She was a freak.

A Monster.

Unwanted.

Unloved.

The unwanted daughter of a mother who was afraid of her own children.

A daughter forgotten by a father wrapped up in his own machinations.

A granddaughter so feared that she was graced with the throne of Niflheim. And in the halls of Éljúðnir, assisted by her companions Ganglati and Ganglöt, she would rule.

A Queen was as much a prisoner as those who were not worthy enough to earn their place in the Halls of Valhalla.

The Avatar of a master who cheerfully whispered in her ear - be ready for Ragnarök.

For Death was mad.

However, it wasn't wrong; if the Norns needed a villain, she would become one.

Because Hel was a freak, a monster.

Unloved, Unwanted.

Then one cold morning, she was proven wrong.

It was as if the universe held its breath when he appeared.

Her beloved, her master, whose green eyes were filled with warmth and love.

It was those eyes that now looked down at her with concern.

"I'm fine, my love, just memories," Hel said, then smiled as her betrothed kissed her brow.

Harry had brought the pair to the edge of a large farm. High in the mountains of Asgard, the several feet of snow proved little trouble as the three approached a stone structure, which had more in common with those found in Scandinavia several hundred years ago than today.

A tall woman with raven black hair and bright blue eyes stood at its entrance. As they approached, Sigyn, the goddess of victory, placed her hands on her hips and gave her husband Loki, god of mischief, an exasperated look.

"I've seen that look before," Harry murmured.

"Do you know, father, what they are calling you now?" Hel asked while giving her betrothed a soft punch in the ribs.

"I am afraid to ask."

The goddess of death gave him a sad smile. "The burden of Sigyn's arms."

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Loki cringed. His wife, a powerful goddess in her own right, had always stood by his side, even to the detriment of her own well-being. He guessed that she was currently living high in the mountains to avoid the royal courts because of the unpleasantness her presence being his wife would cause.

However, the large form that leaped over the house and charged across the snowy field concerned one god of mischief.

"That's Fenrir," Loki commented as the massive black wolf moved across the landscape at an unnatural speed.

Hel chuckled.

As the son of Loki approached, he leaped and, to his father's surprise, transformed into a young boy who slammed into the Aspect of Death with a squeal.

"Frændi Haraldur, you have returned. When can we go out and hunt? Oh, and hello, sister; I see you have managed to find father." The young wolf said excitedly.

"Yes, we have. Now say hello to him."

Loki watched as his son leaned over and put his chin on his uncle's shoulder without concern before speaking. "Greetings, father; you look well."

"And you as well, Fenrir. It's good to see you," Loki said honestly.

"So hunting, Frændi?"

Harry laughed. "I thought we were here for lunch?"

"Oh, that's right!" Fenrir exclaimed, then leaped out of the Master of Death's arms and grabbed his sister by the hand. "Come on, Hel, we have a surprise for you."

"Stop it, you mangy wolf. Quit pulling me. I can walk by myself!" Hel yelled as she was dragged across the snowy field and into the house beyond.

"Thank you," Loki said.

"For what?" Harry asked.

"For helping my son."

"He's a good boy," Harry replied.

The goddess of victory curtsied as they approached the homestead.

"My lord, thank you for returning my husband to me."

"You welcome, Sigyn. I'll give the two of you some privacy." Harry replied warmly, then turned to Loki and mouthed good luck before entering the house.

"He's not what I expected," Loki said.

"No, but he is good for your daughter," Sigyn sighed. "I thought you were dead."

Loki took his wife in his arms, and they stood together for some time, enjoying one another's presence.

"I don't hear any yelling," Fenrir said while trying to look through one of the kitchen windows.

"Come away from the window."

"Alright," the young wolf replied before sitting on his mother's lap, the red-headed giantess Angrboða. "Brother Narfi and Vali were sure there would be yelling involved."

The muscular jötunn witch, who had very little in common with the graceful Sigyn, laughed. "I'm sure my husband's mother will have some choice words."

"I spoke to Sigyn's sons. They are on their way," Harry said as he entered the room, finding a seat next to his betrothed.

"Will Jormungandr be joining us, my lord?" Angrboða asked.

"Unfortunately, no. Although I managed to teach him how to shift into his jötunn form, he complained it was too small."

The mother of monsters nodded. "I would like to see him if given a chance."

Angrboða was known as 'she-who-offers-sorrow.' That title fit as she also brought it to herself and her children. The Asgardians took them from her, claiming that the children of an evil giantess would only bring destruction upon the realms.

So the mother of monsters had been more than a little surprised when her daughter appeared with her betrothed in front of her home. For whatever reason, the Norns had intervened to give her a second chance to make up for her foolishness for not stopping the Asgardians from taking her children.

"We can visit him on Midgard," Fenrir insisted.

"Well, he was playing with some whales north of the Arctic Circle last time I spoke to him, so it shouldn't be a problem."

"My betrothed did promise we would visit this New York." Hel smiled. "We can all go together."

As the three waited for Loki's second wife and his other children to arrive, they made plans to visit Midgard, not particularly concerned about the chaos their little family vacation would cause.

Coming up – Oh, let us not forget the Tea