Woman's Things

On a sumptuous bed adorned with golden accents and intricate bone decorations, Hel tenderly caressed her son's golden locks, her heart heavy with sorrow. The queen's gentle touch soothed the child as she whispered loving words into his ear. "You are my most precious treasure, a gift bestowed upon me by fate. I could never have hoped for a more beautiful miracle like you." Her voice quivered with emotion, tears streaming down her cheeks. Holding the child above her head with a melancholic smile, Hel continued, "You are the sun that illuminates my soul in this chaotic and dark world." Nestling the child against her chest, she noticed his impending tears. "It's difficult for Háemon to accept you, and even at such a tender age, you sense your own father's wrath and fear him. But I implore you, my child, do not become like us. Do not let our ideals consume you. Promise me that you will always prioritize your own well-being. Even if your father wages war against the world, flee as swiftly as you can and do not look back!" With a heavy sigh, Hel reclined on the bed, continuing to stroke her son's head.

Her emerald eyes fixated on the ceiling as her mind wandered back to a distant past. When she was but a young girl, she had endured the horrors of war firsthand. Nearly all her kin had perished, their history erased from memory. She had been subjected to unspeakable acts, a mere plaything for the Æsir, their lustful desires reveling in her screams. These abhorrent memories refused to fade, gnawing at her tormented mind like festering wounds. "Loki, among your despicable offspring, she alone possesses such potential!" The warriors of the Golden Palace jeered, referring to Hel's father, while she was violated by countless warriors in full view of her entire family. Initially, she screamed and fought, desperate to free herself. But as time wore on, she succumbed to numbing silence, quietly pleading for respite from the beatings. She recalled how visiting lords from various families would arrive at Odin's court, indulging in the exploitation of giant slaves without restraint.

Hel shook her head, dismissing the memories of her unhappy childhood. She clicked her tongue in annoyance and turned her attention to Lilith, who awaited her with an eager smile. "How many times must I remind you to use the doors?" the giantess asked, raising an eyebrow in slight irritation. Lilith feigned surprise, widening her eyes as if she genuinely didn't know what doors were. She snapped her fingers and cheerfully replied, pointing towards the entrance, "Oh, you mean those unnecessary things!" Realizing her mistake, the mother of demons adopted a more serious expression, crossing her fingers in front of her as she promised Hel that she wouldn't repeat the offense. "I apologize. Next time, I will definitely knock before entering!"

"Why have you come again?" Hel asked wearily, rolling her eyes. "Is this how you speak to your best friend? I must say, I'm quite disappointed, considering I assisted you during childbirth!" Lilith pouted, pretending to be hurt by the queen's cold tone. Hel, observing her friend's childish behavior, covered her face with her hand, attempting to hide her exasperation as she let out a tired groan. "Forgive me, my dear. I woke up on the wrong side of the bed today," Hel said wearily, massaging her temples. "I noticed! Ha-ha, it seems like you wake up on the wrong side far too often, considering the number of wrinkles on your beautiful face for your age," the red-haired demoness remarked sarcastically. The giantess murmured thoughtfully, stroking her forehead in search of wrinkles. "Marriage doesn't seem to have been beneficial for me," she mused. "Oh, don't talk like that! Marriage and all such things only serve to weigh down our beautiful hearts and burden our fragile shoulders," Lilith's face twisted with disgust as she recollected her own ill-fated marriage. But then, her tone changed as she grasped her own shoulders and exclaimed eagerly, "But damn it, how I miss the touch of a man!" Erotic memories with her ex-husband flashed through her mind, and she unconsciously bit her lower lip, tasting a metallic tang.

"Quiet, you'll wake the baby!" Hel commanded, pressing her index finger to her lips, concerned that her red-haired friend's passionate moans might startle the sleeping child. But it was too late, and the baby stirred, letting out a devilish cry. "Lilith!?" the giantess hissed angrily, casting a disapproving glance at her friend. "I'm sorry!" the demoness guiltily murmured, quickly covering her mouth with her hand. However, apologies alone couldn't calm the baby or lull him back to sleep. His cries only grew louder, despite Hel's tired attempts to soothe him. Witnessing her friend's struggle, Lilith felt a pang of empathy and, partially aware of her own contribution to the disturbance, decided to show Hel her boundless mercy. "Let me give it a try, will you?" Lilith offered with a kind smile, revealing her pearly white fangs. She reached out her hands, gesturing for the giantess to entrust the baby to her care.

"Just be careful, and make sure not to accidentally harm him!" Hel warned, her maternal instincts influencing her words, before reluctantly handing over the baby to Lilith's eager hands. "Oh, how precious he is, such a chubby little bundle!" The fiery-haired demoness began tickling the baby with delight, and his cries transformed into peals of joyous laughter. "And who do we have here? Such a handsome little prince!" Lilith playfully teased and praised the baby, showering him with kisses all over.

Shocked by the unfolding events, Hel looked at Lilith with concern and fear in her voice. "Are you alright?" she asked, gently patting her friend's knee. Lilith quickly nodded, attempting to maintain her wide smile.

The demoness held the happily giggling baby in her arms, treating him as if he were a precious bedtime companion. "Oh, he smells absolutely delightful, like honey and chocolate!" the fiery-haired beast exclaimed, eagerly inhaling the sweet scent and finding genuine pleasure in it.

Hel hesitated for a moment, her hands outstretched towards Lilith as if to take the baby. But before she could make a move, the demoness abruptly closed her hands around the child, growling at the queen and baring her enormous fangs. Her eyes transformed into a crimson hue, blood-like and unsettling. Hel whispered with a mix of concern and alarm, "This isn't normal." She took a step back, taken aback by the sudden change in her friend's appearance.

Realizing the gravity of her actions, Lilith cursed loudly, her voice filled with frustration. She quickly lowered her head and relinquished her hold on the baby, returning him to his mother's waiting arms. Hel took the child back, holding him tightly against her chest. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry! I can explain everything! Your baby is incredibly beautiful, and there's something else..." Lilith's words trailed off, her breathing uneven. Her crimson eyes remained fixed on the baby, showing a wild thirst that made him seek refuge behind his mother.

"Lilith!" Hel exclaimed, her voice filled with urgency as she snapped her fingers in front of her friend's eyes. "What is it?" Lilith asked, her expression dazed and her voice weak, turning her head from side to side. "Imir, give me strength!" Hel sighed heavily, looking up at the ceiling. "You wanted to say that he's also...?" She gestured impatiently with her hand, urging Lilith to continue her words. "Yes, yes, that's right. He emanates the scent of Eden itself!"