…Raven could no longer hold what she desired in any longer. The scene which was laid out in front of her looked just like a dream. She could not decide if this was reality but if it was this was a truly strange one. On the bed, draped in obsidian silk lay the deity that held her heart in His very hand, that tugged on her life’s thread, that her soul belonged to. He beckoned to her to join Him, Odin. His bare body was partially covered in the silk hiding His lower half from view. His ocean eye fixed on her as He extended a hand. She was unsure what to do, she wanted to go to Him so badly that it physically ached, yet this felt so otherworldly that her anxiety made her hesitate.
The smile that graced His lips was her weakness, it made her heart skip a beat. She found herself unconsciously moving forward, towards the bed, towards Him. Her heart pounded in her chest; it was so loud that she was sure that He would hear it. She made it to the edge of the bed and stopped. She looked down at her white night dress and began to fiddle with a ribbon. She heard Him chuckle and looked up. A bright red blush spread across her nose and cheeks. She wanted to speak but her words were lodged in her throat. “My little bird. Come. Join Me in bed.” He spoke softly. His words, His voice made her anxieties fade away and she reached for His hand.
He gently took it and helped her climb in and settle next to Him. His skin was so smooth, so soft there were no imperfections to be found or so she had thought. She looked down and saw faint scars that wrapped around His wrist and trailed up His arms and across His chest. He caught her wandering ruby eyes and spoke “scars from battles, fought long ago.” She gently ran her hand over the ones on His arms. Her heart ached imagining Him being injured and covered in blood. Odin laid back, His head resting against a pillow, He motioned for her to lay next to Him. She joined His side and rested her head on His chest. She heard the steady rhythm of His heartbeat, and it gave her comfort. He rested His hand on her shoulder gently caressing it.
She finally gathered up the courage and confidence to speak “is, is this a dream?” she asked. Odin chuckled softly and smiled at her “does this feel like a dream to you?” She took a breath in and sighed shakily “I’m, I’m not sure, nothing has made sense since I met You.” The God found it amusing to watch her face bounce between bashfulness and thoughtfulness. She sat up “am I in love with You?” He was genuinely surprised at her question, she turned from him to hide her face “I do not know little bird, are you in love with Me?” He answered with a question of His own. He then sat up and took her hand, she jerked in surprised and turned to Him. “Every time I’m around You, I feel so strange.” Odin gently caressed her cheek, then took her chin and lifted it up. He was beautiful, youthful He was not what the stories made Him out to be. He did not look like a gaunt and elderly old man. He did not look like a grey bearded wandering wizard.
His face was smooth and devoid of imperfections, if she were to point out any kind of flaw it would be the closed eyelid that hid His missing eye. His intact eye was a beautiful ocean blue, it emanated a glow that was captivating, it looked like as if it were a star plucked from the night sky. Although He was youthful in appearance you could still tell that He had years of experience and wisdom stowed away. His hair was the color of mercury, long and had a beautiful shine to it, the way it fell around Him looked like shining rivers that flowed over His body. She could barely look at Him without losing her composure. “What does the strange feeling feel like?” He questioned. She struggled with His question, she was unsure how to answer or rather how to put the feelings into words. “Well, it feels as if everything will be ok. As if nothing can hurt me. My heart is at ease and my mind is quiet, and that yearning for home disappears.” she turned away from Him again.
Tears welled up in her eyes “I don’t want to be away from You. I want to be by Your side, always.” He gently took her by the waist and scooted her closer to Him. He rested His chin on her shoulder “It does indeed sound like love.” He said quietly, while He gently stroked circles around her belly button with His thumb. She shivered at the thought of falling in love. How could someone like her be in love? How could she be in love with Him? He was a divine being from a different world. He was a god and not just any god. He was a god of a savage and brutal people, a god of war and death. How could a deity like Him show kindness and compassion? These thoughts sped through her mind.
Odin felt her shivers “My little bird, why do you shake?” she shook her head, tears now streamed down her cheeks “how, how did this happen? How did I. How did I fall in love with You?” she tried pulling away from Him, but He gripped her tightly “I’m not. I’m not…” she trailed off and He tried to pick up after her “you’re not what?” “I’m not supposed to fall in love. I’m not meant to love or be loved!” She finally blurted out and was now sobbing deep mournful tears. Odin brought her into an embrace and held her, rocked her in His arms trying to provide comfort. His embrace felt so loving, so warm, so comforting that she cried harder. He began to hum a song; it was a low and soft melody it sounded comforting. She could feel herself calming down and the tears eventually stopped. She regained enough composure to finally speak “why, why do You show me such love and compassion, I don’t understand.” The god smiled sadly “why would I not? Do you expect cruelty?”
She was unsure how to answer that. She did not expect cruelty but did not expect this level of love and kindness from Him. Who was He exactly? He spoke once more “why are you not supposed to be loved? Why are you not supposed to fall in love?” Raven wanted to answer but the answer was complicated. She shook her head “I’m just not supposed to.” He raised an eyebrow “has someone told you that? Showed you that?” She was surprised at His response and lowered her head. “My little bird, how about I show you, how love looks and feels?” She looked back to Him “how?” He smiled. “Why don’t we start here and now?” He laid down and pulled her down on top of Him. She rested her head on His chest, the couple laid there together for a while. The comfortable silence lulled them both to sleep.
She awoke to Him stirring, He was asleep, but wore a pained expression. She was sure He was dreaming, and she reached up and gently touched His cheek “Odin, Odin, wake up.” she whispered softly. His eye fluttered open and she caught a profound sorrow in His eye that made her heart ache. “Are You alright Odin?” she asked. A faint smile graced His lips “I am fine.” He replied. She knew He was lying. He hid so much from her, but she knew this time He was lying to her. She brought her face close to His and He grinned. She pressed her lips against His and He took over from there. He slid His tongue into her mouth, she sighed and let Him explore her mouth. She savored His taste, it lingered on her lips, in her mouth, on her tongue. The sweet taste of Him sent waves of joy through her body. It made her forget her own fears and worries.
They broke apart, panting “little bird, shall we continue?” He asked, His voice heavy with lust. “Yes!” she answered without a drop of hesitation. He removed the covers and revealed Himself erect. Without hesitation she climbed on top of Him. He moved her panty over and helped lower her on to Him. As she felt Him enter her, she sighed. She was straddling Him; He moved His hands to her hips and guided her in a soft grinding. She saw a euphoric expression take over His features, and it made her quicken her pace. His every feature was perfect. He was so filling, He felt so good. She wanted more of Him. He dug His fingers into her hips and the sensation brought her down to Him and she began to kiss Him, and He returned in kind. She broke away from Him, panting. Her grinding morphed into a light but aggressive bounce; Odin moved His hands to her thighs and gripped them. He breathlessly moaned her name. Her name. No one else’s, not her moniker, not her nickname but her true name “Erin” the sound of Him saying her name while making love sent the most euphoric sensation through her. She came down one last time and she tightened herself around Him. He dug His fingers into her thighs and released Himself inside her.
She sat on Him for a moment. She found herself admiring Him, His breathing labored, His hair clung to His face. She moved herself off Him and sat on His stomach, she leaned in to kiss Him, but this time she took charge, she led Him. She slid her tongue into His mouth, she dominated His mouth, forced Him to submit. She heard Him chuckle and He became just as aggressive. She broke the kissing and looked Him in His eye. “I, I need You, please don’t leave me.” she whispered. Odin smiled and reached for her cheek “My little bird, I shall remain at your side. Not even fate will take you from Me.” She held His hand against her cheek “do You promise? Promise me.” Odin nodded and cupped her face with both hands, He smiled “I promise.” He said gently. Tears welled up her eyes and began to fall. People have promised her before but when He made that promise, she felt as if she really could believe it. Believe that He would never abandon her. Then the realization hit that she made a god make a promise. A promise that He wouldn’t leave.
Odin noticed bewilderment clouded her features. He took His hands away from her cheeks and pulled her down to His chest “why don’t we rest together?” He spoke softly. She looked up to Him “this all feels like a dream to me.” He chuckled “oh? Does it now?” She hid her face in His chest out of embarrassment. This did feel like a dream to her. She was doing all she could to calm her racing mind and heart. Then the rise and fall of His chest, the feel of His skin, the sound of His heartbeat forced her to acknowledge that this was not a dream. She finally brought her face up to meet His. She was greeted with a heart-skipping smile. A blush so red spread across her cheeks and down her chest. She felt a throb between her thighs. She squeezed her eyes shut “please! Please d-don’t look at me!” she pleaded. Odin found this adorable, His little bird looked so innocent.
“Oh? Why can I not look at you?” He asked chuckling. She stumbled and stuttered over her words “I-I just c-can’t s-stand it when You smile like that!” He made sure to retain His smile “open your eyes little bird” He cooed gently. He stroked her chin softly, His touch sent shivers of excitement through her, and she opened her eyes, and she was looking right at Him. Odin flipped them over and now He was straddling her. He moved His hand up her nightdress and moved the center of her panty to the side. She gasped in surprise, and He stopped as if waiting for confirmation. She nodded and slid two fingers inside.
He first tickled and teased her bud. He would switch between light strokes and gentle squeezing, and she would gasp and sigh. He silenced her with a kiss and continued to massage her. She squirmed under Him, and He broke the kiss and chuckled. “Little bird, it is now my turn.” He said, His voice heavy with lust. She surrendered to Him, she let Him have her. He removed His fingers from her and moved between her thighs. He leaned down and whispered in her ear “you’re dripping, little bird.” Her heart sped up and she felt her whole body heat up. She put her palms on His chest to try and push Him away, but she could not bring herself to do so. He went from her ear and down to her neck. He began to kiss her; He would alternate between kissing and nibbling. She moaned and sighed as He traveled down her neck to the top of her breast. He came back up to face her “who’s dream would this be? Mine or yours?” He asked His voice low.
Raven panted out “m-mine.” She gripped His shoulders tightly, she wanted Him to start. She was done with His teasing. She bucked her hips to Him. He smiled “oh? Are we ready?” her response was wrapping her legs around His waist. He chuckled “very well.” He pressed Himself inside her and she sighed. He began a slow and steady thrust. Each thrust elicited a soft moan or sigh from her. Her whole body tingled with every thrust “ah Y-You f-feel so good” she managed to sigh in a shaky breath. He smiled and dove deeper inside her and put more force into each insertion. She dug her fingers into His skin and her sighs turned into panting. “M-more.” she panted out. Odin chuckled breathlessly and in between His own pants and moans “let my name fall from your lips.” “I want to hear it.” He gazed into her eyes, and she felt as if her heart were going to beat out of her chest.
His eye swallowed her whole. She was unable to look away from Him and He knew it and kept His gaze fixed on her. His pace quickened, and He applied more force. Her moaning and panting, louder and she dug her nails into His shoulders. “Ah-ah-oh! Oh-Od…!” she was so close. He wanted to hear His own name, He wanted her to scream His name. His thrusts became erratic as He was nearing climax. The last few thrusts had finally sent her over the edge, and she tightened around Him, and she cried out His name and at her cry He released Himself in her. Both were heaving. Raven still had her legs wrapped around Him. He chuckled breathlessly “little bird, mind releasing Me?” She did not realize that she was still wrapped around Him. She moved her legs and He pulled Himself from her. He laid next to her and brought her in close to Him. The couple embraced and eventually fell asleep together.
She awoke and was alone, wrapped in the silk covers. She sat up and looked around, Odin was nowhere to be seen. She wondered if it was all a dream. Did she dream making love to Odin? She felt frustration and sadness building up. She was alone once again, and that void began to engulf her. She brought her knees up to her chest and buried her face and began to sob. She wanted it to be real, she wanted it to have happened. She began to pine for Him. She missed His touch, His voice, His kiss, His feel. She wanted Him. Then she heard a soft humming coming from another room. She lifted her head and listened to the melody. It was familiar, she heard it before, and she recognized the voice. She quickly jumped from the bed, nearly tripping over the covers that dragged behind. She threw open the door and found herself in a corridor. It was dark and barely lit, only a few wall torches provided light. She was hesitant but the humming was the push of courage she needed.
She gathered up her courage and she took off running down the corridor. The corridor was unfamiliar, dark, and foreboding but she kept running. She ran towards the sound of the humming. Her heart pounded in her chest; she was eager to reach Him. She turned a corner and pushed through the first door she came to. She was met with a most bizarre sight. The scene was a grand ballroom! She was floored by what she saw. How did she end up here? She was just in His room, in His Hall, wasn’t she? Now she was standing the doorway watching a lavish party. The people were dressed in elegant attire and dancing to a ballroom band. She looked down at her hands and pinched herself. She felt the pinch, but she did not wake up. She jerked when she looked down to pinch herself, she was wearing a black dress. “What the!” “How, when?!” her thoughts raced.
She started to navigate through the crowd of revelers. She found a mirror and she was shocked by what she saw. Her long raven hair styled in an elegant updo with a flowing ponytail, and a braided crown; with white flowers woven throughout. The black dress she wore was long and swept the ground, and had black lace draped around the waist and the sleeves also flowy black lace. The neckline dipped but only enough to show a modest amount of cleavage.
She blushed and gasped at the sight in the mirror. She couldn’t believe what she was seeing. She thought herself beautiful. She never saw herself like this, it made her happy. She turned from the mirror and was met face to face with her beloved God. “Odin!” she blurted out happily. He looked so dashing in His white tuxedo accented with a deep red rose. She couldn’t manage any other words. He smiled and extended one hand “little bird, would you dance with Me?” Raven did not know how to react. She took His hand and He led her out to the dancefloor. Was this a dream? Was the lovemaking real or not? She couldn’t calm her racing thoughts. They danced among the other guests. The world seemed to melt away around them. She finally spoke up “Odin, where did You go? I woke up and You had vanished.” He said nothing but retained His smile. “Odin?” His silence was unnerving, and she was becoming uncomfortable.
She tried to break away from Him, but He wouldn’t let her go, His grip was tight. She began to struggle “let me go, what’s wrong with You!?” she pleaded. Odin would not let go; His demeanor remained unchanged. The music became distorted, and the other guests started to take on twisted versions of themselves and danced faster. The beautiful ballroom started to deteriorate and rot, the scene was nightmarish. Raven looked back to the man supposed to be Odin. She gasped when she saw him. His smile was twisted and cruel, his azure eye was replaced with a gaping void. She screamed and struggled to get away from it. Whatever this was it was not Him, it was a monster. “My little bird, why do you struggle?” its voice a cruel mockery of His. “No! Let me go!” she screamed at it. She finally struggled free from its grasp, and she ran from it.
She pushed past the other monstrous guests in her escape, some would fall over while others grasped at her. They tore at her dress in an attempt to hinder her escape. She looked back and saw the monster chasing her, its visage was terrifying now. In some ways it resembled Him, but it clearly was not Him. She finally made her way to a door and threw it open, and slammed it shut behind her and leaned against it. She looked down the corridor that she had found. Just like the other, it was barely lit. She was breathing heavy; she tried her best to calm herself. She was shaking, heaving, her heart pounded, her mind raced. Then there was pounding on the door, she began to sob. “My little bird, there is nothing to fear, it is I, your beloved.” it said mockingly. She swallowed hard, just as she was going to answer, she heard the humming again. It sounded closer and came from her right. The pounding on the door became louder and the monster on the other side laughed as it beat on the door. Raven counted to three and took off running towards the humming.
The door swung open, and the creature shambled out. She stopped a moment and saw it begin to shamble towards her. It was tall and lanky, long stringy hair and had twisted limbs. It lifted a claw-finger and pointed to her, it laughed. Its face was horrific, gaping voids for eyes and an inhumanly wide smile. Its laugh terrifying, she started to run again. The creature began its chase. She tried doors and turned corners looking for an escape or hiding spot, no longer following the faint melody. She sobbed as she ran, she knew this had to be a nightmare, there is no way this was real! She finally found a door that was unlocked and threw it open. She ran inside without a second thought and shut the door behind her. She slid down the door hysterically sobbing. The creature was pounding on the door “little bird, little bird, let me inside.” “Let me make love to you.” it croaked. She pulled her knees up to her chest and buried her face. “No! No! This is a nightmare! Go away!” she screamed. The pounding finally ceased, and she heard the creature’s footsteps become faint, as if it were leaving.
She lifted her head, she dared not to open the door behind her. She stood up on shaky legs and finally looked around the room she had run into. Except it was not a room, it was a garden. It was a beautiful verdant, blooming garden. She took a few steps then stopped suddenly, when she saw a woman hunched over a garden plot. The woman must have heard her, and she stood. The woman was kind looking, she had deep green eyes and chestnut hair that was styled into a updo. She wore a pink, sleeveless dress that tied up around her hips. She was barefoot and a little dirty from what Raven assumed was the gardening. She smiled at Raven “well what do we have here? Are you alright?” the woman asked kindly. All Raven could do was shake her head. The woman looked a little sad now “well you look pale, have you had a fright?” Raven nodded. The woman smiled again and extended her hand “My name is Nanna, who might you be?” Raven swallowed and tried to speak but all that came out were sobs. Nanna walked over to the sobbing girl and hugged her. The hug felt so kind, so warm, almost like a mother’s. She cradled Raven like a child and offered kind words. Nanna finally let go of Raven and offered her a cloth to wipe her tears. She accepted it and wiped her face and nose.
“Raven, my-my name is Raven.” she finally answered. Nanna smiled “Raven…you must be His.” she said. Raven raised an eyebrow “what do you mean by that?” She questioned suspiciously. Nanna laughed softly “With a name like that, and you being here, you are definitely His.” Raven was confused by what she meant. “Where am I? Where is Odin?” Nanna patted her hands on the sides of her dress “you have so many questions, don’t you?” Raven was unsure how to feel at this point. She needed answers; where was she, where did Odin go, what was that creature that chased her? Could she trust this woman called Nanna or would this turn out like the ballroom scene? She hugged herself tightly and tears began to well up in her eyes again. Nanna saw Raven’s reaction and reached out again but Raven took a few steps away “No…” she whimpered. Nanna was saddened by her reaction. “You can trust me I promise.” Nanna said gently. Raven shook her head “how can I!?” as she continued to cry.
“I promise you; I will not harm you.” “I know you are seeking Him, and I want to help you.” Nanna said kindly “please trust me, Raven.” Raven wanted to trust her but how could she when she couldn’t even trust her own senses here. Nanna was patient and waited for Raven to calm down. Raven did the best she could to calm herself. She took note of the flourishing garden that surrounded her and found herself focusing a vibrant rose bush. These roses were beautiful, she had never seen roses such a deep crimson before. Nanna caught her gaze and went over to the bush and in one swift motion she snipped it from its place and brought it over to Raven. “Here, you can have this.” she said with a kind smile. Raven took the rose “it’s beautiful, but why?” she asked. “It seemed to help ease you.” Nanna replied. Raven admired the rose. It reminded her of Him, the time He brought her a dozen roses, just like this one.
“Nanna, can you tell me where I am?” Raven finally asked. Nanna nodded “You are inside Yggdrasil.” Confusion spread across Raven’s face “what? How?” “Inside the tree?” Nanna nodded again “yes, inside the tree. But you are not here physically. Your mind is.” Raven took a moment to try and process what she had just heard. She was inside Yggdrasil, but just her mind but not her body. Nanna saw that Raven was trying to figure out was going on, so she further explained “somewhere your body is at rest and your mind is here. Either you are unconscious or perhaps meditating?” Raven thought for a moment “no I think I was asleep…” “I mean, I guess I’m asleep. I don’t remember how I even ended up here…” Raven went silent, trying to sort through her fractured memories. She was trying to recall how she apparently ended up inside the Tree. She was deep in thought when Nanna’s voice interrupted her “Raven, it will be alright. He’s here but it might take time to find Him.” she said. Raven sighed tiredly; Nanna saw the exhaustion on Raven’s face “come with me, you look like you could use some rest.” she motioned for Raven to follow. She followed Nanna through the garden.
She held the rose close to her chest. Without looking Nanna asked, “does that flower hold significance to you?” Raven nodded as she answered “it does, it reminds me of the time He gave me a dozen roses, just like this one. It was the first time I ever received flowers from anyone.” Nanna glanced and caught an innocent smile on Raven’s face as she spoke fondly of Odin. “You’re different, you know.” Nanna said suddenly, this caught Raven off guard, and she stopped. “What do you mean I’m different?” Nanna stopped and turned to Raven “He’s never brought a woman, let alone a human inside Yggdrasil.” “You must be incredibly special to Him.” Hearing that made her flush bright red. “Special? Me?” she thought to herself. Nanna giggled at the flush and Raven tried to hide her face behind the rose. “Come on, we’re almost there.” They continued walking. Raven admired the beauty of the garden and tried to take in as much as possible. “This garden is so gorgeous!” Nanna laughed “it is, isn’t it.” she said without turning around. “Did you plant all of this?” Nanna shook her head “No, well, I did plant some things. But this garden has been here.” They finally arrived at a large garden table. There was someone sitting at the head of the table reading a book.
“Baldr! I’ve brought a guest!” The man, Baldr looked up from his book and smiled. He put the book down and stood to greet Nanna. To Raven he looked and felt familiar, like she knew him somehow. He was as beautiful as the garden that surrounded them. His long hair looked like literal rays of sunshine. His eyes were looked almost a duplicate to His. In fact, Baldr almost looked as if he could be His sibling. “Welcome! You look tired, why don’t you join us for food and drink?” He asked merrily. Raven took a step back. “Ah, I’m sorry, where are my manners?” he extended a hand “My name is Baldr, and you are?” Raven took his hand, and she was taken aback by how warm and gentle his touch was that she withdrew her hand. Baldr was surprised but all he did was offer a kind and sympathetic smile. “You seem a little frazzled, are you alright?” he asked. Raven nodded, she tried to speak but it felt that she had a lump in her throat. Nanna placed a hand on her shoulder “it’s alright, Baldr is mostly harmless.” she said laughing softly.
“I’m sorry, my name is Raven.” she finally spoke up. Baldr’s face lit up “Raven! So, you are her!” Baldr exclaimed happily “It is nice to finally put a face to the name.” Both Nanna and Raven looked confused “You know of her already?” Nanna asked. “Yes, father speaks so fondly of a “Raven” and quite frequently too.” Raven’s eyes widened “father?” Nanna and Baldr both looked at one another and both gave a sigh. “So, He’s told you nothing?” Baldr asked. Raven shook her head “No, He never talks much about Himself.” she paused a moment “wait…does that mean You are a god too, and Nanna?” “Are You both siblings?” Raven had a dozen more questions, but Nanna quickly intervened “Well, yes, We are both god and goddess but we are not siblings, but We are married.” Baldr chuckled “well Raven, since you are feeling better, why not join us.” He said as He motioned to the table.
She had not noticed the table. It was an elegant spread, various sweets and fruits littered the table. It looked as if had come out of a bakery window. Small pastel-colored cakes decorated with bright berries looked the most delightful to her. She wondered what they would taste like, Baldr saw Raven admiring the table “well, would you like a piece?” He offered her a small plate with a slice of cake on it. She finally took a seat and Baldr placed the plate in front of Raven. Nanna took a seat near Baldr’s chair, and He joined His wife. Raven thanked the deity couple and picked up a fork, she brought a bite up to her nose and the aroma was sweet and fruity. She took a bite, the texture of the cake was so soft and springy, if you were to taste a cloud this is what it would taste like, feel like. It was sweet but not too sweet, she could taste notes of smooth vanilla and something floral, she was not sure what it was, but it was delicious! The light pink and purple frosting were perfect! It was smooth and buttery but not overly so, that it would coat your mouth, the fresh berries that accompanied it made the perfect tangy contrast to the sweetness of the frosting. The light lemon curd filling was a bright and fresh addition to the slightly sweet sponge cake. Raven let out an audible “mmm” as she savored each bite. Nanna’s face was beaming at Raven’s reaction.
“I guess you like it?” Baldr asked. Raven nodded and finished the bite and swallowed “yes! It’s delicious!” Baldr clapped His hands together “It’s a new recipe that Nanna has been working on!” He declared excitedly. “It really is perfect in every way!” Raven said happily adding to the excitement of the moment. Eating this amazing cake and both Nanna and Baldr’s presence made her feel like a child. It made her feel like she was experiencing something she never got to. A strange feeling began to well up inside, in the pit of her stomach and chest. It felt as if happiness and anxiety were fighting each other. Baldr saw the melancholy darken Raven’s face, He could see she was indeed fighting something. “Let that happiness come out! Let it come through! You are allowed to experience joy, without guilt.” He said, His voice loving. “You can experience love, and the joy of love without guilt. You have no reason to feel guilty about feeling that way.” Nanna added, Her tone equally as loving. Raven drooped her head and tears started to fall “why? Why are you both so kind?” she paused a moment, “I-I don’t understand. How…?”
Baldr stood from His seat and went over to her, He knelt and gently took her chin and lifted her face. “Do we need a reason to be kind to you?” He asked. Raven did not know how to answer. Baldr was indeed His son. Baldr had a kindness in His eyes that she had saw so many times in His. Odin’s kindness, now she knew is genuine. She heard Nanna’s voice “Yggdrasil is not a place for humans but not any human would be able to handle both the darkness that lurks and the light that shines here.” Raven’s tears continued to fall “what-what does that mean, I don’t understand.” she whispered in-between her tears. Using His other hand Baldr wiped away her tears “you are not what you seem. You. Are. More.” The kindness and warmth that radiated from Him felt so comforting, so safe. She pushed His hand away and threw herself into Him. Baldr was thrown off balance and He fell back on His rear, and she cried even harder. Nanna jumped from Her seat to check on them. Baldr was cradling Raven as she cried, feelings that she never had before spilled out. Nanna knelt to Raven and stroked her hair and then joined in the embrace. “Is-is this what a parent’s love feels like?” she wondered.
Baldr began to hum a soft melody, it sounded familiar. She looked up at Him “that’s the same one I heard Odin humming!” she exclaimed softly. Baldr smiled “yes, it’s a lullaby. My father used to hum it to My brother and I when We were children.” “It’s a lullaby?” she whispered. She then buried her head back in His chest and continued to cry. “I don’t understand, anything that is going on!” Baldr cradled Raven and let her cry, let her feelings spill out. Raven, Nanna, and Baldr sat together for a while longer until Raven finally gently pushed from Baldr. “Please, tell me. Tell me what is going on!” she wiped her tears “I was running from this horrid creature, and I’ve been looking for Odin.” Baldr smiled “How to best to explain the Tree.” Baldr thought for a moment “Yggdrasill isn’t what the humans have thought it to be.” Raven was confused. Baldr sighed “Yggdrasil, isn’t a literal tree, it is a doorway.” “It is a doorway to different realms.” Raven was now intrigued, she wanted to know more about “Yggdrasil” It was not a tree, yet it did not house any of the worlds.
Baldr continued “Yggdrasil really is a spiritual portal to other realms. Only the Gods and other magical beings are able to travel the Tree.” “With you being here, you are obviously not fully mortal.” Raven listened intently to Baldr, trying to process everything that He explained. Her mind raced with so many thoughts. She began to question all her experiences up to now, things finally started to fall into place and make sense. She finally composed herself enough to speak up “so everything that has happened to me, has not been a coincidence, has it?” Baldr smiled “Fate follows everyone, no matter who they are.” Raven shook her head “I’m still confused about the Tree, but some things make sense to me now.” she said. Baldr patted her head “I’m sure you’ll catch on quickly.” There was a short pause then Raven spoke up again “I was chased by a creature here. At first it appeared as Odin but then…” the awful memory made Raven shiver.
“Yggdrasil while not only a portal, but it also digs deep into the hearts of the travelers and bring out the shadow or overwhelm them with light.” Baldr explained. “So, you will have to beware of the danger of the shadow of your own heart and make sure not to fall into the trap of something that seems too perfect.” Nanna continued. “How will I know if it’s a trap?” Raven asked. “You will know. If you truly know who you are, you will know.” Baldr said. Raven sighed all this talk of light and shadow, and balance was so confusing, but she had to make sure to pay attention to what the divine couple was explaining. She did not want to fall into a trap or get caught by that thing either. She desperately wanted to find Odin and leave this place. “I want to find Odin; how do I do that?” she asked. Nanna smiled “you will, all you need to do is keep moving forward.” Raven stood “I want to look for Him now.” Baldr nodded in agreement and went over to an elaborate wooden door that had seemingly appeared from nothing. “When you’re ready, use this door to exit.” He spoke. Raven walked over to the door just as she reached for the handle Nanna stopped her. “Wait! Don’t forget this!” Nanna was holding the rose she clipped for her “you might need this.” Nanna affixed the rose in Raven’s hair “there.” Raven smiled and thanked Her. “Be careful dear.” Nanna said. Raven nodded and opened the door.
She stepped out into another dimly lit corridor. The door shut behind her with a loud thud. She looked back and the door disappeared. She took a few steps forward and heard the humming again. She started to follow it. The melody was getting louder, so she started to jog. She continued to follow the humming until she came to a corridor lined with doors and the humming ceased. “No!” she shouted in frustration. She stood staring at the long hall of doors. She started to slowly walk the corridor. “Which door should I open.” she said to herself. She stopped at one door “well I guess I should just pick one then.” She reached for the handle and opened the door. She walked through it. “What the…?” she was confused by what she saw. “I’m home?” she was standing in front of her house. “How?” she looked around, was she truly home? It looked just like her street. She walked up the steps to the door and reached for the knob, just as she reached for the knob the door opened. “Oh Erin! You finally made it home!”
She was met by her father who was happy to see her “dad?” Her father hurried her inside the house. “Erin, I’m so glad you made it home in time!” Raven was confused by everything that was happening. “In time for what?” Her father looked surprised “your sister’s graduation party. You forgot, didn’t you?” Her father led Raven to their living room. She found her sister, Jessi seated on the couch. Her friends Crow and Racheal walked in from another room; she saw two young children sitting on the floor playing on a tablet, she recognized as Joanna’s nieces but had not seen Joanna anywhere. “Rave! We’ve been waiting forever!” Racheal exclaimed and ran over to hug her. Raven awkwardly returned the hug “uh, yeah sorry.” Crow approached Raven and also gave her a hug. Raven gently pushed Crow away “look, what is going on!?” she demanded. Everyone in the room looked to her in surprise. Her father speaking up first “Erin, are you alright? You look flustered, do you want some water?” Raven shook her head “No! Where’s Odin!” she yelled. She stopped when she realized what she just yelled. Her sister smiled “oh, and who is Odin?” her sister said in a teasing tone. Raven’s eyes widened “He’s…” Jessi giggled “you don’t have to say.” Raven’s father took her by the hand and led her upstairs to her room.
They sat together on the bed, her bed. The room looked exactly like hers. Raven was confused and terrified. She was just walking down dimly lit corridors and now she’s sitting on her bed speaking with her father. “Look Erin, I know you must be tired so why don’t you take a rest.” Raven shook her head “No, I can’t, I have to find Him.” Her father smiled sympathetically “You can look for whoever later, you need some rest.” Her father left the room closing the door behind him. Raven looked around the room, it really did look just like hers. A heavy tiredness began to weigh her down. “Maybe a small nap would be nice.” She smoothed the covers over and laid down “I’ll just lay here for a little while.” the last thing she saw was a framed picture of her mother on a shelf.
“Erin. Erin. Wake up sweetie!” Raven’s eyes fluttered open, and she was met with a truly shocking sight, her mother. Raven bolted upright in both terror and shock. “M-m-mom?” Her eyes were wide. Raven’s mother smiled and quickly sat next to her daughter “Erin, are you ok? You look like you’ve had a fright.” she reached over to touch Raven’s shoulder, but she jerked away. “H-how. How are you here!?” Raven shook her head “You shouldn’t be here! You’re dead!” There was a knock on the door and Raven’s father came in “what’s the matter Karla?” Karla smiled “Oh, nothing dear. Poor Erin here seems to have had a bad dream. She thought I was dead!” Erin’s father rushed to her side “it’s ok Erin, you just had a bad dream. Your mother is fine.” Raven shook her head again “NO! She died! I saw her in the hospital!” Raven’s father was quick to pull his daughter into an embrace and Raven struggled and began to cry. “NO!” Karla joined in with the hug, memories of Baldr and Nanna had come rushing back and she finally stopped struggling and gave in and accepted the hug.
The three pulled apart and Karla cupped Raven’s face in her hands “sweetie, I’m not going anywhere! I promise you were only having a bad dream.” Raven’s face was red and puffy from the hysterical sobbing “it was a nightmare? I was dreaming?” she said, her nose stuffy. “Yes, honey a nightmare.” her father chimed in. Raven thought to herself for a moment. Was she really dreaming? Had she just had a terrible nightmare that her mother had died? All the abuse from her uncle, the long nights of blaming herself, Yggdrasil, Baldr, Nanna, and Odin, and Loki. Was all that just some bizarre dream? She did not know what was real or not anymore, but she had her mother back! “Where is Joanna?” Raven asked, “I saw her nieces.” Raven’s father laughed “Joanna is fine, she’s working and we’re just babysitting, did not know you had such a concern for our neighbor.” “Neighbor? What?” Raven began to try and sift through her memories, but everything was so confusing, and she even doubted her own memories. “Erin, honey why don’t you take a nice warm bath and join us downstairs.” Raven nodded and her parents left the room.
She decided to take their advice and take a bath. She grabbed some fresh clothing and headed to the bathroom. Everything really was the same, was this really her house? She opened the door to the bathroom and felt a chilly gust blow through her, it made her shiver. “Is there a draft?” she asked herself. She shrugged and went inside and locked the door. She readied the bath water and sat on the side of the tub, running her hand through the warm water. “If this has all been a dream, then I guess I never really fell in love with Odin.” “I guess none of them were real anyway.” “Shame, Loki was a lot of fun.” she sighed “and Odin…He was truly the one.” she was not talking to anyone, just voicing her thoughts out loud. She removed the rose from her hair and undressed and climbed into the tub. The warm water felt so good on her achy joints. She sat there just taking in the feel of the water against her skin. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath in and submerged herself under the water. She was hoping to drown her thoughts in the water, but her mind still raced.
Then she heard a knock at the door, it was her sister Jessi “Hey Er, you have someone here to see you!” Raven resurfaced and wiped her eyes “I have what!?” she called out Jessi answered, “you have a guy here for you!” “A guy? What’s his name?” Raven asked. Jessi sighed “Ugh, something like Aiden or Alden.” “Alden!?” Raven’s heart skipped a beat “could it be Him!?” “Ok thanks Jess, I’ll be right out!” Raven rushed out of the tub and frantically dressed herself. She threw the door open and ran out of the bathroom. She hurried down the stairs and dashed to the front door. There in the doorway, He stood. Dressed in a nice navy suit, His hair in a long ponytail and styled to hide His missing eye. “Alden!” Raven cried and threw herself into His arms “Od…Alden! I-I-I missed You so much!” He looked down at her and smiled “little bird, whatever is the matter, I’ve only been gone a day.” She looked up at Him and that beautiful blue gem was staring back at her. She shook her head “no, no it feels like You have been gone forever!” she began to cry. He held her close to Him. Karla appeared and kindly asked “Alden, was it? Would you like to come inside?” He nodded and gently took Raven by the hand and entered the home.
Karla led the couple to the living room “I’ll leave you two alone.” and she left the room. Raven waited for her mother to leave and threw herself once more into His arms He staggered back and caught the handle of the couch to steady Himself. “Little bird, you seem frantic, what is wrong?” Raven buried her face in His chest and cried “Odin, I was trapped in Yggdrasil, and chased by this horrific monster that was mimicking You, and I thought You abandoned me…” Odin sat the both of them down on the couch and brought Raven onto His lap, “Little bird, Raven, I’d dare not leave you, you mean too much to me.” He touched His forehead to hers “I’ll be by your side until the very end, I promise.” still tears streaked her cheeks. “Odin, oh Odin, I…” Odin cut her off with a kiss and she closed her eyes and returned it. His lips were a welcome taste, they slid their tongues into each other’s mouths as the kiss deepened. Their sighs were heard by Jessi who entered the room by mistake. She looked up from her phone and turned beet red at the scene she was watching. Odin broke the kiss and chuckled softly “it seems we have a spectator.”
Raven turned “Jessi!” Jessi’s response was snapping a photo of her elder sister who was just as red as she was. “Wait till everyone see this.” Jessi giggled and dashed out of the room. Raven bolted from the couch after her sister “don’t you dare post that anywhere!” Raven chased her sister into the dining room and cornered her “if you post that I swear I’ll give Douglas your number!” Jessi gasped “You wouldn’t dare!” Karla walked into the dining room “what is all the commotion girls?” “Nothing momma!” Jessi answered. Odin entered the room with a sly smile on His face “it seems your girls are fighting over a photo.” He spoke. Karla walked over to them “let me see!” she said, her tone firm. Jessi handed her mother the phone and when she saw the photo she smiled sweetly “how cute! Send this to me, please. My little Erin finally has a boyfriend.” “Ugh, mom really?” Raven protested. “All right, what is all the racket going on!?” Raven’s father said as he entered the room. “Just Erin and her boyfriend making out.” Jessi said teasing. “Actually…” Odin spoke up “I would like to ask Raven something.” A tense quiet fell over the room. Raven turned to Odin, the fluttering in her stomach matched the fluttering in her chest. Odin walked over to her and produced a small black velvet box. “What are You doing?” she asked suspicious. He opened it and inside it, nestled in black silk was a beautiful sliver ring, in the center was a shining ruby that was surrounded by smaller diamonds. “My little bird, will you become my bride?”
She looked around the room and saw the shocked faces of her family, then back to Him. Did He just ask to marry her? King of the Aesir, God of War, wisdom and poetry, Who already has other wives, that are not human ask a simple human to marry Him. Was this really all real? It couldn’t be. “I-I don’t know what to say.” Odin retained His smile “say yes, little bird, Erin.” She really did not know what to do. “Did I not promise to stay with you?” She nodded and He took her hand and slid the ring on her finger. Her family cheered as she examined the ring “Alden I-I love You.” her voice broke. He pulled her in close and kissed her. “Oh, I must let everyone know about Erin’s engagement!” Karla exclaimed happily as she ran out of the room. Jessi jokingly made a vomiting gesture at her sister but smiled and mouthed the words “lucky ho” before exiting. Erin’s father patted Odin on the shoulder and asked to speak with Him. Odin waved to Raven before disappearing from the room. Raven stood alone now. None of this felt real to her. Was she really going to marry Him. She needed some time alone, away from here. She headed to the front door; she was stopped by her mother. “And where are you going?” Raven desperately needed to clear her mind “I just want to go for a walk. I need some time to uh, process this.” Karla smiled “I understand dear, marriage is a big step in life. Take your time.” Raven nodded and headed out the door.
The streets looked the same, the sky, the people everything looked just like home, but something felt off. Everything was perfect. Perfect. It was all perfect. She was getting along with her father, her sister graduated from university, her mother was alive, and Odin asked to marry her. Who she was so desperately in love with and promised to stay with her. But something was missing, but what was it? She stopped at a park bench and sat down. She tried to figure out what was missing, it was someone but who? Who was she forgetting? Then a little red fox scampered out from the nearby bushes. It held a red rose in its mouth. They looked at each other and then a name flashed through her head “Loki” she said out loud “Loki!” It was the red-headed trickster and one of her best friends. She stood from the bench and shouted His name. “Loki! Loki where are You!” The fox dropped the rose at Raven’s feet, and she picked it up. “Odin is here, so Loki isn’t too far behind.” she said to herself. She looked around but nothing. Loki would always come when she shouted for Him, no matter what the situation was He always came. “Loki! Loki! Please, I need You!” She started to feel panic well up inside her. Where was He? She decided to head home, Odin would know where Loki was.
When she arrived home, she found Odin waiting at the door for her. “Little bird, you look worried. Are you alright?” She shook her head “No, where is Loki?” Odin’s demeaner changed from calm to annoyed “what do you want with Loki?” She raised an eyebrow Loki has annoyed Odin but never has He ever been annoyed with her asking where the trickster was. She was usually answered with snark never annoyance. “I want to talk to Loki.” Odin came down the steps and placed His hands on her shoulders “You do not need to talk to Loki, He would only further confuse you.” She was adamant about speaking to Loki, she shook her head “No, Loki is one of my best friends, where is He?” Odin narrowed His eye at her and He squeezed her shoulders “I said. You. Do. Not. Need. Him.” His voice low and menacing. This did not feel like Odin. She struggled from His grip and pushed Him away, dropping the rose. “You are not Odin!” she yelled. The same little red fox from before scampered to her feet and pulled on her pant leg with its teeth. She looked down to it “huh?” it was trying to get her to follow it. Odin was furious and grabbed for her arm. “NO!” she yelled and shoved Him away and turned to run. The fox ran in front leading her and she followed. “Raven! Come back!” He shouted after her. She kept running without looking back.
She and the fox ran into some tall bushes in a park. She took some time to catch her breath while she did the fox pawed at her leg to get her attention. She knelt to pet the little creature and it let out a concerned yip “oh what’s wrong?” the fox started to tug at her sleeve “you want me to follow you still?” She stood “ok then, lead the way.” the fox trotted out of the bushes and Raven followed it. “Raven!” someone yelled she turned, and it was Odin, or at least it looked like Him. The fox started to bark and yowl, and she started to run, and Odin chased after them. “Raven! Stop, talk to Me!” She ignored His shouts and followed the fox. Then there was a burst of light and Raven stopped, from the light Odin appeared “little bird why do you run from Me?” she shook her head “because You’re not really Odin!” she took a few steps away from Him “I don’t know who or what you are, but you are not Him!” Odin’s expression darkened and He grabbed her arm “ah! Let me go!” she cried as she struggled to break His grip. “Little bird, this is a paradise made just for you. Why are you being so ungrateful?” She stopped struggling and looked at Him wide eyed “paradise?”
It was a paradise? Then she remembered Baldr’s explanation of the Tree, the balance between light and shadow. “No, this is not a true paradise! Not without Loki!” Odin’s grip tightened and He yanked her closer to Him “you belong to Me!” He had a vice grip on her and she was not able to break free. Fear was taking over and could not think clearly. Then she heard a familiar voice “hey jerk-face! She told you to let her go!” then the figure that was posing as Odin was struck in the face with a rock. She looked up and saw Loki. “Loki!” she shouted. “No worries, Birdie, I’ll get you outta here!” Odin touched where the rock struck him and felt the blood that had started to trickle. “Fool! I will make you regret that!” Loki scoffed “yeah, yeah whatever. Anyways hand her over or I’m pretty sure you’re gonna regret it!” Odin conjured up a mass of energy in his hand and sent it flying towards Loki. It took the shape of a spear and Loki laughed as He dodged the attack with ease. “Ha! Ya missed Me! You are nowhere near as strong as the real Odin.” He scoffed as He retaliated with His own attack. With the flick of Loki’s wrist, He sent three flaming darts hurling into Odin’s chest forcing him to release Raven.
He doubled over and fell to the ground. Raven took that opportunity to make a dash for freedom and ran straight to Loki, who greeted her with open arms. She flung her arms around Loki and sobbed loudly “Loki, Loki! I’m so glad You’re here!” Loki hugged Raven tightly “jeez Birdie, always in trouble.” He whispered teasingly. She buried her head in His chest “I didn’t mean to make You worry.” she said in muffled sobs. He smiled as He stroked her hair “so did you really mean that?” Raven brought her head up to look at Loki, His kind smile was comforting “mean what?” she asked confused “that it’s not a paradise without Me? She hugged Him tighter “of course I mean it! I can’t imagine my life without You in it.” He chuckled “you’re so completely hopeless, aren’t you?” They separated “Loki were You that little fox that tried to get me to follow it?” Loki’s only reply was a sly smile. Raven groaned in playful frustration and rolled her eyes “of course it was You.”
“Foolish.” Raven and Loki turned their attention to the voice. It was Odin, he stood and staggered over to the duo “you will stay here, with me! This carefully crafted world is for you!” Raven shook her head “no, this is not a world crafted for me. This world is a lie. I would rather face the truth than live a lie.” “As much as I would love to have a world where I have my mother back, a good relationship with my father, and marry the one man I have ever fell in love with, even if He were a God! I’d rather face my reality!” tears began to well up in her eyes “and I’d rather live in a reality where Loki is here with me!” Raven took the ring off and threw it at the imposter. The figure posing as Odin began to cackle “This world cannot exist as long as the World Breaker stays!” Loki laughed “well then, I suppose we just leave then right Birdie?” Raven nodded in agreement with Loki. Loki put an arm around Raven’s waist and snapped His fingers and they both vanished in smoke leaving an aggravated and thrashing silhouette of “Odin” behind.
The pair reappeared in a hallway. Raven broke away from Loki and crouched down near a wall and vomited. “Hey, uh Birdie…you, ok?” Loki asked concerned. He touched her back and she tensed but she was unable to turn as she vomited again. Loki stayed by her side and rubbed her back as she continued to vomit. When she finally finished and sat back on her rear “hey, you ok now?” Loki asked she looked up at and nodded. Loki produced a cloth and handed it to her, she took it from Him, and she wiped her mouth and face. “I think you should take a break for a bit.” She nodded in agreement. There was a short silence then Raven spoke “Loki this place, Yggdrasil, what is it exactly?” Loki sat down next Raven and sighed “well it’s a doorway, a spiritual doorway anyways.” “Like how we use the Bifrost to physically travel, Yggdrasil is spiritual travel.” He scratched His head “technically the only ones that can use it to travel are the Gods and other magical beings.” Raven nodded “that’s what Baldr was explaining to me.” Loki stuck out His tongue at hearing Baldr’s name. “Sometimes humans make it here but never last very long. They either get consumed by light, dragged down by the shadow or they never find their way back.” Raven thought for a moment then spoke up “so then what am I?”
Loki did not expect her question and tried to answer, “well I don’t know, what are you?” Raven lightly pushed Loki “You know what I mean, even Baldr said I wasn’t human. I’m not a god and I don’t think I’m anything magical.” There was a pause “well you did come here with Odin did you not?” Loki asked. Raven shrugged “I don’t remember how I got here. I woke up and He was gone.” Loki thought a bit “I guess we’ll have to find Odin then. He’s probably the one with the answers anyways.” Raven smiled and nodded. Loki stood and helped Raven up and the duo started walking. “Do You know where You’re going?” Loki chuckled “Not a clue, but I have an idea where we might be able to find out where He’s at.” They continued walking until Loki stopped at a door. He reached for the handle and opened it; Raven was apprehensive, but Loki took her by the hand and smiled. She nodded and followed Loki through the door.
They were in a what looked like a small hut. Its earthy tones made it feel as if they were underground, inside a mountain or a tree. They entered through another door that opened into a much bigger room. There at the center was a woman sitting next to the hearth with a bowl in her hands. Even without announcing Himself the woman addressed Him without looking up “Loki, You better not be causing trouble!” Loki acted wounded “Oh Angie My love, Your words pierce Me!” Loki’s overdramatic antics made Raven giggle and the woman looked up at her “so I am assuming You are one of His?” Raven was confused by what she meant Loki interrupted “yes she is one of His, sorry Angie.” The woman put aside the bowl and stood. She approached Raven and looked her over then introduced herself “I am Angrboda of the Ironwoods.” Raven did a partial bow “nice to meet you Angrboda.” Angrboda crossed Her arms “so which one are you?” “One of the wolves or Valkyries?” She studied Raven’s features closely “or are you one of the ravens?” Loki stepped in “Raven doesn’t actually know…” and Loki’s voice went low. Raven tried to hear what was being said but couldn’t. “Hey! You know I’m right here right!” Raven said raising her voice a little. Loki turned “yes but this is not for you to hear, at least not yet.” Raven was growing annoyed at all the secrecy.
“Please just help me understand what is going on!” both Loki and Angrboda turned to Raven and Angrboda was the first to speak “Only that foolish One-Eye knows what is truly going on.” She put her hands on Her hips “and He’s such a pain for anyone He has ever met.” She sighed “But Loki says you are looking for Him for answers.” Raven went on to explain what happened. How she and Odin laid together, the party, the monster, Baldr and Nanna, and the so called “paradise”. Angrboda took a few moments to go over what She was told. She pulled Loki aside and in a low voice “she’s one of His, and it seems she is…” Loki cut Angrboda off “yes, she is, she’s Munin. Look Ange, I know it’s not Hel, or Fen or Jourm. I’m still looking…” Loki was cut off by Angrboda yanking on one of His braids and He yelped “that’s not why I’m concerned! If she is His, then He is likely looking for her and I don’t want Him here!” Angrboda let go of Loki’s hair and He rubbed His head “yeesh, sorry Angie.”
Raven touched Loki’s shoulder and He turned “please no more secrets! I need to know what is going on!” Her expression was a somber one, her eyes were filled with such sadness that Loki found it hard to ignore her. He audibly groaned “dang it, Birdie! I can’t when you make that face!” Raven looked away; He scratched the back of His head “we were hoping You would know where to find Odin.” Angrboda sighed and rubbed Her temples “You are lucky I love You. Give Me some time alone and I will see if I am able to track that fool down.” Angrboda disappeared into another room to work. “Is She going to help us?” Raven asked curiously Loki nodded “yeah, we just need to wait a while.” Raven walked around the small room examining anything that looked interesting to her. “You really don’t know anything do you?” Loki suddenly asked. Without looking at Him “no. Everyone has been keeping secrets from me.” she picked up a small stone from a table “I hear whispers, but I can’t prove anything. Nothing has made sense ever since I met Odin and You.” She rolled the smooth stone in her hands as she continued speaking “talks of trees and paradise and portals” her voice trailed off and she sighed.
Loki took Raven from behind and rested His chin on her head “look I know things have been crazy, but I promise things will make sense soon.” She put the stone back on the table “who is Munin?” Loki froze “well…” “Don’t lie, please Loki, don’t lie to me.” Raven pleaded in a soft tone. Loki let go of her “you, you are Munin.” Raven turned to Him; confusion was spread across her face. “Me? I don’t understand.” Loki guided Raven to a small chair and sat her down and rubbed His face roughly with one hand. “Ok, you are one of Odin’s ravens reincarnated into human form, that’s the short of it.” Raven stared at Loki in disbelief. “I’m a raven reincarnated?” She stopped to think about this revelation. Then spoke “what!?” “Do You know how insane that sounds?” Raven said. “Look, look I know it might be hard for you to believe but you really are Munin.” Raven stood up from the chair “but then why does He treat me like I’m His lover or something.” she was now exasperated. “Because the old fool most likely fell in love with you, that’s why.” Angrboda said as She walked into the room and crossed Her arms “He probably did not plan on you being a human woman let alone become so close to one.” She raised an eyebrow “but it also seems that the feelings are mutual.”
Raven blushed “I-I-I’m not sure yet, I think I’m in love with Him…” Angrboda chuckled “does not matter to Me, I found your old fool.” Raven’s face lit up “You did!?” Angrboda frowned “I have, I will open a portal for you to go to Him. Take Loki with you.” Raven rushed over and gave Angrboda a hug and this caught the witch off guard “wha-what, why?” She stuttered out “thank you!” Raven exclaimed. Angrboda pushed Raven off “yes well, you’re welcome.” She said looking away. Loki stood back and watched the whole exchange and was giggling. Angrboda pointed at the door and chanted something foreign that sounded familiar to Raven “there when you go through that door, you will be taken to Him.” Loki walked over to the door “well Birdie what are you waiting for?” Raven smiled at Angrboda and thanked Her again and rushed to Loki’s side. He opened the door and the pair stepped inside and disappeared. “That kind idiot, what am I to do with Him?” Angrboda said quietly to Herself as she smiled.
Raven and Loki found themselves in an elaborate hall. It was decorated lavishly with fancy modern furniture and golden accents. Loki scoffed then laughed at His surroundings “sheesh and everybody talks about Me, being gaudy and over the top.” Raven looked around in amazement. She had never seen anything like this before. The entire hall looked so beautiful to her “wow everything is so fancy!” she said admiring a beautiful statue of a nude person. “Yeah well, Grim must be bored or something, I mean who comes up with this ridiculousness?” Loki said annoyed as He kicked the leg of a nearby table. While the pair were exploring the hall a humming started to fill the hall. Raven froze, she knew who that was! She took off running in the direction of the melody. “Hey, hey Rave, where are you going!?” Loki called out but Raven did not hear Him. She pushed through the door at the end of the hall and was met by a wonderous sight. She stood at a cliff edge that overlooked the sea. The sky was a navy, and full of bright twinkling stars that surrounded the full moon like a glittering ocean. She looked around and found that the hall was surrounded by trees that had beautiful purple flowers hanging from their branches. She walked over to one of the trees and reached up and touched one of the hanging bunches “are these wisteria trees?” She had only seen them in books and on the internet and she had fallen in love with them. This was impossible it had to be.
She started to wander, and the humming picked up again she followed it and it led her to a wisteria tree lined path. There were lanterns burning that illuminated the path so that she could continue. She walked down the path following the melody that was getting louder. “Finally!” she thought to herself. She finally came to the end of the path and was now standing front of a beautiful flower adorned gazebo. From its roof more wisteria flowers hung, In the center of the gazebo on a white plush bench sat Odin. One leg over the other and book in His lap. “Odin is that You?” she asked as her voice quivered. He looked up from His book and smiled. She knew that smile there was no mistaking it, it really was Him! She rushed to Him and threw her arms around Him and cried “Odin, Odin I finally found You!” she buried her face in His chest. He said nothing and brought her on to His lap and held her. Loki finally caught up and saw the scene in the gazebo and He sighed “I guess I’ll leave them be.” before He left, He caught Odin’s eye and Odin mouthed something and Loki chuckled and rolled His eyes and vanished.
Odin stroked Raven’s hair as He held her after a few moments He spoke “little bird, you finally came, I’ve been waiting for you.” Raven looked to Him, her face soaked with tears “what, what do You mean, waiting?” she asked. He kept His smile “I wanted to see how you would fare handling Yggdrasil’s perils.” This sent a tinge of anger through her, and she shot up from His lap “perils!? Do You know what I went through!” “I do.” He said without His smile fading “and you did well My little bird.” Anger was starting to boil in her stomach “so You saw everything that happened!? You saw the monster, the false you!? I thought You abandoned me!” Tears began to swell up in her eyes again and fall “I-I-I can’t believe You would just watch!” Odin’s expression remained unchanged “that monster! It looked like You and that imposter! He asked me to marry him!” Raven became hysterical and started to shake as she remembered each scenario. “But you saw through both of them, did you not?” Odin asked. Raven was unable to answer a lump had formed in her throat and her shaking would not stop. Odin spoke again “I did not let danger befall you. I was the one Who made sure that you would open Baldr’s door. I sent Loki to watch you and retrieve you when the imposter went too far.” Odin stood and pulled her into a loving embrace.
“My little bird, I was still with you.” He began to stroke her hair “you need to learn to navigate Yggdrasil, this will become an important place for you soon.” Raven continued to cry and let herself fall and Odin fell with her. He rocked her as she let all her tears flow. She needed this release and He let her. He hummed that same melody that she had been following. She lifted her head “that-that melody that’s the one I’ve been following.” she went silent for a moment then spoke again “how far were You from me?” she gripped Odin tightly afraid to let go. “Never very far.” He said gently. She buried her face in His chest again. Thoughts rushed through her mind “He is real, right?” “He won’t turn into a monster, will He?” “I just want to be with Him, please just let me stay at His side.” “I want, to say…I want to say.” her thoughts were interrupted by Odin moving His hands from her hair down to her waist. “Little bird, Raven, My Raven. What do you want to say?” She looked up at Him and blushed “did, did He…can He hear…?” He smiled “Yes, I can hear what you are thinking.” He shifted His weight to a sitting position and brought Raven into His lap again. “This is not only My room, but yours as well.” He brushed some loose strands of hair from her face “this room reflects My mind and heart as it can reflect yours.”
“I don’t understand.” she said. Odin kissed her forehead “as you know, no human can explore Yggdrasil. Yggdrasil will use your mind and heart to consume you. Either destroy you or trap you. In the end you become a part of the Tree either way.” He continued to explain further “The only ones that are able to explore and use Yggdrasil’s rooms are Us gods, spirits, and other otherworldly beings. Humans, even powerful ones, the ones that are or claim Shaman or Witch fall victim to Yggdrasil, none have ever returned to their bodies.” Raven spoke up with a question “so what is the Tree’s purpose?” Odin retained His smile “It is a portal and place of respite for us. Our hearts and mind. We can even use Yggdrasil to visit other beings or even humans that want to communicate with us using mediation or other means of spiritual communication.” Raven spoke up again “wait, but You walk around all the time in the open, so does Loki, why use the Tree?” He chuckled “true, but We are both in disguise and no human knows it is us. We interact as if We are human as well.” He sighed “and not every human has a belief in Us. Asgard is no place for Us anymore, so many of my fellow Deities live among the humans until the cycle happens again.”
“Cycle? What do You mean by that?” she asked. Odin paused for a moment and Raven swore she saw hesitation; she had never seen Him hesitate before. He chuckled softly “Ragnarök, My little bird. The end of the gods.” Raven stared wide-eyed at Him “no, the end of You? The end of Loki too?” she said her voice quivered He nodded “yes, Our end, but not for good. It is a cycle that repeats itself. We are all reincarnated again…” He paused and softly stroked her chin “…but some are reborn without memories.” Raven could feel herself wanting to explode, all manner of emotion surged through her, she didn’t know if she wanted to yell, cry, scream or slap Him “why, why did You keep something like that from me? What else have You not told me?” “Do you wish to know Raven? What you really are?” She nodded “yes! I want to know; I need to know! I overheard Loki and Angrboda speaking but I couldn’t make out all of it.” Odin raised an eyebrow “Angrboda? Loki was with Her?” Raven was worried that Loki might get into trouble and tried to think of some other explanation to give. “Well sort of but…” she was interrupted “little bird do not lie to Me, I will not lie to you.” She cast her eyes downward and sighed “Loki asked Angrboda to help Him find You, because You wandered off. I promise that was all He did!” “I see, the cycle must be setting in motion again.” Odin sounded grim and His expression equally so.
“I still want to stay with You! I don’t care about a cycle or whatever I’m supposed to be, I just know I want to be with You. Odin I…” Odin cut her off with a kiss, a deep and passionate one. She was caught so off-guard by it that she just let Him take command. She simply followed Him. They broke apart and she forgot was she wanted to say. His eye was so hypnotic that she felt as if she would be swallowed by it. She tried to look away from Him but couldn’t “Odin, I’m in love with You and I…” Odin interrupted her again “little bird I think it is time for us to return to our physical bodies.” She jerked in surprise “um, ok. But I have more questions, I want answers.” Odin smiled “and you will have them just not now. I will answer whatever you want me to when we return.” He caressed her cheek softly and leaned into her ear and whispered something she wasn’t able to comprehend. The world around her became blurry and then darkness overtook her.
She awoke in her own bed. The room’s ceiling came into view, and she sat bolt upright and looked around the room. “Was it a dream or was I really with Him in Yggdrasil?” she got out of bed and went over to the window and looked out, the sun was setting over the autumn scenery. She saw an unusually large crow perch itself in the tree outside the window. She had an odd feeling and opened her window. The crow flew inside, and she ducked “little bird.” she heard a voice say, she turned quickly and saw Him standing in her room. “Odin!” she exclaimed and ran to Him and threw her arms around Him in a tight hug. “Please, tell me that it was all just some weird dream!?” Odin chuckled “I promised to answer your questions.” He paused “and I promised that I would never abandon you.” Her eyes went wide “so, it wasn’t a dream then?” He shook His head “no, it was not.” She let go of Him and when she did, He pulled her in close by her waist “how about we enjoy the night together? I will answer all your questions in the morning.” He led her to the bed and laid her down on it. He leaned over her, gazing into her wine-colored eyes, how He wanted so much to just take her away and keep her for Himself. Raven finally had enough “love me already, I can’t fight it anymore.” and she pulled Odin down on her. Their two bodies intertwined and turned into a passionate night between human and deity.
The Midgard Wyrdo 