Chapter Text
“The world is coming to an end?” Gaia whispers.
“There is some doubt about whether that end is literal or figurative, but yes. A long time ago, back in the old country, Snotra told me she thought Ragnarok was just the end of our lives as mortals, and the beginning of an Asgard more glorious than the one we left behind. Of course, all seers are slightly mad, and that Snotra was madder than most, so I’m not sure whether I believe it. I’d like to, but our human lives have not left me much hope that there is a happy ending for the Aesir.”
Gaia drains her apple juice and sits back. Finally she says, “If our world is coming to an end, shouldn’t I be with them? Was it alright for me to leave?” Involuntarily, her mind flashed to Anders, sharp-edged, funny, annoying; Anders who makes stupid jokes about vegetarians, and Anders who laughs during sex; Anders whom she hates, and without whom she feels oddly bereft.
Idunn is looking at her knowingly. “When it is the right time to return, you will know it. For now, this is the best thing for you. Becoming a Goddess unfortunately derailed your career –“ Gaia thinks back to her resignation letter from the hospital and winces, “ – and hopefully an overseas experience will put that back on track.” When Gaia gives her a quizzical look, she says, “What? There’s no reason why you can’t be a Goddess and a professional woman! Anyway, now that you’ve removed yourself from the picture, Odin can start looking for Frigg again which is what we all want. “
Speaking of things she wants – “What about Anders – Bragi, I mean?”
“What about him?” Idunn looks almost peevish. “I think a little distance will teach him to appreciate his wife, instead of comparing her to French desserts.”
French desserts? Gaia feels very confused. Unappreciated? Parts of her are still feeling very appreciated after her last encounter with Anders.
Idunn seems to have moved on. Quietly, she says, “The days of the Aesir are numbered. I would not have you blind to your true self as our final battle approaches, nor would I see you unhappy. Since you met Axl - since before he became Odin, you have been unhappy in your love for him. You deserve contentment, Idunn, and this journey should provide you with a measure of it.”
Gaia reaches her hand out, and Idunn takes it. Once again, she feels that sense of warmth and calm spread through her. She closes her eyes, and when she opens them again, the seat next to her is empty, but she hears Idunn’s voice – her voice – clearly say, “Live, Goddess,” and she intends to follow her advice.