The Challenge

One

((A/N: This is the sequel to 'The Sacrifice' it's highly recommended to read that first before reading this. 
TW for this story: adult language, graphic intimacy, possible verbal abuse, bdsm dynamic, possible possible mm/mmf scenes, graphic violence))

One.

In the realm of Asgard, where the divine live, a mortal woman named Namira found herself in an unimaginable situation.
She had been chosen as the successor to the revered Goddess Idunn, the keeper of the sacred Apple as she had consumed the final ancient blood from which Gods of the Norse Pantheon were made.
The transition was sudden, and Namira, once a mere mortal hunted by the very Gods that now depended on her, was now tasked with a responsibility she didn't yet understand.
That was two months ago. 

Namira now stood at the heart of the ethereal garden before Yggdrasil now bearing the mythical golden apples.
As she stood there, a golden glow enveloped her and a dress materialized around her naked form. Namira now wore a flowing gown adorned with intricate patterns that seemed to shimmer with otherworldly energy. The weight of her new role settled on her shoulders as she took in the grandeur of her surroundings.

A voice, both familiar and ancient, echoed through the garden. "You are now the guardian of the apples. The balance of worlds rests upon your shoulders. Embrace your new destiny."
Namira smiled lightly, "Let me feed you, Freyr. Come to me."
The gorgeous golden God approached her with a smile, "Immortality looks good on you, my sweet."
Namira smiled at that, "I'm glad you think so."
Namira reached her hand out to Yggdrasil and its branches extended toward her. As she reached out, a single apple detached itself and floated into her hands. The mere touch of the fruit sent a surge of warmth and vitality through her veins, before she offered it to Freyr, "Build your strength."

Namira had learned to harness the magic that flowed within the apples, understanding their ability to restore power and youth and to heal wounds. The Gods depended on her to give them power through the apples. A power they couldn't steal or the apple would have the opposite effect.

Yet despite that safety measure, being the keeper of these unique apples had its challenges. She'd been visited not only by both of the Norse Pantheons, but even those from other pantheons that were losing ground in the world sought out her help, offering her riches and vows in turn for just a taste of the magical fruit.
Every deity that visited her offered her all but the world on a silver platter, but she'd remained loyal to the Norse pantheon. For now. For Thor.

Namira's gaze trailed to the God who'd made an everlasting vow to her, lingering near the passageway to keep her safe, guarded. His gaze met hers, his eyes darkening as he took in her form. Namira's lips curved up in a smile, "Two more hours." Thor nodded at that, but frowned "Too long."

Freyr ate the apple with a low chuckle as he watched the two, "I'm still here you know..."

Namira hadn't forgotten his offer to her, his willingness to be with her and Thor both. Thor had not been welcoming, saying this offer was likely a means to be closer to her, to have her more likely to continue feeding him power. She couldn't deny favouring some of the pantheon, feeding them more regularly... but since most had meant to kill her she felt that was no more than fair until they apologised for whatever role they played.

Freyr grinned, pressing up closer to her as he whispered softly to her, "I can tell you desire me. Us. The both of us filling you so completely..."
Namira's cheeks flushed with heat at those words. He wasn't wrong.
Thor's hammer came sailing by them, only just missing the God who chuckled at the act, "So jealous."

He stepped back from Namira all the same, raising his hands to convey his innocence as he called out to Thor, "Don't be mad at me for stating facts, Thor."

The God's eyes narrowed, but it only drew another chuckle from Freyr who seemed unimpressed by the other's possessiveness. Freyr approached the God then, "Relax, cousin, I'm sure my little show two months ago now gave away that it's not just her I desire."
Thor's eyes rolled at that, but Freyr just flashed him a bright smile, "You'll see me again soon. Give this some thought...One day my offer might not stand."

Thor laughed at that, "We both know that offer will always stand, Freyr. We'll see you soon."
The God merely chuckled before leaving through the portal Namira had created. The only way to access the sacred tree now and never without her knowing it.

Thor approached her now and drew her in for a kiss, "Is he right?"
Namira's cheeks flushed red again. There was no point in denying that having seen the illusion of Thor and Freyr together had made her desire that reality.
It did fascinate her, arouse her, so she nodded honestly, "Those illusions of the two of you... I think about them a lot..."
Her words trailed off a moment, before she added, "But I'd never want something that bothers you."

Thor smiled at that, kissing her lips again, "I'm just worried about his motives... Protecting you will always come first to me, Namira...but so does your happiness. If you want him..."
Namira shook her head at that, "I want you. I want you and him, but I'll always want you first of all."
Thor's fingers caressed her cheek, "We could leave early today... You'll know if anyone comes for you... But all I've been able to think about the last four hours is tasting you."

Namira's cheeks flushed red and she nodded, "I couldn't deny you anything. You know that."

TBC...