407

Reconciliation

Odin gazed at Thor and inquired, "Thor, what are your thoughts on your elder sister, Hela?"

"Well... she's pretty impressive," Thor pondered for a moment. "But she's not quite what I expected from a sister. I always imagined her more like Mother, but Hela's more of a warrior."

Odin nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed, she is a warrior. In fact, Hela was once the original wielder of Mjölnir."

"She was the original wielder?" Thor was taken aback, glancing at the warhammer in his hand as if seeing it anew.

"Get to know your elder sister well, Thor," Odin said earnestly. "As her younger brother, you should show her utmost respect."

"I understand, Father." Thor's gaze remained fixed on Mjölnir.

"You may go now."

"Oh, Father." Thor paused as if recalling something. "Is Hela's mother Jord?"

"Yes, Jord was my former wife. She died tragically in battle many years ago," Odin explained.

"No wonder Hela has black hair," Thor remarked with sudden realization. Then, a thought struck him, "But Loki also has black hair. How does that work?"

Both Odin and Frigga were blonde, and traditionally, their offspring should inherit their blonde hair, like Thor. Loki having black hair seemed to defy this lineage.

Odin fell silent momentarily, unable to provide a straightforward explanation, and glanced at Frigga.

Frigga smiled softly. "Life holds many mysteries, Thor."

Thor scratched his head in puzzlement.

"Go on, Thor. Be a good brother," Odin waved him off.

After Thor left, Frigga turned to Odin. "Are you considering making Hela the future Queen of Asgard?"

Odin didn't answer directly but instead said, "I just had a troubling dream."

"A dream?" Frigga looked surprised.

For the Asgardians, dreaming was rare. It typically indicated a lapse in mental fortitude, more common among mortals than among beings of their stature.

As the King of Asgard, Odin remained one of the most formidable beings in the universe, even in his advanced age. Dreams were seldom part of his realm of experience.

Odin continued, "In my dream, Cul returned to Asgard and clashed with Thor, resulting in their mutual demise... Dreams, though obscure, often hint at the future, symbolizing fate."

"I fear that if Thor ascends the throne, this future may come to pass as foretold," he sighed, "And truth be told, our son is ill-suited for kingship. He's a good lad but too impulsive and naive—a true king should be otherwise."

"You may be right, Odin," Frigga murmured after a moment, sighing softly. "Perhaps I have failed in my maternal duties."

Odin shook his head. "I am Thor's father, and thus, the greater burden of responsibility lies with me."

Silence enveloped them for a while.

At that moment, Forseti and Hela arrived at the Golden Palace, their approach visible from afar.

"You've arrived," Odin greeted them warmly, beckoning them closer.

"Your Majesty," Forseti addressed Odin respectfully.

"Father," Hela hesitated.

Odin regarded his daughter, returned after centuries of absence. Though he maintained a welcoming smile, his eyes betrayed a complexity of emotions.

His interactions with Hela had been scarce. She had vanished for 1300 years initially, followed by intermittent disappearances over the subsequent centuries, leaving their father-daughter bond distant and unfamiliar.

"Hela, I trust you've found solace in your absence," Odin spoke slowly. "In my reflection, I've realized my shortcomings. As you've stated, I failed to keep my vows."

"I promised not to remarry, yet I fell in love with Frigga. I pledged the throne to you, yet wavered upon Thor's birth... Emotions often defy control, but the latter was indeed my failing."

Forseti listened intently, surprised by Odin's candid admissions.

Having lived long enough to father children, Odin was conservative and steadfast, naturally favoring his son, Thor. For ages, he had hoped Thor would inherit the throne.

However, Odin's words now hinted at a readiness to honor his promises and relinquish plans to pass the throne to Thor, all to reconcile with Hela—a revelation that astounded forseti.

Hela, too, found herself overwhelmed by Odin's unexpected change in attitude, having spent little time in Asgard.

"Father, you..." she began, uncertain.

Odin continued, "Hela, if you so wish, you shall remain Asgard's Crown Princess... When my time comes to an end, you shall ascend as Queen."

Frigga added softly, "Personally, I hoped Thor would inherit the throne. Yet, I must concede that Thor's character is unsuited for kingship. I believe you've observed his behavior in recent days."

"I trust you'll make a worthy queen and a dutiful elder sister."

"Thank you, Lady Frigga."

After a moment, Odin turned to Rowe with a smile. "My daughter has chosen wisely. Forseti, you've exceeded my expectations."

"Thank you for your kind words, Your Majesty," Forseti replied.

Odin nodded approvingly. "I understand you've formed an order known as the 'Silver Hand'?"

"...Yes," Forseti affirmed.

"In recent centuries, due to the absence of conflict, Asgard's military has dwindled, and I've not commanded the army under my leadership," Odin explained.

"However, circumstances have changed. The Battle of Harokin has exposed many latent threats. The enemies of the Aesir are undoubtedly stirring, probing our vulnerabilities, poised to strike at any moment. Asgard must prepare for the looming crisis, including the dreaded Ragnarok."

He paused before continuing, "Therefore, Forseti, I hereby appoint you as Commander of the Silver Hand Knights of Asgard, entrusting you with all matters pertaining to the Order. The Silver Hand shall hold status equivalent to that of the Einherjar."

Forseti was taken aback. "Yes, Your Majesty."

Henceforth, the Silver Hand became an officially recognized institution in Asgard.

Odin nodded, smiling warmly. "Excellent, Paladin of Asgard."