Summary:

An exciting day leads to an exciting evening, dining with the Royal Family. Despite everyone's best efforts at civility, Loki manages to stir things up. Sia holds her own, however, and even Odin finds something nice to say.

Suggested music: "Autumn" from the Four Seasons Suite by Antonio Vivaldi.

Notes:

So, we are in a royal court, and people do a lot of bowing. It's a court thing.

I've used the term "reverence" (pronounced "rev-er-aunce", like "renaissance") to indicate the formal court bow, based on renaissance court manners. You can watch pretty much any BBC historical production, and you can see a reverence every three minutes or so!

Sóldís appeared in the door of the library at exactly six o'clock.

"Lady Sia, you need to prepare for the royal supper."

I looked up, surprised at how quickly the day had gone.

"Ah, yes. Thank you, Sóldís. I appreciate your keeping an eye on the time."

Sóldís bustled me back to my chambers.

"I'll lay out your clothes and hair things, Lady Sia, if you'd like to freshen up just a bit." The tone of her voice made it clear that, in her opinion, I needed to freshen up.

"An excellent idea, Sóldís. Thank you."

"I'll start a bath, and help you out of that gown."

A few minutes later, clad only in my shift, I retreated to the bathing room and closed the door.

I slid into the bath, and decided Sóldís was a genius. I closed my eyes, and let myself sink into the water.

The dark, the quiet, the softly scented water, just the perfect temperature. So soothing to my aching muscles after sitting still at the library table all day. I should remember to take breaks tomorrow.

But for now, this tub was heaven.

"Lady Sia! Time to dress!" Sóldís called through the door.

I roused myself out of the deep slumber that had overtaken me.

"Ah, yes, Sóldís! Give me just a minute!"

I reluctantly left the bliss of the tub, toweled off, and reached for my shift.

Sóldís had placed a clean one on the bench for me.

I like this place. A lot.

I quickly made up my face. Nothing too extreme, but a bit heavier on the eyeliner—it is evening, after all.

Sóldís picked up the brush and comb, and began arranging my hair.

"Sóldís, for tonight—" I had an idea of what I wanted done with my hair.

"For tonight, you are dining with the royal family, and you need something quite formal." Sóldís clearly had an idea of her own, and her tone let me know that this was not open for discussion.

Sóldís worked quietly, and I contemplated the tapestry on the wall. I wished I had thought to bring a book, then realized I had the perfect opportunity for a briefing to prepare for tonight's event.

"Sóldís, what do I need to know for tonight?"

"What do you mean, Lady Sia?"

"I want to be a gracious guest. Aside from minding my table manners, how do I do that?"

"Simply be your gracious self, my lady."

I suppressed a sigh.

"What should I talk about, Sóldís? On Midgard, in polite company, one does not discuss politics or religion, and I assume the same holds true here. But what topics are acceptable for discourse?" Knowing my penchant for sharpness and my incredible ability to speak before thinking, I was deeply concerned about offending my hosts.

"Let the King and Queen choose the topics, Lady Sia. That is always safest." Sóldís' advice was sound, and nothing I hadn't learned from history, but I still felt unprepared.

"What interests them? What do they like to discuss?"

"Everything, my lady. Just let them lead the conversation."

"Very well, Sóldís." I felt just as unprepared as I had before I sought her advice, but oh well. I'd thrown a goblet at Prince Loki, and I was still here. How badly could things go tonight?

I held still as Sóldís bedecked me with the jewels.

"Alright, Lady Sia, you're ready now."

I stood up and turned to look in the mirror.

"Oh, no, you don't! No looking in the mirror just yet!"

Sóldís twirled me away before I could catch a glimpse, and propelled me to my sitting room.

"But I want to see!" I felt like a small child being denied a treat.

"You will see soon enough, Lady Sia."

"Very well, Sóldís."

I picked up a book and stood by the fire to wait for Thor's arrival.

Just before eight o'clock, came the expected knock on my door. Sóldís opened it, and curtsied as Thor entered.

I turned to greet him, and he stopped where he stood.

"Sia! You are lovely!" He stared. "I mean—not that you aren't always lovely. But tonight, you look like an Asgardian!"

"Thank you, Thor. I owe it all to Sóldís and her careful attentions."

"My lady, my humble skills are nothing compared to your beauty." Sóldís curtsied.

"Sóldís, you are truly gifted!" Thor beamed a smile at the suddenly-shy gentlewoman.

"Thank you, Prince Thor." Sóldís curtsied again. "I wish to always do my best for your family."

"Sia, we should go. Mother is quite looking forward to meeting you in person." Thor's warm smile helped me relax.

"Yes, thank you, Prince Thor." I felt the need to shift into formal mode now to avoid falling out of it at an inopportune moment later.

Thor took my hand, and we joined arms. My left hand resting lightly on his arm, we floated out of the room, Sóldís watching us go.

"I can't imagine why the All Father doesn't like mortals," Sóldís wondered softly. "This one would be a lovely addition to Frigga's retinue."

"Are you nervous, Lady Sia? You have no need to be." Thor smiled at me again. "Father and Mother will love you. How could they not? Just look at you!" Thor beamed.

"I wish I could, Prince Thor! Sóldís refused to let me look in the mirror. She said I would see myself soon enough. And your encouragement is sufficient for now." I tried to sound confident.

"Lady Sia, you will see, very soon!" Thor laughed. "Here, just to the right, through this hall, and then we'll join them in the West Salon. That's where we dine privately in the evenings."

In spite of my nerves, I was thrilled. I was in a real palace, with designated rooms for everything. And I was going to spend the evening with Odin, Frigga, and Thor.

The things they never tell you in graduate school!

We turned the corner, and suddenly there were Sias and Thors everywhere. We had entered a mirror-paneled hall.

I laughed, and Thor joined in.

"There you go, Lady Sia! Sóldís was correct!"

"Yes, Thor! She was!"

I looked at my nearest reflection, and stopped.

Silently, I contemplated my image.

The dark blue silk gown was different from the one I'd worn the night before. This one was trimmed in black and silver braid, heavy and wide, and accented with sapphire and jet. The new underdress was a darker silver, also trimmed in blue braid, with silver beading.

My necklace and earrings were silver and amber, mixed with sodalite, and much fancier metal work than the jewelry I'd worn the prior evening.

The comb holding my hair would have suited perfectly as a small tiara on Midgard.

"Thor. This. Is. Amazing." I tried to reconcile the image I saw in the mirror with my own identity.

"I am glad you are pleased, Sia! You wear it well. No one would ever think you were a woman from Midgard. You look like a goddess." Thor looked at me with pride and some astonishment.

"Thank you, Thor. I wish nothing more than to do you honor tonight, as you have done me great honor." I reverenced.

"Sia, you will be wonderful. My parents will love you, and we will all have a delightful time." Thor gave me the most reassuring smile.

I exhaled. No mention of Prince Loki. Good, this will be less complicated.

"Shall we?"

"We shall!" I could not bear to wait a moment longer.

We walked the length of the mirrored hall, countless Thors and Sias keeping us company, walking towards and away and along with us.

"The King and Queen are not yet within. They request you be seated and wait for them." The chamberlain and guards bowed to us, and opened the door to the West Salon.

We entered a room that was even more magnificent than I expected, truly fit for the private banquets of gods.

I noticed the table was set for five. So, Prince Loki is meant to join us. I breathed, and surrounded myself with white light. He was not going to read my mind tonight.

"Sia, please sit here, at Father's right hand." Thor was being polite, but I giggled inwardly at how biblical that sounded. Seated at the All Father's right hand! Probably not what the Christian Psalmists had in mind thousands of years ago as they wrote their devotionals in the desert.

Thor pulled back the chair, and I sat as he moved it forward without effort.

The door opened again, and Loki entered. He stopped, surprised to see us already in attendance.

"Brother! And Lady Sia! What a pleasant surprise!" Loki's smile informed me that it was no surprise, and that he was here merely to perform his princely duties.

I made to rise, so I could reverence, as one does when a prince enters the room. Thor did not move the chair back.

"Brother, you knew very well we would be here." Thor's hand rested firmly on the back of my chair. "Relax, Sia. There is no need to stand on ceremony just yet." Thor's anger was too-easily heard in his voice.

"Well, Thor, since you seem to be playing major domo, where shall I sit?" Loki's smugness was unbearable.

"Your usual place, brother." Thor was not amused, and was attempting to manage his irritation, unsuccessfully.

"Ah, so Mother can keep an eye on me. Very well."

Loki slid into his chair, and reached for a carafe of wine.

"Loki, don't you think we should wait?" Thor's irritation was palpable.

"Wait? For what?" Loki's all-too-familiar bland smile and flat eyes matched his neutral tone.

"For Mother and Father to join us."

"We could be waiting a while, brother. I see no harm in serving wine while we wait."

Loki filled his goblet, and offered the bottle to Thor. "Brother?"

"I will wait, Loki."

"Very well, then." Loki sat back in his chair, raised the goblet to this lips, and drank with great satisfaction.

"Oh, but I am being rude! Forgive me, dear Lady Sia. Would you care for some wine?" Again, that bland smile.

Just then, the door opened, and the chamberlain entered.

"The King and Queen are arriving."

Thor helped me with my chair, and we all stood away from the table.

Odin and Frigga entered, even more dazzling than the night before at the harvest feast. Here, close up, larger than life, there was no doubt of their divinity.

Thor took my arm, and led me forward. Breathe, Sia. Breathe. This is real.

"Odin Allfather, I would like you to meet my friend, Lady Sia." I made the deepest curtsey I have ever made in my life. Odin nodded, Frigga smiled.

"Mother, Queen Frigga, I present my friend, Lady Sia." I curtsied again. I'm doing this. I've bowed twice, and am still on my feet.

"Lady Sia, please meet my parents, Odin Borson, King of Asgard, and Frigga Jordsdottir, Queen of Asgard." I curtsied again.

"My son has told me a great deal about you, Lady Sia." Odin's voice filled the small room. "All of it good. I hope to hear for myself about your work here tonight."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I am happy to speak of it as much as you wish to hear."

"I, too, look forward to hearing about your writings, Lady Sia." Frigga's smile was brighter than all the lights in the room.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I shall do my best to be informative."

"Come, my dear." Odin led Frigga to the table. Out of nowhere, a host of attendants had appeared, and helped us all with our chairs.

Servants circled the table, serving countless dishes and filling our goblets before withdrawing to the edge of the room.

"I hope you are finding your accommodations to your satisfaction, Lady Sia. If there is anything lacking, you need but say the word." Frigga's smile charged me with confidence.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. The suite is perfect, and perfectly comfortable. Sóldís seems to know what I need before I even say the word. I appreciate your generous hospitality and kindness."

"And the library? You are finding what you need?" Odin cut in. Well, he is the King. He can do that.

"Your Majesty, it is beyond description! It is such a privilege to be in such a magnificent space! Every book I open has something useful for my work. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity."

"Well, good. Nice to know all this fuss is worthwhile." Odin drank.

I was unsure how to respond. Thor had said that arranging my visit was "a mere trifle", but Loki had told me that he and Frigga had to cajole Odin into agreement.

"I have no doubt Lady Sia will make the most of this opportunity." Loki raised his glass. "To our guest, the exceptional scholar."

Frigga and Thor raised their glasses. Odin tipped his goblet.

"Thank you, Prince Loki. I am flattered by your kind words." Stay cool, Sia. Do not let him provoke you. I increased the white light around me.

"It must be wonderful, to take such joy in your work," Loki continued.

"I do enjoy my work, Prince Loki. It is not without its challenges, but even those can be made into something positive." Gratitude once again for years of theatrical voice training allowing me to speak evenly and calmly in spite of my tension.

"Oh, but for someone as bright as you, there can't be many real challenges now, can there?" Loki was fishing. I refused the bait.

"There are challenges in any profession, Your Highness, regardless of one's intelligence, or creativity, or dedication." Keep it generic, not personal.

"What is your most significant challenge, Lady Sia?" Frigga stepped into the conversation, and gave Loki a long-practiced "be quiet now" look.

Sexist jerks who don't take my work seriously. That's the real challenge.

"Finding reliable sources that aren't simply information copied from another source. Finding original material, and having that material be factually valid and useful. There's a great deal of speculation, and fiction passed off as history, and so many inauthentic sources that can distort the research." Keep it generic, not personal.

"Memory is so tricky, even for those who actually experienced an event," Frigga noted. "Having to rely on the oft-repeated tales which may not be accurate to start with is definitely a challenge."

"That's what makes being here so marvelous—first-hand experiences, captured at the time of the event, perfectly preserved in well-kept books. The ideal research situation."

"Your colleagues must be envious of your good fortune in being here, then, Lady Sia." Loki smiled over his wine.

"My colleagues are not aware of exactly where I am, Your Highness. They know only that I am taking a short sabbatical for research purposes. Not even the Dean of Faculty knows I am here. And it's his job to know everything." I returned the smile.

"I can imagine it's tedious to work for someone who's not as clever as you are." Loki smiled again.

Breathe, Sia. Keep calm. He's trying to rile you. Do not give him the satisfaction.

"The Dean is well-respected for his work, Your Highness." Well, he's an idiot, but he's created an administrative niche to shield him from his academic inadequacies. He hasn't written anything in over 20 years, and probably couldn't find his way around a library without an escort.

"So he treats your work with equal professional respect, then?" Loki's smile had not moved. I could feel him edging around the white light, trying to read my thoughts. I increased the intensity.

"He treats it no differently than he treats the work of any of the other professors." Which was true. He has little respect for the male professors' work, and none at all for anything done by the women on staff.

"That's reassuring to hear. Dr. Foster has told us that, in her field, women are often treated poorly and their work is not taken with the same seriousness as work done by male scientists." Frigga had raised the topic I had been trying to avoid. Both topics, actually—Jane, and sexism.

Odin stiffened, and reached for his glass. Thor looked at Frigga. Loki sat back in his chair, a pleased grin painted across his face.

I took a deep breath and set my goblet on the table. "Sexism is, sadly, a problem in most academic fields. I have encountered it as well. I had to request a transfer from my first thesis advisor, who referred to his female colleagues as 'skirts with opinions'. But I find it's best not to dwell on it. Cultural attitudes change over time. Good work speaks for itself, regardless of the writer's gender." I desperately hoped this would put an end to the discussion.

"Quite right, Lady Sia! The only thing that matters is the quality of the work. It doesn't matter who does it, as long as the work is good." Odin's pronouncement stunned us all.

"So, even a mortal woman's work can be worthwhile, then, Father?" Loki smiled brightly at Odin. "Jane would be so pleased to hear you speak well of Midgardian female accomplishment."

I held my breath. Thor stared daggers at Loki.

Frigga straightened in her chair. "Loki, enough. If you cannot be civil, you are excused."

"Mother, I meant no harm. Surely it follows that, if Father approves of Sia's endeavors, he would approve of equal accomplishments by other women of Midgard, such as Jane's scientific work."

Odin turned to Loki. "Enough."

I reached for a goblet of water. This sudden turn to silence and awkwardness was not what I had hoped for.

Frigga turned to me. "Lady Sia, enough talk of work. While you are here, you must also have a chance to enjoy other parts of Asgard as well. Thor tells me you are an accomplished horsewoman."

"I do ride, Your Majesty! I learned to ride as a child, and it gives me great delight." I relaxed, appreciating Frigga's ability to slice through the awkward silence.

"Thor, you should take Lady Sia riding on Saturday. You could ride to Amber Cottage for the afternoon. It will be a lovely way for her to see more of Asgard than the inside of our palace." Frigga seemed quite pleased with her idea.

"That is an excellent notion, Mother!" Thor lit up. "Lady Sia, would you care to go riding? I can make all the necessary arrangements!"

"I would be delighted, Prince Thor!" I laughed. "It has been a while since I have been on a horse, I must warn you!"

"You will be fine, Lady Sia! You rode beautifully yesterday."

"Very well, then, you two. Thor, you must make sure your guest has some fun while she is here!" Frigga laughed.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. You are very kind." I relaxed into the conversation, and reached for my wine goblet.

The rest of the meal continued with more wine and more laughter. Frigga and Thor took turns telling tales. Odin offered an occasional comment or correction. Loki remained in silence the entire time, not eating, barely drinking, and refusing to look at anyone.

Suddenly, the clock struck twelve. Odin's ravens flew into the salon. Frigga looked at Odin. Odin shook his head.

"I must take my leave now," said Odin, rising to his feet. The rest of us rose as well, Loki with slowness and reluctance.

"I shall retire as well," Frigga responded. "Thank you, Lady Sia, for your wonderful company tonight. It has been a pleasure to pass the evening together."

"Thank you, both, Your Majesties." I reverenced. "This evening has been delightful, and the company cheerful."

"Goodnight, Father. Goodnight, Mother. I will escort Lady Sia back to her chamber," answered Thor.

"Thank you, Thor. Goodnight." Frigga smiled at her son.

"Goodnight, all." Loki bowed, and left the room.

Odin and Frigga exited through a door to an adjoining room.

Thor extended his arm, and I wrapped mine around it.

We walked back through the hall of mirrors. With the dimmed torches, we were accompanied by a sea of shadowy Thors and Sias.

"Did you have a good time, Sia?" Thor asked anxiously.

"I did, Thor! Thank you! It was simply amazing!" I was trying to let it sink in—I had dinner with Odin and Frigga.

"I am sorry about Loki's inappropriate comments. My brother, for all his age, is sometimes quite the petulant child. He takes delight in riling Father. Father is usually able to ignore it, but the subject of Jane is still a difficult one for him." Thor sighed.

"Thor, you have no need to apologize. You can no more control Loki's behavior than you can control the direction of the wind. He's an adult, and is responsible for his own actions."

Thor sighed again. "Too true, Sia."

"I am sorry that your father is so touchy about Jane. She's such a wonderful person, and a brilliant scientist. I wish he were able to see that objectively." It was my turn to sigh.

"Father does not object to Jane being a scientist, or being brilliant. He objects to my interest in her. He feels we have no business involving ourselves with mortals. And, of course, there's the whole subject of succession—" Thor stopped himself.

"I am sorry, Sia. It's late, and I should not burden you with this." However much Thor wanted to talk, he clearly felt he could not speak with me about the subject.

"Thor, though I have not known you very long, I am happy to be your friend, and to listen to anything you may wish to talk about." I looked him in the eyes. "I may not know everything, but I am a mortal woman, so I know a thing or two that might be helpful for you."

We had arrived at the door of my chambers.

"Thank you, Sia. You are kind to offer. I may yet have need of such kindness." He bowed. "Thank you for your company tonight, Sia. Rest well. Goodnight."

I opened the door, and Thor strode off down the corridor.

To my surprise, Sóldís was waiting for me with mulled wine. In short order, I was relaxing in front of the fire in my robe, enjoying the wine. Sóldís took her leave, and I took my time with the wine and the fire.