Chapter 39) – We Go Down Together

After a shopping trip, which was longer than both my host and I thought necessary, our adoptive mother had picked out an expensive collection of dresses for my host to wear during the revelries.

As we came to learn, parties in Asgard were not a 1-and-done type of deal.

The minimum time that a celebration for a victory in battle lasted was at least 2 days, which explained why the queen had chosen multiple dresses.

Unfortunately, the shopping trip wasn't the end of the hectic day.

Shortly after being informed of how long the party could be, at the bare minimum, Frigga let us know that Thor planned to start the party that same night - and that his celebrations for battle were typically double, sometimes triple, the minimum time.

Usually that wouldn't have been a problem, but since Mara wanted time to get to know her new family, learn about Asgard, train with the Einherjar's and then return back to Earth without taking the piss with S.H.I.E.L.D., time was the main resource she was lacking.

Due to the self-imposed constraint, rather than meet up with Odin on our return, Mara made a beeline for Thor to discuss the length of the party.

Or rather she would have, if not for the fact she didn't know where he was.

Thankfully, Frigga seemed to read my host's mind and know exactly what she wanted considering she informed her, "Thor should be in the dining hall organizing everything. He prefers to have his slightly larger celebrations in there, rather than the main hall or the music room that he uses for the smaller ones. I will wait for you here." 

Sheepishly smiling, Mara hugged her new mother and quietly thanked her, "Thanks, mother.", before she made her way towards the dining hall as advised.

Unsurprisingly, Frigga was correct with her guidance and Thor was indeed in the dining hall accompanied by the warrior's 3 and Sif.

Mara wasn't sure how much the others knew her upcoming adoption announcement, but assumed that Thor hadn't mentioned anything to them.

As such, Mara got straight down to business and didn't mention anything regarding the adoption for the time being, "Thor, how long will the revelry you're planning last? Frigga said that your celebrations last around 4-6 days, but I don't think I'll be able to just party for that long. I want to train and learn about Asgard during my short time here, I can't exactly stay off-world for too long right now."

Not treating Mara any different than he usually did, Thor responded, "Fret not, father has already informed me to keep the celebrations to a minimum. I was initially against it, as a warrior's revelries should last for as long as the conquest was difficult, but after he convinced me you would not desire a long celebration we came to an agreement over the matter. The celebrations shall be my shortest yet, at only 2 days, but I have a feeling it will be my most joyous yet!"

Since Thor decided to keep his answer semi-cryptic as to why it would be the best celebration yet, Mara didn't press the prince and instead thanked him, "Thanks. I appreciate you willing to shorten the party for me, even if it's not want you, yourself, want."

Waving a hand at my host, Thor responded, "Your appreciation is unnecessary. You are the guest of honor and inconveniencing the 1 of such standing would be of the highest disrespect. I believe father wanted to speak with you about your stay here once you and mother had returned. I will send someone to collect you once the celebration has started. The guest of honor needs a proper introduction for the occasion."

Nodding her head, Mara replied, "Will do, see you later. You too Sif, Volstagg, Hogun, and… Fearow."

As my host turned around to leave the room, the blonde third of the warrior trio called out to her with what he probably referred to as a charming smile, "It is Fandral, Mara."

Stopping just before she closed the door, Mara stuck her head back in, "I apologise. I'll make sure to get it right next time, Faendal."

Not giving the incorrectly named man a chance to reply again, Mara closed the door and made her way back to where Frigga said she would wait for her.

On the way back, I couldn't help but ask, <Why did you call him by the wrong name even after he informed what his actual was?>

Turning the corner and spotting Frigga stood waiting in the distance, Mara quickened her pace slightly as to not keep the woman waiting for any longer.

While she was doing so, she replied to me, [I find it funny. He's an attention seeker, so if I devoid him of my attention he'll only try harder to get it back. At the same time though, if I make him the butt of a joke he'll be the centre of attention, but not for the reason he wants. It creates a kind of paradox in which he gets attention, but not how he wants to get it. So then, he has to make a decision. Does he want to keep the negative attention, but be the main attraction, or sacrifice the attention to stop people laughing at him? There was a kid back at the orphanage who was the exact same. 1 of the older kids taught me how to handle him 'cause he was especially annoying at times. That older kid was the 1 who helped me realise that psychological games are so much fun~]

Before I could inquire more about my host's past, she had already covered the short distance to Frigga with the speed she was walking - which was more like a gallop by the end.

Coming to a dead stop in front of the queen of Asgard, Mara spoke, "Brother said that his party is only 2 days which gives us plenty of availability for training, touring, and time together after celebrating our triumph. Oh, and he also said father wanted to see us after we had returned since he didn't meet up with us like he originally planned to."

Gently smiling at my host, Frigga asked, "Well then, shall we get going? It would be impolite to keep a king waiting, would it not?"

Stepping to Frigga's right side, Mara walked alongside her as the pair made their way to where Odin was.

More specifically, Mara was guided by Frigga as she seemed to know exactly where the king was.

We chalked it down to bullshit magic or the fact that Odin spent most of his time, during the day, in the same room.

------

Not too far from the great hall used for public addresses, or otherwise medium sized events, was a much smaller meeting room that was for private use.

Frigga knocked on the door and walked into the meeting room without waiting for an answer.

Inside the room, we were welcomed by the sight of Odin discussing something with a group of Asgardian's that we hadn't met yet.

Immediately noticing us as we entered, Odin ended the conversation he was having and briefed us, "Ah Mara, Frigga, come in. We were just going over how to best articulate the announcement regarding your adoption. Unfortunately, more may remember your mother than we expected and thus the voices of discontent may be louder. On the other hand, so many remembering her will make it easier for them to believe in the validity of our claim."

Taking Odin inviting us into the room, as well as ending their conversation, as their signal to leave, the other Asgardian's bowed to their king before making their way towards the entrance that we had entered.

As to not block said doorway, Mara and Frigga moved closer to Odin to continue their conversation, "It's fine father. I know that there's going to be an adjustment period for the general public. It might also help that I plan to return to Earth in a week at the latest. I've only been a part of S.H.I.E.L.D. for a little over a week, so there's a lot I need to learn. I'll make sure to regularly return to Asgard though."

Respecting Mara's wishes, Odin gave a positive reply, "That is understandable. Due to our long lifespan, Asgardian's perceive time differently to humans so there is no need to be worried about not visiting with every free moment you get. We knew that you would have had a life back on Midgard before we decided to go through with this process."

Reminded of something, Mara questioned, "Right! I was meaning to ask; if I want to come back do I call for Heimdall or is there some kind of back door entrance? I asked Sif but she wasn't aware of another entrance, however with you being the king I don't think it would be wrong to assume you know of a couple?"

Chuckling at the straightforwardness that was a staple of Mara's personality, Odin answered, "Hoho, indeed I am aware of some additional entrances, as well as exits. For the time being, however, I would have you call for Heimdall when you wish to return to your new home. Just like you do not have rock solid trust in us, as to not divulge your past, we must also err on the side of caution for the time being. I apologize if it causes offense."

Waving her hands in front of her, Mara responded, "No, no, it's not offensive at all. In fact, I'd be more surprised if you just gave me access to anything and everything rather than wait until we know more about each other."

Inserting herself into the conversation, Frigga changed the topic to the reason for our visit, "Do you not think it time to inform Mara of the process she will be involved in for the adoption, and the general overview of the coming announcement, my king?"

Nodding towards Frigga, Odin did precisely as she asked, "Indeed, my queen. Thank you for putting me back on track as always. Now, daughter. As you already know, your brother will be holding his celebration for 2 days starting tonight. Once all of the guests have arrived, and not too much alcohol has been consumed, we will need to perform the adoption ceremony. This will be the official adoption ceremony and the 1 performed for the general public later in the week will be more of a show."

Nodding along with Odin's words to show she understood what was being told to her, Mara asked, "The ceremony isn't complex is it?"

The king shook his head with an amused smile on his face, "Farthest thing from it. The ceremony was created with the adopted child being a baby, or very young, so you as the adoptee do not have much to do. I previously mentioned that it may be embarrassing for you, but that depends on your view of things. All that is required of you is to lie on my lap for a few minutes while the announcement is made. As I said, it was created with infants in mind and the assumption that newborns were incapable of sitting or standing on their own."

Although the king said that Mara might have found it embarrassing, she responded with no hesitation, "That's fine with me. I've seen and done more embarrassing things than lie down on my future father's lap. I'd happily do that compared with public singing or waving at a random person thinking they're waving at you, but they're actually waving at someone behind you and then you hear them both talking about you when they think you're out of earshot."

With Mara's small ramble, Odin and Frigga looked at each other which prompted my host to say, "Yeah I know it's a bit specific, but it's such an awful feeling. You probably haven't experienced it, what with being royalty an' all, but when you're about to fall asleep and that moment appears in your mind it takes so long to forget about it in order to finally drift off."

Both of the Asgardian's shook their heads and Frigga cleared up the confusion, "That is not the part of what you said which we showed concern about. Asgard has a tradition whereby the guest of honor performs the first song, or ballad, of the night. Thor has already informed us that you are the guest of honor which means that you will have to sing in public… tonight… just after the Knésetja for your adoption."

Visibly deflating from the news, Mara could only curse her big mouth… or rather curse with her big mouth, "Fucking Murphy, man. Such a bullshit law."

------

After my host was hit with the news that she would have to sing in front of all the guests at the party, some further discussion was had between the trio regarding the public address itself. It was essentially just a brief explanation of how things would go, and what would happen in the event that there were particularly loud voices of opposition.

It should be noted that for the time being, I was to keep my presence a secret from the general Asgardian public. They might have tried to twist my existence into that of Hela, or at least a part of her, and claim that Mara was trying to help our supposed 'birth mother' infiltrate back into Asgard.

It was a stretch, but people have been known to claim more outlandish things, so it was better to be safe than sorry.

That wasn't to say I would keep my entire presence hidden. In fact, Odin and Frigga both expressed their desire to announce me as their child as well as Mara, rather than just have it written in the family book.

For the time being though, that was only at the official, private, announcement which would be during Thor's party and amongst trusted friends.

Once the main items were out of the way, the trio discussed what Mara would do with her free time during the remainder of the week.

Shortly after, Mara and Frigga left Odin so that they could go get ready for the celebration that was approaching.

From the multiple dresses Frigga and Mara picked out, they settled on a silver dress that looked more like chain mail armour than a party outfit.

The dress itself was form-fitting and covered her entire body. The sleeves went down to her wrists, covering her arms, and the skirt equally covered the entirety of her legs coming to rest at the top of my host's feet. To allow for easy movement, there was a slit down the side of the dress which started in the middle of Mara's thighs. The base of the dress was black silk, but that was only visible on her torso, shoulders and upper arms as the rest was covered in embroidery. Seed beads, tube beads, silver, nickel and iridescent smoky grey crystals, which were alien materials to Earth, as well as the details on the dress ensured that it was the hardest piece of clothing I had ever attempted to replicate with my form.

Although we didn't know anything about the currency used on Asgard, the fact that when Frigga picked out the dress it was locked behind multiple layers of glass and unknown metals, as well as being the centrepiece of the store, spoke volumes about the price of such an article of clothing.

Considering the thought that went into it, I made sure specifically not to damage the dress during the process of covering it with my form in order to capture all the details on it as well as understand the materials it was made from.

Basic articles of clothing could be replicated with a glance, but such a complicated piece took a bit of time and a lot more effort.

Once the dress form was donned, and a few more adjustments were made to make it a perfect replica, I finished out the outfit with some minimally decorated black high heels and some earrings using larger versions of the same seed beads that covered the dress.

After both Mara and Frigga were ready, the duo made their way to the party which had already been underway for a while.

Apparently in Asgardian culture, the honoured guest and their plus 1 were to enter last - such that they would receive the loudest and warmest reception from everyone at the party.

Unsurprisingly that was exactly what happened when the duo arrived at the private celebration.

Almost immediately though, before any real introductions could be made with the new faces that were present, Odin proceeded with the adoption announcement, "Before the traditional guest of honor performance, I have an announcement to make."

Summoning my host over to him with a hand gesture, Mara walked up to stand next to the king - as he placed his hand on her shoulder - and continued, "We have recently discovered that Mara, a worthy wielder of Mjolnir and honorable warrior, is the daughter of my own daughter, Hela. As some of you may remember, Hela lead a coup against myself for the throne of Asgard and was subsequently banished to Hel when she lost. We are not sure how she had a descendant, but we do not plan to hold Mara accountable for the sins of her parent. As such, this is the official announcement that Frigga and I are adopting Mara to integrate her into the family - as per her own wishes and is her right. From this day forward, she will officially be known as Mara Helasdottir!"

While Mara was concerned that there may have been some rebuttal from those gathered, it was precisely the opposite in that everyone cheered and congratulated her.

When the cheers and congratulations died down, Odin continued, "Additionally, Mara is also host to another consciousness who cannot go ignored and will also be adopted as part of the family."

Not needing a clearer signal, I created a head and enjoyed the couple of audible gasps I heard from the unknown faces in the crowd.

Shifting his palm from Mara's shoulder onto my head, the king continued, "This is Elysium. Just like how we know not how Mara came to be, we also do not know why she has an additional consciousness within her. Nevertheless, as they are 1 and the same being, Elysium shall also be adopted into the family as per their wishes and right. From this day forward, they will officially be known as Elysium Helasdottir!"

Although not as loud initially, the cheers and congratulations soon matched my host's once everyone had overcome their shock at my existence and/or appearance.

Odin proceeded to speak for a few more minutes before finalising the ceremony with the Knésetja, like previously discussed.

Sitting himself down on a perfect replica of the throne he has been depicted of using in mythology - which must have been moved into the dining hall during the preparation of the party - Odin waited for Mara to do her part.

He didn't have to wait long, however, as Mara practically jumped into his lap so that she could finally become a part of a family like she always dreamed of.

Raising 1 hand in address, Odin proclaimed, "With this Knésetja, I hereby claim Mara Helasdottir, Elysium Helasdottir, and all that encompasses them as my legal children from this day forth!"

Applause and cheers were all that could be heard following Odin's proclamation.

As happy as Mara was about the event, her enjoyment was swiftly interrupted by a shout from Volstagg - because of course he was shouting, "SONG! The guest of honor must sing to begin the revelries proper!"

Sliding off Odin's lap, Mara stood on her own feet again as she responded, "I'll do it if you really want me to, but I only really know sad or slow songs which aren't exactly the right tone for a celebration."

Surprisingly, it was Sif that shouted back, "The honored warrior must sing, regardless of the song!"

Turning to face Odin and Frigga, who had joined her husband, Mara asked, "Do you have a piano?"

Snapping her fingers, Frigga cast some magical bullshit and a piano appeared in the corner of the dining hall.

We weren't exactly sure if it had been there all along, and was just made invisible, or if it was genuinely teleported into the room.

Both options weren't worth the headache thinking about them.

Sitting down on the piano stool, Mara requested my assistance, "El, I'll need a hand I think. I know what I want to play, and I can since it's 1 of the few songs I know how to play, but the song is a duet so could you do the other side? I'll transmit the lyrics, timing and tone shifts."

Not having any problem fulfilling the request, I responded, "Of course. Is it a male or female voice you want?"

Pressing a few keys to get a feel for the instrument, Mara clarified, "Male. Baritone, but shifts into Tenor ranges."

Tuning the imitation vocal chords I used, I spoke aloud to my host in the voice I thought she wanted, "Like this?"

Thinking for a second Mara answered, "A little more vibration and some of the notes get high, so for them you'll have to remove the vibration."

With a couple more seconds of vocal tuning on my end, and adjustments to the piano on Mara's end, we were both ready for the performance.

Matching our readiness, the crowd also silenced itself from the low murmurings that occurred during our preparation.

With smooth key strokes, Mara built the rhythm of the song - which was gentle and slow.

After a short piano only introduction, Mara began to sing,

"Sometimes we fly~ Sometimes we fall~ Sometimes I feel like we're nothing at all~ Dream in the light~ Dance in the dark~ You fill the spaces inside of my heart~"

It wasn't long until I was involved in the song as Mara transmitted the lyrics and timing directly to me. Said lyrics made me realise that parts of the song described us rather well,

"Am I really mine?~ Are you really yours?~ If all your emotions cut straight to my core~ Times when you cry, I feel it all~ Whenever you leave me I wait for your call~ You are everything I'm living for~"

During the chorus that followed, we both sang in sync. Our voices meshing with each other and the piano to create a distinct melody.

"If you go down~ Then we go down together~ If you hold on~ I might just stay forever~ If you get hurt~ I'll try to make it better~ If you go down~ Then we go down together~"

After her initial hesitation about singing in front of an audience, and that the song wasn't exactly the typical style for a party, Mara became engrossed in her singing to the point that she didn't even notice the crowd around her was paired up and slow dancing with each other.

Most songs from Earth were around 3 minutes long, and the 1 Mara had chosen was no different.

Repeating the same piano keys that she had for the introduction of the song, but in reverse to signify the song dying down, Mara slowed the song down to a stop.

Almost as soon as Mara lifted her hands from the piano, she was caught off-guard by raucous cheers and demands for an encore.

Rather than refusing the demands, Mara instead went with the tried and tested tactic of changing the subject, "Does this mean the party has started? How do Asgardian party's work?"

Collectively, almost as if it had been practiced beforehand, the crowd shouted back in a mishmash of voices, """ALE!""" """WINE!""" "FOOD!!"

That last shout was Volstagg… Just him…

Quickly forgetting about the encore demands, like Mara had planned, the crowd turned away from her and headed over to where the booze was situated to start the celebration good and proper.