An aging overweight man who plays too much online gaming receives a gift from Freya, the
goddess of love, lust, beauty, sorcery, fertility, gold, war and death.

Freya's Gift

Chapter 27: Trust

Later that day

We get to the house and Gloria helps with fixing dinner. She's such a sweetheart. Lauren and Jimmy get home as we're
setting the table. We sit down to eat and it's obvious the two of them want the rest of the story, but don't want to say
anything because of Gloria's presence. We talk about little things when the subject comes up about Gloria learning from
Stan to tie flies.

Jimmy asks Gloria, "So, you had fun tying flies with Stan today?"

Gloria is near to bursting with excitement, "Oh gosh, it was soo neat! And Stan just knows everything about it. I just
hope he doesn't mind me taking all his time teaching me."

Lauren likes the gleam in her eyes as much as I do. "Gloria, what's so fascinating about tying flies, anyway?"

Gloria gushes, "There's just no end to anything you can do with them. There's so many colors and patterns, and types and
ways to do them. I just have so many ideas after what Stan showed me today. I can't wait to spend the day with him
tomorrow."

Lauren looks at me, I smile knowingly and then to Gloria, "Gloria, dear, I was talking to Edith about you today when you
were with Stan. And we kind of came up with an idea, for you, that is, if you're interested?"

Jimmy and Lauren's curiosity is peaked as to where this is going.

Gloria asks, "What kind of idea Freya? About what?"

"Well, we thought that since you really don't get the appreciation you deserve at the salon, that we could set you up in
a corner of mom and pops. That way you could still do nails, but you would make all the money from it, no hourly wage and
meager tips. Plus, you could spend your free time learning from Stan and helping him in the shop. What do you think about
that?"

Gloria is taken aback, "Really, they'd do that for me? That would be so kind of them. And I only get so few hours at the
salon, they won't care if I'm gone." She starts to cry, "Thank you for being such good friends. You, Katie, Lauren and
Jimmy, even Austin, Edith and Stan, you make me feel like I can do anything."

Lauren and I race around the table to her and wrap her in a big hug. I say, "You're welcome sweetheart."

Lauren says, "Darling, come to momma." Gloria is truly in tears now, missing her mother who had passed away. She loved
her papa so much, but there were times when she really needed her mother. "There, there, dear, everything will be okay.
Trust me, okay?"

Her sobs start to ease, as she comes up for air, "I love you guys, thanks for looking out for me so much."

We put the rest of the dinner for Katie and Austin in the oven to stay warm till they got home from school. I got
Gloria's dads cell phone number and tried calling myself. Getting no answer, on either that or the house number, I left a
message on both saying Gloria is with us and not to worry, and to let us know when he got home.

"Gloria, I can't get a hold of your father either. So, we insist you stay tonight with us. We won't have you going home
to an empty house, we have plenty of room, so it's no inconvenience. I'm sure Katie will love to have you here too. And
as for clothes, Katie and you are close to the same size, so I'm sure we can find you something to wear."

Lauren smiles slyly tapping her phone, we both know that with the app, we can come up with anything she needs in just a
moment. With a thought, Lauren starts fiddling with her phone, when she's done, she points it at Gloria like she's taking
a few pictures. She takes from all sides. "You know, Katie has some of her extra clothes in the other bedroom with the
king size bed in it. You can sleep there and use any of the clothes in there as well. Just give me a moment to double
check."

As Lauren heads up stairs, Gloria says, "You guys are too nice to me."

After a moment or two, Lauren calls down, "Okay, come on up, everything is ready." We went up to the room, Jimmy stayed
in the living room watching the news.

When we got to the room, Gloria smiles. She's thinking to herself that the room is twice as big as her own room at home.
Then Lauren opens the closet, showing it's full of pretty clothes, in all styles and colors. Then when she checked the
dresser, the drawers are filled with bras, panties, stockings and anything else Gloria could possibly need.

Looking over everything in amazement, wandering around, in the bathroom, there is even a new toothbrush and toothpaste.
On the counter there is also makeup and hair care items.

I was amazed, I beamed at Lauren for being so thorough. I squeezed her hand, giving her a silent thanks for helping with
Gloria. I say to Gloria, "Now Gloria, this is your room any time you need it. Just so you know, and won't be too
embarassed, my family has a very lax view when it comes to clothes. That means sometimes we don't put any on till we're
ready to leave the house. I'm not saying we're nudists, but think of clothing as optional. Wear whatever you feel
comfortable in, but don't be surprised if you see a little nudity. Though I'm sure you won't have to worry about Jimmy or
Austin, you know boys? They're always so shy about those things."

Katie comes running in, dropping her bookbag in the hallway. Hugging Gloria, "Great to have another girl around."

Gloria says, "Thanks Katie, and thanks for letting me use some of your extra clothes that are in here, there's so many
pretty things. You're such a wonderful friend."

Katie looks around, a little confused until Lauren waves her phone so Katie understands what Gloria had meant. Katie
looks at Gloria and says, "Just think of everything in here as your own. Okay?" Looking in the closet, "Did I leave any
shoes in here? Oh, good. I did. Never realized how much stuff I had." Winking to Lauren without Gloria seeing.

Back down stairs, Austin is setting dinner out for Katie and him. As they ate, I said, "I already told Gloria that we're
a little liberal when it comes to clothes around here, but, you 'guys'," emphatically pointing at the boys, "don't have
to go full Monty while she's here."

Gloria blushed at the mention, but Jimmy and Austin could have cooked food on their faces. I leaned over and whispered
into Gloria's ear, her eyes went wide and her blush went many shades deeper. She looked in awe at Jimmy, and I started to
laugh.

Jimmy looks at me, "Really Freya? You had to say something like that?" He looks a little upset, "I may have to punish you
for that. Lauren, want to help me with her 'punishment'?" As he grins devilishly. He jumps up and starts chasing me
around the living room and kitchen.

Every time he lays a hand on me, I squealed out laughing, "Stop! Let go of me, you monster." Stressing the monster and
laughing even harder. Picking me up, he tosses me over his shoulder and spanks me hard on the bottom.

Between tears of laughter and pain at his spanking, he forces me to calm down.

Jimmy in a mock stern voice says, "Now apologize to our guest and say Goodnight, cause your punishment isn't over yet."
As he heads for the bedroom preceded by Lauren with a smile on her face.

Giggling out of control, I say, "Sorry Gloria, Goodnight, and see you in the morning." Then in a tone of impending doom,
"Please kind sir, don't be too harsh with me, I'm but a simple lass and frighten easily."

The last thing heard as the door was shut is Jimmy saying, "Simple lass my ass!"

And oh boy, did they ever punish me, for hours. By the time they were done with me, I couldn't move, I was just a puddle
of flesh. Happy and contented flesh. I lost count of how many times I orgasmed. Lauren got hers, too, we all did. In the
end, we all fell asleep very happy.

***********************************************

The next morning after soaking in the tub, I fixed breakfast for everyone. Katie and Lauren are like me only dressed in
panties, Austin and Jimmy are being more modest in pj bottoms, they're so, well, boys! Gloria comes down stairs yawning,
dressed in yoga pants and a loose t-shirt.

As she sits with the family at the kitchen counter, she looks down and says, "You weren't kidding about clothes, I
guess."

Lauren says, "Sweetheart, we're all family here, you included. But if you'd feel more comfortable, we can put tops on. We
want you to feel at home here with us."

Katie and I second Lauren.

Gloria says, "No, I'm fine. I just thought you were kind of kidding around, is all. I'll try to get used to it. Just
don't expect me to walk around undressed." Laughing.

I say, "Whatever makes you feel like you're at home."

Before I or anyone can say anything else, Margie comes waddling into the room from the bedroom. Gloria sees her and
shrieks out, "Look out, there's a monster!"

Margie jumps back looking all around for any sign of a monster, "What? Where is it? I'll protect you!" It was all so
comical, we burst into fits of laughter as Gloria looks shocked at us and Margie is confused.

Gloria asks, "What's so funny? Is it every day some dragon walks through your house?"

Getting a hold of ourselves, Jimmy goes to Margie putting his arms around her neck. "It's okay Margie, she didn't mean to
call you a monster. We forgot to tell Gloria about you is all." He motions to Gloria to come closer, "Gloria, I'd like to
introduce you to Margret, Margie say hello to Gloria."

Margie says, "Very nice to meet you Gloria. I am so sorry to have scared you, I thought that since I heard them say you
were family, that you already knew." Very apologetically.

Gloria stammers, "Uh, it's nice to meet you Margret." Looking like she thinks she's crazy, talking to a dragon in the
dining room. "Can someone explain please, I'm feeling more than confused right now."

Jimmy says, "Margie is one of our friends."

Gloria asks, "And how many 'friends' are there?" Feeling worry creep upon her.

I say, "Only five."

Gloria chokes out, "Five dragons? For friends?"

Margie answers, "No silly, just Gilbert and I are dragons. Casandra is a tiger, and Snow and Rolf are wolves." Like it
was an every day thing to talk about.

I say, "Gloria, we haven't told you everything about our family, it's a little... " Looking for the right word, " ...
unusual! But there's nothing to fear from them, they will always keep you safe from harm. Okay?"

Gloria says, "Ok, it's just a little overwhelming. You've never lied to me. "

Lauren adds, "And we never will! We just might not tell you everything."

"I can accept that." She responds.

I ask Gloria, "Would you like to meet the rest of my family? Are you ready for that?"

She nods and says, "I think so."

"Ok, you've met Margie already, so lets have you meet her mate Gilbert. Gilbert please show yourself." Gilbert trundles
into the room from our office. "Gloria, this is Gilbert, he is my friend."

Gilbert smiles at her, "It is very pleasant to meet you Gloria, Freya speaks very highly of you."

Gloria smiles in return and timidly says, "Erm, it's a pleasure to meet you sir."

Gilbert laughs, "I like her Freya, she's a very proper young lady and well mannered."

Katie says, "Snow could you please come here." Snow pops in, startling Gloria anew. "Gloria, this is Snow, Snow this is
Gloria, she's a friend of ours."

Shocked by this large wolf that had popped in, Gloria reaches out her hand to pet Snow. Snow raises her paw to shake
hands, then nuzzles her head against Gloria's side. Gilbert says, "Snow is proud to meet you Gloria, and wishes to be
your friend too."

Gloria is soon coming out of her fear of new cicumstances, "Oh, gosh, of course I'll be your friend." Scratching behind
her ears.

Austin says, "Ok Rolf, you might as well come too." Rolf pops in with the litter of pups, and they all sit patiently.
"Gloria this is Rolf, he is Snows mate and these are their pups. Rolf this is Gloria."

Rolf goes to Gloria's other side and rubs his head against her. Soon all the pups are swarming around the three of them.
Gloria scratches between his brows. "Wow, they're all so well behaved."

Lauren says, "That's because they have the same intelligence as a human. They're not from around here you know?" Waiting
for the sea of puppies to clear. "And now, my friend Casandra, Cassie be a dear, come meet Gloria." Cassie trots out of
the office and runs straight at Gloria and rolls over baring her belly to her.

Just like a big cat. Gloria reaches down and rubs her belly. Bringing loud purrs that vibrate the windows. "You're such a
pretty puttie-tat, yes you are." Seems Gloria was definitely a cat person.

Lauren smiles, "Well, it's obvious you two get along just fine."

Gloria gushes, "Oh yes! I love cats. I had my own kitty before momma passed. Mr Whiskers left us a month before momma
died. We never found out what happened to him." She got a little misty eyed until Cassie pulled her down on the floor and
smothered her with licks to her face. Soon Gloria was in stitches, laughing too hard to be sad.

I say, "Okay family, time to get ready and get out there."

Jimmy says, "What are you doing if you can't work?"

"Me? Why, I'm going to moms and help Edith today and get to know our neighbors better. I've got plans inside of plans."

Jimmy smiles, "That's what I like in a woman, a saint in public and a devil in bed. Moohaha-ha."

***********************************************

Dressing today, I decide to go with the whole Daisy Duke look. Looking in the mirror after dressing leaves me with a
feeling of quiet confidence. Gloria chose to be more conservative with some shorts and tank top covered with a camisole.
She looked really cute. If Gloria ever decided to cut loose with her look, she could become a real head turner.

On the drive to mom's, Gloria told me she'd tried calling her father a couple more time last night, as well as talking to
Bobby for 2 hours. I was glad to hear they were still together, and happy. They made a cute couple.

Gloria says, "I'm getting a little worried about papa, he never goes this long without returning calls. Bobby said that
he'd go by the house today and see if he was there."

"Gloria, there's always a place for you with us till he comes back. We want you to feel like our home is yours too. So if
you want to have Bobby over, that's perfectly fine with us."

"Thanks Freya, that's very kind of you. But with your extra friends around, it's probably better if he stays away from
the house. I don't want to scare him off."

"As long as your fine with that, we're happy to have you with us." I told her.

***********************************************

I parked in back once we got to Mom's. The back door was already open, so we went in and said hello. Edith greeted us
warmly and asked, "What are you doing after dropping off Gloria?"

"I'm hanging out here to start on what I told you about yesterday. And I'm helping you and meeting more of my neighbors."
With a smug attitude. Gloria sat at the fly tying table, arranging thread bobbins and feather capes, and tidying up until
Stan walked in
.

Stan smiles to himself, seeing Gloria so eager to learn. Stan took a book off the shelf as he neared Gloria, sitting at
the table. It was a worn book, feather edged pages testifying its many years of use, in fact Stan had received the book
from the man who had taught him how to tie flies. He takes a seat beside her, caressing the worn cover with fond
memories.

"Gloria, this book was given to me by an old friend who taught me nearly everything I know about tying. When he presented
it to me, the only thing he made me promise was to pass it on to the next generation, and for them to do the same when
the time came. For now, it is my time to pass it on to you."

Gloria takes the book, tears in her eyes, looking through the pages, seeing every imaginable fly anyone would want. She
turned to Stan in her chair and put her arms around him. "Stan, this is the nicest thing you could have done for me!
Thank you so much! I will cherish it always."

"Ok, ok, let's get busy. Look in the bins for what fly is low to empty and tie some up so we have 10 of each. If it's one
you don't know yet, ask me to show you or look in your book. Alright. I'll straighten out some things while you do that."

I helped with the locals, learning them by face and name. I tried to touch everyone and leave a sense of peace. Through
the day I worked at clearing a small area for Gloria to work on nails, right in the middle of the common area between
mom's and pop's. I called Lauren around mid day and suggested she magic a sign for Gloria's work station. She said she
had an idea for that.

By the end of the day, I was feeling very good about moving Gloria here, to help Edith and Stan. She was fitting in like
a member of their family. Also, we both tried reaching her dad with no success. Around three o'clock Gloria got a call
from Bobby, he had checked the house like he said he would and there was no sign her dad had been home, the last two
day's mail still in the mailbox.

By the time we left for home, Gloria had worked herself into a fit of panic, worrying for him. I called Bobby and asked
him to come to dinner to keep Gloria happy, he was too glad to visit and hold her hands.

***********************************************

At home Gloria and I started dinner and then sat for a while on the sofa, I cradled her and reassured her that everything
would work out with the goddess' blessing. She knows I mean FREYA when I said that taking some solace from it.

"Freya, can I ask you something serious? You don't have to answer if it's too personal."

Still holding her I ask, "What did you want to know? Although I have a feeling I know what you're going to ask. It's
about the goddess FREYA I bet." smiling as she nods her head.

"You're wondering why I have the same name as she?" She nods again, "And you're wondering if there's any connection
between her and me and all the crazy stuff happening? Well, you'd be right."

Gloria asks, "How so? You and she aren't one and the same, are you?"

I shake my head, "No, dear, but we are very close. You could say, in a manner of speaking, that she is my mother.
Although that is overly simplified. Let's just say I was born to normal human parents, I lived a life, not complete by
any means, and died. FREYA gave me a new life because she thought I had something to give to the world yet. I'm still
learning as I go."

She smiles up to me, "I can believe that, and it's good enough for me."

Just then, the others showed up. Jimmy leading in Bobby, "Look who I found outside." Gloria sees Bobby and jumps up and
runs into his arms. We leave them alone while we finish setting the table. When the food was on the table, we called them
to sit down.

After our meal was over, I told Gloria to show Bobby her room. She looked a little nervous leading him up stairs by the
hand. We cleaned up and Lauren showed me the sign she made using a new app on her phone. It was a neat little neon sign,
simply saying 'Nails by Design'. It was perfect. We put the sign in the back of my car, Jimmy says he'd hang it in the
morning.

We used a little more magic and set up the wall screen to interface with the PC in the office and blu-tooth controllers
and played Tera for a while. Before it was time to head to bed, Katie and Austin came home, they had stayed to study at
school. Gloria and Bobby come down as Bobby needs to get to work.

Bobby sees the huge screen showing the game in play, the picture was almost like looking through a window. "Wow, that
game is awesome! the graphics are not to be believed, what game is this?"

I answer, putting down the controller "It's called Tera, never heard of it?"

Bobby sees some similarities between us and the characters on the screen. "Well of course I have, that goddess on TV said
something about it. I just never got around to checking up on it. Looks cool!" He gives Gloria a big hug and kiss, "Well,
got to go now or I'll be late for work. Gloria, I'll call a little later. Bye."

He's out the door waving back. I know he's a good kid, we'll just have to trust him.

End of Chapter 27