Strife of Misfortune(Wattys2016)

A Dream

The sun rose into the kingdom of clouds above. The blazing star stretched its light across the enchanted land. The realm was torched by the summer heat. The days passed by in a lazy slowness, it was too hot to move. The heat worsened and the girls of the realm rid themselves of all modesty, dressed in thin layers of silk and cotton. No one could tell the difference between the noble-born and the wenches at that moment.

The streets sizzled and little wind made its way through the town and castle. Little Fenrir rested on his bed. He had shifted out of his wolf form. It was too dreadfully hot for fur. His skin did little to cool him off.

It was midday when his father arranged for the family to leave for cooler climates. Child-like cheers blossomed around him, his siblings jumped and played with energy that only zeal could inspire. Fenrir joined his siblings' parade of cheers, his parents had never looked happier. They've taken off in a carriage powered by horses. They were his father's prized possessions. They were strong and gallant stallions. Loki had permitted Jormungardr and his mother to test the beasts. Fenrir and Hela were never given the opportunity to mount them. They were always told that they were too young to mount a stallion.

The realm swept past them in flying colors. Fenrir and his siblings watched the scenery in awe. It had been 20 years since they've traveled beyond the kingdom, they've gazed at the skies with unrestrained amazement.

The carriage neared their destination, the mountains. They've stalked the horizons like giants. The horses galloped over the shoulder of the mountain, causing the carriage to rumbled and vibrated around them. The paths were invested with pebbles. That didn't seem to bother the children. They've imagined the carriage as a ship at sea, fighting the cruel waves. Fenrir assigned the roles to his siblings, Loki and Asta joined the fun midway through.

The carriage then stopped in front of a small inn. The children raced through the premises while Loki rented it for the night. They were conveyed to their rooms, two modest chambers. After freshening up, they sprinted towards the springs.

Fenrir was the first to dive into the waters. The cool liquid lapped at his back, soothing him into tranquility. Hela and Jormungardr charged into the waters, the springs rippled angrily around them. Their father joined them soon after. He roared a laugh as he splashed his children. Jormungardr jumped on his back playfully while Fenrir splashed Hela. Summer didn't exist near those springs, only the freshness of spring. The warm air tickled the family as they played, provoking a chorus of laughter and cheer from them.

They all took part in the fun, all but Asta. She sat on the sidelines, combing her delicate fingers through her hair. She was fully clothed despite their morning's journey. It was her royal pride that kept Asta from melting. She looked the part. Her hair was a cascade of thick dark curls beneath a golden tiara. She wore a yellow waist-length cloak to match the gold luster of her eyes. Her ebony flesh was hidden behind a long gown.

"Come and join us love." Fenrir's father said. They've tried to beckon her to the springs. Asta would simply smile and silence them with Muspelheim: It's never too hot for a fire giantess. She would say. That was her secret behind her tolerance for the heat. It had always reminded his mother of home, the identity she left behind.

Loki then climbed out of the springs, water glided off of his body and beaded in his black hair. "Don't let us have all the fun." He said to her.

His mother smiled. "If I leave then who will keep the sun company?" Her voice was like kisses, soft and sweet.

With the snap of his fingers Asta's clothes disappeared. Loki curled his arms around her and picked her up. "The birds and the trees darling." He carried her back to the pack. They've played until the sun sunk below the horizon. By then, they've retired into the inn. After a bath, the children had gathered into their parents' room. They've snuggled onto their laps, eating golden apples native to the lands. The skies were clear and a banner of stars greeted their eyes.