Nine Realms: Gods and Warrior Hearts

Chapter 5

The North wing of Valhalla was the home of the godly army, or at least the majority of it. Both male and female warriors of the cavalry were stationed here and made up the largest part of the Asgaardian forces, with legions of what they called "winged soldiers", soldiers on bronteos horses, stationed elsewhere in the mountains. The vast northern grounds were the training fields of Ard's troops. By having their own sleeping quarters as well as their private feasting hall, the noise of the soldiers could be contained. And a noisy bunch they were, at least during their leisure time. As well as being incredibly strong warriors, hardworking and dutiful, the gods loved music and drinking and celebrating and especially the young warrior gods were known for their hedonistic behaviours.

Ard walked past the hall, his steps echoing and bouncing off the ancient stone walls, but there was no sound coming from behind the 15 foot high intricately carved wooden gates. Hera and Lugh must have suspended the feasting and ordered everyone to their quarters. Ard was relieved to find the north wing quiet. He still felt confused and unsure as of what to do, encountering his soldiers would have put him on the spot, as he'd have had to explain his unannounced extended absence. He headed past the gates to the quarters of the lower ranking soldiers and towards the rooms of his second and third in command. First he knocked on Hera's door but when no one answered he tried Lugh's door but with no avail. So he walked further down the corridor to his own rooms only to find the door unlocked. A part of him almost expected to find a Norn waiting for him but instead Hera and Lugh were sitting at his desk.

"For the gods' sake where have you been?" Hera hissed, brushing her long strawberry blonde hair back with both hands and then bringing it forward again, which made her look like a wild ginger lion, yellow eyes upon her pray. Lugh gave him a grim stare.

"May I remind you that I'm the commander here? What are you two doing in my room?"

"Oh shut up Ard, you left once again without warning, not even a vague note! We've been looking for you after Heimdall sent word of your return!" Hera didn't seem happy at all. "In the past weeks you kept disappearing without telling us what's happening. Then you go on one of your little secret missions again and don't come back before our soldiers notice your absence. Particulary on companison's night. Why didn't you tell us? I thought you'd trust us as your generals...and friends?"

"Damn" Ard's lips twitched. He forgot that it was companion's night. Every full moon the soldiers may bring their companions to their quarters for feasting and drinking...and other kinds of amusement. But it wasn't exclusively their actual companions that would find their way into the north wing. Male and female gods alike were attracted by the merry atmosphere on companison's night particularly around the time of Beltane. The creating energies of the mother goddess were in the air and everyone seemed to be drawn in by her power. The built up to Beltane was marked by increasing lust and longing. The vibrations were rising from the first day after winter solstice over the following month leading up to the moment were the goddess of the earth and the horned god of spring unite to create new life. Everyone in Asgaard could feel it. Ard imagined the frustration and disappointment of the warriors, the knock on effect it would have on their performance over the next few weeks.

"There are things that need discussing" he said, addressing both Hera and Lugh.

"The soldiers weren't happy as you can image. Only you can lift the vail, there was no way for us to let their visitors in."
Ard nodded. "I will talk to them tomorrow. But I actually have more important things to worry about at the moment." A pounding headache started to build up and made it difficult for Ard to concentrate and explain things without going into dangerous territory of treachery.

"There were whispers that the Norns came to visit" said Lugh. A statement, but also a question. "The whispers are true." Both Hera and Lugh looked concerned.