Aliandra: nymph: Book 1 The Nymph chronicles (17 page)

"The workload will be heavy and complicated. Will you be able to keep up?" asked Melian.

"Perhaps we can record the more complex work and I will review it and learn it in my own time. You will only have to show me once and I will learn it perfectly. If I consistently produce different results due to my different set of abilities then perhaps we can consult over the outcomes and derive alterations to the processes for me" Ali said.

"We will record every lesson because the work begins as complex and intricate then  moves to difficult and tricky very quickly" said Melian. "I am willing to teach you because the other smiths have remarked how quickly you learn and you are competent at the forge. All the previous work has been simple preparation for my lessons. I will impart my secret processes if you are willing to swear they will remain secret" Melian said.

Ali put her hand on her heart and said "I so swear that I, Aliandra, will keep secret the work of Melian" swore Ali.

"Accepted. Now we work" said Melian.

At the end of each day, Ali's brain swam with information from Melian's lessons. Ali spent a great deal of time in her window studying the processes until she was certain she had properly absorbed the information. Ali also used her portable forge in the ancient plane to practise and perfect her techniques. When results were consistently different Ali experimented with the processes and returned to consult Melian to examine the results and recommend alterations. Melian announced she was pleased with Ali's progress so far and so the difficult work would now begin. Ali then took a very long window holiday. As promised Melian's lesson cranked up and Ali buckled down. One morning Melian approached Ali at breakfast:

"Olander, the sick lady, has left her bed and is walking around now" said Melian. "She has asked me to pass on her thanks to you for her medical attention."

"I will visit her tonight. I am pleased and relieved she is well again" replied Ali.

"No more than her family" said Melian. "Her grateful husband made you this."

Melian handed Ali a dragonfly ring. "Stillen asked me asked me to check it first. I pronounced it to be well-made and of a suitably high standard for you" said Melian.

Ali took it and put it on her right hand to admire it. "It is so delicate and beautiful. The work is incredibly intricate. I love it" she declared.

"Stillen has left the diamonds in the wings empty so that you may store your choice of powers, gifts and technologies in them. It will be good practise for you. Choose wisely and be careful of the combinations you install into each gem or the results will be unpredictable" instructed Melian.

"Do you have any recommendations for the downloads for this ring?" asked Ali.

"I knew you would ask. Here!" Melian handed Ali a list. Ali pointed out there were many with which she was unfamiliar.

"That is why you are here to learn. That is a list for our next lessons and you may use the ring to practise" said Melian. After Melian's lesson concluded, Ali went straight to Stillen and Olander to visit and give them her thanks for the ring.

As the year reached towards its conclusion, Melian's lessons steadfastly increased in difficulty and Ali worked hard to keep up. Melian and the rest of the smiths called a meeting to discuss Ali's progress throughout the year. The results of their conversation was a final list of lessons to be done before they certified Ali as competent in elvish smithing. When Ali finished the final lesson she submitted to testing by each of the elven smiths. A final meeting was held to discuss and review her results and they agreed to grant Ali certification and membership to the association of elven smiths. Ali stood before the group and formally thanked each and every smith for their time, patience and efforts on her behalf before accepting her certificate.

Finally Melian stood to provide her own characteristic response. "Aliandra, you have received certification and membership because you have earned it. No more, no less. We do not accept the undeserving into our trade. Your work has been of a high standard and although there is still much to learn we have all decided you know enough to be declared competent. We accept that no craftsperson is perfect and if we have the correct attitude then we all remain students of the craft until our dying day. You will continue to learn and develop your craft as we all do. As a nymph, you will have to develop your own processes that suit your own distinct abilities. We have taken you as far as necessary for you to progress in your own way. I wish you well. It was decided unanimously by all trade masters present to invite you to remain in contact should you wish to make further use of our expertise. Your kindness and generosity has won many hearts and you will always have friends among the elves." Melian sat down and polite applause broke out among the elves.

Ali stood up and hugged Melian. "Thankyou again" she whispered "Melian, I have never heard of elves applauding before."

"No, they were very emotional. It has been an unusual day" replied Melian as she wiped tears from her eyes.

"I will make you proud, Melian" assured Ali.

"You already have, Aliandra. You have done well" she responded. "I have to pack and return home to my forge."

"I will 'port you there directly if you wish" offered Ali.

"Yes. I will be ready to go in one hour. Meet me in my private forge" said Melian.

Melian left to pack up and Ali remained talking with the smiths. An hour later Ali met Melian in her forge room. Everything looked packed and ready to go.

"A final word, Aliandra" said Melian. "I have a parting gift for you."

"Thankyou, Melian" responded Ali.

"Put your hand on the bench to your left" instructed Melian.

Ali did so and found something under her hand but as she lifted her hand there was nothing there to be seen. Ali turned and looked questioningly at Melian.

"I have made you footwear to go with your armor. They are invisible. I am the only one to have the knowledge to create invisible items. It is knowledge I do not share with my fellows. Take the footwear and store them." Ali did so. "On my death I will bequeath you the knowledge to craft invisible items. You are young and one of the few capable of applying the skills with sufficient competence. I have no children to pass my knowledge to, so you will keep this knowledge alive when I am gone" stated Melian.

"It is a gift beyond measure. I thank you, Melian" said a tearful Ali. "Are you ready to leave now?"

Melian nodded and Ali 'ported her home, then Ali sunk down and sat weeping on the forge room floor. Eventually Ali 'ported to her bedroom to shower and change before leaving to send off the rest of the elven smiths and their families from the palace. As the last of the elves left for home, Ali looked down at Rom and said "Well Rom, it is just you and me again. Hopefully the staff are too wore out to hover much or I will have to fill the palace up again with random people for them to serve for our final days here."

Elvish protocol, however, demanded many elven representatives from all the families to attend the palace and make more speeches. Formal lunches and dinners were held with an endless stream of speeches to bid Aliandra goodbye. Ali listened carefully and gave her own endless speeches as elven protocol demanded. Rom snored quietly in the corner. At last, Ali made her final goodbyes and they all assembled in the main palace hall when Ali 'ported herself and Rom back to her cottage.

Chapter 37

Gramma, Donny, Riv and Amirael were waiting impatiently for Ali's return. As soon as Ali appeared Donny stepped forward to scoop her up into his arms and kiss her senseless. Finally, as they all sat in the lounge and sipped tea, Gramma asked "How were the speeches?" with a twinkle in her eye.

"Wicked woman" said Ali. "I must remember to thank the Norse demi-gods for their gift of diplomacy. The elves loved my speeches especially when I made them insufferably long and boring. What can I say I was a hit" declared Ali. "What is the next plan, Gramma?"

"Since your send off with Hephaestus you have attracted the attention and interest of several powerful gods here. That must be avoided if we are to avoid too much attention too soon" said Gramma.

"But they all know I am Donny's girl" said Ali adamantly.

"That does not concern them apparently. They have been overheard discussing different tricks to make you theirs. Do not doubt that it can be done. The love gods have been approached in regard to you. The gods and goddesses here assume that one of your gift requests was beauty; together with your increased wealth and marketable talents, you are now recognized as an acceptable consort for a god" Gramma said.

"Donny is a god and a powerful one!" declared Ali

"Do you want to see Donny have to fight off all his competition? They will gang up and destroy him to get to you. Do not doubt it" insisted Gramma. "It has been decided to send you back to the Norse realm to continue your training and avoid conflict here. The Norse gods will protect you while you reside in their realm. They are the only ones strong enough and with the facilities you require for the next stage of your training. You must say your goodbyes to Donny. You are expected in the Norse realm soon" said Gramma. "I am sorry, Aliandra."

Gramma, Riv and Amirael left Ali with Donny. "Why does it have to be so complicated?" Ali grumbled. "We need to figure out how we are going to overcome this."

"Think about it later. Come here and kiss me, Ali" said Donny as he wrapped his arms around her.

"I missed you so much already, Donny. It isn't fair we have so little time together now" said Ali.

"We will find a way and we will have plenty of time later. Don't worry, you are busy studying. I understand" he said. "Now come closer and focus on me, Ali."

Hours passed like minutes, as Donny and Ali said their goodbyes again. Gramma finally arrived with the coordinates for the Asgardian 'port and a list of instructions. Ali 'ported out with Rom and appeared in the centre the Asgardian halls of the gods.

Chapter 38

Ali looked around at the lines of gods standing at attention for her arrival. Odin and Frigg stepped forward to formally greet her.

"Welcome, Aliandra. After the elves you are probably tired of lengthy speeches so we will not adhere to such formalities. Consider this your new home as long as you are with us. We have received your training schedule and all preparations are being made. Join us, it is almost time for the evening meal and I am thirsty for mead!" he called out jovially.

As Ali walked with them to the large dining hall, Frigg said with a bemused grin "My dear husband always seems to be thirsty."

"And frisky too, dear wife" he then laughed loud and long.

As Ali sat down a tall dark-haired man sat next to her. "I am Loki" he said when he was seated. "You will find that the Asgardian sense of humor to be rather simple and crude. Toilet humor and obvious pranks always go down well. There is no subtlety or intellect required in this realm. They are mostly gods of brute force and crass humor. Irony and sarcasm eludes them entirely" he sighed.

"Joy comes in many forms; Loki, one form is not inherently better than any other. I doubt that you genuinely underestimate your brethren to such a degree, since I am here to learn your technologies and skills. Asgardian knowledge has great intricacies and depth. It will certainly keep me busy for the duration of my stay. I believe I will enjoy the company for precisely what it is. I appreciate Asgardian kindness, protection and good humor already" she returned.

"I will be sure not to underestimate you again, youngling" said Loki as he turned back to his waiting food.

The meal was simple fare and the company became rowdy once the mead had taken effect. Ali ate heartily and drank her mead to wash it down. Once the meal was over, Odin approached and introduced Ali to Vidarr.

"My son, Vidarr, is the god of forests, silence and revenge. After me, he is the next strongest in the Norse realm. He will remain with you to watch over you for the duration of your stay. His room is next to yours in the palace and if necessary you can go to Vidarr's home in the forests until the danger passes" supplied Odin. Vidarr bowed and offered his arm to her. "Vidarr will escort you to your room in the palace now so you might settle in and get some sleep before we begin tomorrow. No doubt this feasting and drinking will continue til morn as usual" said Odin.

"If you are interested to try it, I have a very effective recipe for a hangover cure from my grandmother" said Ali.

"Excellent! Pass the recipe onto the kitchen staff when you are ready and sleep well, dear girl" said Odin.

Rom followed Ali and Vidarr to the assigned rooms and let her in, then he bowed and closed the door. A group of handmaidens were waiting to serve Ali.
Not again!
Ali smiled graciously as she let the maids undress her and prepare her bath. She asked if they could groom Rom while she bathed. When Ali lay back in her bath she put her mind to the task of figuring out how to distract the anxious handmaidens that were so obviously keen to serve her.
This calls for a shopping mission for the latest Asgardian fashions and accessories.

In the morning the handmaidens gathered around Ali to bring her breakfast, prepare her clothes and anxiously hover.

"Ladies, since I am so newly arrived and relatively unprepared for this trip I would ask your advice on Asgardian fashion. It seems that I would need you to shop for me as it is not in my area of expertise. Any suggestions?" asked Ali.

The maids got excited and explained the latest fashions and where to get them. They left to debate amongst themselves as Ali ate her breakfast in peace. Ali got up and dressed herself with a smug smile etched on her face. The maids returned and provided a list of fashion establishments to Ali.

"I will send you all out to shop for me, perhaps in two groups of three? Then you can select clothes and accessories that you agree on and you can take your time and be sure to visit all the shops on the list and browse their entire collections. I will be busy studying, so while you are out on my behalf I will fend for myself. Ensure you choose carefully for me, please" said Ali.

The maids left with the list with determined looks on their faces. Vidarr knocked, Ali sent the hangover cure with instructions to the kitchens and then answered the door. Vidarr looked around cautiously and took in the empty room.

"Good morning, Vidarr. I have sent all the maids out to shop for me, if you were wondering. I would ask that you not advise Frigg of this because the main reason I invented this shopping expedition is to not have anyone hovering anxiously over me. I prefer to fend for myself, blend in and not offend the maids. Can I rely on you to keep this between us?"

Vidarr nodded with a curious smile lurking on his lips and a twinkle in his eyes.

"My thanks. Come, Rom. Where to now?" asked Ali.

Vidarr offered his arm and Ali took it. They made their way to the Bifrost bridge with a blonde giant of a man waiting their arrival. Heimdall introduced himself and set about thoroughly explaining the Bifrost mechanisms and technologies. By the end of the month Ali had a good working knowledge of the Bifrost and how to operate it. Heimdall had downloaded all additional information about the construction of the Bifrost and details of the technology.

Ali spend many years on the ancient plane to absorb all the knowledge from Asgardians, the ancient knowledge of the giants and to continue with her forge experiments. The knowledge she had, combined with her smithing skills from the elves and Hephaestus, led her to develop a new process that created a diamond hard metal she could use to create armor and download many powers and technologies into it. Ali needed to make a suit of armor for someone out of it and thought of Vidarr as a likely candidate to practise on.

When Vidarr knocked on Ali's door to take her to the next lesson. "Vidarr, I am looking to make a suit of armor for someone using a new technique I have developed. I would like you to volunteer as my practise victim. Please?" begged Ali.

Vidarr stood with his arms crossed over his massive chest looking at her with suspicion.

"Vidarr, I promise it won't hurt. I just need to measure you up for the armor and when it is made you can try it out to test it. You also get a lovely suit of armor at no cost. I will also make any weapons you want out of the new metal. They will be perfection. Please say yes."

Vidarr waited a few minutes before he cautiously nodded his agreement.

"I have my measuring instrument over her, please strip down and I will get all your measurements in a few minutes" said Ali quickly.

Vidarr looked at her and shook his head sternly.

"I cannot measure you through your clothes, the instrument doesn't work that way" insisted Ali.

Vidarr shook his head again.

"Can we compromise then?" asked Ali.

Vidarr cocked his brow questioningly.

"Can you remove your shirt and I will take the rest of the measurements manually?" asked Ali. "I will even let you hold the end of the tape measure."

Vidarr considered this for a few minutes then he finally nodded his agreement.

Ali used the machine to measure his torso and hands precisely then she got the tape measure to take the rest of his measurements. Vidarr replaced his shirt to cover his impressive physique.

"I have already warned Odin I will be late for this morning's lesson, so there is no hurry. Take a seat and we will design your suit. What is your animal?" asked Ali.

Vidarr wrote 'wolverine' on her paper.

"Please list all your favorite weaponry" instructed Ali.

Vidarr made a comprehensive list of larger and heavier weapons.

"If I make these weapons with the new metal then they will feel lighter than you are used to but they will be much stronger than any other. I will quickly draw a range of suit types that will fit most of these weapons. Are there any types of weapons listed that you feel is optional or rarely used?" asked Ali.

Vidarr marked three weapons on his list with a cross.

Ali quickly drew several types of suits and made her recommendations. Vidarr selected one type. Ali then drew different images of wolverines for him to select from to decorate the suit. Vidarr chose one and Ali proceeded to design variations of the suit in detail. Vidarr chose one.

"Do you really like it or do I keep drawing. I want you to love the finished product" said Ali.

Vidarr pointed to his favorite design and nodded firmly.

"I will let you know when it is ready for you to try it out. It won't be too long" said Ali as she stored the designs. "We can go meet Odin now."

Vidarr offered Ali his arm and escorted her to Odin. Ali had discovered that Odin was a genius with advanced god skills and incantations; their lessons were enlightening and exciting.

"Vidarr was reluctant to be your protector initially because he has had such bad luck with women. He doesn't trust them. But he seems to have taken a shine to you, Aliandra" said Odin.

"Why doesn't he trust women?" asked Ali

"Vidarr started life as a mortal by the name of Aeneas. He was a prince and a general who commanded an army. He was also married to a very beautiful woman. When a war broke out my son, Thor, was eager to join the fight and he led the alliance of armies together with Aeneas. The wife of Aeneas pursued Thor when Aeneas was off fighting. Thor and Aeneas' wife had an affair. The battles went badly and the armies led by Thor and Aeneas were defeated. Aeneas returned to take his family to safety but his wife refused to leave with him as she wanted to remain with Thor. Aeneas took his son and his father and they fled to safety. Aeneas was a very honorable man and her betrayal wounded him deeply" said Odin.

"How did he become an Norse immortal?" enquired Ali.

"Aeneas was the son of Aphrodite and a mortal king, Anchisis. It was Aphrodite who approached me to ask if we Norse gods would make her son immortal and let him join our ranks. Zeus had already refused her the same request. After the defeat, Aeneas was pursued by his enemies, his father and son murdered. Immortality seemed his only chance of survival, so Frigg and I agreed. A Jotunn giantess, Gridr, agreed to rebirth Aeneas and he became our immortal son, Vidarr" explained Odin.

"Why would Zeus refuse Aphrodite's request?" asked Ali.

"The skills and energy to rebirth a mortal as a god is substantial. There is no magic involved in what we do; mortals refer to anything they do not understand as magic or miracles. Gods do the so-called miracles using their knowledge and powers: we leave mortals to their backward superstitions and magical thinking. Gods have abilities, skills, technologies and powers that mortal races will never comprehend. It has taken me a great deal of time and effort to learn my proficiencies and build my powers. Zeus is skilled and powerful; yet he is also wary of any immortal that may threaten his rule. It was simply not in his interests use up any of his power to assist anyone" explained Odin.

"Can mortals perform magic?" asked Ali.

"They can not. Demons often deceive mortals into thinking they perform the magic and that false sense of power often pushes them towards corrupting their souls. Mortals have no capacity for power, as immortals do. They may only create illusions to deceive onlookers or they are simply deceived by demons."

"Why did you rebirth Aeneas?" asked Ali thoughtfully.

"Partly, to make reparations to him for what happened between Thor and his wife. Partly, because he is a good and honorable man. Mostly, because we met him and we loved him as our son" said Odin.

"You are a good man, Odin" said Ali quietly.

"There is not so much political maneuvering here as in the Greek realm. We live together reasonably peacefully and contented, so I can afford to be generous occasionally" he replied. "Time to get back to work" ordered Odin gruffly as he rubbed his watery eyes.