Perched on Thor's shoulder, Garfield leaned forward slightly and looked down at the hall below.
…So this was Odin's idea of not being excessive.
As expected, representatives from all Nine Realms were present.
Nobles, warriors, envoys, every faction that mattered. Even Kamar-Taj had sent observers.
Garfield spotted at least one mage whose face was familiar, though the name stubbornly refused to surface.
You really didn't hold back, did you, Garfield thought.
Still, he straightened his posture.
He might be young. He might be small.
But an orange cat born with the temperament of an emperor did not fear crowds, no matter how many oddly shaped beings stared up at him like confused shovel-wielding mortals.
He lifted his chin.
The Cat King had arrived.
As Thor advanced, the noise of the hall rose and fell in waves. Whispers followed them.
"At first I thought it was a giant orange cat… turns out it's that small?"
"Doesn't look weaned yet."
"Why does he seem familiar?"
"Now that you mention it… he does."
"That aura, doesn't it resemble the Great Devourer?"
"You're imagining things. If the Devouring Beast appeared, nothing here would still be alive."
"…Unless this one's different from the wild type."
Two fair-skinned elves with long legs and luminous eyes stared openly, stars practically glittering in their gaze.
"He's so cute…"
"I want to hug him."
"Why don't we just take him home?"
"Don't be ridiculous." The other whispered sharply.
"That's Odin's son."
Elsewhere, representatives of various cosmic races observed with far more restrained curiosity.
"Look at that proud expression."
"Looks ninety-nine percent like his father."
"Then it must be genuine."
"But… why an orange cat?"
"Divine power is notoriously difficult to control."
"Tell me about it."
"Yeah. My pups all came out different too."
Those nearby glanced at the speaker.
For some reason, there seemed to be a faint green glow around his head.
Thor carried Garfield through layers of spectators until they reached the high dais.
Odin and Frigga awaited them.
Garfield leapt lightly from Thor's shoulder. Thor stepped aside, returning to his position at Odin's left.
The hall quieted.
The true purpose of today's gathering had arrived.
Odin rose, clad in ceremonial armor, Gungnir the Spear of Eternity held firmly in hand. His gaze swept across the assembled guests, heavy with authority.
"Today." Odin declared, "Is a special day."
"The third prince of Asgard has returned."
He spoke at length of Asgard's glory, of the strength of the Nine Realms, of unity and vigilance. Beneath the formality, the meaning was clear…
This is my son.
Know him.
Respect him.
If trouble arises, inform me, do not act rashly. A father protecting his own.
The Ancient One stood among the guests, hands folded.
All were notable figures. Applause followed the conclusion of Odin's speech.
What they thought privately was their own affair.
Odin turned his attention to Garfield.
"Garfield," He said evenly, "Would you be willing to call me Father?"
There was no reason to hesitate.
"Father." Garfield replied sweetly.
Odin nodded, visibly pleased. Garfield turned next to Frigga.
"Mother."
Her smile softened instantly.
He looked toward Thor. "Brother."
Then, finally, toward Loki.
"…Second Brother."
Loki's expression stiffened.
Odin raised Gungnir and pointed it toward Garfield.
"From this moment forward." He proclaimed, "You shall bear the name, Garfield Odinson."
The hall erupted in cheers.
Frigga knelt, and Garfield promptly hugged her leg, rubbing against it with practiced, disarming enthusiasm.
Watching this, Odin felt a sudden, sharp pang of regret.
Perhaps… keeping Hela imprisoned until Ragnarök wouldn't have been so bad after all.
With the formal recognition complete, the atmosphere relaxed.
It was time for feasting.
Odin and Frigga took their seats, Garfield obediently settling beside them on the raised platform.
Before him lay an overwhelming spread of food.
It had to be said, Asgard, as guardian of the Nine Realms, possessed unmatched culinary advantages. Though most realms rarely exchanged goods, delicacies from across worlds found their way here.
Flavors unknown to Earth. Ingredients harvested from stars. Dishes fit for gods.
Garfield stared at the feast.
…Being Odin's son didn't seem so bad after all.
꧁𓊈𒆜༺⚜༻𒆜𓊉꧂
PhantomDream