Time For A Family Meeting (Tag: Odin's family)
OOC note: Posting order is Odin, Frigg, Hermod, Tyr, Bragi, Vidar
He sat with all the appearance of patience, slowly sipping a mug of mead. To anyone passing by, Odin would look as if he hadn't a care in the world. On the inside, however, his mind was racing and he felt just a bit nervous.
There was every possibility this would not go as well as he hoped.
Frigg had been notified first, as there was enough tension in the situation without her feeling like he was holding back on her. Next was Hermod, though he was given far less information than the Lady of Asgard. Odin simply told him to gather his sons. Not all of them would make it, that went without saying. And one in particular would not be in attendance.
With the excuse that he was away, Odin had informed Hermod not to seek out Thor. On the surface, that was true. Odin knew precisely where his oldest son was, and knew better than to interrupt him in his work. But that was only a secondary reason. Truth was, this was a conversation the Alfather preferred to have with Thor in private. The Hammer-Bearer had the most at stake in this situation, other than himself. Old, deep wounds combined with a yearning for what had once been, this Odin understood. And Thor didn't always think with his head. The others would be trouble enough without his added emotions.
Of his other sons, even in his great wisdom Odin could only guess at their reactions. Tyr held too much in his heart and Vidar rarely spoke of what had been or what would be. And young Hermod...he'd been put in a unique situation as his mother's only remaining son. That had to weigh heavy on the Messenger. Bragi, on the other hand, always seemed more interested in his stories than in causing trouble. Odin hoped that would stand true tonight, but again, there was no real knowing.
Taking another sip, Odin looked up as his wife walked into the room. Despite his private musings, he took a moment to look at her with admiration. All this time, and she was still one of the most beautiful women he had ever met. He wasn't always faithful, and he knew she wasn't either, yet their bond was strong, and their love had never wavered. Turning his attention from her exquisite features, he concentrated on trying to detect her mood.
They would need to stand together in this, if only to keep the peace. Frigg would know this, even if she secretly disagreed with his decisions. If only to try to keep the inevitable at bay for as long as possible.