Following Our Own Script

Chapter Four

"Moron."

Huginn squawked. He had been attempting to sleep for the past several minutes. After saving them both, he had well earned a proper rest.

Heimdall returned to his side. "I'll continue your rescue story when you wake up."

"Huginn already told me."

"What? When?"

"He can talk to me outside of cawing. He makes those noises just to get your attention mostly."

"Was he telling you over top of me talking?" Heimdall glared at the bird. "I thought you had an understanding of story craft, you tick-bag."

"He said you use too many words. Didn't get to the point fast enough."

Heimdall scoffed. The two of them, a nightmare.

Loki transformed into his bear form for warmth. Damn brat took up most of their space. The last of the fire clung to life. Best to rest while there was still some warmth left.

- - - - - - -

"What will you do now?" Frigg asked, standing in the doorway.

Heimdall still hung onto the rope. He stared off into space somewhere between his step-mother and nowhere. He needed to escape, needed to take the mask back to the All-Father. He wasn't useless. This was all a test. His father hadn't told him about Draupnir because he believed his son to be capable, not because he didn't care.

Freyr had entered Heimdall's view, stumbling about the room in a buzzed faze as they waited for Hidisvini. He kicked the fallen book across the floor aimlessly.

"I'll take that mask from your corpses and return to my rightful place alongside the All-Father."

Frigg sighed. "Heimdall-"

"No!" he snapped. "Don't. The All-Father was pushed into a corner. He said what he had to. I know him better than anyone."

Frigg pushed the handle for the bucket to raise. Heimdall let go of the rope gradually until ground came beneath him. What a kind gesture. He slumped his forearm against the side, crossing his feet as he leaned. His eyes glowed with hatred.

Frigg was tried. Not from lack of sleep, but from being alive. "Heimdall, please. That is not the Odin you pledged your loyalties to."

"I pledged myself to Asgard, and so long as your plan is to bring about Ragnarok, I don't see what argument you're trying to win me over with. If this is an attempt to mend our relationship as mother and son- Sorry, step-son, give up. Accept you failed all of your children and move on."

She ignored him. She had done an impeccable job at ignoring all of his jabs. The fresh betrayal and death of her friend kept her numb. Heimdall decided to leave his most heart-breaking truths for when her spirits returned.

"You already stole the horn from me. Trapped me in a bubble. Is having me as a permanent fixture in your home not enough?"

"Odin is bringing Ragnarok to his own doorstep. You know we wanted to avoid-"

"Oh shut up. We? Kratos was the only one at that table who wanted to prevent war, which is ironic. You've been willing to do whatever it takes to kill the All-Father for years now. Loki is still stupid enough to see himself as some champion. Mimir wants revenge. Your brother hopelessly follows your lead. The dwarfs were the only two who might have been indifferent, but now, the living one is willing to knock down Asgard's walls himself. Collectively, you got us where we are today."