The Goddess Of Death

Bright and hopeful with her chances, Hela began the journey towards the training grounds the very next morning.

The guards patrolling the corridors stood in attention as she approached, and Hela greeted them all warmly. She always made a point to talk to the guards, servants, and other personnel within the palace. If she were to become the future queen, then maintaining a good relationship with the staff would certainly help her in the long run.

The guards watching over the training grounds inclined their heads as she passed. Herryk was already there, as well as a good number of the trainees. Hela went to her place and, instead of immediately retreating to her own world; she began greeting everyone as she passed, venturing out of her own personal bubble for perhaps the first time in a long while.

It is no secret that Hela often keeps to herself in public, and so she wasn't surprised when everyone just stared at her in surprise. She felt saddened by this fact. She may be friendly to the palace staff, but remaining distant to her own people? That is now going to change. She had let this mistake go on for too long.

Observing her fellow trainees, Hela noted that more than one is sending her looks of barely feigned dislike. She is immediately taken aback, what could she have done wrong already?

Trying her best to ignore them, Hela searched for friendlier faces among the crowd. Some gazed at her indifferently (she'll leave them as a last resort), some smiled back uncertainly (she made sure to send them a friendly grin), but the last faces made her pause.

Two boys are presently huddled a few ways off the grounds, both fixing their leathers and protective guards hastily. It is clear that they arrived late; and the only reason they aren't receiving an earful from Herryk right now is because a boy arrived that was even tardier than them.

There was also another reason they caught her attention. She remembered that one of the boys had sent a look her way yesterday that intrigued her. He was the only one who looked at her without trepidation or distaste, and she finally decided to try her luck with him first.

Her thoughts are promptly cut off by Herryk's snarl of annoyance. "Next brat to arrive late shall clean the horse stables, and I am not talking about the royal ones!"

Hela winced, the stables are nasty, to say the least. Full of manure, awful smells, misbehaving horses... At least the royal ones are regularly kept clean by the handlers and servants, but the regular stables are a nightmare . The trainees immediately snapped to attention and waited for the next unfortunate soul to come stumbling unawares straight into the lion's den.

When it seemed like no one is going to arrive any time soon, Herryk promptly announced that they are going to spar against their fellow trainees today. Hela grinned, a typical training session then.

"I expect not to see any sort of blundering and fooling around, or it will be the stables for you!" Herryk definitely ruled with an iron fist, and everyone knew it. "No killing each other and use the wooden swords." Then he settled back and relaxed, as if those rules are enough. More than a few blinked at him in bewilderment. Hela rolled her eyes in exasperation. "Now go find a partner!" He barked.

Immediately, most of the boys paired with their friends. Seeing this, Hela wasted no time and immediately went and paired up with the boy from yesterday.

Said boy blinked in surprise, and his friend stared at her in wide-eyed confusion and disbelief. "P-Princess?" He asked uncertainly.

"Greetings," She shot him a friendly grin, "Would you care to be my sparring partner? That is… if you don't mind."

He tensed and glanced at his friend, obviously daunted by her sudden actions. Everyone knows that although the princess usually keeps to herself, no one can deny that she is skilled in training; even Commander Herryk acknowledged this a few times, albeit grudgingly. They both know how the spar would end.

On the other hand, Hela's heart slowly sank; perhaps she had been mistaken. It seems that no one wants anything to do with her after all. Nevertheless, after a moment, the boy visibly gathered himself and nodded. "N-No, of course not, Your Highness."

Hela grinned in relief, and noticed his friend send a reassuring look his way, before leaving to find a different partner. And with that, they took their positions.

"Begin!" Herryk called, and sounds of fighting immediately resonated in the training grounds.

As for the two of them, Hela decided to wait for him to make the first move. The boy remained frozen at her lack of movement, before quickly figuring out that she will be on the defensive and stiffly stepped forward. When she still showed no signs of moving, he finally decided to strike.

Hela's eyes narrowed as she blocked his frankly clumsy attempt. The boy looked resigned and hesitant still, but obediently swung his practice sword. Her body automatically moved to meet his heavy strikes and block them, and she frowned when he continued hesitating, but his swings remained strong. Is he hesitating because she's the princess?

"Please do not hesitate." She told him, and the boy flushed at being caught. "I do not mind. Truly."

The boy frowned, but dutifully obeyed her and went to the offense. He ducked down as she swung over his head, and tried to strike her side, which she immediately sidestepped and followed up with a quick thrust. He hastily brought up his weapon, and the wooden swords clashed. With that, Hela immediately felt his strength, as well as his overdependence on it.

It had been one of Herryk's teachings that she always took seriously; strength is never enough. Skill and speed does more in a fight than simply bashing your way through the battlefield.

He surged forward with a cry, and Hela took advantage of the large opening he left. She immediately spun around him before hooking her sword in his and abruptly wrenched it from his grip, disarming him with ease.

He panted as he shook his aching hand from the rough treatment. Hela relaxed before letting out a small smile, "Not bad. You could use some work with your stances, speed, and technique, but your strikes, while hesitant, are strong. If we work on it more, you will surely become formidable one day."

To her confusion, the boy's eyes – warm brown, with a curious spark of intelligence behind them – blinked. "…We?" He echoed reluctantly.

Hela was suddenly filled with nervousness. Had she completely botched it up? She only wanted to compliment him; despite his admittedly poor skill and stance, everything she said was true. "Do you not want to?" She cursed herself for sounding so unsure, "I do not want to presume… I mean… is it all right for me to accompany you and your friend?" She cursed herself once more. Of all the times for her insecurity to act up!

"I… uh…" He turned to look at the other boy for help, and Hela suddenly noticed that he had already finished with his own spar. And defeated, by the looks of it. His friend made a 'go on' motion with his hands and the first boy froze. "We… would be honored to, Princess Hela." He finally replied, though his panicking eyes betrayed his true feelings on the matter.

Before she could take it back (she doesn't want to force them to become her friend, for god's sake), his friend spoke up. "Are you sure, Your Highness?" He shrugged nonchalantly at her confused look. "I mean, Tyrkir and I are not exactly the most fitting companions for a princess." He obviously possesses none of the shyness of his friend, and Hela almost cracked a smile at his boldness.

"… Ornulf !" The first boy – apparently named Tyrkir – immediately hissed, and Ornulf winced, "I… ah… I apologize. I did not mean any offense."

"None taken." She assured them, "You are the first to speak to me without honeyed words. I do not mind. In fact, I prefer it if you continued talking like that."

Almost immediately, Ornulf grinned smugly at Tyrkir, who sighed in defeat. "As you wish."

"Well, since you already know who I am, I am at a disadvantage." Hela tried to defuse the tension by joking, but they still seem tense and she doesn't get why. "What are your names?"

Tyrkir looked to his friend for help before smiling uncertainly. "I am Tyrkir Vifilson, and this is Ornulf. We are honored to meet you, Your Highness."

Vifilson , Hela noted. The son of the minister of law . She remembered that he had been one of the ministers she liked to corner to ask questions about some of Asgard's laws. Some of them, she could find some loopholes. Some also portrays women in a negative light, and she wanted to know what he thinks. Thankfully, he didn't seem prejudiced. He revealed that creating laws requires hearing the various senators' opinions and votes before actually deciding anything. Basically, most of its creation are out of his hands.

Minister Vifil is a kind and intelligent man. He is actually pretty lenient despite his position. The Minister of Security, however, is strict and harsh. Especially since he is the one who actually implements the laws the minister of law creates.

Now that he mentioned it, Tyrkir vaguely looks like his father. They both have the same dark brown hair that looked slightly ruffled, similarly colored eyes, and a reserved posture. He looks like someone who prefers to observe first before doing anything, which looked like the complete opposite of Ornulf who fidgeted nonstop as if he is itching to just blurt out anything his mind can think of and is only marginally silenced by Tyrkir's glares.

Ornulf, on the other hand, looks like a typical Asgardian; all blond hair and bright blue eyes that just seemed to sparkle , and if that wasn't enough, he practically radiated energy like a little kid.

Hela carefully observed the two boys; one standing awkwardly and the other smiling without care. There are no signs of attempted flattery, or any kind of sweet talk and s.u.c.k.i.n.g up.

Very nice, for her first try.

Hela perked up, "Does this mean we are–?"

" You three! " The two boys instantly jumped out of their skins, and Hela spun around in surprise as an irritated Herryk strode towards them. "This is not the time for play dating. Did you not hear me? I said run! And that includes you, princess!"

"Yes, Commander!" They immediately shouted.

" What are you waiting for?"

Both immediately scrambled to obey and ran. Hela stared after their backs for a moment before jogging after them, ignoring the glare threatening to burn a hole at the back of her head.

The training grounds are huge , which makes running around the perimeter of it a favorite torture technique of Herryk's. Ten l.a.p.s around it can make an ordinary person winded. Fifteen will make them lightheaded and dizzy, and twenty-five will already leave them dead on their feet. And Herryk usually wanted fifty l.a.p.s or more.

This is why Hela can sort of understand when already, Tyrkir is tiring after running for just fifteen l.a.p.s.

Ornulf at least endured seven more before finally slowing down and matching Tyrkir's faltering pace. Hela could only stare, she hasn't even sweated yet. Though she guessed that assessment is a bit unfair. Mainly because Hela had already noticed during the first few years of living in this world that her body does not easily tire and has excellent endurance and stamina even without any previous training.

Hela was stunned herself at the discovery. She hardly felt tired unless her body is pushed to its limits (which is often the case in Herryk's harsh training) It is almost as if this body is fated to be an active one, which felt odd whenever she knew she didn't do any rigorous training but she can still potentially outrun the most seasoned men. She has learned ever since to just consider it one of the perks of this god-like body.

However, the two boys obviously lacked those qualities.

She refrained from talking to them though, knowing that it will only waste their breaths and slow them down even more, and only resolved to keep pace with them.

Soon enough, Tyrkir slowed to a walk, and his friend quickly followed. Knowing that not completing the assigned l.a.p.s would incite Herryk's wrath but not particularly caring, Hela slowed down as well.

Tyrkir immediately noticed, "What are you doing?" He asked her in surprise, sweat beading his brow. "The commander will get mad at you!"

"We all know you can run a hundred l.a.p.s more." Ornulf remarked, watching with wide eyes as she stopped completely and proceeded on doing cool-down exercises.

"It's fine, don't worry." She smiled reassuringly at them, making the two blink in bewilderment. Honestly, she just wanted to talk more with her new friends.

After a moment, Ornulf suddenly snorted, the loud sound making Tyrkir turn to him with an almost scandalized expression. "I almost forgot you have the ability to annoy him without even meaning to. And get away with it too! Would the princess care to give a fellow trainee some advice?"

"Become royalty and you're good to go." Hela deadpanned.

Both suddenly snorted while Tyrkir looked as if he would very much like to face-palm, "Odin save me, now there are two of you."

Ornulf shoved him playfully on the shoulder, making him stumble. "Now, don't be like that. We both know that you're always watching the princess. Why, ever since she first joined training-!"

" Ornulf !" Tyrkir hissed, and he immediately looked apologetic.

Hela, meanwhile, just shrugged. "Herryk may be a jerk, but he is good at what he does."

Ornulf grinned, "That he is!"

" PRINCESS!"

The two boys winced at the volume, but Hela only shrugged at them again and turned to face the music.

It seems that she is successful with her task.

Frigga will be proud.

…

Considering how they have training every day, it is odd how Hela never has the time to approach the two boys again. She could only send a smile, one they always returned, and exchange a few words before being caught up into whatever training regime Herryk has for the day.

It is through those brief interactions that Hela got to know them even more. Her initial observation of Tyrkir is almost spot-on. He's reserved and quiet, only speaking out whenever he's with Ornulf. He also seems to deeply respect authority figures and royalty, and frequently scolds Ornulf for speaking out of turn. But perhaps the most remarkable thing about him is his intelligence. Undeniably, as a result of his father's influence, Tyrkir knows Asgard's laws inside, out, upside-down, and sideways.

On the other hand, Ornulf is the kind of person that makes her want to protect him. He's incredibly sweet and lively, but also has a daring and confident attitude. It seems he's just a son of an ordinary Asgardian citizen, and only came to the palace for the chance to train and become a guard.

Both of them aren't as well-known as the other trainees, who are sons of Lords, Ministers, and Generals, and so it makes sense that Hela never took notice of them. She regrets that now.

It's just a shame she can't get to spend time with them as much. They can't even meet after training. Ornulf always says that Tyrkir has to run off to do his 'duties' (Hela resolves to ask him what he does when she has the chance) and Ornulf himself can't stay for long because he has to take care of his sick mother.

Hela immediately offered him the help of the palace healers, but Ornulf stubbornly declined. His mother had been doing well already, so there is no need. She reluctantly backed down, and resolved to help immediately if she ever heard her condition worsen.

Not counting all that, Hela also has her own responsibilities to do. Lessons with Vor, the other instructors, and her Mother took up almost the entire day. The life of royalty is terribly busy; she doesn't know how Thor and Loki ever has the free time to do their adventures when they were young. Skipping lessons will be something Odin would highly disapprove of should he hear about it, and Hela didn't want his attention on her now. Nor ever.

However, the Norns seem to smile on her today. Vor postponed her lessons, saying she has an urgent business to take care of, and so she has free time. To her surprise, Tyrkir is given a break after doing his duties tirelessly (which she still doesn't know about) and Ornulf isn't expected back home until a few hours. It's the perfect opportunity, and Ornulf knew it.

He's dragging them through the palace before they made sense of what is happening, and he laughed as Tyrkir half-heartedly attempted to swipe at him. "Just follow me!" He led them through the halls, sidestepping servants and guards who just stared at the trio in confusion. Hela laughed along with him, oddly touched that he went and included her.

"I found a perfect spot to be our lair." Ornulf stage-whispered. "Since we have the princess in our group, we have to have a secret lair!"

"You do know that I know every nook and cranny in this place, right?" Hela grinned, amused by his antics. Judging by the path they took, they are heading directly towards…

" Shh ! Tyrkir still doesn't know!" Ornulf waved a finger her way and Hela obligingly shut up. Tyrkir just g.r.o.a.n.e.d. "Ornulf, don't point at the princess. It's rude."

"We're here!" Ornulf cheerfully ignored Tyrkir and presented the huge door. "Our new lair!"

Tyrkir opened the door and poked his head inside. "Oh…"

Hela poked her head next to his, "It's one of the unused lounges. Good choice, Ornulf."

" Good choice? " Tyrkir turned to her aghast, "Are we even allowed to use rooms in the palace? Surely not–"

"Sure. I'll ask my mother to let us use this room." Hela shrugged. "I'll say it's for me and my friends, she won't argue with that." Hela told them. She's pretty sure Frigga will be delighted to know she's going into such lengths for her new friends.

Tyrkir gaped while Ornulf clapped his hands once, "That's great!"

"Guess I'll ask the servants to redecorate it. We'll need books, tables, and comfortable couches. Those ones look terribly dusty and firm. I suppose a new set of curtains too."

Ornulf practically ran inside, "I'll light the fireplace!"

Hela glanced at Tyrkir, who was still gaping at them. "You all right?"

"I almost forgot that you're a princess and the Queen is your mother." He chuckled nervously, "Are you sure we're allowed to do this? No one would get angry?"

Hela grinned, happy instead of offended that he forgot her position so easily. Guess this means she's doing the friendship thing right. She doesn't want them to think of her as someone they only befriended only for the wealth and glory of royalty. "Of course we're allowed. No one ever uses these rooms, besides, the Queen would be delighted." The King, on the other hand, probably couldn't care less.

"Hey Hela," Ornulf's head popped out from behind the couch. "Can you get the servants to add a secret room to our lair? Just like in the stories of old!"

"You mean the ones with the hidden room behind the bookcase?"

"Ornulf!" Tyrkir hissed, "That's completely unnecessary. Besides, we shouldn't impose on their hospitality."

The boy pouted, while Hela only laughed.

A few minutes later, Hela had succeeded in sending off servants to get new furniture for their new abode and fixing the place up. Ornulf is practically jumping through the ceiling with his enthusiasm while Tyrkir helped the servants as much as he could.

"Thank you, my Lord." An elderly woman smiled kindly as Tyrkir assisted her with carrying a basin full of water. "These old bones aren't as strong as they used to."

Hela watched them, fighting the urge to smile. A light nudge on her side made her glance at Ornulf, and she stared in surprise at his reluctant gaze. "Your Highness… I-I just wanted to say thank you. I know this probably seems a simple thing to you, but for us, this is indeed too much." He breathed deeply, his fingers nervously twitching. "Just in case you thought otherwise, we are not friends with you for your wealth or anything. Tyrkir and I are not like that."

Hela stared still, not knowing what to do with the suddenly nervous Ornulf. She wasn't used to see him be so unconfident and unsure. "You're welcome." She said gently, "I know you aren't like that. You two aren't the type."

Ornulf seemed to deflate in relief, "I just thought… you looked impassive, and I thought you secretly disapprove. I don't want–" He abruptly stopped.

"You don't want… what?" She gently probed.

Ornulf seemed to light up in front of her eyes. "I was about to say I don't want to lose our new lair before we even started. Thank the Norns you approve."

Hela chuckled, "Of course I approve. It will be nice to have a place of our own. For the sake of decorum, I can't exactly let you in my room."

" The princess's room? " They both turned as Tyrkir practically marched up to Ornulf, face bright red in either anger or embarrassment. "You asked to be let inside the princess's room?!"

Ornulf backed away from the fuming boy, hands held up defensively. "Don't worry, she didn't agree, so I said I'll let you go in my stead."

Hela snorted as Tyrkir reddened even further in anger. " You what?!"

Ornulf turned and ran out the room, Tyrkir following hot on his heels. The sounds of chaos and yelling filled the corridors, and more than one servant chuckled. "It is good to see you making friends, Your Highness."

Hela smiled happily in the elderly woman's direction. "Thank you, Astrid."

The woman's eyes widened in shock for being recognized, but it was drowned out by the other servant's inquiries. "The Minister's son? I heard he's a smart boy."

"I can't say I recognized the other boy you were talking to."

"It is rare indeed to see you out of your room, Your Highness."

Hela just smiled as she answered their questions and helped move the new furniture. With any luck, Tyrkir and Ornulf would be back soon to help. After all, they were the ones who requested the secret lair in the first place.

…

It was nearly night. Hela trailed off as she looked out the window; however, one look from Vor had her finishing answering the question.

Vor nodded as Hela successfully recited the names of all thirty-three dwarf warriors who successfully drove back Ulik the Rock Troll from conquering their realm centuries ago. "Very good, Your Highness. It seems we are finally finished with the Rock Troll Invasion in Nidavellir."

Hela grinned, "Thank the Norns, I swear I will go completely mad if I hear another gods-forsaken dwarf name like Glamnaeth ."

Vor only raised an eyebrow, "It seems I saved Asgard from an unfortunate disaster just in time. Mayhap I should give myself a pat in the back?"

Hela snorted, "Oh never change, Vor!"

"I do not intend to."

Hela shook her head, still grinning. "Well, now that we are done with that, what is the next topic for the day? Or night now, I suppose."

"How about enlightening me as to why you seemed to have such an overreaction to the knowledge of Odin being your father? And I trust you will not think me foolish enough to fall for your frankly pitiful excuses."

Hela stiffened and sighed, "Must you always continue asking that, Vor? I told you I was just confused at the time and–"

Vor raised an unimpressed eyebrow.

She flinched, "I-It's private. Please do not ask. And it's true that I was just confused that day. It was really nothing you should concern yourself with."

For the last few years, Vor has never failed to raise that question whenever she gets the opportunity. She never believes anything Hela tells her, and Hela has frankly begun to feel too tired to think of new excuses every time.

Now, it is Vor's turn to sigh. "I never liked not knowing something. You know this. I might not let this go for a long time."

"I know." Honestly, if there is anyone who must absolutely know her secret, she doesn't mind that it's Vor. It's not just because she is the least likely to start spouting her secrets as soon as her back is turned, but also because she might actually understand her situation and help her through it. Hela has no doubt Frigga would do the same, but the fact remains that Frigga remains too close to the canon story that knowing the slightest thing might impact the future in a lot of ways.

Vor immediately pinned her with one of those knowing gazes that never failed to make her squirm. "Then I expect an answer in the next century or so. At the earliest."

Hela sniggered before cowering at Vor's serious glare. "I understand."

Vor then straightened, steepling both her fingers together and leaning her chin on them. "Now, how are your seidr lessons coming along? I heard you are learning from the Queen?"

"The finest and most talented seidkona in Asgard herself." Hela declared proudly. "It is truly an honor to learn from her."

She could still remember the time when she pleaded to Frigga to let her practice magic. She had just finished learning the first few forms of combat and academic lessons then, the instructors telling her parents on how fast she absorbed every lesson, as well as all the arguments and debates she sparked through her ideas and hypotheses about various controversial topics about Asgard's history and beliefs.

It is through these that she quickly discovered that Asgard is both advanced and backwards in their technology, beliefs, and practices, and that they don't easily accept new things, and that fact made her want to tear her hair out in countless occasions. To think they still refused to accept the fact that women are equally as capable in combat and can do dangerous work like men is unacceptable . It seems that even though the Valkyries exist at this time, they are still mostly considered a legend and therefore, a dream not really attainable by little girls like herself.

Despite those drawbacks though, the compliments about her prodigious intelligence and skill are plentiful, (though she suspects most of those are flowery words designed to earn her favor). Her instructors, and much to her surprise, including Vor , remarked that she would make an excellent philosopher if it weren't for her status as heir.

Frigga and Odin had both been bewildered and visibly pleased after hearing those reports. It made Hela's c.h.e.s.t burst with happiness at the thought of making her parents proud, but she still felt uneasy.

Judging by what she could hear from the servants' gossip, it had been centuries since a child had been hailed a prodigy. To think that the next one came from Odin's line is a cause for celebration and incessant scrutiny.

This is not the kind of pressure or attention Hela wants or needs right now. But it seems something Asgardians are determined to give no matter what she wished.

One thing she immediately learned about this place is that Asgard takes its feasts very seriously. The smallest good things are cause for celebration, and the servants always prepare the best food, meat, and mead they could offer. All the partying is frankly very tiring and annoying, but she knows that's what Asgardians are known for, and she always has to pretend to like it so she can be considered as one of them.

Even Frigga and Odin enjoys these kinds of things, and she quietly observes from her spot in the table as Frigga smiles and sips a glass of wine while Odin laughs heartily at one of the funny songs of the bards. It is times like this when Hela remembers that Odin is still young and hasn't conquered any realms or mighty kingdoms yet. He is still too open, boisterous, and loud. Very much like Thor in the first Thor movie. He is not yet wise nor has he been tainted by the horrors of war.

While mostly a warrior, Odin also wields seidr, but only when the situation absolutely requires it. On the outside, Odin is only known as an incredible warrior and king. But again, he is still young, and she knew he will most likely balk and become disappointed if she asks him.

And with that, Hela knew that he is not the person she should ask to teach her about seidr.

Seidr is a rare art in Asgard, and something that is best practiced in secret or not at all if one does not want to be ostracized. And frankly speaking, Aesir does not like seidr wielders. They consider them weak, effeminate, and mere tricksters and cowards. Women are given some leeway, however, the most they could practice are scrying and the most simplest of magics. The practice is frowned upon, and even servants would mock its practitioners. Simply put, if you want to be a seidmadr, you are best off living in Vanaheim, the realm of magic.

However, Hela couldn't leave Asgard even if she wanted to. She is the heir and the princess. She suspects this must be the reason why Loki didn't leave too. Nevertheless, she wants to learn it. And who best to ask but one of the most powerful seidr wielders in this kingdom?

And so she turns to Frigga.

"Mother, can we talk?"

Frigga smiles at her patiently, and she felt her hesitation disappearing with just one kind look from her mother.

"Of course, my darling."

She led Frigga outside the dining hall, the noises of celebration and boisterous laughing cut off when the doors slammed closed behind them. She immediately exhaled in relief and longed to rub her ears to get rid of the ringing sound left over from the noise inside. She likes the occasional party as much as the next person, but it does become boring and monotonous when all everyone does for fun around here is party all night long for almost every week.

Something must have shown in her face, because Frigga then turned to gaze at her curiously, "Do you not like the feast?" She inquired.

"No, no, it is fine. I am absolutely honored that people wanted to throw a feast in my honor." Hela was quick to assure her. No one can say she is ungrateful. "Though I still maintain my belief that being good in one's studies is not a cause for celebration as grand as this."

Frigga slowly shook her head as soon as she said the last words and moved to gently lift up her chin, her eyes boring into hers intently. "Hela, you are our sweet, beautiful, and clever daughter. Of course we will throw a feast for you . After all, the Princess of Asgard deserves nothing less."

Hela felt her heart soar at those words and fought the urge to beam. Right now, she needs to be as serious as she can. "I thank you for your kind words, Mother. But this is actually about something else."

Frigga leaned back at that. "Oh?"

Hela strengthened her resolve. "Mother, I wish to learn magic."

Her mother's eyes widened.

She sighed and prepared to defend her decision, "Mother, please. I feel it, crawling under my skin, begging to be used. I just don't know how." She looked up at her imploringly, "I could not ask Father because he will probably laugh at me or ignore me, but you are one of the most powerful magic users in all the Nine. I know it is frowned upon, but I really want to learn how." She pleaded, "Please teach me, Mother."

She has to agree. Didn't Frigga also teach Loki magic even when male seidr users are frowned upon? So she wouldn't refuse her daughter, right?

"You do not have to beg, my daughter. All you have to do is ask."

Hela looked up in surprise only to meet Frigga's delighted smile. "I am aware there are only a few seidmadr and seidkona currently residing in Asgard, not unlike Vanaheim where there are thousands of us. I am immensely happy to know my own daughter shows interest in learning the art."

Hela grinned so wide her cheeks started to hurt, utterly thrilled as she is at the prospect of learning magic, of all things. This second life truly is a dream come true! "Thank you, Mother!"

And so her magic lessons began. At day, she attended lessons with Vor about language, etiquette, history, and arithmetic (even in another world, no one can escape math), but at night, she practiced wielding her seidr under Frigga's patient eye. Her mother said she would teach her how to manipulate her seidr to levitate things, how to cast illusions, and how to conjure.

She warned that it would be very slow work, but Hela is completely willing to see it through. No one can push her away from her goal now. Especially since she has no doubt it would prove to be useful in the future. She will not be like any other Aesir who only knew how to fight physically and has no other means to defend themselves when incapacitated. She will make her mother proud.

"Unlike galdrmadr and the vitki, seidkona does not need to say runes or spells to wield seidr. Instead, it is all about intent and focus." Frigga had instructed, and waved a hand over the room. Instantly, their surroundings changed into that of a rich and abundant forest . Inside her room !

Complete with a freaking waterfall .

"Crafting illusions may be complex and difficult, but once you practice it repeatedly, it will cease to be so." Frigga continued, showing no signs of fatigue after creating such a complex illusion.

Hela is still gaping around the room and slowly reached out a finger to poke one of the branches hanging near her. Instantly, the illusion shimmered, and the forest flickered fleetingly into the boring old walls of her room before strengthening again. "And that is one of the flaws of illusions. Once someone touches it or you lose concentration, it will weaken."

Oh … so that's why Loki's doppelgangers always disappear whenever someone runs through them.

"Is there any way to render the illusions solid?" Hela asked curiously.

Frigga slowly shook her head, "Illusions are just that, illusions. They are only tricks used to fool and mislead the eye into believing that it is real. However, if it is solid things you wish to produce, then it is conjuring you must study."

Hela hurriedly shook her head, "I wish to learn both, Mother. Teach me anything you think I am capable of, and I promise to do my best to make you proud."

Frigga beamed with pride, "If that is what you wish, my daughter, but know that you have already made me proud."

…

Years of relentless practice and training passed, and it is then they soon realized that Hela's abilities are not suited for creating illusions nor healing. Instead, her magic leans towards the more destructive side of things. Hela has almost lost count of how many windows and mirrors she shattered when all she wanted to do was make it look like stone. The most she could do was create the simplest of illusions like a pen or a book, and not something more complex like a person. And the healing arts just seem to dislike her, enough said.

She had worried and been frightened by her destructive and violent magic. It made her wonder fearfully if learning how to fight and use seidr will only bring her one step closer into becoming the original Hela, and Frigga had had to console her repeatedly. "Seidr has many forms," She had murmured into her hair, "we just need to find the right one for you."

And so she did. Frigga – brilliant and clever Frigga – proposed that if Hela's seidr doesn't specialize in creating illusions and tricks, then it's probably because it specializes in conjuring real things.

This began new sessions, with Frigga slowly and patiently teaching Hela how to conjure simple things like feathers and pens, and Hela found that she could do so easily . It took practice and endless sleepless nights of course, but at last, she could conjure them with just a flick of her wrists, all without explosions or accidents. Frigga then looked at her with such pride and endless joy, and Hela quickly realized that seidr isn't just an ability for the Queen. It is her life , and she has probably been hurt by Asgard's low opinion of seidr and had been beyond delighted when Hela asked her to teach her.

Hela then found herself wondering when it went wrong for Loki. Seidr is a beautiful art and one that deserves to be shown with pride, but surely Loki knew the consequences of learning and showing it to others?

Unless he didn't.

Hela slowly began to realize what really happened in the canon past that Marvel didn't show. After all, her inquisitive mind wouldn't settle for anything else. The picture her mind painted proceeded to make her blanch.

In the original Asgard, Frigga most likely felt alone while surrounded by the Aesir's disdain for seidkona. It probably hurt when Thor didn't show even the slightest interest in learning seidr. But when Loki finally came and expressed interest, she then probably proceeded to teach him everything she knows so she won't be alone. And young and naïve Loki, who was obviously delighted with his new ability and probably thought that if the Queen has it, then it is okay, proceeded to show everyone, which immediately made them dislike and ostracize him.

Odin and Thor might have led him to that point due to their neglect and indifference, but Frigga isn't entirely blameless for what happened. She should have warned him that learning the art is dangerous in this realm but she neglected to do so, much like how she neglected to do so with Hela herself. And she knew if she is indeed the child they think she is, then she would probably show off her new abilities to her father and the servants, and then where would she be?

The realization that she had been manipulated made her sick.

But perhaps manipulation is too strong a word. Frigga only meant well, and it must be hard to be from the only magical realm in the Nine and then forced to hide abilities you have practiced your whole life. In a way, Hela can understand, but the realization of what Loki must've experienced still left a bad taste in her mouth.

So on top of protecting her brothers, avoiding making Loki feel neglected, helping to teach him seidr, hopefully telling him his true identity without repercussions, and countless other things, Hela must also tell him not to show anyone his abilities lest he becomes detested by his peers. It would be something a normal child would not understand, but she couldn't risk him not learning seidr completely. It has been one of his most defining and recognizable traits, and she wouldn't want to take that away from him. He would hate her, for sure.

And so Hela kept silent, and smiled back at her mother's obvious joy and pride.

…

Knowing that Vor is watching her intently, Hela exhaled and slowly produced fire with a flick of her wrists, concentrating to keep the bright flames dancing in her palm. However, just like anything she has ever conjured the first time, the flames only grew stronger and bigger the longer she left it on.

Vor's eyes immediately glinted and she barely suppressed a smile. "Excellent work, Princess." She eyed the flames that are much taller than her head now. "You are powerful, that much I can see. The Queen must be proud."

"I sure hope so." Hela grinned.

A moment passed and the flames only got bigger and brighter. Vor has to crane her neck now to keep the entirety of it within her vision. "Are you sure you are not doing this deliberately? Normally, flames produced by seidr extinguishes when the wielder is not concentrated or if it is left for too long."

"I am putting the barest amount of thought into it." Hela promised.

Vor frowned, glanced at her, at the flames, and back, before parting her lips soundlessly in realization.

Hela tilted her head in curiosity but Vor waved her off, "It is just a thought. Now put that out lest you exhaust yourself or burn down the whole library. Our lessons are not yet done."

Hela grinned and complied, swiftly extinguishing the flames.

…