Gods and Mortals

Chapter 6

Loki

The scaling experience was harder than I expected it would be. But, as normally, I was too stubborn to just give up.

After an eternity of climbing and sweating, I finally reached the first branch and reposed for a short while. I leaned against the trunk and looked up the tree. From now on, it should become easier to scale, because there were many branches increasing the main trunk and thicker branches. With a frustrating huff, I went further and it was not really much easier than before. When I looked the boom up again, I saw a glimpse of red and gold. Unfortunately it was still several feet above me and I had to climb further.

It took me a second eternity, to reach the same level as she had and rested on the branch opposite of the one she was on.

Something was odd. She had not moved a single time and did not even flinch, as I gently touched her upper arm. I called her name, with hopes of a reaction. When none came, I realized she had fallen asleep.

It was already late in the afternoon and I decided to follow her example to rest. I closed my eyes and had almost instantly fallen asleep as well.

Sally

//> I heard me asking. > a girl with light brown hair and hazel eyes and a sword in her right hand answered.

But whatever I tried, I couldn't stop Merina nor myself.

We started to encircle us, waiting for any single sign of weakness. Merina suddenly jumped in my direction, having in mind to stab me. I dodged and tried an old trick of distraction, first aiming at her head then swirling the blade down to her legs though.

The sword were sharp, we decided to use those as a real challenge.

My sword hit her thigh harder than it was supposed to be. With a small yelp, she fell to the ground. She had lost grip of her sword and it shattered loudly on the hard floor. I lowered my weapon as well and knelt down beside her, feeling guilt flowing up in me. She wasn't as trained as I was. I should never had that stupid idea to accept her challenge. She said, she couldn't move her entire leg and that it would hurt like hell. There was a single cut, quiet deep and hardly. The scarlet liquid stained her training pants. The metallic smell of blood started to fill the air, making it hard not to throw up. I search for my mobile flurry, but there, where it should be, was nothing.

I looked around in terror, but no one was here either. We were alone and we both hadn't our mobiles packed along with us.

All I could do was nothing but watch her bleed.

Merina looked up to me with an aware look in her eyes. Then she said the most terrible words she could have uttered to me << We both know I won't make it, sis. Please end it now. I don't want to suffer anymore >>Tears started to cloud my vision. > I let out a sob and blinked several times. Clearing my view.

I already wanted to lift her up, but she stopped me. > she almost whispered, yet the vivid sparkling in her eyes began to fade.

More sobs escaped my throat, > She weakly took hold of the sword near her and put it in my shaky hands. I desperately looked at her shaking my head no, but she only nods slightly visible. I swallowed hardly and shakily lifted the weapon above my head, aiming for her heart. > I finally said under more sobs and sniffles.

Then. I drove the sword into her already weak body...//

I woke up with a horrid scream and almost fell down the tree. Still shaking from the nightmare, cramping onto the branch, breathing heavy and shaky.

Loki

A shrill and terrified scream shook me out of the dreamless nothing and nearly scared Hel out of me. I had pulled my dagger out as fast as I could and aimed it at every direction, prepared to face the coming danger. But there was none. Confused I placed the weapon on my lap. I now took a second gaze at everything. Then I heard a shaky breath and sobs from behind I sat. I turned carefully on my spot and look where the sound were coming from.

It was the mortal I had followed up here. She was shaking violently, her face stained with tears. How pathetic and weak. She muttered something constantly under her sobs. I paid more attention to what she said, << I could have saved you... I could have done it... I could have done it. Really... >> What was she talking about? Who could she had saved? And from what? I was irritated. I thought how I could gain something from this weakness. An idea slowly formed itself inside my mind and a toothy grin spreadacross on my pale face.

I got a level higher and silently made my way to her side, I descended down to her branch without a single noise.

She was still sobbing and murmuring. I sat down beside her and (ugh... how low do I have to go, when I am doing this pity sentimentality!) gently put an arm around her shoulders, softly whispering << Shush! Calm down. It only was a nightmare. Nothing you must fear >>

She winced slightly in surprise, but then buried her face in my shoulder, stammering << Thi-this wasn't a-a-a night-nightmare... I-it really ha-happened... >> What has she experienced to have such horrible nightmares? I reminded myself.  > I ask her soothing, though she shook her head, remaining silent. It was interesting to see her in such a weak state. Now would be the right time. << Mor- I mean, Sally. Would you like to go home? >> Her sobs stopped, if only for a moment << Are you serious? >> No, I just wanted to mock you... Dull creature. << Why would I be asking? >> I replied instead. Her eyes grew wide and her snake-pupils widened as well << Of course I want to go home! What kind of a question is that? >> She tightened her back and sat up straight. There it was. You just showed me your weakness, girl. I gave her a toothy grin > Gladly she nodded and started to subtly climb down the tree. This time, I used my sorcery to get down and soonly after Sally jumped down from the last branch, landing gracefully. She leaned nonchalantly against the tree, meaning

<< Now to the bargain. What do you have in mind? >> How shall I formulate it? It must be irresistible and it should sound like she would gain more of it. Aah, this will work << I will bring you to the portal to your realm and to the place you usually live. But. You have to promise e this; When you are back on Midgard, you shall never talk about what you experienced to any soul. And, you will help me one day, no matter what I ask from you... Is this a deal? >> She cannot resist such a bargain. She will accept it with all the duties.

She hesitated and seemed to ponder the suggestion carefully.

<< Deal! I'm ready to go home >> She finally said, standing up straight. She was determined and so was I. A mischievous grin formed on my face and with a wave I answered

<< Follow me then >> This is going to be great. Maybe I should do this again... But with men. I need to build a loyal army. With her as my right hand. She was so easy manipulated.