The Goddess Of Death

Odin gazed down the training grounds silently, the few people who noticed him offering a bow and murmured pleasantries.

He is not interested in entertaining them right now.

Grunts and groans of pain sounded from the grounds, the latter of which coming from a boy who is most certainly getting kicked around by his bored daughter very easily. He watched as Hela leapt, and struck a foot out which caught the boy in the stomach and sent him hurtling across the grounds.

His daughter idly flipped her sword, gaze impassive as she watched her opponent try to get up before slumping back on the wall with a groan. Their trainer only nodded his head in her direction before gesturing for the next opponent to take his position. There was no fanfare, yet Hela seemed content. Not a warrior who likes songs sung in his or her praise then, but a silent one, capable of striking in the dark without anyone noticing.

As if sensing his gaze, he watched his daughter turn silently, until her green eyes met his own blue ones. There was no surprise, only impassiveness. No d.e.s.i.r.e to get his approval then.

Very curious.

Hela inclined her head, before turning back to her opponent, who looked confident in his chances to win. Even from his viewpoint, he knew his daughter would triumph. Through his daughter's own insistence for harsher training and her determination, she quickly became proficient in the art of combat; already mastering the sword, daggers, axe, spear, war hammer, mace, and is moving on to more complicated weapons and forms. Truly a natural prodigy.

As expected, she made quick work of her new opponent, and the next, and the one after that. Soon enough, it is done. The only signs of her fatigue is a slightly hitched breath, but no more. And in that moment, he has never seen anyone as beautiful and deadly as she.

"Hela."

His daughter looked up at him, before saluting with her fist over her heart. "Father."

He watched her for a long moment; his intense gaze not even making her fidget. It almost made him smile. "Come, we must talk."

She gazed inquisitively at him, before following after him.

They walked for a moment, Hela effortlessly matching his pace with her own. Their synchronized footsteps echoed in the vast halls of the palace and they seem to have no destination in mind.

After a long moment, his curious daughter finally turned to him. "Why have you called me, Father? Is there something wrong?"

His amused gaze met hers again, "Does a father need a reason to spend time with his daughter?"

Hela pursed her lips before shaking her head, "No, I suppose not. But you have to forgive me," she then cracked a wry grin. "Since you haven't exactly been around lately."

That surprised a chuckle out of him that had Hela glancing at him in surprise at the corner of her eye. "I suppose your mother is right once again."

"About what?"

He abruptly sobered and stopped. Hela accidentally walked a bit more before turning back in surprise. Ignoring her look, he slowly took her in.

Even after so many years under the sun, his daughter remained pale. Her black hair is tied into a messy knot on top of her head, the dark color a sharp contrast to her skin. He often wondered how she got such a color. Then again, his twin brothers Vili and Ve both have black hair, albeit tanned skin. Her green eyes are wise and knowing, and she is only wearing training gear, however, his daughter still managed to maintain a regal and m.a.t.u.r.e air about her.

Truly someone fitting to be the heir to Asgard's throne.

He glanced at her, before making up his mind. "Follow me."

Odin quickly strode off, leaving Hela to scramble after him. They both walked through the palace in a rapid pace, past the guards and servants milling around the halls, past countless doors, down the steps, and further down they went. After a while, he could feel Hela's knowing gaze on his back, and almost smiled. It seems the rumors about his daughter's intelligence and wit is also true.

Finally, they reached the Weapon's Vault. Odin waved away the two guards present, who saluted before turning to leave.

"I don't suppose you have been here before?"

Hela looked amused, "If you are suggesting if I have sneaked into the Weapon's Vault… No, I have not."

"Most would not resist the chance to be in a room full of forbidden and powerful relics."

"Except it is not yet 'full', is it?" She smirked.

Odin laughed, "I never realized I have such an impudent daughter."

"Perhaps you'll know if you actually spent time with me."

Odin paused and turned to look at Hela, whose pale cheeks pinked in embarrassment. "I apologize for my insolence, Father."

He still stared at her. "Your mother has been mentioning a few interesting things."

That got her attention. "What kinds of things?" She asked slowly.

He gazed at her seriously. "Tell me, my daughter. Have I been neglecting you?"

His daughter's eyes widened at his forwardness, and she visibly stiffened. The look on her face, however, revealed the truth.

He barely restrained the urge to sigh. "I see."

Hela frowned, but said nothing.

"In truth, I haven't realized." He said honestly. "I don't suppose you'll understand, but I have been busy preparing for war. The other realms are growing restless as of late."

She should have only nodded and moved on. After all, war should be a foreign concept to a child, and yet young Hela's eyes blazed with understanding, but also accusation. "There is no war, Father. There are only those you wish to make."

He immediately scowled, "What are you implying, daughter?"

Her posture quickly turned submissive, but the fire in her eyes says otherwise. "I am only implying that everything is peaceful at the moment, so why do you feel the need to fight?"

"' Why do I feel the need to fight '?" Odin echoed in disbelief. "I fight for the good of Asgard. I fight for our people. The other realms are becoming more aggressive, who is to say they would not turn their wrath on Asgard? It is best we extinguish the spark before it becomes a flame."

His daughter looked frustrated, but her voice retained its diplomatic tone. "No, you fight to conquer. You fight so that Asgard can expand its territories and subjugate other realms. You are fighting when there is no reason to fight." Her voice took on a pleading tone, and Odin was almost appalled to find such weakness.

He expected more from her.

She is not yet done, however. "If you must truly fight, then please do not be the instigators of conflict. Retaliation is better and more justifiable than outright violence."

Now it is Odin's turn to look furious, and he didn't bother hiding that fact. "You are saying I should let Asgard lie on its back and wait to be attacked before exacting revenge. Why should I need to justify my actions when I know I am right?" He shook his head, "I do not know why your instructors say you are a prodigy; you are still clearly a child." He pinned her with his intense gaze, "I only allowed you to learn how to fight; that does not mean you can claim to know the rules of war and lecture me, my daughter. "

Hela flinched and turned silent, the fire in her eyes slowly dying. She breathed slowly, "I apologize again, Father."

Odin fought back the urge to rub his temple; how could he let the situation get out of hand? His daughter is clearly distressed by his apparent 'neglect' of her. Yelling at her probably did not do him any favors.

Besides, Frigga would slaughter him if she found out what happened here.

"It is of no consequence. I just hope you'll understand that all I do, I do it for Asgard, for Frigga, and for you."

She looked surprised, "Me?"

In response, he silently led her across the room, into a hidden alcove, until they are standing in a chamber within the Vault. Hela gasped, and he smiled before gesturing to the lifelike mural on the walls. "What you see here, is the entirety of Yggdrasil."

Flabbergasted, Hela walked forward, her head craning this way and that, and slowly took in the chamber that is glowing with the light of a billion stars, whole galaxies, and gigantic nebulae, all of which she could see are connected by tendrils and wisps of light, gas, and dust; the pattern almost resembling the branches of a tree.

Yggdrasil, the World Tree.

"Beautiful, is it not? Though I must say this does not compare to reality, which only Heimdall truly sees in its entirety."

Hela turned back to look at her father, who came to stand beside her. "This is why I had been so busy that it appeared as if I am neglecting you. I want to assure you that I am not. I only wanted to give you this." He gestured to the universe before them, as if presenting her a gift tied with a bow. "As the future Queen of Asgard, you deserve nothing less."

Hela looked shocked, and her breathing had turned shallow. "You mean for me to rule all this ?"

He nodded, pleased that she understood. "It is your birthright."

Her face suddenly contorted unpleasantly. "And for that to happen, you would wage war?"

Odin frowned again, "Hela–"

"Father, I don't want any of this." Hela looked desperate. As for why, he doesn't know. "Please reconsider, if you are truly doing this for me."

Odin felt his face turn hard, and Hela visibly flinched from the sight. "It is not just for you, Hela." He said, the words firm and final. "I also said it was for Asgard. As its King, I must do what is asked of me." He gazed coldly at her, "This will be the last time I will hear you disagree."

It is a command, not a statement.

And with that, he turned away, leaving Hela to gaze after him helplessly.

…

Enthusiastic cheers suddenly erupted from the stands near the boundaries of the forest and Hela inwardly winced. Only Frigga's encouraging hand at her back kept her from jumping on Dagny's back and bolting far away.

Show no fear. Only confidence and authority.

Be the heir they expect you to be.

She forced herself to straighten and look confident, but the sight of the sheer amount of people in the stands as she turned around the corner immediately made her duck down in embarrassment.

Noticing her nervousness, Frigga gave her an encouraging smile. "Be at ease, my dearest." Frigga whispered soothingly. "This will be but a confirmation of what I already knew. I have full confidence in your abilities."

Hela giggled and beamed at those words. Has she ever mentioned how much she absolutely loved Frigga?

Still… this is the coming-of-age ceremony. Everyone, and she meant everyone , in Asgard is watching, and if she completely floundered and bl.u.s.tered her way through this, everyone in Asgard will know how much of a fraud she really is.

Hela took a deep breath and tried to steady her pounding heart. She could do this. She tried desperately to recall everything she learned from Herryk. A quick glance around the stands and she immediately saw the huge commander scowling darkly in the front seats as the cheers steadily grew louder. Sensing her gaze, his eyes turned to meet hers, and to her surprise, he nodded stiffly.

She blinked, and the moment is gone.

Huh. He truly does care .

Right beside him is Vor, who sat primly and straight-backed in her seat. She nodded as well, and smiled.

A gentle push at her back from Frigga caught her attention. "Off you go." She said kindly.

"Thank you, Mother." Hela told her sincerely before heading off to where the other trainees are gathering to prepare themselves.

"Hela!" A yell followed by a grunt of pain sounded behind her, and she turned to see a sheepish Ornulf apologizing to Tyrkir, who looked resigned. "We are in public Ornulf, we must refer to the Princess with respect."

"Sorry~!" Ornulf laughed and beamed at Hela, "So Princess, are you ready to slay some dragons?"

Tyrkir rolled his eyes skyward as if looking for guidance, and Hela resisted the urge to giggle. "For the last time Ornulf, there are no dragons in Asgard!"

Ornulf stuck out his tongue, "Even if there isn't, you wouldn't know, would you Tyrkir? You never go outside the palace."

Tyrkir reddened and Hela laughed, "Good to see you aren't nervous in the least, friends."

"Nervous? We are terrified !" Ornulf exclaimed, a fixed smile on his face.

Ah , Hela realized. I guess we all have our own means of coping.

"Bringing back an animal smaller than a boar is already considered shameful. But what am I supposed to do when I cannot even approach the damn thing?" Tyrkir sighed heavily.

"I am certain you will do fine." Hela quickly reassured them. "It doesn't have to be a boar. A stag is a suitable replacement. Just find those and you will be good to go."

"… I suppose you are right." Tyrkir said reluctantly.

"I will probably try hunting a moose. Or a lion if I can find one." Ornulf decided, and Tyrkir shot him a resigned glare.

As if the rest heard their conversation, declarations of animals they will hunt began echoing in the area; cries for boars, lions, and even dragons ' heads ultimately made Tyrkir groan. "Why does no one ever believe there are no dragons in Asgard? The only way there would be is if Nidhogg managed to find itself all the way up here from Yggdrasil's roots."

"Perhaps because you are mentally an old man with no imagination?" Ornulf teased.

"Says the overgrown child." Tyrkir shot back.

"Friends," Hela fought the urge to laugh at the two. Is it odd she found them adorable? "That is just nerves talking. Both of you will do great, I know it."

The two immediately reddened at her words. Ornulf shoved Tyrkir, who proceeded to smile shyly. "Thank you, Hela." He said.

The noise suddenly quelled, and the three turned just in time to see Asgard's King Odin ascend the platform, his Queen Frigga a step behind him. Odin slammed Gungnir on the ground, the sound immediately calling everyone's attention.

Hela felt herself straighten unconsciously at the sight of her father, their conversation in the Vaults still weighing heavily on her mind.

"Today's occasion is important for many reasons," Odin's eyes roved over them one by one, until they rested on her. Hela stared right back. "The coming-of-age ceremony is a traditional Aesir rite that would determine your future and standing in this realm. It is the time when you are neither a child, nor a man. Prove yourself, and the reward will be great.

"Whosoever brings back the largest and the most dangerous creature shall be the victor. A whole day shall be allotted for this ceremony, and everyone must return before the sun rises on the morrow." His eyes moved away from her, and Hela exhaled in relief.

Odin's attention always makes her feel uncomfortable, considering how rare he acknowledges her. She could probably count with one hand the total amount of interactions they have had over the years. "You may bring your own weapons and packs for the hunt. Helping your opponents and the use of seidr is prohibited." Here, his eyes met hers again, and she resisted the urge to scowl. "Prepare yourselves, and may the Norns smile upon you all today."

With that, the King of Asgard settled on his throne on the stage, and everyone proceeded to scramble for their chosen weapons and packs.

Hela stared all around her; watching her fellow trainees hefting large battle axes, long swords, maces, and spears, Tyrkir with his sword and Ornulf with a sword and a bow and arrow, before turning to stare at her own conjured long sword. It seemed flimsy compared to the weapons the others are carrying.

Tyrkir seemed to notice her dilemma, because he stared blankly at the sword. "The King and Queen did not provide you with weapons?"

"Perhaps they wanted me to make it on my own, without any outside help." She suggested, though she inwardly cursed at the fact that she does not have her own weapon. All she has are her packs and conjured swords, but seidr isn't even allowed, so there will be no extra supplies of weapons.

Perhaps Odin wanted to punish her for being so insolent and disrespectful in the Vaults. However, if it is, then how low of him indeed. Frigga, she kind of understands. Her mother is Vanir; they wouldn't have a rite of passage such as this. Perhaps she simply didn't know.

Continuing to curse at this oversight, Hela proceeded on conjuring two more swords which she placed in scabbards at her h.i.p.s. Then, she conjured a set of knives and daggers and put them on her belt. And finally, she conjured a bow and arrows for hunting, which she slung at her back.

Conjuring is a complicated branch of magic, because the longer someone maintains the conjuration, the more it saps your strength. It is the same with illusions, but harder. She has always been better with conjuration than illusions, so she suspects the magic will hold, but not for long.

"I have to kill the first dangerous beast I will find." She resolved. Or else she will be left with nothing.

Tyrkir and Ornulf glanced at each other, before staring at her in concern. "Are you certain you will be all right, Your Highness?" Tyrkir asked anxiously, "I mean, if those disappear eventually, you will be a sitting duck."

"She'll be all right." Ornulf countered, "Hela is the best warrior in our group. She can handle herself. I am more worried about us !"

Tyrkir cringed, "That is true."

"It also doesn't help the fact that we are also forbidden from helping each other." Hela sighed, "I could really use the help."

All three collectively sighed in defeat.

"Norns help us."

...