Sigurd had a vision for his weapons, but he didn't know if it could be fulfilled.
"I want a sword and a spear, but they must be able to channel and withstand my cosmic power, growing in potency as my own strength increases."
Eitri didn't find the request odd; if it were a simple weapon, it wouldn't be worthy of his craft.
"Also, the spear should be able to change size according to the wielder's will," Sigurd added.
He continued with a list of intricate details for both weapons, eventually making Eitri regret asking for the specifications.
Odin then presented three boxes. When Eitri opened them, even Sigurd was surprised. They contained bones from various powerful creatures Odin had hunted on his journeys, including what looked like those of a dragon-like deviant. Seeing these trophies from Odin's wars, Sigurd understood how seriously his brother was taking this. The other boxes held a branch of the World Tree and a piece of Ymir's bone.
Eitri examined the materials against the requirements. "If I modify a few details for superior performance, would that be acceptable?"
Sigurd thought for a moment and nodded. Although he had a clear vision, his understanding of this world's metallurgy was only fifty years deep. Eitri, who had been crafting for millennia, was one of the best smiths in the universe.
"Good. I have some ideas. If successful, you will have a great weapon indeed," Eitri stated.
Odin, hearing this, was also surprised but remained silent.
Eitri estimated that forging both weapons would take over three hundred years. After a brief discussion, the brothers returned to Asgard.
Upon their return, Bor summoned them to an official council. The hall was filled with Asgardian warriors, all waiting for the meeting to begin.
Sigurd entered and saw many warriors he hadn't met before, though he recognized a few, among them Brynhildr. He had seen her on several occasions and knew she would one day command the Valkyrior alongside Eir and Sigrun. Other gods like Helgi, Aegir, Dellingr, and Dagr were also present.
Odin took a seat to the right of Bor, while Sigurd sat on the left.
"Freyr has gone to meet Surtur because of your ultimatum," Bor began, his face etched with dissatisfaction. "The Vanir may now start a war with us. What is your plan, since you were the one to issue this challenge?"
Bestla also looked displeased, but Odin waited for others to speak first. Since these were his actions, he needed to address the council's concerns.
"Father, I do not seek war for its own sake," Odin explained, looking around the hall. "But the situation across the Nine Realms is becoming unstable. Even the Dark Elves and Light Elves of the closest realms are beginning to fight. We don't know when Asgard might become a target, so we must prepare."
He continued, "Although the Vanir have contacted Surtur, I doubt he will leave Muspelheim. If he does, he will not return."
The council members listened, silently analyzing the situation.
"So, what is your true plan?" Bor pressed. "I do not believe war with the Vanir is your actual goal."
Knowing both of his sons were involved, Bor looked from Odin to Sigurd.
This time, Odin remained silent, nodding for Sigurd to speak.
"Father, in the coming conflicts, we will need strong allies," Sigurd said. "Who could be more perfect than Vanir? The Dwarves are already under our protection, but the Vanir are a sister race of comparable power."
Bor looked at his sons as if they had proposed the most foolish idea in the world. "And what is this method of finding an ally? How do you plan to convince them?"
"A marriage alliance is the most direct way to form a strong bond," Sigurd stated. "The ideal candidate would be the daughter of King Freyr of the Vanir… and my elder brother."
Odin, who had been considering other ways to bind the clans, stared at his brother in astonishment. When had he agreed to this?
Bestla, hearing the news, couldn't help but laugh. "So, you finally plan to marry! And in such a unique way first you wage war on her family, then you marry her!"
Odin's face twitched. He couldn't easily explain that the marriage was entirely Sigurd's addition to the plan.
Sigurd, enjoying the situation, added another suggestion. "Father, why don't you speak with Uncle Njörd directly? It could solve the problem without fighting."
Bor considered this. "Do you think he will agree? He is still angry about losing the throne of Asgard."
"I believe they will agree," Sigurd replied. "Brother is the future God-King, and their daughter would become Queen of Asgard. I see no reason for them to refuse, especially since they must also be aware of the growing instability in the Nine Realms. They themselves will need allies for the troubles to come."
Odin also began to see the strategic value; it was a perfect way to integrate the two clans and secure a powerful ally.
Bor fell into deep thought but did not give an immediate answer. He dismissed the council and retreated to his palace, with Bestla following closely.
Odin and Sigurd remained in their seats, lost in thought. Finally, Odin turned to his brother, but Sigurd spoke first.
"Brother, don't be angry. I know your original plan had complications. I thought this was the simplest solution."
Sigurd looked at Odin with an expression of pure innocence. "Besides, Freyr's daughter is a powerful sorceress. She would be a perfect wife for you and a queen for Asgard. She might even be able to keep you in check. The rest… doesn't matter."