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took the last step to the ground. I was getting used to her being able to tell what I was thinking. She turned to face me while I patted my neck repeatedly like an ape. "I must be leaving. Your wound is well healed, and there will be no scar. Perhaps this will ensure you remain healthy for the war." There was an odd note to her voice, as if there was something else she wanted to say but didn't dare.
    I moved to the side of the pool nearest to Nita, almost getting distracted by the gleaming particles floating around me. "Are you leaving Asgard?" The water sloshed over the edge as I spoke.
    "No. I will not leave. I believe Asgard is the safest place to be. And yes, I will be seeing my mother, although to be really honest it is not necessary. My mother and I communicate with each other all the time. I knew she was well and alive."
    "Are all elves as talented as you?" I asked, now curious about the entire race because I was so impressed with one.
    Nita smiled. "Some are, but the ancients possess much more power overall." She gave me a wave as she walked to the door. "See you soon, Bryn. And take care."
    I lifted my fingers and gave her a poor excuse for a wave, and a moment later found myself alone. I hadn't asked her if she had any extra of her special healing potion but I figured there really was no need. If she remained in Asgard then she'd likely be there if I needed her.
    I had to admit though, there had not been a day that has gone by in all these months that something did not surprise me.

 
     
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER SIX
     
    The thought of returning my bloody clothes back to my body, hadn't been pleasant until I'd found the bell. Some rooms, including my own, contained a Huldra bell. It must work on some ultrasonic level because ringing it makes no sound that I could hear. But ringing the Huldra bell called one to you, and if you didn't have the same powers as the gods to call one at will, it was very handy.
    I rang the bell and a Huldra came within minutes. I gave her a message to call Turi, who was thrilled to see me, furious I'd been hurt, and totally in agreement about clean clothes. Thanks to her, I was now in a fresh dress, the waves of silk falling to my ankles. My feet were shod in leather sandals that twisted up my calves to be tied at my knees, a very Roman look. My wings fluttered at my back as they dried out, now airy and light.
    Revived, refreshed, and repaired, I walked to Odin's hall looking eagerly for Frigga or Thor.
    Turi had taken most of my weapons to my quarters, leaving me with Gungnir in its sheath on my back, and a dangerous looking short sword strapped to my waist. The only armor I wore was my breast plate and my forearm braces, the gleaming bronze, patterned with a chain-mail design, a perfect foil for my red hair and equally flaming wings.
    I didn't need a mirror to tell me I looked good, that at last my long aquiline nose seemed to fit my face, that at last my full lips seemed to balance out my high cheekbones. I'd reached a stage in my life where I appreciated my reflection, where I actually liked what I saw looking back at me.
    A year ago, as a lonely teen I'd seen only the face of an insecure young loner, a foster kid that nobody wanted, a girl who had never been in love, who hadn't had a family to call her own, who hadn't had even a smidgen of self-confidence.
    Today, a warrior Amazon of a woman looked back at me. A woman who fought and killed for what she believed in, who protected her new family with a dangerous passion. And I liked being that woman. And, I liked that others liked it too.
    Like Odin, Thor and Frigga.
    They were no longer gods and goddesses, pagan gods that should not have existed. They were my family.
    When I entered the Hall, Frigga and Thor were sitting on the dais at the far end. The great white hall was a general meeting place for anyone in Asgard who wanted to speak to the gods.
    Today, a few Ulfr, dressed in military wear, and a small band of dwarfs, milled