Almost scowling, the God of Foresight watched you inspect his mount from front to back, tugging at the straps of the armour to see how tight it was.

Now and then Gulltoppr growled in warning. But the animal remained calm.

From a distance Sleipnir watched what was happening. The horse seemed more nervous about Heimdall's presence than that of the Gradungr.

"A proud animal.", you said when your examination was finished and gave Gulltoppr a friendly pat on the neck.

"Of course he is.", Heimdall shrugged. "After all, he is my mount."

"A good choice."

"I know."

A thin smirk appeared on your lips.

"Because you chose him yourself, lord Heimdall?", you asked, slightly sarcastically.

His eyebrows drew together. Wrinkles appeared on his forehead.

You could tell he didn't find it funny.

"You're making fun of me!", he growled.

"Just a hint of humour, my lord. I don't mean you harm."

A low sound of displeasure escaped him.

For a moment, the corner of his left mouth pulled up. Gold flashed in your mouth.

You frowned.

But before your gaze could be taken as a rude stare, his eyes darted over to Erik, who was still comfortable on his hay bale, asleep.

"You see?", Heimdall asked in a smug tone, almost laughing. "I was right. He doesn't work and lets you do the dirty jobs. What a fine friend."

His eyes returned to you as if to watch your image of Erik collapse and the gruesome reality set in.

But it didn't happen.

With half lowered lids you let out a sigh and shrugged your shoulders.

"I'm honoured that you care for me, lord."

"I don't?"

With one hand in the creature's fur, you walked around Gulltoppr until you were close enough to make eye contact with the god.

Politely but not obsequiously, you bowed your head to make him understand that there was no animosity between the two of you and dared to address him directly.

"With all due respect, Lord Heimdall, may I ask why you waste your divine time criticising me in my work?", you chose your words wisely and as thoughtfully as you could. "Surely you have more important things to do than to warn me about my choice of friends."

But when gods willed it, they could find offence in even the most beautiful words.

This god, however, did not.

He found confusion instead.

Visibly irritated, Heimdall frowned, his pink eyes seeming to tremble, and almost uttered a questioning sound as the uneducated rabble often did.

His gaze wandered up and down you. He seemed to be searching for something, ever since he first addressed you, but failed to find it.

"What in the All-Father...?", he murmured with slight irritation and much more confusion in his voice. "Why... are you so... unbothered?"

You eyed him for a moment.

"You didn't do anything to bother me.", you replied with a soft smile.

The expression on his face only turned more confused.

"What..?", he asked in such a low voice that you almost didn't get it.

With a soft smile, you shook your head.

"I think patience is something everyone deserves to experience.", you said, cuddling Gulltoppr's belly. "Patience and understanding."

With pleasure, the creature began to wiggle its legs and make sounds that confirmed it had no objections.

Heimdall just watched.

His face was blank but the movement of the pink of his eyes gave away that his mind wasn't. He was thinking about something.

It was a stupid thought, but the sight of him made you think he didn't know what either of those words meant.

But that was a really stupid thought.

After all, he was the god of foresight. He had to know what it meant to be patient. And understanding, too, had to be known to him, as someone who experienced inevitable tragedies before they happened.

And yet he sat there like a boy who had seen a dragon for the very first time in your life.

"But enough of silly words.", you changed the subject. "You should tell me what I can do for you."

Immediately the emptiness in Heimdall's face disappeared.

Instead, the smug smirk returned. With a gesture he lifted his chin and plonked his arm on his knee to make himself comfortable.

"Good thing your little mortal brain can think this far along.", he said, pausing briefly as if he needed to remember why he had come to this place in the first place. "I need someone to do my dirty work for me."

"Are you in need of assistance with the care of Gulltoppr, my lord?"

He frowned.

"That's not what I said. I said I need someone to do the dirty work."

You did not let yourself be put off by his gruff tone.

With a smile you nodded.

"We still have a box free in the stable.", you pointed to the empty space at the other end of the line. "I'm sure the Allfather will be happy to put your mount here if asked for permission."

A haughty sound escaped the god's lips.

"I am one of the sons of Odin.", he growled, looking at his creature's future place from a distance. "The All-Father will allow me without me having to ask him."

Surprised, your eyebrows rose.

"How do you know that, my lord?"

He glared at you out of the corner of his eyes, almost annoyed.

"I know.", he just said.

Quickly you pressed your lips together and cursed yourself for your stupidity.

"Of course.", you nodded. "You are Heimdall."

With an affirmative growl, he looked back to the box.

"That won't do.", he finally said and turned his gaze to the box where Sleipnir stood.

Odin's horse took a startled step back. His ears flattened against his head.

You knew what was coming next.

"I fear that will not be possible.", you murmured. "The Allfather insists that Sleipnir stand in the middle of the stables. Right opposite the gates."

"I know.", a groan spilled off Heimdall's tongue. "Put Gulltoppr next to it."

Confused, you looked at the creature that was next to Sleipnir's box.

"I'm not sure if that's..."

"Just do it.", Heimdall jumped back to his feet. "And quit being so disgustingly polite, will you?!"