Time flowed like Asgard's golden waterfalls, rushing on without end.
In the blink of an eye, Mavuika and Hela had grown from infants in swaddling clothes into toddlers capable of running all over the palace.
Between the corridors and pillars of the Golden Palace, the distinct footsteps of the two children often echoed.
"Sister! Look what I found in the Armory!"
On a bright and sunny afternoon, Hela rushed into the garden on the east side of the palace, wobbling as she held a training shortsword that was far too heavy for her.
Her silver-black hair was tied into a neat short Horsetail behind her head, and her dark green eyes sparkled with the excitement of having discovered treasure.
Mavuika, who was observing a shimmering Asgardian plant, turned around.
At six years old, her features had already begun to take a clear shape; her pale blonde hair was nearly transparent in the sunlight, meticulously braided into intricate patterns by Frigga.
Her eyes were a warm amber, always carrying a calmness that transcended her age when she looked at others.
"That's Volstagg's training sword." Mavuika's voice was crisp and calm. "He was still looking for it yesterday; you should put it back, Hela."
"But it's so cool!" Hela refused to let go, trying hard to strike an offensive pose, but the tip of the sword pointed uncontrollably toward the ground.
"I want to learn swordsmanship, just like the Valkyrie!"
"You can't even hold the sword steady," Mavuika said matter-of-factly, walking over to Hela.
"Besides, Mother said our formal training won't begin until next season."
"I can't wait!" Hela pouted, her eyes suddenly lighting up. "Sister, let's spar! Using this!"
She tried to lift the sword but was nearly pulled down by its weight.
Mavuika quickly supported her, smoothly taking away the training sword—which was too heavy for both of them—and placing it on a nearby flower stand.
"If you want to compete, we can do it another way," Mavuika said, a glint of mischief flashing in her amber eyes.
"Do you see that Apple tree over there? Whoever picks the highest Golden Apple first wins."
Hela looked up.
At the edge of the garden grew the Golden Apple trees unique to Asgard, their branches laden with shimmering fruit.
The tallest one reached nearly three stories high.
"That's not fair! You're taller than me!" Hela protested.
"Then I'll give you a ten-count head start," Mavuika said with a smile.
"I don't need a head start!" Hela's competitive spirit was fully ignited, and she bolted out like an arrow from a bow.
Mavuika followed unhurriedly, watching her younger sister begin to climb the thick trunk like an agile kitten.
She didn't actually care much about winning or losing; she just wanted to find a suitable outlet for Hela's excess energy.
Halfway up, Hela's foot slipped, and she nearly fell.
Mavuika's heart tightened, and she almost rushed over, but Hela steadied herself and continued climbing, muttering, "I can do this..."
Finally, Hela's hand touched the highest Golden Apple.
She looked down triumphantly, only to find Mavuika already standing on a lower branch nearby, looking up at her with a smile.
"How did you get up here?" Hela asked in surprise.
"I walked up." Mavuika pointed to an almost invisible, spiraling small staircase beside the trunk, used by gardeners for pruning.
"You cheated!" Hela shouted, but a smile of admiration appeared on her face. "But I still got the Apple!"
"Yes, you won," Mavuika said easily.
"The question now is, how do we get down?"
Hela looked down at her height from the ground, finally showing a hint of hesitation.
Clutching the Apple, she tried to find a way down, but the courage she had while climbing up seemed to have vanished for the descent.
"Throw the Apple to me." Mavuika reached out. "Then turn around slowly, feet first. I'll tell you where to step."
While Hela hesitated, Mavuika had already nimbly descended to a lower branch, pointing out every safe foothold for her sister.
When she finally guided Hela safely to the ground, both breathed a sigh of relief.
"Here." Hela was a bit reluctant but still handed the Golden Apple to Mavuika. "You found the way, so it should be yours."
Mavuika took the Apple, wiped it with her sleeve, then split it in half, handing the larger piece back to Hela. "How about we each have half? Besides, you did climb higher than me."
Hela took the half-Apple and took a bite, the sweet juice exploding in her mouth.
She looked at Mavuika and suddenly asked, "Sister, why do you always know what to do?"
Mavuika's chewing paused slightly, but she just smiled and said, "I just thought a few steps ahead of you."
"Hmph..." Hela muttered, though her tone held more defiance than complaint. "Next time, I'll think a few steps ahead too!"
"Very well." Mavuika patted her shoulder. "Now, we have to put Volstagg's sword back before he finds out."
Their first formal training arrived at the beginning of the Harvest Season.
The training ground was located on the west side of the Golden Palace, its floor paved with hard silver sand, surrounded by stone pillars inscribed with ancient runes.
Odin arrived in person, standing on a high platform at the edge of the field to watch.
His gaze swept across the young Asgardians gathered on the field, finally resting on his two daughters.
The training instructor was the experienced warrior Farbauti, who had been a member of Odin's guard and was now responsible for teaching the younger generation after retiring due to injury.
"Today, you will learn the most basic combat stances and footwork," Farbauti's voice boomed.
"Strength is important, but if you cannot stand firm, all strength is meaningless."
Most of the children followed the instructions, clumsily mimicking the instructor's movements.
Hela, however, seemed somewhat impatient, her eyes constantly darting toward the real weapons on the racks at the edge of the field.
"Princess Hela." Farbauti noticed her distraction. "Please focus."
Hela reluctantly corrected her stance, but only a few minutes later, she couldn't help but speak up: "Instructor, when can we learn real combat? Like using swords, or summoning divine power?"
Farbauti frowned. "Your primary goal now is to build a solid foundation. If the foundation isn't firm, you—"
"Instructor." Mavuika suddenly spoke, her voice clear and respectful. "Perhaps you could let us practice balance and pushing in pairs? Combining theory with practice might make it easier to understand the importance of the basics."
Farbauti looked at Mavuika, then at the clearly impatient Hela, and pondered for a moment. "Very well. In pairs, practice pushing each other without moving your feet."
The children immediately grew excited and began looking for partners.
Hela naturally turned to Mavuika. "Sister, let's be a pair!"
Mavuika nodded, standing face-to-face with Hela, their hands pressed against each other's.