Vanadium

23

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Vanadium

Vanadis steered her golden chariot through the clouds in heaven. Her long blonde hair flew in the wind. A breeze ruffled her falcon-feathered cloak. Her two cats led the chariot faster than any other creature ever could. Save for her beloved Boar, Hildisvini, who allowed Vanadis to ride bareback through the pearly gates. But Hildisvini currently slept peacefully next to her tired husband, Oor.

Vanadis smiled, looking down adoringly at her beloved people of Scandinavia. Waving her youthful hands below the clouds, she bestowed another dose of beauty and fertility to her devout worshipers. Perhaps they’d erect another statue or temple to honor her—the Scandinavian Goddess of Beauty and Fertility.

Her cats slowed and playfully batted tiny tufts of clouds. They knew they were close to home and lingered to prolong their morning chariot ride. Vanadis dismounted from her chariot and unleashed her cats. They rubbed her ankles with their whiskered faces, then circled around her. She rewarded them with a sprig of catnip, and they showed their appreciation with loud purrs.

“Good morning, sleepy head.” Vanadis kissed her husband on his cheek. His stubble tickled her delicate, porcelain skin.

“Come here, my love.” Oor pulled her to him and hugged her appreciatively. His passionate kisses sent shivers throughout her body, and she relished that they were still in love after all of these years.

“Uh, oh. Don’t tell me…” She knew something was wrong.

“I’m sorry, my love. I must go away again.” Oor clasped her hand in his and delicately kissed the underside of her slender wrist.

Holding back the tears, she vowed not to cry in front of him. The thought of their two beautiful daughters gave her strength.

He placed the necklace, Brisingamen, around her neck, held back her long hair, and kissed her shoulder. “Remember when I gave this necklace to you?” he asked.

Nodding, she sniffled. “On our wedding night. The happiest day of my life.”

“And I love you even more now, than I did then, which I didn’t think was possible at the time. But you mean the world to me, and I promise I’ll be home soon.”

Throwing her arms around his neck, she hugged him close. “Don’t go. I can’t bear it. The longing to be with you is too painful.”

“You must be strong for our daughters.” Oor kissed her passionately one last time, flapped his wings, and flew away.

Her beloved felines rubbed against her, purring with sympathy. Vanadis dropped to her knees, heartbroken, and cried tears of red gold.