After Alexander's awakening, Yggdrasil changed.
Not visibly.
But intentionally.
The World Tree's Choice
Deep beneath the realms, the roots of Yggdrasil thickened around Asgard—braiding tighter, older, deeper.
Its protection sharpened:
Cosmic perception slid harmlessly past Dimensional awareness blurred Fate-reading tangled and softened
Alexander Ashborn Odinson was no longer merely hidden.
He was claimed.
Even ancient cosmic entities brushing against the World Tree's awareness were gently—firmly—turned away.
Not this child, Yggdrasil seemed to say.
Not yet.
The All-Father's Precaution
Odin felt the shift immediately.
Without ceremony, he reinforced the wards around Alexander's chamber.
Layer upon layer:
Asgardian runic barriers Odinforce suppression fields Anti-cosmic resonance seals Conceptual dampeners
No celebration.
No announcement.
Only protection.
"He will grow," Odin murmured to Frigga. "But not at the universe's expense."
Frigga simply nodded.
First Words
Time moved forward gently.
Thor and Loki grew fast—strong lungs, sharp eyes, restless hands.
One morning, as Odin entered the nursery—
"Fa—ther!"
Thor shouted it loudly, proudly.
Loki followed seconds later, quieter but clear.
"Father."
Odin stopped dead.
Then he laughed, a booming sound that shook the walls.
"My sons," he said warmly, lifting them both. "You honor me."
For the rest of the day, Odin walked with a little more pride than usual.
A Different Choice
Later that afternoon, Alexander crawled across the floor.
Not toward Odin.
Toward Frigga.
She knelt instantly, arms open.
Alexander reached her and tugged at her robes.
Frigga lifted him effortlessly.
He looked at her—eyes molten gold, calm and certain—
And spoke his first word.
"Mama."
The world stopped.
Frigga gasped softly, then laughed, joy spilling over as she hugged Alexander tightly and kissed his forehead again and again.
"My sweet boy," she whispered. "My precious son."
Alexander rested against her, content.
Odin watched from across the room.
Silent.
Then—
"…Hm."
He looked away, hiding a small smile.
A Father's Patience
Later that evening, Odin stood beside Alexander's cradle.
"Papa," he said casually. "Pa-pa."
Alexander blinked at him.
Unimpressed.
Odin cleared his throat.
"Papa."
Nothing.
Frigga watched, amused.
"He will say it when he's ready," she teased gently.
Odin sniffed. "Of course."
Still… he waited.
Victory at Last
A few days later, Odin sat on the floor—unusual for the All-Father—holding Gungnir carefully to the side.
Alexander crawled toward him.
Odin leaned forward slightly.
Alexander stopped.
Looked up.
And said—
"Papa."
Odin froze.
Then—
"Hah!"
He scooped Alexander up instantly, laughter booming through the hall.
"Did you hear that?" Odin announced loudly. "He said Papa."
Frigga smiled, shaking her head.
"Yes, yes," she replied. "The realms rejoice."
Odin grinned shamelessly.
"For generations, they shall know this day."
Alexander yawned in his arms.
A Family, Shielded
That night, Alexander slept peacefully.
Thor dreamed of strength.
Loki dreamed of understanding.
And above them all—
Yggdrasil stood watch.
Not as fate.
Not as prophecy.
But as a guardian—
shielding a child who had already begun to change the balance of the universe…
while still learning how to say Mama and Papa.