3 Chapter 3: Libary and Magic
After escorting Fandral to the healer, I made my way to the grandeur of the throne room where my parents awaited. Along the journey, my mind buzzed with thoughts of my next steps.
(Before my upcoming arena bout, the allure of the library tugged at me. Perhaps it was time to delve into the arcane arts, the mere thought sending a thrill through me.)
With a grin plastered across my face, I stepped into the throne room, struggling to find a single word worthy of describing its magnificence. The opulence was palpable – the floors and walls gleamed with gold, flanked by armored sentinels awaiting the king's command. Above, a majestic painting of Odin, surrounded by depictions of the nine realms, adorned the ceiling. I knew what lay beyond the throne.
"I see my son has emerged victorious in his first bout," Odin remarked, a smile gracing his lips. I offered a respectful bow to my king.
"Father."
Beside Odin, my mother stood, her smile a beacon of warmth.
"Son, what brings you to your father's court?" she inquired, her intuitive nature never failing to amaze me. With a smile of my own, I voiced my request.
"I seek permission to access the royal library."
This request seemed to catch both Odin and Frigga off guard – never before had they anticipated such a desire. After all, in Thor's earliest victories, he had sought mighty weapons.
"Why the sudden interest in the library?" Odin questioned, his tone grave.
"I wish to expand my knowledge of the nine realms. Magic, too, holds my fascination. And where better to explore these facets than within the library's walls?" I replied earnestly.
"Why not seek tutelage in magic from esteemed teachers across the realms?" Frigga suggested, her concern evident.
"I wish to forge my own path," I declared firmly.
The silence that followed was pregnant with contemplation, Odin's furrowed brow betraying the depth of his thoughts before he finally spoke.
"Very well! However, remember, delving into magic requires proximity to me or your mother. There's nothing more perilous than recklessness in the face of the unknown," Odin cautioned, his words laden with paternal concern.
In gratitude, I bowed deeply. "Thank you, Father."
With that, I pivoted on my heel and departed the throne room, hastening my steps towards the sanctuary of knowledge that awaited me in the library. Along the way, I encountered Thor and his companions, his infectious smile lighting up the corridor.
"Brother, word of your victory over Fandral precedes you. Truly glorious," Thor exclaimed, enveloping me in a hearty embrace.
Turning to his comrades, he presented them with pride. "Allow me to introduce my companions. The stout figure is Volstagg, whose strength belies his size, a stalwart defender of Asgard."
He then gestured towards the figure beside Volstagg, whose features bore an exotic allure, hinting at perhaps an ancestry beyond Asgard's borders.
Thor continued the introductions, pointing to the individual resembling an Asian, suggesting a hint of elven heritage.
"This is Hogun, unmatched in prowess and record," Thor announced proudly.
"Nice to meet you, young Prince," Hogun greeted me with a nod, his demeanor carrying a sense of reserved confidence.
"Finally, a voice of reason to temper Thor's boastfulness. Perhaps now he'll learn some humility," Volstagg chimed in, a jovial twinkle in his eye.
"The pleasure is mine. I must admit, I'm impressed by anyone who can tolerate my brother's braggadocio for long," I replied with a chuckle, sharing in the camaraderie.
Their laughter filled the air, though Thor's expression shifted to one of mock offense.
"Enough jesting, my friends. Let us indeed revel in my brother's triumph. To the feasting hall for a grand celebration!" Thor declared, rallying us all to join in the festivities.
"Unfortunately, I'm unable to join in the revelry. I must seek Father's permission to visit the royal library," I explained regretfully.
Thor's puzzled expression was a testament to his lack of understanding. "Why would you want to go there? It's just a collection of dusty old tomes," he queried, genuine confusion evident in his tone.
(Sometimes I find myself astounded by Thor's ignorance, especially before he lost his powers and was banished to Earth. The library holds millennia of knowledge spanning countless subjects, and yet he never bothered to explore its depths.)
Concealing my surprise, I replied calmly, "I seek to further my abilities, brother. And there's no place of greater power than within the pages of those ancient texts."
Thor and Volstagg remained perplexed by my response, but I caught the subtle smile on Hogun's lips.
"May your quest be fruitful," he offered with a nod, his understanding evident despite the others' confusion.
After passing Thor, Volstagg, and Hogun, I made my way to the library. Its vastness was overwhelming, stretching out like a cityscape of knowledge. Thousands upon thousands of books lined the shelves, each holding untold secrets. Yet, this was merely the surface level; the true treasures lay hidden beneath, in the library's basement.
Descending into the depths, I encountered two guards stationed before a towering black door, standing sentinel to what lay beyond.
"I seek permission from my father," I announced.
At my words, the doors swung open, revealing a realm reminiscent of ancient European castles. Here, the collection was smaller, but infinitely more potent – forbidden tomes of immense power.
I immersed myself in the forbidden knowledge, pouring over texts detailing magic, rituals, and encounters with celestial beings. Some even delved into the creation and destruction of planets, showcasing the vastness of the library's wisdom.
(Time to return to my old habits.)
Days turned into nights as I delved deeper into the mysteries of magic, studying ancient runes and their applications. But there was a catch – to wield their power, I needed space stones as vessels, each becoming inert after use. However, I had no intention of walking around with a bag of magic stones.
In front of me lay a book adorned with ancient runes, each imbued with unique abilities. Yet, there was a limitation – comprehension. Understanding the meaning behind each rune was no small feat.
Rising from my seat, I approached a nearby table where a paper lay, bearing a rune of my own creation. This rune harnessed divine energy, converting it into magical energy – my own powers channeling into the arcane. It was a breakthrough, but there remained one hurdle – convincing my father.
Before proceeding, I needed his blessing. However, I anticipated his skepticism, particularly when it came to my choice of tattoos. But with determination burning in my veins, I resolved to confront him, for my journey into the realm of magic had only just begun.
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