Sometime in August, 2012

This is my first journal to ever have in this world.

What a strange thing to say...

Well anyway, I bought it from a shop in the city with my first pay for a reason. And that reason is to document my time here on Asgard, so that I'll never forget it. And so that I'll never doubt it actually happened.

Over the past few weeks, I've begun to adjust to my new life in Asgard. I can't say that the fact that I am actually living in the Realm Eternal has fully settled in, and I doubt it ever will. But thankfully, it has not been very difficult to adjust. I've always been a sort of social chameleon, able to blend in wherever I might find myself, and I've found this ability very useful during the transitioning weeks. My speech is already becoming more refined, even without training, and I've learned many things about being a lady of the court just by watching others.

Anyway, I've become good friends with all of the girls here, except Eira. Ever since the secret-sharing ritual, she has been even colder towards me than before-refusing to speak to me unless absolutely necessary, and avoiding me if at all possible. I'm more annoyed than angry, and I more pity her than anything. I'm not entirely sure what all has happened to her, but I know that her parents are no longer a part of her life, and that she's apparently jealous of me. That's the thing that irritates me the most. She seems to think there is something between Loki and I, when there most certainly is not. That man can be infuriating. I suppose the kind and patient way I choose to approach him has irritated her. But I'm not going to change my ways just because she chooses to hold a grudge. I've done nothing wrong. And I approach her the same way. In fact, I approach everyone that way. So I'm ready for her to get over it and move on. I doubt she will, though.

Although, that's not the only strange thing going on around here. For some reason, Loki is suddenly being a lot more...civil, I suppose, towards me. And friendly. I can't say that I would be surprised if he was trying to get on my good side, so that he can use me for some scheme of his. Apparently, he's learned that you can't force me to do anything. But, if he's got some sort of brilliant plan, I have no idea what it is. Maybe he wants me to let him out of prison or something. If that's his plot, he's got another thing coming. I'm not going to jeopardize the future. Not even to give him a second chance. I'm willing to be friends, if that's what he wants. But I'm still wary of him. This is the point in his life where he's at his lowest, and most dangerous. So I can't let my guard down.

Anyway, the other girls have been very kind to me. These past weeks have been filled with getting to know the Asgardian way of life, and how the palace functions, what the ranks are, that sort of thing. My previous infatuation with the TV show Downton Abbey has been very helpful in understanding all of this. And apparently, handmaiden to the Queen is a high position. I found that rather surprising, and embarrassing, since I am still very new here. But I'm slowly getting used to it.

Ok, I'm going to list what I know about the girls so I don't forget it. I've learned that Leyja serves as one of the king's AllFather's advisors, because she understands the law so well. The position was explained to me in detail by Leyja herself, but all I got from it was that she's basically a lawyer. She has a partner, too-his name is very similar to Uncle Damen's, which is why I remember it so well. Damien. I only saw him briefly when Leyja allowed me to tour her workspace. He made some strange motion at me and Leyja, and she made another motion back. I just waved awkwardly. I think it must have been some special best friends thing, like a handshake. I wouldn't be surprised if there was something more between them, though.

Andromeda and Zora are the Assistant Librarians, so anytime the Queen asks us to fetch books for Loki, one of them usually ends up being the one to do it. Andromeda enjoys her job, but I know she has bigger dreams. And Zora is content with her job. But I can see that she is of high birth-her speech and the way she carries herself makes it obvious. I can't help but wonder who she really is. Sometimes I see her staring off into space with the saddest look on her face, and it makes me wish I could help her.

I learned last week that Malye is one of the Queen's ladies-in-waiting, which is an even higher position than handmaiden, and that Eira is the Queen's other lady-in-waiting. That surprised me, since Eira lives in the ladies' home, and Malye lives in the palace like a proper lady-in-waiting. But when I asked about it, Eira insulted my intelligence and stormed away with her chin high. I still don't know what that was about. Liv is an assistant healer, so she doesn't work in the palace very often. But for the first couple of weeks, she was the one to help me adjust to everything. Almost all of my questions went to her. Eventually she had to return to her duties as a healer, though, so I have since been trying to get to know the other girls.

Let's see...oh, Astra. She is actually an heiress, which is apparently a rare occurrence in Asgard. Her mother is one of the regional governesses of Asgard, and owns a beautiful estate on the fringes of the city. Astra is in training to become the next governess, so she works directly with the Queen and with Leyja a lot. Fluir is in training to be the next Gatekeeper, so she spends a lot of time on the training grounds and with her father, learning the trade. I find it a little creepy that she has the same power as her father-able to see all the souls of the Nine Realms-but she says that it's not fully developed yet. Still, she serves as one of Odin's advisors, sometimes filling in for Heimdall if necessary.

Well, anyway, I should probably go to bed. I stayed up late to write this, and I hopefully won't regret it tomorrow. I have decided to continue my weapons training, and I must ask Loki's former trainer to train me in the morning.

Signing off.

###

"So, what are you going to do with your day off?" Liv asks me as we eat breakfast with the other girls. To my relief, Eira has not made an appearance, though.

"Well, I've been thinking. I don't have much to do here, and no way of publishing any more novels or fanfiction. So, why not do something more useful with my time?"

Astra looks up at me with a grin. "I could always introduce you to some friends of mine," she says. I roll my eyes at her.

"Thanks, but I don't need any more company. Lo-I mean Prince Loki, is quite enough male interaction for me." I exaggerate a look of annoyance. Fluir shrugs.

"He seems to be more amicable lately."

"That's true," Andromeda agrees. "Ever since you came here, he's been more….polite, I suppose. Not quite so rude and-"

"Ladies! That is quite enough on the subject of the former prince," Lady Dahlia interrupts with a stern look. We all murmur apologies. Once the moment has passed, I speak up again.

"Well, as I was saying, I'm going to ask Prince Loki's former trainer to continue the weapons training that I began on Midgard. I want to be able to protect myself and those around me, should the need arise."

Everyone in the room stares at me. I look around, an unreadable look on my face, but determination in my heart. "I hope that's not a problem. But I have spoken to Lady Dahlia-" I nod to the headmistress. "-and Queen Frigga about it. They both agree that it's a good use of my time."

That seems to snap the others out of their trance. "Oh, it's certainly not a problem," Liv is quick to assure me.

"It's just unusual," Leyja finishes. I shrug.

"Well, I've never been a 'usual' person."

Liv grins. "That's for sure."

I shoot her a playful glare. "Well, you aren't, either."

Liv's grin freezes, and she tries not to look hurt, but I can see it in her eyes. I kick myself mentally. For heaven's sake, you aren't on Earth anymore, Victoria! You can't just say stuff like that! "I'm sorry, Liv. I didn't mean that in the way you think. On Midgard, that's a compliment of sorts, at least to people like me…."

Liv shakes her head. "It's alright."

I smile slightly. "Good." I look around the table at the others. "Does anyone know where I can find him?"

"I can introduce you," Fluir says. "I know him. He is currently training one of the regional governor's sons."

I pause. "Do you think he'll be willing to take on a second trainee?"

Fluir thinks for a moment. "I suppose you'll have to find out."

###

After breakfast, Fluir walks with me to the training area of the palace. I can't deny the nervous twisting of my stomach, but I do my best to ignore it and hold my chin high like a true handmaiden to the Queen. We walk through the courtyard and the white stone hall, straight to the rear of the palace. Upon emerging, I see a huge expanse of weathered stone before me, laid out in columns, buildings, flooring, and stairways leading to various places. A large open space is directly in front of us, but it's virtually empty. To our right is a collection of stone building that I don't know the use of, but to our left is the place we have been looking for-the training area. There aren't very many people there right now, but those few are sparring relentlessly under the instruction of their superiors. Every blade sparkles with electricity, and they all show a level of expertise that I wish I had. But that's why I'm here.

Fluir takes me straight towards a pair of young men who are sparring. When we get close enough to be noticed, one of them glances at us and starts to straighten, probably to bow. But his partner takes advantage of the distraction, apparently not seeing us, and knocks the other man's weapon out of his hands, putting a knife to his throat in a matter of seconds. I raise my eyebrows in surprise—that move is quite similar to one that Loki used on me—and his partner glares at him, motioning with a slight jerk of his head towards us. Fluir and I stop a few feet away as the man lowers his knife, and both of them turn toward us. The one with a knife has auburn hair and amber eyes, and a mischievous smirk on his face. The other man has brown hair and eyes, and looks rather annoyed. But both men bow gracefully, and Fluir and I curtsy in return.

"What brings you to the training grounds, Lady FLuir?" the auburn-haired one asks. The mischievousness is gone now, replaced with a kind smile that is rather attractive. Oh, shut up, Victoria.

"We are looking for Sir Halvor, Arne. Where is he?"

"He said he would return soon. May I ask why you are searching for him?" Arne asks, flicking his wrist. His knife disappears in a flash of white-gold magic, and my eyes widen. I didn't know there were other magic users here. Though, it shouldn't surprise me—I'm in Asgard, for heaven's sake.

"Lady Victoria would like to train under him," Fluir reveals. Both men raise their eyebrows.

"You are the Lady Victoria of Midgard?" the brown-haired one asks in surprise. I smile.

"Yes, that's me," I respond. "How did you know?"

"Everyone knows," Arne says. My eyes widen in shock. "It's not often that we have visitors from Midgard."

My smile falters. "I'm sure. But I'm not a visitor. I live here now." The men exchange a wide-eyed glance. "And I'm not Midgardian. I'm Asgardian."

"What?" they exclaim simultaneously. I try not to laugh at the looks on their faces.

"Then why were you on Midgard, if you don't mind my asking?" asks Arne.

"I was born and raised there," I answer, shocking them both further.

"But how—"

"Lady Fluir! It is a pleasure to see you again," another voice calls from behind us. Fluir and I turn around to see another man who looks to be in his mid-sixties walking toward us with a smile on his face. We both curtsy, and he bows slightly upon reaching us. "What brings you here today?"

"This is Lady Victoria, a friend of mine and a handmaiden to our Queen," Fluir introduces me. I smile at him, and he returns the gesture. "She would like to begin training under you."

The man, who I assume to be Sir Halvor, raises his brows in surprise. "I see." He looks me over, as though inspecting my abilities. "Have you had any former training?" he asks me.

"Prince Loki trained me for about a week while I was his captive on Midgard, and before that I self-trained in martial arts. But I know very little compared to you, or anyone else here."

Halvor stares at me, apparently concerned. "You were a captive of Prince Loki? How is that possible?"

"I was born and raised on Midgard, sir."

Halvor's brows shoot skyward again. "I see. Well, I regret to inform you that my training would be too difficult for a mortal body such as yours, my lady." His voice is a touch cooler than before, and I feel a spark of annoyance. I sincerely hope he is not one of those who look down on Midgardians.

I raise an eyebrow at him. "Well, it's a good thing that I'm not Midgardian, then, isn't it?" I hope that wasn't too disrespectful.

Halvor frowns. "You are not Midgardian?"

I shake my head. "No, sir. Prince Loki himself discovered that I am of Asgardian birth."

Halvor stares at me for a moment. "Would you care to take a walk with me, Lady Victoria?" he abruptly asks. I raise my brows in surprise.

"Ah, of course!" I take his proffered arm, share a confused glance with Fluir, and then walk away with him. Once we are out of earshot of the others, he looks down at me.

"What is your relationship to the younger prince?"

I blink in surprise. "Um...well, we're not exactly friends, but we're at least civil towards each other. Usually. I mean, he did capture me and hold me against my will, and nearly killed me twice." I sigh. "But I know—"

Suddenly, I remember who I'm with, and shake my head. "Never mind. You don't want to hear all that. Why do you ask?"

"Actually, I would like to hear what you have to say," Sir Halvor says, ignoring my question.

"Oh...well, alright then," I respond, surprised that he would care. "I was just saying that I know he is going through a lot right now, and I can't blame him for the way he treated me on Midgard. My behavior towards him was not particularly kind, either. Not that my behavior towards any man who tried to capture me would be very polite..."

A slight smile tugs at the corner of Halvor's mouth. I continue, suppressing a grin. "Anyway, once he realized I could be of use to him, he was much more civil."

"You don't seem to harbor any ill will towards him," Halvor observes. I shake my head.

"Not really. There's no reason to. He's serving his punishment, and…" I trail off, not really sure I should say anything more.

"And what?" Halvor prompts. I purse my lips.

"There's more going on inside him than you might think," I respond cryptically. One corner of Halvor's mouth turns upwards wryly.

"You'd be surprised, Lady Victoria," he responds. I furrow my brows.

"Call me Vikki," I say. "And...what do you mean?"

"I was Prince Loki's trainer for many centuries," he answers. "I know him better than you think."

….duh. "Oh, of course," I say, slightly embarrassed that I forgot. But I get over it quickly. "Then, you know what I mean?"

Halvor nods. "To some extent, I do. However, I knew him before…" He looks at me, and I know he means before Loki's supposed death. I nod to show I understand. His eyes hold a sadness that I did not expect to see. "How is he faring? I know that as the Queen's handmaiden, you will have seen him recently."

I smile. "Yes, I have. I saw him just yesterday. He...is not particularly happy, but he's in prison, so what can be expected? He is struggling with himself, though. He has a lot on his mind all the time." I pause. "But don't worry about him. He will figure himself out eventually."

Halvor gives me a curious look, almost as though he's searching me. It reminds me of Frigga. "You sound quite sure of that."

I smile. "That's because I am sure."

Halvor stares at me for another moment, then seems to come to a decision. "Alright, Vikki. I will train you, on two conditions."

I nod, trying not to look too excited. "Name them."

"One, that you use the skills I teach you to protect others before yourself. And two, that you keep me informed on Prince Loki's progress, since you seem so sure that he will come through stronger in the end."

I can't help the smile that crosses my face. "You have a bargain, Sir Halvor. Thank you."

Author's Note: Hello everyone! I hope you enjoyed the extra-long chapter! What did you think of the journal entry? I've decided to start using her journal to show the passage of time in the MCU as she learns and grows.

Thank you so much for reading!

Signing off, AuthorsDream.