Himinbjorg, Asgard.

Diana was ecstatic. So much so that she had very little sleep the night before. She had almost stayed up until dawn in restlessness, reviewing the provided readings on Nidavellir and everything she could get her hands on about the Dwarves. As she had done for a few weeks now since her father proposed that Thor, Loki, and she would serve as Asgardian dignitaries for the coronation of Prince Sindri in Nidavellir.

Even now, as she stood at the edge of Asgard in the golden sphere of Himinbjorg, minutes away from riding the Bifrost to their destination, Diana continued to recount what she had learned of Dwarven culture and history: the five orbital rings that acted as their space habitat, the wars against the Rock Trolls that destroyed their home world long ago, and the hierarchy that placed craftsmen at the highest level of their society.

The royal children and Queen Frigga approached the Bifrost entrance. Behind them trailed an entourage of attendants, handmaidens, and the familiar squadron of Einherjar led by Commander Nanna Nepsdottir.

Heimdall maintained the constant vigil at the command center, his attention fixed on the horizon of worlds that lay beyond Asgard. The ever-stoic gatekeeper had offered them a brief parting before discreetly stepping aside and allowing the royal family the privacy needed for their farewells.

Frigga addressed Thor first, who stood unbothered by the coming trip as if it were a common occurrence. Which Diana thought was fair since her oldest brother had been assigned to similar tasks since he was her age. "Remember, my sun. You and your siblings are representing Asgard as a whole to our protectorate. Loki and Diana will be looking to you for guidance on this journey. Be strong and firm, but also be understanding. Nidavellir is a foreign realm, and they have customs that differ from us. Our bond with the Dwarves is deep-rooted, and it falls upon you to nurture this relationship into the future. Prince Sindri may be young in our eyes, but he will make a good king." She tenderly touched his face, her fingers lightly brushing against his skin. "And so will you, in due course."

Thor, his chest swelling with a sense of duty, nodded firmly. "I understand, mother. Please tell Father that this quest is as good as finished." Thor proclaimed with pride, his gaze drifting momentarily towards the palace across the rainbow bridge.

Like her brothers, Diana keenly felt the absence of the All-father. She had hoped, perhaps naively, that he would be there to offer his blessings as she embarked on her first official duty for the royal family. It was a significant milestone in her life, one Diana had seen her brothers partook before, and it seemed slightly diminished without her father presence. Yet, the throne demanded much from the All-father, and she understood, with a maturity beyond her years, that the responsibilities of a king often left little room for personal moments.

Despite her rational understanding, a thread of disappointment wove through her excitement. Thor and Loki took their father's absence in stride, accustomed perhaps to his frequent preoccupations with the realm's affairs. Although, she knew they wished their father was here as well.

Frigga, perceptive to the undercurrents of her children's thoughts, continued. "Your confidence is your strength, yet let it not blind you to humility. It is best not to presume the battle is won before you even set foot on the ground."

"Yes, mother." Thor sheepishly backtracked.

Frigga's attention shifted to Loki, her tone softening yet carrying the same firmness. "Loki, my moon, the journey ahead will demand much from you. Your siblings will lean on you for your knowledge and tactfullness. Lend them your strength as they will lend you theirs. And remember, mischief has its place, but so does restraint."

Loki's response was quick. A hint of a smirk played at the corners of his smile. "Of course, mother. I will try to keep Thor and Diana out of trouble. As always."

The silence that followed, heavy with Frigga's unsaid thoughts as she gently fixed a loosened strain of his hair, seemed to weigh on Loki, which prompted him to continue. "And I will keep myself out of trouble too."

Diana was all too familiar with her mother's tactic. The quiet, expectant pause that Frigga often employed spoke volumes, setting nerves on edge. It was a subtle yet powerful tool in her arsenal, one that Diana, along with her brothers, found particularly unsettling. None of them managed to maintain their composure under the strain of that silence for long.

Satisfied, Frigga then turned to Diana. "My stars. This will be the first time you take on the responsibility of the royal family. Listen to your brothers. They have experiences that you will find valuable." Frigg continued as if she knew Diana's thoughts. "Your father would be here with you if he could. I know he wishes you all a swift and successful return."

"Yes, mother." Diana caved a little under all the emotions she was feeling and rushed to her mother with wide arms.

With Diana attached to her hips, Frigga reached out her hands to Thor and Loki. "My children, remember, you carry with you the might, dignity, and grace of Asgard. Stand united, forge new bonds, and remember to respect the traditions of Nidavellir. Your father and I trust that you will represent our realm with honor."

With a final affirming nod, Frigga stepped away from the siblings and their entourage. Heimdall took it as a sign to plunge his sword into its holster. The dome crackled to life as a beam of radiant light shot up into the sky.

"Go forth, my children. May the Norns weave a favorable path for you, and may you return to us enriched by your experiences."

Thor led the way, his figure disappearing into the swirling portal, with Loki quickly following. Diana lingered for a moment longer, her gaze locked with her mother's. In that glance, she found comfort in her coming journey. Taking a deep breath, the princess stepped forward into the Bifrost.

______________________________

Asgardian Landing Dock, The Fifth Ring, Nidavellir.

Emerging from the pillar of light, Diana found herself wrapped in the scent of molten metal, rocks, and flame. This took her by surprise, given the considerable distance from the fifth ring of Nidavellir—where travels in and out of the realm were conducted—to where the forges resided. She was not certain whether her senses were failing her or if the very air of the realm was steeped in the essence of metalwork and stone.

The area surrounding their landing spot was open and sparse, marked only by the presence of the Dwarven guards at their posts. Beyond the immediate vicinity, Diana's eyes wandered to the dense collection of the realm's architecture. The buildings were distinctly rectangular and robust, rising from the ground as if naturally born from the very material of the orbital ring.

Her attention was then caught by the complex network of space vessels threading through the carefully orchestrated ports. A multitude of ships, each unique in size and design, gracefully maneuvered in the sky, seamlessly entering and departing from the numerous docks speckled across the fifth ring of Nidavellir.

Further up, Diana caught sight of the orbital ring's interior, curving gently overhead in an unbroken arc that spanned from one horizon to the other. This was just the first of five similar structures, each encircling the other in layers of perfect casing. High above, illuminating the realm with an unwavering light, was Nidavellir, the neutron star that shared the realm's name. Diana could slightly see the film of energy fields wrapping around the sun like a protective bubble. She found the occasional rainbow glint to be so captivating that the small commotion Thor and Loki made behind her didn't even register in her awareness.

In the corner of her eyes, Diana noticed two towering figures making their way towards them. The first was an elder Dwarf, his hair grayed by time and his face etched with scars that tugged at Diana in the sense of familiarity she could not place.

Beside him, however, stood another person who demanded immediate attention. This regal and less imposing younger Dwarf was adorned with a splendor of gemstones and rare metals that left little doubt of his high status. Yet, it was the jagged metal crown and his barely bearded chin that indicated to her that this was Prince Sindri of Nidavellir, the king-to-be.

From her readings, Diana knew that the lifespans of the Dwarven people were approximately four centuries, considerably less than hers or the Asgardians. Yet, only now did she understand what it all actually meant. Prince Sindri, who should have been around Thor's age, carried himself with an air of maturity that seemed beyond her nor her brothers.

The closer the two approached, the smaller Diana felt until they were literally towering above her and her siblings. Sindri's greeting was both smooth and welcoming, yet his tone was fiery, like his hair. "Prince Thor, Prince Loki, and Princess Diana of Asgard. Let me be the first to welcome you to Nidavellir. My father, King Ivaldi Noblebane, and I are honored to host the guests of House Odin and their retinue." The foreign prince extended his arm, palm open, fingers slightly curled in a gesture that was either an offering of friendship or a request for trust.

"The honor is ours, Prince Sindri." In response, Thor, being the eldest, moved his hand forward and met Sindri's massive grasp. "Our father and mother sent us with their well-wishes for your coming coronation and the hope to continue the fostering of friendship and respect between our realms."

Diana's eyes widened at the flowing words that came from Thor's mouth. Where was her brother, and who was this in front of her? Gone was Thor's normal behavior, and in its place was a visage of her father in his stead. To her amazement, her brother looked back at her and smirked. Thor did not smirk.

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To the side, Loki only offered a stiff bow and added. "Well met, Prince Sindri."

Despite the rising questions that warred against her lips, it was Diana's turn to speak. Looking over the foreign rows of stone and metal buildings, she could only think of how strange it all seemed compared to Asgard. Her head shifted to the Dwarven Prince. Diana gave a curtsied that her mother had rigorously taught her. Words then found their way out, clear and sincere. "I have read much about your realm and its wonders, Prince Sindri. Now that I am here, I find it to be even more incredible than I dreamt of. I look forward to discovering more of Nidavellir if you will allow me. May our realms continue to learn from each other under your reign as we have done long before."

Seeing Fake-Thor's silent nod, Diana felt a wave of relief wash over her.

Sindri's polite smile widened, and he answered. "Then you will be glad to know that we are hosting an exhibition from the rising craftsmen of Nidavellir on the morrow. My father hopes to showcase the new generation of artisans with a friendly competition." The foreign prince chuckled bitterly. "Though, knowing my people, I wonder how 'friendly' it will be."

From beside him, the previously silent older Dwarve spoke up. "I would swear an oath to stave off mead and liquor if no one draws their sword before noon. Bahahaha." His laughter crushed the dignified aura that enveloped the two royal families.

Sindri gestured to his companion with a heavy sigh. "This is Forge Master Throyo. I believe you know a friend of his. He had been quite insistent on being here when you arrived."

Diana dug through her memories at the familiar name and murmured. "Throyo? Wait, that's…"

Fake-Loki blurted out before Diana could finish her thoughts. "Sir Ratatoskr's companion? You're not how I imagined from his stories. You look…older." Which earned him a fast earned glare from the Real-Loki.

"Bahahaha. That was a long time ago. Ratatoskr mentioned you three were coming to Nidavellir. He talked about you every time he visited. If I didn't know any better, I would say you were his children instead."

With Throyo's boisterous laughter echoing in the air, Prince Sindri's chiding voice attempted to pass through. "Please, Master Throyo. My father will not be pleased with the way you are conversing with our guests. Neither am I."

Throyo, unfazed, responded with a hearty comment. "What would his majesty do? Put one of his best Forge Masters into the dungeons? I'm too old to constantly watch what I am saying. These three wil be fine."

Diana couldn't help but feel somewhat sympathetic to the prince's apologetic comment. "My apologies. Master Throyo is…loud, but he means well. My father had begrudgingly accepted his request to be here today after he…removed all the other candidates."

"Had to fight tooth and nail to be the one to receive you kids. The young ones these days, no respect for their elders. They should have given up before I sent them to the healers."

Fake Loki leaned toward his siblings and whispered. "Do you think he would fight me if I challenged him?"

"Please, do not do that when you are still wearing my face, Thor," Fake-Thor said, frustrated.

Diana, on the other hand, was in a fusion of surprise and annoyance. "You didn't tell me that you were going to do this. We will have words after this when we are alone." As Diana channeled as much of her mother to her voice, her brothers only looked at each other in guilt.

Prince Sindri then interjected. "With that said, I do hope you can forgive me. I will need to leave you in his very capable hands. There is much to do for the upcoming days, I'm afraid."

"We understand wholeheartedly, Prince Sindri. It is a busy time for you. Rest assured, we'll find our way to our accommodations." Fake-Thor quickly responded, being the first to recover from Diana's mother-infused wrath.

"I'm grateful for your patience. I hope to see you all again later tonight at the feast. Please, enjoy your stay and Nidavellir's hospitality," Prince Sindri offered a polite farewell before departing, leaving them in the company of Throyo and the surrounding Dwarven Guards.

"This way!" The Forge Master's deep voice resonated, pulling everyone's focus towards him at the platform's edge. Despite his size, Throyo was awfully quiet in his steps.

As they approached him, two vessels descended from above, gracefully hovering behind the old Dwarve. With a hearty slap on the side of the first vessel, which bore some resemblances to an Asgardian skiff but on a bigger scale– that seemed to be the recurring theme in Nidavellir. Throyo introduced it with evident pride. "This here is one of the finest anti-gravity shuttles we have. Fit for royalty indeed."

The shuttle gleamed under the lights, its white metallic body accented with gold, and its door swung upward to reveal luxurious leather interiors. He then gestured towards the second, simpler but no less impressive shuttle. "And there we have another craft for your attendants."

Commander Nanna, who had remained silent since their arrival, took a step forward, her concern cutting through the air. She halted the siblings just as they were about to board the shuttle. "I suggest that I or some of my Einherjar accompany you for safety."

Throyo's laughter sounded once more, breaking the brief tension. "Then come on in with. No need to be shy. Our people are big, and we build big!"

Fake-Thor, with a hint of amusement, observed, "It looks spacious enough for a small army. Though I doubt it would be a comfortable ride for them."

Fake-Loki protested. "I don't think we'll need protection at all. We're quite capable of looking after ourselves."

"Commander Nanna's presence would be reassuring." Diana added, earning a grateful smile from the commander and small frowns from her brothers. "In fact, I prefer if we can all stay together." Diana was still mad at them for not telling her about their trick earlier.

"There is no need. I alone will join you, your Highnesses." To Diana's disappointment, the commander affirmed. Nanna's sight lingered on Throyo as if measuring him.

"Either way, no one will be left behind." Throyo added, his hand running through the long and shaggy beard that was the hallmark of his people.

Throyo beckoned them aboard with a wave. "What are you waiting for? Hop on! I'll get us to your lodgings."

Once everyone was comfortably seated, Throyo commandeered the controls, kicking the original pilot aside with a casual ease that suggested this was a common occurrence. The siblings and Commander Nanna shared a glance of mild surprise, watching as Throyo confidently positioned himself at the helm of the shuttle.

"You kids better be buckled in back there." He called out. His blaring laughter was the last thing Diana heard before the sky turned upside down.

______________________________

Feast Hall, Koganusan Palace, The Second Ring, Nidavellir.

Diana tugged at the collar of her dress, feeling stuffy in the attire selected by her handmaiden. Her only comfort was the memory of the exhilarating ride through the rings of Nidavellir with Master Throyo. The elder Dwarf's reckless piloting, which commander Nanna branded as sheer madness, had left them on the brink of a diplomatic incident. When they arrived safely at their destination, it had taken the combined strength of her and her brothers to hold the commander back from skewering the Forge Master with her spear. Despite the chaotic introduction to Dwarven hospitality, oddly enough, Diana found humor and fondness at what had happened and she suspected that her brothers did as well.

Thor and Loki had been apologetic when they had a moment to themselves, and the disguises were finally dropped. It appeared that this was a normal routine for them whenever they were given similar tasks off of Asgard, away from their parents' scrutiny. Her brothers assured her that it was for the best due to Thor's lack of finesse with nobility. Diana did not like it, and she made them promise not to do it again, at least until the end of their duties in Nidavellir.

With the feast going in full swing and much of the initial formalities dying down when barrels of mead and spirits were introduced, Diana found herself politely nodding along as a Dwarven Noble named Andvari Amberchin went on and on about his duplicating bracelet for tomorrow's competition.

She loved learning, especially about other cultures. Yet, Andvari's tendency to sneak in a compliment to his own ingenuity every other sentence tested her patience. Scanning the room for a polite exit, she noted Loki's absence and Thor's engagement in yet another arm-wrestling bout, effectively leaving her stranded in her current conversation.

Her only saving grace was Andvari's young son, Otr, who stood quietly next to his father and occasionally glanced sympathetically in her direction.

"Father, maybe Princess Diana has other matters to attend to..." Otr gently suggested, his voice barely a whisper against his father's relentless chatter.

"Now, now, be quiet, Otr. This is important work. As I was saying, the runes of Sowuli and Fehu were not just simply placed; they were strategically etched by yours truly. However, the real masterpiece lies within, a technique I developed…"

The conversation stretched on, far beyond what Diana had hoped until someone else caught Diana's attention. It wasn't clear whether it was the chance to leave her current situation or a fascination with someone new that drew her. Nonetheless, the compelling pull guided her quickening steps across the room.