*another slow chapter since the next few are going to be drama* *hope you enjoy*
That morning Dotta woke up late. Slightly distressed as she rushed too Busla's kitchen. This time the big red man did not burst through the doors as if he knew in some way that she was doing the one bursting through doors.
"I forgot to take Lord Loki is breakfast," she squeaked out of breath.
Busla gave a thundering laugh as he set a plate of food down in front of Dotta.
"Worry not, his highness got a new servant late last night." This caused her to frown.
She didn't mind taking Loki his food and to find a servant at such late a time. She could have done it once more for him, she did not mind. Dotta was starting to realize that being a servant had been much easier than a princess. There were not politics involved. No, contracts to be held, no pressure to be ones best all the time just simple work. She had enjoyed that. Especially, since it was for Lord Loki. She looked down at the plate, some cold turkey with cheese and bread starred back at her. A loud rumble alerted her to just how hungry she was. She filled her mouth with the turkey sadly. She was going to miss taking care of Loki but she knew it was going to happen sooner or later. Guess it was sooner then.
"What do you plan on doing today?" Busla sat next to his charming child like friend. She thought for a moment. She hadn't hung out with Balder for a good two days.
"I was thinking about asking Balder to go horseback riding with me." The giant patted her head, "that sounds like a marvelous idea, it'll get you out of the castle for some fresh air."
She raised her eyebrow, "I was out of the castle yesterday for a good long while. You are acting suspicious." Busla sighed. He had not wanted her to find out that Amora had stayed all night and was still there. The new servant had told him so. He wanted to get Dotta out of there as fast as he could so that she wouldn't witness such indecency.
"Eat, go have fun, then we will talk later on tonight." A deeper sigh escaped this time. She recognized the want of not telling someone something. The louder grumble of her stomach forced her to relent to his request.
"As you wish," she paused before eating a chunk of cheese "can we have some of that raspberry flavor cake tonight?"
Busla chuckled, she was asking for a trade he could see it in her mock innocent pleading eyes, "Alright, my child, now eat otherwise Heimdall might hear you in the Bifrost." Quickly Dotta ate.
She did want to get out of the castle and the prospect that Balder might be her companion perked up her spirits. Before leaving she waved good-bye and reminded Busla about his promise of raspberry cake with dinner. She paused just outside of Balder's start of hallways realizing she had no idea how to get to his place or how to call upon him. She could always wonder around until she found a guard, she thought. Oddly enough she did not need a guard. Balder happened to be heading her way. When their eyes met they greeted each other like friends that had been parted for years.
"Oh Dotta, I was hoping I'd see you today," Balder chuckled as he threw his arms around her. Dotta returned the hug.
"Seems that we had the same idea, then!" They stepped back each wanting to say something. Balder motioned for her to go first.
"I was wondering if you would fancy a ride with me today." This was not what Balder wanted to discuss but the look on Dotta's face swayed him for a ride.
"Sure, let us take the far north field near the bifrost." Dotta was not at all apposed to this.
Anywhere he felt like going. Plus, she had wanted to see the rainbow bridge, possibly Heimdall. Once they got out of the castle Dotta felt like nothing could stop her. Which almost nothing did. The ride was long, relaxing and beautiful. They passed villagers that waved exotic animals, crystal clear waterfalls and even the burning bright Bifrost. The rainbow bridge stretch for miles. She had never even dreams to imagine such a magnificent sight. The way the colors glowed and twisted reminded her of a dance. Even though Asgard was full of light near the Bifrost it was starry out. This is where the heavens connected. She remembered traveling on that bridge but could not remember how it had looked before her travel. She could hardly believe that something so beautiful and powerful let her travel. Surely it sensed her darkness. Her past. The deaths she had caused. Yet it still had welcome her and got her safely to her destination. She almost felt sad, something so beautiful should have a mind of it's own. Not to be controlled by gods. But then that was probably her light elf talking. Odin had after all created the Bifrost so it was at his leaser. Dotta relaxed on her horse. It was not Sleipnir unfortunately. She was looking forward to see him but with him being the All-Father's mount he was really busy being trained. However, the day was so beautiful that Dotta did not feel the pang of regret. She was just happy to have been riding with Balder. He was really a great companion. They talked about other realms, history, music, and training with family members. Balder was stunned to know that she had trained with her family.
She laughed, "Why is that so odd? Do you not hang out with the shield maiden Lady Sif?" That silenced Balder.
"Anyway, I have only learned a little," she lied "nothing fancy just enough to get away to call for help." She could not let Balder know that she could do much more than that. Otherwise he would get suspicious.
"Let us head back before it becomes to late." Dotta nodded.
Just as they unmounted the warriors three and lady Sif arrived. Dotta took a step behind her steed in the hopes to hide. Instead they came closer to converse with Balder. She took a step towards the stables keeping behind the horse she rode trying to sneak away. Her companion would have none of this.
"Dotta come have a picnic with us." She poked her head around the horse to look at the warriors looks: malice.
"No thank you, Prince Balder I think I'll just go back to my rooms." She turned to leave but Balder grabbed her hand.
"Please, come with me."
Dotta looked dead into Balder's eyes. It was such a pure and innocent invitation. He really wanted her to be with him. He did not want her to run or to hide but to be with him. His look said that he would protect her. The promise of a happy time was lit so bright in his soul that Dotta thought she might tear up. She sighed in defeat. She followed at Balder's side. Lady Sif choose a field of flowers to have their spread. Dotta thought the place was beautiful. Were there really no ugly places in Asgard? They all started to eat. Dotta eating very little since she hadn't eaten more than 4 hours ago. The warriors joked about training sessions with Balder and missions. She was feeling left out. Yet she could not walk away. Balder was having so much fun.
"Hey, Lady Dotta, do you know some magic?" This was Lady Sif. Dotta shook herself out of her spacing.
"Tricks for kids mainly."
Hogun seemed interested. "Show us, please?"
She was shocked, no one had really asked her to show them her magic here in Asgard. They must think something bad about it because of Mister Mischief himself.
"Well, a little bit then." She linked her thumbs together then fanned her fingers out, then gathered magic and with a flap of her hands a flapping butterfly made of glowing magic fluttered around the group. She sent out a few different ones. Each trailing glowing dust behind them. They fluttered and danced all glowing their own colors. The group gasped in delight at the beautiful magic. They all then turned to her in new ah. She could see it in their eyes that their minds had changed about her. Just like that? She wondered. Then again they might as well. Since she would be living amongst them for the rest of her life and theirs. The butterflies then disappeared.
"What else can you do?" Balder was excited.
"Tricks and bluffs, like I said." Dotta almost winced at her third lie of the day.
The three cheered her. A blush creeped over her cheeks. Lady Sif got up and stormed away. All of the guys shook their head. Dotta knew she had to follow. When they were far enough away they both stopped.
"Is there no one you can charm to your side?" Lady Sif was severe.
"I am not trying to charm anyone, my lady." Lady Sif huffed.
"Oh then why are all of the guys falling for you?"
Dotta looked up at Sif, "Why are you threatened by me?" Sif turned her back. "Look Sif, level with me please, I am not trying to take Thor from you. The bargain our parents was made without our knowledge. I will do everything I possibly can for him to somehow loose the battle."
Sif turned to Dotta then. "Really?" Dotta softened then, "Yes, does he even look like he'd make me a good husband?"
This made Sif giggle, "Plus, I could not compare to someone as strong as you. He loves you Sif there would be no room for me in his heart. What kind of marriage would that be?"
Sif smiled, "Not a very good one."
"I was never trying to take Thor away from you. I am sorry if your sister felt threatened."
Sif rolled her eyes at that, "Tifin will never let the fact that Loki moved on go, she's been doing this for a while now."
Dotta raised an eyebrow, "Then why the ambush at the staircase?"
Sif smiled, "Dominating female instincts. Also I wanted to see who was Loki's new servant."
"Ah," Dotta wasn't quite sure she understood, but at least now they were on civil talking terms.
Sif nodded and then walked back to the group. However Dotta just slide to the ground where she was standing then leaned up against a tree. Having stressful conversations ontop of doing magic was taxing on the body. She sat there for a few before Balder joined her, he flopped down beside her. They smiled at each other before leaning their heads together and falling to sleep.
Volstagg elbowed Fandral. "Look who is becoming a ladies man." They chuckled. Hogun and Sif looked too
. "Oddly, they do make a cute young couple."
"Is Loki not the prime candidate for Dotta?" Hogun questioned out loud.
Volstag and Fandral snickered, "Not if he keeps giving his attentions to other women."
Sif and Hogun did not understand. "What do you mean?"
"You did not hear?" Fandral said as if he had a juicy topic of gossip "Loki had a woman in his room for nearly two days now. Since mid day yesterday. Thor was raging about how inconsiderate it was."
Sif was alerted now. "What is this woman's name?"
Volstag had that answer. "Amora, from the Aesir village."
Sif's heart sunk. She had heard really bad things about this woman. But she must do some leg work before bringing up accusations.
"Look I must go, I am going to be gone for a few days." That is all she said before leaving.
"What got into her?" Fandral wondered. Volstag and Hogun shrugged. Then carried on with their watch of the brats and eating.
Finally Dotta fell into a routine; eat with Busla, go for a ride with Balder, dance practice with Amora and then near the end read in the gardens until night fell. Then secretly train and play with Fenris until late night and she continued this for a few weeks, blissfully unaware what was going on with Loki and Amora.
**my apologies for any one who had read this in one paragraph. I had not noticed that fanfic had messed with my formatting I will go back and space out my other stories as well. Again my deepest apologies**