Roots of Eternity

Chapter 2 - Helena's First Steps

It was a warm day in Asgard, the gardens full of life. The flowers had already begun to respond to my presence even at such a young age. Everywhere I crawled, blossoms would open, as if drawn by some invisible force. And then, one day, I found my feet.

I wobbled, barely steady as I lifted myself up, my chubby little hands reaching for Thor. His massive frame was hunched down low, his arms stretched out to encourage me.

"Come on, little one," Thor said, his voice full of patience and pride. "You can do it."

I took a shaky step forward, my tiny legs trembling under my weight. The grass beneath my feet seemed to brighten as I moved, and though I didn't understand it then, I could feel the ground responding to me. Each time I touched the ground, a small flower bloomed, bringing laughter to my lips.

Thor beamed, his large hands ready to catch me if I stumbled. "That's it! You're doing it!"

Loki watched from the shade of a nearby tree, his usual smirk on his face, though there was something else in his eyes—something softer, like pride mixed with curiosity. "You're making quite the mess of the garden, little sister," he teased. "If you keep this up, there'll be no space left for anything but flowers."

He raised a hand and with a flick of his fingers, summoned a glowing butterfly illusion, much like the one from when I was born. The shimmering creature fluttered before me, and I stopped mid-step, my eyes wide with wonder.

"Loki!" Thor called, exasperated. "She's trying to walk, not chase your illusions."

Loki chuckled, waving Thor off. "And she'll learn both—walking and playing. It's called multitasking, brother."

Ignoring their banter, I reached out for the butterfly, stumbling forward in the process. Just as I thought I'd fall, Thor scooped me up into his arms, his laughter filling the garden.

"Well done, little one!" he said, spinning me around in a playful circle. "You did it!"

From then on, walking became my favorite pastime. Thor would encourage me, guiding me across the gardens, and every time I placed my feet down, the grass would respond with vibrant colors. Even at that age, I felt connected to the life around me, though I didn't understand how or why. All I knew was that I loved the feel of the Earth beneath me, the way it seemed to sing when I was near.

Loki, meanwhile, would conjure illusions to keep me entertained—fluttering creatures, glowing shapes that I'd chase as I toddled around. But it wasn't long before even he noticed the way the plants reacted to me.

"She's got something, doesn't she?" Loki mused one day as I reached for a flower, watching it bloom under my touch.

Thor, standing nearby, nodded, though his face was more serious. "Yes, but she's still young. We'll guide her."

Loki glanced over at him, his smirk fading slightly. "Guide her, yes. But don't be afraid to let her explore, Thor. Not everything has to be controlled."