The Challenge

Four

Summoning Gods proved easy when you were the one providing what they wanted and needed. Even Odin, whom had yet to ask for forgiveness, showed up at their invitation.
They gathered in the great hall of Asgard and as she stood facing the both pantheons, Namira felt her confidence ebb away some.
It was Thor who spoke first, his voice booming through the hall to silence all of them, "We have asked you to gather to deliberate a subject that concerns our pantheons. Loki has attempted to seek redemption not only in the eyes of Namira, but all of Asgard as well. He has accepted to prove his worth and deserving of forgiveness by facing trials."

His voice softened, his hand taking Namira's into his as he gave it a light squeeze to urge her onward, "I believe... that if Loki is to earn our forgiveness, he must undergo three trials that will show both his loyalty to our pantheons and the willingness he has to atone for his wrongdoings. I ask your help in devising these trials to make sure we measure his worth and willingness to change his ways."
Loki's eyes remained downcast. One might take the act for one of penance and submission, but Namira suspected he was trying to shield his wounded pride against the gazes now upon him.

A scoff sounded at Thor's words, one of the Gods clearly doubtful that Loki was capable of this, but it was Odin who spoke first, "I propose a trial of Valor. He must journey to Jotunheim and retrieve the Sword of Ages which he lost here. During this trial, he will not only have his strength tested as he faces the fiercest giants in order to find the sword, but also his cunning to be able to return with it."

Frigga, Odin's wife and the goddess of wisdom, offered her suggestion next. "I suggest the Trial of Sacrifice. Although this trial seems less of a challenge or a test, Loki will have to sacrifice something he holds very dear to heart – a possession, a power, or even a cherished memory. By making this sacrifice he will show he is committed to change and a selfless act to put the needs of Asgard above his own desires."

Next to speak was Tyr, the god of war and keeper of Justice. "I propose the Trial of Trust. Loki must prove his loyalty to Asgard by undertaking a quest to forge an alliance with a distant realm. This will require him to build trust with beings who may doubt his sincerity. It is through this trial that he can show his dedication to the well-being of our pantheon."

There was a silence then among the Gods and Goddesses as they looked to Namira. Would she accept these trials? Were they good enough? She offered the slightest nod, after which Thor stepped forward, "These trials, if passed, will be a testament to Loki's resolve and will result in our collective willingness to forgive him for his wrongdoings. If he succeeds, he will find redemption and earn his place among our pantheon with the strength that will be gifted to him."

It was Freyr who spoke while the others remained silent, "Perhaps I am mistaken..." His voice trailed off for a moment as he stepped forward and captured everyone's attention, "But it is not just Loki still needing forgiveness, is it?"
His eyes trailed to Odin, to Hel, daring them to disagree with them and Namira watched as Loki briefly glanced at them as well, hopeful for but a moment before Freyr continued, "Why not have them band together in these trials? It will surely be a good place to repair broken bonds as well as restoring all of the balance our pantheons require. It'll also ensure that they can motivate each other to succeed, which will improve their chances. Beyond that, do we not need a neutral party there as well to actually confirm these trials were faced as they were meant to be?"

Namira frowned at Freyr. The golden God was right of course and it bothered her to no end that she had thought to simply trust Loki's sincerity. Thor considered this a moment before he spoke, "Heimdall could keep watch over the trials and ensure they're completed with honour."

Odin remained silent. It wasn't unexpected, the Allfather wouldn't subject himself to the scrutiny of others even if that would continue to weaken him. She could see the flicker of hurt in Loki's eyes at the dismissal, Hel however stepped forward, "I offer to stand by Loki when he has need of me during these trials, I cannot step away from my realm long enough to accompany him through all of it."
Loki's shoulders relaxed slightly at the assurance he wouldn't have to face his trials alone and Namira made sure to take note of that flicker of emotion before that illusion of confident carelessness replaced it once more

Namira nodded at Hel, "Thank you. You already have my forgiveness, your strength has already increased as proof of that, however I appreciate and respect the gesture."
She flushed slightly as she said that, but Thor had already leaned in as if to whisper in her ear, making it unclear whether the flush was from insecurity at her position in the pantheon now or because of what he whispered to her as his arm wrapped around her form.
Hel bowed her head at that and one by one the Gods and Goddesses took their leave, Loki lingered a moment more, his lips curving into a grin as he looked at Namira, "Well played."
With that, he too vanished from the Great Hall.

Thor drew Namira into his full embrace now, a light smile in his voice as he held her tight, "You are perfect. This was perfect."

Namira's cheeks flushed at the compliment that strengthened her at the same time, "Then why am I so nervous about this?"

TBC...