The Challenge

Sixteen

The Great Hall of Olympus buzzed with the usual divine activities as gods and goddesses moved about, discussing matters of the heavens. Amidst the celestial grandeur, Thor's booming voice resonated like distant thunder, echoing through the marble corridors, "Zeus! I demand to be granted access to the realms below! I have not laid eyes on Namira for a week, and my heart can bear it no longer!"
Thor's eyes sparked with the intensity of a gathering storm, his mighty Mjölnir clenched tightly in his hand.

Zeus, seated on his majestic throne, sighed with a sense of weary authority. "Thor, the affairs of the realms are not to be trifled with. Namira tends to the sacred orchard, and you know well the consequences of meddling in the delicate balance of Olympus."
Thor's frustration grew and dark clouds swirled overhead. Lightning flickered menacingly as he took a step forward, shaking the very foundations of Olympus. "I don't care about the consequences! My heart yearns for Namira and I will not be denied again! I need to see her."

Freyr, having quietly observed the exchange, understanding Thor's need to ensure Namira was okay, approached with a calming demeanour, his gift of love and warmth caressing the God of Thunder. His voice was a soft, gentle whisper, "Thor, perhaps it'd be wise to show humility and patience as you request this..."
But Thor's wrath was unyielding, "Patience be damned! I will not be patient when it comes to the one I love!"
Even Freyr's soothing words nor energy couldn't quell Thor's stormy temper. The other gods, including Loki, exchanged concerned glances as the tension in the hall thickened.

As Thor's rage reached its peak, Ares strolled into the Great Hall, his demeanour exuding confidence and a playful confidence.
He observed the commotion with an arched eyebrow and a sly smile, "A mighty storm indeed, Thor," Ares said, his voice dripping with amusement.
Thor turned his piercing gaze toward Ares, lightning crackling in the air. "This is no time for jokes, Ares! I need to see Namira!"

Ares chuckled, amused that in his anger, frustration and desperation Thor failed to see that with Ares here, Namira would be there too. The God of War understood how rage could blind reason better than anyone and how love and tenderness wasn't always the best way to ease that rage that needed to be released. So, he did the only thing he knew best in a situation like this. He approached Thor, standing defiantly before him. "If you seek release for your pent-up rage, perhaps a battle will be the remedy you require."

Thor's nostrils flared and the storm above intensified. The air crackled with tension as Ares continued to goad him, knowing that a battle might be the only way to exhaust Thor's fury enough to get him to see reason over his blind need to go to Namira – who was already here with him.
Thor and Ares locked eyes and with a thunderous roar, Thor swung Mjölnir, signalling the beginning of a celestial clash that would echo through Olympus.

The other gods watched in anticipation, hoping that the release of Thor's anger in battle would calm the God who now threatened the balance in their realm.
Thunder and fire clashed together as sword and hammer sought to land blows.

In the chaos, Loki slipped from the hall.

Ares pressed closer with each movement, using his skill to ease into Thor's proximity, gripping the back of the man's neck in a light show of dominance as their energy for battle eased a little, "Ease yourself Sparkles, your darling woman is standing right behind you, waiting to be intimate with you and you haven't even been able to consider this in your rage."
The darkness that had built in the realm as well as the storm within the God of Thunder instantly vanished as Thor's anger near immediately disappeared at Ares's words.

In that moment he realised how poorly he'd behaved as his eyes danced along the gathered crowd, trying to find his brother. He knew the grin he'd find there, he'd been worse than Loki, he'd risked everything blindly, but he couldn't see Loki. That was worse than seeing that grin.
He turned around briefly to see Namira, just to make sure she was there and as he did, his feeling of shame only grew.
Thor turned back to Ares, a moment of understanding between them as he lightly inclined his head then turned to Zeus.
He knelt down before the ruler of Olympus, "I apologise, Zeus, my emotions got the better of me in the absence of my... my beloved. I know that doesn't excuse my anger, I should've been in control... I swear this will not happen again."

Zeus's eyes held a glint of amusement, "It's fine boy. Within this pantheon, we too go far for the ones we love. This, this was relatively innocent in comparison to the lengths my kin and I have gone to in order to be with the one we love. You'll find none of us take offense to this, although I am glad you see reason now. Go spend time with your woman."
A knowing glance went past him to both Freyr and Ares, "And the rest of your pack if you so desire after you claim your woman. She and Ares can report their progress to me later, when all of you have reacquainted yourselves."

Thor heard Ares's distant chuckle at his father's suggestion, but he just bowed his head in acceptance and gratitude before he rushed to Namira, his arms tightly wrapping around her, "I've missed you."
Namira's cheeks were still flushed over Zeus's words, but a teasing smile came to her lips, "Is that what your little tantrum was all about?"

He laughed at her words, then nodded, "Let's return to our chamber."
Namira nodded again, letting her needy God guide her from the Hall to their room.
They'd talk about this, too, but first, Namira knew the God needed her physical comfort and she'd give it willingly.
As the door closed behind them, the God of Thunder sank to his knees before her, "Forgive me... I failed you."

TBC...