The Grand Feast
Author's Note: Hi guys! I have decided that I want to continue the story in 3rd person POV. For a few chapters when I introduce a certain special character, it will jump to 1st person. Thanks, and please enjoy!
Jane sat quietly in a chair that was placed before Azalea. It was an hour and a half later, and only 30 minutes before she was supposed to arrive in the Dining Hall. Jane was nervous, being that she was soon to meet all of Asgard, and possibly royalty from the other realms. Azalea let out a longing sigh, the noise making Jane look up into the mirror that stood in front of her body. Jane was in a long and green, satin gown strewn with gold flecks and embellishments. The dress was form fitting, and accented all her favorite places. Jane's caramel hair was braided down her back in a plait that resembled Azalea's, forming patterns never thought imaginable. Her makeup was very subtle, except for the gray haze that closely hugged her lash lines in a smoke that could strike wonder-lust into mere stranger's hearts.
After the immediate glance, she gasped and let her eyes dance once more over herself. They lingered on her dress, recognizing a theme in the colors. She spoke softly, "That man in the garden.." Azalea lifted her head to meet Jane's in the mirror. "What was that, Jane?" Looking down quickly, she mumbled, "Nothing." The servant sheepishly smiled, and ignored what had just happened.
Azalea brushed off her gown, and turned to Jane, motioning for her to stand. Jane quickly stood up, and did a slow circle. Smiling, Azalea said, "Well, Jane. You have a half an hour to yourself, as I have to go prepare Prince Thor. I'll see you very soon, dear friend." She scuttled out of the room, and quickly shut the door. After standing near the door for a moment, Jane decided she desired to stare at the Asgardian sky once more.
She stood against the support of the balcony, and watched the stars swirl like delicate ballerinas in the pinkish purple hazed sky. Suddenly, her mind wandered to the guy she had stared at in the missing garden. She leaned over and nervously checked to see if he was there. Seeing nothing, she ripped her eyes from the ground and focused them upon the night sky once more. For the next twenty minutes, Jane pondered over mathematical equations relevant to the mass of the stars she saw, and how they might relate to her own world's. Although she loved science, her thoughts were continuously interrupted by thoughts of that man. She threw her hand down onto the marble slab that was on the balcony. Her brain writhed at every thought of that man- his hair, his armor, why he was was there- EVERYTHING! She was obsessed, and she had no idea why. The only thing she knew was that she had to meet this man, and soon.
After composing herself, Jane heard a knock at her door. Slowly, she began to walk over to the door in a dazed and confused manner. Turning the knob, she heard a small click. She stepped back and let the door quietly swing open. Before her stood Azalea, coming back from preparing Thor. Jane stood there, expressionless. Azalea's eyes opened wide, and she said, "Jane! Are you okay?" Quickly snapping out of her state of mind, Jane blinked. "Fine!", she lied. "I just was staring at the sky, and being the lover of stars that I am, I kind of got carried away." Putting on her best lying face, she smiled at Azalea. The beautiful girl smiled back, seeming convinced for the most part.
Jane was lead down several corridors, making lefts and rights, going up and down many sets of stairs. After about five minutes of complete silence and walking, both of the girls stopped before a set of huge oak doors, guarded by her new friend Urd, and some unfamiliar guards. Jane's eyes met his, and he nodded and gave her a quick smile. Azalea nodded to him as well, her face turning a few shades of red, and then looked away. Jane smiled to herself, as she guessed Azalea might have feelings towards the Aesir man.
Urd separated from his post, and opened up the doors for the two ladies as they stepped forward. Jane gave him a small wave, and pushed forward through the crowd, very aware that the room stilled and all eyes were on her. Jane wasn't ever used to the attention she was being given. She suddenly realized that somewhere within this room was the All-Father, which was enough to make her turn a few shades red. On top of that, there was foreign royalty as well.
Quickly pulling herself together, the scientist released herself from Azalea's gentle grip, and made her way over to Thor, of who was gazing at her with brilliant awe. Thor smiled at her, his heart nearly tearing itself from his chest at the sight of his beloved. "My love, my Jane! You look like a princess."
The room became full of chatter and music once more as people began to eat. Thor motioned for Jane to take a seat at the head table with him. As he pulled her chair out for her and she sat down, Thor noticed the colors of the gown she donned. His stomach churned a little at the sight of gold and jade, being that they were his imprisoned brother's colors. He sat beside her, and met the gaze of her creamy, caramel eyes.
"My love, your dress is one in a million. What made you choose that particular one?" Caught off guard by the question, she stammered, "I-I, well- Azalea gave it to me. But, I really love the colors..they remind me of a pond full of gold. I think I would have chosen this one anyways." Thor strained a smile, unsure of why he was so upset at what colors she chose for her dress. It was a trivial thing, of course. He then shoved all those feelings aside, and became determined to have a great night with his love.
After feasting, dancing, and speaking with those of Asgard for about an two and a half hours, Jane became very overwhelmed. There were so many people, and the music began to give her a headache, as beautiful as it was. She couldn't understand as to why Thor enjoyed such huge gatherings. She sat down for a few moments when her beloved came to her side and curiously asked, "What is wrong, love? Do you not enjoy the feast? Is everything not to your liking?" She answered, "No! I mean, everything is fine. I am not used to such gatherings, dear. That is it, Thor." Noticing she gave a hurried answer, she smiled with such great warmth it could melt any cold heart.
Thor, relieved, smiled and linked his arm with Jane once more. "My dear, the All-Father wishes for you to give a speech. Will you accept his request?" At the sudden request, Jane stared at Thor with nervousness and worry. Grasping onto the thought, Jane said, "But Thor, I didn't even prepare one. What do I say?" Thor laughed merrily and replied, "Oh, haha! Jane, it is only a small one. Just talk about your stay in Asgard, or anything you wish. The people, they wish to be graced with your voice. It matters not what you say, just that you say it!"
Only slightly relieved, Jane was led by the Prince to a speaking pillar. Next to the pillar was the All-Father, Odin. They exchanged Jane between their arms, and there she was, in the grasp of the ruler of Asgard. Terror ensued, and Jane glanced at Odin. She stuttered, "H-Hello there All-Father. It is nice to see you again. Thor told me you would like for me to give a speech..right?"
Post giving her a smile, he exchanged a hello. "Yes, Lady Jane, that is correct. The people wish to hear from you, they are brimming with excitement. You'll do just fine, do not fret. I believe the Midgardian saying is 'Break a leg', is it not?" Jane weakly smiled, doing her best to compose herself while Odin got the attention of the Aesir.
He stomped Gungnir onto the floor three times, and it seemed as if the whole world of Asgard become quiet. They stood at his attention as he began, "Welcome, Asgard. Tonight, as I am sure you are aware of, we have a very important guest. If you all would please give your attention to Lady Jane Foster, adopted daughter of Selvig." All of Asgard cheered, and Odin stepped back, motioning for Jane to step forward.
Jane walked up to the pillar, quickly and quietly scanning the thousands of people before her. She cleared her throat, and mustered up all of her courage. She spoke loudly and with much clarity, "Hello, Asgard! I am Jane Foster, and I would like to welcome you to the Grand Feast." The Aesir all let out a roar let fed Jane's confidence. She continued, "When I came to Asgard with Thor, I had expected beauty, and you all surely delivered." Once again, the crowd went wild, and she furthered into her speech. "I would like to thank you all for your hospitality, even though I don't deserve all of this. I am merely a scientist from Midgard who had the lovely chance of meeting your future king, Thor. Regardless, Thor did not change because of me. He changed because that is what one does when one grows up. He saved my world, and then gave me the opportunity to see yours. So, I thank you, All Father. I thank you, Thor. I thank you, Asgard. Please enjoy your night here, friends." The crowd threw garments and objects into the air, eating up all of Jane's words.
She stepped down from the stand, fear and anxiety hitting her in waves. What had she just done? She, a simple scientist, gave a speech to the most powerful beings in Asgard.
Meeting back with Thor, she inquired, "Thor, where are the restrooms? I am not feeling too well at the moment." "I shall escort you there, or possibly to the Healer's if you'd like?" He said with deep concern. She declined, "No it is fine, I'd rather not make a show of it. Can you point me in the direction, please?" "Over there, down the steps, and make a left at the last corner." She gave him a quick kiss, and followed his pointing.
Hurrying, she ran down the steps, excusing herself through the crowd of people. She followed down the corner, forgetting which way he said to turn. She was sure he said to make a right, so she followed that long corridor.
Then, it lead into a big chamber full of dark rooms, hidden by this glass of sorts. She knew the glass had magic protecting it, because she realized she was in the prison. Slowly, she began to circle her way around it.
After wandering for about fifteen minutes, she stumbled across one lit chamber. Whoever was in the chamber was certainly angry, as he sent an energy blast and knocked down all the furniture. Jane hid behind the pillar, her heart pounding so hard she could hear it in her brain. She peered over the pillar, peeking at the man.
Suddenly, her eyes went wide and she made an audible gasp. She recognized the man- it was the man from the garden! Her eyes fell over him, and she knew he was gorgeous. He was the opposite of Thor, yet she yearned for him anyways. He was tall and muscular, his dark raven hair slicked back, yet somehow untamable. He had piercing green eyes, and skin paler than a white out in Alaska.
"I feel your presence, mortal. Reveal yourself willingly, and I may let you live", said the unknown man. She stepped out from behind the pillar and approached, her anger fueling every step. Stopping a mere few feet away from the glass, she spoke with great confidence and annoyance, "Big words for a man who is in a cage." This man was arrogant, and he sure didn't try to hide it.
A sadistic smile spread across his countenance. "Ah, you're Thor's pet. Jane Foster, is it not? I heard your speech from earlier. I could sense the sheer terror in your voice, but even so, you've got big words for a worm from Midgard."
His words didn't catch her off guard, however. She was often criticized from the scientific community, so this was nothing to her. He then announced, "I am Loki, brother of Thor, of Asgard." She retorted, "I know who you are. You tried to take over Earth, and you failed miserably. I know all about you."
Loki grinned, and spoke with polite hostility, "And what would a mortal know of ruling? You could never rule, as insignificant as you are. Such a puny, worthless being, you are- as all humans are." Jane's anger swelled up like a ball of fire inside of her, ready to have a melt down. She screamed, "Oh really? Is that right, Loki! Then why were you so eager to rule us?" She slammed her fist against the glass. "Is it maybe because you can't rule here? Maybe because they refused to have a monster sit upon the throne?", she continued. His rage flowed through his body, and yet all he thought he had to say was one simple insult. He cooly replied, "Human!" She threw her head back slowly and giggled. Then, she met his gaze and spoke barely above a whisper, "Frost Giant." His body stilled half way through his mid swing. His heart stopped, and his eyes grew wide with anger. A scream tore itself from his throat, and another energy blast rippled through his body, covering his cell in ice.
Jane stepped back, and waited. Soon, the ice thawed and she met the gaze of a collected Loki. He spoke clearly, "You're a wretched thing. You're bold, for someone who could die within a mere blow from me." He stared at her for minutes, and she finally spoke back, "Take a picture, it'll last longer." She turned on her heel, and walked away, leaning her head over her back. "Being that I live here now, I'll be sure to visit you, cold hearted one."
The human girl found her way back to the steps, feeling guilty and remorseful. Loki is wicked and cruel, she reminded herself. But he is also upset, and you would be too. Even though Jane wanted to hate this man, she found herself wanting to go visit him sometime soon.
Review please! I hope you enjoyed.