Abasi ran joyfully, her bare feet lightly gripping the soft green grass. She was following the sound of a boy's laughter. She ran with conviction, her full skirt trailing behind her. She was chasing Deon, a member of the royal family. He is the young nephew of the All-Father and was staying in the All-Father's company to learn the way of an Aesir king. He was a kind boy who had taken a liking to Abasi, one of the servants of the palace.
Abasi was currently chasing Deon through the hedge maze on the South side of the castle, it was Deon's favorite place. Abasi knew that she had work to do. Kitchen duty, cleaning duty, or maybe stable duty. But at the moment, she did not care. She was free, free from the burden of servitude.
Abasi hated children, but she loved Deon. She had gotten to know him over the past few weeks, and he was everything she hoped for her children. He was polite, chivalrous, selfless, kind, intelligent and perceptive. He reminded her of her childhood friend, Prince Loki. She had loved Loki for as long as she could remember. She knew that he had an unsavory reputation, but he had never shown her that side of him. He had always been kind and gentle towards her.
Deon got to the clearing at the beginning of the maze. He could hear Abasi giggling and calling his name behind him. He immediately stopped. There standing in front of him was the All-Father, Odin, with Prince Thor and Prince Loki standing on either side behind him. The All-Fathers eyes were raging.
"Are you aware what hour it is?" the All-Father questioned Deon .
At the moment Abasi came out of the maze.
"I've caught you!" Abasi excitedly shouted as she grabbed Deon.
Immediately she stopped giggling and shrieked.
"Please forgive me All-Father. You frightened me!" Abasi apologized enthusiastically. Her gaze then traveled to Loki. His eyes were gleaming, a soft smile on his face. Abasi blushed and looked down. Her hands gripped Deon's shoulders.
"I will repeat myself only once, boy. Are you aware of what hour it is?" Odin questioned.
Abasi had then realized her mistake. Deon had a strict meeting at 4 in the evening that he had to attend. Abasi realized that it must be a half past five.
Abasi looked up to Odin's face, "I apologize profusely All-Father. I had lost track of time. I should have been more aware. It my fault alone, I promised Deon I would keep the time so that he would not be late."
Odin lifted his gaze from Deon to Abasi, for the first time. What was she doing in the maze with Deon when there was so much to be done in preparation for the Jul celebration, the celebration of the new year, that was only days away? Odin was beyond anger at this point.
"Abasi I suggest that you get to work immediately or you will wish that you had never stepped foot into this castle. Deon, follow me, we must speak." Odin then turned away and started towards the castle with Thor and Deon behind him. Loki stayed behind.
He smiled at her, "Let me walk you to your rooms."