So very sorry about the long wait! Life got busy and I lost motivation for this story. But I recently decided to see how this story has been received (although it is only one chapter, I know) and let me just say: wow! Did not expect to have as many followers as I do, just after ONE chapter. I really hope this next one will not disappoint you. I will try to post more often, but no promises.
I would like to take a moment and thank all who have read & reviewed. To your comments:
Arianna Le Fay: Thank you for reviewing! Originally, it was going to be a Loki/OC story, but I've been playing with the idea of her and Thor. Maybe she'll be torn between them? Idk yet. It would make for a more dramatic storyline, I suppose. Still in working that out in my mind!
BoxularTaco-Swan: Thank you! It means a lot.
RoxanneRay: Thank you so much! I'm glad you like it. Yeah, sorry about the small introductory chapter. I didn't realize how short it was until much, much later. Chapter 2 is somewhat longer, but still shortish, though as I continue to go on in the story it will be longer because then their story and characters are more complex. And, hopefully, interesting. Hah. Now, on to the story!
Chapter 2,
"Just close your eyes,
The sun is going down.
You'll be alright.
No one can hurt you now.
Come morning light,
You and I'll be safe and sound."
~ Safe & Sound – Taylor Swift
Odin marched quickly down the great halls, his destination: the Bifröst Bridge. His irritation for being called away off planet on the day of his youngest son's celebratory feast for coming out victorious during a simulation power battle (thanks to the talents of his dear Queen and wife, Frigga,) was quite evident to all who passed the King. So much so, they dared not speak more than the obligatory greeting to their King.
Once again Odin had to see the disappointment and hurt flash in his adoptive son's eyes. This was the third time he had to miss out on something special to his son's heart. Odin felt a pang in his chest, a soft voice in the far recesses of his mind, a warning sound. But he dismissed it. It was just guilt. He would make it up to Loki, he always did. Shaking the thoughts away, he focused on the present, his mission. Odin and his troop of guards journeyed across the bridge and after a short order to the Gatekeeper, Heimdell, the King and Royal Guard were swiftly pulled into the near blinding light of rainbow, as they passed stars and planets at lightning speed. No matter how many times he did this, the feeling of awe and wonder never failed him.
Unfortunately, the feeling didn't last. All too soon they were grounded on the cold and dark world of Svartalfheim. The ancient home of the Dark Elves that Odin's father, Borr, defeated eons ago at great cost. As the King's gaze swept along the empty plains of the surface, memories of his father telling him stories of his battles here raced through his mind. He would never forget this place. The King's watchful eye landed on a dark figure near the base of a mountain. The escort, he realized, that would take them to the Dwarf King, Hreiðmarr. Odin suppressed a groan at the thought of the coming meeting. There had been a misunderstanding between the two kings, and Odin knew from experience that the dwarf king would be stubborn. The group made their way over to the escort and down, underground, they journeyed into the heart of the planet.
Slowly, but surely, as they walked the air became less chilly. Although it was still cold, warm tendrils teased the tips of their fingers, the tips of their noses, beckoning them to come closer, to go deeper into the heated core. This was not the first, nor the last he suspected, time that he walked through the great buried city of the dwarves. Buildings and homes had been intricately carved out of rock and dirt. Dwarf-made rivers cut through rock and flowed smoothly through the underground world. The wisdom and smith skills of the dwarves were sought after by all the realms. Long ago, he himself requested the creation of a fine spear: Gungnir. Which at present he held proudly in his right hand.
As they were passing a small alleyway, Odin's ever watchful eye caught sight of something so peculiar that it made him halt. The guards stopped instantly, and the escort, once he noticed the guests' pause, turned to look at them with a look of annoyance. However, Odin ignored the questioning stares, and cautiously stepped towards the object of his fascination.
A girl. A child, really, curled tightly in a ball on the stone floor. Although it was indeed unusual, this fact was not what made him stare. It was her appearance. Her long unkempt hair that covered her like a blanket was red as blood. A stark contrast to her pale, snow white skin. Her build was not thick and heavy set like the other dwarves, but thin and petite. Too thin, upon closer examination. He called the escort over to him. Odin did not fail to notice the fleeting look of disdain that flashed across the dwarf's face upon seeing the girl before meeting his eyes to the Asgardian King.
"Tell me," began Odin, "what is your king's policy on abandoned children?"
"Abandoned children, we do what we can to care for them. But King Hreiðmarr doesn't concern himself with the likes of that… thing." The dwarf escort made a gesture towards the girl with a point of his thick finger. Not bothering to hide the disgust for the girl any longer.
"And why is that? What makes this little girl different?" Odin demanded.
"Ha! What doesn't make her different? She is a half-breed, a hybrid. The bad blood of two species mixed together. Her kind is not welcomed here. This," he pounded on his chest for emphasis, "this is a pure blood. Pure Dwarf. That is what should dwell in this city. Not that creature there. And if you don't like it, take it up with King Hreiðmarr. Good luck getting him to change his mind!" After the dwarf's rage subsided, his sense of respect for a visiting king returned, making the dwarf turn red with shame as he begged forgiveness and at last led the Royal Guard and fuming Asgardian king to the residence of his beloved King Hreiðmarr.
At length the two kings discussed the misunderstanding between them, and eventually the matter of the girl was brought up. The dwarf king shared in the escorts hatred for her. But, to his credit, he did not vent his hostile feelings in the same way the other had. His words made it clear how he viewed the child, and how unwilling he was to assist her. Suffice to say, Odin walked out of the meeting room with a heavy mind and heart.
As Odin and the Royal Guard made their way back through the underground city, Odin nearly missed the alleyway, so caught up was he in his musing. He paused and gazed at the still unmoved girl with contemplation. Finally, with unshakable determination, Odin ordered one of his men to carefully lift the girl up and carry her back to Asgard with them. As the guard obeyed, a low, pitiful whine escaped the girl's lips, effectively cutting daggers in Odin's heart. Yes, he would care for the girl. He would make sure she was safe and well attended to. Nothing would stand in his way.
Once they returned to Asgard, Odin and his guard gently carried the girl as quickly as they could to the healing room. Concern was etched onto the king's features as they neared it. Her heartbeat was very slow, her skin as cold as ice but sweat glistened on her face, and breathing ragged. Odin knew if they did not get her there in time, she would be lost forever. At last, they made it. The healers swiftly gathered her onto the table and went to work. Swift hands deftly mended the internal ailments and then moved on to the superficial wounds on her hands and feet.
After the healers and Odin were sure of the girl's survival, she was moved into a private room to be watched over in silence. Odin sat by the young girl as her breathing returned to normal and was finally sleeping peacefully. Color was slowly gracing her features. The king released a sigh of relief. He couldn't explain it, really. His sudden attachment to the strange girl, a parental protectiveness from the moment he saw her. He was in eager expectation of her awakening so he could question her. Curiosity about her parentage gnawed at him. A half-breed, the dwarves said. Odin studied the girl's appearance, trying to decipher what species could mix to create a child like this.
Her hair was an outstanding feature to be sure. Never had he seen a shade as red as hers. It was dark as blood, but undoubtedly beautiful. Her skin was clear and as pale as fresh snow. But, he observed, her skin took on a pinkish tone due to the warmer environment she was currently in. The girl then slightly moved her head to the right, giving the king full view of her left ear. The Asgardian king raised an eyebrow in surprise at what he saw. Instead of a rounded helix at the top, hers delicately sharpened into a point. Odin now knew part of her parentage. There was not doubt now that one of her parents was a Light Elf. Such a thought disturbed the king. Why would a daughter of a Light elf be on Svartalfheim instead of their home world, Alfheim? Why would an alliance between a dwarf and elf occur? Question after question plagued Odin. With this revelation, he had to force himself to be patient. In her own time, she would wake and then once she was well enough to have a conversation, he would have her tell him all she knew.
For now, though, he would leave her to rest and regain her strength. The king rose, but before turning away, he leaned down to brush a stray strand of hair out of her innocent face.
"Do not worry, little one. You are safe now. When you wake, you shall see the truth in that. I promise," whispered Odin.
Quietly, he slipped out of her room and, with a deep breath, made his way to his own chambers. He had a lot to explain to his wife.
A/N: Ohh, Odin has made a habit of picking up orphans, huh? Lol. Anyways, hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Still no Thor or Loki, but they will definitely be in the next chapter. I know this one is still kinda short, but I hope you liked it. Next one will be longer because that is when I will introduce Magdelena to our favorite boys. Heh, heh. Mischievousness will ensue, I assure you! If there are any grammar or spelling errors that I missed, feel free to PM me and point it out and I'll try to fix it.
Send a review, please! They make me happy and motivated. :-)
