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 34: When is a Trap, Not a Trap?
Friday 11 December
Tomorrow is the big day, when all our plans either fly or fall. Well, actually Sunday, we plan to take Deathe down after
the shoot, after all it is a benefit shoot.
So to make things clear, Lauren and I are about 20 weeks along, half way there, our prize, being the four children we
would welcome into this world. We couldn't be healthier, thanks to mom. We've since told the family about that little
revelation. You could have heard a pin drop, they were so shocked. I don't know what we would have done if not for
Lauren's helpful little app.
You would think we would be nervous, but that wasn't the case. We knew we could at least take Deathe out of the picture,
but Loki was as slippery as an eel. No problem, sooner or later we would have him too, and he would pay.
We were all ready, and our plans set. The shoot site was set up and everyone was looking forward to a great event,
Bowtech's First Annual Christmas Benefit for Humanity. Every company would have their best shooters present to make it a
top event. Venders were set up in a massive tent showcasing everything needed in the sport of archery. We even secured
the Olympic Training Team to put on exhibitions in their own booth. If nothing else, this event would become a premier
event on the archery social calender.
As part of the staff for the shoot, our family had rooms at the host lodge, Belknap Lodge and Hot Springs. We had
adjoining rooms for the two evenings, tonight and tomorrow night. As it turned out Bruce and Jolene had the room directly
across from Lauren, Jimmy and I, it was really great to see them both. Dave and Nate were next to them. Jolene and Bruce
had been having a wonderful start to their marriage, settling in and setting up house. Bruces work was doing great and
really taking off, a growing construction firm expanding fast, Jolene had come in to take over running the office as CFO
to take the daily hassles from his hands.
Since we had heard from them since their wedding day and knowing what we had done to them both, it was no surprise that
Jolene was pregnant. Only six and a half weeks and showing more than normal, apparently they were having triplets, we put
too much magic into them. Still Jolene looked radiant, reveling in the growing maternal wonder. Thankfully, either our
magic had an extra side benefit or, more likely, mom had fixed a potential disaster.
We had dinner with them, just the five of us, to talk over the shoot and our pregnancies. Jolene admitted that Bruce had
told her about everything that happened between us. She said, "I'm glad he did tell me, and he made it clear, you're so
in love with your Jimmy and Lauren, that I had nothing to fear."
"Jolene, I'm glad he did too, it was never meant to be a secret. And if truth be told, had he not met you, we probably
would have tried to seduce him into our family, he's quite a good man. You're a lucky woman Jolene, it's obvious he is
completely enthralled with you. You will never have to worry about him straying from the path."
"Thank you Freya, that's very sweet of you to say." Thinking about what I had said about possibly seducing Bruce she
leans into me and whispers in my ear, "I kind of like the idea of a group marriage, kinky. Until I fell into Bruce's arms
at that shoot, I always fancied ladies over men, leaning toward lesbian rather than bi. The whole reason I couldn't avoid
that fall is I was watching you instead of where I was going. You don't mind do you?"
I look her in the eye, "Jolene, I'm flattered for that. And why would I mind, I'm bi too, so no harm." I kissed her on
the lips, knowing Lauren and Jimmy would have no problem with that. Breaking from the kiss, "Jolene, if you can convince
Bruce to go along, there's enough room in our bed for the two of you to be included." I said it in a normal voice so
everyone at the table heard what I said.
Lauren and Jimmy nod at my statement and leave it to Bruce to decide, he looks at Jolene and asks, "Is this something you
want Jolene honey? You know how much I love you! I've never thought of another woman since we've been together. But if
this is what you want to try, I'll do it for you. We are all friends here, so I don't see any problems."
Jolene looks in his eyes, tears starting to flow, "You know you are my only family, how I was an only child and lost my
parents at a young age. I really like the idea of a large family. I love you Bruce!"
"I know Jo-Jo, if it doesn't work, then it doesn't." Holding her hands.
Jimmy says, "Since dinner is over, let's go back to our room and talk in private. If you're both going to become part of
our family, there are some things you need to know first."
Bruce says, "If you mean about you guys working for that goddess, we had that figured out after Jolene and I met. It was
too coincidental the way Jolene and I met after Freya and I had got together, so there has to be some magic around you
guys. So don't worry."
I ask him, "You know that we don't cheat on the shoots, right? We just have greater innate skills from FREYA. But there
are a few other things the two of you need to know, so like Jimmy said let's go to our room, okay?"
They said together, "Sure."
Once in our room, I say, "If you're both okay with the use of magic, let's show you some. Join hands one and all. Ready?"
In a moment we are at our home in the living room. Jolene and Bruce look a little overwhelmed, and we give them a chance
to settle down. We get everyone drinks and sit on the sofas to relax.
When it seems they have recovered it was time to drop the next bomb on them, I say, "Mother FREYA would you join us?"
FREYA appears floating off the floor, "It is a pleasure to meet the both of you, Jolene, Bruce." Spreading her arms, "My
children hold you in high regard, so welcome to their home. You may call me FREYA, or.... " She touches down and her form
shimmers, taking on the form of my mom. "You can call me Valgerður, or Val for short."
Mom immediately made them feel comfortable as we explained our relationship. Bruce says for them both, "So you're saying
that you are a demi-goddess?"
I smiled and, "I guess, sorta, I mean my sister and I that is. But we're still the same people you know. Can you accept
that?"
They both nod and mom says, "Ok, kids, gotta go." She shimmered again, taking on her FREYA persona. She held and kissed
everyone, "Blessings on you all, my children." With that she was gone.
I say, "Since tonight is the first time for us together as a group, let's just do as we did the other first time. Let's
just sleep and cuddle together, there will be plenty of nights ahead for carnal pleasures." Everyone agrees to that. We
lead them to the bedroom and get undressed and lay down just trying to get used to the situation. In a very short while
we are all asleep.
***********************************************
I awoke the next morning a little earlier than was normal, the sun not yet breaking the horizon. The quiet of the house
broken by the soft sobs of Jolene trying to go unheard. I reach to her and pull her into an embrace to comfort her,
softly I ask, "Jolene, what's the matter darling?"
Jolene chokes out between her sobs, "You all are so nice to me, first Bruce, and now your family. I'm just so happy!
Thank you Freya." As she cries, her tears run down her face and drip onto my nipple, the cooling feel and tickle causing
it to come to attention and push up into her chin. Without a word, she bends her head down and sucks it into her mouth,
sending tingles down my body.
A small moan escapes my lips and I reach down to tease her nipples as well. They become hard and pointy without the puffy
swelling of my own, a soft 'Mmm' comes from her lips without releasing me. We stayed like that for some time until the
sun began to break and tint the horizon with its beautiful glow.
I break our embrace and get up from the bed, drawing her with me to the bath. Once in the bathroom, Jolene gasps at the
wonders before her eyes. She says, "Freya, your house is so wonderful and amazing."
I pull her to the pool, turning on the pumps and sitting down to enjoy the effervescant joy. "If you think this is
wonderful, wait till you taste Jimmy's berry pancakes, they are simply heaven on earth." Before long, Lauren and Jimmy
join us, dragging Bruce with them. Bruce yawns wide, stretching, taking it all in.
He smiles, "Must be the perks of having a goddess for a mother, huh?"
After a little time in the pool, we all get out and dry off to get ready for the day. Lauren shows them the phone app so
they can have the clothes they need for the day. Soon the house is filled with the flavorful aroma of Jimmy's triple
berry pancakes. Sitting at the counter to enjoy the great morning meal.
Clad in our regular shooting gear, we made ready to port back to the hotel. When everyone was ready, we went. We grabbed
our bows and quivers and headed outside to join the rest of the family. Once with them, we went over everyone's roles for
the day. To cover as much territory as possible, Edith and Stan had closed for the weekend to help out.
The way we divided up was Edith and Stan stayed in the common area to keep an eye out. Gloria and Bobby made up the first
team that would follow along with other shooters, and Darla and Nathan the second team roving. Michael, Candy and Bunny
were the third team. We kept everyone well spread out to cover the largest area possible. The other two stars would be
available at a moments notice.
We knew that Deathe and his master would be expecting our main group to be on the alert, so we hoped that by using the
others, we would catch them off guard.
The main difference between this and other two day shoot, was that both days would use the same 40 targets, and you shoot
two arrows for each target. By the end of the weekend the shoot would be nicknamed the "22 Shoot", causing some confusion
because of having forty targets. Also in case of ties in the scores, a Robin Hood style shoot-off would be held. The last
was our hope to smoke out Deathe as he was sure to be as arrogant as Loki.
As groups of people headed for their starting targets, we waited at target 1 for the sound of a bell to toll the start.
Our group was the same familiar faces we had become accustomed to from the past shoots. We had Katie, Austin, Bruce,
Nate, Dave and me, with Jolene, Lauren and Jimmy. Jolene would use a camera and snap pictures all day, while Jimmy backed
her up with hidden video cameras in his ball cap covering four directions at the same time. We hoped to at least get a
look at Deathe to know who we were dealing with.
************************************************
Through the first half of the day, we pretty much just concentrated on our shooting, idly looking around us as we went
front one target to the next. Our scores by the lunch break were what would be expected, after twenty targets, and fourty
arrows, we were at 440 points for Katie, Austin, Bruce and myself, Dave and Nate a couple back at 437 and 436 points
each. We had made the targets as challenging as possible.
The leader board that was in the common area was kept up-dated by workers relaying scores for each shooter from the
targets, the scores showed for overall shoot and not by class, so it was no surprise to see five names at the top, the
four of us and Deathe. Keeping a close eye out in the commons area, surely Deathe would be on hand to gloat or at least
preen for the sake of others.
All our groups took pictures to go over later that evening at home on the big screen while we ate. For now, we tried to
enjoy the relative peace of the beautiful day in the woods.
************************************************
We continued after the lunch break with the same success as the first half of the day. The leader board at the end was
the same as at lunch, only the total scores were different. The top five were all tied at 880 points. Nate, Dave and a
few others, covering sixth and below at least six points back.
We went back to our rooms to store our equipment first, then joined together to port back to the house. We included Nate
and Dave since it seemed they too knew our secret pastime.
Once at the house, everyone found something to do while I had help making a spaghetti dinner for the army of people
present. Deciding to make it a real bash, I had Nathan get in contact with Cardinal and Demonic.Prince and have their
stars and families join us for dinner. By the time we were ready to eat, there were so many people in the house I lost
track of them all. We sat at the table, the kitchen counter, the sofas and chairs, and many little ones on the floor
around the fireplace and coffee tables.
As we sat down, the film and pictures taken during the day played on the big screen from the computer in the office. We
were far along with the meal, when Edith says, "Freya, I'm pretty certain this is the man you're looking for." Most of
the people turn to look at the picture of a man all in black with medium length raven black hair. A cruel sneer on his
face, like those around him were too far beneath his station to warrant his attention.
Getting a good look at him, he is not familiar to me or the others, until Gloria comes back from getting something from
her room. At the top of the stairs, she stops and lets out a small cry of shock at what she sees there. She falls on her
butt on the edge of the top step and slowly slides down the carpeted steps. By the time she reaches the bottom, Bobby and
I, are at her side picking her up.
Bobby asks with fear in his voice, "Gloria are you ok? What's the matter?"
I ask, "Gloria, do you know that man?" Fearing I already know the answer.
She nods, "It's my poppa. Oh poppa no! Why poppa?" She breaks down and begins to sob.
Trying to console her I say, "Gloria, this is all on Loki, your father doesn't know what he's doing. But we'll save him,
it's ok dear." Still racked with sobs, I ask Bobby to take her to her room and get her to sleep.
************************************************
I turn to the rest gathered, "Now we know who we're dealing with, and we must take him alive at all costs. Loki is the
only true enemy, Gloria's father is just another pawn in this game he's playing. On my mother's honor, we shall stop
Loki!" I am so outraged that I tremble until Jimmy and Bruce force me to sit down, Jolene and Lauren at my sides, arms
around me.
Nathan, bless his heart, begins to organize the other stars for tomorrows capture of Gloria's father. He leaves me and my
group to ourselves as was best for now, knowing full well that my emotions were strung too taught to bear with any of the
planning.
Soon they have finished planning, and left to be back in the morning. Katie and Austin make sure that Nate and Dave get
back to the lodge before coming back home. Everyone heads for bed early to be ready in the morning. In bed it is more
somber than ever before, and they all take turns trying to comfort me.
Still trembling with impotent rage, I finally fall asleep, hearing my mother say, "Rest child, you need to sleep." When I
fall asleep, the others are worried for me, that I may do something rash and harmful to myself just to stop Loki's plans.
They talk for a long while holding me while I slept, making their own plans in case I decide to act foolish.
***********************************************
In the morning I feel much better and more like my usual happy self. I try to slip out of bed quietly to not wake the
others, I manage to get clear and have the bathroom to myself. I sit down to pee and look at myself in the mirror, I
resolve to do nothing foolish today, but will get Gloria's father back for her. She deserved that much. Even if we didn't
get Loki today, I would count it as a victory for us if we could get him back.
I decide on a shower for a change of pace, quickly cleaning up and getting out to dry off. Margie and Gilbert are there
wondering how I'm doing. I reassure them that I'm fine and they can rest easy, or as easy as a pair of mothering dragons
can be. Drying my hair as I look in the mirror again, I decide to lengthen my hair to just below my backside. I like the
look it has with the gentle waves falling down my back.
I then head for the kitchen to get breakfast started, as much as I loved Jimmy's pancakes, today I really needed my
breakfast bowl. I start the tea to brew and get the sausage browning. Gloria is the first to make her appearance, looking
much better for her night's rest. We talked for a bit as I cooked and she set places at the counter. Before too long, the
others slowly found their way in for breakfast.
Katie and Lauren poured the tea, leaving individuals to add their own creamer, light or heavy as needed. Everyone tried
to avoid the pink elephant in the room until Darla came to me and says, "You going to be okay sis? We're all a little
worried about you, you know that?" It was then, when she said what was on all their minds, "Really love the new look sis,
it looks awesome." The others all said similar things about my hair. I guess I'm due some latitude, since I've been a
woman for just over five months and have not changed my hair at all.
I sighed, "I know, and I'm truly sorry for last night. I let it get to me." But I brightened up, "Can you forgive me?"
They all say of course I'm forgiven. I start to laugh and say, "When it gets a little colder around here, I'm going to
have to get used to wearing some clothes around the house." They all start to laugh as well, and finally everyone is at
ease again.
************************************************
Our weather was unusually warm for December being in the low 70's, instead of the mid 40's. Thank you to the weather
gods.
At the field, we all take our places knowing that nothing was likely to happen until the shoot-off at the end to break
the inevitable ties for first place. Now we knew exactly what Deathe looked like, I couldn't bring myself to call him
Gloria's father until we had him wrapped up. Come to think of it, I don't know if I was ever told his name, that was odd
in itself.
The day went exactly as the last one, and by the midday break, the top five were still all tied at 1320 points.
Personally, I felt Bruce should take the top honors as he was the only shooter at the top who had no, 'other than human'
advantage going for him. For Katie and Austin, they were genetically half Castani, and I was a half elf. I'm sure that
Deathe was in some fashion, magically enhanced. But you can only play as you are, right?
Finishing the last of the days targets, knowing the eventual showdown was drawing closer. We made sure that everyone of
our people, were well spread out to cover any contingency. Our greatest asset we had going for us was, that Deathe
couldn't possibly know we also had the other two stars as well as Darla and Nathan. All total we had 17 fighters ready to
take him down.
At the end, the five tied shooters had a score of 1760 points with 80 x's, an unprecedented achievement at any shoot. The
five finalists were called to the site in the middle of the vendor lane for the shoot-off. The four of us waited and
waited, and no Deathe. We knew he was still around, because Edith and Stan were within a dozen feet of him the whole
time.
Finally, in an attempt to coax him out, I asked for the microphone from the announcer, I softly say, "Walker Deathe, are
you too shy or scared, to face off with a pair of women archers? We know you're still here. What are you waiting for?"
With that taunt, the crowd picks up on it and starts chanting his name, 'Walker Deathe, Walker Deathe, Walker Deathe',
over and over again. This goes on for a few minutes, when from the back, the crowd parts going quiet as he steps to the
front. An ominous feeling of impending doom follows him.
He steps up to me, in a voice coated in venom, "Shy Freya? Hardly. And as for being scared, what do I have to fear from a
bastard half elf whore like yourself?" He smirks and turns to those gathered around silently waiting for his next words.
Spoken in contempt, "Do these people, your friends here, know about you? The real you? Or do they only know the face you
allow them to see? Your act."
The people around us whisper among themselves, wondering what he's talking about. With supreme confidence, I smile to him
and all the others around us, "Hardly a bastard, being born in wedlock to my mother and father, though I have changed a
little since my birth, thanks to the goddess FREYA, who only sought to right the wrong done by your master Loki."
The crowd looks on in shock, I have admitted I am one of the chosen few, a few gasps can be heard. Deathe sneers, "Well
played bitch! But they still don't know who you were."
Obviously he intends to turn the people against me, "If you mean that I was born as a male and lived for 56 years and
died, at my computer playing a game, to be reborn into this body in the form I was intended to have, before Loki played a
cruel joke on my family, causing me to be a male? No, not everyone knows that, but enough that care for me, that love me,
do." Slowly my family joins beside me, standing with me, pride and love on their faces.
Darla steps in front of me, causing Deathe to move back a pace, "You have no right to judge my sister the way you do. She
was given this gift because of her or his kind heart. If FREYA was here now she would tell you all that for herself." A
sudden tremendous clap of thunder deafens everyone for a moment. Softly Darla says, "You don't want to piss off our mom
Deathe, believe me."
That insight brings new murmurs from the gathered crowd, and an odd look from Walker Deathe. He suddenly thinks, he might
be in over his head here.
I look sadly at Deathe, "You're hardy one to chastise about not being who, he says, now are you?" I wave Gloria to my
side, she looks at her father expecting him to acknowledge her. When he doesn't, "What's the matter? Don't you remember
your own daughter Gloria?"
Deathe looks confused, stammering, "I hardly remember anything before I worked for Loki. Is it true? Are you my daughter?
How could I forget my own daughter? That's not possible." In obvious torment, he screams out, "Master, what have you done
to me?" He falls to the ground clutching his head in both hands.
Gloria runs to her father, giving what comfort she can, sitting on the ground cradling his head in her lap. "Poppa,
poppa, please be alright, come back to us. You've got to come back. I've missed you so badly poppa. I love you poppa!"
With those four simple words, it was like a switch had gone off inside of him. Coming to his senses, he opens his eyes
looking up at Gloria as she holds him, "Gloria? Sweetheart? Where am I?" Those words were enough to break whatever hold
Loki had over him. Then, "The last thing I remember was going for that job, to try putting our lives back together. I met
a man in green carrying a scepter with.... Arrggghhh.... "
He lapses back into pain, writhing in agony. I can sense something is seriously wrong in his mind, a battle for control.
All we can do is look on in horror. Then inspiration strikes, I call out, pleading, "Mother FREYA, help us heal this
man."
Lightning flashes and thunder peels, clouds roil in turbulent eddies, darkening the skies. When it is nearly dark as
night, the clouds part allowing a glorious ray of sunshine to break through, illuminating the area around us. A hush
falls over the valley and those gathered. Riding down that shaft of light was, mom, in her guise as FREYA. I remind
myself to ask mom if theatrics was an essential part of godhood. She must have read my mind. She sent back, 'Doesn't hurt
none.'
FREYA says as she looks into his soul, "He is much touched by Loki's evil. His mind is shattered, I can sense only his
deep love for his daughter and the love he had for his mate, a love that consumes him. There is nothing left of the man
he was."
Gloria gazes up into her eyes, pleading, "Oh goddess mother FREYA, is there no way to save my poppa?" The tears that
begin are but the headwaters of the mighty river to follow soon after. Her emotions raw from losing her father for a
second time.
Mother's own eyes begin to weep, and everyone was infected by her grief. "Child, there is only one way to bring your
father peace, but it requires sacrifice. To gain, you must also lose."
Gloria is in near panic, "Anything, anything at all to save him. I gladly give to have him back. What must I do? Please
tell me."
With tears still in her eyes, FREYA says, "The only way to save him, is for him to become that which he loved most in
life. That which broke his heart and allowed Loki's evil to take root. He must become your deceased mother in body and
heart. There is no other way."
FREYA reaches down and lifts him up, into her arms, her glow infuses his body, enveloping it in its radiance. His form
softens, distinct curves can be seen as her form solidifies, the glow fades. In mothers arms is a woman of angelic
beauty, long flowing honey blonde hair frame a face delicate to the eye, but strong, determined. Ruby lips pout as she
draws breath as her eyes open. Mother sets her on her feet, dainty pretty feet. She stands on her own as those around
gaze in wonder.
The new woman is just on the volupuous side of athletic as evidenced by the lack of any clothing, until mother formed a
dress about her. She looks around, seeing Gloria on the ground, reaches out her hands to pull her up. Doing so, she
notices her arms and hands, the soft skin and delicate features. She asks, "Gloria, what has happened?" Taking note of
her melodic voice, "My voice, my arms. I'm a woman now. Why?"
Before Gloria can speak, FREYA says, "It was the only way to heal your broken soul. You now have the likeness of your
beloved wife, but still retain your memories of your life, as well as those memories that will make your life as a woman
and mother easier for you. Since you are no longer your old self, yet you are still more than your mate, I name you
Seraphina. Now, be with your daughter, my child." Pushing Seraphina into Gloria's arms. New mother and daughter shared
the moment oblivious to those around them.
I go to mother, "Thank you, I didn't know what to do. I just had no idea."
She stroked my hair, soothing me, "It was for the best this way. All is in the open now, we have nothing to fear. I love
what you did with your hair, mind if your mother copies from her daughter?" She makes her hair grow and grow, until it
nearly reaches her ankles. The sight of her reminded me of paintings I had seen of Aphrodite.
Thinking out loud, "Mother? Is there any chance.... "
End of Chapter 34
Comments
Very happy for Gloria to be
Very happy for Gloria to be reunited with her poppa, even if he is now a she and her mother. Gloria will have lots to do teaching her mother/father how to be a woman and being treated as a woman. Great chapter, and I am looking for the next chapter very soon.
Thank You
Somehow, I knew, that you'd be the first to comment. Thanks so much Janice! After posting this chapter, I worked for a while on chapter 37, and started planning more where the story is headed. I know the story must end at some point, at least in written form. It will always continue in my heart.
Mopar
Goddess Blessings!
Love
the story so far. An enthralling tale.
Joanna
Thanks
Thank you Joanna. Every kind word from the readers, really means a lot to me.
Mopar
Goddess Blessings!
Freya
I knew it was Gloria's dad. Great save, didn't see the solution though.
Keep up the awsome work. I truly love this story.
Appreciation
Thanks Joni! I really appreciate that.
Mopar
Goddess Blessings!