Roots of Eternity

Chapter 1 - Helena's Birth

The great halls of Asgard pulsed with a serene energy. It wasn't the kind of energy that came from a grand battle or a feast of celebration. No, this was something softer, gentler. It was the kind of energy that filled a space when a new life was brought into the world.

Frigga, Queen of Asgard, lay resting in her chamber, her gaze locked on the small bundle cradled in her arms. Helena, her newborn daughter, slept peacefully, her tiny chest rising and falling with soft, even breaths. Frigga's heart swelled with love, watching over her youngest child, knowing that this small life would change everything.

The door creaked open, and Odin, King of Asgard, entered, his usually stern expression softened by the sight of his wife and daughter. Behind him, two young boys followed, their faces wide-eyed with curiosity. Thor, 1000 years older, and Loki, 500 years Helena's senior, approached the bed with a mixture of awe and excitement.

"Come closer, my sons," Frigga said gently. "Meet your sister."

Thor was the first to approach, his towering form still managing to seem uncertain as he looked down at the tiny baby in his mother's arms. His hands trembled as he reached out, unsure of how to hold something so small and delicate. Frigga smiled, placing the newborn carefully in Thor's large, capable hands.

"She's so small," Thor whispered, his voice filled with wonder. "So perfect."

Loki, standing a little farther back, crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow, though there was a hint of amusement in his expression. "Small? That's an understatement."

Frigga chuckled softly, but her attention remained on Thor, who was gazing at his sister with a look of absolute awe. There was a fierce protectiveness growing in his chest, and even though she had only just been born, Thor knew that he would do anything to keep Helena safe.

"Loki," Frigga called gently. "Come, meet her."

Loki stepped forward, though his expression remained playful. "What's so special about her?" he asked, though there was a note of curiosity in his voice.

Thor shot him a look, holding Helena even closer. "She's our sister. Isn't that enough?"

Loki tilted his head, his gaze flicking between his brother and the baby. With a flick of his wrist, he conjured a small illusion—glowing butterflies that fluttered around Helena, their wings casting soft, shimmering light. The newborn blinked up at the butterflies, her tiny hand reaching out to touch them.

But as her fingers brushed the air, something incredible happened. The grass beneath her crib began to grow greener, tiny flowers blooming wherever her hand moved. Frigga gasped softly, her eyes shining with understanding. "She has a connection to nature," she whispered.

Odin, who had been watching silently, stepped closer, his face unreadable. "She's special," he murmured, his voice filled with pride.

Thor's chest swelled with even more pride as he watched the flowers bloom beneath his sister's touch. "I'll protect her," he vowed, more to himself than anyone else. "Always."

Loki, ever the trickster, smirked but nodded in agreement. "I suppose I could teach her a few tricks."

Frigga smiled, her gaze still soft as she looked at her daughter. "She will be a force of life in this realm. And we will guide her."

And in that moment, as Thor cradled his newborn sister and Loki conjured small illusions to make her laugh, the family of Asgard knew that Helena's arrival had changed everything.