Eat! Drink! Be merry!

As you considered your food options, strolling down the street towards the familiar fare you knew for good meals, you spotted Olivia entering a bar with one of the other women she knew from work. And suddenly, your mind was made up. "That one, that looks like a good spot," you said, trying to hide any indication from your body companion that you were making this decision based on any criteria other than food.

The sign says Daryl's. Do you know Daryl well enough to be entering his storehouse? Freyja asked. You chuckled a little and nodded.

"I've never met the guy, but I promise you it's more than just a storehouse. I know you're probably used to cooking your own food, but we don't need to do that here. Just wait until we have some of the triple-spice nachos."

Despite your confident approach toward the bar, a guy with an apron and a nametag that said Darryl--pure coincidence--put a hand on your shoulder. "Whoa there, lady. I'm gonna need some ID."

Freyja took brief control, grasping down on Darryl's shoulders and thumping him against the nearby wall, overpowering him without even trying. "If you don't mind, good sir, I'd like to dine and drink here without any trouble."

Darryl nodded quickly, and gulped. "Uhh... y-yeah. Take whatever seat you want!" Freyja pat his shoulder strongly with a smile, causing Darryl to wince. It's pure luck that Freyja didn't dislocate his whole arm or something with that powerful pat, but since she didn't turn the guy into an accordion with her grip, she didn't concern herself much with a slight injury to someone who gave her trouble.

You stumbled, as mid-stride, Freyja's control faded back into yours. So frustrating, we truly need some significant nourishment so I can do more than startle a tiny man. Although I fear that even after a full meal, I'll only be so strong. Moments might turn to minutes or hours, but I may end up relying on you pretty heavily during an extended activity, I fear. Perhaps I could maintain a limited amount of strength for longer, but Geistknights are not summoned for just fractions of our potential...

"Look, just don't worry about it," you said, sitting at the bar. After ordering the nachos and an ale, you leaned against the counter, your phone before you. Hopefully nobody would give you any grief about chatting to nobody, but the bar was loud and most didn't think twice about it as long as you were glancing down at your phone. "I still can't believe I'm the only one who could be linked to you this way, there's not like some other descendant who's also a woman?"

I cannot say, but is it truly such a burden? Freyja wondered for you. I've spent all my life in such a fashion, and never wondered otherwise. I'd always kept up with my peers, as you will if you trust me. With this body, you don't lack any capability, and if anything you're gaining a perspective. When you attempt an activity that you desire to perform that I cannot--and I can only think of one such activity--then we can certainly revisit this discussion. Besides, if there's any reason why it had to be you and they could not find anyone else... family trees full of warriors are plagued with broken branches.

"I'm not a warrior, though," you said as you took the ale placed before you for a sip.

We'll make one of you yet! Ooh, that's good. A sharpness to this beer different than my usual fare!

"I thought you'd be a mead drinker."

Hah! What do you take me for, a priest? Please. Beer is the drink of a warrior!

Chuckling, you couldn't help but think that Freyja's been right about so much so far. She'd been right, without being forceful; maybe that was one of her strengths, beyond the obvious physical stuff? You continued to sip, every so often glancing around, until your eyes spotted Olivia at a nearby table. Unfortunately, this time your eyes lingered slightly too long, and Freyja caught wind that something was amiss.

...I see now! Freyja said, her voice bouncing around your skull to the point that you felt like you had to grip your head just to keep it from rolling away. We're not just here for the not-chos and beer. There is a lady whose gripped at your heartstrings! Yes, I see now indeed. She's quite lovely. I assume that because you are here and not over there that you have yet to win her affection?

You frowned, glancing away just as the nachos arrived. Just in time! You'd gone from hungry to starving. "Right again. You're a very perceptive ancient guardian. I haven't found the right way to get her attention yet, outside of work duties."

Oh, that should be easy. All you need to do is hunt the largest boar you can find and deliver it to her. When's the next solstice? That would be the perfect time for such a meal.

You rolled your eyes, and reached out to grab a nacho, feeling your body freeze the moment you got a taste.

...To Hel with the boar, bring her some of these! These flavors, they're like what royalty would be served! We must have more of these delicious triangles!

A hungry Freyja decided to intervene before you could retake control, taking a nacho in each hand, scooping as much meat and salsa and jalapenos onto each bite, practically inhaling the meal. The sips of ale had given her just enough of an energy boost to take over more completely, and now your body seemed to be on autopilot, downing a plate of nachos faster than a half-dozen of your friends had been capable of doing last time you were here.

"Ah, wonderful," Freyja said with a smile, before downing the rest of the ale in a long, pronounced gulp. So much for keeping a low profile, more than one set of eyes were upon you, although you guessed your antics were just enough to catch the attention, but it was the generous bust or the shapely rear in the barstool that kept their gazes. She held up the empty ale glass at one of the bartenders who seemed mesmerized by the way you were devouring your meal. "More of this, good sir!"

After a second, then a third, ale vanished into your stomach, you were surprised to not feel even a slight buzz. That must be another godly benefit, you thought. You tried to move, or speak, or even think at Freyja the same way she could do, but you had no such luck at any of those. She was fueled enough to have complete control for the moment, for better or worse.

Freyja sighed a little, staring at the nearly empty fourth pint of ale. "Thank you, by the way, for letting me indulge," Freyja said.

"Oh, you're welcome," a nearby bartender said, eyes still glued to your shapely Scandinavian goddess form.

With a squint, Freyja shook her head at the bartender. "Not you. The man in my head."

The bartender shrugged, and Freyja turned around, leaning her elbows on the bar as she glanced about the place. This time, it was her gaze that landed on Olivia. "I'm going to repay you, I'm going to talk to the lady of your desires."

What! No! No no no! No no no no no no! Don't do that! It seemed like Freyja somehow frightened you into building a mental bond with her such that you could finally speak to her while trapped in your own head.

Freyja just shrugged and grinned. "You have nothing to lose, my friend! In case it's not clear, we look different at the moment from your typical form. That's an opportunity to speak freely with her, to befriend her and learn, so as to then put your knowledge to use when you are made to be yourself again. Should I fail, she wouldn't realize any sort of connection to the normal you! Your risk is low in this regard."

Before you could protest further, Freyja was already on her way over to the table, eyes locked on Olivia.