Chapter Text
Asgard, home of the beautiful. Home of the gods and goddesses of the old Norse Tales. Buildings built in gold and quartz, the wealthy wearing lavish robes with silver and gold embroidery. The lesser wearing simple tunics of earthy tones, bearing their families symbols proudly. The Vanguard and soldiers marching and training in metal plated armor, never bearing a single scratch and always glinting in the sunlight.
This was the home I grew up to love. I had the support of my family, my father Brjnolf the Bear; that's what he said his friends called him though I had never met his friends. And younger sister, Uthgard, an eager and dangerously curious child. My mother rests in Valhalla with the legion of battle maidens who fell at the War of Fjords long ago. I barely knew her, my only memory of her was telling me tales of legendary warriors that served under The Allfather himself.
When I reached the age of fifteen I began training with my father for what was about to be at our hands.
Five months before the opening of the event I began to train and build up my strength. My training would always begin the early hours of the day before sunrise. It was always with large bulky maces and heavy axes that swung too slowly for my liking. I had grown to hate them really, but after a light meal when the sun rose I was off to the opening of the Warrior Academy. My father waved me off and said I would get in with ease. Just because I can beat him in training, doesn't mean I can beat someone else in battle.
Since my mother served under the 5th vanguard of The Allfather, her name carried enough honor to allow me into such an extravagant facility. Fifteen children were to be trained and enlightened about battle tactics and history. They were the next elite soldiers of Odin- trained to protect the throne and it's royalties at all costs, much like the renown Valkyries of the old tales. If we were killed in battle, we would be sent straight to Valhalla to wait for Odin to join us- Einherjar. However, we needed to prove our worth to be in different classes. And I knew it wouldn't be easy. We had to show what we could do over the course of two days. Every child had to attempt every subject. And more than one child was bound to make a fool of themselves.
Every class was unique. Queen Frigga herself taught the history of magic and magic lessons. I knew I didn't have the aptitude to join either class but the thought of having her as a teacher was exciting.
Battle training was with Orgnar- a captain of the 2nd vanguard. Orgnar was strict and demanding. Only a select few were given access to his classes, the other mentor was his nephew Tryjn; who was much more laid back and accepting. My father said he'd once fought beside Tryjn and said he barely made an expression as he cut down the opposing warriors.
Horse lessons were a difficult class to both get into and to enjoy. Having to bond with a giant beast and to gain its trust in mere days seemed impossible.
But alas these are just a few possibilities I am offered but may not receive.
I was soon beginning to get crowded and pushed around as hundreds of kids flooded into the open courtyard. Golden trees that grew shimmering gemstones and roses that smelled of food were neatly arranged in the large area of land. Everyone was talking and telling each other tales of who they were and what they had done. This was all silenced as Odin bashed his staff into the ground. His golden robe was draped carefully at his side and Queen Frigga stood tall in his light green robes and golden circlet. I caught a glimpse of both Princes standing behind them but quickly looked away. If I was caught, they would have my head, quite literally.
"Children of Asgard, we gather here on this day to bring forth a new generation of soldiers. Only fifteen of you shall make it through and continue training to serve under me as the elite squadron of warriors. If you are not accepted, return home and you may try again the next year. On the second day, we will begin the battle scoring. That will determine your final acceptance. Let us begin." Odin nodded his head to us and turned on his heel. Queen Frigga lay her hand on his shoulder gently then stepped down to attend to the large number of kids wanting to impress her.
Children bustled about heading every which way to the mentors who were spread out in a large circle. We needed as many mentors to vouch for us as we could.
I looked around carefully, I needed an open mentor or fairly open so I wouldn't have to wait forever.
Finally, I landed my eyes on a tall man whose eyes shimmered curiously. His hair shaved on one side, the other braided tightly into a ponytail. He was wearing the simple armor of a beastmaster. I walked over to him not caring what task he had as long as I could carry it out.
"You wish to try with me first?" The man asked, his voice deep but soft.
"Yes, no other mentor is open," I replied steadily. He chuckled and moved out of the way to show me what the task was.
"I want you to approach the beast and pet him." He said.
"That's all?" I asked.
"That is all." He replied before opening the wooden stall. Inside was a massive horse, his coat was heather grey and his mane in careful battle braids. I looked back to see the man leaning against the stall door his lips curled ever so slightly.
"Hey, there boy.." I said softly. The stallion immediately shrieked out and began jumping and grunting angrily. I moved forward trying to make small slow movements but the horse was rearing and I couldn't get nearly close enough.
Nearly ten minutes had gone by and I had made no progress. In fact, the damned beast grew more confident and was more aggressive towards me by charging at me.
"Alright, that's enough times up, lass." The man said he quickly unlatched the stall door and let me out.
I kicked the ground.
"What is your name, girl?" He asked.
"Y/N. My mother was Synu-battle maiden of the 5th Vanguard in the Fjord Wars." I answered stiffly. He simply nodded his head and waved me off.
^*^*^
By the time closing of the tasks, I was exhausted.
I had made a buffoon of myself sitting in front of Queen Frigga staring at my hands as if they were really going to do something magic.
I had to retell hundreds of stories for history, clean weapons, and armor, climb trees with only using my arms, pack up gear in mere minutes, and much more; just to win the favor of the mentors that I was beginning to dislike.
The long walk home was just a blur to me as I trudged on, shivering as the golden sun slowly set before me. I looked back at the Asgardian Palace.
A flash of green caught my eye and I turned all the way around. In the courtyard, both Princes of Asgard, Thor and Loki, were sparring. The mentors nodded and pointed, motioning to them every now and then. I nearly gasped when I realized what this meant.
The Princes were going to be two of the fifteen in training.
~*~
"How did it go, Y/N?" My father asked eagerly as soon as I had arrived home.
"I'm exhausted..." I sighed as a screaming Uthgard nearly took out my legs. I patted her head as she rambled on about what she did all day. I ate my supper quickly knowing I would need both strength and sleep if I was going to make it through tomorrow.
"Both Princes are going to be in it," I mentioned quietly as I took off my dusty boots and unbuckled my belt and satchel. Father nearly choked on his roasted boar. Uthgard jumped into the bed we shared and began humming to herself as she played with her dolls, not giving a care in the world.
"Yes. I saw them with the mentors after."
Father's face turned pale. "Did they see you?" he asked.
"No. I know the rules, and I might be charged with spying but what harm was it? I just happened to see it. No one saw me and the two princes didn't see anything either. I am not dumb, I was raised smart," I smiled elbowing him. He sighed and softened up. Slowly he stood up and pat my back.
"I'm proud of you Y/N. I would never choose another daughter," he said.
"That's because you can't," I joked and he chuckled.
"Just know if you do get accepted you are in it for life," he explained.
"I know," I answered solemnly.
"They won't let you return home again. Not until you've gone through all of the training and been accepted into it as King Odin's soldier. Y/N that could take years." He said sadly.
"I promise to visit as soon as I am through with it all," I said sadly. "Plus, who knows if I will actually get accepted." I cupped his face. His thick beard scratched my palms but I shook the thought as he patted my hands softly.
"I just don't want to lose you the same way I lost your mum." He said quietly.
"I promise not to do anything stupid to get me killed." I smiled trying to make light of everything.
"Get some rest now, you'll need it tomorrow." He said kissing my forehead. I nodded and crawled into bed next to Uthgard she rolled to her side smiling.
"You're going to fight bad guys and when you become a legend, you will be rich and I can wear new dresses every day and we can eat whatever we want!" She whispered loudly, her curious green eyes shimming. "Do you promise?" she asks.
"I promise, Blomma," I said softly. I brushed a stray strand of hair out of her face and she yawned.
Uthgard nodded her head and began whispering and humming a song to herself, Sir Mannelig. I sighed, looking at her pretty little face for what might be last time in a long time. She sang as if nothing was about to change.
~*~
I woke up with a start as a crow shrieked loudly outside. I looked over to my little sister who was laying on my arm which was now numb. I sighed as I carefully slid it out from beneath her.
I stepped outside into the dark morning, a lone wind making me shiver as it whistled through the trees. I needed to be leaving soon.
I quietly sat down, braiding my hair back quickly. I didn't need my hair getting in the way of my fighting. I nibbled on some leftover boar and brittle bread from last night.
Folding some of my belongings into my small knapsack, I slung it over my shoulder. Blankets ruffled softly from behind me.
"Y/N?" Uthgard whispered. I nearly jumped out my of skin. I didn't expect her, or anyone for that matter, to wake up at this time.
"What is it, Blomma?" I asked, using my nickname for her.
"Take this. I made it and it's good luck," she whispered handing me a small leather necklace with a turquoise gem in the middle. I smiled and put it around my neck.
"Thank you," I leaned forward and hugged her. When I pulled away I pat her cheek gently. "Promise to take care of Father?"
"I promise," she agreed. I nodded and turned on my heel to head to the Asgardian Palace.
By the time I arrived the sun had just peeked over the horizon and was rising fast. Within minutes children piled in, looking around at the large sand pit in front of them. On both ends, weapons lined the walls from axes to bows, to daggers. Instead of chattering wildly as they had before, everyone was swallowed in a grim silence.
Today only fifteen of nearly one hundred were staying victorious. And some were going to have to fight more than once for their chance.
Not to mention the fact we had to fight each other will dull weapons. If you hit hard enough you could really do some damage, just not cutting and slashing around.
Orgnar grunted and any small conversations that had been going on before ceased.
"Two names will be drawn from the sphere, those two will grab the weapon on choice and fight one another. Tryjn and I shall determine the victor. But you will fight until we say announce the victor. Do I make myself clear?" Orgnar shouted though there was no reason too. No one dared talk. A few nodded their heads. "Oh, and if you wish to forfeit, you are not to return to train here ever again. Begin!" He continued.
"Olaf and Amity," Tryjn said, fumbling around with the small slips of parchment. And the fighting began.
Slowly the crowd of kids began getting thinner and thinner. Victors stood on the platform of steps just before the entryway of the palace. The losers walked solemnly home with small cuts and bruises, some even carried off.
"Zayn and Ur!" Tryjn announced. The two boys took their sides, one with a large ax the other with a sword. I glanced to my left to see a giant man. And I say, man, because he was huge! Standing nearly three feet taller than me and muscles bulging. I began to panic. We were the only ones left which meant I would have to battle this beast.
A loud screech brought me back to focus on the two boys battling. Or rather the one called Ur beating a curled up Zayn.
"Ur. You may join as the fourteenth apprentice. Zayn, return home and accept your defeat." Orgnar said bitterly looking with disgust at Zayn. The boy got up slowly, clutching his ribs with tears in his eyes. His jaw already turning colors.
"Y/N and Hrolfder," Orgnar said. My heart skipped a beat as my anxiety rose. With every footstep I took my heart thundered with it.
The weapons rack held several heavy weighted weapons and only three light. I grabbed two daggers of equal weight and flipped them my hands. I glanced up to see Hrolfder waiting on the other side, a heavy mace on his shoulders. A few giggles were heard from the victor's side and I glanced angrily to catch a few of their eyes.
Everyone was watching and whispering quietly nudging each other and snickering. What can I say? A five-foot girl against this hulk of a man? I shouldn't stand a chance.
"Fight!" Orgnar yelled. Immediately the beast man charged at me. I had barely any time to register as I dogged his swinging mace. He crashed through the wooden fence behind me. I ended up behind him and took my chance to stab him in the back.
That was until the damned thing snapped in two.
"Shi-!" I didn't have time to finish that as he turned around and punched my jaw.
I cringed as I heard it crack slightly but felt nothing as both fear and adrenaline rushed through my veins.
I rolled on my side to escape the further beating. If the small daggers didn't work against him then what the Hel was I supposed to do?!
Hrolfder recovered, picked up his dropped mace and began swinging it every which way. I dodged his attacks easily thanking the Gods and Goddesses I was quick on my feet.
Picking up a handful of sand, I threw it at his face.
Hrolfder began getting angry and took heavier swings, being less accurate as he whaled trying to blink away the grit in his eyes. Claps and cheers rang out from the Victors.
Finally, Hrolfder swung with both hands lodging the mace into the ground.
I seized my chance and I ran around him to his back, climbing on and latching my thighs around his neck aiming to stop his breathing. Hrolfder let out an angry grunt and forgot all about his mace. He began wildly flailing his arms about and grabbing me. The Victors went wild screaming and hooting as if this was simply entertainment.
A few times he clocked me good in the gut or the head. Suddenly he lost balance falling on his back. He was getting dizzy. As soon as he hit the ground I felt a sickening crack. I gasped for breath and cried out, feeling the weight of his head and shoulders on my small body. I didn't falter my iron grip on his neck though. He began panting and weakly clawing at my legs before suddenly he stopped altogether. I waited a few seconds and slid out from under him. I stood up grimacing in pain but trying my best to hide it. Soldiers don't cry.
"Y/N...We welcome you as the final fifteenth apprentice." Orgnar said, folding his arms in front of him. The Victors clapped and whistled loudly. I couldn't help but smile despite the pain.
I was going to be a legend, a warrior, a hero.