Collide

One

Watching from the window, she sighed, seeing her brothers outside, their swords drawn, fighting one another in training. She so wanted to be out there with them, to have fun, to play and have friends.

But her father would not allow it. She was to be seen, and not heard. Now that she had grown into a young woman, Odin used her purity and beauty to his advantage, she knew what he wanted her to do. To use her power, on those that would come to Asgard, and find the truth in their words. Odin wanted to know if they would be allies or enemies.

Astrid sighed, feeling hopeless. She was named the goddess of Truth and nature. She had enough power, that she could fell entire armies with a single swipe of her hand, yet under Odin, she felt as though she was nothing more that a useless little girl. She yearned for him to love her, like he loved Thor. Her and Loki were never shown any kindness by Odin, they were always made to feel inferior to their brother.

'Princess, your mother wishes to speak with you..'.. Astrid turned her head to her lady's maid, and nodded.

'Of course. Where is she?..'.. She stole one last look out at her brothers, and turned to walk with her maid.

'In her chambers, princess..'.. Her maid, Helga, kept her eyes to the floor, and fell into step with Astrid, as she headed to her mother's rooms.

'Helga, please tell me its not what I think it is..'.. Astrid said quietly, glancing to the woman a step behind her. Helga said nothing, and Astrid knew. Another one coming, and she was to charm the men into submission, to do as her father wanted and sign the treaties.

Astrid hated it, but it lessened the wars. All she wanted, was to be free from the restraints of duty. Thor and Loki got to travel the realms, but not her. She so desperately wanted to be free, and although she had a plan with Loki, she worried it would fail.

Stopping outside her mother's rooms, she knocked the door, smothing down her dress. She faked a small smile, as the door opened, revealing one of her mother's maids, who instantly dropped into a curtesy, opening the door more for her to enter.

'Oh Astrid..'.. Her mother sighed, standing up from her desk, coming closer. Astrid noted the look of disappointment in her mother's features. Yet another person who never truly loved her... 'You know you are not meant to leave your room unless it is important..'

'I am not staying locked up like an animal mother..'.. Astrid clenched her fists to her sides... 'This is meant to be my home, is it not? I will walk these halls, speak to whoever I wish, and do what I like. I follow every other one of yours and Odins rules, but I will not be caged. Staying in my room all the time, will drive me mad..'

'Please Astrid, do listen to reason-..'.. Her mother shook her head.

'What reason? I know neither of you love me, and that I can live with. I do as I'm told, and have helped bring the realms to peace. All I want is a little freedom so I do not lose my mind from loneliness..'.. Astrid gestured around... 'What ever it is you summoned me for, just get it over with, so I can return to my peace..'

She watched her mother sigh, fidgeting with her hands.... 'Now that the nine realms are united, the allfather wishes to hold a tournament, the very best warriors from each realm to take part..'

'That's not surprising. Throw a tournament, and watch as each warrior fights to the death. Brilliant plan really, each realm not realising they are sacrificing their best..'.. Astrid scoffed.