27
On the second day of the New Year, the sky was clear and bright.
Thor woke up on his bed, feeling oddly nervous. Was this pre-wedding jitters?
He hadn't expected to marry and start a family so soon. Perhaps there were some unresolved feelings in his heart from his previous life so he married so early for an Asgardian , he's probably the youngest married aesir. He aimed to give Lady Sif a perfect future, then explore the universe and its vast starry seas without any regrets.
After a moment of hesitation, he shook off his unease. He was Thor, the God of Thunder! He wouldn't be a coward!
Outside his door, Frigga and the maids had been waiting anxiously. Today was a momentous occasion for the entire God Clan. If the eldest son of the God King didn't marry, where would the future heir come from? It was crucial for the prosperity and continuity of the divine realm.
Under the meticulous care of the maids, Thor prepared himself while Queen Frigga spoke beside him.
"My son, I'm so proud of you! Promise me you'll always cherish Sif."
"Mother, do you doubt me? She is my wife now!"
Frigga adjusted Thor's collar, patted his shoulder, and led him towards the Golden Palace Square.
The Golden Palace today was heavily guarded and open to the public as never before. The square, barracks, Hall of Valour, and numerous halls were bustling with members of the God Clan and visitors. Maids and guards hurriedly prepared for the upcoming festivities.
On the square, four groups of God Clan guards stood in golden armor, holding spears with military precision. In the midst of them, the God King was instructing them sternly, emphasizing the importance of discipline...
As Thor approached with his mother, the God King turned to inspect his son. Seeing Thor's confident demeanor, he handed Sleipnir's reins to him after a few words to the horse.
"My son, from this moment on, you must walk your own path. I only ask one thing: bring my daughter-in-law home safely."
"As you command, Father!"
Though it was early morning, according to tradition, Thor needed to start his journey to fetch his bride. The most important aspects of a God Clan marriage were martial prowess and the ability to hold one's liquor.
Thor mounted Sleipnir and led the way towards the palace gates, accompanied by a grand procession. Half an hour later, they exited the palace gates, Sleipnir now walking on his own.
According to tradition, every groom-to-be, whether prince or commoner, must face challenges on the way to meet his bride. Thor was obliged to drink with Sif's kin and friends until they were satisfied, receiving their blessings for a safe journey home. It was all part of the ritual!
Meanwhile, in the Golden Palace, the God King and Queen received guests and ambassadors from various realms, awaiting Thor's return. But that's a tale for another time.
Thor strode out of the palace, invigorated, his armor glistening. Were there any surprises in store? Several peculiar flying machines hovered ahead, evidently broadcasting live with someone using magic to control them from afar. It was a spectacle.
The procession moved forward leisurely, bypassing the straight road to the Golden Palace and entering the marketplace. Crowds lined the streets, eagerly awaiting the spectacle! With his enhanced physical attributes, anyone who dared to obstruct him today would regret it!
Thor slapped his shoulder with a grin, signaling to the spectators lining the streets. A commotion arose in the distance. Someone was coming to challenge him! Though he had no real adversaries, who could it be?
As Thor led the procession around a corner, he spotted his challenger: Jarovit!
"Hey there, Jarovit! Are you really going to block my path?"
Empowered by his sub-divine strength, Thor was now a Level 4 legend. This promised to be a challenge!
"Your Highness Thor, I've come to challenge you honorably!"
"Then come!"
Sleipnir halted, and Thor's guards stood at attention. They were mere spectators...
Onlookers watched with avid interest. God Realm martial prowess was legendary, and this minor skirmish was no deterrent. Accidental injuries were an acceptable risk, given the spectacle.
Thor eyed his old rival, a smirk playing on his lips. Today was different, and he intended to impart a life lesson!
"Roar!" "Roar!" "Clang!"
Both charged at each other, divine energy crackling as their attacks collided. Their moves were direct, intent on proving their strength.
Mjölnir had transformed into a two-handed war hammer. Thor swung it like a whirlwind, immediately putting Jarovit on the defensive. The clash of weapons echoed across the field, leaving Jarovit little room to retaliate.
"Boom!"
Thor effortlessly deflected Jarovit's heavy axe again, this time with ease.
Jarovit was bewildered. Had he been pretending during their previous sparring matches? Perhaps Thor had progressed too swiftly! Lost in thought, he knelt before Thor, tapping his armored chest.
"Your Highness Thor, permit me to serve you! I shall be your keenest sword and stoutest shield!"
Was this the Child of the World's role? What a turnaround! Accepting nothing for granted, Thor tapped Jarovit's shoulder with Mjölnir.
"I, Thor Odin's son, accept your allegiance! Rise, and stand with me henceforth."
Thor resumed his journey, contemplating what awaited him. What if Sif's kin sought to hinder him? He'd face that challenge in due time.
The rest of the journey proceeded without incident. By the time they arrived at Sif's residence, it was already midday. Thor vowed he would never marry another...
Thor straightened his attire and entered Sif's abode. Here he was safe. Sif's parents, relatives, and friends, however, posed no undue challenges. Instead, they blessed the union of Thor and Sif. After a half-hour of formalities, the two protagonists finally met.
Sif, in her pure white wedding gown, sat before him. Her slender form, graceful neck, and perfectly adorned countenance left Thor speechless. This was his wife—his resolve to ensure her happiness and beauty in the God Realm was resolute!
Thor had commissioned the finest tailor in the Golden Palace to craft Sif's gown. As a jest, he'd also had a pair of glass slippers made for her. Now he understood the true meaning of perfection. Sif has become cindrella.
"Sif, tell me at once! Do you love me?"
Thor hurried to her side, kneeling to place the glass slippers on her feet, much to the chagrin of the onlookers—his parents, relatives, and friends.
Sif was furious. Were it not for her gown, Thor would have been scolded on the spot. Yet his puppy-dog eyes softened her heart, and she playfully kicked him in the chest with her bare feet.
"I love you! Are you satisfied?"
Her flowing blonde hair cascaded around her once more. Thor cradled her foot in his palm, assisting her with the final slipper. Rising, he kissed the back of her hand, leading her towards the doorway step by step.
Lightning flashed, and Thor's armor transformed into a casual blue-purple suit. Together, they epitomized youthful radiance. Sif's parents stood in awe, while guards outside readied an open chariot. Thor and Sif ascended, beginning their journey back to the Golden Palace.
As they turned a corner onto the street, the denizens of the God Realm marveled at their attire. Sif, in her wedding gown, her hair fluttering in the breeze, was hailed as the realm's most beautiful woman.
Spectators showered them with flowers, their exclamations of awe mingling with heartfelt blessings. Someone even shouted "Thor, sing!"—a call that was met with cheers, spreading throughout the Golden Palace district. It was exhilarating. Thor hadn't expected this challenge, but he embraced it!
Thor cleared his throat, enveloping his wife in a hug. With a kiss upon her lips, he gazed into her eyes, his voice resonating with soulful power.
"I swear upon the stars and moon above!"
"I vow, as I behold your form..."
"Through joy and sorrow, our paths intertwined..."
"With every beat, my heart beats for you, I vow..."
"Through time, my love shall never age..."
"Beside you, joy or despair, until life's final stage..."
"I swear! I swear! I swear..."
The cameras captured this moment, a historical testament to their sincere declaration and enduring commitment!