E/d note: In the character intros, Odin gets the short end of the stick because I don't know much about him.
'Inner dialogue/thoughts'
"Normal dialogue"
[System]
[Diary entries]
(Word Count: 1,733)
~ At the same time with Frigga, in the Royal Palace of Valaskjalf ~
The Grand Hall of the Asgardian palace buzzed with a familiar excitement. The night was special, a celebration for Thor's triumphant return from his latest adventure.
At the front of the hall, a long table was set for a grand dinner and was laden with delicacies from across the Nine Realms. Rich aromas of roasted meats, fresh fruits, and spiced mead filled the air, mingling with the sounds of laughter and conversation.
Freyja Freyrdottir, known commonly as Frigga the Queen of Asgard, sat at one end of the table, her eyes warm as she watched her family. Her gown, deep blue embroidered with silver threads, sparkled softly in the candlelight. Her elegantly braided golden hair framed her kind face.
Odin Borson, known commonly as Odin the Allfather, sat at the head of table, his presence as commanding as ever. His one good eye often lingered on Thor, his favoured son.
Thor Odinson, the God of Thunder, was in the midst of recounting his latest exploits, his voice booming and echoing throughout the Grand Hall with excitement. He sat tall and proud, his muscular frame barely contained by the casual attire in which he wore. Even so, he still managed to exude an air of nobility.
Loki Laufeyson, known publicly as Loki Odinson, the God of Mischief, lounged in his chair. His expression was a mixture of boredom and subtle irritation at the constant praises that Thor received from all those around him. His lean figure contrasted sharply with Thor's, and his dark hair and sharp features gave him an air of elegance and hidden danger.
"And then, with a mighty swing of Mjolnir, I sent the Marauder leader crashing into the depths of the canyon!" Thor exclaimed, a triumphant grin spreading across his face. "Another!" He gleefully shouted after he smashed his mug of ale onto the table, shattering it into pieces. The servants quickly replaced it with a fresh one.
Odin nodded in approval. "Well done, my son. As a warrior, you bring honour to Asgard with your bravery."
Thor beamed, basking in his father's praises. On the other hand, Loki rolled his eyes, taking a sip of his wine. "Yes, Thor, your tales of brute strength never ceases to amaze." He quipped, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Frigga intervened, her voice although calm and soothing, was still filled with motherly reprimand, "Loki, your brother's strength is a gift to Asgard, just as your cunning and magic are. Each of you contributes in your own special ways."
Loki's eyes softened slightly at his mother's words, but the underlying jealousy remained. "Of course, Mother." He relented, offering a faint smile. "I was merely jesting."
"Ah, Loki." Thor said, his tone shifting to a playful one. "Jealousy is unbecoming of you. Perhaps next time you can join us on the battlefield and show us your tricks."
Loki's smile was tight. "Perhaps. Though I find that the true power lies not in brute force, but in strategy and intellect. But we all have our roles to play."
Frigga, sensing the tension rising once again, decided to steer the conversation to safer waters. "Tell us, Thor, how did Lady Sif and the Warriors Three fare in the battle?"
Thor's face lit up as he recounted the bravery of his comrades. "Lady Sif was, as always, a fierce warrior. She took down an entire squad of Marauders with her spear. And the Warriors Three were unstoppable. Together, we fought as one."
Frigga smiled, proud of her son's achievement but also aware of the need to include Loki in the conversation. "And what of you, Loki? As a mother and sorceress myself, I am curious to know what you have learned in your studies?"
Loki's eyes gleamed with interest, "I have been delving into the deeper magics of the realms. There is much to learn and much to explore. Someday, my research will help benefit the magics of Asgard."
Thor leaned back, sipping his mug of ale, "Always with the books and spells, brother. You should come out and feel the rush of battle sometime, like a true warrior."
"And you should spend some time in the study, Thor." Loki shot back, his voice sharp. "There is more to being a warrior than swinging a hammer and bulging muscles."
Frigga placed a gentle hand on Loki's arm, calming him. "Your talents are equally important, Loki. Knowledge," She said with a nod towards Loki, "And strength," this time nodding towards Thor, "are what makes Asgard great."
"Your mother is right." At this point, Odin, who had been silent throughout the conversation, finally spoke up. "That is the reason why the both of you should work together, for Asgard, and as brothers."
The brothers exchanged looks, their rivalry simmering but contained for the moment. The conversation turned to lighter topics, stories of past adventures, and shared memories as the celebration continued.
Thor's eyes twinkled with mischief as he recalled a childhood prank, "Remember the time Loki enchanted my boots to stick to the floor during a feast?"
Loki smirked, recalling that exact moment, "Indeed, and you tried to fly with them on, crashing into the dessert table. I believe it took Mother's magic to get the cake out of your hair."
Thor laughed heartily, his laughter echoed by the rest of the Asgardians in attendance, "Ah, those were the days."
As the evening drew to a close, Odin stood, signalling the end of the meal. "Thank you all for sharing this evening with us." He started, his voice filled with warmth. "It's these moments that remind us of what truly matters. Asgard is not just a place for individuals, it is a place for all of us. A place for family."
As the celebration ended and those in attendance left the Grand Hall, Thor stood and embraced his mother, his hug strong and comforting. "Thank you, Mother. Your wisdom and love guide us all."
Loki approached more slowly, but his hug, though brief, was heartfelt. "Goodnight, Mother." He said softly.
"Goodnight, my sons." She replied, watching as they left the hall, each heading in different directions.
Odin remained seated, his expression contemplative. "You've always had a way with them, Frigga."
"I only wish it were enough." She replied, a distant look in her eyes. "There is much unrest in their hearts, Odin. Each day, it feels like they are growing further apart instead of closer."
Odin nodded solemnly, standing to join her. "Indeed, but no matter how far apart they may be in the future, they will always remain our sons." He admitted, his gaze softening as he looked at her. "However, tonight, the throne requires my presence for matters regarding the Nine Realms. You go ahead, my love. I will join you later."
Frigga nodded, understanding the burdens of Kingship. "Don't stay up too late, Odin." She replied with a gentle smile. "Goodnight, my King."
~ A few moments later ~
As Frigga walked through the grounds of the Royal Palace, she allowed herself a moment of peace. The corridors were quiet, save for the soft echo of her footsteps. She appreciated the quiet of these moments, away from the responsibilities that came with being Queen and being a mother.
Upon entering her chambers, she felt the familiar comfort of home. The Royal Palace may have been their place of residence, but she would only feel at home whenever she was in the presence of her family, or in her own chambers. She moved to her dressing table, preparing to unwind for the night.
Suddenly, Frigga's senses perceived a shift in the space around her. Her vigilance heightened, and she scanned the room with caution, her hands ready to act. Her eyes darted to every corner, searching for any signs of an intruder.
While looking for physical signs, she also discreetly used her magics to detect any magical intrusions. But the room seemed as it always did, yet she could not shake the feeling that something was different. As a powerful sorceress herself, she did not panic, nor did she currently feel the need to call for the Aesir Warriors.
From the corner of her eye, she noticed a glint of gold and black on a nearby table. Focusing her gaze onto the object, she noticed that it was a golden-black diary with the title "Luke's Diary" on the front.
Frigga's mind raced. 'How did this diary appear in my private chambers? Who could have placed it here?'
She extended her hand, her magic swirling around her fingers as she conducted multiple scans on the diary. However, she found no trace of malevolent enchantments or hidden traps. 'It seems. . . Ordinary. Yet it's sudden appearance here is anything but.'
With cautious curiosity, she reached out and picked up the diary. It felt cool and smooth in her hands. As she opened the cover, her eyes scanned the first page. Her heartbeat quickened as she took in the words written within, trying to make sense of what she was seeing.
Turning the pages, her mind raced with questions. Who had left this here? What secrets did it hold? Her thoughts were a whirlwind of possibilities, each more unsettling than the last.
As she continued to read the initial entries, she felt a chill run down her spine. Initially, the entries spoke of things she had never heard of, events and people that were foreign to her, except for the odd mention of both her sons and some names she had known of in passing.
Frigga needed to know more. She had to understand why this diary had been behind for her. And so, in the silence of her chambers, Frigga's night took an unexpected turn. The diary lay open before her, a mystery waiting to be unravelled.
Little did she know, in the future, the answers she sought would change everything she knew about her family, her realm and herself.
- End of Chapter 75 -
Next time in C76 - Luke meets the Captain.
"Does this lady have auburn hair? I mean, that hug seemed very personal." This time, it was Natasha's turn to tease as Luke turned his head away from them so that they would not see the faint blush on his cheeks. Unfortunately for Luke, Natasha did not let up her teasing gaze, causing him to begin sweating figuratively.
[A/n]