Tyrkir and Ornulf

Bright and hopeful with her chances, Hela began the journey towards the training grounds the very next morning.

The guards patrolling the corridors stood at attention and greeted her as she approached, and Hela greeted them back warmly. She always made a point to talk to the guards, servants, and other personnel within the palace. She could only imagine how the original Hela would have treated them, and how that didn't exactly lead to her good end. Fear doesn't inspire loyalty. After all, after her banishment, she was promptly forgotten by the realm like she never existed. 

The guards watching over the training grounds inclined their heads as she passed. Herryk was not there yet but a good number of the trainees are already present. Hela went to her place and, instead of confining herself to simple greetings like she did before, she began to engage in small talk with a few of them.

"Good morning, Bjørn, Arne, Ari." She greeted the three boys she somewhat recognizes. Mostly because Arne and Ari were the infamous twins who incited the wrath of Herryk last time and was made to clean the dirty stables in the palace, and Bjørn was pretty much their wrangler and the one who pulls them out of trouble. As a result, the poor boy looks exhausted all the time.

They echoed back the greeting distractedly. When she didn't move on like usual though, they did a double take.

'I was not that out of touch with others my age, was I?' She internally winced, 'Time to fix that...'

"Ari, I noticed you have new knee guards, did you already wore them out?" She asked curiously, eyeing the protective knee guards on one of the twin's legs.

They all turned to stare at the aforementioned boy who startled, before slowly bringing his leg up to show them, "I did, Your Highness." He scratched his head awkwardly, leaving his black hair in a disheveled mess. "Got them from old Tarben's shop in town, figured I needed a new pair. I didn't think you would notice."

Arne suddenly snorted. "You only needed it because you slipped on a pile of horse manure that one time."

Ari shoved him hard, flushing in embarrassment. "Shut up! Did you have to mention that now?"

His twin shrugged and grinned impishly, "He also got headbutted by a horse." He whispered conspiratorially.

Ari let out a cry of frustration before tackling him. 

Bjørn just sighed wearily and rolled his droopy grey eyes skyward, and Hela barely knew this boy and yet she already felt for his pain deeply. "Please ignore them, Your Highness. Arne has made it his life's mission to annoy Ari every day." He eyed her, "Don't let that fool you though, they're thick as thieves when they do get along."

Hela watched the two begin to throttle each other, Ari indeed on the ground with his new knee guards scuffing the dirt. "Any chances of mischief in my future?"

The boy next to her snorted, "Not even they're that stupid, Your Highness." He paused, before muttering, "At least, I hope not."

She fought a grin at that, before two familiar boys suddenly caught her eye. She watched as they presently huddled a few ways off the grounds, both fixing their leathers and protective guards hastily. It was clear that they arrived last, and would be dead if Herryk caught them still in their ordinary clothes. She remembered that one of the boys were the one who sent her that awed look yesterday though, and she frowned in contemplation.

"Ah," Bjørn caught her looking and leaned back to watch them too, "That's Tyrkir and Ornulf. Commander named them the dead lasts of this batch of recruits, though I suspect Ornulf's only there because Tyrkir is." He shrugged.

Before she could even begin to sort out that statement, said Commander suddenly marched in the grounds, his trademark scowl on his face. "Any brat I catch horsing around again shall clean the horse stables, and I am not talking about the royal ones!"

The twins stood straight so fast they probably gave themselves whiplash. Hela winced, the stables were nasty, to say the least. Full of manure, putrid smells, misbehaving horses... At least the royal ones were regularly kept clean by the handlers and servants, but the regular stables were a nightmare. The rest of the trainees immediately snapped to attention and waited with baited breath.

When it seemed like no one was going to move any time soon, Herryk announced that they were going to spar against their fellow trainees today. 

"I expect not to see any sort of blundering and fooling around, or it will be the stables for you!" Herryk definitely did that before, to everyone's dismay. "No killing each other and wooden swords only." Then he settled back and crossed his arms, as if those rules were enough. More than a few blinked at him in bewilderment. Hela rolled her eyes in exasperation. "Now go find a partner!" He barked.

Immediately, most of the boys paired with their friends. The twins immediately clambered to secure Bjørn as a partner instead of each other, much to the tired-looking boy's dismay. Seeing this, Hela wasted no time and went and paired up with the boy from yesterday.

Said boy blinked in surprise, and his friend looked at her in confusion. "Your Highness?" He asked uncertainly.

"Good morning," She shot him a friendly smile, "Would you care to be my sparring partner?"

He tensed and glanced at his friend, obviously daunted by her sudden action. Everyone knew that although the princess usually keeps to herself, no one could deny that she was skilled in training; even Commander Herryk acknowledged this a few times, albeit grudgingly. They both knew how the spar would end.

On the other hand, Hela's heart slowly sank; perhaps she had mistaken that look yesterday. Nevertheless, after a moment, the boy visibly gathered himself and nodded. "I would be happy to, Your Highness."

Hela nodded in relief, and noticed his friend send a reassuring look his way, before leaving to find a different partner. And with that, they took their positions.

"Begin!" Herryk called, and sounds of fighting immediately resonated in the training grounds.

As for the two of them, Hela decided to wait for him to make the first move. The boy remained frozen at her lack of movement, before quickly figuring out that she will be on the defensive and stiffly stepped forward. When she still showed no signs of moving, he finally decided to strike.

Hela's eyes narrowed as she blocked his frankly clumsy attempt. The boy looked resigned and hesitant still, but obediently swung his practice sword. Her body automatically moved to meet his heavy strikes and block them, and she frowned when he continued hesitating, but his swings remained strong. Was he hesitating because she's the princess?

"Please do not hesitate." She told him, and the boy flushed at being caught. "I do not mind. Truly."

The boy frowned, but dutifully obeyed her and went to the offense. He ducked down as she swung over his head, and tried to strike her side, which she immediately sidestepped and followed up with a quick thrust. He hastily brought up his weapon, and the wooden swords clashed. With that, Hela immediately felt his strength, as well as his over-dependence on it.

It had been one of Herryk's teachings that she always took seriously; strength was never enough. Skill and speed does more in a fight than simply bashing your way through the battlefield.

He surged forward with a cry, and Hela took advantage of the large opening he left. She immediately spun around him before hooking her sword with his and abruptly wrenching it from his grip, disarming him with ease.

He panted as he shook his aching hand from the rough treatment. Hela relaxed before letting out a small smile, "Not bad. You could use some work with your stances, speed, and technique, but your strikes, while hesitant, are strong. If we work on it more, you will surely become formidable one day."

To her confusion, the boy's eyes – warm brown, with a curious spark of shrewdness behind them – blinked. "…We?" He echoed.

Hela suddenly frowned. Had she completely botched it up? She only wanted to compliment him; despite his admittedly poor skill and stance, everything she said was true. Nevertheless, she tried to remain confident. "Yes, we." She smiled as reassuringly as she could. "Is it all right for me to accompany you and your friend?" 

"I…" He turned to look at the other boy for help, and Hela suddenly noticed that he had already finished with his own spar against Ari. And defeated, by the looks of it. His friend made a 'go on' motion with his hands and the first boy froze. "We… would be honored to, Princess Hela." He finally replied, though his wide eyes betrayed his true feelings on the matter.

Before she could take it back (she doesn't want to force them to become her friend, for god's sake), his friend spoke up. "Are you sure, Your Highness?" He shrugged nonchalantly at her confused look. "I mean, Tyrkir and I are not exactly the most fitting companions for a princess." He obviously possesses none of the shyness of his friend, and Hela almost cracked a smile at his boldness.

"…Ornulf!" The first boy – apparently named Tyrkir – immediately hissed, and Ornulf winced, "I… ah… I apologize. I did not mean any offense."

"None taken." She assured them, and spun to include Bjørn and the twins. "I do not mind. In fact, I prefer it if you continued talking like that."

Almost immediately, Ornulf grinned smugly at Tyrkir, who sighed in defeat. "As you wish."

The twins looked giddy though, and Bjørn looked very much like he wanted to shoot her a dirty look. "They are going to be insufferable now, just so you know." He warned wearily.

They both gaped in outrage.

She shook her head in amusement, "And what are your names?" She directed the question at the two silent boys beside her, and noticed how some trainees were staring at their mismatched group with judging eyes. She resisted the urge to scowl.

They both glanced at each other before Tyrkir stepped forward and bowed. "I am Tyrkir Vifilson, and this is Ornulf Stigrson. We are honored to officially meet you, Your Highness."

She waved off the title, "Please, just call me Hela." 

The other surname was unfamiliar, but Vifilson, Hela noted, means that he is the son of the Minister of Law. She remembered that he had been one of the ministers she liked to corner to ask questions about some of Asgard's laws, due to her noticing that it sometimes portrays women in a negative light, and she wanted to know what he thinks. Thankfully, he didn't seem prejudiced. He revealed that creating laws requires hearing the various official's opinions and votes before actually deciding anything. Basically, most of its creation were out of his hands.

Minister Vifil's a kind and intelligent man. He was actually pretty lenient despite his position. The Minister of Security, however, was strict and harsh. Especially since he was the one who actually implements the laws the Minister of Law creates.

Now that he mentioned it, Tyrkir vaguely looked like his father. They both have the same dark brown hair that looked slightly ruffled, similarly colored eyes, and a reserved posture. He looks like someone who prefers to observe first before doing anything, which looked like the complete opposite of Ornulf who fidgeted nonstop as if he was itching to just blurt out anything his mind can think of and was only marginally silenced by Tyrkir's glares.

Ornulf, on the other hand, looks like a typical Asgardian; all curly blond hair and bright blue eyes that just seemed to sparkle, and if that wasn't enough, he practically radiated energy like a little kid.

The twins were completely identical, with short messy black hair, lanky builds, and dark eyes. Perhaps the only way to distinguish them was the fact that Arne is always grinning mischievously,  while Ari looked like his eyebrows are going to fuse together from frowning so much.

Bjørn, as previously mentioned, looked like he's been awake for three days now. His eyes drooped, and his skin is pale. His dark hair looked neat though, even if the rest of him isn't. Hela relates, she was like that in college too.

To her surprise, Bjørn abruptly stiffened as he stared at something behind her, before the twins squeaked and bolted into a run, "Son of a-" He cursed.

"You four!" The three boys instantly jumped out of their skins, and Hela spun around in surprise as an irritated Herryk strode towards them. "This is not the time for play dating. Did you not hear me? I said run! And that includes you, princess!"

"Yes, Commander!" They immediately shouted.

"What are you waiting for?"

They immediately scrambled to obey and ran, Bjørn taking special care to slap the twins upside the head as he went. Hela stared after their backs for a moment before jogging after them, ignoring the glare the Commander is burning at the back of her head.

The training grounds were huge, which made running around the perimeter of it a favorite torture technique of Herryk's. Ten laps around it can make an ordinary person winded. Fifteen will make them lightheaded and dizzy, and twenty-five will already leave them dead on their feet. And Herryk usually wanted fifty laps or more.

That was why Hela can sort of understand when already, Tyrkir was tiring after running for just fifteen laps.

Ornulf at least endured seven more before finally slowing down and matching Tyrkir's faltering pace. Hela could only stare, she hadn't even sweated yet. Though she guessed that assessment was a bit unfair. Mainly because Hela had already noticed during the first few years of living in this world that her body does not easily tire and had excellent endurance and stamina even without any previous training.

Hela was stunned herself at the discovery. She hardly felt tired unless her body was pushed to its limits (which was often the case in Herryk's harsh training) It was almost as if this body was fated to be an active one, which felt odd whenever she knew she didn't do any rigorous training but she could still potentially outrun the most seasoned men. She had learned ever since to just consider it one of the perks of this god-like body.

However, the two boys obviously lacked those qualities. Dead lasts, Bjørn had said.

She refrained from talking to them though, knowing that it will only waste their breaths and slow them down even more, and only resolved to keep pace with them.

Soon enough, Tyrkir slowed to a walk, and his friend quickly followed. Knowing that not completing the assigned laps would incite Herryk's wrath but not particularly caring, Hela slowed down as well.

Tyrkir immediately noticed, "What are you doing?" He asked her in surprise, sweat beading his brow. "The commander will get mad at you!"

"We all know you can run a hundred laps more." Ornulf remarked, watching with wide eyes as she stopped completely and proceeded on doing cool-down exercises.

"It's fine, don't worry." She smiled reassuringly at them, making the two blink in bewilderment.

After a moment, Ornulf suddenly snorted, the loud sound making Tyrkir turn to him with an almost scandalized expression. "I almost forgot you have the ability to annoy him without even meaning to. And get away with it too! Would the princess care to give a fellow trainee some advice?"

"Become royalty and you're good to go." Hela deadpanned.

Both suddenly snorted while Tyrkir looked as if he would very much like to face-palm, "Odin save me, now there are two of you."

Ornulf shoved him playfully on the shoulder, making him stumble. "Now, don't be like that. You just said that her annoying the Commander yesterday was the best thing you ever witnessed in your life. Why, ever since she first joined training-"

"Ornulf!" Tyrkir hissed, and he immediately looked apologetic.

Hela, meanwhile, just shrugged. "Herryk may be a jerk, but he is good at what he does."

Ornulf grinned, "That he is!"

"PRINCESS!"

The two boys winced at the volume, but Hela only shrugged at them again and turned to face the music.

"We'll continue this later."

…

Considering how they have training every day, Hela wasn't surprised that they became fast friends. Although while Bjørn and the twins were often off with the other recruits, the two 'dead lasts' were always alone. 

Hela caught more than one person shooting judging stares at them whenever they talked, and it made her bristle. Both seemed used to it, though Ornulf just looked like he couldn't care less. It just made her recall what Bjørn said back then about Ornulf only being a dead last just because Tyrkir was and found herself growing curious at what that meant.

As far as she observed, Tyrkir is reserved and quiet, only speaking out whenever he's with Ornulf. Knows all authority figures and royalty in the palace for some reason, and is deeply respectful of them, which always gets Ornulf in trouble with him as the latter has no filter. But perhaps the most remarkable thing about him was his intelligence. Undeniably, as a result of his father's influence, Tyrkir knows Asgard's laws inside, out, upside-down, and sideways, which apparently helped got him on as an assistant in his father's office.

On the other hand, Ornulf's the complete opposite. The boy is bold and lively, and speaks his mind all the time. It seems he's a son of ordinary Asgardian citizens, and only came to the palace for the chance to train and become a guard. He wasn't as well-known as the other trainees, who were sons of Lords, Ministers, and Generals. 

Frigga had been overjoyed that she made friends when she heard, no doubt from the Einherjar who guarded her whenever she met up with the two boys, and she could only muster a small smile while she bore the Queen's enthusiasm with grace. 

"I am glad for you, daughter! With your vast workload, I never would have forgiven myself if you grew up like that old recluse Mimir." She remarked in amusement.

And wasn't that the truth. With her lessons with Vor, Herryk, the other instructors, the Queen, and her royal duties such as visiting charities and the occasional social gathering taking up the entirety of her day, no wonder she barely had a social life. If it weren't for that talk, she might have realized it too late.

The life of royalty was terribly busy; she doesn't know how Thor and Loki ever had the free time to do their adventures when they were younger. Skipping lessons would be something Odin would highly disapprove of should he hear about it, and Hela didn't want his attention on her now. Nor ever.

However, the Norns seem to smile on her today. Vor postponed her lessons, saying she had an urgent business to take care of, and so she had free time. To her surprise, Tyrkir was also given a break after doing his duties in the Minister of Law's offices and Ornulf wasn't expected back home until a few hours. It's the perfect opportunity, and Ornulf knew it.

He's dragging them through the palace before they made sense of what was happening, and he laughed as Tyrkir half-heartedly attempted to swipe at him. "Just follow me!" He led them through the halls, sidestepping servants and guards who just stared at the trio in amusement. Hela laughed along with him, oddly touched that he went and included her.

"I found a perfect spot to be our meeting room." Ornulf stage-whispered. "Since we have the princess in our group, we have to have our own room in here!"

Tyrkir squawked in disbelief, "You do know this is the palace, right?!"

"And you do know that I know every nook and cranny in this place, right?" Hela grinned, amused by their antics. Judging by the path they're taking, they were heading directly towards…

"Shh! Tyrkir still doesn't know!" Ornulf waved a finger her way and Hela obligingly shut up. Tyrkir just groaned, "Ornulf, don't point at the princess. It's rude!"

"We're here!" Ornulf cheerfully ignored Tyrkir and pushed the boy towards the huge door, making him stumble. 

At Hela's nod of encouragement, Tyrkir reluctantly opened it and poked his head inside. "Oh…!"

Hela poked her head next to his, "It's one of the unused lounges. Good choice, Ornulf."

"Good choice?!" Tyrkir turned to her aghast, "Are we even allowed to use rooms in the palace? Surely not–"

"Sure. I'll ask the Queen to let us use this room." Hela shrugged. "I'll say it's for me and my friends, she won't argue with that." Hela told them. She's pretty sure Frigga will be delighted to know she's going into such lengths for her new friends.

Tyrkir gaped while Ornulf clapped his hands once, "That's great!"

"Guess I'll ask the servants to redecorate it. We'll need tables, carpets, and comfortable couches. Those ones look terribly dusty and firm. I suppose a new set of curtains too."

Ornulf practically ran inside, "I'll light the fireplace!"

Hela glanced at Tyrkir, who was still gaping at them. "Are you all right?"

"I almost forgot that you're a princess and the Queen is your stepmother." He chuckled nervously, "Are you sure we're allowed to do this? No one would get angry?"

Hela grinned, happy instead of offended that he forgot her position so easily. Guess this meant she's doing the friendship thing right. "Of course we're allowed. No one ever uses these rooms, besides, the Queen would be delighted." The King, on the other hand, probably wouldn't even notice.

"Your Highness!" Ornulf's head popped out from behind the couch. "What are the chances that you can get the servants to add a secret passage or something? Just like in the stories of old!"

"You mean like hidden tunnels or cellars?"

"Ornulf!" Tyrkir hissed, "That's completely unnecessary! Besides, we shouldn't impose on their hospitality."

The boy pouted, while Hela only laughed.

A few minutes later, Hela had succeeded in sending off servants to get new furniture for their new abode and fixing the place up. Ornulf was practically jumping through the ceiling with his enthusiasm while Tyrkir helped the servants as much as he could.

"Thank you, my Lord." An elderly servant who she recognized as Astrid smiled kindly as Tyrkir assisted her with carrying a basin full of water. "These old bones aren't as strong as they used to."

Hela watched them, fighting the urge to smile. A light tap on her shoulder made her glance at Ornulf, and she stared in surprise at his sheepish gaze. "Your Highness… I know I was the one to insist on this, but Tyrkir would really beat me up if I don't at least ask. Are you truly certain this is okay?"

She nodded, amused. "Of course, I like this idea as well."

Ornulf seemed to deflate in relief, "Good, that's good."

Hela chuckled, "It will be nice to have a place of our own. Especially since, for the sake of propriety, I can't exactly let you in my room."

"The princess's room?" They both turned as Tyrkir practically marched up to Ornulf, face bright red in either anger or embarrassment. "You asked to be let inside the princess's room?!"

Ornulf backed away from the fuming boy, hands held up defensively. "Don't worry, she didn't agree, so I said I'll let you go in my stead."

Hela snorted as Tyrkir reddened even further in anger. "You what?!"

Cackling, Ornulf immediately turned and ran out the room, Tyrkir following hot on his heels. The sounds of chaos and yelling filled the corridors, and more than one servant chuckled. "It is good to see you making friends, Your Highness."

Hela smiled happily in the elderly servant's direction. "Thank you, Astrid."

The woman's eyes widened in shock for being remembered, but it was drowned out by the other servant's inquiries. "The Minister's son? I heard he's a smart boy."

"I can't say I recognized the other boy you were talking to."

"It is rare indeed to see you out of your room, Your Highness."

Hela just smiled as she answered their questions and helped move the new furniture. With any luck, Tyrkir and Ornulf would be back soon to help. After all, they were the ones who requested the room in the first place.

…

It had been a long day. Hela trailed off distractedly as she looked out the window and into the night sky; however, one stern look from Vor had her instantly becoming alert to answer the question.

Vor nodded as Hela successfully recited the names of all thirty-three dwarf warriors who successfully drove back Ulik the Rock Troll from conquering their realm centuries ago. "Very good, Your Highness. It seems we are finally finished with the Rock Troll Invasion in Nidavellir."

Hela grinned, "Thank the Norns, I swear I will go completely mad if I hear another gods-forsaken dwarf name like Thrafarlig Nurakhoick or something."

Vor only raised an eyebrow, "It seems I saved Asgard from an unfortunate disaster just in time. Mayhap I should give myself a pat in the back?"

Hela snorted, "Oh never change, Vor!"

"I do not intend to."

Hela shook her head, still grinning. "Well, now that we are done with that, what is the next topic for the day? Or night now, I suppose."

"How about enlightening me as to why you seemed to have such an reaction to the knowledge of the afterlife and the realms? And I trust you will not think me foolish enough to fall for your frankly pitiful excuses."

Hela stiffened and sighed, "Must you always continue asking that, Vor? I told you it was nothing–"

Vor raised an unimpressed eyebrow.

She winced internally, "It was really nothing you should concern yourself with."

For the last few years, Vor had never failed to raise that question whenever she got the opportunity. She never believed anything Hela tells her, and Hela had frankly begun to feel too tired to think of new excuses every time.

Now, it was Vor's turn to sigh. "I never liked not knowing something. You know this. I might not let this go for a long time."

"I know." Honestly, if there was anyone who must absolutely know her secret, she doesn't mind that it's Vor. It's not just because she was the least likely to start spouting her secrets as soon as her back was turned, but also because she might actually understand her situation and help her through it. Hela wagers Frigga would probably do the same, but the fact remains that Frigga remains too close to the canon story that knowing the slightest thing might impact the future in a lot of ways.

Though she doesn't exactly feel comfortable with telling her the whole truth. It frankly sounds crazy, and she's the one who actually lived through the experience! Perhaps she can just say she had a vision or something. Most reincarnation stories she read used excuses like that. It can't be too hard. 

Vor immediately pinned her with one of those knowing gazes that never failed to make her squirm. "Then I expect an answer in the next century or so. At the earliest."

Hela giggled before cowering at Vor's serious glare. "I understand."

Vor then straightened, steepling both her fingers together and leaning her chin on them. "Now, how are your seidr lessons coming along? I heard you are learning from the Queen?"

"The finest and most talented seidkona in both Asgard and Vanaheim." Hela declared proudly. "It is truly an honor to learn from her."

She suddenly remembered the time when she appealed to Frigga to teach her seidr...

...

She had just finished learning the advanced forms of combat and academic lessons then, the instructors telling her parents on how fast she absorbed every lesson. Frigga and Odin had both been visibly pleased after hearing those reports. It made Hela's chest burst with pride, but she still felt uneasy. After all, she wasn't a real prodigy, she just had a lucky head start.

It wasn't helped by the fact that she heard the servants gossip that it had been centuries since a child had been hailed a prodigy. To think that the next one came from Odin's line was a cause for celebration and incessant scrutiny. That was not the kind of pressure or attention Hela wants or needs right now. But it seemed something Asgardians were determined to give no matter what she wished.

One thing she immediately learned about this place was that Asgard takes its feasts very seriously. The smallest good things were cause for celebration, and the servants always prepared the best food, meat, and mead they could offer. All the partying was frankly very tiring and annoying, but she knows that's what Asgardians were known for. It's probably better to just sit back and enjoy them before canon comes and shit hits the fan.

Odin enjoyed these kinds of things, and Frigga also does to a lesser extent, and she quietly observed from her spot in the table as Frigga smiles and sips a glass of wine while Odin laughs heartily at one of the funny songs of the bards. It was times like these when Hela remembers that Odin was still young and hadn't conquered any realms or mighty kingdoms yet. He was still too open, boisterous, and loud. Very much like Thor in the first Thor movie. He was not yet wise nor had he been tainted by the horrors of war.

While mostly a warrior, Odin also wields seidr, but only when the situation absolutely requires it. On the outside, Odin was only known as an incredible warrior and king. But again, he was still young, and she knew he will most likely balk and become disappointed if she asks him.

And with that, Hela knew that he was not the person she should ask to teach her about seidr.

Seidr was a rare art in Asgard, and something that was best practiced in secret or not at all if one does not want to be ostracized. And frankly speaking, Aesir does not like seidr wielders. They consider them weak, effeminate, and mere tricksters and cowards. Women were given some leeway, however, the most they could practice were scrying and the simplest of seidr. The practice was frowned upon, and even servants would mock its practitioners. Simply put, if you want to be a seidmadr, you're better off living in Vanaheim, the realm of seidr users.

However, Hela couldn't leave Asgard even if she wanted to. She's the heir and the princess. She suspects this must be the reason why Loki didn't leave too. Nevertheless, she wanted to learn it. And who better to ask than one of the most powerful seidr wielders in this kingdom?

And so she turned to Frigga.

"Your Majesty, can we talk?"

Frigga smiled at her patiently, and she felt her hesitation disappearing with just one kind look from her. "Of course, daughter."

She led Frigga outside the dining hall, the noises of celebration and boisterous laughing cutting off when the doors slammed closed behind them. She immediately exhaled in relief and longed to rub her ears to get rid of the ringing sound left from the noise inside. She liked the occasional party as much as the next person, but it does become boring and monotonous when all everyone does for fun around here was party all night long for almost every week.

Something must have shown in her face, because Frigga then turned to gaze at her curiously, "Did you not like the feast?" She inquired.

"No, no, it is fine. I am absolutely honored that people wanted to throw a feast in my honor." Hela was quick to assure her. No one could say she was ungrateful. "Though I still maintain my belief that being good in one's studies is not a cause for celebration as grand as this."

Frigga slowly shook her head as soon as she said the last words and moved to gently lift up her chin, her eyes boring into hers intently. "Hela, of course we will throw a feast for you. After all, the Princess of Asgard deserves nothing less."

She inclined her head, "Thank you for your kind words, Your Majesty. But this is actually about something else."

Frigga leaned back at that. "Oh?"

Hela strengthened her resolve. "I wish to learn seidr."

Frigga stilled.

She sighed and prepared to defend her decision, "Your Majesty, please. I feel it, crawling under my skin, begging to be used. I just don't know how." She looked up at her imploringly, "I could not ask Father because he doesn't value it the way you and I do. Besides, you are one of the most powerful seidr users in all the Nine. I know it is frowned upon, but I really want to learn how." She took a deep breath, "Please teach me?"

She had to agree. Didn't Frigga also teach Loki seidr even when male seidr users were frowned upon? So she wouldn't refuse her... right?

"You do not have to beg, daughter. All you have to do is ask."

Hela looked up in surprise only to meet Frigga's delighted smile. "I am aware there are only a few seidmadr and seidkona currently residing in Asgard, not unlike Vanaheim where there are thousands of us. I am immensely happy to know you are showing interest in learning the art."

Hela grinned so wide her cheeks started to hurt, utterly thrilled as she was at the prospect of learning seidr, of all things. This second life truly was a dream come true! "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

And so her seidr lessons began. At day, she attended lessons with Vor about language, etiquette, history, and arithmetic (even in another world, no one can escape math), but at night, she practiced wielding her seidr under Frigga's patient eye. The Queen said she would teach her how to manipulate her seidr to levitate things, how to cast illusions, and how to conjure.

She warned that it would be very slow work, but Hela was completely willing to see it through. No one could push her away from her goal now. Especially since she had no doubt it would prove to be useful in the future. She will not be like any other Aesir who only knew how to fight physically and had no other means to defend themselves when incapacitated. That just wouldn't be practical.

"Unlike galdrmadr and the vitki, seidkona does not need to say runes or spells to wield seidr. Instead, it is all about intent and focus." Frigga had instructed, and waved a hand over the room. Instantly, their surroundings changed into that of a rich and abundant forest. Inside her room!

Complete with a freaking waterfall.

"Crafting illusions may be complex and difficult, but once you practice it repeatedly, it will cease to be so." Frigga continued, showing no signs of fatigue after creating such a complex illusion.

Hela was still gaping around the room and slowly reached out a finger to poke one of the branches hanging near her. Instantly, the illusion shimmered, and the forest flickered fleetingly into the boring old walls of her room before strengthening again. "And that is one of the flaws of illusions. Once someone touches it or you lose concentration, it will weaken."

Oh… so that's why Loki's doppelgangers always disappear whenever someone runs through them.

"Is there any way to render the illusions solid?" Hela asked curiously.

Frigga slowly shook her head, "Illusions are just that, illusions. They are only tricks used to fool and mislead the eye into believing that it is real. However, if it is solid things you wish to produce, then it is conjuring you must study."

Hela hurriedly shook her head, "I wish to learn both. Teach me anything you think I am capable of, and I promise to do my best to master it."

Frigga beamed, "If that is what you wish, Hela, but know that you have already made me proud by asking to learn this."

…

Two years of relentless practice and training passed, and it was then they realized that Hela's abilities were not suited for creating illusions nor healing. Instead, her seidr leans towards the more destructive side of things. Hela had almost lost count of how many windows and mirrors she shattered when all she wanted to do was make it look like stone. The most she could do was create the simplest of illusions like a pen or a book, and not something more complex like a person. And the healing arts just seem to dislike her, enough said.

She had worried and been frightened by her destructive and violent seidr. It made her wonder fearfully if learning how to fight and use seidr will only bring her one step closer into becoming the original Hela, and Frigga had had to console her repeatedly, unknowing of the true reason she was so upset. "Seidr has many forms," She had murmured into her hair, "we just need to find the right one for you."

And so she did. Frigga – brilliant and clever Frigga – proposed that if Hela's seidr doesn't specialize in creating illusions and tricks, then it's probably because it specializes in conjuring real things.

This began new sessions, with Frigga slowly and patiently teaching Hela how to conjure simple things like feathers and pens, and Hela found that she could do so easily. It took practice and endless sleepless nights of course, but at last, she could conjure them with just a flick of her wrists, all without explosions or accidents. Frigga then looked at her with such pride and endless joy, and Hela quickly realized that seidr wasn't just an ability for the Queen. It was her life, and she had probably been hurt by Asgard's low opinion of seidr and had been beyond delighted when Hela asked her to teach her.

Hela then found herself wondering when it went wrong for Loki. Seidr was a beautiful art and one that deserves to be shown with pride, but surely Loki knew the consequences of learning and showing it to others?

Unless he didn't.

Hela slowly began to realize what really happened in the canon past that Marvel didn't show. After all, her inquisitive mind wouldn't settle for anything else. The picture her mind painted proceeded to make her blanch.

In the original Asgard, Frigga most likely felt alone while surrounded by the Aesir's disdain for seidkona. It probably hurt when Thor didn't show even the slightest interest in learning seidr. But when Loki finally came and expressed interest, she then probably proceeded to teach him everything she knows so she won't be alone. And young and naïve Loki, who was obviously delighted with his new ability and probably thought that if the Queen had it, then it was okay, proceeded to show everyone, which immediately made them dislike and ostracize him.

Odin and Thor might have led him to that point due to their neglect and indifference, but Frigga wasn't entirely blameless for what happened. She should have warned him that learning the art was dangerous in this realm but she neglected to do so, much like how she neglected to do so with Hela herself. And she knew if she was indeed the child they think she was, then she would probably show off her new abilities to her father and the servants, and then where would she be?

The realization that she had been manipulated unsettled her.

But perhaps manipulation was too strong a word. Frigga only meant well, and it must be hard to be from the only magical realm in the Nine and then forced to hide abilities you have practiced your whole life. In a way, Hela could understand, but the realization of what Loki must've experienced still left a bad taste in her mouth.

So on top of protecting her brothers, avoiding making Loki feel neglected, helping to teach him seidr, hopefully telling him his true identity without repercussions, and countless other things, Hela must also tell him not to show anyone his abilities lest he becomes detested by his peers. It would be something a normal child would not understand, but she couldn't risk him not learning seidr completely. It had been one of his most defining and recognizable traits, and she wouldn't want to take that away from him. He would hate her, for sure.

And so Hela kept silent, and smiled back at Frigga's obvious joy and pride.

…

Knowing that Vor was watching her intently, Hela exhaled and slowly produced fire with a flick of her wrists, concentrating to keep the bright flames dancing in her palm. However, just like anything she had ever conjured the first time, the flames only grew stronger and bigger the longer she left it on.

Vor's eyes immediately glinted and she barely suppressed a smile. "Excellent work, Princess." She eyed the flames that were much taller than her head now. "You are powerful, that much I can see. The Queen must be proud."

"I sure hope so." Hela grinned.

A moment passed and the flames only got bigger and brighter. Vor had to crane her neck now to keep the entirety of it within her vision. "Are you sure you are not doing this deliberately? Normally, flames produced by seidr extinguishes when the wielder is not concentrated or if it is left for too long."

"I am putting the barest amount of thought into it." Hela promised.

Vor frowned, glanced at her, at the flames, and back, before parting her lips soundlessly in realization.

Hela tilted her head in curiosity but Vor waved her off, "It is just a thought. Now put that out lest you exhaust yourself or burn down the whole library. Our lessons are not yet done."

Hela grinned and complied, swiftly extinguishing the flames.

…