The Challenge

Eight

It seemed to take forever for the Gods to agree and decide, but the air crackled with tension as Athena and Apollo were granted passage through the portal to Yggdrasil, leaving Ares and Aphrodite behind.
Athena, the embodiment of strategic prowess, stepped forward and spoke, "Namira, keeper of these sacred apples, we bring you Ambrosia, capable of creating new divine beings. In exchange, we seek the power of your golden apples to strengthen our pantheon, so that together we can reshape the world and return a balance to it that's long disappeared as it's now only ruled by chaos."

Namira raised an eyebrow, intrigued but cautious, "Ambrosia is a powerful offering and one that our pantheon needs to  rebuild fully, but my gift is not to be taken lightly. You must prove your worthiness to receive such a gift, as the Gods of our own pantheon do as well. I need to know that you will add to the balance we seek to create, rather than take away from it."

Athena, confident in what she might offer, stepped forward. Her eyes glinted with the knowledge and wisdom she held as she began to recount the tales of the ancient Greek philosophers and thinkers. She delved into the intricacies of philosophy, unravelling the threads of logic, morality, and governance. Each word was a testament to the depth of her understanding and her commitment to fostering wisdom and using it for the growth of the world.
The words were a testament that though she lacked power, her wisdom didn't suffer from it. Having Athena as an ally, a strategist and source of knowledge, only seemed a positive thing.

Apollo, the Sun God, followed Athena's lead, "Let me serenade you, lady Namira. Let me show you the beauty of music... It would be easy to merely show you the beauty and warmth of the sun, but this gift... I don't get to show it off often in a way that demands awe and its full potential, please honour me with the chance to do so now."

As Namira offered a small nod Apollo stepped forward, his lyre in hand.
The Sun God began to play a melody that echoed the very heartbeat of the universe. His music wove a tapestry of emotion, from the joyous crescendos that celebrated life to the melancholic strains that conveyed the beauty of fleeting moments.

The notes hung in the air, echoing through Yggdrasil, and even Thor found himself moved by the celestial performance. Apollo's music demonstrated the power of inspiration, healing, and the ability to uplift the spirits of mortals and gods alike. His turquoise eyes shone as if the very act of playing the music brought a spark of his power and again Namira was struck by the fact that the Greek Gods held powers, yes, but also a raw talent that didn't fade.

Impressed, Namira nodded. "I can see your skills, they speak in your favour and of your capabilities for our world, I am inclined to deem you worthy of receiving an apple, one for each of you... But know this – there are rules to be upheld."

She laid out the terms: the strength the apples would grant them could not be misused and their powers were not to be wielded in acts of wanton destruction or conquest. The trade was to be a symbiotic relationship between the Greek and Norse pantheons, preserving the balance of power.
The Greek pantheon, starting with these two Gods before her now, would have to vow not to be moved to ever act against the Norse Pantheon for as long as their gifted power was a part of them.
It meant they couldn't attack the pantheon at the height of power and that would stay that way unless their power depleted again.

Both Athena and Apollo offered the vow and agreed to all the terms Namira had set, but as the binding ripple went through the air a resonant voice echoed from the shadows. "Stop this madness!"
Odin appeared, weakened and weary. He eyed the Greeks with suspicion. "Namira, have you forgotten the sacred bonds we hold? This trade endangers the delicate balance between our realms."

Athena, confident in the strength she had been offered that was now but a heartbeat away, spoke tactfully, "We offer a fair exchange. The time has come for change in leadership and alliances."
Apollo, echoing Athena's sentiment, added, "Namira has seen the benefits of our proposal and we have agreed upon the terms. It is time for us to adapt to the evolving world and start a union that not only benefits both our Pantheons, but the world as well."

Odin, visibly angered, summoned his ravens and gathered his remaining strength. "I will not allow this without a challenge. Let the gods of Olympus face the might of Asgard!"
Thor's gaze moved toward Odin, unimpressed and frustrated, "The rules of our trade must be upheld. Your challenge is not necessary, the Olympians before you have proven their worth. The alliance is already forged, the vow already made. You are too late and you are in no position to challenge anyone as it is."

Odin's wrath turned on his son then, "Do you challenge me, boy? Do you believe yourself capable of killing me? Leading this pantheon?"

Thor's brow rose. He did. He believed anyone could kill the Allfather now with his strength waning and his body still aging. His father's stubbornness might even do him in before anyone else would have to step in to take him down, "Father... you would not survive if I challenge you now, tread with care. I have no desire to be the one to send you to an eternal grave, but I will if you continue to stand in our way. Athena spoke correctly, it is time for change. You can be a part of it, or you can choose to never be a part of it in any way. Those are your choices, but this, this is happening."

Namira watched the two, the apples still in her hands. Apparently Odin still cared to live more than he cared to be right and so he briefly inclined his head, not willing to challenge his son and so he nodded, "When this turns into a disaster, we will remember who brought this on. I hope you'll remember that this is your responsibility."

TBC...