A/N: Thank you so much to Wildhorses1492 for being my biggest cheerleader and reviewing so thoughtfully! Much digital hugs and love! Also to my other reviewer, Kathrynrose42! I heart you! Thank you both for your continued support. Astrid gives you both big hugs!
I rolled over in bed, trying to ignore the intense, pulling sensation. It was stringing and tugging at every fibre of my being, radiating from one place: My ring finger. Groggily I sat up, examining my finger, still half asleep. Suddenly I was yanked by my ring finger by an invisible force, ending up in a heap on the floor.
"Ugh. What now?" I cried. A shock traveled up my finger. "OW!" The ring grew a little warmer. My entire body was leaned forward, being physically pulled by the ring. Shaking myself awake- I remembered the scroll.
Today was the day. I glanced at the book on the nightstand and sighed. Was I really doing this? I received another little shock, and apparently I had no choice in the matter. Another tug from the ring towards the door.
"Okay. Okay! Now. I need to find the bifrost. I'm assuming that's where you're taking me, yes?" I addressed the invisible force. The ring vibrated, which I took to mean yes. Surprisingly, I felt myself getting more and more comfortable chatting with inanimate objects. Clearly I'm getting used to all the crazy. "Kay, well do you mind letting me get dressed first? If I'm gonna meet Loki in person, I'd rather not do it in my pajamas" The ring cooled. I smiled. "Thank you." Since the scroll did not include a packing list- and I had no idea what to pack for the realm of the gods, I just threw some essentials in a small bookbag: a few of my nicer outfits (since royalty were involved), a toothbrush, my phone, art pencils and sketchbook, and pajamas. I had no idea how long I was going to be there, but the scroll had made it sound like it might be an overnight thing. A wave of uncertainty passed over me. What if I was unable to get back home? I took a long look around my bedroom, suppressing tears. The ring yanked me towards the door insistently. I wiped my eyes. I needed this right now. I needed an adventure- and I believed in this everything happens for a reason stuff. So here I was, taking my first ever leap out into the unknown. I was through being careful, I'd been careful – too careful. It was time to begin living.
The step out of the bedroom was probably the hardest. Then, I was too busy being yanked along by the ring to really think about missing home much.
Shockingly, the ring didn't take me far. I expected it to lead me to my car, but instead, it just had me walk a few miles down the road to the abandoned farm. I laughed to myself at the irony. Of course. People from outer space always touch down at old abandoned farms.
The ring was now getting uncomfortably hot, and so I ran to keep up with it, hoping it would stop once I got to the proper spot. After taking me behind the old barn just a few feet into the longer grass, it suddenly cooled. I stood there, hearing the delicate wind-chimes brush up against each other in the wind, seeing no UFOs or anything resembling a spaceship.
"Are you sure this is the right place?" I whispered to the ring. But the ring did nothing. I waited for a few minutes, staring up at the sky. Damn it. You think they forgot? I asked myself. Stupid. No. Why would they? Maybe they're not coming. A little voice inside me whispered. Maybe they don't want you after all. Maybe you don't deserve an adventure.
Dejected, I sat on my pack in the long grass. Angrily I kicked a rock, and it skipped through the grass, once, twice. Then I waited for the third and final thump. But it never came. Shortly after, a pulsing stream of light opened up from the heavens. The sound it made was something like what you'd hear in an alien movie, almost a whirr, a hiss, and crackle combined. I staggered back, shielding my eyes, and promptly tripping over my knapsack. The ring burned white hot, and I screamed something like "I know I know I see it I see it" as I stumbled away. It cooled and I sighed with relief.
It was then that I saw her. She had striking long dark hair in a ferocious ponytail that whipped around in the wind. She was dressed in silvery armor that hugged her curves in a manner that was unnervingly sexy and dangerous at the same time. Her gaze could cut through steel, and she approached me with power in every step.
"Are you Astrid?" She asked brusquely, raising an eyebrow at my cowering form.
"Um. Yes. Yes I am. I mean uh- that's me" I stuttered.
"I am the Lady Sif of Asgard" she said, extending a hand to me. When I took it, she jerked me up so fast I nearly lost my breath.
"Pleasure" I wheezed, trying to extricate my hand from her iron grasp.
"May I see your book?" she inquired. "I don't doubt you. But I must be sure that you are who you say you are" I pulled the guide out to show her. "Excellent. Then let us go" she yanked me towards the bifrost, and though I stood frozen and unmoving, I stood no chance against her strength. She glanced back at my face white with fear and smirked.
"Have you never traveled by bifrost before Lady Astrid?" She asked, suppressing a grin.
"I have not" I squeaked. "Nope" Sif's eyes softened slightly as she took in my fear.
"It's very simple. The first time is always the hardest. Just remember take my hand, and do not let go. But you needn't worry- I will not let you do so. And try to relax, it's harder if you don't" she explained, leading me into the flow of energy. I winced a little as it passed over me, but holding onto Sif I felt very safe and secure. A hot and tingly sensation began to wash over me. And in an instant that was like an intense shock, we were off and everything faded away.
I awoke to the rocking motion I could easily identify as being carried.
"Wuz going on?" I mumbled. "Whuz it?" Sif smirked.
"You are not like the others, little mortal" she said with amusement.
"Wha? Okay. Okay. Put me down" I demanded. We were inside what I can only describe as a giant golden sphere. As I watched, the golden plates moved over and underneath each other seamlessly, inscribed with strange markings.
"Holy crap" I murmured. "This is amazing" I said in awe.
"Welcome, Lady Astrid. I've been watching you" A deep voice reverberated off the walls. Sif bowed as a man dressed in golden armor approached us.
"Heimdall" she said curtly. He nodded at her.
"Hi" I said, looking back and forth between the two of them. "Normally if I guy said that to me it would creep me out. But with you…it's oddly comforting- why is that?" I asked, without thinking, automatically feeling a sense of warmth and comfort emanating from the older man. He chuckled at me, as if we were old friends.
"Astrid, I've been watching you your whole life. I've known from the moment you were born, you were destined to be here" he said warmly, taking my hands.
"Huh" I said simply. "That oddly makes me feel better" I said smiling. He smiled back.
"You are now, Astrid, where you are needed most" he said, before kissing me on the forehead. "Use your gift, laughter, and make it count" Remembering from what I had read in the book about Hemidall and his wisdom, I bowed my head, feeling very honored.
"Thank you" I murmured, before turning my back and following Sif outside the golden sphere. First of all it was so damn bright out I had to shield my eyes. The golden palace loomed over all these smaller golden buildings, glittering in the light like doubloons around the crown a treasure chest. Interspersed between all the gold were lush parks and beautiful rivers and streams, teeming with life. My mouth opened and closed but no sound came out. Being nearly blind, I grabbed onto the back of Sif's shoulders to guide me. Sif snorted.
"Don't panic, they'll adjust. I forgot to warn you about sunny days up here" she said, her lips quirking up slightly. I nodded, my eyes finally starting to adjust. I was too overwhelmed to speak. When we approached the huge golden doors to the palace, Sif pried my fingers off her shoulders and turned around.
"Well, my lady, this is where I leave you" Sif said, with a grin. "But likely our paths will cross again very soon"
"WHAT?" I squeaked. "Nonononono. You can't leave me. I don't know what I'm doing. I mean call me crazy but I've never been out of my… realm. Please, Sif you have to help me" I begged, grabbing her hands.
"I am sorry but I am needed elsewhere…Inga will see to your attire" she nodded at a beautiful blonde woman in servant's clothes who had seemingly just appeared. I winced. Even the servants were prettier than me. Terrific. If these tests have anything to do with looks I think I'm out. "Good luck, Astrid" Sif called, before she grinned and darted off into the gardens.
"Your ladyship" Inga said softly, curtsying.
"Oh you don't have to do that" I said, slightly weirded out. "See, I really think there's been some mistake- I'm not a lady…I really don't know why I'm here"
"You are Lady Astrid of Midgard are you not?" Inga asked, cocking her head innocently.
"Well, yes…but I don't think"
"Come, let us prepare you for their highnesses" Inga cut me off, ushering me through the doors. Despite being about my size she walked at a surprisingly brisk pace, but as I jogged behind her we passed the throne room. I caught a glimpse of a familiar pair of sharp, emerald green eyes land on me and stopped dead in my tracks. Inga, not taking notice at first, trotted on ahead. I stood frozen, in my jeans and t-shirt, looking -through various servants and artisans that were buzzing about, prepping the throne room- straight at Loki. There was something strangely intimate, yet foreign about seeing him in the flesh. Mainly, I felt like I was going to puke. Thankfully, Inga pulled me away imploring me softly not to dawdle. After a couple quick lefts and rights just to make sure I was thoroughly and totally lost and I was escorted into a bedroom fit for a princess. Inga left shortly after, promising to return with proper garments, and I was alone with more splendor than I knew what to do with. With a running start, I took a flying leap into my beautifully embroidered pillows, squealing like a little girl. My What-a-girl-wants moment was interrupted by a soft but powerful meow. I can't believe I was doubting coming here. I get the royal treatment and now there's a cat! How much better can this get? Grinning wildly, I cooed softly, and pulled the pillows aside to reveal a black kitty with shockingly emerald green eyes.
"Hi" I cooed, holding out my hand. She sat up, poised delicately on the cushions, looking like the most elegant sphinx. Delicately, she sniffed at my hand, before head-butting it and purring loudly. I had always been a complete sucker for animals, but could never have one of my own because of my dad's allergies. So just like that, I fell love like a ton of bricks. Which is where Inga found the two of us when she re-entered a few minutes later.
"Ah!" She exclaimed. "Mona! I am so sorry, my lady. I will remove her immediately!" I held up my hand.
"No. No please. She's welcome to be in here. All animals are welcome here" I stroked her softly, and she nuzzled me. Inga smiled.
"I can see you have quite the way with animals, my lady. The two of you seem to have quite a connection" I smiled.
"Is she yours?" I asked. Inga shook her head.
"Oddly, my lady, she arrived not long after you. She's just been hanging around the palace. The servants have taken a liking to her, and she's no trouble- just quite curious. We just try to keep her out of the important areas" I nodded.
"But you know, since it seems like you guys have your hands full with this competition thing- do you mind if I look after her?" I asked shyly, giving her head a scratch. Inga beamed, coming out of her shell a lot more.
"Oh that would be wonderful, thank you my lady. That would be wonderful! We downstairs were actually very worried about how she might get trapped somewhere or get lost in all the hustle and bustle. But I'm sure if you look after her, she'll be just fine!" Mona meowed loudly in agreement, and we both giggled. Shortly after, I received the full spa treatment, and I'm honestly not even sure I can recount all the goops and magicks and creams that were rubbed all over my body, face, and hair. But I trusted Inga. I was more afraid that even after all of that, I was still going to look like an average human trying way too hard to fit in with goddesses and princesses. But when I gazed in the mirror, a bit of my confidence came back. My petite frame was made more slender by the flattering cut of the sapphire gown I donned, embroidered with silver flowers. The long sleeves were sheer and layered with silver sparkles and flowed in the breeze. Matching embroidered satin slippers completed the ensemble, with my hair both up in an intricate braided do (that I would never be able to replicate), and down and curled around my face. Around the braids was a beautiful silver headpiece, of intertwining vines that extended a teardrop diamond over my forehead, like a low-hanging fruit. I felt beautiful.
"Cripes" I murmured, staring in awe at my reflection. "Inga, thank you. This is amazing" Inga laughed.
"Thank you? Midgardians are so strange. This is my job" she reminded "Now come. It's time to meet their highnesses" My stomach lurched as those green eyes flashed in my brain again. Suddenly meeting Loki in person made me want to run screaming into the night. But my heart, the betrayer, took up that weird excited rhythm again. "Come" she said softly. "Do not be afraid. Their highnesses King Thor and Queen Jane have such good hearts. And Prince Loki…." She trailed off. "I am sure he has one too" she finished awkwardly.
"Somewhere" I muttered, gathering up my skirts. I was beginning to wish I had marked the walls or something as I followed Inga back through the maze of marble and pristine metals. As we approached the doors, I very much considered making a run for it. But I wouldn't get far I reminded myself. "Inga-" I whispered, as panic began to overtake me. "I mean how is this going to go, are the others going to be there? What do I say?" Inga shot a worried look at the guards.
"It is just a welcome, my lady. Just you and their highnesses. I should go." she curtsied briskly under the watch of the guards, and hurried away. The big gold doors made me feel even smaller than normal. Etched with battles past, they were intimidating in in of themselves. Right away I spotted Thor. Right up front. Huh. That makes sense. As per usual. He was swinging his mighty hammer at the monsters enveloped in rays of glory. To the side of the right door, peeping out on the edge of the shadows, I saw Loki. Hands extended, he seemed to be manipulating something. I followed his line of sight to the beast Thor was fighting, its eyes glazed over. And then something clicked. Loki had been manipulating the beast from the shadows. "And Thor got all the credit" I whispered. A wave of tenderness swept over me, and as I went to brush my fingertips over the golden Loki- the doors swung open. And all was silent.
"Hi" I murmured, quaking slightly. "I'm Astrid. And I think there's been a mistake."