IntoxicatingFreedom

“Even in the shadows of our Realm has word reached us of the daughter of Odin.” The red eyes of the giant who sat on the throne of Jotunheim stared unblinkingly down at you, examining every detail of your body and face as though committing you to memory. “What do you want, Princess of Asgard?” His voice was deep and rough and rasping, reverberating in your chest. He spoke slowly, as though he had all the time in the world. As though every word that came out of his huge body took time to form and pass his azure lips. “You are Laufey’s successor?” You inquired proudly, standing strong among the gigant

When you next spoke to the dvergr king, it was a far cry from the audience the day before. His page requested your presence in the Jewelled Gardens at your leisure and you took your time dressing and nibbling on some of the fresh fruit that had been sent to your chamber. When at last you declared yourself ready to speak with the king, the page led you up broad stairs and through a carved archway opening out to a beautiful garden that sparkled in the light of the grand glowstones illuminating the high chamber. The shrubs and grasses were expertly crafted slivers and chips of emeralds attached to bronze shapes emulating branches and twigs of th

The dvergr handmaids found you sprawled on the floor the next morning and the first sight that greeted your eyes when at last they opened was the dvergr princess herself, holding a goblet in her hand and imploring you to drink and be well. When she saw your eyes open, a delighted smile lightened her face and she stroked your face, calling forward the healers who felt your brow and your pulse, declaring you were well, but overtaxed and drained. You needed to rest. But you protested, pushing the healers away and trying to rise from where they had lain you on the bed, “I must speak with the king! It is urgent! I must speak with him&hellip

You really wanted to throw something. The jewelled goblet by your elbow was tempting you. But then you’d spill your mead and you knew you needed that more. You exhaled sharply and stood up too fast, your chair lurching backwards. You crossed to the large fireplace and banged your fist against the wall. The dvergr woman taking your breakfast dishes away gave you a suspicious look before bustling away. Two days. You had been waiting for your audience with the dvergr king for two days and your irritation and frustration had only grown. You snatched up your goblet, finished the mead in one gulp, and hurled the cup away. It clanged against

“I wish you well on your quest, Princess,” Faradei watched you as you adjusted your cloak about your shoulders. The two pieces of Loki’s heart were stowed safely in the pouch at your hip and your stallion stamped behind you, impatient to be off. Faradei was the only one who had accompanied you to the Bifrost portal, mostly because you would have gotten lost if you had to try to find it by yourself. His horse waited patiently to the side as he said his farewell. His hand was warm on your wrist as he stopped you from turning away just yet. “The Elders expressed their gratitude for your aid, but I wished to give you a gi

Faradei and Bronadon guided you through the natural bridges and ancient steps of the forest, leading you deeper into the heart of Alfheim. You marvelled at the tall trees and curling vines, the wooden steps leading you through the glens and the arches over sparkling streams. The elves led you over a stream and between the gnarled roots of a massive oak tree. You pulled your horse to a stop and gasped. Before you were halls and corridors, beautiful and gleaming in the sunlight. Arches and carved wood sprang from the trees and living energy of the forest. “Welcome to the Haven of the Light Elves,” Faradei smiled. A young elven boy

“Sister, this is madness!” Thor protested, standing in the middle of your chambers as you gathered up the simplest tunics and leggings and boots you owned, folding them as neatly at you could and stowing them within the enchanted satchel resting on your vanity. “Madness or not, Thor,” you said determinedly, “it is my choice.” “What will Father say?” Thor asked as you brushed by him to strap two dirks to your thighs and buckle the quiver and bow-holder across your back, over your tunic and vest and strong leather girdle. You suppressed an eyeroll as you bent down to slip a smaller knife into th

There was a secret courtyard in the garden, invisible from almost every window in the Asgardian palace. You couldn’t see it unless you stood on the very edge of your balcony and leaned dangerously far out over the empty space. Loki has shown it to you months ago, whispering in your ear the secrets of the garden. The courtyard was hidden from common eyes by golden rosebushes, beautiful and thorny. The wandering soul that dared seek the court must needs slip through the golden roses, braving the sharp thorns to emerge within the sheltered confines of the small courtyard. The golden roses were washed with silvery light cast by the moon hi