Hela: Ruler of Hel, heir of Jotunheim
Dreary. Is what the more strong of heart calls Hel. The realm of lost souls is where Hela, the Norse goddess of death reigns and rules. A young woman also known for being the daughter of Loki, the god of trickery.
“What in Odin’s name is going on?” I shouted to my undead guards, as loud crashing an roaring could be heard above the moaning and weeping of the lost. From my throne, atop the obsidian hill, I could see what could not be mistaken, Frost Giants.
I had dealt with these giant, half witted, beasts before. There had been some trouble on the way things were being managed in Hel that the residents of Jotunheim were not too keen with, but did get resolved with a small war and days with sharing ale and feasts. This time is different, I can feel a certain anger that is being forced down.
Four giants reaching the steps of my pillared chapel, oddly, bowed their heads in my respect, strange because they are not in anyway required to do so, unlike in Jotunheim or Asgard. “What is this?” I ask. In a gruff, deep voice, the first man replies, “We have come to present you with news from Jotunheim. Your grandfather, Laufey, has passed.” I look at them in shock. Laufey is a Frost Giant. These are monsters that cause mass destruction, I am not part of that blood. At this moment, what I feel is almost fear and certainly doubt.
Before I could say anything he spoke again, “And your father, Loki, has fallen into the void, weather he returns is unlikely. You are the next in line for the throne.” “Is this some sort of joke?” I say, my face now turning it’s right half to only bone, because of anger and possibly worry. “No, your majesty. Leadership is needed there, so we have decided this is the time to give you your birthright.” He replied. His large blue eyes flickered over to the bare side of my face, in what seemed almost to be concern.
Loki, I have met him a few times and did feel a connection. Like he was an old, messed up friend. If I am his daughter, then why did he never say anything?
Not wanting to keep the Giant waiting any longer, “How can you prove this?” I ask. “Odin All Father. He raised Loki as his own since your father was an infant. Odin hated your mother, and hated you for being the product of her. So, he killed your mother and cast you here, so that he would never have to see his son’s mistake.”
I was now ignoring what I trained myself to do, keeping eye contact, instead trying to keep the tear slipping from my eye. I have always known I was alone, I chose my whole life to avoid that fact, but it has come and hit me in the face in the worst way possible. Knowing now that I began with hate and lust, not love and compassion, hearing it makes me feel so small.
“Alright, I will go with you if I can bring a few of my men and women.” I requested. “Let us go then.” The man replied. I urged for my two guards, who are the closest I have ever had to family, Damien and Coura. Passing down and through my people, some give almost look curious, as curious as a dead spirit could be I suppose, spirits from the god and goddess district seem have their attention toward us now. Them being the most conscious spirits, it is understandable, but even their worshipers are looking now. They know I’m leaving, they’ll miss us, Coura Damien and I are the only living things that reside here. I feel we make them some feel some fraction of happiness in seeing we still are sentient.
“Your leadership, Ma’am. Are you sure it is safe to follow them to their realm? They will certainly outnumber us, and who knows of they are telling the truth.” Damien asked, whispering, hoping not to get the attention of the Giants. “We don’t know, but I have been sitting on that damn throne for too long, and assuming I really am the heir, they are a corrupt and abhorrent people, maybe I can change them.” I reply with a grin.
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