#twilight of the gods hel

[sigyn-foxyposts]

"Take care of them.. My love"

"Loki was seeing things again, his beloved Angrboda isn't actually there. By now she'd be dead and long gone, out of his world."

I hate this series so much holy moly..

[demigoddessqueens]

Loki being such a loving, sweet family man was strangely wholesome

And look at baby Fenrir!!! 😭🥹💕💕💞💞

[mndvx]

TWILIGHT OF THE GODS — Heretic Spear (Episode 2) written by Caitlin Parrish | directed by Jay Oliva  ››› Jamie Chung as Hel ››› Paterson Joseph as Loki ››› Sylvia Hoeks as Sigrid

[picspammer]

TWILIGHT OF THE GODS (2024) S1E2 Heretic Spear

[towered]

I'm only two episodes in but I'm really liking Twilight of the Gods so far. Really visually clean. First episodes are paced well. Every character introduced so far has a cool design.

[foreststarflaime]

I am imagining Sigrid looking at Loki like “Look at me” and Loki looks and sees Sigrid wearing a stereotypical black cloak that looks like she got it from a Halloween shop and scythe “I’m your daughter’s boss now”

Lol ghostface Sigrid is now a mental image that I have had

[varinsson]

Tbh, I am not going to be swarming in and correcting every little thing in Twilight of the Gods, I'd be an ass about it. I'm not out to be an ass about it.

HOWEVER.

If I can rip something Marvel has done and popularized that IS wrong by the sagas, oh boy. Strap yourselves in, it's gonna be a wild ride.

[talonabraxas]

Odin Riding Sleipnir Talon Abraxas

Sleipnir is the eight-legged horse ridden primarily by the god Odin in Norse mythology. He is the son of the god Loki (in the form of a mare) and the stallion Svadilfari who belonged to the jötunn that built the walls of Asgard. In Iceland, the glacial canyon Ásbyrgi is known as Sleipnir’s Footprint in the horse’s honor.

According to legend, the great horse, carrying Odin, rode through this area and one of his hooves landed amidst a forest, creating the canyon. This story is typical of tales concerning Sleipnir, which often depict him as immensely large, carrying Odin through the realms where some evidence of their passage is left behind. In other stories, he seems only slightly bigger than an average horse, only with eight legs.

Sleipnir is always depicted as incredibly swift and the "best of all horses", symbolized by his eight legs that carry a rider anywhere in the nine realms of Norse cosmology in record time. Since he was born of two supernatural entities, he is possessed of the power to move easily between realms, including the realm of the dead, leading to his name (pronounced Slayp-near), which means "the sliding one".

Although he is almost always ridden by Odin, in the story of the death of the god Baldr, he is ridden to the realm of Hel in the afterlife by Baldr’s brother Hermóðr. Sleipnir is able to easily jump the high fence around Hel and then bring Hermóðr safely back to the gods at Asgard. The great horse also features in the tale of Odin’s race with the giant Hrungnir who is killed by Thor when he threatens the Asgardians.

Sleipnir’s final ride is to carry Odin to the battlefield of Vigrid at Ragnarök, the Twilight of the Gods. In the final battle between the forces of chaos that include Loki and Sleipnir’s half-siblings Fenrir, Jörmungandr, and Hel – among others – on the side of chaos, most of the Norse gods are killed, including Odin and his faithful horse. Sleipnir is then thought to carry Odin to the afterlife in keeping with the traditional understanding of the horse a liminal being in Norse mythology.

[emilystheories]

Breaking SJM news: a completely new series is (likely) on the way !!

Last night, I came across a veryyyy interesting YouTube video posted by Bloomsbury 4 weeks ago. Although the video was mostly super boring (talking numbers and finances), towards the end, we get this little nugget of information...

[Bloomsbury staff member]: "Regarding the timeline and future Sarah J Maas book releases, which are obviously very important to us... so her next title, which is the third in her Crescent City series, comes out on the 30th of January, 2024. So, that will fall into this financial year."

[Bloomsbury staff member]: "And thereafter, we have SIX further contracted titles -- so continuing this series, and STARTING A NEW SERIES AS WELL."

A new series! This likely goes hand-in-hand with the announcement made by Bloomsbury a couple of months prior, in which they stated that 4 additional SJM books were on the way (but curiously, no further details about these books were given...)

Although we don't know for sure, this is my guess as to what these 6 future SJM books are:

2 x ACOTAR books.

Then the 4 remaining, newly contracted books; the first being the final Crescent City book, House of Many Waters.

Leaving 3 x books for the new series (which makes perfect sense, as when starting a new series, SJM is always contracted for 3 books initially).

The question remains as to what exactly this new series may be. Which leads me to... Twilight of the Gods.

[SJM universe spoilers ahead!]

Back in 2015, SJM started a Pinterest board for 2 new book series that were connected in some way; one was Crescent City, and the other was called Twilight of the Gods. 

On her Twitter, SJM also mentioned that she had been working on both for quite a while, and that it was soon time to release them into the world.

Around the same time, a series called 'Twilight of the Gods' was mysteriously added to SJM's official Goodreads catalogue.

'Twilight of the Gods' is another term for Ragnarok; a famed tale of Norse mythology where the Gods and giants/demons across all worlds joined together to fight a giant battle that signified the end of the world.

Thus, I believe that 'Twilight of the Gods' is SJM's next series; it will be a Ragnarok retelling, and all of the characters from TOG, ACOTAR and CC will join together for a cataclysmic battle against the Asteri, the Daglan, and the Valg (because lets not forget that Orcus and Mantyx are still unaccounted for...).

With this in mind, consider the numerous references to Norse mythology that SJM has already scattered throughout her books:

Feyre as Freya: Freya was perhaps one of the most renowned Norse goddesses, and was Queen.

Nesta, Emerie and Gwyn as the Valkyries: An obvious one, but the Valkyries originated from, and had a huge part to play in Norse Mythology (Ragnarok especially).

Lucien as Loki: According to Norse mythology, Loki is often depicted with long, red hair. He is also seen as a God of fire, and is commonly associated with foxes.

Danika (Fendyr) and Fenrys as Fenrir: Fenrir was a renowned monstrous wolf of Norse mythology. Fenrir being 'unleashed' is one of the key events of Ragnarok.

Hunt as Thor ('Thurr'): During Ragnarok, Thor has a famous battle against the 'Midgard Serpent.' Consider the snake that Hunt is holding on the cover of HOSAB. 

Midgard: is the 'Earth' world in Norse mythology.

Hel (spelt the same way): Is the 'underworld' of Norse mythology.

Further, if you looked at SJM's "Twilight of the Gods" Pinterest board - before it was deleted - you'd see countless images of (Lady?) Thor, the Valkyries, Sailor Moon, and even the coffin that Maeve locked Aelin in... (that can't be a coincidence, right..?!) Some examples below:

'Twilight' is also another word for 'Dusk'; considering the lost Dusk Court, and 'Dusk's Truth' (both of which are the centre of the upcoming crossover and broader multiversal narrative...) it matches up perfectly.

Thus, I believe that the remaining ACOTAR and CC books will continue to add to the multiverse, bit by bit. And whilst they can still be read in a standalone fashion, my guess is that they will build up to a grand finale (perhaps the very last ACOTAR book will end with Aelin walking through a portal...?) and then Twilight of the Gods will begin.

If you thought Kingdom of Ash was epic... then Twilight of the Gods -- if correct -- is bound to blow us away (and, it might even put SJM's name in the history books).

[buffyfan145]

Watched the first 3 episodes of Netflix's "Twilight of the Gods" and I'm enjoying this so much more than I thought!!! 😀 I haven't always liked a lot of Snyder's projects, but I did like most of his DC things including "Watchmen", and I love Norse Mythology so I was going to check this out anyway. But it's really good and I really like how they are portraying Sigrid, Lief (and their relationship), the gods, and the other characters. Seeing more of the villainous side of Thor, and I really love this version of Loki already (as I love Loki in Marvel and other non-Marvel works) and that he's close with his daughter Hel. Plus, it weirdly is reminding me of LOTR, which Tolkien did base a lot of it off of Norse mythology, but a TV-MA version of it too. And me being Haladriel shipper I can't help but see Sauron in this version of Loki, and then Sigrid & Lief feeling like Galadriel & Halbrand (if he was just a human king) especially with them meeting and falling in love on a battlefield, she's half-Jotun and on a revenge quest after losing her family, and how he's following her on it as he fully supports her. I can't wait to watch the other 5 episodes, really loving the animation style, and hoping it gets a 2nd season.

[drakyns]

"what's gonna be left of the world if you're not in it?" haha hey

ㅤwhat a fresh breeze. they stood atop the hill where the first timber of their hall had been laid so many winters ago. the twilight-shimmered village below buzzed with life—children laughing, tradesmen calling, the scent of mead heavy in the air, torches glowing like scattered stars across the snowy expanse. håkan’s hand trembled against the haft of his staff, not due to the cold, for he had long forgotten how frostbite felt, though he shook with the slow, painfully inevitable surrender to age. yet green eyes were ever so boyish, awe-struck as if he could see and memorise every detail of the moving painting across them. perhaps he could—the soul of a dragon was wide, as the elders before him used to say. ‘do you hear that?’ he had prompted then, his voice a soft rumble. ‘that’s the sound of a dream made real.’ but beside him stood one as unchanging as the moon above, chest loudly tightened in how he seemed to curl on himself. how painful was it to be blessed like silver itself, untamed like storms, sharp like steel, yet have to endure a quiet erosion? his beloved, his companion, the one he chased when his heart was allowed to love. love hurts, and his words ache and cut in sorrow: what’s going to be left of the world if you’re not in it? — @frystsnow

ㅤ“well, for one, i think people will have a lot less headache attacks.”

ㅤwhat a bittersweet breeze. his laughter was heartier than in youth days, almost hoarse, as his fur coat bobbed over his shoulders. there were only a few things that time hadn’t changed in him: he had deeper but fewer wrinkles than his father, and his beard and hair were wild shades of grey, competing with fading brown strands, just like his mother before her late passing. he knew sometimes it hurt jack to look at him, even when he claimed he was ‘handsome’ still. today was no different, it seemed. but the berk’s hersir was okay with that. at least his freckles had grown, his eyes were green still, and his usual scar-tinted smile made jack grin regardless, too. that would be enough. but hel, if you are listening and if you find any ounce of gentleness in you, let him at least die with a smile half-made, and eyes gently opened. at least as a last memory for him to treasure. let him not be a devastating ghost.

ㅤbut such a prayer would have to wait, for the breeze was getting chiller now, and håkan scooted closer now, calloused-grown hand searching for a pale, delicate one to hold. he still wore the rings he had forged him, huh? he’d have to make a keepsake box for him in the forge when his old bones allowed him. the old chieftain brushed his lips there, on the tiny spaces between his beloved’s knuckles and nails, one by one, as if laying a promise for immortal flesh to remember him by. each word, then, a kiss: “dragons will keep soaring, making legends out of themselves. berk will keep on prospering, changing and journeying. and you…” at last, what a lovely breeze. he cupped his face then, as if his hands were made to hold him in that moment with a grown-grey grin: “you’ll keep on living.”

ㅤtears, as the ancient fables sang, are heavy burdens from the heart: the gods are allowed to cry gold and silver to make the beloved mjöður only heroes and prophets could have. it was said that if a god cried for you, no harm could come to your soul, and you’d ascend. but håkan’s love was a man. human, handsome, and his. “hjartað mitt,” his thumb brushed away the pearl-shaped little rain, and he knew. he had seen him in storms, battles and adventures. he knew he had the power of winter on his fingertips, glistening in his very eyes. but even he could not stop the seasons. and wasn’t that o so wonderful? he loved a man. and he loved him. was there a more undoing, blessed fate than that? “you have my heart—for as long as you want to carry it.”

ㅤa kiss, on his forehead. another one, on his nose. a peck, on his lips. algiz, rune of protection, of devotion, of love, marked on jack every night, and in this afternoon was not different. maybe one day jack would notice, that little sneaky offering from the first dragon rider to the heavens, uttered silently by the touch of lips on immortal skin. he hoped it wouldn’t be today, for perhaps he wouldn’t forgive him, especially as he pressed their foreheads together in contentment: “and i promise you, old gods be damned otherwise…” a chuckle shared, even through sobs this time. he’d take it. he’d take anything. he needed his everything. he rubbed their noses together, drawing small half-moons: “every time a leaf falls on a pond, every time a snowflake finds your lips, every time a flower grows inside a house… that will be me, to you. that will be left, and that will be real. believe in it.”

ㅤmortals are cruel creatures, he knew. humans are terrifying, bound by their greed, and detestable in their fragility. they bend to the cold, kneel to the wrong divines, and pass too quickly, even if their footsteps are heavy. he knew. he knew that. mortals were the children of the forgotten pits of muspelheim, breaking ice like fire burning bright, only to leave ash behind. he knew. what a cruel thing to say, what a horrible confidence to have, what a stupid promise to declare. but wasn’t he known for his crazy ideas and stupid endeavours? didn’t fire leave warmth alongside its embers? so maybe one day, he could remember the fateful afternoon when the breeze was refreshing, and bittersweet, and cold, and loving, all at the same time. håkan offered his hand then for one of the last times and smiled because heathen waited for them a bit longer: “now, come—the valkyries will not take me tonight. let us enjoy the snow.”

[sigyn-foxyposts]

Angrboda my dear..

You didn't deserve what would befall you and Loki, in every universe including this. Absolutely heartbreaking scene, though how I would imagine it going.. 💔

[the-mortuary-witch]

FENRIR

WHO IS HE?

Fenrir is a wolf in Norse mythology, who is one of the sons of Loki and the giantess Angrboða. In Norse mythology, Fenrir is the wolf that is fated to devastate the world during Ragnarok. He is a powerful and dangerous creature, whose strength is surpassed only by Odin. In some versions of the story of Ragnarok, he is fated to be the one who kills Odin during the war of the Gods.

BASIC INFO:

Appearance: Fenrir is a giant wolf who is the son of the god Loki and the giantess Angrboda. He is said to be a monstrous and destructive force of nature, and he is a major figure in the story of Ragnarok, which is the ultimate battle between the gods and the forces of destruction. His appearance varies depending on the source, but he typically is described as being a huge, black wolf that is full of wrath and fury.

Personality: he is described as being a mighty and fierce wolf, full of rage and fury. He seeks revenge and destruction against the Gods, and he is said to be a major threat to the world during Ragnarok, the final battle between the gods and the forces of destruction. His personality is characterized by anger and rage, and he is known for being destructive and unpredictable.

Symbols: winter, yew, chains, fire, the Underworld, fire, the bind rune, ravens, and the moon

Pursuer of: Ragnarök

Culture: Norse

Plants: wolf's-bane, mistletoe, and yew

Crystals: black obsidian, red jasper, smoky quartz, black onyx, amethyst, clear quartz, and black tourmaline

Animals: wolves, snakes, and ravens

Incense: frankincense, myrrh, dragon's blood, and patchouli

Practices: transformation, shadow work, lunar magick, anger management, liberation, and setting boundaries

Colours: black, dark grey, red, brown, and green

Numbers: 3 and 17

Zodiacs: Aries and Scorpio (not official)

Tarot: The Devil, The Chariot, Strength, and The Tower

Planets: Mars and Venus

Days: Tuesday, Friday, Yule, Samhain, and full moons

Parents: Loki and Angrboða

Siblings: Jörmungandr, Hel, Váli, Narfi, and Sleipnir (Odin’s horse)

Partner: Angrboða

Children: Sköll and Hati

MISC:

• Rage and destruction: Fenrir is the consummate destroyer, bringing chaos and disaster where he goes.

• The underworld and the twilight: Fenrir dwells in the underworld, the realm between life and death.

• Blood and brutality: Fenrir is a bloodthirsty creature who craves the destruction of all in his path.

• Nature and wolves: Fenrir is closely associated with nature and wolves, as his wild nature and savage powers are seen as a reflection of the untamed wilderness.

• The end of the world: Fenrir is said to be the bringer of Ragnarok, the end of the world and the destruction of all things.

• Transformation and renewal: Fenrir's role as a destroyer and his connection to the underworld represent a cyclical view of death and rebirth, and he is seen as a necessary part of the cycle of destruction and renewal.

• Instinct and survival: Fenrir is known for his raw nature and instincts. He is a primal force of nature, and his destructive powers are rooted in his instinct for survival.

FACTS ABOUT FENRIR:

• He is named after the Norse word fenrr, which means "destroyer."

• Fenrir is a giant wolf that is said to be the enemy of Odin and the other gods.

• He is connected to the Norse goddess Skadi, as Skadi was the one charged with tying up Fenrir with the chains Gleipnir.

• Fenrir and Odin have a complicated relationship, as Fenrir is destined to kill Odin but Odin also provides food to Fenrir.

HOW TO INVOKE FENRIR:

Start by setting out an altar and dedicating it to Fenrir. This can be as simple or elaborate as you like, but it's important to have a specific space reserved solely for him. Offer a prayer to him, and make sure to be genuine and sincere. Show humility and appreciation for his wisdom and guidance. Leave an offering that is meaningful to you, such as a piece of jewelry, food, or drink. Make it genuine and personal. Meditate on his energy and try to connect with his presence. Read up on his myths and legends, or research his associations and symbols, and finally, be mindful of your behaviour and ensure that you are acting with respect and reverence toward him.

PRAYER FOR FENRIR: 

Great Fenrir, guardian of the Underworld, destroyer of all things, I call upon you to guide me in this journey of self-discovery and transformation. I seek your protection, insight, and guidance as I walk my own path.

I thank you for your presence and guiding hand, Great Fenrir, I give thanks and praise for your wisdom and protection. Hail Fenrir.

SIGNS THAT FENRIR IS CALLING YOU:

• A sensation of warmth, protection, or guidance that you feel around you.

• Experiencing a boost in intuition or creativity.

• Having thoughts or ideas that seem to come from a higher power or a divine source.

• Feeling inspired to explore new paths or ways of thinking.

• Seeing signs or coincidences that seem to be connected to Fenrir's energy or a reminder of his presence.

• Having an increased interest in nature, wolves, survival, or self-reliance.

• Having dreams or visions involving Fenrir that seem significant and meaningful.

• Seeing or feeling connections between things that would normally seem unrelated.

• Feeling like you are being guided or led to certain places or experiences.

• Having a sense of deja vu, as if you have been in this situation before, or that it is familiar in some way.

• Feeling a sense of peace, calm, or harmony around you, as if you are being protected or supported.

OFFERINGS:

• Tobacco

• Incense: frankincense, myrrh, dragon's blood, and patchouli.

• Crystals: black obsidian, red jasper, smoky quartz, black onyx, amethyst, clear quartz, and black tourmaline.

• Animal bones.

• Music.

• Anything associated with wolves: wolf teeth, fur, and claws.

• Plants.

• Food and drinks: water, fruit, bread, wine, beer, and mead.

• Swords.

• Blood.

• Fire.

• Dog bones/treats.

DEVOTIONAL ACTS:

• Rituals: following a specific pattern or structure to honor and connect with Fenrir's energy and presence.

• Dress up in neutral, dark colours.

• Leave out offerings of meat and bone.

• Listen to music. (He seems to like metal and rock music, if not norse pagan chants like Loki, so far but it could be different for other followers)

• Eat meat (ethically sourced, of course)

• Spend some alone time in a quiet place or set a time in the day to just revel in the quiet.

• Feel and then release: Fenrir in his core is primal. He is a wolf and he responds to his natural instinct and emotions. Followers of Fenrir are asked to learn how to feel even if it is what others call negative emotions such as fear, anger, pain, sadness, etc.

• Master your rage: rage is a primal emotion that Fenrir rules on. It is chaotic. Keyword here is chaotic. He asks his followers to be angry but the hitch is that they reign in their anger and not let it loose.

• Light a candle to his name.

• Burn earthly incense like sandalwood.

• Toast to his name when you drink.

• Talk to him through meditation.

• Choose your battles wisely. Sometimes not all battles can be fought, some are best won by walking away from them.

• Forgive but do not forget.

• Respect others even if they have wronged you (unless they do not deserve the respect to be merited).

• Always keep your promises.

• Honour him and his family.

• Live life to the fullest. Do not shackle yourself with ideals and whatnot. The sky’s the limit.

• Adopt a furry friend or wolf: there are wolf centres and sanctuaries that allow people to adopt wolves (like be a friend or be a sponsor) to help with the protection of these creatures.

• Studying the history, mythology, and legends associated with Fenrir, as a way to gain a deeper understanding and connection to him.

• Creating symbols or icons related to Fenrir, such as drawing or painting images of him, composing poetry or writing about him, or carving his symbol into wood or stones.

[mndvx]

The Vanir? You want me to make a deal with the Old Gods, to rekindle the first war? What you want is impossible. It's madness. TWILIGHT OF THE GODS — Heretic Spear (Episode 2) written by Caitlin Parrish | directed by Jay Oliva ››› Paterson Joseph as Loki ››› Jamie Chung as Hel

[annachum]

Ballad of Sigyn ( a norse Myth poem )

People told of the tale of the Old Gods of the North

Thor with his hammer

Sif with her grain

My husband Loki with his tricks

And I was most known for me standing by my husband in the Twilight of the Gods

But what if I told you my story

As I treated ye listeners to honeydew tea and raspberry cake in Valhalla

My story is not of common nature, nor of the faint hearted

I've seen just as much moons as much as any other gods

Some have called me ' soft '

How mistaken they are

Once I was a member of the Seidr order of Asgard,

Taught in the ways of pagan priesthood

Whisper in the ears of royals, handling library paperwork, call upon the spirits of nature

That was amongst my duties

My guardians would like to marry any of Odin's sons

Yet Thor, Baldr and Bragi are already Wed

So that leaves Tyr, Hodr and Hermodr ( I can't count how many children Odin had )

Yet I was not interested in any of those bachelor brothers

For a volva is selective with her mate

Then came Loki, a jotunn from another world, so tall, so handsome

His stride stood out from his other Aesir counterparts,

His smile charming and alluring

And when he first kissed my hand after our first dance,

I fell, and I fell hard

We began courting,

Rendezvous in the Palace gardens,

Him and I showing each other magical tricks

How wonderful it is to find someone

Who feels a similar sense of ' otherness ' in Asgard as me

He made me feel more confident of my Elven ears

I made him feel more at home in Asgard, even as a Jotunn

After much negotiation, he and I are wed by Frigg,

And I became a new Princess of Asgard

Years went by,

My sons came, and got along with Loki's other children from his 1st wife

I understood his past with Angrboda

And focused on mainly be a good wife to him

We understand each others' storms in ways several others can't

He would often go to battle with the sons of Odin,

And I would often stay behind, handling diplomatic and sorcery duties

And when he returns, he would rush to me and our children

Embracing us all and showing the world how much he loves us

And I would tend to his wounds as we tell more stories of each other

Our magic is unlike that in Asgard,

And I suppose that what's makes us frightening to some over there

Then, tragedy struck

Baldr was slain,

And my husband is to blame

Yet my husband was influenced by the Norns,

It was not like him to recklessly kill one of Odin's sons,

And I knew it

Yet nobody else seem to listen

And I watched as my husband was banished before me,

My sons killed before my eyes

And I raged, I raged, I raged

All the Nine Realms are cursed with wars against each other

My step daughter Hel, all grown up to be a fine young woman,

Now leading Loki's army against Odin,

After my banishment, I steadfastedly stood beside him,

And helped shield the poison with my bowl

While I cursed all those who killed my sons,

And entrusting Hel to have the final stroke of justice against my sons' deaths

Because hell hath no Fury a volva enraged

And some have to learn the hard way

Fenrir later swallowed Odin whole,

Vidar has slain Fenrir

And I gifted Hel Loki's magical archery set

As Hel delivered a final below at Vidar

And my soul feels at peace, at finally, my sons' murderers are slain

But what of the survivors? How Will they recover?

Only time will tell

At my husband's death, he smiled up at me with his devilishly handsome smile,

And said, ' Love, you've done enough. I will see you in Valhalla.....and hopefully, in another life. '

He smiled a satisfied smile and closed his eyes

Ans for once I could not scream, or say a word

I could only weep

Exhaustion crept through my body,

And days later, my eyes closed

I opened my eyes, and here I was in Valhalla.

The murders of my sons are not there

In first came my sons, who embraced me

And I embraced them in turn

And Vali and Narvi led me to their father

And there he sat, with mead in his hand, and Fenrir and Jormungandr with him. ( Hel took over rulership of Nornheim after Ragnarok )

And beamed at me in welcoming, my Prince of Mischief

[malleux]

freedom. | prologue

[main page] | [t.o.c] | [spellbook] | [ >> ]

young adult!atreus x reader

-> synopsis: The only times you had ever experienced adventure was through your books. It was hard to live an exciting life while trapped in Alfheim.

You know you're meant for something greater than wasting away underground.

[loosely based on the events of Gow: Ragnarok]

-> chapter warnings: all chapters may contain spoilers, slight violence, cursing

"Y/N, it's late."

A grumbly voice comes from outside your door. Dim red light illuminates your room— Twilight Stone that you had taken and set on your bedside table. The knob shakes and you quickly stash the book you were reading beneath your pillow, laying down.

Your father opens the door and raises an eyebrow at you. "Why are you not sleeping?"

"Just can't." You shrug from under the thin blankets.

"Does it have anything to do with those books we keep telling you to stay away from?" He crosses the room and sits on the side of your bed. You move your legs to make room.

"No, of course not." Your grip on the pillow tightens slightly, going unnoticed by your father. "I just stay up thinking."

He stayed silent— a cue for you to continue.

"It's just— I'm sure Alfheim is a great home. But not for me. I need to be out there, finding my place—"

"Y/N," Your father cut you off, "We've talked about this. You need to stay here, safe. Because—"

"Because I don't look like everyone else, it's okay. I get it." You rolled back, facing the rocky ceiling of the cavern you called a room.

You couldn't help but curse your circumstances at times. Your father, a Dark Elf, and your mother, a mortal. Your mother passed while having you, leaving your father to take you in and stay in Alfheim.

The Dark Elves already disliked you because you took after your mom, looking purely human despite having the same powers as them. They shunned you, and your father forced you underground to stay. Away from their prying eyes and judgement.

As if your situation couldn't have gotten any worse, once the Light Elves began to attack, the Dark Elves hid underground. The same underground that you used as your safe place. This meant that you had to further shrink yourself— away from them, staying inside your room all day instead of exploring the caverns and caves of Alfheim like you used to. They were all inhabited now.

"These books, Father, they talk about all the Nine Realms. Realms that would accept and love me. Shit, there's even books about different worlds entirely that I could try to go to— they're called Egypt, or— or Greece! Or Rome—"

"Enough! Y/N, there is a war going on here. I'm already swamped with protecting our land, so the least you can do is quit with this nonsense and just accept your fate. Groa's prophecies have proven that the safest place for you to be is here."

"That's bullshit-"

"Language."

"You mean I'm meant to spend my entire life trapped in this room? You'd think as my dad you'd want more for me and my life—"

“You have everything you could need right here.” Your father interrupted. “Food, shelter, protection. Hel, you even have the potential for a lovely husband. I bet a marriage would quell some negativity with the other Elves.”

“I don’t want a husband.” You huffed, “I want to get out of this Gods-forsaken room and live my life!”

"This conversation is over." Your father's wings flitted in frustration and he took a deep breath, pressing his lips into a tight line. "Goodnight."

He patted your leg and made his way out of your room, slamming the door and locking it extra loud just to drive the point home that you couldn't leave.

A few minutes pass and a smaller, quieter knock appears on your door. You wait a few minutes, biting back the wide grin that threatens to show across your face, before eventually throwing your blankets off and opening the door. Before you sat a stack of books— maybe four of five of them. You laughed slightly.

Fritjof.

Fritjof was your childhood friend— the “potential husband” your father continuously mentioned. He'd snuck around when the Elves first fled underground and eventually came across your room. From then on, he'd quietly visit and leave you books he'd collected. Nords knows how he gets them.

You were grateful. At least someone wanted you to cure your boredom.

You grabbed the books and locked your door back, shuffling through them to find your next read.

'The Art of Old Magic, no, Rare Fighting Spells, maybe later, Escape Magic— what?'

This book, Escape Magic, caught your attention.  You placed it on your bed and hid the others underneath a pile of cloths, where you kept the rest of your stash.

Content, you snuggled back into your bed and opened the new book, determined to finish it before your father returned in the morning.

———

You had undoubtedly finished the book before the morning, and yet the next day after your father had said his goodnight, you opened it again.

Sitting cross-legged on the floor, you opened the cover to the table of contents and looked for specific spells you had marked.

The first spell seemed easy enough— you thought, at least. The only magic you knew were basics taught to all Dark Elves, and some fighting spells. Your father insisted you knew how to protect yourself, should the Elves ever decide they were done housing you.

Squinting to read under the light of the Twilight Stone, you lifted your hand towards a chair in the corner of your room.

"Kippa."

The chair enveloped in a white light that connected to your hand. You cocked your head to the side, curious. You lifted your pointer finger, making the small rope of light that connected you and the chair move. In return, the chair lifted off the ground weightlessly.

Your eyes brightened— you did it!

Flicking your hand once more, you moved the chair to the other side of the room and set it down.

'Okay, one spell down. Now how do I get this chair off of me?'

You tried closing your fist— maybe to cut off the connection, but nothing worked. You flicked your wrist to the side, trying to shake it off, but the chair followed, slamming into the walls and ceiling. You cringed, and hoped nobody heard.

"Uh..." You quickly flipped through the book, "Létta?"

It was like a switch flipped, a suddenly the chair dropped to the ground, the light dissipating from it and your hand.

"Okay, next one." You mumbled. If the next spell worked, you'd be one step closer to getting out and exploring the world. Your heart raced with anxiety. "Hverfa."

Light once again danced across your vision and once it settled, you stood. You made your way across the room to a small mirror on your table. Just like you'd hoped— no reflection.

Looking down towards your hands and feet, you saw nothing but the floor beneath you.

It worked.

"Yfir-brag."

More light. E/c eyes stared back at you in the mirror. You were back.

Just in time, as well.

A soft knock echoed across your room, and you heard the lock jingle. You quickly hid everything, choosing to sit in front of your mirror and act like you were popping a pimple or just inspecting your face.

"Y/N?"

Your shoulders relaxed immediately at the sound of your best friend's voice. "Fritjof."

You stood up and gave the young Dark Elf a hug. He returned it, moving his head to the side slightly to avoid his horns knocking into your head.

"How have you been? I'm sorry it's been a while— King Svartáljǫfurr has been taking training super seriously."

You shrugged, "Same as always. Sick of this place. Have you gotten to read that book I recommended you?"

"Not yet." Fritjof sighed, "But listen to this, the Light Elves have learned to fully harness the Light of Alfheim. I know we're fighting against them and all, but isn't that cool? It just looks like they’re trying to make life easier for us.”

"Having some sympathy for the enemy, Fritjof?" You quirked an eyebrow, "Svartáljǫfurr would pin your wings to the wall if he heard that."

"That's why I'm telling you and not anyone else." He laughed, "Anyone else could tell on me. You—"

"I can't, I get it." You rolled your eyes and plopped onto your bed, hard enough to make the blankets and pillows shift a bit.

"Y/N, that's not what I meant." Fritjof walked closer to you, sitting next to you on the edge of the bed. Your eyes cut to the pillow, where Escape Magic's corner stuck out from under.

"It's okay, I understand what you did mean." You shrugged again, trying to shift your hand back towards the pillow.

“No, not at all.” Fritjof fiddled with his clawed hands for a moment, unaware of your movements. “Another thing. There’s actually something I’ve been meaning to tell you, Y/N. Since I’ve met you, I’ve just had this feeling—“

Not meaning to ignore him, you tried to catch the corner of the pillowcase and tugged, but couldn't. Cursing in your head, you realized that Fritjof was sitting on the pillow, unknowingly making you unable to hide it.

"—and I just can’t ignore it any longer. I— Y/N, what are you doing—" Said elf turned around and caught sight of your fingers wrapped around the cloth pillow case, then followed your gaze to the red corner of the book.

He grabbed it.

"Frit, give it back!" You jumped up, but Fritjof was quicker. He flew up above you, taking advantage of your lack of wings, and held the book in front of him.

"Escape Magic?" He inspected the pages, "Why would you need this? Are you trying to escape?"

"Shhhh!" You peered towards the door, praying that nobody heard. "Don't say such things out loud! You gave me this book anyways. It was in the stack."

"As if I look at the stuff I get you." Fritjof rolled his eyes. "I just grab things and go. Now I guess I should've checked."

"No, this is great!" You argued, "This is what I've been needing—"

"Y/N, this is the worst idea ever." Fritjof shook his head, "What if you get caught? You'll be killed. If not by the Light Elves, then by your father. You need to stay here— stay with me.”

"I've learned spells that will keep me safe! I just have to find a way to get to The Realm Between Realms, and then I'll be free to go wherever I want. And do whatever I want. Frit, you know that's my dream."

"Sometimes dreams need to stay in our sleep, Y/N." Fritjof looked at you worriedly, "You're here for your own safety. You know that. I can't let you just go out and kill yourself. You have no idea what the outside world is like."

"I would if I was allowed to!" You argued, "I'm leaving, whether you like it or not. I can't do this for the rest of my life."

"Then tell that to your father and Svartáljǫfurr. They need to know." Fritjof left your room, slamming it shut and taking your book with him. You knew you'd have to act fast.

Quickly, you grabbed a bag from under your bed and began to fill it with your things. A hair brush, a dagger, snacks that Fritjof had snuck to you and stored in your room. You took a look at the books in your inventory as well, deciding to grab a few spell ones.

Rare Fighting Spells, Summoning, Runes and How to Use Them, Basic Magic. Everything a young lady may need to brave the outdoors.

Lastly was the Dark Elf spear that sat in your closet, untouched. Your father had given it to you when training you, but you hadn't touched it since training stopped.

Securing the bag and spear on your back, you grabbed the knob. Locked.

Lucky for you, Dark Elf magic didn't require speaking any Nordic spells. You grabbed the spear and blasted the door open, suddenly hearing shouts as the explosion was heard.

"Shit." You whispered, "Hverfa."

You checked your hands and feet to make sure you were invisible. You were proud, but celebration had to come at another time. Slipping past the Dark Elf Warriors who were coming to find you, you headed into the heart of the underground city the Dark Elves lived in.

First phase of the plan, complete. What plan? You didn't know either.

Second phase: find a way to get to the Realm Between Realms.

You remembered your father telling you that connections between realms had been severed during the start of Fimbulwinter. There was a Mystic Gateway to the Realm Between Realms in the city, but it was impossible to open.

You searched around for it, and eventually a dim blue light across the main chasm of the cave caught your eye. Everything else in Alfheim was red for Dark Elves, so you knew this had to be something different. You began your trek.

The faint light was only a little brighter as you came upon a broken pile of rocks and debris— what used to be the gateway to the Realm Between Realms. A siren sounded in the background, and you knew it was for you. You had to act fast.

Desperately, you piled up the stones and pulled out a book, flipping through the pages and praying that something would help.

Nothing.

Another book— none.

"Please, help," You whispered, opening the third book. "Opna? Hníga?"

You tried every word for "open" that you knew in Norse, but nothing worked. You sat back on your heels. You couldn't stay invisible forever— who knew if this spell had a time limit?

Tears clouded your eyes as you thought about the prospect of being stuck in Alfheim forever, now with both sides of the Elves being against you.

“Please help.”

Suddenly, a warmth began to make its way across your face. You furrowed your brows and wiped a few stray tears from your cheeks, watching the stones of the door began to tremble and shake. They seemed to lift up by themselves, glowing brighter as they created an opening shrouded in white light. You stood up in awe, backing away when it began to slowly open.

"You said you heard it from this one? You sure?" A deep, gruffly voice resounded from the other side. "I don't see shit."

"Yes, I swear I did."

The portal dimmed a bit to reveal two very small men. They peeked in, and you took your chance, slipping past them and into the Realm Between Realms.

"Well, I suppose not, then." The skinnier man sighed and turned away as the blue man closed the gateway. "I could've sworn I heard someone calling out—"

"That was me!”

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