Chapter 94: Shifting Currents
In the golden halls of Asgard, where even the marble hummed with ancient power and tradition, subtle change often went unnoticed. But not by Volundr.
From the high balcony of the Bifröst Training Pavilion, he watched Rossweisse move across the enchanted terrain below.
She was faster now—graceful, decisive, no longer the hesitant girl grasping at runes and hoping they would respond. Her shields had evolved from static domes into kinetic constructs, capable of flexing, rotating, and even counterattacking.
Her once-linear spellwork now pulsed with layered intent—defense that flowed into offense, support spells that triggered reinforcement.
She was becoming fluid, like a river that could crash or cradle depending on the need.
But Volundr knew that growth, real growth, was often guided—not stumbled upon. And so, with quiet precision, he had begun shaping her path.
He recommended ancient Asgardian texts be "accidentally" left in her training quarters—scrolls about energy displacement and battlefield anchoring. He made offhand comments in strategy meetings near her, knowing she'd overhear.
He adjusted the runic harmonics in her sparring arena just slightly, so her defensive magic would become more responsive only if she used layered casting.
She believed her breakthroughs were her own. And in truth, they were.
But he was the wind at her back. Invisible, ever-present.
Rossweisse, for her part, was beginning to feel it too—that unspoken current urging her forward. She didn't know why Volundr always seemed to be around when she needed advice or a calming word after a tough training session.
She didn't understand why his observations struck at the heart of her struggles, or why he never demanded anything from her in return.
And so, a bond was quietly forming—not one of words, but of trust.
Her family noticed as well. Volundr had made careful, respectful strides to connect with them—not with flattery, but with sincerity.
He attended local Asgardian festivals and ancient memorial rites, offered magical consultation on warding the outer halls of Valhalla, and even trained alongside a few Einherjar captains.
Slowly but surely, the Valkyrie matriarchs began to view him not as an outsider, but as a dependable young noble with clear respect for Asgard's heritage.
At home, Rossweisse's mother once remarked, "That boy sees something in you. And not just your talent."
Rossweisse blushed, but the thought lingered.
Back in training, her versatility began to bloom. Her defensive walls could now be tuned to reflect specific magical frequencies. Her healing spells were more efficient, conserving power.
And during one sparring match, she even summoned a temporary floating fortress—a compact, runed construct that protected her while launching rune-bolts in every direction.
She was unknowingly training in the image Volundr envisioned: not a Rook that merely defended, but one who could shape the battlefield, command it, and adapt on the fly. A mobile bastion of arcane might.
That night, Volundr sat in his private study in the Asgardian guest wing, a silver quill in hand as he updated his notes.
Rossweisse: Progress accelerating. Defense refined. Support reliable. Beginning to show signs of tactical improvisation. Instincts strong. Personality aligning well with peerage values: loyal, steady, self-disciplined. Still emotionally young. Estimated time to readiness—3 to 4 years.
He paused, then underlined the final sentence.
She will be ready. I'll ensure it.
Outside, the auroras danced across the sky—shifting currents of light mirroring the quiet transformations unfolding below.