The Journey to Find Mimir

Chapter Forty-One: The Best Skier Ever Has a Plan (Hint: It Involves Skiing)

"Hello, sleepy head!"

I groaned and rolled over. My body felt like it had been through the blender, poured into a Blitzen-shaped mold, and popped into a freezer. I couldn't feel my toes.

"Whoops, my mistake. I thought you were awake. I will let you sleep longer, my lovely guest."

Who was calling me lovely? I cracked open my eyes. 

Inches from my face was the being who had saved us. He was grinning. 

"Hello!" he said kindly. 

I wish I had done something normal, like smiled winningly or even said a simple hello. Instead, I gasped and rolled over -- straight out of the cot and onto the ground. 

"Oh," he said, "I would have put down a softer rug if I had known you were going to do that."

I groaned from the floor. "Where am I?"

"My summer home!" he replied.

From my place on the floor, I looked around the room. The place looked far from summer. 

I was in the living room of the largest, coziest cabin to ever exist. Dark wooden walls shined with polish. A cheery fire crackled in the fireplace. A plush red couch was stacked with at least six cozy throw blankets. I was sleeping on a little cot alongside the couch. Two beautiful quilts wrapped around me. Across the fabric were little bears, trees, and skiers flying across the white cloth. 

Hearthstone was nowhere to be seen. 

"Where is... the elf?" I asked cautiously. 

I was hesitant. Sure, this guy had saved us from being eaten. And his place seemed cozy and inviting. And he had tucked me into bed instead of chopping me up for stew... He had a kind and friendly face... With bright brown eyes. And dimples. Okay, I had officially lost my train of thought. 

"Who are you?" I asked. 

The guy grinned. 

"I am Ullr," he said. The name was cold and crisp in the warmth of the cabin. "I am the god of skiing and archery. And your elf friend is this way."

He began to walk towards a hallway but stopped when he realized I hadn't followed. 

"Is something wrong?" he asked.

I was still on the floor, in shock. Sure, my mom was a goddess. And yeah, I had an inkling he might be a god. But I was here? In a god's house? In the Ullr's house? My brain must have not reformed correctly after all of that sublimation.

"Friend?" he asked. "This way. I just said."

The look on his face was easy to read: confused and sincere. 

I blushed.

"Coming!" I said, scrambling to my feet. 

I tried not to stare at the back of his head, so I kept my eyes on the ground. I followed Ullr's feet to the first room on the right. When I looked up, I saw it was just as cozy as the living room. 

Beautifully carved cabinets were painted with delicate white snowflakes. Bows and arrows were mounted on the wall. A gorgeous painting of a snowy mountain peak was mounted on the wall. Red curtains were drawn shut on the large window. In the middle of the room was a big bed, covered in a soft-looking red quilt. The place was currently occupied by my elf. 

I was shocked to see Hearthstone. I expected him to look awful, but he looked... fine. A ring of bright lamps surrounded him, their blinding faces shining onto his unconscious body. Ullr had taken off his long sleeve shirt, so I could see that his skin was pale, but healthy looking. I was impressed.