Sorry for the long delay everyone, my computer crashed hence why I couldn't update. Onward with the story we go!
Chapter Ten~
The next day after the morning meal Aina goes in search of the Princes who she had been told were in the library in their lessons. She had been able to pry the information from a servant who didn't seem to realize what she had done until Aina was already around the corner and gone from view. Wandering the halls for the longest time, she comes to the library doors and slips inside to see both Thor and Loki studying—or more like Thor dozing off and Loki trying to read between his snores. The woman who is their tutor snaps her fingers so that Thor wakes instantly blinking his eyes in surprise. With dark brown hair and clear blue eyes wearing a dark blue gown with silver straps, it's Lady Vör who says,
"You must wake Prince if you wish to learn anything at all." at this Loki snickers before noticing Aina watching with a giggle behind her hand. Upon following his gaze, Thor and Lady Vör turn around as Thor says,
"Good morrow Aina! Come join us!"
"I do not think that is such a good idea Prince." Lady Vör says but Aina has already taken a seat in between the two Princes asking with a pout,
"I shall be silent I promise." so Lady Vör gives in and continues her lesson with Aina intently listening and keeps having to poke Thor so that he stays awake. Loki finds this highly amusing as he watches the exchange though Thor isn't as pleased. Annoyed, he taps Aina back and sticks his tongue out at her so that she returns the gesture.
"Children if you are going to play then I might as well tell your parents." Lady Vör says with a hard frown so that the three mutter an apology. When the lesson comes to an end Thor suggest they go to the stables for a ride.
"I cannot ride." Aina says weakly with head down so that Thor laughs saying between his laughter,
"You never learned?" Aina shakes her head so that he stops laughing before taking her hand saying enthusiastically,
"Then we shall teach you!" and just like that the three find themselves in the stables with Aina watching as the stable hand brings out a young looking colt with a chestnut coat and friendly black shining eyes.
"He is a fine boy this one, fret not lady." the stable hand says helping her into the saddle before instructing her on how to use the reigns. Nervously she follows the Princes out of the stables while Thor says,
"Just follow us Aina; we'll give you a tour of the grounds!"
"What if I fall?" she says worriedly but both Loki and Thor say almost at the same time,
"We will not let anything happen to you." and so for the rest of the day they show Aina around the palace grounds so that she actually finds she's enjoying herself. The palace was more extravagant than she had thought as they show her the many gardens, the training grounds for the warriors and their favorite getaways. When it's midday they return and have to sneak through the servants entrance of the kitchens having missed the midday meal. They all take part in sneaking food to a tiny hideaway that the two boys show her. It's their private getaway they explain, a tapestry that hides a secret staircase leading up one of the towers and to a small room.
"When do you leave?" Thor wonders so that Aina shrugs saying between a bite of her apple,
"I know not, Mother has not told me."
"I hope it is not soon, I am having too much fun!" Thor says swinging an arm over her shoulder so that Aina smiles at him and pokes him in the side. It's Loki who chimes in saying with a grin,
"Agreed, this is too much fun." Unfortuently they are caught by a guard and brought before their mothers who scold the three.
"It was my idea Mother, I wanted to go ridding and see the grounds of the palace. Please do not scold the Princes too hard my Lady Frigga." Aina says not wanting her two new friends to get in trouble. Both Frigga and Ēostre share in their gaze before they grant a bit of leniency for the three. At the evening meal however they find themselves standing before Odin Allfather to explain themselves. Again Aina takes the blame saying what she had told Frigga and her Mother. He actually finds this amusing saying to the girl,
"You would so readily take the blame child?"
"They are my friends Allfather." she says honestly turning to look at the two boys who stand looking at her. Odin sees their exchange before waving the three off to return to their bedchambers for the night. As they leave Thor says that tomorrow Aina shall meet with their other friends; Sif, Fandral, Volstagg and Hogun.
"They are our closest companions, the three boys being taught to be warriors while Sif tries to become one as well." Thor explains as the three head for their bedchambers.
"But she is only a girl and Father does not see fit to let her learn. Though she is being taught anyway. She has a way of bullying people to do what she wants them to do." Loki adds with a smile.
"But why can she not be a warrior? I see no problem." Aina says not liking the idea that only men could fight. Thor shrugs but it's Loki who answers her saying honestly,
"I know not, but whatever happens I assume she'll become a warrior anyway. Perhaps you shall be also."
"I doubt it, I do not know how to fight or do magic." Aina says with a frown but both boys insist that while she stays they shall teach her; Thor to spar and Loki simple magic. True to their words the next day the two Princes bring Aina to the training grounds where the four are practicing.
"My friends!" Thor cries so that they pause and Aina looks them over; Sif has dark black hair and brown eyes, Fandral light blond hair and pale green eyes, Volstagg mighty red hair and dark eyes while Hogun has black hair and dark brown eyes.
"This is Aina, she is staying here for a while." Thor says pushing Aina towards them so that each take turns greeting her.
"Do you know how to spar?" Sif wonders but Aina shakes her head but says timidly,
"But I would like to learn." Sif grins at this grabbing a staff and tossing it to her saying,
"Just follow my lead then." the day is spent with the seven practicing sparring; Aina with Sif and the boys taking turns with one another. While walking through the palace Frigga and Ēostre spy them and it's Frigga who says,
"She is a fine child."
"I worry for her though," Ēostre says sighing heavily before continuing,
"She is too good a child, she sees the best in everyone no matter how difficult it is for others to do so." but Frigga puts a hand on her shoulder telling her,
"Then perhaps that is her gift, the Norns have their ways my friend, we dare not question it." when the midday meal is served the seven go inside after having to change from their sweaty clothing and take baths. Soon they're playing tag with one another and laughing filling the courtyard with the sound. As they play Aina hides behind the oak tree crouched down so that she isn't found.
"Got you!" she hears bolting upright to see Loki smiling down at her but she says back,
"You should not use your magic to find me." he only shrugs as she shoves his shoulder saying with a giggle,
"Your it!" the rest of the day the seven are near inseparable until at last they are sent to their bedchambers for the night.
"Until next morrow Aina!" the four say as they give her hugs which she readily returns. As they leave Aina goes back to her bedchamber and once changed into her nightgown settles into bed. She lays in bed smiling from ear to ear before glancing over at her golden flower that Loki had given her. She makes a promise to herself right then and there to learn how to spar like Thor and do magic like Loki. When Ēostre enters the bedchamber she grins fondly down at Aina kissing her brow glad to know that her daughter is fitting in so well with the Princes.