At the same time, in his palace, Bor pondered the proposal.
"Do you think they are serious about marriage? If it's true, it might be a way to ease the tension between our clans."
Bestla looked at her husband, thinking of the struggles he faced during his ascension to the throne. Although Odin and his other sons had helped him rule Asgard, Bor had always wished for his own brother, Njörd, to be by his side. That never happened, which was why he always taught his children the invaluable lesson of sticking together. It was this same unity that led Vili and Vé to sacrifice themselves for Odin.
"Should I inform my father about this plan?" Bestla asked.
Bor looked at his wife. "There's no need. He never intervenes in his children's matters. He didn't even visit when Sigurd was born. We must handle this ourselves. But I think you should speak with Njörd."
Bor considered it further but ultimately decided to follow his wife's advice.
He then traveled to Vanaheim, appearing on a shore by the sea. Just as he was about to speak, a figure emerged from the waves.
"What a surprise. The God-King of Asgard himself has come to see me," said Njörd, his tone dripping with casual indifference.
"You haven't changed, brother. You still blame me for the throne. Hundreds of years have passed, yet you cling to that grievance."
Njörd observed his brother. While the rule of succession had been set by their father, he had truly believed he deserved the throne at the time. After all, Bor was a brute who knew only how to fight. But as the years passed, he had received news of Asgard and knew his brother had done a respectable job, especially with the help of his sons.
Still, the submission threat from Odin angered him. His pride would not allow him to yield to Asgard without a fight. This was the kingdom he had helped build.
"I don't care about the past," Njörd replied, "but your son travels the realms, demanding submission to Asgard. Why should anyone simply accept the demands of their opponent?"
Bor didn't try to explain everything immediately but followed his brother. Despite their past conflicts, they had never wished genuine harm upon one another.
Njörd led him to the palace in silence. His wife, Skadi, was also present. Njörd took his throne and gestured for Bor to sit opposite him.
"So, what brings you to my palace?"
He knew Bor wouldn't visit without an important reason—one that concerned him directly.
Bor gathered his thoughts and explained the current situation, including the marriage proposal.
"So, you want to marry Odin to Freyr's daughter," Njörd mused. "This plan doesn't sound like Odin's. His solution to a problem is usually to fight first and negotiate later."
Bor nodded in agreement. "You're right. This is likely Sigurd's idea. The young one always has new schemes. I doubt he even asked Odin beforehand; Odin would have refused."
Njörd observed his brother. "If this were the only matter, you wouldn't have come yourself. There's more, isn't there?"
Bor met his gaze. "Yes. I feel it is time for me to step down as God-King. I've had a vision… the world is heading toward chaos, and Asgard will be at the center of it. But I also saw that Odin will become powerful enough to handle it."
Njörd sensed his brother was holding back. "There's more to the vision than that, isn't there? Odin alone shouldn't be powerful enough to face such a threat."
Skadi, the goddess of winter, felt the same unease.
"I didn't see clearly," Bor admitted. "Everything was shrouded in mist. But there was another figure, a powerful being wreathed in golden light. I couldn't see his face. I believe Odin has also seen a vision, which is why he is preparing Asgard for war."
Njörd felt a growing pressure. Though powerful, his own strength was at the peak of the Skyfather level, similar to Odin's. He wasn't confident he could face what was coming alone. But if the two clans were united by marriage, perhaps the Vanir would have a chance at survival.
"So, what is your plan?" Njörd asked. "While my word may carry weight, pride and ego will still be significant obstacles."
Bor thought for a moment before deciding. "The leaders of both clans will meet in Asgard. We will both be present, and we will decide the matter together with our councils. After all, Asgard is not just the royal family; others have a stake in this as well."
Time passed, and news spread throughout Asgard: Odin was to marry the daughter of the Vanir king to unite the two clans.
Sigurd was not surprised. In every story about Asgard and Vanaheim, they eventually united, though in some timelines, they warred for years first. In those versions, Odin had the power to slaughter them all but instead allowed them to submit, culminating in a marriage to seal the alliance.
Today was the day of the meeting. Sigurd's duty was to help devise a plan that would allow both clans to save face and not feel defeated.
His eyes scanned the room. Many Asgardian warriors were subtly assessing the strength of their Vanir counterparts.
'It seems the Vanir have a greater natural affinity for magic than Asgardians,' Sigurd thought.
His gaze then fell upon a young man with eyes of different colors. At the same moment, the young Heimdall sensed he was being observed and looked directly at Sigurd. Sigurd responded with a respectful nod.
As the meeting proceeded, Sigurd grew bored. The discussion cycled through the same points: the well-being of both clans and the unstable situation in the Nine Realms. His mind began to wander.
He was still trying to pinpoint the era of his rebirth. While the current events matched the Stone Age Avengers storyline, many details were off.
He knew he couldn't leave Asgard now. The Nine Realms were simmering with tension, and within a thousand years, his own brother might ignite a full-scale war.
'Does Odin truly want war?' Sigurd wondered. 'He doesn't seem like the type. Could it be that there is something I'm missing?'
A deep unease settled over him. This present calm felt like the prelude to a devastating storm.