“What does that mean?”
“We are alone.”
I watch the sorceress turn and walk away from me. I cannot help but follow.
We stay in the palace and I pray—I offer my blood and I pray to the gods. No answer comes. No light within me sparks. They are gone.
Day four hundred and sixty-one after Ragnarök
It is I, Bragi. We have seen no beings but each other, though Frida assures me they are there. “Their spirits are broken,” she tells me after making love under the sky. “They will find us soon,” she promises.
There has been no sign of the Aesir.
Day seven hundred and twenty-nine after Ragnarök
The gods and goddesses live!
They haveinstructed me not to write their names, for they fear that Fate will be angered by their survival.
They are powerless, the magic they once had now living in the lands of this new world.
Frida is excited to spread the word, for though I cannot write their names, a god has instructed me to find the others and inform them of the happy news.
It is my honour to do the bidding of my divine.
Day one thousand and seventy-eight after Ragnarök
It is I, Bragi. Frida and I have travelled to her home realm. Vanaheim seems to thrive, though the temperature is not as pleasantly warm as in Asgard. Frida assures me that it was like this when Vanaheim was a whole world.
Our message of the Aesir’s survival was met with rejoicing. We have renewed our prayers, which has brought a sense of peace over us all.
The Vanir are a lively people, though I knew that from my relations with Frida. Their emotions and passions run high, enhancing their magic and making them strong. They greet Frida with open arms, though they are unsure of me.
Frida’s queen says Vanaheim also borders Alfheim, and they have had Elven visitors.
I am thrilled to hear of the survival of my people. Frida reminds me that she said as much before.
Day three thousand,three hundred and thirty-three after Ragnarök
It is I, Bragi. Our life is pleasant.
We receive many visitors in Asgard and a truce has formed between the realms. The gods have allowed us to rule ourselves and have retreated into the shadows of existence. A goddess said they wished to live among us, to blend in.
Their magic has not returned.
The council is in agreement. We have called the new world Yggdrasil, an honour to the fallen world tree.
A sapling that has survived destruction.
Day five thousand, four hundred and ninety-four after Ragnarök
It is I, Bragi. My love for Frida has deepened. Our souls have entwined. She is my Thiramin, and I, her Hjarta. Others have mated as well, and the races are coming together.
Frida and I have created life here in Asgard. Our son, Faedir, has entered the world. We were not sure it would be possible, though we desired it greatly.
Day five thousand, six hundred and thirty-two after Ragnarök
It is I, Bragi. Faedir has grown into a wonderful youngling, though he is different from how Frida or I imagined. His ears are pointed, like my Elven ears, but he grows thick with muscle like Frida. His magic is maturing, and he can wield the elements of earth, fire,water, and air.
