Perspective

Kára

My armor rattles as I walk through the halls of Valhalla. And for once, I have a destination. Frigg, one of the more tolerable deities here, has called for my assistance, and I am not one to deny it.

Partly out of respect for one of the less horrid Gods, and partly as I have no choice, in my position.

For, as much as I would wish otherwise, I am among Valhalla’s valkyries, and so, I have to follow the Gods’ whims.

But were it up to me, those very Gods would lie on the other end of my lance. They’re parasites, more than anything. My position here is a mockery. But I have no choice but to do this, regardless.

I step through a gate, entering a garden.

Or perhaps, that is an inaccurate description. This place, Frigg’s domain, takes the form of wherever a guest would be most comfortable.

I clear my throat, alerting the deity to my presence.

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

“Ah, Kàra. You’re quite punctual.”

“Only as much as I need be.” I respond politely. This God is not one worthy of my ire. And she seems bothered by something. “What is the task, this time?”

Frigg remains quiet for a few moments with a troubled expression. That is odd, for her. But eventually, she speaks up again. “I… Sent a human to another world. Arde. But, I can’t have her there without a guardian.”

“There has to be more to it than that.” I raise my eyebrow. She’s holding something back.

“The human in question is… Troublesome. Dangerous, not in her right mind. This task will take years at minimum, maybe decades or more, and a lot of it will be… Replacing an absent moral compass.”

Oh. So it’s like that. “…So, to put it simply, the Æsir are trying to get me out of the way-“

“No.” Frigg answers seriously. “This time, it’s… All me. I’m aware that you hate our… Machinations, and this is just… Think of it as me giving you a vacation. This place will have many stronger than you, but… It’ll have the freedom you wish for.”

I’m left speechless. She knew. She knew? And yet, instead of ending me, knowing that, she decided… To free me from the Gods’ whims.

I sigh. “Then… Thank you.” I give her the deserved gratitude.

“It’s only what I should do.” She smiles. “I… Hope we don’t meet again. It’s for the best if you stay free there.”

I nod, and the Goddess takes it as what it was intended. A cue to send me.

A place new to me. The idea is exhilarating, if a little sad. But if it means freedom from the Gods’ petty squabbles, I am all for it.

Once I open my eyes again, it is to a shorter, brunette woman in some sort of… Pure white overcoat, rummaging around in some bushes.

I clear my throat.