A forced guest

“So this is Midgard… more water than I would expect” James muttered shooting a green raven that Freyja had warned him about. James jumped over the nearest log and heading to the coast and seeing a boat that would allow him to explore the North more stopped when he heard a group of trees fall as the ground began to shake, “What the fuck is going on there?” James stopped until hearing Freyja screech, “I will kill you Kratos!” James sighed nodding that she would need help. James began to run towards the scene but being stopped by a bird flying straight past him James looked over to see the Raven with blue eyes glowing as they looked at him. James shrugged before trying to run closer to the scene but being stopped by the raven flying back across him but this time as he looked over he saw the unkindness of ravens fly towards him and circling him, boxing him in he watched as the land disappeared and an all new area was set to be revealed to him.

James’ eyes closed as he tried to shield them from the bright light and taking a few moments to adjust to the brightness James looked around to see it was just a massive village, a longhouse, farms, shops, a tavern and people who now glaring at him James muttered, “Well at least they know I’m here!” James continued along the path hearing the squawk from the raven who leading him closer to the house James was met by a kick but grabbing his shield to block it last second he stood up to see the blonde haired and purple eyed man stand opposite him, “How did you get here?! In Asgard” “Well when you find out, let me know. I was taken here against my will!” the figure stared at him and nodding said, “You are telling the truth but I question your intentions” “Oh you are Heimdall. The knob that knows all!” “You mask your stupidity with insults. How very southern of you. Even now you are trying to think of a way to confront me. Trying to remember what you know of me?” James shrugged before standing opposite him asked, “Got nothing else to do is it? Or is this your hobby?” “My job is to protect Odin from threats” James shrugged before retaliating, “What is he not big enough to defend himself?” “Don’t challenge me, I will not lose!” James nodded remembering that Heimdall would know his every move so tackling verbally asked, “So you question my attentions despite knowing I am telling the truth. What’s to stop someone else not seeing this as an opportunity to get to Odin whilst you are boring me to death!” “I would know!” “Really? I highly doubt you could process everyone’s voice and thoughts at once and would therefore had to focus one persons” “I see what you are trying to do! It won’t work!” “I’m trying nothing. My question still points out how effective it is on large groups. Sure you are reading me now but what’s to stop someone else from suddenly snapping and going after Odin themselves?” “I would know?” “But you wouldn’t be able to scan everyone. What if Thor has had enough of his fathers shadow? Or Sif protecting her husband? What if Loki attacks from nowhere? What if Brok the barber. You couldn’t be everywhere and know of everyone’s aims!” “I… I… would not let it happen!” “Everyone makes mistakes but you wasting time on me allows someone else to make a move. What would they say knowing you wasted your time on me instead of following Odin around. Someone could be stabbing him right now. Someone from his inner circle!” Heimdall growled and rushing off James smirked stretching as he saw the two “gods” watching from the balcony and jumping up in a bolt of electricity, James’ focus was on the woman who glided down the slope towards him.

James looked up and seeing the figure land with an thud in front of him James just stood there acting not impressed by the larger figure in front of him, “You know it’s quicker to jump over the barrier” James stated looking up and seeing the red haired man look down at him he simply said, “Not as dramatic” James thought about it handing that point to him heard Thor ask, “What you staring at boy? My wife?! Or do I not match the stories that you have heard?” James looked over to Sif and waving said as he turned back to Thor’s attention, “Thought you would be bigger considering you are half GIANT! That reminds me… why do you kill your own people!” “They aren’t my people! I am Aesir” “You can’t change what you are… I hate the fact that I’m related to Zeus doesn’t mean I kill all his children” “They are nothing but trouble” James shrugged before saying, “Funny that everyone else says that about you guys!” Thor grabbed James by the collar as he snapped, “We follow my father here, if you don’t like it then take it up with him. I just do what he wishes” James laughed as he replied, “Daddy issues is it. I have father issues to; would kill mine if I knew of a way to kill death. Do you not think for yourself. Like everyone else you do have a brain, you just have to use it once in a while” Thors grip tightened and pointing out Thors logic to the giants James choked out, “Imagine if Sif killed every blonde haired person because they were blonde and Odin told her to.” Sif walked forward and looking to calm her husband said, “He has a point, my love. Let him go!” Thor glared at James before snapping said, “You don’t know what it’s like!” “I don’t my father was never there for me but like you I was treated as less because of what I was. You not being smart and me not being a full blood Isu or to you a hybrid” Thor dropped James with a thud and coughing James muttered, “Give you credit for the strong grip” he nodded as Sif helped him up and seeing the paper hang out of his pocket looked over to Thor in horror when she read of James’ position. “You… Thor he’s the knowledge representative” “The What?!” James leaned back against the wall to aid his recovery as he spoke in between deep breaths, “I am a neutral party whose job is to search for lost relics, buildings and items and study them. I find the relics, Athena studies and stores them in a vault and we send the research to every other leading Isu. The thing is… if I am harmed by one Clan, in the agreement it states that every other clan would send armies to fight against the Clan who harmed me; could be seen as you hiding something you don’t want the others to see” Thor groaned as Sif looked down apologetically but tapping Thors arm James said, “Don’t worry about it. I antagonised as much as you were violent towards me… just do you and your wife a favour. THINK. Think not for Odin but yourself. Think of what is being asked and if you are really okay about it; if you are unsure confine in your wife or your friends. It could really help you in the long run.”

Thor grumbled walking away leaving Sif who looking at James muttered an apology of, “I’m sorry about that, Thor… well Thor is Thor. Thank you for not telling the other clans and trying to talk some sense into him. I love him to bits but he really doesn’t think” James nodded before saying hoping to not offend her, “Thor is a lapdog, a pet for Odin. Odin says jump and Thor asks how high. I see it in my Clan with people blindly following Zeus. I don’t want something bad to happen because he blindly follows a person who clearly doesn’t care for him” Sif smiled weakly and winking changed the subject to, “Why are you here?” James shrugged before pointing to a statue of Odin said, “I was brought here for reasons I don’t know. I’m guessing he wants me here” Sif sighed clearly not aware of Zeus’ request but leading the way she said, “He’s busy with an issue at the moment. Come and get some food in the hall. When Odin’s done you can see him then” “Can’t wait to see all these mighty soldiers for Odin’s army” Sif took James by the hand and pulling him roughly in front of him spoke business like, “You may claim to be neutral but I don’t trust you as much as any of the other 8 realms people being here. You will stay in front of me and eat on the same table as me until Odin see’s you!” James smirked seeing the Valkyries that Freyja must have mentioned rebelling against the order and trying to remain mentally in control of his nerves said to Sif, “I see it all now…” “See what?!” Sif wearily questioned and turning back to face her he winked, “You want me to go in front so you can stare at my ass. Does that make us eating together a date?” Sif rolled her eyes before mumbling, “Forgot what you Southerners are like; any bare flesh and you are like leeches waiting to sink their fangs into the person” James laughed before teasing her again, “Well aren’t you kinky. I suppose I could bite your neck… providing you have a stool for me to stand on!” “Are you always like this?” she huffed pushing him forward towards the hall door and taking her hand in his James teased, “You’ve seen nothing yet. Come on then my love, let’s go on our date!”

She sighed being dragged by her hand in growing red when the others saw what was happening, Sif pushed him to the nearest bench and glaring at him spat, “If this is your chat up line then they suck” James laughed watching as she slid a plate of food towards him panicked when the door slammed open and heavy boots marched towards them both, “Holding hands I hear” Thor growled slamming his hammer on the table Sif hushed her husband with, “It’s just his way of flirting with bad chat up lines. It’s a Southern thing nothing more” James nodded before holding his hands up said, “Trust me it is. Sif is beautiful and you are the lucky one to have her, but my affections belong to someone else” Sif smirked before leaning in asked, “Anyone I know?” “If I tell you it puts them at risk” Sif nodded watching as Thor grabbed a dish and joining them with a thump Thor replied, “An enemy of Odin?” “Given who he is I don’t think that narrows it down at all” Sif shrugged before stating defensively, “We did what we must to survive. We don’t apologise for that” “And then criticise the other 8 realms for doing the same. I get it we have the same issue in the South. Zeus is there and he does the same thing but unlike Odin he is self serving. The only difference is we are all in one area and not split into “realms” so his authority means more then Odin being in one realm trying to control the others” “What’s he like?” Sif questioned and contemplating it said, “Thors abilities with lightning and thunder, bigger but white beard, slightly smarter than Thor but a selfish whore who doesn’t care as long as he gets what’s he wants and who he wants.”

Half an hour later and after exchanging stories about the South, Sif and Thor had excused themselves to have an private discussion that was actually more of an argument and despite moving further away from him James could still hear their conversation whilst he made notes and rough drawings on his latest experience. “I don’t want her to go down this route. Not after Mondi and Magni. She is the last child we have left. I don’t want her to die for some pointless and selfish cause for Odin” “If she wants to be a Valkyrie then let her be” “Not if it means sending her to death. As her mother it’s my job to protect her” James dotted down notes on the argument and hearing Thors response of, “We already have a bad relationship with her. I don’t want her to reject us even more just because of a risk she is willing to take but not us!” “I know what’s better for her and what Odin would ask of her. Kratos butchered our sons. I won’t let her be sent after him. She wouldn’t survive. Either we don’t let her go down this path or you stand up to your father once in your life!” Thor looked down and confessing to what he believed, “She will do it anyway, she is strong willed like you!” Sif sighed and putting her arm on his shoulder to comfort him said, “She won’t if you didn’t go behind my back and trained her yourself!” Thor looked up affectionately to the smaller woman shaking his head said, “She would go and get trained somewhere else. At least if I train her she would of had the the best training possible for her path. I may not be able to persuade her out of this dream, but hell I won’t let go unprepared” she nodded kissing his cheek and nodding said, “I know… just please warn her about the dangers and why she shouldn’t volunteer for these jobs that Odin needs done” Thor nodded but getting up said, “Too late she has already heard of an job and has volunteered for it” Sif sighed and looking up to him asked, “What is it?” “Don’t know. It’s working with the Knowledge Rep, who doesn’t even know Odin’s request himself. I figured it would be a safe job because they wouldn’t want to risk him dying and starting a war with the other clans” she sighed before nodding said, “Just… tell her to be careful” he nodded summoning his hammer and leaving her to stare at her plate James slid towards her where she simply said, “Well what do you think?”

James looked down and contemplating it asked, “Is she a capable fighter?” “Yes better than you” James shrugged before confessing, “I’m more of an hunter… maybe stealth but not a fighter. May I ask why you are against her becoming a Valkyrie” “I’m not it’s just…” she trailed off to look around and seeing how Heimdall and no ravens were around she finished, “When Freyja and Sigrun were in charge they had standards. They wouldn’t throw Thrud up against Surtr or Kratos or even Thor. Odin and Gna would. Gna because of loyalty and Odin just to help himself. I don’t want her to be used and left for dead when she no longer has purpose” James contemplated it before asking, “And going to Sigrun for training would be treason?” she nodded watching as the cogs turned in his head and shrugging said, “She could travel with me… safer than being a Valkyrie but it still has training from other clans, enemies to fight but also protection from the clans if something does happen” she contemplated it but seeing how Heimdall opened the door she asked, “So what was Athena like?” James smiled and waving to Heimdall earning an insult he said, “Beautiful, wise, built like you but was toned. Caring and desirable” “Blonde like me?” she teased and shaking his head James replied, “Hair as brown as tree bark, her brown eyes were like warming and welcoming, tanned and the time I stumbled across her in the bath…” he trailed off she laughed remembering how her sons were when they were his age, “I never did ask. Do you actually have any powers?” “None that I know of. If I did I would have used them against Zeus” she nodded but as she attempted to continue their conversation a raven landed on the table squawking for his attention, “Looks like I’m up” Heimdall nodded before calling him an idiot James stated, “I was filling empty space with words. I would do the same with space in your skull but… it’s a waste of time. You would just blow it out in hot air when you saw someone you didn’t like… which is everybody” Heimdall huffed still feeling from his loss earlier he spat, “Thrud. Get her to. Trust me you will like her… she is as stupid as you” “Oh… someone with a personality you mean. Keep this up Heimdall and you may actually get one!”

James continued to laugh at Heimdall’s frustration that he couldn’t get to James and walking down the hall looking at the closed doors stopped when he the slamming of steel against wood and the sound of an woman’s exertion with each swing. James being James looked in and seeing the red haired woman slamming her blades into the training dummy James couldn’t help but stare in amazement by her expertise in her blades. James stood against the door frame and smirking she stopped already knowing he was there and asked teasingly, “Enjoying the view” James casually winked before responding honestly and bluntly, “Who wouldn’t?” she chuckled to herself and dropping her swords into the floorboard folded her arms as she addressed the man, “We seem to be at a disadvantage here. You know who I am but I don’t know who you are” “I don’t actually. I literally just got here against my will and have been told Odin wants to see me about a job with Thrud” “That’s me Thrud Thorsdottir” James slapped his head as if it was obvious before saying, “Of course you are. The red hair, Sif’s looks, built like an sexy ox, Sif’s tattoos” “A sexy Ox? You find Ox’s sexy?” “When they can move like you. Yes!” “Cheeky” James shrugged analysing her curves and toned arms, “What? Never seen anyone like me from where you come from? What realm are you from?” “Well we have people like Athena who are toned… but most of the time it’s just for show, not pure strength or power. I was born in the South, my clan being Hades and Persephone; a sub clan or as you put it realm under Zeus’ power. The name is James” she froze and eyes widening she cheered as she excitedly stormed forward and began her hundred questions, “What is it like down there? Do you have Valkyries? Have you even seen a Valkyrie? Who rules it? What creatures are out there? Have you been anywhere else?” James laughed shaking her so she would calm down and smiling at her excitement he said, “Calm down, if we have an job to do; you can ask all the questions you want. Also yes I have been to the South west clan, the oldest clan known. They experiment with animal DNA. Soo much so they practically turned into a Isu size animal. Sekhmet was literally a Isu tall lion; she had the fur, tail and everything” her mouth dropped in shock from the information and returning to her training grumbled, “I’m not usually allowed to leave Asgard” “You could join me on my travels as the Knowledge representative. I get free travel, exploration, food and lodgings wherever I go apparently” “I wish I could but I have my own dream. A dream to become a Valkyrie” “Fair enough” James replied but Thrud sighing grumbled when Sif walked in and shot her dream down in smoke. “No you won’t. We have a duty here as a woman should. Duty is more important than your foolish dreams. Isn’t James?” James shook his head before asking, “Isn’t it better to have a hope or a dream then it is to be a mindless body constantly doing the same thing over and over again?” “It is but not when you are royalty. We sacrifice our dreams for the people. You must see that” James shook his head to Thrud’s delight but feeling sorry for James when he explained why he disagreed, “If I agreed then I would be lying. My duty would say I should have stayed and accepted whatever Zeus or Hades threw at me as a job and to marry someone in my class. Yet here I am, practically in exile because I am still in love with a woman who I could never be with both in class and love; a woman who rejected me in front of everyone claiming she was doing it to help me” Sif sighed and nodding replied, “I just don’t want to lose you to” Thrud shook her head before taking James’ arm said, “I’m not stupid like my brothers and the Southerner here isn’t stupid like them neither. We’ll be fine. James, let’s see what Odin wants!”

Meanwhile in Midgard, “KRRRAATTOOSSS!” Freyja screeched as the she fell hurdling in the snow fallen into the trees. Freyja tried to pull herself up to try and catch them but feeling the pain from surge through her side she accepted that this time he has gotten away, “Must get somewhere to patch myself up. Back home it is then!” she stated looking around trying to find her bearings but as she stool an step on the fresh snow her bare feet had stood on something, cold and sharp. She looked down and seeing the metallic bird with a broken neck found next to it a weird shape with an mould on the end that clearly ensure it fitted in a persons ear. “This… this can’t be. Hmm.” she slid the piece in the ear and hearing a light ding sound she immediately heard the shouting voice of a woman, “Damn it James where are you. You can’t just stop doing your job because of an argument!” “He did you know…” Freyja muttered to herself unaware of the woman hearing her voice but this was soon made perfectly clear to her when she replied, “Who is this?” “Tell me first!” Freyja whimpered applying a chunk of ice to her side, “Athena the Southern Isu of wisdom. I am James’ work partner; since we can’t… never mind” “I know; I think its bullshit but I know. My name is Freyja of the Vanar. Former wife of Odin. Before you ask, James told me he threw this and this metal bird to the floor and the bird damaged” Freyja groaned feeling the ice do it’s job, “Are you hurt?” Athena questioned to which Freyja said, “Yes but don’t worry about it. I will take the bird back to my house and try and fix it. Literally the neck is snapped” “Could be as simply as realigning the head with its body and fiddling with some wires. Let me know when you are home. May I ask where James is now?” “Midgard apparently. My sources are keeping their head down looking for him as we speak…. I don’t like him being out when Odin is on the prowl. I’ll talk to when I’m back though because the ice keeps on slipping from my side. Won’t be long.”

“Better!” Freyja muttered putting the bird down, “It would be nice to have a face to face with you” Athena explained and agreeing with her Athena began to walk Freyja through the fixing of the bird, “Okay… so straighten the head up” “Done” “Do you see a small hole under its beak?” “Hmm… yes. I guess you want me to put something in there to press a button!” “Yes thank you Freyja” Freyja searched for something thin enough then eventually hearing the click the bird shot back into life and shook before shooting out an image of a robed woman Freyja muttered, “So you’re Athena, the one who abandoned him?” “I suppose he has the right to say it but I honestly did it to save him. Zeus would have killed him if I stood by him” “Doesn’t change the fact you hurt him” “No it doesn’t but I tried to minimise the pain. I assume you know the full story?” Freyja nodded before saying, “And I know he is still hurting from it. He wouldn’t have thrown all this away if it didn’t” Athena nodded before asking, “So he’s in Midgard?” Freyja shook her head before stating. “Asgard, apparently my sources have said that he was abducted by Odin” “If anything happens to him there will be war and I will blame you for letting him get into that situation!” “Hey, it wasn’t because of me. I warned him and told him not to trust the Aesir. If I could I would have kept him here for safety. The only positive is Odin respects treaties and agreements and he will probably be deemed useful for Odin. So he will likely be safe. It’s just… I don’t know, I don’t trust my ex-husband” “Thankfully after Zeus he doesn’t trust any God in a position of power” “I thought you were called Isu in the South” “We are but I used the term more familiar to you” “Thank you but I am getting used to your terms” Athena nodded but still worried for James, “It’s just… he doesn’t have any means of defence to stand up against any god!” “He has words. He says the right stuff at the right time plus he kept mentioning a prophecy” “Yes… that thing. I told him to ignore it because it’s just a nice story that won’t ever happen. In the South it means nothing” “In the North they mean a great deal. A blueprint to a persons future… what was it?” “Just included his birth, the incident at the party and him leaving to find the place” “That’s it?” Athena shook her head as she confessed, “Saw an image that split into paths that all ended in the same thing. One path had a witch, another had an owl, one with what looked like a beautiful woman, one with a hammer and few others that we are trying to work out what it could mean. He drinks something later, which we don’t know and Ragnarok happens. We know he survives it but we don’t know what he does in the event. Then another disaster that comes and destroys the entire world but again he survives with all those mentioned previously, a few family members that we identified as Hades and Persephone and we assume friends” “A second one… wow, I didn’t think it could be worse after Ragnarok. The hammer has to be Thor or his daughter Thrud because his son’s are dead” Athena nodded before asking, “Witch?” “We all have magic in our Clan, could also be from another clan…” Freyja muttered and shrugging Athena said, “Could be. Let’s not forget about how many there are.” Freyja leaned back processing the prophecy as she asked, “So North falls, then the entire Isu world falls. How… how do the humans survive?” “Truthfully not many more than ours do survive but I don’t know about the north but they are built to survive… there is also a weird idea about Cersei and James and that’s why no one took any notice before” “What’s that?” Athena paced back and for and thinking of a way to put it said, “His mother, Cersei is descended from Ares and Aphrodite; however where she comes from, there is only Hybrids no full blooded Isu. It’s my theory that she is from the future, after our world is gone. Her and Sansa literally transported backwards in time with James’ father. So the Throne of Hermes instead of transporting them directly back to where they last were; or in other words back to the exact time he left; they were transported backwards in time to a later date. James doesn’t appear in any of our history’s or discussions because he isn’t meant to be here and Zeus knows it. It’s why he doesn’t want me and him together because of who James is and my intelligence could cause issues” Freyja shrugged before stating, “We would only know for sure if we found the prophecy before his one, the one of Cersei’s life. I’m guessing however because of her lack of importance no one could be bothered to record it.”

Athena agreed walking around pondering on her latest thought but stopping when saw the empty packets of powder that James had used in his drinks raised her eyebrow as she asked, “I see he made himself at home at your place?” Freyja picked the packets up and throwing them into the fire to burn confessed, “Yeah… our very first meeting was me bathing, him trying to get close enough to take my “artefact”” “How did that turn out?” “Me tackling him to the floor and pinning him to the ground with my sword at his throat and him turned on as he became distracted by my body” Athena chuckled remembering her incident, “Yeah he has an habit of doing that. It happened to me” Freyja nodded shrugging at the thought, “Maybe it’s us dripping wet that gets him hot under his collar. Anyway, I found out who he is and he agreed not to tell anyone. We talked and he revealed some personal and raw memories and I did mine over some light food. We argued about my issues especially on who was to blame for them. I got angry and stabbed him; he was my only friend and I stabbed, I pulled it out by the damage was done” Athena nodded sitting down next to Freyja, “Lucky for his improved skin toughness” Freyja nodded before smiling weakly said, “I thought I had ruined everything; my first true friend since the last ones betrayed me but he came back after half an hour with more wood for the fire, gave me something called honey and wrapped his cloak around me for warmth” “By the gods he actually did listen to us. I thought he was too busy checking my legs out” Freyja laughed as she said, “Only your legs?” “Well… there were a few other points he stared at but only got long enough to check my legs out fully. What happened next?” Freyja laughed knowing from what she has seen of James that it was typically him, “His poor chat up lines, mainly about how he couldn’t think of a better way to die then by an hot lady stabbing him. Then about me instigating something more when I offered him a place to stay for the night” “Definitely him.” Freyja agreed as she finished, “He was awoken in the night by my nightmares. Apparently Oziys said the best way to stop nightmares is to manipulate the dreams into something more happy or pleasurable. I still think it’s a lie” “No… it’s true. She does say that. Something like it helps change memories to something less hellish. So how did he do that?” Freyja blushed and laughing Athena snorted, “Sex?! Well well well. He has moved on, well to something just has complicated as me and him” “A typical southern trait?” “Nope, just him. He more caring than the rest and in a more relentless in his affection way. If he likes you he will do whatever he can for you!” Freyja nodded before almost bragging boasted, “I can vouch for that. He definitely is affectionate and has unique ways to help people as well.”

Athena smirked as she examined Freyja with my focus and nodding said, “We are very familiar” “How so?” “Mature, smart, toned, beautiful, unique personality, body that is perfect in his eyes, a nice butt and decent breasts but by the look of you, yours were aided by motherhood. The only difference between me and you is, I’m smarter where you are more determined and stubborn. You are hurt and looked like you have taken several beaten’s but even now in your eyes you are going after them again” Freyja nodded drinking the herbal mixture to ease her pain, “But my determination has left bodies of those I care for” “But James would want to help you deal with that. That’s him summarised in one action” Freyja nodded before asking, “I can see why Zeus doesn’t like him though, he would care about anyone but to be a “proper Isu” you must only care about your own kind” Athena nodded before explaining his family’s standpoint on it, “They blame the human part of Cersei on it. If he was “a pure blood” Isu none of this would happen” Freyja nodded moaning in relief when she felt her pain subside, “Does… he have a foot fetish? Sorry for the random question” Athena laughed at the thought but shaking her head said, “No, he probably just likes every inch of your body” “Surely there are better looking people in the South?” “He had Aphrodite yearning for him for purely just existing but he refused her. You have to interest him in some way for him to care for you” “True” “Hopefully those in Asgard will in turn respect that” “Highly doubt it. Either way I keep this here in case he returns, in the meantime I have wounds to mend.”

Asgard

“So Thrud… how does it feel to have Thor as a father?” “Honestly until recently not a big deal. My brothers had all the pressure but “They let my parents down” and now I am the last one left. What about you?” “Couldn’t say, never really met him and when I did he ruined my life. Hermes my step father wasn’t much better. Mainly known for chasing after Aphrodite and Persephone. The main “messenger” who hasn’t really done much else” she nodded before asking, “Didn’t you say Hades was like a father to you?” James nodded before smiling warmly remembered his memories with him and Persephone, “My grandparents who hated each other but came together for me. I like to think I helped bring them back together but I doubt it. I was a burden on the family clearly” “I don’t think so. They just sound like a bunch of assholes making excuses” James shrugged before seeing Thrud immediately brush herself down and clearing her throat James questioned, “Are you okay?” “We are really going to see grandfather. Stand up straight, behave and talk when you are spoken to” “How about no? I know these type of people. Sure they are the smartest but they are also the most condescending and arrogant pricks out there. Sure they don’t mean to but it’s just naturally how they are” “Odin is not like Zeus!” “We will see… now if you are done messing with yourself. Let’s see why he kidnapped me” “He didn’t…” she trailed off trying to tell him but pushing the door open she quickly rushed in behind him in hope he didn’t do anything stupid.

“James!” Odin greeted getting up from his desk but not impressed by the abduction James spat, “Why have you kidnapped me for? Maybe I should tell Sekhmet about how you have kept her children’s father away from them? Or I get Athena to tell Zeus; he loves a good war. Maybe he will get his leg over Sif or a dwarf whilst he’s at it!” “Calm down young hybrid. Athena had previously briefed us on your experience with Isu. I can only apologise if you lived here we would have celebrated yours and Athena’s love” “Just drop it Odin before you say something that gets me killed and a war on your hands” Odin nodded returning to his seat smiling as Thrud glared at James in shock, “James… you can’t just say that” “It’s okay my dearest Thrud. He’s still hurting. It’s better to hurt in emotion then drink it away like your parents!” Thrud bit her tongue and James seeing this retaliated, “Really?! You say that in front of her” “It’s a bitter truth” “Truth that was unnecessary” “Is it? Thanks to this realisation Sif has stopped and my stupid son is following her orders!” Thrud looked down submissively nodding but shaking his head James retaliated to her surprise, “There it is… I told you Thrud. With the power and/or intelligence they are unintentionally snobbish. His son his the primary defence alongside Heimdall and he spends his time insulting Thor. Just because he doesn’t have a well of knowledge like you, it doesn’t mean he is stupid” “James….” Odin laughed and challenging the Southerner asked, “Okay….name three things he is “good at” that isn’t drinking?” James pondered it and coming up with the list said, “Fighting, controlling storms and especially lightning and he can expertly break through: barriers and other obstacles. A forth would be trainer, he has trained his daughter” Odin shrugged before saying, “A trained chimp” James sighed before trying to address his earlier point once again said, “From experience being a good fighter and training someone to be good is completely different. It takes adaptation of styles, patience and skill. Ares the southern Isu of war and violence struggled at it. The problem is you don’t give him time to think or time to answer. You just assume every answer it stupid” Odin pondered it but shrugging said, “I will take my chances and ignore him. I am more than capable of making the decisions for the realm” “And if that leads to everyone dying except you?”

Odin say up and smiling asked, “You know of the prophecy!” James nodded cautiously not wanting to reveal too much to Odin who would without a doubt try and use it to his advantage, “Yes several different versions all summarised as a war that sees Asgard and it’s allies destroyed. Some say by Hela others say by another. The only constant thing is Asgard is destroyed and your side loses” “May I?” Odin asked studying his Journal but refusing it James stated, “There is nothing about Ragnarok in here, because it doesn’t effect me” Odin retracted his hand and Thrud grabbing it snapped, “He isn’t like Zeus!” “There is stuff that is private” Odin agreed understanding that we all keep secrets so handing it back said, “I heard it’s not a pretty story” “It isn’t” Odin nodded looking for the document he desired to hand James but filling the otherwise silence Odin asked, “Midgard… how was Midgard? Did you meet a Vanir whore called Freyja” “Cold. Very cold. I’m guessing has recently started Fimbulwinter has started. However there is still a lot of game to hunt and live off. Freyja? What does she look like?” “O you would know her from a mile off. Small, brown hair, has an obsession with feathers, tattoos on her arms that is caused by her “Vanir magic”, I admit my Frigg was attractive but just never shut up. You will know her however mainly by her constantly sprouting of nonsense against me, saying how I mistreated her?” “And did you?” “No. We never had any love but I can’t help how unhappy she was here and how I didn’t fit the life she wanted? I desire knowledge and the knowledge of how my story will end!” “Hoard all the power for yourself and control the end. Stick your mind with Thors ability and you are only one eye and longer beard short of Zeus” Thrud glared at him but shaking his head James stated, “No I haven’t met her but she does sound desirable someone I would definitely like” Odin nodded before contemplating a deal offered, “If you find her and can convince her to leave with you then she’s yours. See it as a peace offering with you.”

James grunted unimpressed but Odin finally finding the paper asked, “Met anyone except Thor?” James nodded as he said, “Sif… well how Thor charmed her I will never know but she’s definitely pretty. Thrud is the combination of Sif’s looks and awareness with Thors strength, durability and skill” Thrud blushed at the compliment but smirking Odin had to agree to what he heard, “And Heimdall… he’s just an ass. A self entitled ass who needs to be taken down a notch or two” “He has. It’s not often he loses a battle of wits and to you he did” “Still massaging his ego? Great he’s gonna be a bigger ass than before isn’t he?!” Thrud smirked knowing that James already knew the answer but sighing James said, “Fine… maybe if I find a way to shave his head or eat his own shit” “Why?” Thrud questioned and explaining his neutrality she understood why he couldn’t do anything more severe but changing the subject back to the topic in hand Odin handed him the paper and said, “A deal.”

“There’s a book that I am looking for… just a book in a room filled with other artefacts in it. Bring me this book and you and Athena can study whatever is in there, even take few items for yourself. Thrud I’m pretty sure there’s something of your fathers in there as well. It’s in Svartalfheim. A chance for young Thrud to prove herself as a potential Valkyrie” “Please James, please do it!” “*Grunt* fine but I will have to let Athena know… we sort of had an argument back in Midgard and I threw the communication device away in the woods” Odin nodded before offering out his arms in a warm greeting said, “By all means. Huginn will send you back when you want to until then please enjoy Asgard’s hospitality.”

“Can’t believe you acted like that. It could ruin my chances at a Valkyrie!” “He’s never going to make you an Valkyrie!” “If I…” “No he is manipulating you into doing what he wants. He dangles the carrot and you bit” James coldly replied checking his arrows and dotting down a list of ingredients he would need to make more specialised arrows heard Thrud challenge him with, “Then why did you agree to it?” James looked back and shrugging causally said, “Because you asked to me? I’m not going to let a friend down” she smiled storming up to him uncharacteristically gave him a peck on his cheek, “Thanks” James nodded before feeling her let go of his arms asked, “I need to get some ingredients for my arrows, do you need anything?” “Just some medicine in case there is trouble” he nodded heading out leaving her to tend to her equipment but smiling saw how he had left his bag and inside it his journal. She waited a few moments pretending to examine her blade before seeing her chance quickly opened the first page to skim it, “Let’s see what you are hiding!”

“Some information on his old lover. Athena the goddess of wisdom in the South” she began to skim through the notes and nodding read, “Athena, beautiful, smart and under appreciated. Wise beyond her years and shy in wanting to show affection but feeling the constraints of role and pressure from others. Still… her firm muscles glistening under the drops of water from her bath… I lust for her in every way. I hope one day she confesses her attraction to me like I do for her.”

She paused staring at the image of Athena before skipping through a few pages and stopping to read the titled page of “Festival” took interest in the images on the pages that depicted Athena pushing James away and Zeus throwing him away. So returning to the top read of the event read out, “Tonight started off as a good night. Athena had accepted my offer of going to the festival with me. We talked, danced, laughed and drank merrily and despite the initial glared off the others we ignored them to continue our celebration. I love her but almost like realising the same for me Athena changed; told me she didn’t want to do anything again after this. She feared Zeus’ wrath and I… foolishly tried to confront Zeus and lay my case out on the table. I revealed my love and desire to be with me and even after not wanting to hear what I had to say; I didn’t relent. The result? I got thrown from the temple to the stone floor, may have even cracked my head on the stone. I didn’t notice because I was soo focused on getting what I needed… or wanted, thinking about it now makes me second doubt my intentions. I continued to argue and was strangled beaten by Zeus despite my family’s protest. He only stopped when Athena pleaded with him. She did that typical “I don’t love you” bullshit so she could “protect me” but it doesn’t mean it didn’t hurt. I needed her support but she refused it and now her “apologies” mean shit to me. Worse than that, my family stood there and watched and instead of helping me cared about my bastard father returning. I was struggling for help and all they cared about is his return. Anyway what happened? A massive drop from Olympus and then… I wake up here in my room. I didn’t think it was true but the pain around my neck, the bandages all tell me otherwise. What now? Well I was “relieved of duties” because of what had happened. I was told to get my “head straight” and give up on foolish ideas. I want revenge but know I’m not strong enough. I am expected to “gain a role or a military command at my earliest convenience to help Zeus’ rule” all these fucking useless shits let him push them around like it means nothing. Stand up for themselves for once in their fucking life!”

“What’s worse? Athena to “apologise” offered her symbols to me as her form of union in the only way she “knew.” It’s like skinning an animal that has already been killed for you. Pointless and doesn’t feel right or fulfilling because despite this it’s irrelevant due to us not being allowed to even go near each other. It’s legal Jargon that gets me recognised as her lover but also ties both us down for something soo pointless. My mind is made up… as soon as I am ready, I’m leaving I can’t look at my family and not want their deaths but also look at the others who got what they exactly want and I get peoples “deepest apologies” well fuck them. I will leave the South and everything behind to find something that can help bring their destruction or at the very least a new life.”

Thrud looked down and fully understanding the expectations and disappointments in not being able to have what you wanted now understood why he would hate the South and Odin specifically. People at the top don’t care too much about the common folk on their immediate family and good friends if that, her mother felt like Odin didn’t even care for her or his sons family. What made it worse is James’ family. They did nothing when he needed them, if Odin had done that to her Thor or Sif would have stopped it. Nevertheless she read on to see what he did next and it was a few weeks later from this previous entry that peaked her interest.

“Hermes wanted me to do something that wasn’t drinking. I told him, I was working for Athena on a new job and Zeus couldn’t stop it. I lied claiming that it was just a paying job and if anything did happen to me it’s not important combined with me not being near Athena for long periods of time unless discussing my next task. Hermes got it granted and only Hera must sit in on our conversations to ensure nothing happens and to be granted she does let a lot of it slip, however Athena’s kisses feel hollow and I don’t know why. Was is just a crush as the others said? She not wanting to commit? Her never actually loving me? Just us going through the motions or simply me still feeling hurt from the party. Either way I get to leave the South and I get to explore. Of course my destinations are chosen and I have to keep on giving updates but as a whole I got what I wanted, freedom from everyone and everything. I hear of the latest drama and I can laugh as they argue of who did what and when it happens, who is in the wrong and all that crap whilst I get to explore the clans and learn new stuff. First up Sekhmets sector of the oldest clan in existence.”

Thrud looked through the pages and stopping at a new page titled prophecy gasped studying the drawn images and and him writing his thoughts down on it. She ignored the ones of his family and the even but instead focusing on the several small images pondered the drawings of the people, “Athena must be the owl. Owls are wise and that’s her symbol. Is that Thor? Him. What would he need with him… can’t be it’s a woman. Mother? Me? What does he have with me? Our mission together? The Witch… Could be anyone from Vanaheim or Jotunheim. Could be a completely different clan and that other woman?” she studied the explosion and gasping muttered, “Is that Asgard exploding and… and then another explosion” she quickly shook her head and changing the page muttering, “I will ask him privately about it” smirked seeing his returned swearing and this time about him virtually quitting his job.

“Fucking Isu. I can’t even even explore without them fucking annoying me with their trivial shit. I just want to explore and be done with it all. I don’t care what celebrations they have, Zeus’ latest conquest, Aphrodite advances, Ares fucking advice and my family trying to act all nice as a way of apology. I have earned favours for my last work why should I waste it on stopping Cersei from getting fucked by Zeus; it’s a waste. Let’s see if they are quick to defend her over fucking me. I thought Athena of all fucking people would fucking understand but clearly she doesn’t fucking care either. Then she acts all high and mighty because she has knowledge… her wisdom has led me to only pointless chases and led me to open combat with creatures but when Hephaestus gives and suggestion and is right; she can’t handle it. Fuck it, I’m going solo… I threw the raven and ear piece away and gone in “naked” to situations; I’m better without them.”

Thrud nodded in agreement to James’ writing and turning the next page smirked when she saw what the next few pages had for her and blushing she read on knowing she shouldn’t. “Today I found the Brísingamen necklace today, the owner… the goddess Freyja herself, the original owner of the necklace. Our first interaction… well that went better than I hoped; she didn’t kill me but had her sword to my throat. Reminded me slightly of the South; “naked? Who cares I have my sword to your throat” type attitude. She is divinity personified with the body I yearned to touch and kiss. She is a complete package with the: body, personality and the hair to match. The water trickled from her body like a piece of art illuminating every part of her body and made mine uncontrollable react which in turn made her smirk. She is strong willed, independent but isn’t without scars, much like me her past is a tattered mess but her age has meant she has been exposed to a lot more than I have. She is haunted by her son’s death but is it Kratos’ fault? Sure he killed him but Baldur was a sick dog that needed to be put down. Odin polluted his mind and he probably only accepted the job to prove himself to his father. Would I have made the same decision as Kratos? Yes! Freyja is clearly the better person to keep alive. Her house is under a GIANT TORTOISE. It’s soo cool. Is… is she the witch from the prophecy? If so then I have been blessed to know someone so beautiful. Emotionally she hasn’t recovered from the loss of her son; she stabbed me and then broke down. I lied saying it didn’t hurt because I didn’t want to worry her about it, then later came her nightmares. A risky move but hopefully a pleasurable solution for us both; either way I hope that I see her again and secondly she can move on from her past. Side note- I wonder if I could find her some rare flowers whilst on my travels or something.” Thrud smirked knowing what he meant and somewhat imagining it almost immediately tried to cancel the thought. She had a pondered her sexuality and thinking of both people naked caused an wetness to build from deep down. She understood why he lied to Odin and vowed to keep it an secret, however even she confessed to wanting to meet her; the Old Valkyrie queen. She wanted to raise this idea but didn’t know how and reflecting on it chuckled when she saw her family were mentioned and then blushing saw her mother and her were also mentioned and reading it she felt flustered.

\_“So after being abducted by Odin I was dropped in Asgard and immediately I was met by an Heimdall; a human who was blessed by Odin to know of peoples intentions and actions. An absolute twat who only acts snobby because he learned it from Odin. Odin was an ass just like Zeus and much like Zeus manipulates people to do what he wants; in this case a young woman who wants to be a Valkyrie I of course agreed because she seems the only one who isn’t either snobbish or an ass. Thor was big but not as tall as I pictured him to be, he was strong and has an temper that matches the one of Ares but despite the aura he gives of stupidity I think he would have an decent idea or two; something which Odin would never give him credit on. However in all this I met his wife. A strong blonde woman, more beautiful than Aphrodite and a helluva lot more tougher. She dresses to impress that so much is clear but I have heard she has a dark past, something which didn’t help her sons life and probably explains her doubling down on Thrud; her daughter life in an attempt to not lose her. Sif is probably the most beautiful woman I have seen but unlike Freyja willing lacks the drive to be her own person and instead relies on seductive looks and curves to lure people in. Without a doubt I would never say no to her for anything and would serve her in any sexual need possible. \_She questions Odin plan and his intentions unlike her Daughter Thrud. Fiery red hair built like a Ox; a sexy one. She has her mothers looks and fight and her fathers build. Her shoulders to her feet are toned and she knows she’s stronger than most people and without a doubt can swing a sword. She has a rebellious nature filled with natural curiosity on most subjects and especially me and my life; even now she is probably reading this. Either way she is an very attractive ox woman, my ox… I just wonder how it would feel to her toned legs push against my own, squeezing my body under hers whilst she rode me but also if I could ever support her muscled body in my arms if we ever did get close… very close.”

Thrud contemplated what she had discovered and looking back to study her but muttered, “I’m actually curious to. I doubt it. Father would approve… Mother not soo much considering it would be Odin who organised it.” She hurriedly through the book down hearing him walk back in and throwing her the ingredients James commented, “You didn’t have to the throw the journal you know… could damage it” “I… I don’t know what you mean” “I knew you would have read it as soon as I realised where I had left it. You could have asked…” “I’m sorry. There was just an aura of mystery to you; I was curious and now I have more questions on top of my answers” “No… not the fact you read it but the fact I would have told you these things on the road and away from prying eyes. *Sigh* At least it gives me time to answer questions on the way, just… not in Asgard” she nodded understanding what part he was referring to and stashing her equipment agreed to his request but not letting him off the hook that soon teased, “Come on then… follow the “Sexy Ox” to our destination” and smirking James teased back, “Makes me wonder what animal I would be” “You’re gonna have to wait and find out.”

“Huginn, let’s go!” Thrud ordered and shrugging James muttered, “You sure you don’t want a jacket? It’s cold down there!” she shrugged and bragging confidently claimed, “Me?! I’ll be fine. We in the North are used to the cold!” James shrugged and paying more attention to the transportation back to Midgard the pair were met by cold breeze of Filbulwinter, James smiled adjusting his skin jacket and laughing when he saw Thrud shiver asked, “Cold?” “Fr… Fr… FREEZING!” “Come it will be warmer away from the sea. We need to head back in the woods. Which based from my rough map is North East slightly. Perfect a boat. I assume Kratos and Atreus have been around… let’s avoid them shall we?”