Twisted Hearts

Loyalty (Heimdall/Brynhild)

(Heimdall)

"How can I be of service, All-Father?" I rushed into his study, determined to have this encounter over with quickly. Brynhild was so upset when I left her. I needed to know she was alright and that whatever poisonous words Idunn had planted had not rooted too far.

"Heimdall! I feel like I just saw you, hehe" he chuckled at his own joke. He hadn't moved much from the last time he dismissed me, not even an hour ago.

I looked at him with an expectant look on my face. I needed to be elsewhere.

"Well your mood seems to have soured. So quickly too. What could have happened in so short a time?" Odin leaned towards me to the rhythm of his own, lilting voice.

"It's nothing of consequence All-Father. All should be settled now." A silence settled over the room. "Why did you send for me?"

"Ah! Yes. I've just received word that we have captured someone mysterious at the border. I suspect it may be your wall builder. I want you to vet him and then turn things for the best of Asgard."

I hesitated. "Now, All-Father?" That simply would not do. Perhaps we could adjust? It's not like I ever asked much of All-Father.

The All-Father fixed his single eye at me. "Is that a problem?" The tone in his voice was as biting as the winds of Helheim. I never asked anything of All-Father or dared hesitate when acting upon an order.

"No, All-Father, it's not a problem. I will go as soon as I am able... it is only just that Brynhild is..."I sighed softly. Would All-Father understand? "I wanted to check on her. Make sure she's alright. Something happened today to upset her and she's staying at my hall for the moment."

"Is that it? She'll be fine, Heimdall. Surely you haven't become so attached to this girl that she's starting to interfere in the completion of your duties!? Are you even trying to keep an eye on her father at this point, the wolf in sheep's clothing, as I originally asked you? I haven't heard a substantial update on that situation in months!" He was irate. Gesturing with his arms with nearly every word he said.  "Last I checked, your entire job, your purpose in life, here was to do as I say. You're very good at it! All these years and there has almost never been a failure or hesitation or question of your loyalty. You have been a perfect servant. I have to say this is quite disappointing."

I kept my eyes to the ground and said nothing. I had made a mistake. There was no choice now but to complete the task set out before me as quickly as possible and get back to Brynhild then. Hopefully she would be fine.

"My sincerest apologies All-Father. I did not intend to shirk my duties. I will go immediately and secure the wall builder." The words barely left my mouth before I bowed and began to walk out of the room.

The All-Father called after me, "Heimdall!" I stopped and looked up at him. "You really like this girl, don't you?"

"I was seriously considering making a formal offer of marriage." It was hard to keep my voice steady.

"Hmm, if things are really that serious, then I'll make sure to check on her on your behalf tonight.  Don't even worry about it."

"Thank you, All-Father."  I quickly exited the study and made my way out from the hall. At least he was willing to check on her for me. Hopefully she would understand the necessity of my absence.

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(Brynhild)

It had been so many hours since Heimdall had sent me to his hall that the sky had gone dark. I felt so exhausted. My tears had been drained from me some time ago. At first, I had disobeyed and gone to find my father, but he was still out who knew where. So, I went where I was bidden. Heimdall's servants had set me up in a chair by the fire and provided me with food, drink, and blankets and I had not moved from there for some time.