Things moved swiftly after that day. Numerous meetings were held to sort out treaties and to discuss various elements of settling down in a strange place, and Freya felt rather daunted at what lay ahead for her. Certainly, this role was like no other she had ever had, and she had no idea if she would be any good at it. Still, the job did have its perks, for she had been introduced to other members of Asgard's Council, including Heimdall and the last Valkyrie, and she did get to work with Loki and Thor. Freya had also been partnered up with one of the Asgardian councillors so that she could understand what was needed, and at first, she had been rather excited at the prospect. Unfortunately, it seemed that this particular Asgardian did not want a mortal woman interfering with their new home, and they had been rather vocal about it.
From the first moment she had spoken to Ragnar, it was evident that he had a poor view of humans. He barely listened to her questions, constantly patronised her, and had a habit of cutting her off mid-sentence, and it was really trying Freya's patience. She knew that there would be some prejudice towards her, especially as no one really knew who she was or why their monarchs had asked her to stay, but as time wore on it was growing more and more ridiculous. She had the distinct feeling that she would get more work done if Ragnar wasn't with her, but when she had broached the subject with Thor, she had not gotten a satisfactory response. Still, Freya was not one to give up easily, and where Ragnar had not helped, Hilda had been more than happy to step in.
The Asgardian woman had often sought Freya out in an evening, and the pair were becoming firm friends. At first Freya had thought that the reason Hilda spoke to her was because of her fascination with Midgard, but they had soon discovered some common interests, and Freya wished that she could work with Hilda. It certainly would be far less stressful, but Hilda was not on the Council. Even so, it was nice to know that not every Asgardian hated her, and Hilda had promised to introduce her to other friends and answer any questions. For this, Freya was grateful, for she had quickly discovered that she would not be able to spend quite as much time with Loki as she had previously believed, and not everyone was so willing to help her.
Two weeks after the Asgardians had arrived on Earth saw the final arrangements made. Norway's government had agreed to let them settle in Tønsberg, and the Treaty had finally been signed. It was an especially proud moment for them all, and one which was to be celebrated. Freya could not help but smile at all the happy faces as the final documents were signed, and she was looking forward to the festivities that evening, though she was a little torn as to which to attend. A drinks reception was being held in the Avengers building, while the Asgardians were having a feast, and she knew that she should put in an appearance at both. Of course, she had no wish to offend anyone, and she deliberated on what to wear that would be suitable for both events. Though she had not packed any occasion wear, she had been able to make a quick trip into New York City and do a bit of shopping, but she was having second thoughts about the dress she had bought.
She was still deliberating a few hours later, and she cursed as she realised that she would have to repack everything after the feast, for she was also travelling home tomorrow. While the Asgardians would be sleeping off the inevitable hangovers in the morning, Freya would be beginning the laborious process of packing up her worldly belongings, and it was not a task that she was particularly looking forward to. Sighing, she checked her phone to see that both Astrid and her mother had provided no help in Freya's fashion dilemma, and she stared at the two offending items on the bed, trying to work out the best option.
"You're not ready?" A confused voice asked from the door, and Freya turned to see Loki frowning. She swore as she saw the time, for they had agreed to walk over to the drinks reception together, for neither of them were particularly excited at the prospect of spending time with the people who had questioned them so fiercely, and everyone else had decided to head over earlier.
"I couldn't decide on…" She sighed as she gestured to the dresses. "It is a long time since I attended a drinks reception, and I have never been to an Asgardian feast. Now that I'm on the council too, I have no idea of protocol or…" The Trickster just gave her a sympathetic smile as he inspected both choices, before making the decision.
"This one." Loki said with some certainty as he pointed to the blue floral skater dress that Freya had already been leaning towards wearing.
"Then give me two minutes?" She asked, and the Prince dutifully left the room. Freya quickly changed and then wondered what to do with her hair, but that decision was also made for her as she stepped outside. A gentle tap on her shoulder brought her hair into a suitable style, and Freya rolled her eyes.
"Thank you, but the treaty said…" She pointed out, a little annoyed and yet not surprised that Loki was already bending the rules.
"What they don't know can't harm them." He told her, while she rolled her eyes. "Come on, we're going to be late."
They spent just over an hour at the reception, and Freya was glad that the time soon flew by. She spoke to a few people, mainly about the plans for New Asgard and how she would fit in, and then managed to get the promised photos for her sister before they had gone to the feast. By the time they arrived on the bridge of the Asgardian ship, everyone had gathered and Freya smiled at all the happy faces. Music played as people talked excitedly, and the tables were filled with food. Never had she been in a room so full of such joy, and most people were relieved to have a permanent home. Taking her seat, Freya could only watch as the Asgardians and Sakaarians talked and laughed together, and she hoped that they would find the transition to life on Midgard relatively smooth.
Of course, after the food came the dancing, and Freya clung to the side lines, for she suddenly felt very out of place. While she could hold a conversation with any of the Asgardians, she had no idea about the lyrics or music, nor did she know the steps. While the people sang and danced together, she desperately scanned the room for someone she knew so that she could be rescued, but everyone was busy. All she could do then was sip her drink and watch, content to watch the celebrations while wondering if all Asgardian feasts were like this.
"Join us!" An eager Hilda said a few minutes later after noticing that Freya was alone.
"I'm sorry, but I can't."
"Cannot? Or will not?" She asked, undeterred.
"This is your celebration, not mine, and I do not wish to…" Freya began, but Hilda shook her head.
"It is your celebration too, for you did find us the location, and you did help release our prince." Freya knew there was no arguing with that.
"You're one of us now!" Thyra, an older brunette woman, pointed out. "You'll be living with us, won't you?"
"Yes, I will, but…" Freya had an idea where this was going, and if that was the case then she was fighting a losing battle. Downing the rest of her drink, she silently cursed Loki, for he had not warned her of this part of feasting.
"You will be joining in with our customs, won't you?" Hilda asked.
"I hope to." Freya hesitated as she could see just how eager the pair were, and she did not want to let them down. "I just don't wish to cause any offence."
"You cannot offend us if you join in." Hilda pointed out, and Freya knew there was no way out.
"Then that does leave me in somewhat of a predicament." The mortal woman said as she rubbed the back of her neck nervously.
"What is it?"
"I can't dance." Freya sheepishly admitted, while the Asgardian women shared a look and grabbed Freya's hands.
"Then we shall teach you!" With that, she was dragged onto the dance floor.
Loki was stood on the dais, casually leaning against the wall as he sipped his drink. Thor and Valkyrie were in the midst of a drinking contest, while other council members were swapping stories or dancing, and the Trickster could not help but smile as he had not seen his people this happy in a long time. For just a moment it felt as if they had not endured the horrors of Ragnarok and all that had followed, and he hoped that the feeling would last. They certainly needed some joy after such an arduous journey to escape Hela and then Thanos, and now they could finally have some certainty in their lives. Loki knew that they owed some of that to Freya, and he scanned the room curiously, for he had not seen the human since the tables had been pushed aside.
"Sire, may I have a word?" Loki was only a little surprised to find the Head of the Guilds in front of him, and he dearly hoped that this wasn't to do with work. He was rather fed up with all the meetings and document signings now, and he just wanted one night off from it all.
"Go on." Loki said as he took another drink.
"I'm afraid there is no easy way to say this, but I am not sure that Freya is suitable for the role." Loki frowned at this, for though he knew that there had been friction between the pair, neither had openly admitted to it.
"You have concerns?" He asked, and Ragnar nodded.
"She knows very little of our culture and our ways, and is she not a little young? She is just a child with no experience, and I just do not see how she will be able to help us. So far I have seen nothing to…"
"She is not that young in human terms." Loki defended, annoyed at the criticism, though thankful that Freya was not in earshot. "She has also visited Asgard, and devoted her life to…"
"Did she not cause havoc when she was there? Did she not have you under her control?" Loki bristled at this, and knew that Ragnar was overstepping his mark.
"That was not done purposely." The Trickster pointed out, before realising that Ragnar was speaking his honest opinion. "Do you truly believe that she is not capable?"
"She does not have the temperament for it." Ragnar stated. "She has done nothing to learn of our culture or find out what we need, and yet decided where we are to live. She has no title, and no…"
"The decision was made on ancestral connections, and the choice was ultimately Thor's." Loki explained, truly not in the mood to argue. "By all means, if you know of somewhere better, then name it." Ragnar was silent, though he was not happy. "If you truly have a case as to why she should not be here, then state it, otherwise give her a chance. It has been a very trying fortnight for us all, and undoubtedly there is much to learn on all sides."
"You truly believe she is capable?" A confused Ragnar asked, surprised that the God of Mischief would defend a Midgardian woman.
"We would not have asked her otherwise." This silenced him, and the young man bowed before stalking off. Sighing, Loki finished his drink before deciding that he may as well join in with some of the fun, for it had been quite a while since he had been able to join in with such merriment so freely.
"See! It's not so hard, is it?" Hilda said triumphantly as the third or fourth song ended. Freya was out of breath and her cheeks were flushed, but she had the biggest grin on her face. She truly felt at ease with the women, and for that she was glad, for Freya had truly been beginning to wonder if any of the Asgardians would accept her. Ragnar had certainly made her feel incompetent and unwelcome, but Hilda had just proved otherwise.
"I've not had this much fun in ages!" She admitted as she tried to catch her breath.
"It's only going to get better!"
"Oh?"
"This next one involves swapping partners."
"What do you mean?" Freya asked, a little panicked at the notion, for she was not ready to be thrown in at the deep end.
"You'll see!" Hilda laughed as she pulled Freya back into the throng. Sure enough, every couple of beats they swapped partners, and Freya felt like she would have danced with everyone by the end of the night.
"And I thought I was the master of lies." Freya looked up from her feet at the voice, and then blushed a little as she saw the raven- haired trickster in front of her. He truly looked handsome tonight, for he wore a fine green tunic with golden embellishments, and she was reminded of the evening they had spent on Asgard all those years ago, while he smiled warmly at her.
"And pray, just what lies have I told exactly?" She asked playfully as the tune came to an end.
"You told me earlier that you cannot dance, and yet, here we are." He told her, one eyebrow raised.
"I couldn't dance earlier, that much is true." Freya pointed out, her eyes sparkling with joy. "But I have had very good teachers..." She paused, thankful for a short rest. "And the mead helps." She added nonchalantly, while he laughed.
"Then would you care for this one?" He asked, offering his hand, and Freya was a little hesitant, for she knew that there were already rumours flying around about them and she had no wish to add to them if she could help it. "Come now, you can show me what you have learned." He continued, but she sighed, knowing that he would not be deterred.
"Will I be breaking any rules by doing so?" He raised an eyebrow, and Freya realised she had just asked a man who broke or bended rules wherever possible.
"No." He assured her.
"Will I offend anyone if I say yes?"
"I cannot guarantee that." Freya frowned at this.
"If I say no?" Loki grinned at this, for he had the perfect way to persuade her to dance with him.
"Then I shall have to tell Ragnar that he was right." Freya glared at the prince for that comment, and she felt her frustration rise.
"You're really playing that card?" She asked, unimpressed. The Trickster nodded, his eyes full of mischief, and Freya rolled her eyes as she took his hand. "Fine. I make no promises that I won't step on your toes." His response was to lead her into the middle of the floor.
It was rather a weird experience dancing with the God of Mischief, especially to a much slower tune, but Freya found that she did not mind so much. She had spent relatively little time with him outside of work since she had been stolen away from home, and it was nice to even just have a few moments with the prince she considered a friend. After all, just over a week ago she had been trying to accept that she would never see him again and yet now… Well now she got to work with him and his people, and she was rather excited at this fact. As the tune ended, Freya knew that she needed a rest, but she could tell that Loki wanted to continue dancing. She also felt very warm, and a little uncertain, for there was something that had long been buried stirring within her. She dearly hoped that it was just the alcohol talking, and so, seeing that Loki was distracted, she slipped away in search of fresh air.
Freya sighed contentedly as she leaned on the balcony, for the cool night air was quite refreshing, and she could hear the Asgardians singing a jaunty song. The day had gone perfectly, and she was rather looking forward to spending some time at home before she moved to New Asgard. Hearing a cheer followed by someone singing, she could not help but wonder just how much more talented these people were, and she was looking forward to finding out. Certainly the celebrations were almost what she had expected, though Hilda had warned that they could last all night and become rowdier. Freya had no idea if she would be able to keep up with them all, but it was worth a try.
"Why am I not surprised that you are out here instead of joining in?" Freya inwardly groaned at the voice behind her, and she took a deep breath before she turned to face the Head of the Guilds. Ragnar had at least dressed up for the occasion, for he wore a pale blue tunic and tan trousers, while his mousey hair had been carefully brushed and styled. She might even have called him handsome, had it not been for his disposition towards humanity.
"I needed some air." Freya replied, truly not wanting to deal with him. "What is it that cannot wait?"
"Leave." He stated confidently, while Freya blinked. "You need to leave and not come back."
"And why would I want to do that?" She asked calmly, determined not to let him ruin her evening.
"Because you are not wanted here." He pointed out snidely. "You know nothing of us, or what we want, and we certainly do not need the help of a foolish mortal child." Freya bristled at this, and she knew that the alcohol would hinder her patience.
"Your king thinks otherwise." She pointed out. "Is he a fool too?"
"Just do everyone a favour, Freya. Don't bother coming back." He spoke with such hatred, and Freya had no idea what she had done to deserve it. After all, she had only ever acted in Asgard's best interests since she had come here.
"Quitting is not in my nature." She told him as she felt her temper rise. "And you certainly do not have the authority to fire me, so I think I will be moving to New Asgard thank you very much."
"You are no one, Freya Wilkes." He told her harshly, while she did her best not to wince at his words. "You are nothing, and you will never be one of us." This tipped her over the edge.
"Just what have I done to cause you to hate me Ragnar? By all means tell me, and I will do what I can to fix it." She snapped, unwilling to take any more of his insults. "I know that I don't know much about your culture yet, for I barely saw Asgard and I've not known Loki for very long in the grand scheme of things. I feel just as out of place as you do, and I have had scarcely any time to talk to your people, but I can assure you that I will do everything I my power to ensure everyone is happy here on Midgard." Ragnar was quiet, but Freya continued. "I do not care what you think of Ragnar Erikson. I will be moving to New Asgard, and I will be a consultant, whether you like it or not!"
"Just go Freya. You won't be missed." He told her. "You will never be anything more than a mortal girl, and we will be better off without you."
"Your prince has his freedom because of me, and you have a new home because of my research." She pointed out.
"Our prince is using you for his own ends." Ragnar stated, and Freya winced, for she had an idea that this was the case, though she did not wish to believe it.
"And you are worried about that?"
"Just do us all a favour Freya. Go home tomorrow, and don't look back." With that, he left, and Freya waited until he was gone before she let her tears fall.
