Awareness blossoms and Anara wakes from her first night of peaceful sleep in what seems like an eternity, to the sound of Thor talking with Frigga. Unwilling yet to try opening her eyes, Anara eavesdrops on their conversation.
"No mother, I don't know what's gotten into Loki this time. You know how he is, one minute he's chaotically happy, the next brooding and angry over a slight only he knows was given. He won't say what they talked about before she slipped away this last time." Thor says to his mother. She sighs in response.
"We can only hope she wakes soon. I'm not sure any of us can deal with the suspense much longer."
Frigga brushes the hair from Anara's brow and tells Thor, "I must attend your father. Stay here if you will."
Anara can hear the swish of Frigga robes across the floor and senses her departure. Thor sits down in the chair next to her bedside and takes Anara's hand in his.
"My fair maiden, why won't you wake?" he asks her, not really expecting an answer. Anara opens her eyes in response and finds herself gazing into the most intense blue eyes she has ever seen, framed by golden waves of blonde hair. Her heart skips a beat. Thor, nonplused by this extraordinary event, raises her hand to his lips, and after placing a gentle kiss upon the back of it, says, "Welcome to Asgard, Princess."
"Tha-" Anara croaks. Unused to speaking aloud for so long, her voice fails her. Thor, realizing the problem, fumbles to fill a glass from the water pitcher at her bedside. As Anara pushes herself up to sit, the sheet over her slips, exposing her left breast. She quickly covers herself, but not before Thor catches a glimpse of four round scars arching from her breast bone over her breast.
Handing her the glass, and helping her shift into a better position, he asks, "How do you feel?"
Taking a drink, the cool water soothing her throat and clearing the last cobwebs from her mind, she replies, "Better, thank you, your Highness." Unsure yet if the same familiarity she enjoys with Loki is appropriate with Thor, she chooses the formal title.
"Please Princess, call me Thor."
Taking another drink, she smiles. "Only if you will call me Anara."
"As you wish. It's settled then." Thor smiles back, his eyes never leaving hers.
Anara finds herself getting lost in their blue depths until a squawk from a corner of the room causes them both to look away self-consciously.
"Huginn, go summon Loki. You know his hiding places better than most." Thor instructs the large black raven. Huginn nods his head at Thor, launches himself from his perch and disappears through the door on silent wings. His exit startles a passing apprentice healer who glances into the room and seeing Anara awake, lets out a small cheer and races off down the hall.
"I am afraid we won't be alone much longer." Thor observes. "Are you willing to face a questioning horde, or shall I bar the door?" He asks with a chuckle.
Smiling at Thor's gallantry, Anara replies, "No, let the horde in. I suspect you and Loki will protect me well enough."
As if summoned by the mention of his name, Anara senses Loki just moments before he walks through the door. The joy on Loki's face flashes to a dark glower as he notices Thor standing at her bedside. He recovers his composure quickly and approaches Anara, bowing deeply.
"Princess Anara, it is a pleasure to finally meet you."
Reaching out her hand to him, Anara says, "And I, you, Prince Loki."
Loki takes her hand and gently presses it to his lips, his eyes locked on hers. A flash of anger, quickly quelled, assaults her from Thor's direction. Breaking eye contact with Loki, she hides her thoughts behind a coy dip of her head.
"Dear Yoda, what have I gotten myself into?" she thinks to herself.
Further review of the situation is cut short by a loud growl emanating from her stomach. Looking up at Thor, who is trying not to laugh, she says, "Maybe you should hold back the questioning horde until after I've had something to eat, and maybe gotten dressed?" Casting a brief look down at the sheet tucked under her arms and back up at each brother in turn.
Loki is the first to respond. Looking pointedly at his brother, he says, "Of course my lady, how rude of us. You've been in stasis for months. You must be starving."
As if on cue, Frigga sweeps through the door, a veritable horde of servants close behind her, carrying trays from which the most enticing aromas are emanating.
"Is this whole family blessed with foreknowledge?" Anara thinks to herself.
The smell of something rich and meaty makes Anara's stomach growl again, much to her embarrassment. Frigga immediately takes charge of the room, quite literally pushing her sons out the door.
"Out! Out! Give this poor girl some privacy. Only when she's fed and properly clothed will I consider letting you back in. Now Go!"
Closing the door behind her sons, Frigga turns to Anara, "Forgive my boys. They mean well, but don't always think of the practical things. And forgive me, where are my manners?" Frigga says. Bowing her head slightly, she introduces herself. "I am Frigga, Queen of Asgard. But please, let us not stand on ceremony. I have talked to you and told you so many stories, I feel as if you were my own daughter, so call me Frigga."
Nodding her own head, Anara replies, "Well met my lady. I remember many of your songs and stories. I am deeply in your debt. Your songs helped ease the pain. I hope one day I can repay your kindness to me, and that of your family."
Clucking at her like one of her own children, Frigga replies, "You were in desperate need. We could not just leave you to die. Now hush, and eat something."
Waving a servant forward, she takes a bowl of broth from the offered tray and hands it to Anara.
"Here, try this. You've been under the stasis field for a long time. When Odin wakes from the Odinsleep, he usually prefers something light to break his fast. This will restore you without upsetting your stomach."
Anara takes the bowl from Frigga. The aroma is delightful, and Anara quickly consumes the whole bowl. Slightly embarrassed, she hands the bowl off to a servant who presents her with a goblet of water. Frigga, who'd busied herself talking with some of the waiting servants, turns back to her.
"Would you like something else, some cheese and fruit perhaps?"
"Yes, thank you." Anara replies.
Taking a small plate from a waiting serving woman, Anara asks Frigga, "My lady, how long exactly have I lain here?"
Taking the chair next to Anara's bedside, Frigga considers for a moment.
"It has been 2 months to the day since your ship crashed."
"Two months?" Drawing on her Jedi training, she composes herself, and focusing on the present, she asks, "The crash, did my ship hit anyone or cause any damage?"
Frigga puts a reassuring hand on her arm. "No child, your ship crashed into the hillside above the palace. Though Loki tells a wild tale of having to jump out of the way, you were the only one injured." Saying a silent prayer of thanks to the Ascended Ones, Anara continues questioning Frigga in-between bites of cheese and fruit.
"And my ship, is anything left of it?"
"Odin had the wreckage brought down from the hillside. He says our people were not able to salvage anything they deemed whole, but he's preserved it, in the hopes that you would wake, and could look for yourself. When you are feeling stronger, Thor or Loki can take you there."
Anara leans back against the pillows, relieved that she may be able to salvage something, maybe the communications array, or the nav computer. Her thoughts turn to her light saber.
"My lady, there was a device on my belt, a - " she pauses, thinking of how to describe a light saber to someone who likely has never seen one. "A light sword. It would have just looked like a black and silver cylinder."
"Yes, I remember the Master Healer mentioned something of that sort being found with your things. I believe Odin has it stored safely away." Frigga tells her.
Anara can sense Frigga is keeping something from her, but doesn't press her. She can tell from her sense of the others around her that she is not considered a prisoner, so she's content to wait and talk more with Frigga. Frigga stands and offers her hands to Anara.
"Come. If you are sated, let's get you properly clothed. My boys may prefer you naked, but that just won't do for a royal guest in our house." Frigga smiles kindly at her, and helps her up from the bed. As Anara reaches up to grasp Frigga's hands, she feels a sharp pull across the back of her shoulders. Her Jedi reflexes still rusty, she's not able to hide her discomfort from Frigga's motherly gaze.
"Your back?" She asks.
"Yes, across my shoulders. Was I injured there?" Anara asks.
"Gravely." Frigga tells her. "Master Gustause says your spine was severed and most of the muscles cut through completely. Had Loki not been there when you crashed and got you back here as quickly as he did, you likely would not have survived."
Anara lets Frigga's words sink in. Searching her thoughts, she remembers being pinned by something heavy across her shoulders and not being able to feel her legs.
"Then I am even more deeply in your family's debt, my lady." Anara says to Frigga, bowing low. With a finger under her chin, Frigga raises Anara from her bow.
"Now, enough of that. You are our guest, and entitled to the best hospitality Asgard can provide," she chides. "Now, let's get you dressed. I had a few simple things made while you slept, and you can work with Helga, my personal seamstress, to make whatever else you may require."
"Thank you my lady." Anara responds as she's suddenly surrounded by ladies-in-waiting. Giving her body over to the attentions of Frigga's women, she lets her mind wander, touching lightly on the minds of those around her. From Frigga emanates a calm authority. Not surprising considering her station. But underneath that Anara can sense something akin to rage. Directed at her? No, digging a little deeper, she can see it's more of a mother's rage directed at whomever or whatever scarred Anara so badly. She can sense similar feelings from the two older servants as well. However, the youngest of the ladies-in-waiting is different. Jealousy rolls off her like a heat shimmer above the desert sands of Tatooine. Unsure of the reason, Anara takes note. She knows from experience that petty jealousies can lead to disproportionate actions.
As one of the women slips a simple dress over her head, a knock sounds at the door, and a kindly- looking, older man steps into the room. Frigga turns, clearly ready to repel the intruder.
"Forgive the intrusion your Majesty," he says, giving a quick dip of his head. "I heard my patient was awake. I'd like to ask her a few questions, and then I will be out of your way."
Receiving a nod from Frigga, Master Gustause steps further into the room. Bowing to Anara, he introduces himself.
"Good morning Princess. I am Master Healer Gustause. I am so glad to finally see you up and about. You gave us quite a scare when Loki first brought you to us, then kept us in suspense, wondering if you'd ever wake."
Stepping closer and peering into her eyes, he asks, "Now tell me, has the pain gone? My instruments still showed some level of pain before you woke up this morning."
Feeling someone settle a cape around her shoulders, Anara makes a small bow in return and replies, "Well met, Master Gustause. Except for some tightness in my shoulders, the pain is gone," she lies. Why worry him with something he cannot help her with?
"Ah, very good, very good." Gustause replies.
Anara can sense that he doesn't quite believe her.
"You should take it easy for a few days. Walk as much as you like, but no running, no brawling until your body has had a chance to adjust, and no rich fare. Keep it simple for a while," he says with a twinkle in his eye. Turning to Frigga, he addresses her.
"Your Majesty, with your permission, I'd like to ask the Master at Arms to put together an exercise routine for our guest. She needs to regain her strength, but at a slow pace. I don't want her out on the practice field against anyone but the most basic soldiers for a bit."
Frowning slightly, Frigga responds, "You should ask Odin, Master Healer. It should be up to him whether our guest can train with our soldiers, not me."
"As you wish your Majesty." Gustause says with a bow.
Winking at Anara, he turns and leaves the room.
"Please forgive his presumption, Anara." Frigga says to her. "We all assumed, based on your weapons and battle scars, that you are a warrior on whatever world you are from. If we are in error, please do not take offense."
"None taken, my lady. I am in fact a warrior. I belong to a group of galactic peace- keepers called the Jedi Knights. If you like, I will elaborate when I am brought before your husband and advisers."
Unfazed by Anara's assumption of the day's plan, Frigga simply nods and motions for a mirror to be brought forward. Anara, expecting the worst, is shocked to see that she looks, if possible, better than she did before she left on her diplomatic mission. There are no bruises, and in fact her skin practically glows. Her cheeks and form are full, not emaciated by months of fasting. The simple cream colored dress, gathered just below her breasts, flows around her curves, highlighting every one, revealing, and yet concealing the form beneath. A light cape, attached at the shoulders, leaves her arms bare, the long, open sleeves are gathered once at her elbows, and fall nearly to the ground. The light color, instead of washing-out her complexion, somehow manages to highlight it, making the image in the mirror one she hasn't seen in years.
"It's beautiful, my lady" Anara says to Frigga. "Thank you."
One of the women hands her a pair of cream-colored soft boots.
"Now, if you are up for it, I will take you to my husband. He has many questions for you."
Pulling on the boots, Anara straightens, and bows to Frigga. "Of course, your Majesty. Lead on."
As Anara follows Frigga down long hallways towards her meeting with Odin, she can't help but notice the splendor all around her. The halls gleam with polished stone, and arched ceilings pierced with crystal skylights soar above them. Brilliantly polished bronze statues tucked into alcoves watch them pass. Anara senses that not all of them are simply decoration. There is a feeling of a sleeping awareness as she passes some. Though it seems that Asgard is at peace now, it is obvious that these are a people used to war. As they approach a towering set of doors at the end of a long, open room, Frigga's attendants are silently replaced by men in gleaming armor. Two men, twice the size of the others around them, stand guard before the two-story doors, long spears crossed, and barring entrance. The large guards snap to attention as Frigga approaches.
Anara hears her mother's words, said to her many times in her childhood before she entered the Jedi Temple, "Chin up, shoulders back. Always project an aura of calm. That is how a princess should always enter a room." Anara takes a deep breath as the guards open the doors to Odin's audience chamber, letting the mask of a Jedi Master slip into place, her training allowing her to stay calm and focused.
Frigga motions for Anara to hold her place outside the room, and steps forward into the grand chamber. A deep gong sounds, silencing the argument taking place between the three figures at the far end. The room, clearly able to hold hundreds, contains only the three men near the throne. It is an imposing place. Frigga walks forward, motioning Anara to follow. Anara, keeping a few paces behind, follows, knowing the next minutes or hours may well seal her fate here in this strange world.
Thor and Loki, standing beside Odin's throne, stare with their mouths agape as Anara walks behind their mother down the long aisle towards the dais. Her cream-colored dress highlights her raven hair which is pulled back from her face with two simple braids and falls down her back in gentle waves to her knees. Her face is set in a confident, regal mask, making her look every bit the princess she claims to be. They both find it hard to believe this is the same woman they've spent the past few months with in the healing wing of the palace.
Odin stands as Frigga climbs the steps to join him at his side. Anara stops at the base of the dais and bows low, counting slowly to five before beginning to rise.
Snapping out of the daze caused by her entrance, Loki beats Thor to the introductions.
"AllFather, ruler of Asgard and defender of the Nine Realms, may I present to you, Princess Anara Solo of Alderan II."
Bowing again, Anara feels the weight of Odin's stare.
"Princess Anara," Odin begins, his voice ringing out across the nearly empty room. "Since your crash here on Asgard, you have been treated as an honored guest, given medical care, and watched over by none less than the Princes and Queen of Asgard."
Glancing briefly at his sons, he continues. "You have even been granted immortality in an effort to save your life."
Towering in his golden armor, he begins to walk down the steps towards her.
"It is now time to see if you are worthy of this gift and of being allowed to stay in Asgard. Should you be found unworthy, your memory of this place and your immortality will be taken from you, and I will place you in one of the Nine Realms to live out the rest of your days."
Nodding once in understanding, Anara says, "Your Majesty, I am grateful beyond words for the kindness you and your family have shown me, and I owe you a great debt. I also owe a life debt to your son, Loki." She glances up at Loki briefly and continues. "For had he not acted as he did, I would not be here before you now. Tell me what you would have me do to prove myself worthy of these gifts you have given me."
"Give me your hands and open your mind to me."
Anara holds her hands out to Odin, meeting his gaze.
"Father you don-" Loki tries to interject, but is cut short by a look from Odin.
"We've discussed this Loki. If you interfere, I will banish you both!"
Anara can sense fear in Loki, but doesn't understand its cause. She is no threat to the people of Asgard; he knows this.
Any further thoughts are cut short as Odin grabs her hands and locks his gaze with hers. She can feel him at the edge of her mind, waiting for her to let down her mental shields. Letting go, Anara finds herself falling into Odin's one golden eye.
Although not rough, Odin's search of her mind is thorough. Images of her life sift past: her mother and father holding court, she and her sister as younglings in the Jedi Temple, battles both with, and against her twin. With almost her entire life laid bare, Anara thinks the worst is over until Odin finds that one part of her she thought she'd locked away so deeply that the memories would never again haunt her. She was wrong. Odin's voice bores through her mind.
"What do you hide behind these walls girl? Let them down or I will banish you."
Stalling and afraid, Anara replies, "Most of my life and the person I am now have been laid bare before you. Does it truly matter against what anvil I was forged? These walls were built to contain that which I never want to see again. If I take them down, I doubt they can be rebuilt, and I cannot foresee the consequences."
Odin responds, not unkindly, "Since I cannot see into the world you came from, I must see what you hide."
"Then you must break them down, for I cannot."
Steeling herself for what she knows waits behind the walls, Anara drops all resistance to Odin. Unbidden, tears begin to stream down her face as Odin breaches the mental barriers it took her years to build. Overwhelmed by the memories Odin has released, Anara drops to her knees, unaware that Thor and Loki have rushed to her side. Helpless, they watch as Odin holds her in thrall. Eventually, the flood of memories subsides, and Anara finds herself floating in darkness once again.
"Worry not child, you have passed the test." Odin says to her. "I will restore the walls you built, for I see now why they were constructed. Rest now and sleep."
Loki steps forward and confronts Odin as he gently lowers Anara's unconscious body to the floor.
"What have you done to her!" He yells. "I swear if you –"
Odin cuts Loki off with a hard stare.
"Swear nothing you will regret later Loki," he says, standing and facing his son. "She is fine and has passed the test."
Thor gives an audible sigh of relief, but Loki shows no sign of backing down.
Odin continues, looking at each of his sons in turn.
"We all knew from the physical scars that this woman has been through the lower realms, to Hel, and back. What I have seen proves that not only is she a survivor, but that she's also a formidable warrior. Have a care. I do not think she is one you ever want to cross."
While Odin advises his sons, Loki gathers Anara in his arms. Frigga, having joined the group, whispers something in Loki's ear. Nodding once to her, he glowers at Odin.
"If you're finished with her, AllFather, I will see to her care," Loki spits.
Without waiting for acknowledgement, he spins on his heels and storms from the audience chamber, Anara clutched to his chest. His yell for the royal chamberlain echoes down the hall in his wake. A look of understanding passes between Frigga and Odin, and without a word, she follows Loki.
"Father, what did you see that would reduce both of you to tears?" Thor asks.
For while Loki was solely focused on Anara, Thor was witness to the tears that fell from Odin's one eye.
Odin, looking weary, tells his son, "The story of her life is hers to tell or not. But know this, in the short span of her mortal years, she has seen more bloodshed and survived more torment than you and Loki combined. She is incredibly strong, but have a care, for parts of her are more fragile than your mother's finest crystal."
Putting a hand on Thor's shoulder to drive home his next statement, Odin advises him, "Take care with how you deal with your brother in regards to her. I would not want to see a woman destroy the progress you've made with him."