Thank you for the reviews I received! :) This one is a bit long. No Loki :( but he is returning and he will get a chapter all to himself soon.
Bright golden doors prevented Neris from speaking with the queen; she would have to wait until the queen came for her. Neris took the time she had available to inspect her nails and clear away any lingering filth. Frigga was not terribly demanding, but she did expect Neris to look after herself and ensure that the dirt she picked up from the gardens was washed away.
Neris sighed before lowering her gaze to the floor, her obscure reflection stared back her. She stroked the bodice of her dress just over her womb. Today, of all days, Thor had to bring a mortal to Asgard; how could she possibly tell Frigga she was pregnant? But if she delayed, no, that was not an option. The servants would reveal any secret about Loki out of sheer spite.
Why did they hate him so much? He was accurate in his descriptions of how the servants conducted themselves, they were cruel and did not think much of him. Those who were wiser thought well of Neris, those who were younger and more reckless challenged her at every turn. If Frigga accepted their child then she could gain better footing among the common folk of Asgard. But as Neris did pirouettes through the hall she wondered if she truly wanted approval from the Asgardians; she had Loki and Tarandis' love, Frigga and Sif's friendship, and muted relationships with Odin and Thor. She had come to know many of the guards and befriend the royal gardeners. True, she wasn't very popular, but she had the love and companionship of the people she cared about. It was her relationships with each person that negated the cruelty of the whispers she heard when she passed the servants.
Odin's most loyal guard, Tyr, had a daughter who had raced Neris at the beginning of her time on Asgard and since that race the girl had come to see Neris as an equal and a friend. No one insulted her around the guards or Tyr's daughter. Many of the servants were petty, but there were those Neris had grown close to, they bit back the words Neris was glad she never heard.
She wanted Frigga's blessing and approval, like a child clinging to her mother. It was as if Neris had been lost out at sea with nothing but a swaying boat to stand on, she needed something stagnant, something she could firmly plant her feet upon. This one thing would solidify her position in the world of ancient heros. She just had to tell Frigga.
"Neris," called a voice from behind the golden doors as they swung open. Frigga emerged from her room, halting Neris' procession of pirouettes. The queen smiled at the Caela. "Shall we take a walk? I have good news for you!"
Maybe she knows. Neris offered her arm to the queen who then locked her own arm around the Caela. They walked quickly through the corridor, taking a shortcut available only to the queen. They passed no one on their journey to an unknown destination. Nothing appeared out of sorts with the queen.
"Milady, what did you wish to tell me?"
Frigga remained quiet for a moment. "Ah, forgive me, it slipped my mind." A soft chuckle escaped her as they emerged outside the palace. They traveled quickly to a landing where they took a small transport that sped them to the market place.
"The news," continued Frigga, "is that my king has given you permission to make your garden memorial. In fact, he thinks it is a brilliant idea and plans to have you meet with the landscapers and the Head of Gardens as well as the Head of Memorials. After your meeting with them, you will present your plan to Odin. If he likes, and he will, we will discuss where it will be built."
Mechanical transports were prohibited when entering into the market and the multitude of Asgardian homes. Too many children ran freely and carelessly through the streets for anything other than a horse or wagon to pass through. Neris and Frigga would continue their journey on foot. Once off the transport, Frigga adjusted her grey shawl to cover her before locking arms once more with Neris. The queen waved and smiled to the citizens as she passed. Many gave polite bows but left her alone with her pink, alien companion.
"This is great news, milady. I am so, oh, words can not be said as to how pleased I am. I will work very hard to bring my ideas together and make you and the king happy. All of Asgard with have a memorial for their loved ones in a setting they can be delighted to immerse themselves in. Even the people from the worlds like Ria and Vanaheim will have a place to remember the sacrifices Asgard has made for them and know their loved ones did not die in vain."
Neris was delighted beyond measure. She feared that Odin had opposed her plan for a memorial garden, or had simply forgoten about it. She had proposed the idea nearly a month before. The sights around Neris became different, they were not strange women conversing, or children playing, or men throwing their goblets to the ground; no, they were her people now. She could make something for Asgard and be apart of it until she found a new Caelandis. If she could be rid of Amora and free Loki, Asgard would be perfect.
"Frigga, my Queen, I must tell you something." Neris swallowed hard. Her palms were sweating grotesquely and Neris wished desperately that the children running around would cease their cheering long enough for her to deliver her news."
In a blur of colors, several children, ranging in various ages, bumped passed the two women. They screamed with breathless delight. Several of the boys stumbled in their pursuit, but recovered quickly, descending upon their companions without delay. Frigga laughed and clapped for them while Neris continued her silent fretting. She wished she could enjoy the scene around them, but she was full of dread and anxiety over her news, she wished it would end.
With a pained breath, she tried to calm herself. Neris flexed her muscles, hoping to relieve the stress that had accumulated within the seconds that had delayed her confession. "Milady, I have news that I, too, wish to tell you."
Frigga's warm eyes observed her. "You're with child, if I'm not mistaken?"
Neris balked and blushed. "H-how did you know?" She stuttered. The Caela was a bright pink from the blushing. "Who told you?"
"Relax." Frigga then stepped up to one of the vendors and ordered a raspberry tart for the two of them. She handed one to Neris before asking for a small bag blueberries. "Eat these." She still wore her knowing smile as they resumed their ambulant stroll.
"I knew," continued Frigga, "before you did. Through the sickness and sudden fatigue you worked so hard to cover up. You radiate but cover your glow with shawls and scarves. Why were you afraid to tell me?"
"I-" Why was she so afraid? "I worried that you wouldn't approve."
A small chuckle escaped the queen. "Far from it, Neris." Frigga wrapped an arm around the Caela's shoulders. "It will be good for Loki to understand that everything we did was for him. He'll know what it means to be a parent. Come, Neris."
They continued their journey in relative silence. Neris ate the blueberries, she was now relieved and grateful that the queen of Asgard supported her. Suddenly, Asgard seemed beautiful and she was able to enjoy the children as they ran and played. She smiled at the vendors, and cheered for the kids who sprinted through the barrage of streets in pursuit of metallic, silver balls.
Ahead of them, before a lake that opened into the expanse of Asgard, stood Jane and Thor. Neris hung back as Frigga approached the couple to wash away the blueberries in a nearby fountain. The Caela stared at her reflection in the water as the ripples faded and the surface became like glass. Slowly, Neris brought her arm over the surface and turned her wrist and flicked her hand around.
"Sýndu mér Loki," she whispered (1). A green light poured from her hand onto the glass like water. It shimmered before showing her Loki. She could see him through a small mirror above his wash basin. He stood erect before the glass panels holding him in the prison. The magic in the panels flamed with brilliance as its strength was tested. Neris could see fighting in the background.
With a shocking jolt, Neris turned from the image of Loki when she heard the thunderous sound of an alarm. Quickly, Neris threw her hand back over the water. "Hverfa." (2)
Picking up the skirt of her dress, Neris sprinted over to the queen and Jane Foster. She watched as Thor leapt into the air, his hammer, the Mjolnir, soared perfectly into his outstretched hand. Neris stared quizzically at Frigga.
"The prison?" she asked. Her heart sank when Frigga nodded. Loki. . . .
"Ladies, come with me. We need to return to the palace."
Together, the three of them journeyed to a transport that would whisk them back to the palace. As they traveled together, Frigga conversed jovially with Jane; her countenance was as it always was: naturally reserved and cheerful. She asked the mortal about her life and family to which Jane bashfully answered. When she could no longer hold back her curiosity she turned to the Caela.
"Neris, was it?"
Neris nodded. "I was on your world for a little while. I knew Erik Selvig. Is he any better?" Her palms felt sweaty as she tried to hide them.
Jane's eyes grew wide. "Oh, yeah. I remember you now." Frowning, Jane continued. "He is adjusting. Why were you on Earth? Erik said you were very kind. But why would you help the Chitauri destroy our world?"
Their transport stopped near the palace and the three of them began their journey into the noisy building. Curious and concerned citizens wandered around looking lost while others gathered their belongings and fled the scene.
"I did not go to destroy your world, nor did I support the Chitauri. I went to Midgard to escape enslavement. Lo-"
"Neris, Jane, keep up," ordered Frigga. She wore a smile, but it was one that hid her true feelings, Loki inherited this deceitful look from her.
Once inside the palace they saw soldiers running by, none stopped to greet them nor did they acknowledge that their queen was among them. From the other end of the hall, the three women heard Odin dictating orders to his soldiers, telling them to defend the weapons vault and secure the prison. When Frigga was close enough, she called out to her husband. As severe as Odin could be, it was plain to see the affection he had for his wife. With a tender touch to her cheek, he played out the severity of what was happening in Asgard.
He told them not to worry, but both Jane and Neris knew to be worried. Neris would take no chances, she would not put her faith in Asgard to protect them. If things went badly for them, she would take the first opportunity she had to get to Loki and her grandfather and they would find a way to escape, or die trying. She knew when there was an invasion since she had been a victim of one and then participated in another.
Rolling on the balls over her feet, Neris could feel that her legs were ready to sprint at a moments notice, and she was eager for the king and queen's conversation to be over with so that all could be as it usually was on Asgard.
Neris noticed Jane straighten as the rear of Odin's soldiers passed them. Sif marched on, eyeing Jane in an almost contemptuous manner. It was a look that unnerved and concern Neris for Sif displayed great control over her affections for Thor and never let another soul devalue her triumphs. Neris felt a conflicting sympathy for both women.
"Ladies, come." Frigga then led them through the soldiers, taking the opportunity to snatch a sword from one. "I need you to do as I ask, no questions," instructed Frigga to Jane. "Neris, we may have to see how far you've progressed with your magic."
Down the corridors they went, fleeing to Frigga's chambers. People continued rushing by, paying little heed to the three women. "Neris, take Jane to your room. Stay there and have Jane stand in front of your mirror."
Neris nodded and took Jane by they hand. With tears clouding her eyes, Neris glanced back at the queen who nodded once more to the Caela. Neris swallowed the lump in her throat and thought back to all the times Loki mentioned his need for someone with strength and fortitude, now, Frigga needed that from her. Through the hall they went until they reached a small door that led to a narrow hall. With a click, Neris open the hidden door into the closet of her bed chamber. She pushed her gowns from their path and entered the forest Neris had turned her room into.
"Oh, my God!" Declared Jane as she took in the scene around her. There was a wall lined with potted trees that shrank compared to the vines that ran the length of the wall and twisted up to the ceiling. It was chaotic, but not; there was an organization to the plant life that enveloped the Caela's room. She was meticulous with a structure that could have easily overwhelmed most.
Neris smiled. "You like it. I worked hard trimming and tying the vines just right. Eventually they will bloom once they've adjusted." Neris looked to the small pool in the center of her room and wondered if it would be a good connection for them, but thought better of it.
"We must be quiet for now. Follow me to the bathroom. There is a mirror in there. I am going to project your image through it. Jane, you must focus on the queen and obey her every order and you must not react to me. They cannot figure out where you are."
Neris shut both of them in the bathroom and positioned Jane before her full length mirror. "Ijós," cried Neris with a flick of her wrist. (3) The image of Frigga appeared before them. "Tengi." (4)
Frigga seemed to step out of the mirror. As Jane gazed into the mirror, she could see her own image do the same. "Well done, Neris. Jane you are to act as if we are together. Neris, get her a chair."
Neris sped off to grab what was needed. Once Jane sat down Neris moved to stand against the wall. "Jane, I will make it so that you see can whatever happens in the room. You must react as if you are there, do you understand?"
Jane nodded quietly. The excitement she had felt when she first arrived on Asgard had all but dissipated. Her back went straight and rigid, as if she was uncomfortable in the role she found herself now playing. She was uncomfortable, Neris could see it when Jane's bright, brown eyes shifted throughout the room.
"You will be able to hear me, but soon you won't be able to see me," Neris said as she gently squeezed the mortal's arm before returning to her spot along the wall. "Sýna myndina," whispered Neris. (5) She was free to watch as both women remained quiet and alert.
Neris glanced around her bed chamber and rushed to her door where she lifted a slender rod from the floor and slid it between her door handles. It would not be an effective means to keep intruders out, but it would create enough noise to get her attention so she and Jane could escape if necessary. The Caela then turned to her bed where next to it, propped against the wall, was a sword that Sif had given to her months before. Neris picked up the blade and removed it from the scabbard which was thrown carelessly onto her bed. Seconds later she was by Jane's side.
Jane nothing, but abruptly and backed into the wall. She was terrified, but kept silent. Neris watched at a distance. It was Frigga, then, who moved while Jane shuddered against the wall. She spoke, addressing a person Neris could not see.
"Stand down, creature," she ordered. Glowing in the light reflected in the queen's chamber, was Frigga's sword. She paced before Jane, shielding the girl like a mother bear. Her blade would be ready to strike without hesitation.
Neris bit her lip to keep quiet, she could not distract either women or their illusion would be over and Jane would be found.
"And you may survive this," she continued to her invisible guest.
In the bathroom, Neris craned her neck to check her door. It remained as it had seconds ago. The Caela trembled.
"Who are you?" Asked the queen. Her posture was relaxed, yet firm with authority, she would not be usurped or disrespected in her own chambers. It was she who controlled the situation for it was she who had tricked him, though he knew not.
The image of Frigga cast a glance back towards Jane. It was her cue, Neris brought her sword up, ready for a fight if one came. Whoever their attackers were, they were there for Jane. It was a worried breath that filled Neris' lungs. Her heart thundered, filling her with the primal fear of her days as a slave. She never knew what would come next, just that it would hurt.
Jane's breathing quickened and she moved across the bathroom. Quickly, Neris grabbed her chair so that Jane would not trip. "Jane, breath slowly. Stay calm," said Neris as she made Jane's pathway clear. If the girl tripped the illusion would be over and the Queen killed.
In a sudden flurry of movements, Frigga struck out at her invisible intruder. Neris could see where it struck and saw the assailant. As long as he was touching Frigga, Neris could see him. It was a quick succession, strike after strike like a tango. Frigga moved with fluid, and deadly, grace. When she had the pale creature pinned, she turned and was suddenly grabbed. Neris gasped loudly when the new creature picked Frigga up. Since he was touching her, Neris saw every detail of the monster.
His body burned like charred flame, he was in pain, but his rage kept him going. Neris could see that he was wasting away. His bright, pale blue eyes stared past Neris, they were haunting and invasive. With tusks and horns fused into his skull, he looked more like an animal than his pale companion from before. Although, he held onto her queen, Neris was struck with a memory of something Sif had said long ago. She had called the Caela "weavers" the "Guardians of the Yggdrasil". The Aether that course through Jane's body was a parasite living off her life force, but it was something more, something that would taint the entire structure of Yggdrasil. What if these creatures were like Neris? What if they were like the Caela? What if it was the Aether their abilities were tethered too? They could destroy Yggdrasil just as easily as Neris could build it.
Frigga let out an involuntary gasp, forcing Neris to focus once more on the scene before her. Jane backed away slowly and stopped against the door of Neris' bathroom. A shimmering light surrounded her. She gaped at the room around her, realizing that she was no longer in the Queen's room, but Neris' plain bathroom. Frigga was no where to be seen.
"What happened?" Asked Neris.
Jane rested her gaze upon the pink creature before her. "They know."
(1) Sýndu mér Loki Icelandic for "Show me Loki."
(2) Hverfa Icelandic for "Disappear."
(3)Ijós Icelandic for "reveal"
(4) Tengi Icelandic for "interface"
(5) Sýna myndina Icelandic for "show image"