Odin did not return to his chambers until the sky was on the verge of dawn.
Although Queen Frigga was deeply curious about why Odin had arranged for Heimdall to remain at Clara's side, she did not ask.
That, precisely, was what Odin appreciated most about her.
She was not only gentle and beautiful—but also wise enough to know when not to press for answers.
"You must have already met that child," Odin said quietly. "The one from Earth."
"Yes," Frigga replied. "I have. Clara Johnson. I've studied Earth's cultures before—Johnson means 'a gift from God.' I find it rather fitting."
She knew exactly whom Odin meant and spoke honestly about her first impressions.
"That child reminds me very much of Loki when he was young—clever, perceptive, though without Loki's mischief. Their differences stem from the environments they grew up in. If… Loki had been as sensible as she is, he might never have ended up like this. Perhaps we never should have hidden Loki's origins from him."
Frigga's voice carried regret.
From the beginning, she and Odin had instilled in Loki the belief that he was born to rule. Power became an obsession—one that ultimately destroyed the once-lively, affectionate boy.
"If that child were to learn the truth about her father," Odin asked slowly, "would she walk the same path as Loki?"
He looked at Frigga now, seeking counsel—guidance that might help him make a decision.
"No," Frigga answered without hesitation. "Heimdall told me of Clara's past. If I were to describe her, I'd say she is independent, content with what she has, and unwilling to burden others. That is precisely why those who know the truth around her have chosen to hide it. If she were to learn everything… she would simply turn away from a world that was never meant to be hers."
Odin clasped Frigga's hand and fell silent.
She did not speak again.
This was a decision he alone had to make.
"Do you know," Odin finally said, "when I first learned of that child's true nature, I considered ending her life. But death would mean nothing to her. Then I thought of imprisoning her forever—but that would breed resentment, and resentment is the root of all calamity."
Frigga gasped softly.
"My gods… what crime has that child committed?"
"She has committed none," Odin said. "And that is precisely why I've decided to seal the power within her. Earthlings live no more than a century. I can only hope that when her life comes to an end, that power will choose to… remain asleep."
He produced the object from the vault—the collar shaped like a massive lock.
"The Chains of Gimiðea?" Frigga exclaimed. "That is a divine relic meant to seal the power of high gods!"
Her shock was unmistakable.
For Odin himself to fear the power hidden within a child—what kind of force could it be?
"Yes," Odin replied. "Once she wears this, and the Celestial Convergence ends, she can be sent back to Earth."
To Odin, Clara was an indestructible bomb.
Returning her to Earth was the safest choice—just as he had once done with the Tesseract.
"This design hardly suits a young girl," Frigga said gently, taking the collar from him. "Leave it to me. I'll make it… more presentable."
If this was Odin's wish, she would see it done perfectly.
-----
When Heimdall brought Clara back after watching the sunrise, he received orders to resume guarding the Bifrost. Clara, meanwhile, was escorted directly to Queen Frigga's chambers.
As soon as Clara entered, Frigga produced an exquisitely crafted jewelry box.
"Clara," she said warmly, "your father once fought alongside Thor. Since you've come to Asgard, it's only proper that I, as an elder, give you a gift. Yesterday was too rushed—so tell me, do you like this bracelet?"
Inside the box lay a silver bracelet, engraved with elegant patterns, set with a radiant blue gemstone that shimmered softly.
"No—this is far too valuable. I can't accept it," Clara said instinctively.
Even the gemstone alone looked priceless.
"Whether a gift is precious depends on its purpose," Frigga replied with a smile. "As the Mother of the Gods, I can hardly give you something from a street stall, can I? Don't you agree?"
She even winked playfully at the end.
Clara smiled back and slipped the bracelet onto her wrist—
Then froze.
Ever since her repeated journeys through wormholes, Clara had felt a strange energy stirring within her, like a quiet current threatening to overflow.
The moment the bracelet settled against her skin—
The sensation vanished.
Startled, Clara tried to remove it, wondering if she had imagined everything.
Frigga gently placed her hand over the bracelet, stopping her.
"Clara," she said solemnly, "can you promise me something? No matter what happens, never take this bracelet off."
The gravity in Frigga's eyes made everything clear.
This gift was not given lightly.
It was a seal—meant to restrain the power within her.
Clara lowered her head, silent. Frigga waited patiently, not interrupting her thoughts.
"I promise," Clara finally said. "Queen Frigga."
-----
One of the Nine Realms, Vanaheim, was still engulfed in war. With the Bifrost destroyed, bandits had run rampant. The Asgardian warrior Lady Sif stabilized the battlefield, after which Thor himself entered as the final force.
Seeing Thor's overwhelming might, the bandit leader unleashed their strongest weapon—a Stone Giant.
Twice Thor's height, its body was forged of solid rock.
"I greet you!" Thor called calmly amid the giant's roar. "I accept your surrender."
The bandits laughed.
One hammer strike later, the Stone Giant collapsed.
Silence followed.
"Anyone else?" Thor asked.
Weapons clattered to the ground.
The bandits surrendered en masse.
Vanaheim's rebellion ended with a single blow. Asgardian forces began restoring order, and the natives slowly returned to their lives.
Thor left Hogun behind—this was his homeland, and with peace returning to the Nine Realms, rebuilding mattered more than battle.
Once everything was settled, Thor prepared to return.
"Uh… so… whoever's on duty—I'm ready to go back."
He suddenly realized he had no idea who was replacing Heimdall.
A beam of rainbow light descended from distant Asgard, enveloping him. When it vanished, a scorched sigil remained on the ground.
"Welcome back, Thor."
Heimdall stood smiling at the end of the Bifrost.
"Heimdall? I thought you were on leave! That was fast."
"I returned to my post," Heimdall replied. "Clara is currently with your mother, Queen Frigga."
"With my mother?" Thor blinked. "What's she doing there?"
"Listening to stories."
Thor paused.
"…That actually makes sense."
--------------
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