly at the offer. This was a big place and she could get lonely. Deciding on the spot he let go of the door knob and made his way to the guest bedroom, a toothbrush and paste in hand via summoning magic.
This spell is so handy. He thought before saying aloud, "If I stay will you finish The Hobbit? I wanna know if the Dwarves get out of the forest."
The request to continue the book brought a small smile to her lips.
Ten minutes later
Dressed in pink pajamas and sitting on the couch she read to Thor about the Hobbit saving his friends from the spiders. Every so often she spared a glance to see, like in the hospital, Thor's full attention was on her. He was like a child listening to a mother or sibling read a story before bed, which she realized was happening.
Does he see me more than a friend? Am I like a sister to him? When the chapter was finished she escorted him to the guest room which had a beautiful view of the palace that glowed like a faint candle in the distance.
"Thank you for helping me with the essay, Rossweisse. I couldn't have done it without you." Said Thor crawling into bed, "You would be a wonderful teacher. No, you ARE a wonderful teacher. Without you I never would have learned how to use magic."
Red filled her cheeks at the compliment, "Thank you. I will see you in the morning. Goodnight Thor."
"Goodnight… Rose."
Rossweisse stopped as if she had been insulted or struck by lightning.
"Wh-W-what did you call me?"
"Rose." He repeated, Don't get me wrong I love your full name but after seeing all the roses in the garden I thought it would be a cute nickname to give you"
"C-c-c-cute!?" Rossweisse stuttered, blushing more. The only person to call her Rose was her grandmother and it was to shorten her name. Thor's reason was because of flowers.
"Ro-"
"D-Don't call me that!" She exclaimed in a high tone.
"You don't like being called Rose?"
"No! It's just… it's just… g-goodnight!" With that the Valkyrie shut the door and scurried back to her own bedroom before plopping onto her bed all while fighting to calm herself but failing miserably. Like a virus infecting people, the warmth in her cheeks slowly spread throughout her body; in her chest, in her heart, then her stomach which turned into butterflies flying around. Was she wrong to assume he saw her as a sister but as something…more?
And so Thor now has a nickname to give Rossweisse. Before any adventure to Olympus we have to cheer on some girls to cheer on that are training to become Valkyries!