The morning sun filtered through the crystalline arches of the portal palace, casting long golden beams over the rainbow-like bridge below. Soren adjusted the strap of his travel bag over his shoulder.
His cloak, clean and lined with magical runes, billowed softly in the Asgardian breeze.
He had said his goodbyes already, to the librarians of the Grand Archive, to the apprentices he had bested in quiet duels, and to Heimdall, who merely nodded solemnly before turning back to the cosmos.
Now, only Thor remained at the portal's threshold.
"You're really going back?" Thor asked, folding his arms, his golden armor glinting faintly.
Soren gave a small nod. "I've lingered long enough. My work here is done."
Thor scratched his beard, clearly displeased but trying not to show it too much. "You're not tempted to stay a little longer? Even a few days?"
"We completed that drinking match you promised me."
Soren chuckled, stepping forward to clasp Thor's forearm. "We'll save that for Earth."
"You wouldn't believe the variety of brews we have. Mead's only the beginning."
Thor let out a deep laugh, his grip tight. "You've been a good sparring partner, Soren."
"And a better friend. Honestly… I've learned more in a few weeks training beside you than I did in years under the Allfather's watchful eye."
"That's mutual, Thor. You taught me more than you realize."
There was a pause.
Then, with a tilt of his head. "Any luck with that inscription?"
Thor shook his head with a sigh. "The Dark Elf script isn't like the others."
"Meanings change depending on nearby glyphs. We've cracked more than half, but deciphering the full ritual for the Aether will take more time."
"I figured." Soren said, glancing up at the ornate stone stele etched with writhing, silver-infused runes.
"Keep me updated. When it's done, I'll come back. Or you send someone to me."
"You'll be the first to know." Thor promised.
"And you'll leave the portal open?"
"I will. If anyone from Asgard needs healing, or a temporary escape from formality, Midgard's open."
As Soren turned to approach the shimmering portal, a flicker of movement caught his eye.
Boots on stone. Metal clicking softly.
He turned just in time to see a familiar figure descending the steps, Freyja, now back in full battle regalia.
Silver-threaded armor clung to her with elegance and strength, a short sword on her back and a round shield slung over her shoulder.
Soren blinked. "Freyja?"
"Don't tell me you're here to challenge me to a duel before I leave."
A teasing smile tugged at his lips.
Freyja stopped a few paces away, chin high, expression unreadable. "Soren."
"What kind of goddess would I be if I let you walk through the portal without testing your reflexes?"
Thor watched the exchange with interest, then shot Soren a knowing look and backed away with a smirk, muttering something about "giving space."
But Soren didn't break eye contact with Freyja.
"You're really not here to stop me?"
"I'm not that sentimental." She replied, but the faint warmth in her voice told another story.
"I'm here on orders. From Odin."
That got Soren's attention. "You're going to Earth?"
"Not with you…" She answered quickly, then paused. "Well, not because of you."
His grin deepened. "That doesn't make it sound any better."
Freyja huffed, a slight flush touching her cheeks. "It's a mission. When Malekith attacked, he ruptured the lower vaults. Several prisoners escaped, spreading chaos through the Nine Realms."
"My task is to track one of them… Lorelei."
Soren blinked. "The enchantress?"
Freyja nodded. "She's taken refuge on Midgard. Odin wants her back before she causes more damage."
"Convenient timing."
"I requested the mission." Freyja admitted after a beat, meeting his eyes.
"And Odin agreed. He said… I'd be the best suited for the task. Familiar with Earth. Familiar with—" she hesitated."—the people there."
Soren raised a brow. "Familiar with me, you mean."
Silence.
Then Freyja shifted her shield into a more comfortable position. "I don't need you babysitting me, if that's what you're thinking."
"I wouldn't dare."
"But…"
"If you happen to cross paths with me on Earth, don't be a stranger."
Soren looked at her, the confident goddess who once called him reckless, now offering a fragile invitation behind layers of armor.
He smiled. "I never would."
Everlife Medical Center (Finally)
The portal shimmered as moonlight caught in ripples of water, then gently collapsed behind them.
Freyja stepped out first, her armored boots clicking softly against the tiled stone path that wound through the medical center's tranquil courtyard.
Her eyes scanned the surroundings: flowering herbs in full bloom, clean lines of modern architecture nestled against an almost temple-like serenity.
She tilted her head slightly, brushing a lock of hair from her cheek. "So this is your realm."
Soren stepped beside her. "One of them."
"Welcome to the Everlife Medical Center. We don't smite monsters here, but we've been known to wrestle with death."
"For a healer, you speak like a warrior." Freyja chuckled.
"Old habits."
"Come, have a seat. You've traveled far, and Midgard always feels strange the first time."
She let herself be guided to a wooden bench beneath a pale-blossomed tree.
A carved fountain gurgled gently nearby. Despite herself, she relaxed a little, though her hand never strayed far from her sword hilt.
Inside, Soren brewed tea with care, not the usual kind, but a special infusion grown only in the rear gardens of Everlife.
Leaves blessed by light-aligned elemental runes, meant to calm the nerves and sharpen perception.
He returned minutes later, setting the polished tray between them.
Freyja accepted the steaming porcelain cup with both hands, eyeing it warily before taking a sip.
A moment passed.
Then her eyes widened slightly. "This is…"
"Clears the mind. Some say it lets you see your own heartbeat."
Freyja blinked. "I feel as if my thoughts stopped clashing with each other. You could start a cult with this."
"Please don't give the patients ideas." He leaned back.
Wind rustled through the herbs, birds chirped somewhere near the eaves. Freyja's expression was thoughtful, torn, between wonder and duty.
Soren finally spoke, "You've let me wander Asgard's halls, shown me old secrets and battlefields."
"Seems only fair I give you a tour in return."
Freyja's gaze lingered on the courtyard. Then she shook her head slowly. "As much as I'd like to see what your world holds… I didn't come for tea and gardens."
She set the cup down gently and stood, the light catching on the silver detailing of her armor.
"My mission is clear. I'm here for Lorelei."
Soren's playful demeanor shifted ever so slightly into something more grounded. "She's dangerous."
"A manipulator who turns your own desires against you."
"Let her try. I'm not so easily swayed."
"Still, be careful." He nodded.
"Her magic's rooted in charm and compulsion. She doesn't need to be stronger than you… only underestimated."
"I don't underestimate anyone." Freyja said with quiet certainty.
Soren reached into his coat and produced a sleek, obsidian-black business card. Gold runes shimmered across its surface like fireflies in a jar.
"Take this."
Freyja hesitated, staring at it like it might explode. "Is this some kind of Earth courting ritual?"
Soren laughed. "Hardly. It's a recall sigil."
"If you're in danger or just tired of chasing a runaway enchantress, crush it. You'll be teleported back here, no matter where you are."
She accepted it, her fingers brushing against his briefly. Her cheeks colored just a bit, though she masked it quickly with a scoff.
"Your gifts come with flair."
"I prefer style over subtlety."
"And I don't like the thought of you out there with no lifeline."
She tucked the card into a hidden compartment in her belt. "You worry too much."
"I worry just enough."
Their eyes met for a heartbeat longer than intended.
Then Freyja stepped back, adjusting her sword and resettling her shield across her back. "When I've found Lorelei."
"I'll come back."
"Not as a guest, but as a traveler. Then you can show me all the wonders of this strange little world."
Soren gave a half-bow, hand over his chest. "I'll be waiting."
And with that, she turned and walked down the garden path, her silhouette framed by swaying leaves… a goddess on the hunt.
꧁𓊈𒆜༺⚜༻𒆜𓊉꧂
PhantomDream