Ellie sat on the throne looking out over the elves that had gathered to welcome her. The three elven elders and her personal guards had escorted her to Alfheim that morning. She was given a short reprieve in an ante chamber to the throne room before she was presented to the royal court. Now she was bombarded with odd names she thought she would never remember. Anson and the rest of her guards stood behind her while Anton, along with Soldom and Gimor, introduced the members to her one by one.
Ellie tried to keep her mind on what was taking place in front of her but her mind would go back to what had taken place the night before.
The moon shined down around them making the sand and stones sparkle. The gentle sound of water washing onto shore and the crackle of the torches calmed her nerves. His beautiful blue grey eyes watched her as they ate. Ellie had been a mess from the ordeal she had gone through but she desperately wanted to move past it.
Loki had been the solid ground she sorely needed giving her traction in the quick sand that was quickly consuming her. With his constant support Ellie began to feel like herself again. Easier to laugh and easier to be touched. When her eyes first saw the photo album that he had Jane find, she could think of nothing other than being in his arms. With the warmth of his body against hers, Loki asked her words she did not even realize she wanted to hear.
"I was wondering if you would do me the honor of becoming my wife."
After all they had been through. After all she had been through he still wanted her. Loki wanted to bind them together. A shiver of excitement coursed through her body. Even after she thought Helbindi, Loki's Frost Giant brother had beaten and ruined her; she saw the beacon of light that pulled her out of the darkness.
When she was finally able to utter a response Loki took the chance and kissed her. Having not felt his kiss in so long Ellie lost herself in the bliss his lips induced. Ellie missed his touch and Loki knew it deep down. At first he was shocked by her quick response but he then let her take the lead not knowing how far he could go.
She was ready. Ellie felt it in her bones. As their lips tenderly caressed, Ellie reached for Loki's shoulders and pushed his coat down his arms. Trailing her hands down his chest she found the edge of his shirt and pulled it up over his head. With his arms still in the air he closed his eyes as she slowly ran her fingertips down the sensitive skin on the inside of his arms. Loki's senses reeled as he finally felt Ellie's hands on him once again. But then she stopped.
"What is the matter my love?" he asked as he opened his eyes.
Ellie did not respond but he followed her gaze down to his chest. Her eyes welled and a single tear spilled down her cheek. The light touch of her hand pushed aside the pendant and traced the scar that lay underneath. Loki watched as Ellie scrunched her eyes shut and lowered her head.
"That was my fault," she whispered before a sob spilled out. "If I hadn't went out onto that battlefield this would not have happened. You wouldn't have died."
"Oh Ellie…..it was you who saved me." Loki said reaching up to cup her cheek.
Ellie leaned into the warmth of his hand.
"Your powers were bound to the pendant when you were…" he trailed off unable to speak those words. "So the moment the pendant touched my heart your energy coursed through my body and healed me."
Loki lifted her chin to look at him.
"Jane crying your name into my ear and your pendant around my neck brought me back from the dead and healed me so I could save you. Bring you home to me." Loki paused and closed his eyes. "Now you are being taken away from me."
Ellie closed her eyes and rested her forehead against his. "I don't want to go."
Loki wrapped his arms around Ellie and pulled her body close. Nuzzling his face into her neck he whispered, "I do not want you to go."
Ellie brought herself out of her day dream and tried to focus on the circus taking place in front of her. All the unfamiliar faces began to blur together. Pulling in a lung full of air, she tried to clear her mind. Anson stood a few feet to her side and noticed that her hands were beginning to shake.
Anton continued on with introductions and Ellie did all that she could to concentrate on names and faces but she continued to lose interest. Anson stepped into her peripheral vision and she could see the questioning look on his face. Ellie knew he could see she was having trouble but she shook her head slightly to indicate he should keep silent. Any sign of weakness was something that would not bode well.
Adjusting herself slightly in her seat, Ellie took one more deep breath and then tried to concentrate on the details of the room. Without trying to show her disinterest she concentrated on the colors of the room. Everything was in natural colors of browns and greens as opposed to the gold and silver of the Asgardian palace. Her throne was a rich brown color and looked like an ancient twisted tree trunk. A soft emerald green cushion padded the seat. Out of the corners of her eyes she realized most of the decorations to the throne room looked like she was in a forest. The columns were wrapped in branches with leaves towards the tops and moss seemed to be growing near the base.
Ellie tried to hide a smile as she realized the real elves seemed to favor the forest like they did in the movies back home. When they had arrived through the bifrost they had landed in a courtyard outside of the palace. They were surrounded by walls that were at least three stories tall and one could not see over. Yet trees were planted all along the walls. As Ellie thought about it, there was some sort of plant life everywhere she looked.
A slow peaceful feeling started to creep over her. Growing up in New Mexico there was not much plant life to speak of and then she moved to New York City. In the city her apartment was right next to a small park and she always loved to go to Central Park and read her afternoons away. Was this her father's side coming out in her?
"My queen?" Anton said bringing her out of her thoughts. "That will conclude our introductions for today. Some of the royal court were unable to attend this greeting so a more formal affair will be planned in your honor to allow a more personal meeting of all your subjects."
Ellie bowed her head in acknowledgment.
"I am sure you are tired from your journey. Anson, would you please escort the queen to her chambers so she may freshen up and make herself at home."
Anson bowed to his grandfather and moved to Ellie's side. "My queen."
Ellie slowly stood from her throne and looked to all the faces staring at her. Anson indicated with a sweep of his hand which way she should go. She didn't know what she should do. Stepping down the stairs off the small rise of her throne, she waved to the people like the queen of England. Once she was out of the room her face turned red and she wondered how stupid she looked to them. This was going to be hard she thought to herself.
As Anson led the way, Ellie was followed by three of her other guards. Their names were still a mystery to her but she was going to make a concerted effort to try and remember them all. As the small group moved through the halls up to her chambers Ellie looked around. The palace was definitely different from Odin's palace. Just like the throne room everything was covered in natural looking plant life. There were flowers, trees, bushes and moss on everything. Looking closer at the hallways, Ellie realized that the plants were the walls. The palace was the plants.
Finally they reached a large set of double doors that looked to weigh a ton. The wood was a dark mahogany and were intricately carved with the image of a large tree that spread across them both.
"My lady, these are your chambers. These rooms once belonged to your grandmother and for a short time they belonged to you and your mother. They however have been sealed since you and your mother left." Anson said.
"Sealed for nineteen years, huh? There must be one hell of a layer of dust." Ellie said jokingly.
Anson gave her half a smile and the other guards remained motionless. Ellie thought to herself how these guys would have to lighten up.
"The rooms of this palace pick who is worthy to occupy a particular place. After your grandmother died, no one was allowed into this room until your mother arrived when she was pregnant with you. The room sealed itself once again when your father hid you back on earth. Now that you have returned the room will again belong to you." Anson explained.
"Well how do you know that it will let me in? Maybe it was my mother who was the rightful occupant."
Anson smiled. "When the room is sealed, the branches from the surrounding walls cover the doors. Shortly before your return, the branches reseeded."
Anson walked up to the doors and attempted to push them open but they would not budge. He then indicated for Ellie to try. Hesitantly she stepped up, pushed on the doors and with barely the touch of her hand they easily swung open.
"As you see, the room obviously has chosen you my queen."
Ellie smiled at Anson and slowly stepped into her new chambers. The first room was a sitting area with chairs and lounges. The walls were lined with shelves and filled with books. An ornately carved fireplace was perched in a corner and above the mantel was a painting of a beautiful blonde haired woman.
Anson noticed her looking at the painting. "That is your grandmother, Elliana. The woman you were named after."
"She was beautiful." Ellie breathed.
"That and very kind. She was beloved by all her subjects." Anson replied. "I will now take my leave. Explore your rooms and make yourself comfortable. Yours things will be brought up shortly and then you can rest before dinner."
Anson bowed and left the room leaving Ellie alone for the first time since she arrived. She took a turn around the room glancing at the books and other trinkets that lined the shelves. Picking up a book she noticed the writing was all foreign. So much for reading in her spare time. After putting the book back she noticed the two doors that led off of the sitting room. They were made from the same mahogany as the main door but were much smaller and carved with what looked like rose bushes.
Moving towards the door on the right she slowly pushed it open. Stepping into the darkened room the torches dimly lit themselves. Lifting her hand she waved her fingers and the torches brightened. Ellie's heart clenched as she realized she was standing in a nursery. This must have been her room when she stayed here with her mother. There was a crib in the corner made of intricately woven branches and lined with green silk bedding. In the other corner was a daybed made with swirling branches and covered with the same silk. Is this where her mother slept when she was a baby?
Ellie walked around the room brushing her hand along the silk and trying to imagine her mother in this place. Then looking into the crib, she tried to comprehend herself ever being that small. As she turned back to the door she saw the corner of the room was filled with toy shelves. Ellie knelt down in front and looked at all the handmade toys. There were dolls and hand carved wooden people but what really caught her attention was a small box.
Picking it up to look at the carving, something pulled at the back of her mind. Lifting the lid Ellie saw a mirror on the inside of the lid and two small figurines popped up in the middle and began to dance. They seemed so life like but what really caught her attention was the music. Ellie knew that music. She could not recall when she had ever heard it but it was almost painfully familiar. If this had been her playroom then she must have heard it as a small child.
As she walked out the door the torches dimmed themselves and went out as she closed the door behind her. Moving to the other door, Ellie took a deep breath before she opened it, not sure what to expect on the other side. Her jaw dropped as she took in the splendor of the room. The room was enormous. Trees grew around the edges and up into the ceiling where branches and leaves inter mixed with balls of light that looked like stars trying to peek through. Ellie had never seen anything like it.
Tearing her eyes away from the ceiling she noticed the large mirror on one wall with a small sitting area that consisted of two chairs and a small table. What drew her attention next was the large bed that practically took up one entire wall. The base of the bed looked like tree trunks with roots that grew directly into the floor. The trunks grew up into the ceiling to join the rest of the branches and then lightly cascaded down to intermix with a thin shimmering fabric to create curtains.
Ellie had never seen anything so beautiful and inviting in her life. The whole room emanated a peaceful feeling. A sense of calm passed over Ellie as she took in the splendor of the room but was then interrupted by a knock at the outer door. Moving out of her bedroom she walked back into the sitting room.
"It's open," Ellie called out.
The doors swung open on their own and an older woman stepped back in shock as she watched the doors move on their own. Her gaze then slowly traveled to Ellie. Once she regained her composure, the woman bowed to Ellie and then waited.
Ellie looked back at the woman waiting for her to come in and then realized the woman waited for her. "Oh! I'm sorry. Please come in." Ellie said and moved to greet the woman.
The woman entered the room and bowed to Ellie. "My name is Oreanna. I am the head of the serving staff and I am here to welcome you home."
"It is a pleasure to meet you," Ellie replied.
"I have had your things brought to you. Come!" Oreanna yelled out.
Ellie stifled a giggle as she watched two men carry in her trunk and two small bags. She didn't have much of her own possessions. All that came with her were a trunk of a few dresses she had worn in Asgard and a few of the belongings that Jane had brought back from earth. The men carried them into her room and then quickly left with a bow.
"I will put your belongings away," Oreanna said as she moved into the bedroom.
Ellie followed her and grabbed one of the bags along the way.
"My lady!" Oreanna gasped. "I will do this for you."
Ellie gave her a smile and sat the bag down on her bed. "I am not used to being waited on. I only have a few things so I can put them away myself."
The old woman suppressed a glare and turned to drag the chest further into the room. Ellie stepped up and grabbed the other end.
"My lady, please," Oreanna began.
"Let me help at least," Ellie said with a smile realizing this woman was used to the order of things.
They carried the trunk over to the wall and Oreanna went and pulled on a branch. Nothing happened so she pulled again. Letting out an irritated grunt she kept trying to pull. Ellie looked at her confused at first and then realized what she was doing.
"Open," she said and a door gently swung open.
Oreanna took a step back and glanced at Ellie. Nodding her head she bent down and opened the chest. Grabbing the first gown she stepped through the door. Ellie followed her and found herself in the largest walk-in closet she had ever seen. The walls were lined with racks, shelves and drawers. In the middle of the room there was a lounge chair next to a full length mirror. It took only a few minutes for them to hang her few belongings and Ellie let out a laugh. Oreanna turned and looked at her.
"I've never needed a closet this big so these few things look pretty silly in here." Ellie explained.
Oreanna attempted to hold back a smile. "Soon enough this closet will be full of beautiful things."
"I don't need beautiful things, I just need….." Ellie stopped as her thoughts turned to Loki. Her chest constricted as she realized how much she missed him.
"Are you alright my lady?" Oreanna asked as she saw the faraway look in Ellie's eyes.
"I'm fine," Ellie replied as she turned to look at the old woman. "It's been a big day so far."
"Well then you should go and lie down until it is time to get ready for dinner."
Ellie nodded and headed towards the bed.
"Let me help you to undress." Oreanna said as she moved to her side.
"No!" Ellie burst out. "I mean no." she said more quietly. "I can take care of myself, thank you."
The woman looked at her a bit shocked. "As you wish. Dinner will be ready in a few hours. Someone will return and help you prepare for dinner." Oreanna said as she bowed and turned to leave.
"Thank you," Ellie called after her.
She listened as the main doors closed in the other room. Turning back towards the bed she walked over grabbing the small bag and laid it next to the other. Pulling each item out she laid them on the bed. Her eyes moved over the few items she still possessed. Jane had managed to bring some of her favorite books from her apartment and her journal. She shoved the journal under her pillow and stacked the books on the table next to her bed.
Ellie looked at the last item left. It was the photo album her mother had made for her. Flipping through the pages she remembered back to all the fun times she had with her mother. Ellie wished she could go back and relive those days. The days before her life had become so complicated.
Ellie placed the album in the drawer next to her bed and struggled to get herself out of her dress. All she wanted to do was crawl in bed and close her eyes. Finally getting stripped down to her slip she crawled into the oversized bed. Pulling the covers up to her chin she settled herself into comfort of the super soft mattress and the silkiness of the sheets.
The last time she had felt this comfortable was when…
Ellie pulled the journal out from underneath the pillow and opened it to the page with the pressed flower. Squeezing her eyes shut, she held back the tears. With one last look at the flower she gently closed the book and slid it back under the pillow. Closing her eyes she turned her face into the pillow.