A little longer but worth it. . .

The next few days, Rowena had recovered well enough, she could breathe without having her lungs collapsing on her, she no longer needed the inhaler. Though she was very grateful to be able to breathe without having to worry, she was still very much afraid of what had happened. Whatever Loki did, helped but did it have to make her afraid of him.

Frigga tried to ease her mind about the situation, "Loki can become a frighting individual," she admitted, "but has a good heart." Yet, it wasn't enough for Rowena, she wasn't convinced, not after the way he held her down. Regardless of the situation, she knew she had a task at hand. Teaching.

Being forced into the teaching, she knew she had to try and make the best of it. It was anything but Stockholm Syndrome, it was just trying to survive. Still not completely comfortable with the idea of teaching, she had to figure out what to do and what to teach. The one thing she was grateful for was a room of her own, where she could gather her thoughts and get her curriculum ready. It was bigger then any room she had ever lived in and prettier when it came to the decorum. The kicker was, that it was the maids rooms. Frigga watched her in surprise as Rowena looked around the room with great surprise. Telling her that it was only temporary, until Odin decides to place her in a real room.

Rowena didn't care, she thought this was an amazing room. Commenting on how big and amazing it was, Rowena actually thanked her. The first time she had shown a trace of kindness to her. This was the Rowena, Frigga had seen when she observed her on earth; this was the kind women she had seen and hoped that she would continue.

"I expect a lesson tomorrow." Frigga said with content.
"Wow, so soon?" she said as her stomach churned, she wasn't ready for that.

"I believe it's been put off for too long."

"Who are my students?"

"My sons and their kinsmen."

"You mean, those big guys they hang out with?" Rowena almost choked on her spit. "Yes, there are four. With an addition of a female. Seven in total."

"What do they want to learn?"

"It's not what they want to learn, it's what I want them to learn."

"Okay, what do want me to teach?" she said with skeptism in her voice.

"I want them to learn Earth Literature, preferably Shakespeare."

"Shakespeare?! Wow, that's going to be a little hard."

"How so?"

"It's a lot of analyzing and breaking down the content of his sonnets. Even I need to get back with the basics. I know history, literature is not my strongest suit."

"Then teach them what you already know, Shakespeare is a request." scanning throug the books that Rowena and Loki retrieved from Earth. Picking up a book she read the title, "The Art of War won't be necessary. They already know this subject and I don't take you to be a women of great knowledge of war. Of course, if you have anything on Jane Austen, that would be ideal."

Rowena thought she had heard Frigga wrong, she'd prefer romance novels instead of war novels, to teach to men? Or God's as they call themselves, nonetheless. "The Art of War is a novel, not a guide on how to fight, more along the lines of a minds man as they progress through a war. I think the men will find it very intriguing. Now, is there anything else you want me to teach."

Frigga nodded and sat down on the chair, motioning Rowena to do the same, she shook her head. She didn't feel like sitting. As cooperative as Rowena was at the moment, she was still rebellious. So Frigga stood up, refusing to be lower then her.

"You have a vast knowledge of History, then I can assume that you know of our History."

"To be honest, no. My background in History was European and American. I don't know what they'll get out of that but I can teach them what I know. I was suppose to write a thesis on Norse history but that was before I got kidnapped!" she sheepishly laughed and then cleared her throat when Frigga raised in an eyebrow.

Frigga gave a small sigh, "It's been many centuries since we walked the Earth, there were many wars and humans were the main casualties. Asgard fought along side humans to fight the evil that lingered on Midgard. Our history on Midgard can be heard through songs, stories, and drawings. The Vikings regarded us as their Gods and protectors. We were honored but as time passed, Midgard had changed. We were all soon forgotten and humans had changed for the worse. Men followed other Gods, while waging wars with one another. An outside force would only make humans afraid and with fear comes anger. It was then that Odin decided we would no longer intervene nor would we have any business in Midgard. Though, I would say we have visited at times for our own curiosity but it's been too long. You humans have advanced and we must know how and why."

"Why would you need to do that? Why not just go over there and figure it out?"

"Did you not see how the humans reacted when Loki used his powers?" Rowena stood in silence, she was just as shocked when he did it out in the open. So in a way, it was like teaching the intellectuals to be more discreet when it came to using their brain power. Especially to "Primitive Apes," as they may call it, or if they could call it that.

"Are we a threat to you?" Rowena asked bluntly.

"No! But what you do on Earth can become a threat to the outside realms." said a old and wise voice. It was Odin, he was in the room listening to them.

"You are slowly becoming a danger to yourselves. The advancements in technology and the minds that have expanded gradually is a cause for others to watch you."

"Like you guys?" she said while pointing to him. "You mean to tell me you've been watching us?"

"Yes, we have. I have not intervened in your wars, I have been watching the progression in weapons and tactics. Even now it has become more dangerous, fighting the next thing that is in front of you, but never looking above."

"The Stars?" she said stupidly. Odin smirked, yes she was smart but oblivious to what was going on in the universe.

"Farther then the stars themselves. Far more peril you'll never know of, because we help guard your realm." he responded.

Rowena nodded and had contemplated, "So you're telling me this is like some Doctor Who, time traveling, aliens, and dangerous stuff? Wow! I can believe it." she told them.

Frigga and Odin looked puzzled by her comment, "To whom are you referring to as a Doctor of time?" Odin asked.

"Oh that! Never mind about that, it's just fictional." she quickly brushed off, "If I am getting this straight, you want me to teach them what kind of weapons and technology we have?"

"That is my wish." Odin said in a firm voice.

Rowena was stuck, she had never fired a gun nor had she ever held one and as far as technology goes, she knew just how to use a computer and make it work. The little things she knew but anything after that was out of her depth.

"I'm sorry, I am not that good when it comes to weapon or in technology at that. I know the basics but you need to kidnap someone else. And if you do, I suggest you at least ask first and then take them." she informed them but knew she was rubbing it in their face.

"You're knowledge will suffice. We will decide whether we bring in another." Odin said. He was starting to like her, not only was she truthful to her words she was blunt. Yes, she would have been a good Valkyrie and a warrior of words.

"Do your work and do it well." he told Rowena.

"My lady." he said to Frigga and Frigga gave a small but meaningful nod. Then looked to Rowena who gave a small salute, "Until then Sir." she said. Odin knew she was not going to bow yet but in terms of respect, he would except that. He left the room leaving Rowena and Frigga alone.

"You understand what is at hand?" Frigga asked her.

"I think so." Rowena said so unnasured with herself, she just wanted to say it to keep her happy.

"Tomorrow in the Learning room, I will see you in the morning."

"Okay." she said.

Frigga walked out but Rowena stopped her, "Wait! Before you go, where is the Library?" she asked.

As soon as she left the Maids quarters she was met with guards, boxing and blocking her in again. Rowena knew she shouldn't have been surprised but felt more annoyed. "When do you guys ever end?" she asked them as they guided her to the Library.

Upon entering she could see how big this library was, it was definitely heaven here. Swooning at the sight she couldn't help but jump in excitement. This was just amazing. The walls and halls, everything was covered in books and the size of the room was bigger then any library she had ever seen. The smell of the dusty, leathery books, time had worn them out but was still beautiful than ever. The natural light from outside made the room seem to bright and big. Looking at the books she ran her fingers through the spines. A lot of the books she could not identify because the language was not English. To be honest, there wasn't a single book that was English.

In silence she walked along the halls and tried to find anything that resembled her language or any language she knew but there was nothing. Squinting and fixing her glasses she looked around everywhere.

"This would help if I could read a single word." she said to herself.

It was then she saw someone pass by at the end of the bookshelf. She froze then thought rationally, "It's a library, they're looking for the same thing as you. Stop being so afraid!" she whispered to herself. Following after the person she called to them, "Hello, can anyone help me?" Trying to predict where the person may have gone, she looked around and found no one. Again she tried to call but no one answered.

Looking around for ten minutes for a single soul she decided to call it quits. It made no sense for her to look for a book when she didn't understand the language. Making her way out of the maze of books she saw a person sitting at a large oak table with beautful chairs.

Slowly she walked up to the person, he was definitely a man, since he had a tall but small structure, yet he was fit. He was reading a book and looked very much into it.

"Hello." she said to him as she walked closer to him. It was then she saw him stand up, he got her attention.

Rowena had suddenly remembered him, it was the man who took her, he was following her before she had been kidnapped. She swallowed hard and took a step back as he took a step forward.

"You took me!" she said.

He stood there in silence.

"You took me away from my home."

This time he nodded.

"Really, you can't even tell me you're sorry?" she said, trying not to be angry.

"I do not apologize for a task that was given to me. My Queen had requested it and I would not fail her."

"Yeah, well you didn't fail, that's for damn sure." she said seeping with anger.

"Are you well?" he said in calm manner.

"What?"

"Are you well?" he repeated.

"Could be better." she said.

"How can I be of help?" he asked her.

Rowena wasn't sure what he was doing but he was doing it right. As mad as she was with him, he seemed very calm and nonchalant. It was throwing her way off. "Seriously?" she said to him.

"You requested help and I will gladly give it."

"How can you be so cool about kidnapping a girl- Never mind. Forget I said that." she said as she pinched the bridge of her nose.

"It's useless, I don't know Asgard language. It's not like you could teach me in a matter of weeks or months, at that. Never mind." she told him avoiding his eyes, turning her back on him.

"I can teach you in seconds." he told her with a hint of smile on his face.

"How so?" she said as turned around.

Walking towards her in a couple of steps, her reached her as she took a step back but he gently grabbed her shoulders and turned her around to face the books with her back facing him.

"Look. What do you see?"

Rowena rolled her eyes, "Seriously Jackie Chan, you're going to ask me this? It's books, we're in a library."

He squeezed her shoulders, trying to make her concentrate, "Silence. Look." he scolded her. "Look at the words and concentrate on them." She shrugged him off, she didn't want him attempting to put her to sleep or numb her.

Rowena gave an annoyed sigh, she gave a hard look at them and waited. What was she waiting for? Or what was she looking for?

"This library has magic, you just have to wait for it to show itself. Watch and wait." he told her.

Imagining the books coming to life, she gave a small smile. She was just imagining things, but then she saw a letter on one of the books, it was an 'E'.

"Did you-" she stopped to ask him but when she saw it again there was another letter, "O." she said. And in a blink of an eye, it was everywhere, she could see the words forming into English, they were arraigning themselves so she could make it out.

"That is amazing!" she said to him and walked towards the shelf and took out a book. "This is- Wow, I can't believe that just-" she turned around to thank him. He stood there and gave a small bow.

"I take my leave." he said quietly.

"I never got your name."

"Hogun, my lady."

"Hogun. I'd say it's nice to meet you but under the circumstances we had originally met. I'd like to say that was not very nice of you but I bet you don't care." she told him. Hogun glared at her, she was just being mean and that's when he took his leave. Was she oblivious to what she had said? No. Making her point was key and figuring if she was going to be here for a long time, she may as well make them feel bad.

Hours had passed, she had been in the library for hours trying to learn about the history of Asgard and anything that could fill her in with the world. However, there was just too much for her to take in. She needed someone to give her the crash course to get the gist of it. She decided to come back tomorrow, possibly talk to someone who can direct to her the right subject.

As she opened the door, she waited for the guards to box her in again, but there was no one. Looking around the large corridor she waited for someone to come towards her but no one came. Cautiously taking a step she waited again, but no one came.

'Freedom!' she thought to herself as she walked, where? She didn't know. All she could do was appreciate the freedom for now. Taking a good look around the halls she could see how massive this place was. Looking around the rooms and hallways with mouth wide open she was just about to walk into Dining room when she saw a familiar figure walk passed inside, it was Loki.

Quickly her heart had to jump, her blood had ran cold, caused her to run turn around and avoid the room. Hoping that he didn't see her. As she ran from the room she turned to a different hallway, with her back to the wall, she waited and held her breath. 'Please ignore me. Don't find me. Please. Please. Please!' she said to herself. It was then she heard footsteps coming out of the dining room, it was walking rather slow, every step made her freeze in place. It was coming closer, she could feel it and she hoped that he wouldn't see her. Closing her eyes she could hear the footsteps faint and his presence disappear. Opening her eyes and exhaling then breathing in, she felt safe.

Looking at the Hallway she saw none one except she didn't look to her back, "I presume you're the new teacher." said a female voice making Rowena jump and turn around.

A women who was tall, towering over Rowena very easily, but very athletic, she was definitely a warrior with her armor and her sword. She was beautiful, her blue eyes and with her brown hair, also her complexion was simple and yet intimidating, not one to be trifled with.

"Uh, hi!" sheepishly telling her.

The warrior watched her and slowly started to walk around her, "You don't look like much of a teacher." she told her.

"Uh, actually I am not." she followed her, wondering what she was looking at.

"You're not! So you're a con?"

"No. I was just put in the position. I didn't have much of a choice."

The Lady completely ignored what she had said, "I take it you're not much of a fighter." as she looked at her arms and legs, she was observing her.

"Only when I need to be." she said while scowling at her, "I'm not here to start a fight, I'm just here to teach." she said feeling uncomfortably. She could feel her looking at her clothes, everything that she was. As if she wanted to make fun of her but needed leverage.

"And what do you teach?"

"Stuff."

"Specifics. Please."

"History and somehow literature got thrown in there."

"I know Asgard history, why do I need to repeat this?" she said in an annoyed tone.

"Not Asgard but Earth- I mean, Midgard history. Your Queen insisted I teach the subject. If you are not interested then you don't have to come to class." she said boldly. It caused the warrior to grin and raise an eyebrow. Rowena could tell she was trying to intimidate her, though she knew she the warrior could take her down, she had to at least stand her ground. Sliding on foot back and standing up straight, Rowena took a defensive stance.

"I've heard many things about you, Lady Rowena." she said, Rowena was not surprised, "You made a fool of Volstagg by your athleticism, passing him and getting away with no trouble. Fendrel was completely confused by you which never happens in his presence, especially with women, he is quite good with the ladies. Hogun found you to be rather insulting but insists that your anger will subdue in time. Loki is annoyed by your presence, constantly muttering about how much of an idiot you are. All the while leaving Thor thoroughly amused by your personality."

Rowena froze in place, is this what this warrior heard of her? But one question, plagued her mind, "What about you? What do you think?" Rowena asked her.

The Lady stood there with her hands behind her back and her head raised, "I believe you are," she paused as she gave a genuine smile, "A women."

She gave a small nod, "I am Lady Sif."

Rowena thought she was going to have to start fighting but after that smile she gave out a small delirious laugh, "Oh thank God, I don't have to fight you. I would've pissed my pants!" she said to her while rubbing her face in frustration.

"I have no quarrel with you. You don't look built enough to be a fighter." she said in a taunting tone but quickly changed it, "I've come to retrieve you. Thor has invited you to our dinner."

Rowena scowled at her then thought about it, 'Just like that?! Wow, you'd think they would try to avoid me.'

"I am sorry I must decline. I actually have a lot of work to do. School is in session and need to get prepped. I really don't have anything ready." it wasn't a lie, she really needed to get it done.

"Are you refusing Thor?" asking her while raising an eyebrow. That put Rowena in a hard spot, how could Lady Sif ask her like this?

"I don't have much of choice. I barely got my curriculum rea-"

"It's only dinner, it's not like he's asking you to bed with him."

"Oh God no! Anything but that! How did you jump to that conclusion?" she said with disdain which made Lady Sif scowl at her as Rowena shivered at the thought.

"You would refuse Thor in bed?"

"I already did! He asked me and I thought it was just straight up weird, asking me to sleep with him. I barely know him!"

Lady Sif then nodded her head and smiled. "I believe you are the only women that I have met that has refused him by choice."

"Really? Well, that's saying a lot!"

"But in time, he can change your mind."

"Uh, no. I highly doubt that and I like to keep my legs closed."

"No matter. You better tell Thor yourself that you will not be dining with us."

"But-" Rowena was about to argue more but Lady Sif guided her to where they were. It took a while to get there and she could hear the laughter and music from the room. The smell was seeping through the halls, the smell of pork, chicken, and meat, with spices that filled the air, it was heaven for Rowena.