Throne Room, Koganusan Palace, The Second Ring, Nidavellir.

From what Diana had seen in the craftsmanship competition, she was extremely confused. Initially, they were presented with Skidbladnir, a Dwarven shuttle capable of folding into a small cube that could easily be pocketed in the folds of her dress, and Gleipnir, a thin silken ribbon that was stronger and more durable than any material of its size. Then came a hair wig that could seamlessly meld with one's scalp, altering color and length at the will of the beholder. She struggled to grasp how such diverse creations, worlds apart in both design and function, could be compared on the same scale, let alone compete with each other under the judgment of Prince Sindri.

What puzzled her, even more, was the overwhelming interest the elder nobles of Nidavellir showed in the hairpiece. Then again, Mimir always lamented that he would trade all his knowledge and wisdom for a chance to reclaim the supposedly luscious hair of his youth. With a mental note made, Diana resolved to share news of the latter invention with her tutor upon her return to Asgard— once all their duties were finished.

The exhibition struck Diana as remarkably similar to the show-and-tell sessions the other Asgardian children often recounted from their joint lessons. She had envied them then; her education was a solitary affair, shared just between her and her tutors. Never had she imagined that her own version of this activity would take place in the grandeur of a foreign court in the company of foreign nobles and royalties.

Diana's focus was on the center of the throne room, where Somr and Angrboda were preparing their project. From her slightly elevated position near the iron throne, the silhouette of their cloth-covered creation hinted at it being some sort of large animal, yet its utter stillness was unlike any living creature she had encountered.

Curious, Diana leaned towards her brothers. "Do you know what their project is?" She asked.

Thor stifled a yawn with his hand and gave an indifferent shrug. "I don't know, Diana. It could be anything at this point. Given that the Dwarves forged Father's spear, Gungnir, and the legendary hammer, Mjolnir, I expected more weapons in this competition. It seems that's not the theme this time around."

Loki, meanwhile, smoothly excused himself from his conversation with Prince Sindri—their discussions had meandered through future joint ventures, cultural exchanges, and a slew of topics that made Diana's head spin. Loki turned towards her with a specific smirk that usually signaled he was privy to secrets unknown to others. "I might have some ideas."

An expectant silence followed as Diana focused her sole attention on her brother, however, Loki gave away nothing more than a return stare back to her.

Diana's gaze turned into an unblinking glare at the second prince. Yet, her eyes grew dry, and her patience fell with every second passed. "Loki, can you just tell me?" She gritted out.

"Ah, dear sister, isn't suspense part of the fun?" Loki teased further, turning away to steal a look at Angrboda. "You will have to wait like everyone else this time, Diana."

Diana noticed Loki had taken to this strange behavior today. To her surprise, Angrboda exhibited similar mannerisms during the earlier exhibits, sharing secretive smiles with Loki whenever their eyes met. Diana was inclined to believe there was something interesting that they were keeping to themselves. As much as she liked having new friends, the princess wasn't particularly happy with being left out of the loop.

Thor, sensing Diana's growing frustration, attempted to ease it, but for the wrong reasons. "It's about to start anyway, sister. Won't be long now."

Resigned, Diana huffed. "Fine." Her mouth pouted at no one in particular, and she folded her arms neatly under her chest. She missed the days when Loki would just plainly tell her everything.

The princess' interest drifted back to the center stage, where Somr, Angrboda, and now Master Throyo were in a huddle. The Forge Master, after offering what Diana assumed to be words of encouragement, clapped both Jotuns on their backs and stepped away to the crowd, leaving the floor open to them. "Bahahahaha." His laughter reverberated even in the bustling room.

"Apprentice Somr and Apprentice Angrboda, are you ready?" King Ivaldi inquired, his authoritative voice rumbling from the throne. The murmurs and conversations of the court hushed instantly, drawing all regard toward the Dwarven king.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Both Jotuns were united in their responses.

"Then proceed with your demonstration."

It was Somr who took the lead. "King Ivaldi, Prince Sindri, Princes and Princess of Asgard, Lords and Ladies of Nidavellir, Jotunheim harbors creatures of great power and great fear." He rotated in his steps with each word, ensuring every attendee heard his remark. "Among these beings are the Jotunboars, creatures of immense strength and territorial instinct, growing as large as small cottages and requiring the might of armies to fall."

Angrboda picked up the thread seamlessly. "However, it is the same fierceness that makes them guardians without equal, revered for their unyielding protectiveness towards their own." She paused, allowing the weight of her words to settle among the audience. "Today, we unveil a being that will triumph over what nature created. A protector forged, not born, embodying the best qualities of the Jotunboar and the intelligence of those like you and I."

With a fluid motion, Somr and Angrboda unveiled their design, drawing back the cloth to reveal the striking form of a boar. Its body was crafted with such precision that any signs of internal joints or mechanisms were cleverly concealed. The bristles of the boar, fashioned from a golden material, glittered under the throne room's shimmering lights.

Diana was especially drawn to the boar's eyes, which were crafted from some sort of vibrant red gemstones. To her, they bore many qualities familiar to the ruby eyes of Somr and Angrboda, possibly a subtle signature that the Jotun siblings inscribed upon the boar.

Angrboda marched towards the motionless statue and positioned herself directly in front of it. "Gullinbursti." She declared, placing her hand firmly on its head. "Arise."

In a whirlwind of motion, Gullinbursti transitioned from the mighty but inanimate sculpture to a creature brimming with life. The boar pulsed with energy as its pupils began to flicker with inner red light. The golden bristles danced in response to the artificial muscles beneath, mimicking the natural rhythm of breathing. Gullinbursti lifted its head with lifelike motions, turning it inquisitively from side to side as though taking in its surroundings with sentient awareness.

Somr rested his hand proudly on Gullinbursti's side as he addressed the gathered audience. "Through the fusion of Jotun runework and the most advanced techniques known of Dwarven crafting, he can navigate, understand, and interact with the world around him."

The throne room was filled with the hum of machinery and quiet murmurs from the watching crowd. But to Diana, she heard something completely different—a masculine yet mechanical voice that said. "System initializing…Core enchantments stabilized. Secondary enchantments stabilized. Structural integrity at one hundred percent. All systems are functional. I am ready to serve."

Despite being completely enthralled, Diana noticed Angrboda stealing a glance in her direction. However, she doubted that the Jotun girl was actually looking at her. "Show us what you can do, Gullinbursti." Said Angrboda.

Gullinbursti's head swiveled towards his creator. "Command acknowledged. Authority Level One confirmed. Engaging mobility systems."

The golden boar's form tensed, muscles visibly tightening beneath his metallic exterior before his hooves shifted into motion. Power and speed exuded from Gullinbursti's form while he treaded step by step around the encircling people. With a graceful leap, intricate red runes materialized along his body, their glow brightening as Gullinbursti flew through the air in a display of advanced seidr.

Diana had imagined many wonders, but the sight of the boar taking to the air, defying gravity and expectation, was not among them. All eyes were lured towards Gullinbursti's flight as he raced to the high ceilings of the Koganusan Palace.

"That's incredible." Thor voiced what they were all thinking.

Loki couldn't resist the opportunity for a jab at his older sibling. "I seem to remember your lack of interest since there were no weapons involved in the showcase?"

With Thor's attention remaining unwaveringly on Gullinbursti, his tone changed to one of excitement. "That may have been the case, but I've changed my mind. Look at it..."

"Him." Diana interjected softly, like her brother, her eyes never leaving the flying creature that was Gullinbursti.

Thor accepted her gentle correction without a fuss. "Look at him. I bet he can carry all three of us. Do you think they will let us ride him?" His imagination already seemed to be running wild with the possibilities.

Diana turned to Thor, her smile shining as bright as the neutron star that lit up Nidavellir. Thor mirrored her expression, and for a moment, the two shared a silent conversation filled with what seemed to be unending troubles. On the side, Loki could only shake his head in mild exasperation, pressing the bridge of his nose between his fingers as if to ward off an impending headache.

______________________________

Once their presentation concluded, King Ivaldi announced a short recess before the commencement of the next exhibit. This provided Diana, along with her brothers, the perfect opportunity to congratulate Somr and Angrboda on their success. However, just as they were about to ask if a ride on Gullinbursti might be possible, the apprentices were swiftly enveloped by a crowd eager for a word with the Jotun craftsmen.

Diana's curiosity still not satisfied, she weaved her way through the bustling horde of Dwarves that had gathered around the boar.

In her excitement, she accidentally bumped into Gullinbursti and fell face-first into his surprisingly soft fur. "Oops. My apologies, Gullinbursti." She mumbled, a faint blush spreading across her cheeks.

"Structural integrity: uncompromised. Continuing operational functions. Administering assistance to Youth. Child. Stranger." Gullinbursti adjusted his body to support Diana to her feet.

"Oh, thank you. I'm relieved to see that you are…uncompromised." Diana composed herself quickly, but her hands lingered on the boar's fur, enjoying the sensation of touching it. "I apologize again. It's a pleasure to meet you, Gullinbursti. My name is Diana."

The boar paused momentarily, processing her response. "Identification registered. Query: Is Diana Youth capable of understanding my verbal communication?"

"Yes! I heard what you said earlier when you were…initializing?" The princess replied with a light stumble at the strange word while she continued to stroke Gullinbursti's golden bristles.

"Acknowledged. Anomaly detected. Query: Through what means does Diana Youth communicate?"

Diana furrowed her brow as she considered the question. "I guess the usual kind?" She tilted her head to the side in contemplation. "I think it's the All-Tongue at work here. It allows me to understand any language spoken by any sentient being." Not seeing any visual or verbal response from the boar, Diana continued with a flicker of uncertainty crossing her features. "My mother said it was a blessing from my Olympian relatives, but she wasn't sure which one specifically."

"Information processed. All-Tongue anomaly logged. Vocalization for system diagnostics disabled. Statement: Your input is appreciated, Diana Youth."

Diana couldn't help but be amused at the way Gullinbursti talked. "It's no problem. I'm glad I could help."

Gullinbursti rotated to face her squarely, its gemstone eyes focusing intently on Diana. "Query: Definition of 'Olympian' requested."

"Oh, where do I start? This will take a while. Well, you see…"

Diana was completely engrossed in conversing with Gullinbursti and didn't notice the curious and astonished looks she was receiving from the spectators, including those of Somr and Angrboda. From a distance, her brothers exchanged knowing smiles at the expressions Diana was getting. Now, others would know what they had to deal with all this time.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

______________________________

What started as a simple back-and-forth between Diana and Gullinbursti grew to become a full-blown commotion as Dwarves and Jotuns alike were frantically writing notes on their interactions. The gathering crowd swelled to the point where King Ivaldi felt compelled to intervene, quieting the burgeoning hubbub so that the showcase could continue. Despite this, the throne room remained still, with no one stepping forward to take the spotlight.

"Lord Andvari Amberchin." The attendant's voice rang out. "Lord Andvari Amberchin? Please come up and present your design."

Silence descended upon the room as the gates to the royal chamber were forcefully thrown open, creating a loud crash that echoed off the walls. Andvari stormed into the room, furiously making his way towards the center of the crowd. His appearance was noticeably unkempt, a far cry from the impeccably dressed and well-groomed noble that Diana had encountered just the night before.

The moment Andvari's eyes landed on Somr and Angrboda, the atmosphere of the court changed. "You two! Frost Giants! What have you done with my creation? Where is it?"

Angrboda's face showed obvious confusion, mirroring the expressions of everyone else in the room. "What are you talking about, Lord Amberchin?"

"Stop feigning innocence, you thieves! Return it at once!" He demanded, his words cutting sharply at the Jotun siblings.

Diana felt a knot of worry tighten in her stomach. Whatever that happened to the noble, she didn't think Somr and Angrboda could have done what Andvari suggested. However, the raw distress in Lord Andvari's voice seemed too real to be some sort of deception, and she had learned to recognize deception well from her brother's mischief.

Somr's response was resolute. "We have taken nothing from you. We do not resort to thievery as you seem to believe."

Prince Sindri quickly stepped in before the situation had a chance to worsen. "I think it is best that you explain yourself, Lord Andvari."

"My bracelet is missing! I'm not sure how, but I know they took it. Those Jotuns must have used some kind of sorcery to break into my manor." Lord Amberchin declared with disgust.

Angrboda quickly objected, striding forward towards the noble. "We would never even consider such a thing!"

"You stole her from me..." Andvari's voice dropped, bitterness seeping through his tone. "And now you want to take this as well?" But his rage returned, venom in every word. "I won't let you!" With a swift movement, Andvari pulled an ax from his back and directed it towards Angrboda.

Without hesitation, King Ivaldi's words resonated through the throne room as he commanded. "Seize him at once!"

Diana, Thor, Loki, and many others sprung to action, but Gullinbursti's systems reacted before they could get anywhere close. "Initiating defense protocol." The boar's sudden dash towards Lord Amberchin was a blur of golden motion, ending with the lord pinned securely beneath his form and the noble's weapon slipping away from his hands. Gullinbursti's snout, mere inches from Andvari's face, exhaled hot air into the stunned lord. "Warning: Do not resist."

Somr quickly grabbed his sister and pulled her away from the shouting Andvari, who was frantically trying to break free. "Let me go! These creatures are a plague that must be wiped out!" He yelled, hoping to rally support from the spectators. Some of the nobles nodded their heads in agreement. "Can't you see? Frost Giants bring only ruin!"

King Ivaldi's command rang out. "Escort him to one of our guest chambers for the time being. I will personally investigate this matter." Dwarven Royal Guards obediently stepped forward towards the imprisoned nobleman, but even their combined strength was no match for Gullinbursti's massive weight holding Andvari captive. The golden boar stubbornly remained in place, awaiting a direct order from his creators before budging an inch.

"He tried to attack us, my king!" Angrboda protested, still reeling from the attempted attack on her life.

The king stood firmly, unwilling to change his decision. Somr grasped Angrboda's hand tightly, gesturing to the nobles who were watching them with disapproval and scorn.

Tension filled the air between the siblings, their unspoken words casting a heavy silence. After a prolonged moment, Angrboda conceded, and Gullinbursti moved to rejoin their side. Meanwhile, Lord Amberchin's anger simmered visibly as he was escorted out of the throne room, his lips moving silently with muttered curses.

King Ivaldi shifted his focus to the apprentices, addressing them directly. "Somr and Angrboda, I must ask you a few questions as well. Please follow the guards to the feast halls and await my arrival."

"We've committed no crimes, my king." Angrboda pleaded.

Somr placed a comforting hand on Angrboda's shoulder and looked at the king with unwavering eyes. "Everything will be fine, Angrboda. Our innocence will speak for itself."

Throyo positioned himself in front of Somr and Angrboda in a protective stance that promised violence against any who wished them harm. "Your majesty." He addressed the throne and its occupant with a serious tone devoid of his usual humor.

The king met the forge master's gaze without shrinking away. "They will not be harmed."

"I understand. May I accompany them for the questioning?"

"If I were to refuse your request, would you abide?" King Ivaldi responded with a hint of amusement.

A weary smile broke through Throyo's concern. "Suppose not." He admitted.

"I thought so." King Ivaldi consented with a nod. "Go with your apprentices, Throyo."

Angrboda, exchanged worried glances at their creation and asked her brother. "What do we do about Gullinbursti?"

"I suppose I could take him back home before returning to you." Master Throyo contemplated. His hands stroked his grayed beard.

"I can take care of him!" The need to help in some way overtook the princess before she realized what had happened. Now, all the attention turned to the youngest child of Odin.

Angrboda measured the princess with scrutiny and shifted her head back to her brother for his input.

Somr and Angrboda exchanged another silent look, seeking assurance in each other's eyes before Somr nodded at Diana. "She can be trusted." He affirmed, appreciating the princess's offer.

Angrboda instructed their creation. "Gullinbursti, Princess Diana is now your Temporary Authority." The Jotun gently caressed the bridge of Gullinbursti's snout. "Heed her well until we return."

"Commands recognized. Designation Diana Youth updated to Diana Princess. Authority Level Two Registered." Gullinbursti strode itself next to Diana.

As the chaos was temporarily ended, King Ivaldi announced. "The competition will be postponed for now. Sindri, please guide our guests back to their quarters."

"Yes, father." Prince Sindri took on his father's request and beckoned the Asgardians to follow him. "Please, this way."

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Honored Guest Quarters, Koganusan Palace, The Second Ring, Nidavellir.

The walk back to their quarter had stretched on and on, with only the soft rustles of their clothing and the clackings of Gullinbursti's hooves breaking the muted uncertainty. Even now, when the children of The All-father and the boar were nestled in Diana's assigned room, the princess continued to pace back and forth with barely contained frustration.

Diana halted her restless steps and abruptly declared. "They didn't do it." Her voice shattered through the quietness in the room.

"I know." Loki offhandedly responded, his back casually resting against the cool stone wall of the bedroom. Diana could see her brother's eyes were distant as if parsing through layers of thought.

Thor, sitting in a chair that dwarfed his frame, chimed in. "I don't think they did it either." He stretched out, trying to make himself more comfortable as he considered what his siblings were discussing. "Somr is not that kind of person and I believe his sister isn't as well."

Loki arched an eyebrow at his brother. "Not that I am disagreeing but how would you know that, Thor? You've barely talked to either of them, and you assaulted Somr only yesterday."

Thor shrugged off the comment and met Loki's eyes squarely. "Actions speak louder than words, Loki. Somr had every chance to let me bear the blame solely yesterday, yet he chose not to. That alone speaks of his honor."

Diana's impatience bubbled to the surface. "Then we have to do something." She insisted, her hands raised high in the air in an attempt to release some of the pent-up emotions. "Anything!"

"King Ivaldi said he would get to the bottom of this. It may do well for us to trust his judgment." Loki reminded her.

Despite Loki's assurance, Diana was not easily swayed. "And in the meantime? We can't just stand still." Her tone was laced with disbelief and a trace of disappointment as she faced Loki. "How can you remain so calm? I thought you and Angrboda were friends!"

The accusation seemed to pierce Loki's emotionless facade. Her brother's expression hardened in response. "You're mistaken if you think I'm indifferent to their plight." He retorted. "One of us has to be the voice of reason. Recklessness won't help either them or us. We can not be seen meddling with another realm's affairs without a plan."

Realizing her mistake, Diana sulked back and sank into the embrace of the oversized Dwarven bed. "I'm sorry, brother. I didn't mean it." Diana knew her brother cared. It was evident to her that Loki held a bond with Angrboda, one that she couldn't fully understand but acknowledged in his not-so-subtle behavior around the Jotun. In her frustration, she had directed her anger to Loki. "It's just...I hate feeling so powerless."

Loki's features eased at her apology, and a faint smile appeared as he observed the humorous sight of Thor and Diana overshadowed by the way-too-large furniture. "Apology accepted." He said gently. "If you were actually listening to me, then you would have realized I said it would be a problem if we didn't have a plan."

Thor swirled his head towards his brother. "So you do have a plan, brother."

Loki's nod carried the familiar smug assurance Thor and Diana knew all too well. "Of course. What would you two do without me? Mind you, we could land in a lot of trouble if discovered. Are you both prepared for that?"

"Yes." Diana and Thor responded together without a moment's hesitation.

"And here I was, promising Mother I would keep us out of trouble." Loki sighed with a hint of irony in his tone. "We go to Lord Amberchin's Manor and check for anything amiss while Somr and Angrboda are being questioned. There could be some clues to the true thief. We might be able to ask for help, but we can't attract too much attention to ourselves—for the time being."

Thor weighed in, concern lining his words. "We need a way to travel there. I'm no expert in stealth, but the royal shuttles would be too suspicious."

"And we have no idea how to control them." Diana rose from the bed, her mind racing through possibilities until it settled on only one apparent solution. Their eyes collectively turned to Gullinbursti, whose red shining rubies watched them silently throughout the entire conversation.

Gullinbursti suddenly emitted a soft hum from the corner of the room where he had remained motionless. "Statement: Estimated payload well within operational limits. Impact on structural integrity deemed minimal."

A light of realization lit up in Diana's eyes. "He's saying he can give us a ride." Her smile broadened at the brothers. "But where exactly is Lord Amberchin's manor?" The question hung in the air as Diana crunched up in thought.

"We only need to ask." Loki said as if it was the most obvious thing in the realm.

Thor's expression morphed into one of disbelief. "Surely, it is not that simple."

Loki offered a smirk. "But it is, dear brother."