"Let's talk somewhere else," said Odin as he stood up and descended from the throne.
Alaric curiously poked his head, wondering if Odin's backside was glued to the chair.
Odin ignored Alaric's gaze and led them forward.
Although he truly wanted to put this kid in his place, he knew he couldn't. Generations had changed, and he could do nothing against Alaric, no matter what.
And would the Ancient One take care of it? He wasn't crazy to try. His body could no longer withstand the explosion of such pressure of power.
...
In a large hall, Odin removed his armor and sat across from the Ancient One.
Here there was no solemn atmosphere of the Golden Hall. Instead, the room felt warmer, with decorations that carried the spirit of home.
Odin knew that the Ancient One liked tea, so he summoned a maid to bring Asgardian tea.
That was especially liked by the Ancient One and Frigga. Most others in Asgard preferred to indulge in drink and meat. Thor was the classic example, addicted to alcohol.
"I still don't know your name," said Odin, looking at Alaric, who was sitting to the side.
"My name is Alaric and I am… a mage."
Alaric didn't know how else to introduce himself. He couldn't say he was a traveler through the universe or something like that, so he simply chose the title of mage.
"How long have you been learning magic?" Odin asked him with curiosity.
Those eyes that Alaric had were extremely unique. If they were connected to magic, then they had to be incredibly powerful.
"Well, when you add it up, maybe three or four days?"
Alaric calculated out loud. If he excluded the days he spent recovering in bed, he had actually only had a few real days of contact with magic.
"Three or four days?"
Odin looked at the Ancient One in surprise.
Three or four days, and already such power? This boy was clearly special.
"This successor of yours is truly extraordinary," Odin thought, feeling a sting of envy.
Why did the Ancient One have such luck?
Just look at his son, stupid Thor.
So many years of upbringing, more than a thousand years, and he still hadn't understood any of his father's concerns. Give him a hammer and he would throw himself into training, controlling lightning and thunder, but the moment he was separated from it, useless!
Is that the God of Thunder? He looked more like the god of hammers.
"That's right, Alaric's talent is very good," the Ancient One smiled, lifting her cup of tea. She said it as if it were the most ordinary thing, but inside she was satisfied.
She couldn't deny that she enjoyed watching Odin's surprise.
This trip was truly worth it.
Odin's face twitched slightly. He felt the Ancient One was becoming more and more tiresome.
"Ancient One!"
At that moment, a strong and resonant voice suddenly echoed in the hall, full of authority, but at the same time gentle, like that of a queen.
Alaric immediately turned his head and saw a blonde in a white robe entering. Behind her stood a young man dressed in green.
"Frigga," greeted the Ancient One warmly.
Frigga?
Alaric was surprised. That was the Queen of Asgard, Odin's wife and Thor's mother. And the one behind her – that was Loki.
While Alaric observed Loki, Loki also observed him. He gave him a gentle but somewhat calculated smile. Yet, behind that smile hid suspicion. He wondered where the Ancient One and Alaric had come from, why his father was so kind to them, and even why his mother acted as if she had known them for a long time.
Loki did not know that the Ancient One rarely came to Asgard. Apart from Odin and Frigga, even Thor had never had the chance to meet her. He didn't even know about the existence of mages on Earth, let alone a secret refuge like Kamar-Taj.
And this time, the Ancient One's presence in Asgard was a matter of circumstance. If Odin hadn't had the need for a conversation, she would hardly have left Kamar-Taj.
Alaric noticed Loki nodding his head in greeting, so he politely responded as well.
He had to admit – Loki had the dignity of a true prince. There was no trace of the malicious nature one would expect from the god of mischief. Yet, he knew that was only a mask. Loki always knew how to hide his intentions.
"Ancient One, you haven't been here for a long time. Stay a little longer today," said Frigga warmly, taking her hand.
"I'll try," the Ancient One nodded slightly.
"Father," continued Frigga as she led them to sit, while Loki settled on the other side.
"Hmm," Odin gave a short nod, looking at his adopted son. Although Loki was not his blood, he had always treated him as his own.
"Let's prepare a banquet," suggested Frigga, clapping her hands.
A group of maids entered the hall, bringing dishes and rich food on silver trays.
"A banquet? Now?" Alaric was confused.
He hadn't even realized what time it was. He had come back from the library where he had studied books, then practiced magic, and then the Ancient One had suddenly come for him. Through it all, he had completely lost track of time. Although he wasn't hungry, the sight of food before him awakened curiosity.
"And this is?" Frigga looked at Alaric with warm eyes.
It wasn't a gaze from above, but full of kindness. Frigga was the embodiment of goodness and warmth, but Alaric also knew her other side, a goddess who, when necessary, would take up the sword and fight as a warrior.
Frigga was also the goddess of Asgardian magic, with powers that extended even to foretelling the future. It was said that the prophecy of Ragnarök was her work.
"My student, Alaric," introduced the Ancient One.
Alaric immediately cast a glance at her, grumbling inwardly. When exactly had he become her student? Although, realistically, he was. Everyone who studied at Kamar-Taj was, in a way, a student of the Ancient One.
The Ancient One completely ignored his look and continued talking with Frigga.
In the meantime, Odin remained silent. His position did not allow him to casually insert himself into the conversation. Loki, as usual, stayed quiet, observing everything carefully.
And Alaric?
When he saw the maids bringing food, he didn't hesitate much. He sat down and thought it best to try Asgardian cuisine.
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