Mischievous: Loki's Lost Legacy

Hogun [9]

Svan walked alongside Thor back through the training grounds, feeling a bit more at ease now that he had already seen the grounds earlier. The clanging of weapons no longer frightened him as much, though it still echoed in his ears. The boy clung less to Thor's cape this time, though he still stayed close. He glanced around, trying to take it all in. Warriors swung their swords precisely, muscles tensed as they moved. Svan keeping his eyes alert on what the warriors around him are doing.

Thor gave him an encouraging smile as they neared a group of warriors practising their swordsmanship. "You see that, Svan? That's what it takes to be a fighter. Strength, skill, and focus. And with enough practice, you'll be doing the same." He knelt down to be at eye level with Svan. "You did well in our practice earlier. You have a natural Asgardian instinct. With time, you'll be one of the best."

Svan's eyes lit up with a mixture of pride and wonder. "Really? I'll be that strong?"

Thor nodded, beaming with pride. "Absolutely. We'll get you trained up in no time. You have the heart for it, and that's what matters most."

As they continued through the grounds, Thor spotted one of his close friends, Hogun, a member of the Warriors Three training with some of the other soldiers. His movements were swift, each strike measured and deliberate, as if he knew exactly what his opponent would do before they even moved.

Thor led Svan over to where Hogun stood after his sparring match. "Hogun," Thor called out with a grin. "I have someone I'd like you to meet."

Hogun, with his calm demeanour and serious eyes, nodded in greeting. "This is my nephew, Svan. He's going to be training with us."

Svan stared up at Hogun, fascinated by the warrior's composed nature. His eyes were wide with admiration. "You're really good with a sword," Svan blurted out.

Hogun offered a small smile, rare for him. "It takes time and patience. But anyone can learn, given enough effort."

Svan seemed to hang on every word, his curiosity growing. "Do you fight a lot? Have you fought in big battles?" Svan's little voice asked.

Hogun glanced at Thor, slightly amused by the boy's eagerness. "I've fought my share of battles, yes. But fighting is more than just swinging a sword. You must have a clear mind, know your opponent, and stay focused."

Svan nodded enthusiastically, clearly impressed. He watched as Hogun left to continue his training, but the boy's mind was filled with questions.

"Uncle Thor," Svan asked eagerly, tugging at Thor's arm. "How did Hogun get so good? Can I be like him? What's his favourite weapon? Does he fight with other things besides swords? What kind of battles has he been in?"

Thor laughed heartily, clearly amused by young Svan's sudden burst of curiosity. "Slow down, little one! Hogun is skilled, no doubt, but you'll get there in time. And yes, he uses more than just swords. You'll learn all of it. I promise."

Svan's eyes sparkled with excitement. For the first time, the training grounds didn't seem so intimidating to him anymore. Instead, they represented a world of possibilities, a place where he could become strong like his uncle and Hogun. He was eager to learn, and Thor couldn't help but feel a surge of pride as he looked down at his wide-eyed nephew.

"Tomorrow, we'll start your real training," Thor said, ruffling Svan's hair. "But for now, how about we watch the warriors in action? It'll give you an idea of what's to come."

Svan nodded eagerly, his heart racing with anticipation.

As Thor and Svan stood watching the warriors train, Thor couldn't help but notice a few minor mistakes among the newer soldiers. He leaned down to Svan, pointing to a group sparring on the far side of the field. "You see how that one is holding his sword?" Thor asked, nodding toward a younger soldier with a tight grip on his hilt. "Too rigid. He'll tire out too quickly. You need to hold your sword with strength, but not like it's going to slip from your hand. It's about balance."

Svan's eyes followed the soldier's movements, watching intently. "So, you have to be strong but not too strong?" he asked, trying to understand.

"Exactly," Thor replied. "It's about control. Being loose enough to adapt but strong enough to strike with power."

A sudden bark of reprimand broke their focus. One of the senior trainers stormed over to the group Thor had just pointed out. His booming voice echoed across the grounds as he corrected the young warriors, his face stern and unyielding. The soldiers, clearly embarrassed, stood straighter and tried to correct their stances.

The trainer crossed his arms, glaring down at them. "If you hold your weapon like that in battle, you might as well hand it to your enemy and surrender!" he growled, pacing in front of them. "Fix it now, or you'll spend the night sharpening every sword in this camp!"

Svan watched the scene unfold, wide-eyed, his hand instinctively gripping Thor's arm. The boy leaned closer to his uncle, whispering, "He looks really scary."

Thor chuckled softly, resting a reassuring hand on Svan's shoulder. "He's tough, but that's because he wants them to get better. You'll meet a lot of teachers like that in your training."

Svan furrowed his brow, still staring at the trainer who continued to berate the soldiers. "I don't think I want to learn from him, though," he said hesitantly. "He looks like he might make me cry," Svan admitted, his young mind fearing this being the worst outcome possible when training with weapons.

Thor laughed again, louder this time, clearly amused by his nephew's bluntness and innocent naivety. "Not everyone's as fierce as him. There are plenty of others who will teach you in their own way. But don't worry. I'll be here to teach you myself."

Svan's face brightened into instantly. "You'll teach me? Really?" His excitement returned to full force. "You won't let the scary man be my teacher?"

Thor smiled down at him. "No, little one. I'll train you myself. And if I can't, I'll make sure Hogun steps in. He has more patience than that man anyway."

Svan grinned, clearly relieved. "I'd like that. You and Hogun are much better teachers. The scary man can keep yelling at the others."

Thor couldn't help but laugh once more, patting Svan's back as they continued to watch the soldiers spar. "Then it's settled. I'll make sure you get the best training Asgard has to offer. Just remember, it'll still be hard work no matter who's teaching you."

Svan nodded eagerly, though his eyes drifted back to the intense-looking trainer on the field, relieved that he wouldn't have to face that man alone.

20th September 2024
please vote, and I hope you have enjoyed xxx

This at the moment is set pre "Thor", Loki is unaware of his heritage. Svan's age physically is around 7 or 8, I am unsure how aging works on Asgard but i know it slows down at a slightly older age. Svan's past likely wont be spoken about in depth, as i find flashback chapters hell to both read and write.