Long days passed, neither sister had spoken a word to each other. Instead, they grew distant and played no melody under Jotes ever watching eye. Word about her engagement to the crown prince had spread throughout the realm along with cheers of joy.

Her fellow Valkyries approved of this uplifting news and couldn't wait to see one of their own seated on Asgards throne. Not wanting to sour her winged warriors, Shyael forced a smile in public and wore it most proudly.

With her closest friend Norma and Viera away on their own mission, the Queen to be felt more along and lost than ever before. She had no one to turn to, no lending ear she could trust to vent her thoughts. Perhaps she should challenge someone on the fields? A good fight might lift her spirits.

Shyael groaned at the thought. Battle would not satisfy her this time. Ignoring the horrible feeling in the pit of her stomach, she neared the West Wing when Jote glided down the stairs past her.

"My congratulation on your betrothal," Jote smiled, "You must be so proud."

"It is the highest honor to be chosen as the next Queen of Asgard."

"Indeed."

Shyael picked up her pace to rid herself of Jote before she could further annoy her. Not being able to resist, Jote looked over her shoulder at her most hated rival.

"Perhaps you should check on you beloved Midgardian," Jote suggested, "I'm sure he will take a lot of things off your mind."

Turning back Shyael watched as Jote gracefully went on her way down the stairs, without scorning her even once. She never brought up the super soldier since Odin had agreed to allow each of them to take part in the battle or their world.

What has she done?

Fighting to remain calm, Shyael casually made her way to the West Wing and away from the other Valkyries. Once she was met with solitude she took the chance to slip off her shoes and break out into a run. Never stopping even as the fountain doors closed behind her.

Splashing the water and activating her magic and watched as painful images appeared. Her soldier was in turmoil. In grief he set alone, the once lively tavern no destroyed by war. Reaching down she dipped her hand in its cool waters.

Holding her hand above her face, a droplet trailed along her fingertips and fell into her eyes. The moment its liquid touched her pupil a light blinded her and her eyes turned white. Images and memories flashed by as her eyes rolled into the back of her head. She saw her soldier and his team ambush a train, and fight of enemies.

All seemed to be on her side, even without her aid, they were winning. Then it happened, the divine move that sent the soldiers closest friend over the edge of the train. He went to reach for him but was lost to the cliff side below. Shyael gasped and her mind cleared, Jote had killed him in the attempt to break her soldier.

In a rage, she slammed her fist down, cracking the white stone of the fountain. Her life went from steady to unstable in just a matter of days. How could she have let this happen? Why didn't she see the signs? Shyael continued to beat herself up but in the end, decided that Jote must not win...no matter what.

Exhaling deeply, she focused on using her powers of the mind. Standing, the Valkyrie closed her eyes and stepped into the fountain causing the image to ripple. Passing its powerful water wall once more, she lowered herself deep into the dark water and let the fountain consume her.

When Shyael opened her eyes again she was standing before her soldier in the ruined tavern. Lost in his own despair, his compassion played both his strength and weakness. His inability to give up fading, Shyael wished nothing more than to comfort him.

Stopping just a few inches away from him Shyael suddenly froze. This was the first time she had ever gotten so close to him. Becoming both curious and afraid she extended her hand, wanting to touch his face. Before her skin could make contact with his the soldier looked up. Their eyes met and Shyael swore he was looking right into her.

His eyes were blue but held a small fracture of green around the pupil. Studying his features almost took her breath away, even in sadness he was beautiful. A word she never thought she would use to describe a man, especial one of Midgard.

"I am so sorry," She began "This wasn't supposed to happen."

He reacted be looking past her and back down towards the floor. This confirmed that he could not see her, but her voice subconsciously reached his mind. Walking around him until his back was too her, Shyael placed her hands on his shoulders.

Slowly, her armed slid down his chest and she rested her chin on his shoulder as she embraced him. He exhaled and relaxed under her touch as if a large weight had been lifted.

With his face just inches away from her Shyael could feel his emotions as she drained him of his pain and directing his thoughts. The Valkyrie stared at him for the longest time, she had never been so mesmerized by someone like this before.

"You have to stand up," Her voiced echo to him softly, "Give up now and his death will be in vain."

Within seconds she pulled away from him. Watching him as he stood, he grabbed his shield just as she felt her body yank back. Shyael surfaced the fountain gasping for air and shivering. The water was freezing but felt like nothing compared to the strain on her brain. Dreamfasting was not something she could do often. She looked over her shoulder to see her sister standing by the edge.

"You merged with the fountain again didn't you?" she asked

"No Tira I took a dive into the freezing fountain water to revive my youth." Shyael wasn't in a sarcastic mood but the situation seemed right. Tira would ask some of the most absurd questions at times. Tira cracked a smile as her sister's sarcasm.

"You care for this one don't you?"

Shyael avoided her sister's gaze as she sat in the water. "only a heart can care, which you say I do not have, could care for a Midgardian such as him."

Tira lowered her eyes towards the waters, remembering the hateful words said during their last encounter. Missing her sister had brought her to the fountain once more. Shyael never told Odin of the law she had broken, but something inside Tira told her she wasn't forgiven by the person she loved the most.

"He needed a push." Shyael finally added, "Someone on his side, to know he's not alone."

Almost heartbroken by the words. Tira looked at her sister with sadness and yearning in her eyes. "So did I." 

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Author's Note.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story! Again if you have any questions, thoughts or feedback feel free to share them as you read! No need to be shy.