When I came to, I opened my eyes to see my room in shambles. Pictures were toppled over, my books had fallen off my shelves, and the whole room looked like it had been through more than just an earthquake.
Sitting up, I carefully pushed the debris off my legs and got up shakily. "Glee!" I called out, and waited for her to come bounding into my room.
She didn't.
I always wanted to worry when she didn't appear, but I figured she was in the basement or living room, causing some sort of mischief or sleeping somewhere. As I began to pick up my room, I started to get a bit warm, so I changed into a pair of dark wash skinny jeans, and slipped on a black tank with a mint green pullover. My hair, which was beginning to fall out of the braid I had put it in after I got my shower last night, before the power and the storm, looked a mess. I quickly pulled the elastic off and slipped it around my wrist. I unbraided my hair and shook it out, letting my elbow-length honey brown hair free.
"Glee!" I called again, opening my bedroom door.
I almost passed out again at the sight in front of me. Instead of the hallway leading to my living-room, I was met with the shocking sight of deep green trees and a flowing river. In the distance, I noticed what I first thought was a large chunk of golden stalagmites, but when I squinted into the rising sun, I saw that it was in fact a large building.
"Oh..my...god." I murmured, stepping backwards and shutting the door with a bang.
I rubbed my eyes and opened it again. It was still there.
I shut the door again and pinched my arm, grumbling when I didn't wake up.
Okay, maybe this is just a really vivid dream, and maybe I won't wake up until I venture outside.
I went over to my closet, and pulled out a pair of dark black combat boots. I slipped them on, and grabbed my backpack-purse off of the purse holder in my closet. I shoved some stuff I thought I'd need inside, and slowly walked to the door.
Pushing it open, I stepped outside, my feet crunching quietly on the leaves that scattered the ground. A breeze blew, and I shivered slightly. The temperature seemed to just start to be chilly, and I assumed that it was just the beginning of autumn...if they even had autumn...
I shut my door behind me, and looked at the outside walls of my home. You could see the studs supporting what used to be the hallway, but other than the lack of my house, my room was in almost perfect condition. A little too perfect, if you ask me.
Swinging my pack over my shoulder, I set off towards the river. It was bound to lead somewhere. I continued my trek through the airy woods, still trying my best not to freak out.
I finally reached the river, and stood at the edge, taking in my surroundings. I had no idea which way to go, and I could no longer see the city, as the tall trees blocked my sight.
I remembered that the buildings were to my left, so I decided it would probably be best to head that way, so I did. I began my trek down the left side of the river, humming quietly to myself.
A few songs hummed later, I came across a small wooden bridge and a path that weaved through the trees.
Should I cross it, or keep going? I wondered, and as if on que, an elderly lady approached the bridge, and I decided to cross it, seeing as how she was pushing a wheelbarrow type thing full of fresh fruits and vegetables.
"Excuse me?" I asked politely, as I met her right after I crossed the worn bridge. "Is that the way to the city?"
She stared at me for a moment, her wrinkly forehead creasing up even more. "Why are you dressed like that, girl?"
I blinked in surprise, and was momentarily shocked, but managed to get back my bearings. "This is the way we dress in the place I am from." I stated, feigning offense. "Now please, is that the way to the city?"
She narrowed her eyes and nodded once. "It is indeed."
"Thank you." I smiled slightly and nodded my head at her before continuing along my way.
Morning sun filtered in through the branches of the tall trees, and a gentle, cool breeze blew my hair back, causing me to sigh in relief. I continued my way down the curvy path.
I finally came across a fork in the road. One way led to the right, while the other was to the left. I stared up at the sky, and saw the slight metal glint of a building peeking through the trees. Like before, I took the left, heading towards the city.
A short while later, I reached the large city of what I would later learn was Asguard. Slowly walking down the cobblestone streets, I tried not to draw attention to myself. It was already bad enough that someone had commented on my odd attire. I looked around at the shops, taking in the all the colors and different tools here and there. There was a blacksmith, a few leather shoe places, a couple of fruit and vegetables stands, and even a butcher shop.
I was instantly reminded of an old medieval town or a young New York City, the people running around in their strange clothing, while I just stood there gaping at everything like a retard. I heard strange mumbling, and I glanced up to see a young girl whispering to what appeared to be her little brother.
I smiled kindly at her, and she blushed, hiding behind the boy. They looked to be about six or seven.
"A-are you a Midguardian?" the boy asked me, his eyes sparkling curiously.
I nodded. "Yeah." I sighed as more people started to stare. "I am."
"Lady? Are you Prince Thor's friend?" the little girl finally came out from behind her brother and stared at me.
I shook my head. "No, but he saved lots of people on Earth – er, I mean – Midguard."
They grinned a little and ran off. I continued my way down the street, when I bumped into a cart of strange food, causing it to fall over and spill onto the cobblestone streets.
"Oy!" an outraged voice call, and my face got warm.
"Oh my god! I am so sorry!" I immediately bent over and started to pick up the food, only to have my hands swatted away. I looked up into the face of a middle-aged man.
"Get your grubby hands off my food, peasant!" he snarled. "I ought to call the guards..." he mumbled the last bit under his breath, and my eyes widened.
"Oh no, please don't." I said earnestly, and he glared at me, thinking.
"Are you going to pay for all this stuff you ruined?"
Swallowing nervously, I dug through my bag for something of worth.
"Um..." I trailed off, kneeling to the ground and rummaging through my bag. "Let's see here..." my hand brushed against my fake diamond bracelet I had bought myself, and I pulled it out.
"Are Midguardian diamonds alright?" I asked nervously, and the man snatched them out of my hand, studying them curiously.
"NO!" he yelled, his face beginning to turn red, and I hoped he didn't have some sort of strange power to turn me into a gazelle or something terrible of the sorts.
I flinched away at the loudness of his voice. "I'm sorry." I swallowed, backing away slightly. "It's all I have." I slung my bag over my shoulder, and ran, only to run face first into a hard object.
I squeaked in surprise to find myself staring up into the dark brown eyes of a guard.
"Hello." I said timidly, and he raised an eyebrow at my appearance.
"ARE YOU A MORTAL?" his voice boomed in my ears, and I nodded, suddenly afraid. "THE ALLFATHER WILL WANT TO SEE YOU RIGHT AWAY."
"Uh..." I mumbled, stepping back. "He does?"
I glanced around at the people who were watching the moment unfold, and I was beginning to feel like an animal at the zoo. Suddenly, his large, leather clad hand clamped around my bicep and he half-led, half-dragged me through the small crowd that had surrounded us.
"Hey!" I protested, tripping over the small flight of steps he just dragged me over.
