Twisted Hearts

Lies-Part 2 (Brynhild)

"Father, wait. I forgot to thank Heimdall for his service to me at the wedding." I started walking back from where we had come just a moment ago, "You go ahead and head home! I'll join you shortly." I called back.

I could not see him, but I am sure my father was exasperatedly shaking his head. He knew very well there was little he could do once I set my mind to something.

Heimdall was waiting for me at the door to his home.

"I suppose you saw me coming," I shouted into the night.

"I did. I also saw what you are about to say." He replied.

"Well that's no fun," I laughed. "I'll still say it anyway, as I feel it should be said."

I was standing in front of him now, even a little closer than we had been at dinner. He was looking directly at me. His eyes seemed softer, somehow, than they had ever been before. His hands were behind his back in a relaxed way. I felt a strange fluttering sensation in my stomach."Thank you for catching me at the wedding and returning me safely to my family." I smiled, politely.

He stepped forward and leaned his head over so that he could whisper in my ear. My heart quickened as I turned my head toward him in confusion.

"You're welcome," he said in a breathy, low tone. I could smell the scent of the fire's smoke on him, the saltiness of his sweat, and a tinge of sweetness from the perfume he used. I took a deep breath.

"You're teasing me right now, aren't you?" I said, turning towards him more directly. He stepped away and smiled. "Bastard," I smiled, wryly.

"The very best one in all the Nine Realms," he smiled with his lips. "But I wouldn't point that out very often if I were you," he shook his head in warning.

I nodded, finding myself wanting to linger, but not knowing what to say.

"You really do intend to be honest with me, don't you?" He asked, of course, already knowing the answer.

"Yes, of course," I replied. "I'm a woman of my word."

"You reacted so strongly against the possibility of marriage to me at the wedding. What has changed?"

"I am still cautious. Not just of you but, mostly, of the possibility of marriage itself. Although my cautiousness around you seems to be fading quickly," I sighed. "You are a god who has lived lifetimes and seen so much. I have spent my entire life in the plains of Ida. I'm not sure what I want to do with my life yet. There are so many possibilities with the long life granted to me, and I want to explore them all. Being a wife is a very permanent choice, that can limit my possibilities. I don't want to enter into something like that too soon. Being your wife contains many other multitudes of duties and watching eyes as well," I paused. "I am exploring this possibility, now, much earlier than I would have liked, because my father wishes it. That's no secret to you. I love my father very dearly and I want to see him happy. I want him to be proud of me." I looked into Heimdall's eyes. There was an entire world there. "I think that's something you can understand."

He nodded his head slightly, "Indeed." He opened his mouth to speak, but hesitated, "Your father is about to call for you. If you are interested, I take my morning watch starting at sunrise. You can join me if you like. I'll show you what Asgard has to offer."

"Brynhild!" A voice called from the darkness, "Are you really going to make your elderly father walk home alone in the dark?"

I sighed, "Good night, Lord Heimdall." I turned away, but he caught my wrist with his index finger and thumb. For a second, it felt like my heart was in my throat. Once again I could feel the strength behind his hand, although he did not grab me hard. Although he was not touching my skin, I could tell his hand was warm.

"Just call me Heimdall," he hesitated, "I look forward to seeing you tomorrow."

I nodded with a smile and returned to my father's side.

"So, Brynhild, I see that smile on your face. Perhaps you will see this less as a duty to me and a joy to you, soon?" He chuckled.

"Don't get your hopes up father. I may be starting to see more that I like in Heimdall, but my reservations about the whole situation remain the same. Besides, he's tolerating this situation for the same reason as I am. I find it hard to believe that his interest will go beyond his duties to his father."

"I disagree. You forget that Heimdall has been here for some time. I remember his character from before the split. He can be irritable to his allies and cruel to his enemies. His arrogance is apparent to anyone who is around him for more than a few moments. Most would probably describe him as the largest asshole this side of the world tree, but with you, tonight, he has been in the best mood I have ever observed him in."

I furrowed my brow in concern. "Father, if what you say about his character is true, then why would you have me consider him as a husband?"

"Because, although all I have said about Heimdall is true, he is also the most loyal warrior I have ever met. His service to the All-Father has never wavered once. If he becomes loyal to you, you will have a truly devoted spouse by your side. And, any doubts about my or our clan's loyalties will be eradicated. He can protect you, Brynhild."

"I thought all that had been resolved now that we are back in Gladsheim. Surely, this is not nece-"

He interrupted me, "There are more vipers in Asgard that you can possibly imagine, Brynhild. I need you to know that. I need you to be cautious and cunning and wise if you are to succeed here. Do you understand?"

I nodded my head in silence.

"Good, now let's get home quickly. Sleep called for me hours ago."