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So there I was. I didn't really know what to expect, but it would have been suicide not to show up, and shortly before eight I stood there in front of the gate. There were other girls there as well, maybe six or seven. I didn't want to count. I guessed that they also had turned seventeen very recently. I smiled briefly in their direction but I keep to myself. It's one thing you learn when you are a servant. Don't form any bonds with people when you don't know how long you will stay. For all I knew, only a few of us would get the job and that may just be temporary. It hurts to befriend someone only to never get to see them again, so you have to choose wisely when and with whom that would be.

Ding-ding-ding-ding-ding-ding-ding-ding

8 o'clock. The gate opened slowly before us. The gold shimmered in the early morning sun and it blinded me momentarily. I blinked a few times and then I saw a woman standing in the doorway.

"Well, come along girls! Don't just stand there."

Her voice was harsh and stern and she had a proud bearing. I wouldn't want to contradict this woman. It's best to keep low, I thought to myself. She presented herself as madam Embla and showed us the way inside. As the gate closed behind us and shut out the light everything seemed dark for a while, but when my eyes adjusted I gasped. I had never seen anything like it! The walls was slightly curved and seemed to go on forever upwards as the ceiling was obscure and darkened. All the interiors were in varied golden colours alongside shining, white marble. Madam Embla seemed to wait for us to take it all in, because she had turned to face us with her mouth set in a thin line and she said:

"Have you all put back your eyes into their sockets so that we may continue? It may be a lot to take in, but you have lots to learn and we have lots to do. Please follow me."

The first thing we were shown was our quarters. It was a relatively small room with ten beds and a small cupboard next to each; it looked quite cosy. Next we were shown the kitchens. None of us would do any cooking, but we would need to know our way around it anyway. The tour continued and all the time I saw things that took my breath away. Everything was grander than anything I had ever seen before and that night I fell asleep as soon as my head made contact with the pillow. We had all got our specific instructions of the chores we were to perform as from that next morning, and my last thought that day was: I wonder if I get to see Thor tomorrow. Everyone says he's so handsome...

Breakfast the next morning was a hasty affair that was quickly over with. I felt quite nervous as I was going to serve at the kings table that morning. I had never seen the royal family in real life before, only heard stories and rumours about them. I had never really concerned myself with their purpose either. It was just obvious that they should be there, ruling Asgard. Whatever that meant.

I myself and a second girl, who I believe was called Grimhild, were sent to the kitchen where we were met up by a woman.

"My name is Heyda. I will help you and show you how we do things here. What are your names, young ones?"

The woman radiated calm and a warmth that made me feel a bit less nervous. We answered her with our names and then she began telling us the details of our task at hand. The time rushed by while we set the table in the great hall (wow!) that was the dining room. The oval table was the biggest I had ever laid eyes on and as we brought more and more dishes I thought it could never be filled. At long last the table was loaded by all the kinds of food imaginable; meat, fruit, bread, fish, sauces and several different kinds of drinks. When I looked at it all I could not believe my eyes. Was this only breakfast? And how many were they who were going to eat it? I did not have long to ponder this, for shortly after I had thought this, Heyda caught my and Grimhild's attention and said quietly:

"Quickly, take your possisions!"

I had only just taken my assigned spot on the floor and bowed my head when the great doors swung open.

"You are too easily provoked, dear brother." said a deep masculine voice. "It will not do to lose your temper with the people on such a minute matter."

As I dared to glance up I saw a most handsome man come into the room. His red cape flowed behind him as he marched towards the table and threw himself in one of the chairs. His hair was at shoulder length and, although at this considerable distance, I saw his eyes gleam a piercing blue. Thor. After him through the door came someone at a slower pace.

"Minute matter?" said the other man. His voice was like velvet purr. Smooth but piercing the words resonated round the room, despite the low tone it was spoken in. A small chill went up my spine, and I couldn't help but look his way as he continued:

"The man disrespected me. Disrespected all of us. Our father. I only want to protect my family. Would you have me do otherwise?"

Loki. I thought. The younger brother was the opposite of Thor. His hair was black like a ravens feathers, his skin looked pale and instead of piercing blue, his eyes were a deep green. He took a seat opposite Thor and sat there silently watching him. He seemed to ponder what the brother had said and he finally answered:

"Well brother, I know you only want to help. I will not speak to Father about it. Happy?"

"Thank you, brother."

I could not see Loki's face and though his voice was humble, I got the feeling that it was not Loki's true emotion. This fascinated me.

Suddenly I felt a sharp pain in my ribs. I looked around to see Grimhild staring at me. Then I remembered. I had a job to do! I moved forward to assist the two princes of Asgard.

To be continued...