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 22: Full House

For the first time since my new life began, I didn't wake with the rising sun. Lauren and Jimmy were all ready up and I
could hear hushed sounds coming the kitchen area. I went to the restroom first, then went to greet my family.

Katie and Austin are at the table eating pancakes, made by Jimmy with Lauren's help. Well, Lauren was pouring tea and
juice for all.

I watched from the doorway. Taken as a picture, the setting would look like a typical family with two teenage children,
they look so happy together. I start to cry and Gilbert pops in, attracting everyone's attention.

Asking, "Freya, what is the matter dear one?" Sounding worried.

"Nothing's the matter Gilbert, I was just taking in the moment, my family looking so happy."

I walk to the table and Lauren brings me tea and a hug. "That's because we are darling, we're happy because you have
brought us together. You make us a family, all of us, including Candy, Michael and Maryanne."

"Why did you guys let me sleep?"

Jimmy says, "You looked so peacefull, we didn't want to disturb you."

Lauren adds, "And you were rubbing your tummy and whipering in your sleep. You looked so cute."

"I was talking in my sleep? What was I saying?"

"Sounded like baby names", Jimmy said, "cause I heard you say Tiberius and Kyra, and a few others. I thought when you said
Tiberius you were talking to me."

Everyone looked at Jimmy, Austin started laughing, and Katie asked "Why would she call you, what was it, Tiberius?" All
but Austin and Jimmy looked confused.

As we stare at Jimmy, "I.... I don't like it to be common knowledge, but.... actually Tiberius is my middle name." Jimmy
appears stricken, then adds looking to me. "Remember Freya, I told you that as a kid, I watched reruns of Star Trek with
my dad?"

I nod my head and understand, "And when you were born, your dad named you after James T. Kirk, his favorite tv hero,
right?"

"Actually, he wanted to name me James Tiberius Kirk Blake, but mom wouldn't let him. He even had the birth certificate
filled out and everything, but she tore it up and filled out a new one before she left the hospital."

I say, "I understand sweetheart."

Then Jimmy adds, "There is no way you're naming our son Tiberius. I know how mean kids can be with an unusual name. But if
you want to use Star Trek names for the children, that's fine by me."

Thinking, "It's never too early to think of names. I like the idea of theme names, since you and I are Trekkies." I think
some more as I chew on Jimmy's delicious strawberry and blueberry pancakes.

Lauren asks, "Did you two ever watch the 'Deep Space Nine' episodes? Those were the ones I liked."

Then it hit me, "The perfect names, thanks Lauren dear".

Jimmy looks at Lauren then asks, "What are the perfect names?"

I just smiled "Our daughter will be Kira Nerys Blake, I always loved the way Nana Visitor played the part. And for our
son, his name will be Miles-Edward O'Brien Blake, and we can call him Eddie. I like that."

Jimmy says, "I really like those names, they sound good to me. How about you Lauren? You like those names too?"

Lauren beams, "I love them. The only problem is now, we can't use them for our twins." Then, "But we can come up with
something else just as perfect."

Jimmy walks to me and as he rubs my tummy, "What do you guys say? You like the name Kira? You too Miles-Edward, 'Eddie'."
When Jimmy finishes, two glows pulse from my belly, one pink and one blue.

We were all awed. "I guess you two agree then. Oh my, Kira and Eddie." I was so pleased. I look to Lauren. "You watched
too, then, yes? Did you like the other franchise "Voyager'? Cause I might have an idea."

Jimmy and Lauren look at me, then Lauren says, "Yes, I liked that show too. But some of the names are odd to be polite. So
what's your idea? I loved Seven, but no way."

"No, I think we can all agree on that. But how about for the girl, Annika Hansen Blake. Annika was Seven's real name. And
for the boy, Thomas Paris Blake."

Lauren rolls the names in her head for a bit, then, "I love them, that sounds like the perfect names for our crew."

Laughing. Soon we all join in.

"Wait, first we have to see if the kids like the names." Jimmy says, going to Lauren. And as the same with me, rubbing her
non existent bump, "What do you two think? You like Annie and Tommy? Let us know."

And two glows pulse from Lauren's tummy, one pink and one blue.

Katie jumps up holding Austin's hand and rubs both our tummies, "Well, little ones, welcome to the family Kira, Eddie,
Annie and Tommy. We all love you." The pulses from before glow brighter and envelope the entire room, making all bathed in
a purple light.

Jimmy says, "Wow Austin, your powers are really starting to grow. That's amazing."

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

After breakfast everyone one got dressed for their day. All except for Katie, whose classes started later. When we were
ready to leave, I said to her, "Katie, why don't you get ready early and go by and see Capt. Parker. Tell him you're my
niece and are looking to intern for Park Ranger."

Katie says, "That's a good idea, I'll do that. Would you call him and let him know I'm coming? Please."

"Of course sweetheart". To everyone, "Have a great day family!"

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

Since Lauren and Jimmy were both going to work in the mall, they shared a ride. We still met at Moms for tea and the
latest info.

When we got there, Edith greeted us at the door, "The best part of you living under the same roof together, is I get to
see you all, every day." Hugs and kisses all around.

Jimmy gets the cups of tea while Edith, and then Stan, after he joined us, got the goings on in the area. Seems there was
more of the big bruiser leaving signs in a few areas. I excused myself and went out the back.

Once I was outside and looked to see there was no one in the immediate area, I called Gilbert. "Gilbert, dear!"

Gilbert shows up, "What do you wish Freya?" Looking like he already knows. "You want me to look into the new sightings.
Yes?"

"Would you please, that would be sweet of you." I said.

Gilbert then says, "Actually, I will have Margie, Casandra and I look in different places to see if we can find them. Who
ever finds out anything will let you know. Sound good?"

"That's perfect dear". Then, "Do you guys like the names we chose for the children?"

Gilbert says, "We all think the names are good and strong names. And with whom they're named after, it gives them
something to strive for, to be worthy of the names."

"That's interesting Gilbert, we hadn't thought of that. Thank You!"

Gilbert left to pass on the assignments to the others.

When I sat back at the table, I told the others what Gilbert had said. They both agreed with Gibert on it being a goal for
the kids when they were old enough to understand.

Coming back from helping a customer, Edith heard part of what was said and asked, "You've already chosen names for the
children? What are they?"

Lauren says, "Freya's will be Kira Nerys Blake, for the girl, and Miles-Edward O'Brien Blake, so they'll be Kira and
Eddie. Don't you love it?" Edith agrees and rubs my tummy.

Then I said, "And Laurens will be Annika Hansen Blake, for her little girl, and Thomas Paris Blake, for her little boy.
Annie and Tommy, cute, huh?"

Edith says, "I think they're all darling names. I'm going to tell Stan, I'll be right back." Edith ran across to Stan in
the tackle shop and was back shortly with him in tow.

Stan says, "You kids are crazy, already picking out names, you only just found out you were pregnant." Looking confused.
"What's the hurry? You've got nine months after all."

We all explained that it just felt right at the time. And left it at that.

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

We left Moms with Edith happy as a clam, Lauren and Jimmy off to work and me on patrol.

I head for one of the latest sighting locations that was close to the previous one. When I got there the fresh traces led
me to an area away from the public eye. Before I called, Gilbert shows with Margie and Cassie.

Gilbert says, "I was just going to let you know, Cassie found them a little way down in the direction you are heading. She
says there are a dozen of the Naga beasts. They are in an area that looks like ruins, of some type."

I look at the three of them, "Do you think we can take them on alone?"

"While it is possible, there is strength in numbers. Austin and Jimmy have not leveled out yet, so I would not include
them. Same with Margret and Austin's Rolf. They need more experience."

I said, "Then it will be Katie and Lauren with Snow and Cassie." Margie looks worried, "Margie, it will be okay, Kattie is
the only one who's going to get close to them. And we'll take them on one at a time, teaming up on them. If you're still
worried, you can watch, but you will not, NOT, participate. Am I understood?"

Margie looks to me, "Are you sure you weren't a dragon before? Cause your eyes lit up just like momma's do. I'll do as you
say, but if Lauren or you are in grave danger, all bets are off." She said that very sternly. There was no arguing with
her, she had made up her mind.

I got out my phone and called Lauren, "Where are you at right now? I need your help on a problem." She says they're just
parked the car. "Okay, once you're in the back of the store and out of sight, call for Cassie and she'll bring you here."

"What about James, he says he should go too." I tell them over the speaker what Gilbert and I had decided. Jimmy didn't
like it. "Look, if things get really hairy for Lauren or I, Margie will step in. But only if things go bad. Don't worry,
remember that FREYA said, our love gives us strength. Well, if that's true, then there is nothing in the universe that can
stop us!"

Over Lauren's phone, "I'm still going to worry about the two of you. I can't help not, I love you both too much to not be
a little worried. Allow me that at least." Jimmy says.

We both say, "That's sweet, we love you too."

We break the call and then I called Katie to let her know to call for Snow and get here asap.

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

It started raining, a good soaking drizzle by the time we're gathered and ready. We change and mount up, heading down to
where Cassie had seen the Naga Battlemasters. The trail down to where the Naga's were, was slick and getting worse. The
rain was off and on, but was quickly making things a mess.

At the end of the trail, we find exactly what Gilbert had described from Cassie. The area looked like a derelict outpost
from long ago, maybe the 30's or '40's. The Naga's were plainly visible through the misty rain falling. The rain actually
was going to make things better for us.

They were spread out with some distance between them. Naga's had a great sense of smell, but poor eyesight. With the rain
washing our scent from the air, it would be just a little easier to eliminate them, one by one.

I say to Lauren and Katie, "I think the best idea is to attack from three sides. Katie, you hit it first with a charging
slash and follow with a rain of blows. Lauren, you use the freeze shot and then hit it with a stun bolt."

Katie says, "What's your play Freya?"

"I'll toss out a stationary gun first and then use the mana missles. If it all goes smoothly, we should be able to finish
each one quickly enough to get you to school before your class." And add, "We all go when I toss the bot."

Gilbert asks "What do you want us to do?"

"For now, you three just hang behind us and guard our backs. Margie, you find someplace to keep a lookout of the entire
area. Alert us if it looks like we're going to get jumped, Okay?"

Everyone answers, 'Okay'. I point for everyone to take their places. Soon all are in place and ready.

At the toss of the stationary gun, the staccato burst of gunfire fills the immediate area. Katie barrels in with a slash
charge, and Lauren hits it with the freeze shot. I shoot a full load of mana missles, hitting with most of them. Katie
then rains blows with her swords so fast, they are red blurs in the rain. Lauren connects with the stun bolt, and the
first naga is down.

We compare notes, all went well. Thinking to change things up, "If you feel a different attack might be better, go ahead
and try it."

Lauren says, "If I use a power shot charge at full streangth first then follow with the stun, it might be a little quicker
going."

"Well, for me, I think my attack plan you laid out was near perfect. I'll stick to that, maybe improvise as necessary,"
Katie adds.

"Lauren, just keep moving between shots. Don't let them hone in on you. Okay, let's finish them all off and get back to
other things."

We attack the next and quickly put it down and move on to another. Varying the attacks somewhat to prevent depleting our
strength. It doesn't take long before we have the area secure and we meet back in the middle of the zone.

I say, "Before we leave, let's make sure nothing re-spawns. Say half an hour."

Lauren and Katie thinks it's a good idea. While we wait Lauren notices some wild herbs that can be used for healing packs,
and we set to gather some. Gilbert, Snow and Cassie keep an eye out as well as Margie.

"Okay, let's head back to the trailhead ladies and gentleman. Katie has a class to get to." We mount up and make the way
back to my patrol car. At the car I take the gathered herbs from them and stored them in the car.

"Great teamwork ladies, I'll see you all at home. Gilbert, Margie, Snow and Cassie, why don't you all go for a soak in the
pool at home to warm up. After getting Lauren and Katie back."

Margie, "Oh my, that sounds great to me."

Cassie nods her head in agreement.

We all share hugs and kisses. Then the others port out leaving me with Margie and Gilbert. "What are you two waiting for?"

Gilbert says, "For you to get going first, that is what." And Margie nods.

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

After changing back to ranger greens and driving back to patrol. I called Cappie to report the cleanup and the area was
clear. Cappie thanks me for the good work, and I tell him I had help in the way of Lauren and Katie.

He was a little surprised, "Do I even want to know the details?"

"Probably not Cap, you can't tell what you don't know. Oh, and by the way, Katie is coming to see you about an intern or a
junior Ranger position. I told her I'd talk to you about it."

"Well, that's fine by me, as they don't get paid either way. That way, the old fuddies in Washington DC can't complain. So
I'd be happy to talk to her."

"Thanks Cappie, you're just the sweetest boss ever."

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

As I return to patrol, I get a call from Helen. "Hi Helen, how are you today? I hope Richard is good?"

"Hello Freya, we're doing great. Richard asked me to call and ask if you and Katie would like to do a couple of shoots for
us?"

Freya, "That sounds like fun, I know Katie has no games till next month. So what shoots are we talking about? Where and
when?"

Helen, "Well, it's short notice, but the first one is next weekend 15/16 Aug in Saginaw Michigan. It's the Rhinehart R-
100. Then the following weekend 22/23 Aug, The Hunters Tuneup in Eagle Point Oregon. That leads to 24/25 Oct for the
Bowtween Seasons Benefit in Eagle Point again."

"We'd love to do the Rhinehart shoot, we've both wanted to do that one, just never got the chance." Then I add, "The other
two sound great also, just have to check if Katie's got no conflict in October. Can we ask a favor though?"

Helen, "Of course, anything if it's possible. What do you need dear?"

Freya, "Well, you know Katie and Austin are dating and committed to one another."

Helen, "Are you kidding? It's all he ever talks about, Katie, this and Katie that. I've never seen a boy his age so in
love with a girl."

Freya, "Well, do you think you could let us use Austin, to drive us to the shoots, he could enter as well. That would give
an extra team member at the events."

Helen, "Yes, I think that works out great. I'll make hotel reservations for you. How many rooms do you need?"

I say, "One room for the kids and one room for me. That would be fine."

Helen, "If you're sure? Okay then, I'll text you the info after I make them. Good luck at the shoot! Not that you two need
it though. Bye Freya!"

I said, "Bye Helen, I'll call after the shoot and let you know the results."

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

After talking to Helen, I texted Katie about the shoot this weekend. Then called Jimmy and Lauren on a group call.

Jimmy answers, "Hello love, what's up? Hi Lauren, how's my other love?"

Lauren, "Hey lovers, I'm great."

I say, "I'll give you the details at home, but Katie, Austin and I will be doing an archery tournament this weekend in
Saginaw, Michigan."

Jimmy says, "Sounds like fun."

Lauren adds, "Yeah, that sounds good. I have an idea though. If it pans out, I'll tell you both at dinner. Love you both!
Bye."

Jimmy, "Love you! Bye."

I wonder what Lauren has in mind? "Bye for now loves."

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

I head to moms for lunch and stop to see if Gloria wants to join me.

When we get there, Edith had lunch ready for us, having been called by the locals. Edith had made a nice pan lasagna that
morning.

We enjoyed our meal and conversation with Edith. Gloria seems more open than her normal self.

I ask her, "Gloria, you're in such a good mood. What's got you so happy dear? Are you and Bobby still seeing one another?"

Gloria smiles, "Yes, Bobby and I talk on the phone every night. I've never felt this way about any boy before. And I think
he feels the same way about me too."

"That's great Gloria, I'm so happy for you. How's Bobby doing?"

Gloria says, "It's funny, but since last week, he's changed. His acne has cleared up, it's all gone. He even seems to have
filled out, like he's been working out or something."

I say, "That's wonderful sweetie, that's really great to hear."

We finish lunch and I return Gloria to work and get back to patrol.

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

The rest of the day was very slow and soon it was time to head home. Home to the ones I loved so dearly.

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

The three of us got home about the same time, and relaxed together for a while before fixing supper. The kids would be
home to join us.

We made a casserole and salads, and were just putting the food on the table when Katie and Austin walked in the door, arms
linked. Dropping their bags at the stairs.

We all sat at the table. Jimmy pours some wine for everyone to sip with our meal.

As dinner starts I say, "So as I said earlier, Katie, Austin and I have the Rhinehart shoot in Saginaw this Satuday and
Sunday."

Austin says, "I'm surprised Helen let me go, I'm glad you asked for me to go too, thanks!"

Katie then, "I've wanted to do this shoot for as long as I could remember hearing about it. It'll be so fun!"

Lauren pipes in, "Actually, we're all going. Let me explain. I called Greg this afternoon and pitched him an idea, and he
thought it was a great idea too."

Katie and I ask what the idea was.

Lauren tells us all, "I thought the archery shoot would make a great setting for a Victoria's Secret shoot as well. And
they agreed. You'll wear elf style costumes, that also look like lingerie. The base for a new line called 'The Ephemeral
Elf' collection. You'll use back quivers to add to the look. What do you think?"

Katie asks, "Won't it be a little public for lingerie though?"

Lauren says, "No, the costumes will only look like true lingerie, all moral values will be kept intact. Okay?"

Katie says, "Okay then, but if Freya and I are dressing in costumes, then Austin can dress like Legolis from 'Lord of the
Rings'."

Austin sputters, "Wait, what? Oh hell, I don't suppose I have any say in the matter any way, do I?"

Everyone says, "No."

With that settled, all that's left is the details, which we finalize while we do the dishes. We'll magic Austin's loaded
truck and us to a place near the hotel late friday afternoon.

After a quiet evening, we retire for a night of carnal debauchery. We had a wonderful night and fell asleep content in a
tangle of limbs.

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

The rest of the week was spent prepping for the weekend.

End of Chapter 22