I became a shadow of the castle, never leaving my room. Never letting myself be known. Large plates of food always found their way to my desk. At first they held the taint of magic but one day I noticed that the plates were covered with a soft napkin. A clean citrus-like scent clung stubbornly to the fabric. It had to have been the princes' nanny Marianna. She was the only other one besides the royal family who knew of my existence here. Despite my not wanting a servant; I wasn't looking to complain. I watched the changes in my brother and Frigga helped teach me the language of a baby.
The little prince Thor had tried a few time to enter my rooms but with a stern scolding from his mother, he left it alone. The queen had loaned me thick tomes that delved into many theories of magic. Some spoke of the difference between Gaia Magic, similar to the craft the Elves harnessed and workings used by the darkest of the nine realms.
I frowned at that particular section, raising my hand on concentrating until a small green flame appeared. I knew of the levels of my magic to an extent but I had never encountered such depth on the tellings of light and dark.
A soft gurgle drew my eyes up to Loki. He was situated in a sling of sorts meant to swing him to sleep. A flicked my fingers, exhaling in satisfaction as the contraption began to gently sway back and forth. Frigga had taught me that one having used it many times herself.
With the way I used my craft, it was based purely on instinct and base level knowledge. I had never before thrown myself into studies such as this if it did not concern my fighting. I looked out the window, gauging the shadows; I had resolved to catch Mari as she delivered my plate. Either my senses have become dull or she is very slippery. I uncovered a door that revealed servant passageways. I have not opened it. The small door slowly moved and I made to look as though I was absorbed in my reading. My eyes flickered up to Marianna. She nudged the door with her hip as she bore a large cloth covered plate.
"Right on time."
Her whole body spasmed violently as soft eyes met mine. I rose to take the dish from her trembling hands, tucking my book into the crook of my arm.
"I apologize for startling you."
Hands empty they twisted into her apron nervously, she avoided my gaze.
"No, no, no, my lady I should have been more aware. You are not usually in this room when I bring your tray."
"I know. Thank you."
As I had done the first time I gently took her hand within mine and graced a gentle caress of my lips, a little smug as her cheeks flamed. She curtsied and made a hasty exit, giving me cause to smile. Though she seemed wary, it almost was as though I wasn't the cause, merely the fact that I was still a stranger. A sense of bleakness rose in my chest before I could tamp it down. Already three moons have shown their face and the fourth was fast approaching. With a desolate sigh I set my food down and cradled my Little One in my arms, chuckling as his little mouth curled in a smile. It is remarkable how happy he is and if his mood ever sours a kiss on his brow or letting him watch out the window calms him.
"Very soon, my love."
I had fortunately learned the times to feed him and make sure he stayed clean. Oh how he detested baths. The only way to keep him from screaming is to lay him against my chest, half in warm water. I hate nappies with a passion. I do not understand how a babe as small as he creates so much waste but he manages and is quick to alert me to his discomfort. That is, if my nose hasn't caught it yet. I put him against my shoulder, gently patting his back and hearing a gurgle. I felt his sleepiness and knew he would protest any attempt to put him down. I settled myself at the bay window, picking at the meat on my plate and watching as the city slowly prepared to slumber another night.
A little while later I heard the servant's door open again and internally I smirked, now she cannot slip past me. I watched her out of the corner of my eye when Loki's presence in my mind suddenly came alive with fear. He wailed and Marianna's head whipped around and she took a step forward before dropping her head and moving back. I tried to quiet Loki down, realizing he had endured a little nightmare yet things that would normally work failed. I frowned and forced the distress I felt down.
"If I may? My mother would sing a song that always calmed me down." Mari whispered softly.
I looked hard at her and to her credit she held her ground, though minute tremors gave her away. I looked down at the still upset baby in my hold.
"If you think it shall work…" I said cautiously, surprise and disbelief flickered across her face before it was schooled into one of soft determination.
With mixed feelings I set Loki in her arms and she rocked him.
"The sky is dark and the hills are white
As the Storm King speeds from the north tonight
And this is the song the Storm King sings
As over the world his cloak he flings
Sleep, sleep, little one, sleep
He rustles his wings and gruffly sings
Sleep, little one, sleep
O'er yonder mountainside a vine
Clings at the foot of a mother pine
The tree bends over the trembling thing
And only the vine may hear her sing
Sleep, sleep, little one, sleep
What shall you fear for I am here?
Sleep, little one, sleep
The king may sing in his bitter flight
And the pine may croon to the vine tonight
But the little snowflake at my breast
Liketh the song that I sing best
Sleep, sleep, little one, sleep
Wary thou art anext my heart
Sleep, little one, sleep"
By the end of her song Loki had quieted down and watched her face. He felt strong affection for her. She made him happy. Though the thought was saddening, I figured that hopefully, Loki would have another to take my place. At some point I had sunk to perch on the vanity, arms crossed, listening to her voice. Mari set him in his bassinet, still humming the melody under her breath. I set it rocking, to her confusion.
"Do not worry. It is just I." I said lowly. She flinched at my voice, like she had forgotten I was present.
"Thank you, Marianna."
She blushed again but then met my gaze for the first time.
"What?"
"You have not said my name before."
I shrugged and shifted my weight.
"I wasn't always aware of your passing through. You are quite sneaky when you wish to be."
A smile curled her lips and for an odd reason I felt a rush of pleasure at the sight. Before I could properly think on it she curtsied and slipped past, that little smile still turning her lips.
A.N. Oooo what is this? I'm sorry for not updating in Sunday, my internet is a bipolar bitch sometimes. I wasn't entirely sure how to do the whole four month show with out having it drag on. Poor Lorelei! Clearly she doesn't want to leave but she's dead set on the whole 'he'll be safe' tangent. For the record the song Mari sings is not and never has been mine. I remember reading it somewhere, I think it was in this site, and liking it. If the creator/writer is reading get a hold of me so I can thank you properly. Could Miss Royale be crushing? I've no clue that was all Lorelei. Anyway, pretty please R&R cause those always make me smile and inspire me. Time to stop procrastinating and finish work. Ciao kiddies!