Thunderous Fate (Thor x reader) || Record of Ragnarok

Chapter 13: A Dance of Divinities

As the final courses of the feast were cleared away, the guests settled into a contented hum of conversation and laughter. The grand hall buzzed with energy, gods from all pantheons mingling and exchanging stories.

I felt a sense of relief, though I knew the evening was far from over. Thor and I still had to take photos with every pantheon—a task that seemed both daunting and never-ending.

First to join us were Odin and Loki. Odin took his place beside Thor, exuding a regal, imposing presence, while Loki slipped in next to me, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

As the photographer prepared the shot, Loki gave me a sly wink, his earlier warning still fresh in my mind. I suppressed a shiver, tightened my grip on Thor's hand, and smiled for the camera.

Click

One photo down, hundreds more to go.

Next came the Greek gods. Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades stood by Thor, their powerful auras filling the space. On my side stood Hercules, Hermes, and Ares.

With a broad, friendly grin, Hercules looked at me. "It's good to have another demigod in our ranks."

I returned his smile, genuinely touched by his friendliness. "I'm honored to be in such esteemed company."

The photographer signaled for another smile. Holding my bouquet tightly, I mustered a bright one.

Click

The Indian pantheon followed, led by Shiva with his three wives and son. Their vibrant colors and dynamic energy brought a lively warmth to the photo.

Shiva's wives each offered me a gentle, welcoming smile, which I returned as genuinely as I could manage. Shiva himself exuded a serene, powerful presence, his son standing proudly by his side.

I felt my cheeks beginning to ache from all the smiling, but I pressed on, knowing how important these images would be.

Click

And so it went, with pantheon after pantheon stepping forward—Egyptian gods, Celtic deities, Mesopotamian figures, and more—all lining up for their moment in the spotlight.

By the time it was over, my cheeks throbbed, my smile permanently etched in place. As the last photo was taken, I exhaled deeply, finally allowing myself a moment to relax. I turned to Thor, who looked as composed as ever.

"I think my face might freeze like this," I joked, trying to massage some feeling back into my cheeks.

Thor raised an eyebrow, his gaze steady. "You didn't have to smile for every picture," he said, his tone calm yet measured. "But these events are as much about appearances as they are about alliances. You handled it well."

I felt a bit more at ease, his quiet acknowledgment lifting some of the tension. "Thanks. I just hope I can keep up the act." I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

Thor's expression softened, though he remained composed. "Bear with it a little longer." he said. "It's nearly done."

I nodded, a renewed sense of determination rising in me. "Right." I replied, managing a genuine smile despite the ache in my cheeks.

As we walked back to our seats, the hall glowed with the lingering warmth of camaraderie and celebration. The gods continued to socialize, their voices blending into a harmonious buzz. I felt a quiet sense of accomplishment, knowing I'd made it through another significant part of the evening.

As the chatter in the hall reached a crescendo, Odin rose from his seat and moved to the front of the room. The voices gradually subsided as the gods turned their attention to him.