Twisted Hearts

A Useful Marriage - Part 2 (Brynhild)

"No need to thank me." Odin chuckled. " Just put it on." A wave of laughter from the crowd and even a smile from Freya herself. All unrest from before wiped away. The Aesir had a new queen and a peace worth fighting for instead of against.

Torches were lit as the party continued long into the night. I was enjoying myself immensely. The Aesir's moods improved after they had enough mead in them. I was able to chat with some other minor immortal lords' daughters and they promised to invite me to their combat training and weaving circles. Magni and Modi had tried to make a pass at practically any young lady in front of them, married or not, but they were so drunk it was easy to re-direct them.

My father had been going about his business, speaking with the other lords, immortal and not, trying to make positive connections and rekindle old friendships. As I was working my way towards some new snacks that had been laid out, I noticed the All-Father and my father chatting close to the dance floor. It looked like a jovial conversation, but then they looked up. Were they searching for someone? My father made eye contact with me and gestured me over. Odin smiled as I made my way through the crowd. The closer I approached, it was revealed through the parting of the crowd that Heimdall was standing  next to Odin looking away from the conversation. What in the nine realms was going on?

"You must be Brynhild!" The All-Father addressed me. "Your father was just telling me about you. It sounds like you are quite the young lady."

My father was practically beaming at me. Still confused, I took my place beside my father. He wrapped his arms behind me, keeping me in place. Why did I feel like I needed to brace myself for something?

I replied with the biggest smile I could muster, "My father, like many parents, is prone to exaggeration when it comes to their children my lord." I shot a pointed look at my father who was still smiling like a fool.

"In this case, I think maybe not. And please, call me Odin. Now that your family is back in the fold you should consider me like family also." His words dripped out like honey. "Anyways, your father and I have been talking, and Heimdall here -oh! Please, meet my son, Heimdall." He gestured to his golden haired son beside him.

Heimdall finally turned his head to appraise you. His face seemed to soften slightly as he looked you up and down. You could feel yourself blushing and heart rate picking up in the silence. He smiled, showing his teeth which were, surprisingly, made of gold. How expensive. But why would someone so young need false teeth? Maybe they were just for show. His smile faded quickly and he reached his arm out in greeting. You wrapped your hand around his wrist and nodded your head.

"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance," Heimdall made a point of holding you just a little longer than was necessary. His voice was sweet, melodic, and soothing. I am not sure what I was expecting, but it was rather attractive.

"Anyways," Odin continued, "Heimdall just joined us and, well, with all this marriage and wedding talk going around your father and I got to thinking."

I felt a cold sensation move down my spine and I glanced nervously at my father.

"That maybe you and Heimdall here would make a great match." He slapped his son's shoulder and gave out a little laugh. "I know he may look a little intimidating, but I promise that once you earn Heimdall's loyalty, there's no one better to have at your side than him.

I was panicking and just hoping that it didn't show too obviously on my face. It probably did as my father gripped me even tighter. He had been joking for weeks after receiving our invitation to the wedding that I should find a nice Aesir man and settle down. That he wanted grandchildren. That I could really blossom into the refined lady I was always meant to be. Never in a thousand years did I think he was serious. Was he really serious? Would he really hand me off like this? Had he already made some kind of deal with the All-Father? Maybe my marriage was a condition of our return behind the wall and the union had been set for weeks. Heimdall seemed calm and collected. He likely knew of this well in advance. Was this why he had been staring at me all day? I was not ready for marriage. No way in Hel.