The Challenge

Twenty-one

The air in the divine chamber crackled with tension as Ares stood at the centre, his eyes a piercing gaze that demanded the attention of Thor, Namira, and Freyr.
Ares spoke firmly, clearly, "I've summoned you all here because Freyr and I have uncovered the root of Thor's recent affliction."
His gaze shifted to the God of Thunder, who stood with a mix of confusion and apprehension on his face.

Thor clenched his fists, still grappling with the remnants of the possessive rage that had clouded his judgment in the recent battles. Ares continued, "Freyr and I have been investigating the cause, and it all leads back to his binding vow."
Namira exchanged a worried glance with him. Freyr stepped forward, his calm demeanour contrasting with the charged atmosphere, "Thor, you made a binding vow to Namira, one that goes beyond the ordinary oaths we Gods often exchange. You swore undying love, eternal devotion, to be her shield in any battle, to be her instrument through storms, and to serve her."

Thor's eyes widened as realization dawned on him. It had felt like he wasn't himself. He was moving, thinking, acting, but it hadn't felt as a part of him. After Ares's dominance had eased his rage, he felt more like himself. "The vow," Thor muttered, his voice barely audible.
Freyr nodded solemnly. "That vow triggered an unnatural possessive nature within you combined with your core personality, clouding your judgment and sending you into a destructive rage. The only way to lift this affliction permanently is for both of you to release the vow willingly."

Thor's expression shifted from confusion to guilt. He looked at Namira, his beloved, and spoke with a heavy heart, "I did not realize the consequences of my vow. I am sorry for the mistakes and actions that followed."
Namira, though concerned, approached Thor and gently placed a hand on his shoulder, "Thor, we can fix this together."

Ares, observing the scene, interjected, "Namira, perhaps we should release my vow as well."
Namira's eyes flickered to him as she considered Ares's suggestion, "If you believe it's necessary, Ares."

Ares shook his head, a sly grin playing on his lips, "No, darling. I find no necessity in releasing my vow to you, however, it'll give us some room, more freedom, if I were to make one more like Freyr's."
As the three of them spoke at once, releasing the vows made between them, the chamber previously heavy with tension, now seemed to breathe with newfound understanding and resolution.

Namira sat, waiting, while Freyr, Ares and Thor all worked together to create a vow that would bind them, but wouldn't change their situation or person."
Thor stepped forward, his gaze locking with Namira's, "I vow to stand by you, support you, and love you as you request me too or when the situation demands I do, but with the understanding that we both have our independence. I will bind myself to you as an equal partner in all aspects."

Namira considered Thor's words and a small smile tugged at the corner of her lips, "That, I can accept."
The binding ripple echoed around them, but not quite as intensely strong as it had been with Thor's first. A good sign.

Ares then repeated the vow Freyr had made to both her and Thor, a conscious choice to include him as well. He vowed his support, his servitude within reason and with the understanding it would come willingly, not simply when demanded. The vow erased the need for him to be constantly close to her, something that was no longer necessary for their connection either.

Another binding ripple went through the air.

Freyr observed it quietly, his thoughts chaotic and intense before he assured himself and settled within his own energy of warmth and comfort, of love.
He looked up as he felt Ares's burning gaze on him, who was watching him with a light smile, "Let me repeat this vow to you as well, ἔγχρυσος κάλλος."

Freyr's cheeks flushed as Ares called him golden beauty, the flush darkening as he realised what the God of War just offered him. Chaos, absolute chaos.
Freyr stared at the man, unsure, doubtful. This gathering had started because of a vow gone wrong, tying so many together through vows now was a risk. Freyr was very aware that Ares wouldn't ever have a full place among their pantheon, that his role demanded him here as well.

Ares lightly, almost gently, gripped his chin, kissing him lightly, "You're overthinking. You are a part of this, of us, it wouldn't be right not to include you in this. If you refuse me, I'll accept it, but to me it'd only be the right thing to do. I promise I have picked my words carefully this time, it'll change nothing beyond connecting me to all of you."

Freyr nodded at this, he'd wondered about that, about belonging there too, about being an equal. Perhaps Ares had worried the same, being in the same position, "Make your vow to me and I will return one to you."
It was a way to strengthen their bond as well, both likely aware their position wasn't that of equals in their bond with Thor and Namira.
It was a chance for them.

Ares smiled at his words, pressing another kiss to Freyr's lips, "Find me tonight and I will make this vow to you."
In private, between them, cementing that bond. It was another clear and conscious choice, something that elevated this connection between them.

Freyr nodded, his voice a soft purr, "I look forward to it."

TBC...