Avengers Generations

Chapter 3

Asgard was carved out of the neckbones of Ymir by the brothers Odin, Vili, and Ve in their great task of worldmaking. The great wall around the god's world was demolished by the Vanir during the war between the two races. It was later repaired, but not by the gods; they hired a great frost-etin, Hrimthurs, to build it for them. With the aid of his magic draft-horse, Svadilfari, he slaved and succeeded, but his price - the hand of the beautiful goddess Freyja - was not met. Odin promised him Freyja if he could finish rebuilding Asgard before summer's end, however Odin then hired Loki to interfere and delay the work so that Hrimthurs would not have to be paid. When the giant discovered how he had been tricked, he flew into a rage. Thor, the god of thunder, defeated the outraged giant. His dead body was changed into a standing stone at the border of Asgard, but the beauty of the city's white walls is a mute testimony to the work of this wronged giant.

- Norse Legend

Einmyria walked through the empty halls of her Asgardian palace.

"Head high" she reminded herself "Shoulders back." Her voice was soft, yet powerful. Deep for a girl's voice, but pretty.

Every step she took was a work of art. Only her feet and legs moved, the rest of her body floated along with the steady motion. Her dress was delicate and rich. Her hair was decorated with ribbons and braids, and her winged crown sat atop her head perfectly, showing the world who's daughter she was.

Her parents walked regally down the hall to meet her. Her father, Thor, King of Asgard, lead the way. Her mother, the Lady Jane, had her hand placed on his arm as she walked with him. Her lips were tight, and her eyes were dim. She showed the wear of old-age that would plague Einmyria one day.

"How sad to be a mortal." Thought Einmyria as her parents approached.

"My princess," said her father with a smile "Have you finished your studies?"

"I was just now going to do so, Father." Einmyria said with a sigh. Her parents insisted that she train for the throne all hours of the day. She studied languages, nature, history, etiquette, negotiations, public speaking, magic lore, etc. etc.... Every day from morning until dusk.

Her parents smiled, sensing their daughter's reluctance.

"Knowledge will never fail you." Her mother said softly.

"Yes mother." Einmyria said with a graceful curtsy.

"Off to your studies, now." Thor said. Then he and his queen walked away.

Einmyria turned and resumed her practiced pace. She heard a bird call from the window. Never, in all her studies, had Einmyria heard a bird that sounded like that, but she knew the call well. She glanced back at her parents, but they were no longer in the hall. Einmyria smiled and dashed to the window. She looked at the palace gardens, but did not see what she was looking for.

"Good morning!" Said a voice above her. She glanced up and a boy flipped down and landed on his feet in front of her.

"A very good morning, Fenrir!" She said with a grin.

"If it is such a good morning," said Fenrir "Then why are you inside, Cousin?"

"Because I have studies!" Einmyria said, longingly gazing outdoors.

Fenrir glanced from Einmyria to the garden and back. An impish grin formed on his face and he took his cousin's hand. "Not anymore!"

Einmyria's eyes twinkled, but she took a cautionary glance around her to be sure no one would see her. Sure that no one was watching but Fenrir, she pulled up her skirts and climbed out the window.