Thanks to Dagney's swift preparations, I am just in time to supper. I take my seat along the side of the table, thankfully without tripping over my dress. The Allfather and Queen Frigga sit at the head and foot of the table, Thor on my left and Loki across from us.
"Good evening, Lady Edan." King Odin nods at me.
"Greetings, Allfather," I respond. Servants enter the dining room and set heaping platters of meat and bowls of warm stew on the table. The aromas are mouthwatering, I have never seen a meal as lavish as this. A bowl of stew is set in front of me. I raise my spoon to my lips and eat, gulping down the warm broth. A sound of pleasure escapes my lips. The stew is superb, as expected. I gulp down more. Out of the corner of my eye, I see the royal family staring at me. Oh, right. Manners. I lower my spoon from midway to my mouth and clear my throat.
Picking the spoon up again, I raise it delicately to my mouth and sip the broth as quietly as I can. "This is magnificent," I offer.
Frigga gives me an approving nod. The rest of the family takes this as a cue to move on, and they being eating their stew, although Loki and Odin seem to be mildly uncomfortable by my presence at the table. I catch the Allfather observing me when he thinks I cannot see. Loki, on the other hand, is determined to not make eye contact with me, and does not break his concentration from his meal.
"So, Edan." King Odin breaks the near silence after a second course of meat and bread is brought out. "Tell us about yourself."
I dab the corners of my mouth with a napkin. "What do you wish to know?"
"Anything," he replies as he takes a bite out of meat cooked rare.
Putting my silverware down, I clear my throat. "Well, I completed compulsory schooling like everyone at my age. I got high enough marks, but I never went on to pursue any higher learning because I had to find work. Though, given the choice, I would not object to being educated further. I do love gaining new knowledge."
The queen nods. "We can do some general studies in addition to developing your magic. Astronomy, perhaps, as well as healing and history."
I smile. "That sounds quite desirable."
Odin clears this throat. "Edan, you say you did not pursue higher learning because you had to find work. Did your parents not provide for you?"
Damn. I loathe talking about my family, I don't even consider them as such anymore. Biting my lip, I answer slowly. "My family, ah, did not seem to care for me. The were rather neglectful." Out of the corner of my eye, I notice Loki grow still. Though he still does not look up, I can tell he is listening. "They would have preferred to have a son. I eventually grew so sick of them that I left. I lived on the streets and cared for myself for many years. Tis not a bad life, simply different." Yes, that much would suffice. I have no desire to delve into the details of my past life.
"I can assure you that will not happen here," the queen intones. I catch the hint of a scoff from Loki, though no one else takes notice.
"Thank you, my lady," I reply. "I look forward to my time here."
Our meal runs its course uneventfully, and I depart to my quarters with instructions from the queen to get fitted for appropriate attire in the morning. When I return to my chambers, suddenly overcome with exhaustion, I skip bathing and don sleeping garments. I drift peacefully into sleep, thinking that this could be the beginning of a new life.
A/N: A short chapter, I know. The holidays are busy, I have lots of preparations and such to do. Sorry guys:( I'll try to update again when I can. Don't forget to leave a review. Happy New Year!
