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Over an impromptu celebratory breakfast with Fjorgyn, she and Helga reminisced about life before the war. The mood was brighter than it had been in some time. Fjorgyn then revealed that she'd brought Bergelmir's body back with her to give him a proper burial. Her voice grew somber describing how Undvik forces had ambushed and killed him before she managed to escape and flee to Ljósálfar. It was a bittersweet homecoming, but we would honor the late king.
When Fjorgyn asked about my sons, I called for Thor and Loki to come meet their grandmother. At first they were shy, especially Loki, but it wasn't long before the boys were joking and laughing with her as if they'd known her their whole lives. Watching my family reconnect filled me with indescribable joy. For all the uncertainty that still lay ahead, right now, everything felt right.
THREE DAYS LATER
I stood on the palace steps flanked by Thorsten and Fjorgyn as we watched the solemn procession wind its way up the long avenue. Bergelmir's body lay on a stately teal and gold carriage drawn by six Valassis. The Titan king's body was clad in resplendent armor, his greatsword clutched in his folded hands over his chest. Flowers cascaded down the sides of the carriage and solemn hymns echoed from the crowds lining the streets.
The mourners gathered at the towering pyre erected on the palace grounds, constructed from fragrant woods and oils. As the carriage rolled to a stop, Thorsten, Radorgirn, Helga, Astrid, Skadi, Eldgrim, and Stieg moved as one to gently lift their father's body with great reverence and lay him to rest atop the pyre. I wished there was more I could do to ease Thorsten’s pain. But all I knew to do was to simply be there for him when he needed me.
As the royals stepped back, Fjorgyn approached with a flaming torch. "May your spirit journey to the great Hall of Kings beyond Innangard," she whispered before touching the flame to the kindling. Within moments, vibrant flames engulfed the pyre, dense plumes of scented smoke coiling skyward. The reflected fire danced in our eyes as we looked on, hypnotized. I slipped my hand into Thorsten's, giving it a supportive squeeze that he returned gratefully.
In honor of Bergelmir's life, the festivities back inside the palace were lively, as Titans believed in celebrating the life lived rather than mourning the loss forever. The feasting hall thundered with laughter, music, and drunken ballads of past glories. Fjorgyn herself danced atop tables, swigging ale and toasting her late husband.
"To King Bergelmir!" she cheered proudly. "The craziest bastard I ever loved! Boy could he put it to me good - mmph!"
Helga swooped in to clap a hand over her tipsy mother's mouth before she could overshare. "Alright, I believe you've had enough merriment for one evening."
Despite the absurdity, it warmed me seeing the royals letting loose. Thorsten's smile didn't quite reach his eyes, but his mood was brighter than I expected. There would be time to properly mourn later. Tonight was for remembering joy.
As the evening wound down, pleasantly fatigued from the revelry, I stood on a balcony appreciating the night breeze. Strong arms wrapped around me from behind, and I leaned intoThorsten's sturdy embrace. Neither of us needed to speak as we swayed gently, taking comfort in each other's presence.
Everything that happened today reiterated life's fleeting nature. The only constant was each brief moment. For now, the future could wait - my everything was right here in my arms.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
KAL
The next morning I awoke refreshed and ready to explore the legendary city outside these palace walls. After wolfing down a quick breakfast, I prepared to head out and take in the sights of Thyan Caelora.
"Going somewhere?" came Thorsten's playful voice from behind me.
I turned with a grin. "I want to see the city up close today. Wanna be my guide?"
Thorsten's expression turned apologetic. "I wish I could join you, but meetings with the council will keep me occupied all day, I'm afraid."
I waved off his concern. "No problem, you handle royal business. I'll manage just fine on my own - I'm a big boy."
Thorsten still looked hesitant. "Perhaps you should take a guard escort. The city streets can be labyrinthine."
"I'll be okay," I insisted stubbornly. "It's not like I'm wandering some back alley. Just gonna visit the nice parts. What could go wrong?"
"As you wish," Thorsten relented with an affectionate chuckle. "But please return before sundown."
With a quick goodbye kiss, I excitedly made my way through the grand entrance hall, the palace guards bowing respectfully as I passed. Stepping outside, I took a deep breath, appreciating how the morning air carried a thousand scents - baked goods, incense, perfumes, and alien botanicals. So many tantalizing aromas I wanted to chase down.
But first, I headed for the nearest transit station and boarded a sleek tram train car. As the vehicle rose swiftly, I drank in the panoramic views. From up here, I could fully appreciate the scale and beauty of it all - impossibly tall towers connected by a filigree of bridges and tubes with vessels zipping between them. Each structure seemed more fantastical than the last, sporting curved facades, ornamental flourishes, and gravity-defying architecture.
After gaping like an awestruck child for a good while, I disembarked at one of the upper public parks I saw hugging the top of an especially striking tower. Stepping off the tram, I found myself surrounded by artful greenery and splashing fountains, the sounds of music and laughter spilling from an outdoor cafe. Patrons sat at small tables sipping colorful drinks and nibbling dainty appetizers while a band played intricate melodies on stringed instruments.
I snagged an empty table and tried my best to casually peruse one of the picture menus but I could tell I was garnering some attention from diners. An amused server soon came by, no doubt noting my obvious confusion. I ended up ordering some items at random, eager to try the exotic cuisine.
A few missteps aside - who knew egg fish soup would be so spicy?! - I thoroughly enjoyed the eclectic flavors. Between the amazing food, lively music, and heady aroma of blossoms on the breeze, I felt like I'd been transported to another world. And I suppose I had, in a way.
I spent the next few hours strolling wide walkways lining the perimeter of the park that afforded stunning vistas of the city below. My neck grew sore from constantly looking up, down, and all around trying to soak it all in. There was just so much to see!
When I grew tired of the scenic overlooks and gawking titans who stopped and stared, snapping pictures and taking video as I passed, I took a series of lifts and bridges to descend closer to the ground. Here the towers were dwarfed by even more massive superstructures that housed all sorts of venues and activities by the look of the ads flickering on their facades.
“Ah! It’s you!” I turned quickly at the unfamiliar voice. Someone was approaching me, a handsome Titan male with wavy blondish hair that looked almost artificially colored yellow. “I saw you on the projector screens!”
