for "mini_nanowrimo" hence no friends lock 9
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The Beginning of the End of the Golden Age of Asgard
Hod is off balance, for his whole life, he has lived in Asgard and lived a certain way. He kept to himself and kept company in his darkness. Even though he is completely blind, he knows the way around his land the way you know the layout of your home. He is used to perfect sunshine and the good humor of The Aesir, who know his quirks.
Now in Midgard, even with Vali accompanying him, he can’t seem to find his footing. They crossed Bifrost, the rainbow bridge, into a rain storm. It is spring; he was told by Odin but does not truly comprehend what he is being told. His senses are overloaded with new smells and sounds, the ground is slippery. His cloak is heavy and damp from the rain. He feels as unsure as a newborn. For a few terrible moments, he believes he may cry. He never used to cry and since Balder’s death, it seems to him that he is only given cause to weep and not smile. Balder took all the good things with him. Nausea overtakes Hod again, as he remembers he is half responsible for his brother’s death.
Vali tries to be patient but time moves differently on Midgard than Asgard and it is passing them by. There only have so many hours until night sets. Loki is still out there and they are not safe and Hod is not moving. He has frozen, hands on his knees, trying to catch his breath although they have not yet travelled any distance. Vali knows that Hod has never left Asgard and he knows that his half-brother is at a disadvantage but they must keep moving on. Vali lays his hand on Hods back, prodding him slightly to stand up and go. Hod gives a weak laugh and walks a handful of steps before tripping a bit. He stalls again. Vali takes a deep breath, annoyed.
“Stay put!” he barks and storms off into a cluster of birch trees. Hod feels ashamed and listens to the direction of Vali’s footfalls. The rain makes it more difficult but he tries his best, he is worried that he will be left behind in this place. Vali’s trek back is much quieter, the anger has seeped out. He hold out a long, heavy branch to Hod, knowing he cannot see it. He puts Hod’s hand on top of a small part of branch that has jutted out and it fits him perfectly. Hod tests out leaning on it and it holds his weight. He gives it a swing out in front of him and Vali jumps back, laughing.
“This will do,” Hod says, renewed by the act of kindness.
Vali gets them to a dirt path and they follow it South. The rain slows and then stops altogether. Hod asks questions to aquatint himself with new smells and Vali surprises him with knowing quiet a bit about the plant-life. Vali shrugs, an unseen shrug, and chooses not to comment on it. After a few hours pass, they come upon a fast running creek and stop for a break to drink from it. Hod likes the way the water is so cold is almost seems to freeze his lungs. Vali is back at the creek for another drink, he can hear the twigs crack and snap under his weight. A bird lands in the tree above him, he cannot see it but he hears it ruffle it's feathers and feels the small splatter of raindrops it shakes of the branch onto him. He leans back and feels content.
“You are mortal now, you know,” Vali says walking back to Hod and guiding him to his feet and the path.
“I suppose.”
“You turned down The All father's offer and if you do not have Idun's golden apples for youth. . .” Vali is surprised when Hod laughs.
“Yes, I know. My life was spared so I may die slowly.” Vali chuckles along with him.
“You better make all this trouble worth it. Live good,” Vali teases.
“I will follow your advice, brother,” Hod assures.
“You cannot see it but we are on our way up a great hill and at the bottom, on the other side, is the village where you are to stay.”
“Then let's hurry. I have a good life to lead waiting for me.”