The sun had barely begun its ascent when the five of them gathered in a secluded clearing near the edge of the Forbidden Forest. Mist clung to the damp grass, curling around their feet as the crisp morning air carried the distant rustle of the forest waking up. It was the perfect place for training—isolated, private, and far from curious onlookers.
Haraldr arrived clad in simple but well-fitted training robes, his steps steady, his expression set with quiet determination. He was ready.
Loki, ever the strategist, was the first to break the silence. He stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his sharp gaze sweeping over Haraldr like a general assessing a soldier. "The first task, as you well know, is designed to test both your courage and your resourcefulness," he began, his voice as smooth as ever but carrying an undercurrent of something more—something weighty. "You will face something formidable. Something ancient. And I assure you, flattery will not help you talk your way out of this one."
James Potter stepped forward then, an easy grin tugging at his lips, though his hazel eyes burned with the thrill of challenge. "That's right. Bravery? You've got that in spades. But bravery alone won't keep you from being turned into dragon barbecue. Speed and agility are your best friends out there, kid."
Sirius Black, leaning against a tree with the kind of effortless arrogance only he could pull off, smirked. "And a good dose of sheer audacity doesn't hurt, either. Dragons love a little entertainment. Just try not to be the punchline."
Haraldr raised a brow. "So what you're not saying… is that it breathes fire?"
Sirius gave a mock gasp, placing a hand over his chest. "Moi? Never. But, purely hypothetically, let's say the thing does breathe fire." His smirk widened into something truly wicked. "Well, then, you'd better make damn sure you're not the slowest thing in the arena."
Remus Lupin sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose like a weary professor dealing with an overzealous student. "What Sirius means—besides the reckless showboating—is that the worst thing you can do is panic. A calm mind will see you through more than brute force ever could."
"Well, that, and a really good fireproofing charm," Sirius added, winking.
Haraldr exhaled through his nose, fighting back a smirk. "I've already figured out it's a dragon," he admitted. "Luna mentioned something about 'scales and fire' at breakfast yesterday. I've learned to listen when she talks."
The group shared a brief chuckle—Luna Lovegood's cryptic observations had an uncanny way of being right.
Loki clapped him on the shoulder, a glimmer of approval in his sharp green eyes. "A wise decision. Luna's insights are not to be ignored. But knowing what you face is only half the battle. Now, let's make sure you're prepared to meet it head-on."
And so, the training began.
James conjured an intricate obstacle course, forcing Haraldr to dodge, weave, and roll through an unpredictable barrage of moving barriers. Sirius fired mild hexes at random intervals—nothing serious, just enough to keep Haraldr on edge, to ensure he never stopped moving.
Remus, ever the measured instructor, focused on protective spells. "A Shield Charm will not stop dragon fire," he reminded him as he demonstrated, his wand moving with practiced ease. "But reinforcing the air around you can redirect heat away from your body. Watch." He cast a shimmering barrier, and James—grinning like a devil—immediately launched a controlled blast of fire at it. The flames curled around the shield but never reached Remus, dissipating into harmless embers.
Haraldr nodded, eyes narrowing with focus as he mimicked the movements. The first few attempts were rough, but by the fifth try, he managed to deflect James's flames without completely singeing his eyebrows.
Loki, however, took an entirely different approach. He circled Haraldr with the grace of a panther, his voice softer now, more insidious. "A dragon is not just a beast," he murmured. "It is a force of nature. Power incarnate." He leaned in slightly, his eyes gleaming with something ancient, something knowing. "You must respect its strength. But never—and I mean never—let yourself be consumed by it."
Haraldr swallowed, absorbing the weight of Loki's words.
They continued, moving on to more specialized tactics—heat-repelling charms, water-summoning spells, transfiguring debris into barriers. James and Sirius demonstrated evasive maneuvers, while Remus kept the drills running with military precision.
All the while, despite the intensity of the training, there was a lightness to it. The occasional jab from Sirius, the competitive grins exchanged between James and Haraldr, even Loki's dry wit slipping in between lessons.
It felt right.
By the time the sun climbed high into the sky, they finally allowed themselves a break, sprawling on the grass in easy camaraderie.
Haraldr looked around at them, his mentors, his family, and felt a surge of gratitude. "Thank you," he said earnestly. "For all of this. I know you can't tell me what's coming, but you've already given me more than enough."
Loki inclined his head, the ghost of a smirk playing at his lips. "You have the heart of a warrior, Haraldr. Just remember—this task is not simply about brute strength. Use your mind as well."
James ruffled Haraldr's hair, smirking. "And remember to have fun. Not every day you get to outsmart a dragon."
Sirius stretched lazily, his expression amused but his tone sincere. "And if things get too hot—just yell 'Padfoot!' and I'll come running." He paused, then added, "Or, you know, laughing from a safe distance. Hard to say."
Remus chuckled, shaking his head before fixing Haraldr with a warm, steady gaze. "We're all proud of you. No matter what happens, you've already proven yourself."
Haraldr nodded, feeling a newfound sense of confidence settle in his chest.
He wasn't facing this challenge alone.
With their guidance—their faith in him—he could take on anything. Even a dragon.
—
Bellatrix Black stood at the edge of the Quidditch pitch, her eyes sharp and calculating as she watched her team practice with unnerving precision. She was dressed in a flowing black robe, her long hair flowing behind her like a dark cloud as she moved with the same relentless energy that she had put into every aspect of her life. Her sharp gaze flicked over the players, each of them a part of a finely tuned machine, but her attention was fixated on one player in particular.
Haraldr, the Seeker, had just flown onto the pitch, his broom slicing through the air with effortless grace. He had just finished his earlier training session with Loki, Sirius, James, and the others, and the signs of that hard work were clear in the way he held himself. But his late arrival did not escape Bellatrix's notice.
"Haraldr," she snapped, her voice like a whip, carrying over the pitch. "You're late."
The team froze for a moment, glancing nervously at the stern coach. Haraldr straightened himself, trying not to flinch. He had learned over the years that Bellatrix didn't tolerate tardiness, no matter the reason.
"My apologies, Coach," Haraldr said, forcing a respectful tone, though his eyes betrayed his frustration. "I was finishing training with Loki. Didn't expect the session to run long."
Bellatrix's gaze narrowed, and she took a step forward, her lips curling into a tight smile that sent a shiver down his spine. "Training or not," she said coolly, her voice laced with authority, "your commitment to this team should be unwavering. You're a part of this, and that means showing up on time. As punishment," she added with a flick of her wrist, "you'll do 1,000 push-ups after practice."
The team exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of sympathy and understanding. Everyone knew that Bellatrix's punishments were as harsh as her praise was rare. Haraldr simply nodded, accepting the consequence with the kind of stoic determination that Bellatrix respected.
"Understood, Coach," Haraldr replied, a wry smile pulling at the corner of his mouth as he turned to join the rest of the team.
"Good," Bellatrix replied curtly, then turned to the rest of the players. "Now, we have work to do. Skadi, Bjorn, and Viggo, get to your positions. Sigrun, Leif, you're with Hannah and Astrid. Let's get this formation tightened up."
Susan Bones, who was standing with Luna Lovegood at the edge of the pitch, glanced at the Seeker before raising an eyebrow. "I hope Bellatrix isn't too hard on him," Susan said, her voice a little more sympathetic than most would expect. Her usual sharpness was replaced by concern, though she quickly masked it with a smile. "But, you know, he did deserve it."
Luna, whose eyes were fixed on the swirling clouds above, hummed in agreement but added her own twist. "I think Bellatrix likes to keep them on their toes. Or maybe it's just because Haraldr's broom reminds her of a particularly nasty broomstick incident with her cousin, Bellamy. It's a strange story, really. I should tell you about it sometime."
"Maybe later, Luna," Susan said, trying to suppress a laugh as she adjusted her own broom. "Right now, we should be focused on winning the match, yeah?"
Luna's smile was distant, her thoughts clearly drifting to more abstract ideas. "Oh, I'm not worried about that," she said serenely. "The Seeker will always find the Snitch. It's the Chasers we need to worry about. You know, they might be using tactics inspired by the winged porcupine migration patterns I observed last spring. It's an odd, yet very effective method."
Meanwhile, Draco Malfoy, who had been working on Chaser formations with Susan, turned to Haraldr as the Seeker hovered nearby, ready for his turn. "So, you're finally here, huh?" Draco said, his tone dripping with both sarcasm and a strange brand of genuine camaraderie. "Bellatrix's punishment should be good for you—get some muscle tone. Or, you know, it might break you down. Could go either way."
Haraldr shot Draco an amused glance. "I'm sure I'll survive, Malfoy," he said with a dry smile. "But thanks for the concern."
Skadi, who had been working with the Beaters, was now flying in a wide circle, her sharp eyes scanning the field. She grinned as she saw the tension in Draco's face. "You know, Draco," she teased, calling out over the wind, "if you spend less time antagonizing Haraldr, you might actually learn how to hit the Bludger instead of letting it hit you."
Viggo, the other Beater, barked a laugh from across the field. "You'd think that after all this time, Malfoy would be able to at least try to hit the bloody thing. Maybe we should switch places—Skadi can teach him, and I'll keep the rest of the team from collapsing."
Draco rolled his eyes, the sarcasm dripping from his voice. "Yes, very amusing, all of you. Just wait until we're in the tournament. I'll show you all what real talent looks like."
"Try not to get too cocky, Draco," Neville Longbottom called from the Keeper's position, an amused grin on his face. "We might have a few surprises for you. Or I'll just block every shot. You know, as a personal favor to you."
"Please," Draco scoffed, hovering just a little higher on his broom. "The only surprise here is how Longbottom actually managed to get the position of Keeper. I thought you were still stuck on that Herbology nonsense."
Neville's grin widened. "You'd be surprised how useful a bit of root knowledge can be in blocking goals, Malfoy."
Bellatrix, hearing the banter from across the pitch, raised a hand to silence them. "Enough, all of you!" she snapped. "Focus on your positions, or I'll have you running laps around the pitch until your legs fall off."
Luna's voice rang out from the edge of the pitch, soft yet unmistakable. "Bellatrix," she called, "don't be so hard on them. They're just a bit… energetic. It's normal before a match, I believe."
"Fine, Luna," Bellatrix said, a rare, almost imperceptible smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. "But they'd better put that energy to good use when the match comes."
"Don't worry, Coach," said Skadi with a wink. "We'll make sure to channel it into winning."
"Good," Bellatrix replied, her voice sharpening again. "Now, Haraldr, let's see what you've got. Show us why you're the best Seeker we've got."
Haraldr nodded, feeling the weight of Bellatrix's sharp gaze on him as he prepared for his next move. As he focused on the pitch ahead, a sense of determination filled him. This was more than just a game—it was a test, and he was ready to prove himself.
"On your marks!" Bellatrix called, eyes fierce. "Let's get to work!"
—
The crisp air of the Asgardian Quidditch pitch buzzed with the energy of a demanding practice session. Bellatrix Black, ever the perfectionist, stood like a hawk above her team, her sharp eyes cutting through every move on the field. Her voice rang out, commanding and precise.
"Draco! If that pass is any slower, you'll be able to stop and have tea with the Beaters before they get to you!" she barked. Draco Malfoy shot her an exasperated look but grinned nonetheless, shaking his broom with mock annoyance.
"I'd love to stop for tea, Bellatrix, but unfortunately, I'm too busy being awesome to get distracted," he retorted, flashing his trademark smirk.
Bellatrix arched an eyebrow, but a faint curve of a smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "Don't get cocky, Malfoy. Your 'awesome' isn't going to help you dodge a Bludger."
Susan Bones, flying a few yards away with her Chaser teammates, stifled a laugh. "He's got a point, Draco. I mean, who wouldn't want to stop for a cup of tea?" Her voice was light, with a hint of mischief, just as it always was when she teased Draco. Though, like all of them, her focus never wavered for long, always drifting back to the next play.
"Tea, right," Draco said with a roll of his eyes, his blonde hair whipping around his face as he flew by her. "Just wait until you see my new trick, Bones. It's going to make your passes look like baby steps."
Susan's eyes sparkled with playful challenge as she tossed the Quaffle to Skadi. "Well, you might want to show it soon, Draco, because Skadi's catching up with us, and she's faster than a Firebolt in a race to the kitchen."
Skadi shot them both a grin, her dark hair flying behind her like a cloud. "You should be worried about your own game, Susan, not mine. I'm just trying to keep up." She then veered off to intercept Bjorn and Viggo, who were having a fierce contest of their Beater skills. The Bludgers soared dangerously close to her as she dodged and dived, her skillset only rivaled by the fierce look in her eyes.
Viggo, his broad chest heaving with exertion, swiped his Beater bat with force. "Catch it, Skadi, if you can!" he shouted, laughing as the Bludger whizzed past.
"You're going to break the Bludger, Viggo! Keep it light!" Hannah Abbott called out from the sidelines, her voice high and sweet but carrying a measure of concern. She was, as always, the calm voice of reason, even as she cast a quick glance toward Neville, who was in goal, already preparing for his next shot.
Neville Longbottom's face flushed red with determination, his eyes trained on his teammates as they whizzed by. His reflexes had improved immeasurably since Bellatrix's coaching began, but he was still visibly nervous. "I've got this, just... just give me a good shot, Susan!" he called out.
"Here it comes, Neville!" Susan shouted, hurling the Quaffle with perfect precision.
Neville moved with a speed that surprised even him, diving to intercept it. His broom swerved under his command, and with a crack, he blocked the shot. A cheer rang out from the team.
"Yes! I did it!" Neville pumped his fist in the air, grinning like a kid on Christmas morning. "That was perfect!"
Bellatrix watched him with a critical eye, her expression unreadable for a moment before she nodded. "Good. You're improving, Longbottom. But don't get cocky—this is just one shot."
Luna Lovegood, her pale blonde hair shimmering in the sunlight as she hovered on her broom with an ethereal presence, nodded sagely from the side. "I think Neville's confidence has grown, Bellatrix. I bet he can do even more if he practices under a full moon while wearing a hat made of radishes."
Susan stifled a laugh, and Draco shot Luna a bemused look. "A hat made of radishes, Lovegood? That's your big theory for success?"
Luna tilted her head, her large, dreamy eyes focused on the clouds. "Well, radishes have a certain magical quality to them, don't you think? It's the energy they give off." Her voice was serene, like a melody on a gentle breeze.
"Let's get back to it. The next task will require teamwork, not individual performance. We need everyone on the same page," Bellatrix said, her voice suddenly softening, though still carrying the weight of authority. She had a strange, begrudging respect for Haraldr's discipline, despite his tendency to push the limits.
As practice wore on, with the players pushing themselves past their limits, Draco and Susan exchanged an enthusiastic glance after a perfectly executed maneuver. "Not bad, Malfoy," Susan said, her tone teasing but friendly.
"Not bad yourself, Bones," Draco replied, his eyes gleaming with a competitive edge.
Skadi, observing their exchange from above, called down, "Alright, lovebirds, stop flirting and focus on the game. We've got push-ups waiting for us later."
"Focus on the ball, Skadi!" Draco shouted, laughing as he zoomed toward the Quaffle.
Once the practice ended, the players began to trickle off the field, their minds already on the next task at hand. Haraldr stayed behind, completing his push-ups with gritted teeth, his arms shaking with effort.
Bellatrix stood beside him, watching silently until he was finished. As he finally stood up, she allowed herself a rare moment of praise. "You did well, Haraldr. You're learning to take responsibility for your actions, and that will make you a better player." She paused, then added in her usual strict tone, "Now, get some rest. Tomorrow, we push harder."
Haraldr nodded, his muscles sore, but his resolve stronger than ever. "Thank you, Coach."
—
As the final whistle blew, signaling the end of practice, the field was filled with the usual noise of players talking, stretching, and gathering their gear. Draco lingered near Bellatrix, leaning against a post with his usual smug grin. His eyes flicked to Haraldr, who was kneeling on the grass, sweat dripping down his face after the grueling set of drills. Haraldr was clearly exhausted, his breathing labored, but there was a fire in his eyes, as if giving up was simply not an option.
"Bellatrix," Draco called, breaking the momentary silence. His voice was dripping with mischief. "You do remember that Haraldr still has a thousand push-ups to finish, don't you?"
Bellatrix's gaze shifted to Haraldr for a second, her sharp eyes scanning him. Her lips quirked up just slightly, a rare, almost approving smile flickering on her face. But then, her eyes locked on Draco's with a look that could cut glass.
"I'm aware, Draco," she replied smoothly, her voice both amused and slightly dangerous. "I didn't think you were the type to care about someone else's punishment."
Draco, unfazed, chuckled softly. "Well, you know me, Bellatrix. I just think it's only fair to remind you. Besides, Haraldr's getting off easy if you don't make him finish. A thousand push-ups? That's barely scratching the surface of what he deserves for skipping out on practice."
He leaned in a little, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "And I might even enjoy watching him struggle with it."
Bellatrix's eyes narrowed ever so slightly, a hint of suspicion in them. "You enjoy tormenting others, Malfoy?"
Draco flashed her his signature smirk, one that could melt steel. "Only when they deserve it. You know, as much as Haraldr's a decent player, I think we both know he was skating on the edges of discipline today."
Bellatrix considered his words, her gaze flicking to Haraldr once again. She could see the exhaustion etched on his face, but there was no mistaking the determination in his posture. He wasn't one to back down, no matter how hard it got.
After a moment, Bellatrix sighed, her voice turning colder as she addressed Draco. "Fine. He'll finish what he started." She turned to give Draco a pointed look, her eyes cutting through him like a knife. "And if he doesn't, I'll be the one to remind him that no one—no one—gets away with slacking off in this team."
Draco raised his hands in mock surrender, still grinning like a Cheshire cat. "Oh, I wouldn't dream of slacking off, Bellatrix. I'll make sure he knows exactly what's expected of him."
Bellatrix's lips curled into a small, tight smile. "You'd better," she said dryly, her tone slipping back into that commanding, no-nonsense edge. "If you want to lead your team to victory, you need to start by leading by example, Malfoy."
Draco leaned back, stretching his arms as though completely unbothered by the conversation. "Of course. I'm already ahead of you, Bellatrix. You won't be disappointed."
As Bellatrix turned back toward Haraldr, who was struggling through each push-up with sheer willpower, Draco shot one last parting comment.
"You'll be fine, Viking. But if your arms fall off halfway through, don't come running to me for help."
Haraldr glared at Draco, his face twisted in a mix of exhaustion and irritation. "You're a real pain, Malfoy."
"Just keep pushing, Haraldr," Draco called over his shoulder with a grin. "You'll get there. Eventually."
As Draco started to walk away, the rest of the team began to disperse, but not before a few words were exchanged among them.
"Don't let Draco get under your skin, Haraldr," Susan Bones chimed in from the sidelines, tossing her long red hair over her shoulder. Her voice was light, but there was always a seriousness behind her words. "You've got this, I know you do."
Luna Lovegood, who was twirling her long blonde locks in a lazy motion as she observed the scene, added, "You should definitely make sure to breathe while doing the push-ups. Otherwise, you might turn purple and then where will we be? Not to mention, Draco would never let you live it down."
Haraldr shot Luna a tired smile, managing a half-laugh despite the grueling task ahead. "Thanks, Luna. I'll try not to turn purple."
"Don't listen to Draco," Hannah Abbott called out, her voice full of warmth. "You're a lot tougher than he gives you credit for."
Luna nodded enthusiastically in agreement. "Yeah, you're a Viking! Vikings never back down!" She grinned, her eyes glinting with playful energy, completely at ease despite the tension.
Neville Longbottom, who had been observing with a look of mild concern, clapped Haraldr on the back with his usual warmth. "We've all got your back, mate. Push-ups aren't a match for you. If you can handle a battle, you can handle a thousand push-ups."
Haraldr grinned, feeling a slight surge of energy at the support. "Appreciate it, Neville."
As Bellatrix crossed her arms and surveyed the scene, her lips quirked into the barest of smiles. "You can do it, Haraldr. Discipline is the foundation of every victory. Keep pushing." She said it not with coldness, but with a surprising level of respect.
"Understood, Coach," Haraldr replied, his voice slightly strained but filled with resolve.
At that moment, the rest of the team seemed to collectively rally around him, offering encouragement in their own unique ways.
Astrid, the team's tough-as-nails powerhouse, threw in her two cents from where she stood by the sidelines. "It's only a thousand push-ups. Just remember the harder it gets, the closer you are to being done. Use that Viking strength!"
Viggo nodded approvingly from a distance, his voice booming over the others. "Just think of it as battle training. Focus on the finish line."
Skadi, arms crossed, offered a smirk from where she leaned against a nearby fence, her eyes twinkling with pride. "There's no backing out now. You're not letting the team down, Viking."
Leif, always the voice of calm, offered Haraldr a quick thumbs-up. "You've got this."
Bjorn, who had been warming up for his next set of drills, tossed a grin in Haraldr's direction. "One thousand, huh? You better not fall short, or I'll do them for you. Don't make me prove I can do it faster."
Sigrun, standing close by, chimed in with a playful wink. "Oh, and if you do fall short, I'll be right there to make sure you finish the next set." She crossed her arms, clearly enjoying the camaraderie.
Haraldr could feel the weight of their support pushing him forward, each of their words giving him the mental stamina to keep going. Sweat poured down his face, his muscles were screaming for mercy, but he wasn't going to stop.
Bellatrix's voice cut through the growing tension as she leaned in, her sharp gaze fixed on Haraldr. "Don't even think about slacking, Viking. Discipline is everything. If you can't finish this, what else will you fail at?"
Her voice was stern, but there was something else in her gaze—an underlying respect for his grit.
Haraldr nodded again, determination surging through him. "I'll finish this. No matter what."
As the team scattered to continue their drills, Bellatrix's gaze lingered on him just a moment longer, a rare flicker of pride in her eyes. With a final glance at Draco, who was already moving to start his own set of drills, she turned and walked off, her heels clicking against the turf.
—
Haraldr leaned back against the smooth edge of the hot tub, the warm, bubbling water surrounding him like a comforting embrace. The water seemed to melt away the tension in his muscles, the soreness from training fading into the background as the steam wrapped around him like a cloud. But no matter how much he relaxed, the weight of his thoughts lingered in the back of his mind, each responsibility pressing down on him like an invisible hand.
The sound of the door opening broke his moment of peace, and Haraldr's eyes flickered open, blinking away the haze of steam. A pair of footsteps approached with a soft cadence, light and sure. He turned his head to see Susan and Skadi entering the room, their presence filling the space with an easy warmth. Both were smiling, their expressions bright but relaxed, the stress of the day nowhere to be seen.
"I thought you might still be here," Susan said, her voice warm and inviting, with that playful tone of hers that always made Haraldr feel like he was the center of a secret joke. Her golden hair cascaded around her shoulders, the steam making it seem almost like it was glowing.
Haraldr grinned, though it was tired. "Couldn't resist," he replied, his voice a little rougher than usual. "This hot tub's the only thing stopping me from turning into a stiff board. It's like someone's trying to turn me into an old man already."
"Oh, please," Susan teased as she made her way closer, her lips curving into a teasing smile. "You've got a few centuries yet before you qualify for that. Besides, you look good for someone on the brink of falling apart."
Haraldr chuckled, though it was more of a tired exhale. "You're too kind. I think it's more about just not wanting to move after a training session like that. Seriously, I'm probably gonna need someone to help peel me out of this tub."
Skadi, who had been quietly following behind Susan, raised an eyebrow at him with a mischievous glint in her eyes. She had a way of looking at him like she already knew exactly what he was thinking. "You've been pushing yourself hard lately, haven't you? You're lucky we're here to help," she remarked, her voice low but laced with that daring edge that always made Haraldr's heart race a little faster.
"Help, huh?" Haraldr smirked, watching her as she took her time to approach the tub. "I'm not sure you can do much about how stiff I feel right now, Skadi."
"Oh, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised." Skadi's grin was pure mischief, and she practically glided into the water, her body moving gracefully as she sank into the warm embrace of the tub. The heat of the water met her skin, and it almost looked as though she was born to exist in it, relaxed and at ease.
Susan stepped in next, sitting behind Haraldr and settling in beside him. Her hands moved to his shoulders almost instinctively, the warmth of her touch a stark contrast to the chill that had been lingering in his muscles just moments before. "You're always pushing yourself too hard," Susan murmured, her voice softer now as she began massaging his shoulders, her fingers pressing gently at the tight spots she found. "You really should take it easy sometimes. Even heroes need a break."
Haraldr closed his eyes as her hands worked their magic. It felt like he could almost hear the relief in his muscles as they loosened under her touch. "You're probably right," he muttered, letting out a low sigh of contentment. "But I'm not sure how to stop once I get started. I guess I get a little... obsessed."
"I can tell," Susan replied with a small laugh. "But you don't have to do everything alone. We're here to help, remember?"
From the other side of him, Skadi leaned in a little closer, her breath warm against his ear as she spoke. "You've been carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders for too long, Haraldr. You're allowed to let someone else hold it for a bit."
His eyes flickered open, meeting hers, and for a moment, there was a quiet connection that passed between them—something unspoken. The words didn't need to be said. They had always understood each other in this way, through moments like this one. Haraldr's chest tightened, but in a good way, like a knot being loosened, not by force but by something much gentler.
Susan continued working her hands down his back, her movements methodical and soothing. "You're strong," she murmured. "But even the strongest need to rest. You don't have to fight everything, you know. You've got us."
Skadi's fingers brushed against his cheek lightly as she spoke again, her voice barely more than a whisper. "We're not going anywhere, Haraldr. Let us help you. Let us remind you that you don't have to do it all by yourself."
The words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. And for once, Haraldr didn't feel the usual resistance to it. He didn't feel the need to push them away, to pretend he was fine when he wasn't. With them here, with their warmth and care surrounding him, it was easier to just... let go.
"I don't think I've ever felt this calm before," Haraldr said softly, his voice quiet, a reflection of the unexpected peace he felt in their presence. His hand reached out slowly, finding Skadi's. His fingers curled around hers, and then he reached for Susan's hand too. "You two... You make it so easy to forget everything else."
Susan squeezed his hand gently, a reassuring smile on her lips. "That's what we're here for, Haraldr. To remind you that sometimes it's okay to just be. To rest. To be taken care of."
Skadi's smile deepened, her expression softening as she leaned in closer. "You've done more than enough for everyone else. Let us do something for you for once."
Haraldr exhaled, a feeling of relief washing over him. He settled back further into the water, feeling the tension from his muscles ease away with each stroke of Susan's hands, each soft touch from Skadi. For the first time in a long while, he allowed himself to fully relax, to accept the peace they were offering him.
As the bubbles of the hot tub continued to swirl around them, the sound of their laughter and gentle teasing filled the air, and Haraldr realized that in this moment, he didn't need to worry about anything. The world outside could wait. With Susan and Skadi by his side, he could simply be. And for once, that was enough.
---
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