Asgardian Twilight

A Father's Last Words

Thor stood with his back to Loki as he fell face-first through the portal and landed on a soft bed of grass. The meadow was beautiful and undisturbed, its tall grass swaying in a breeze that carried the salty scent of the sea with it. Indeed, the distant sound of crashing waves could be heard. The skies were cloudy but sunlight shone through regardless, tossing cascades of light about the meadow.

Loki started to mutter something when his eyes tracked what Thor was staring at. There, across the meadow, just before the edge of a cliff, stood a figure in humble clothing with his back to them.

Thor stepped forward, his voice hitching with emotion. "Father?" he asked as he moved purposely forward. The sound of the waves grew louder as Thor and Loki quickly arrived on either side of Odin.

"Look at this place," the All-Father spoke reverently. "Isn't it beautiful?"

"Father, it's us," Thor explained in a gentle voice. He took in the leaner appearance of Odin, the milky haze in his one eye. He looked suddenly so old, so fragile. It stirred fear in Thor.

Odin smiled softly and looked to either side of him. "My sons. I've been waiting for you."

Loki scowled in confusion hearing Odin refer to him in such a way. He would understand if Odin spoke so lovingly of Thor. But both of them?

"For most of my life I have fought battles," Odin explained in a distant voice. "So much violence, so much bloodshed. But the goal of all of that has always been a peaceful existence. Yes, for all of my warring ways, this has always been the goal, as you both know," he said as he extended his hands, indicating his serene surroundings. "I have always dreamed of a peaceful place such as this. A place to release my burdens and lay my head. A place to rest."

Thor shook his head, unsure of how to process his father's behavior. "We've come to take you home, father," he explained as he laid a hand on his shoulder.

Odin nodded and sighed. "Home. Yes, I will be going home. Your mother. She's calling to me now." He looked at both of his sons. "Can you hear her?" He stared back out at the horizon and took a deep breath that seemed to hurt him. "Frigga...I know you've been waiting for me...yes, my love...I'm coming to you...I know, but they are strong enough for what is to come..." he looked to both of them and smiled. "Your mother loves both of you very much. Can you hear her telling you? Just listen to the sea and feel the sun on your skin. That's your mother's love reaching out to you. And mine."

The mention of Frigga incited a stir of emotions in Thor and Loki. Shoving the ache aside, Thor looked to Loki. "Loki, lift your magic," he ordered. "Now."

Odin smiled. "Ah. Loki's magic. It took me some time to break from of your spell. Frigga is so proud of you."

Loki's face softened further, he was so moved by this display. Thor's expression only grew stormier as he continued to stare at his brother, angry at his actions.

"Calm yourself, Thor," Odin said as he put a hand on his shoulder. "Please. Both of you, come and sit with me. I'm afraid I don't have much time. I have been putting this off long enough while I waited for both of you. Waited for a moment with both of you. It is all I want now. A moment of peace with my sons."

Thor sat down next to Odin as Loki did the same. Thor found it increasingly difficult to look at his father and take in the weakened appearance. He breathed as if the simple act of movement and speech was too much for him to perform. He had always seen his father as a permanent fixture in his life until now. Guilt assailed Thor immediately, setting him ablaze with it. "I should have been there. I know that we failed you, but we can make this right, father," he spoke in a pleading tone of voice.