Chapter 1: The Visit
With the sun's first bright rays peaking into the room, Khalessi opens her emerald eyes slowly. Always an early riser, she gradually sits up and stretches her arms above her head. Sliding from her warm bed, she pads over to her window. Opening the gauzy curtains, she takes in the new day. A slight chill enters the room as she looks over the courtyard below, covered in freshly fallen snow. The world glistened at the sun shown upon the white covering. She soon loses herself in thought. Soon after she realizes the time and makes her way to her large wardrobe.
Selecting a gown of green and marigold, she pulls it above her head and over her lithe body. Slipping on her worn, brown boots, she hurriedly laces them up. Waving a hand over her long, auburn hair, it begins to braid itself. Smiling to herself, she pulls on her heavy woolen cloak and leaves her room. Greeting the passing maids and guards, she enters the courtyard and travels across to her mentor's chambers.
Knocking on the cracked wooden door, she yells at the doorway, "Pascal! Are you awake yet?" After listening for his telltale grunting and the sound of clanging pots, she walks into the dark room.
Her mentor, Pascal Fellwood, was a well known powerful sorcerer throughout their realm of Vanaheim. Years of magic and sorcery have tolled on the aging man, as now he is only capable of simple spells and potions. Although his crippling body refuses him his magic, his mind still holds years of knowledge for which he holds dear. Although known for his vast knowledge and power, his legendary unpleasantness toward anyone of non-magical decent has become his legacy. In his recent years, old age has only added to his unwarranted grumpiness.
Khalessi was fortunate that she was able to convince the old sorcerer to take her on as his student. She was well taught and mastered many spells only experienced magicians could produce. Able to look past his anger and sullen attitude, Khalessi could see the young, strong man he once was. That was her thing: she always looked for the good in people; seen by many as a weakness.
"Why must you always be so happy in these early mornings?" He grumbled without looking over his slumped shoulders.
Stifling a laugh, she replies, "Oh Pascal, you old grumpy man. You must remember that Queen Frigga is visiting today!" She exclaims while setting her cloak on a nearby stool. "I have been awaiting this day for many a fortnight. And although I have never met her, I hear she is quite beautiful and kind," she explains, "And of course, I have been told the stories of her magic and skill since I was just a young child."
"Even if she is visiting the grounds, it does not warrant for such joyous behavior so early," he growls.
Sighing, she realizes that Pascal is in mood to be trifled with. More than used to his dower moods, she quiets herself. She walks toward him and glances at his work, anticipating what he needs next to continue his brew. Seeing he will need root of the Millflower, she walks to the cupboard and retrieves a handful and sets it to his side.
Watching him, he notices the plant, which warrants a slight smile to his lips. She smiles inwardly that she has pleased her mentor. She had learned his antics and techniques when it came to his work. Anticipation and observation is what he valued most.
Quietly for the remainder of the morning, she works with Pascal to finish his work and begins practicing her own magic under his guidance. Although, crippled with old age and worsening vision, Pascal could see a misstep in a spell before she even realized she had made one. Stern with a commanding voice he always demanded perfection from his prized student. And she, determined and stubborn pushed back to prove herself worthy. Their opposite personalities confused many, with Khalessi being happy and light and Pascal being sour and private, they understood one another and were able to learn from each other.
About midday, a horn sounds, announcing the Queen's impending arrival. Hurriedly, Khalessi cleans her desk and puts away various plants and roots that she had been practicing with.
She retrieves her cloak and fastens it around her shoulders, "Enjoy the rest of your day, Mentor!" She says and rushes out of the door. Turning the corner, she looks for guards or servants, but seeing none. Closing her eyes, silently she performs a spell, and when she opens her eyes, she finds herself back in her chambers.
"Miss Khalessi! Have you have frightened me again!" Exclaimed her handmaiden, Evelyn.
Laughing slightly at her friend's distress, "Poor Evelyn, I never mean to intentionally scare you." Shaking her head, she walks to her wardrobe and changes into her finer dress, made of deep red silk. Evelyn walks to her back and begins to lace her dress. "Are you excited for the Queen's arrival?" Khalessi asked her.
"Why yes, Khalessi, all of the maids have been rushing about all morning, preparing for her stay. I hope she is as beautiful as the stories say." Evelyn rambles while expertly tying her into the silk dress.
Turning in her gown, she turns to her handmaiden, "Do I look fit to meet the Queen?" Twirling, she laughs slightly.
Nodding, Evelyn relies, "You look fit to be a queen!" Retrieving her more ornate cloak, she ties it around her Lady's shoulders.
Once fully presentable, she makes her way down the stairwell towards the front entrance.
Weaving through the mass of people gathered to witness their Queen's arrival, she situates herself at her father, Martor's, right side. Her mother, Valendor, sitting in her wheeled chair, smiles at her warmly.
Valendor was a handsome woman, with dark brown hair and bright green eyes but it was her spirit that made her. Strong and well-spoken, she always knew what was needed of her. Dressed in her finest gown, she looked elegant and regal. Khalessi's mother had once been a skilled fighter, one of the first women soldiers; but during a fierce battle, a falling boulder landed on her and took away her ability to walk. Lucky to be alive, her mother has taken her duties as Lady of the house and contributing to House Counsel when needed. But this past winter has taken a toll of the crippled woman, her skin looked pale and fragile. Khalessi constantly worried about her mother's ailing health, aiding the healers when needed. But her mother, the Lady of Vanaheim, would never let her weakness show, especially to Queen of Asgard.
Martor on the other hand, still looked as if he could join a battle tomorrow. Strong and burly, he stood tall and proud. Years of battles and time wore on his face like rivers in a valley but his youthful spirit never left his eyes. Never one to turn down a bet and defend his own. He was a well-loved Lord of Vanaheim, harsh but fair and was always there to lend an offering hand. His gleaming red hair tousled in the wind as he waited for Queen Frigga's arrival at the bi-frost.
Not but a minute more, the rumble of the bi-frost sounded and soon the flashing bridge touched the ground and disappeared a moment later as if it had not shown at all. Left in it's wake stood Queen Frigga and a handful of loyal guards.
Martor steps forward, welcoming the Queen, "Queen Frigga of Asgard, how joyous of you to join us in Vanaheim. I hope you find yourself in good company whilst your stay." He smiles as he kisses the Queen's hand.
Frigga, known for her kindness and beauty, the stories of her beauty did her no justice. With flowing golden hair and clear blue eyes, she made every woman in comparison look less. She gracefully curtsied at Martor and glanced around at the citizens surrounding them. Her eyes locked on Khalessi's for a moment before returning to Martor.
"Why thank you, Lord Martor. For it has been quite some time since I have been to great Vanaheim. I seem to believe Vanaheim's hospitality has not changed and look forward to my stay here and what it may bring." Again, she looked towards Khalessi, bringing her a sense that the Queen was here for more than one reason. Walking toward my mother, she bent down and embrace the disabled woman. "Valendor, what a pleasure to see you again." She smiled warmly down at her.
Her mother smiled brightly back and bowed her head, "It is a great honor to have you stay at my home." Her mother gestured towards our stone castle and rolling hills of green pasture. "I would like to present to you my daughter, Khalessi of Vanaheim." She said while gently pulling her daughter forward.
Swallowing her nerves, Khalessi curtsied to the elegant Queen, "Such an honor to be in your presence, Queen Frigga." Looking up into her blue eyes, Khalessi instantly felt her nerves calm with the woman before her.
"It is an honor to me as well to meet the best sorcerer in Vanaheim," She gazed upon her like a proud mother, "And such a young, beautiful woman at that."
Blushing deeply, Khalessi quickly explained, "Oh, Queen, I express my deepest of gratitudes but I am nothing more than a Lady with the ability of magic whom I would be nothing without my mentor, nothing more." Dipping her head, she steps beside her father.
"Let us get you out of the cold, My Queen, for their is a feast waiting for you in the Great Hall!" Leading the way, he strides towards the hall, followed by his wife and daughter, then the Queen and her guards.
Walking into the hall, Khalessi could see her mother's touch on everything. They had spared no expense for the Queen. The beautiful golden centerpieces, floating candles within the air, and delectable foods and wines sprawled over the wooden tables.
The Queen took her father's usual seat at the head of the table. Martor and Valendor sat on her right while Khalessi on her left.
Music began to echo throughout the room and the feast had begun. The clinking of glasses and joyous conversations were soon overheard.
Quietly, observing the scene around her, Khalessi focused her attention on the Queen. Dressing in the finest of robes, she sat regally upon her chair. Frigga had a kind and welcoming aura around her. She talked to men and women of all status during the feast.
Frigga then turned to her, "Khalessi, my dear, tell me of you studies with Master Pascal." Leaning towards Khalessi, she focused her eyes on her.
Nodding, Khalessi explained of her experience with her mentor. "Pascal has taught me more than I had ever known was possible with magic. If I had never began my studies with him I don't think I would be as powerful as I am today. He is an excellent teacher although his restrictions against practicing magic prevent us from expanding his teaching. But again, I would be nothing without him," She smiled fondly on her time with her famed mentor.
Eyes twinkling, the Queen, leaned back into her chair and pointed towards the grand fireplace, "If it is alright with Martor, I would like to see your skill. I want you to show me. Light the fireplace." Looking expectantly at Khalessi, she and the rest of the court waited.
Looking towards her father, she watched him nod his head. Clearing her throat and focusing her attention to the fireplace, moments later, fire roared from the ashes, setting a warmth throughout the room. The table cheered for their Lady Khalessi's success. Her parent's shown with pride, clapping along with the court. Red cheeked, Khalessi looked towards the Queen who was nodding approvingly before calling forth her aide and speaking with him silently. After, she again smiled at the young girl in front of her.
Relief and pleasure washed over, she was pleased she was able to prove herself to the Queen and make her parent's proud.
The rest of the banquet was met with gay affair and ended in the wee hours of the night. Retiring early, Khalessi returned to her chambers. Whilst getting ready for slumber a guard had knocked on her door leaving her a letter.
Recognizing the royal seal, she opened it to reveal that Queen Frigga wanted a private audience with her tomorrow for high tea.
She rushed to the adjacent room, startling her handmaiden. "Evelyn, the Queen has asked for a private tea with me!" Gushing over her letter, she could barely contain her excitement.
"Oh my Lessi! You are the most lucky and deserving!" Hugging her Lady, she returns her enthusiasm.
Soon after, she returned to her bed chamber. Climbing into her firm bed, she looks out her ajar window. Nerves and excitement on the hope of what tomorrow could bring ran through her mind as she drifted off to sleep silently.
AN: Let me know what you think of my story. It is my first one! I can't wait to hear your comments, suggestions, and critiques. Thank you! x