Anara spends the rest of the day and the following night in a dreamless sleep.
As the morning sun begins to brighten the room, she slowly comes to awareness, her Force-heightened senses alerting her to the presence of another in the room. She decides to feign sleep a little longer to give herself time to figure out where she is. Odin's words float through her mind.
"Worry not, you have passed the test."
"So, I must still be in Asgard." she thinks to herself, though she can tell she is not back in the room she spent so many months in. She can sense fewer people in the surrounding halls, and she can hear animals and feel a breeze from an open window. Her companion is pacing the room, and judging by the rhythm and sound, she suspects it is Loki. She extends her awareness out a little further to eavesdrop on his thoughts, careful to avoid alerting him to her conscious state. His aura flashes its usual green and gold, but today it's shot through with black and…
"No, it can't be" she thinks. Red flashes typical in the auras of Dark Jedi and the Sith flash in contrast with his normal green. With more caution, she reaches for his thoughts, which, in his agitated state, are easy to read, his guard down.
"If he's harmed her, I'll kill him!" he mutters to himself, clearly worried that she's been asleep for so long.
"Another day lost," she thinks to herself. "I'll be happy if I never sleep again!"
Focusing back on Loki, she's taken aback by his despair and worry that he's somehow already lost her to Thor, and his conflicting anger at himself for falling for her in the first place.
"At least his anger isn't directed at me," she thinks. Though she knew from her previous contact with Loki that he had a chaotic nature, she wasn't sure until now, seeing the streaks of red in his aura, that he had some connection with the Dark Side. She makes a mental note to be much more cautious around him.
Withdrawing from Loki's chaotic thoughts, she takes stock of her situation. She's obviously been granted leave to stay in Asgard. And she's immortal? How is that possible? Not even the most powerful Sith were ever able to attain physical immortality. She begins to compile a mental list of questions. My light saber. She adds that to the list, hoping that they will let her have it back. Her gear – how much, if any of it survived the crash? And star charts. The nav computer was likely fried, but hopefully Odin or his people have charts of the galaxy. Even though she knows she's likely in another galaxy, or even another universe, judging by the loss of her link with her twin, being able to study the native charts could help her find a way home.
Loki has ceased his pacing, and Anara can sense he's stopped by the window. Peeking through slit lids, she can see him leaning against the wall of a balcony, staring off into the distance. Stretching, she pushes herself up into a sitting position, thankful that at least this time, she's wearing some type of shift, and is not naked. Not that modesty was ever really something she cared about.
Loki spins to face her, his despair quickly replaced by a huge grin at seeing her awake.
"The sleeping beauty awakes at last." he says, walking to her bedside and sitting down on the edge near her.
"How are you feeling? I'm afraid my father can be quite the brute at times."
"I am well," she replies. "Though I have to admit, I grow weary of always being in bed!" She laughs.
"Are you sure you're alright?" he asks, his mind searching as much as his words for the truth.
"Yes, I'm fine, but I have a million questions now, and I really want to get out of bed."
Loki moves from the bed and offers his hand to her. Getting up, she stretches, noting that her shoulders are still stiff.
"How long have I been asleep this time?" she asks Loki, though she already knows the answer.
"It is just the morning after your trial."
Nodding, she looks around the room and spies her clothes case set on the floor near an elaborately carved wardrobe. It survived! Running to it like a child to a present, she looks it over. A large dent creases the top, but otherwise it seems unharmed.
"My mother had this brought in for you. She thought you might like some of your own clothes. Though she did say to tell you her offer of her seamstress's services still stands." Loki tells her.
Looking back at him over her shoulder, she says, "Thank you. Your mother is a very caring woman."
Returning her focus to the case, she opens it and looks through the contents. Everything seems to be undamaged. Pulling out a pair of pants and a simple tunic, she straightens. Spying a privacy screen in the opposite corner, she heads for it.
Loki, seeing her intent, offers to leave, saying "I will step outside and give you your privacy."
"No, please stay," Anara says. "I won't be long."
As she changes behind the screen, she asks, "Is it too early to get something to eat? I'm starving."
"Of course not." Loki replies, the sound of his voice indicating he's turned his back to her.
"Maybe I have misjudged the modesty of these people." she thinks to herself.
"There are servants lurking in every corner of the palace. You have simply to ask, or in my brother's case, yell, and whatever you desire will be brought to you," Loki continues. "Would you like to dine in your rooms or in the Meade Hall?"
Smoothing her tunic over her hips, she steps out from behind the screen and heads back to the clothes case, hoping she packed a spare belt.
"To be honest, I would like to eat somewhere where I can start getting my questions answered."
Finding her spare belt, she looks around the room again while fastening it around her waist. She feels off balance, not having her light saber on her hip. Not seeing what she is looking for, she asks Loki, "The clothes I was wearing yesterday, are they still here? I find myself without footwear."
"Check the wardrobe. Mother banished me from the room while her women prepared you for bed. Your things are likely there."
Opening the wardrobe doors, she finds the dress from the day before hanging alongside several other pieces of clothing, as well as several pairs of boots and sandals arranged neatly below. Grabbing the boots she wore the day before, she puts them on and straightens, feeling more like her old self, to find Loki studying her intently.
"Father told us you were a warrior, though I did not believe it until today. Why did you not tell me?"
"Forgive me Loki. I did not know who you were, or where I was. I told you what I thought you could relate to best. Not all cultures take kindly to female warriors, but most understand and respect royalty. It was a calculated response based on what I knew at the time," she responds, walking towards him.
Stopping before him and looking up into his eyes, she tells him, "I meant what I said yesterday to Odin. I owe you my life. Though my vows as a Jedi Knight and member of the Jedi Council supersede all, I will honor my debt to you."
Taking a knee, she bows before him. Caught off guard by her obeisance, Loki simply stares down at her for a moment, before raising her up with a finger beneath her chin. Taking her head between his hands, he kisses her forehead.
Stepping back from her, he says softly, "I would think twice about making that vow to me. You may regret it one day."
Turning on his heel, he leaves her room. Wondering what she's gotten herself into, she follows him.
Stepping into the hallway, she finds that Loki has quite literally disappeared. Using the Force, she senses people down the hall to the right and heads that way, hoping to find a servant she can ask for directions.
Just as she turns to go down the hall, she hears footsteps running towards her. A man in simple garb hurries around a corner near her.
"My lady," he gasps, "This way please. Lord Loki ordered that you be taken to the royal dining hall. This way please." He motions back towards the direction he came.
Thankful to be rescued once again, she nods at the man and tucking her hands into her sleeves, follows him down the hall.
The royal dining hall was a very small, intimate room compared to the audience chamber and other rooms Anara passed on her way there. Set off a hallway near the throne room, it holds a single large table set to seat 8, with an open balcony at one end, overlooking what appears to be a small private garden. A large open-pit fireplace sits at the opposite end, surrounded by low couches. A small fire burns in the pit, offering a little heat against the cool breeze from the balcony. Thor, his mother Frigga, and two men she does not know sit at the table, engaged in an intense conversation. Loki is nowhere to be seen. Anara's guide clears his throat to gain their attention. Bowing, he says, "Princes Anara, your Majesties."
Staying in a low bow, he backs from the room, leaving Anara standing in the doorway. Frigga stands, the men following suit. As Frigga walks towards her, Anara enters the room, meeting her near the table.
Frigga gives her a hug and says, "It's good to see you. Come, sit and break your fast with us. We were just discussing some of the things we thought you'd like to know."
Pulling out a chair next to his mother's, Thor smiles at her, saying, "I hope my brother did not frighten you this morning. We tried to get him to leave you in peace, but he would not have it."
Returning his smile, she sits and says, "No, it takes much to frighten me, though his sudden disappearance was a bit unsettling. Does he do that often?"
Everyone at the table laughs.
"Loki the Trickster, some call him. Sounds like he lived up to his name yet again," says ,an older man with short, graying hair seated next to Thor. Anara guesses that he must be an advisor of some sort. Out of the corner of her eye, Anara catches Frigga giving Thor a pointed stare.
Catching on to his mother's intent, Thor says, "Forgive my manners Princess, let me introduce Chamberlain Hoff, master of the palace staff and royal advisor, and Master at Arms Roygan."
The Master at Arms was a forbidding man. Though seated, she could tell he was easily as tall as Thor and nearly as muscled. His long salt-and-pepper hair was pulled back into a simple gold clasp, and a scar running from his left eye, snaked along his cheekbone.
Acknowledging each in turn, Anara addresses the group, "If it is not against protocol, please, just call me Anara. I gave up my royal duties when I took my vows as a Jedi Knight. It has been many years since anyone has used my royal title to address me."
Sensing a new level of respect from the Master at Arms and the Chamberlain, Anara relaxes slightly.
"Good, then let us dispense with formalities," Thor says, slamming his fist on the table, making Anara jump.
Servants rush in with plates of fruit and cheese and trays of meat, setting them in the middle of the table.
A servant approaches from behind her and asks, "What would you have to drink, my lady?"
Thor leans across the table and says, "I would suggest the spiced mead. The brew master has done quite well with it this season."
Taking his advice, she nods her acceptance of his suggestion, and a mug of steaming liquid is set before her. It smells of strong spices and just a hint of alcohol.
Plates begin to be passed around, and Anara takes some cheese and fruit, never one to break her fast with a heavy meal.
"So, Anara" Chamberlain Hoff begins, passing off a plate of some kind of meat to Thor.
"Odin has granted you the same status as the Warriors Three and Lady Sif, namely, that of Royal Companion. You have full unfettered access to the palace and its grounds, with the exception of their majesties' private chambers. And you may roam freely through the surrounding city, of course."
Swallowing hastily, Thor adds with a wink, "I would be pleased to give you the full tour when we are done here."
Smiling at him over her cup, she returns her attention to the chamberlain.
"I am honored at the level of trust Odin has bestowed upon me. I must admit, I am overwhelmed by everyone's kindness."
Frigga places her hand on Anara's arm and says, "I think that you will find we are a generous people. It is our duty to look out for others." Continuing, she says, "Until you can find a way to return to your world, I want you to consider this your home."
Sensing only love and concern from Frigga, Anara begins to realize that she feels very comfortable around her, likely due to all the time Frigga spent telling tales and singing lullabies at her bedside. Reminding herself that she's still in a strange land, in an unknown culture, she addresses the Master at Arms.
"The weapons I had with me when I crashed, may I have those returned to me?"
Roygan considers a moment before he replies. "Yes, but on the condition that you demonstrate their use before me and a few trusted commanders. I hear tell that light sword of yours is a formidable weapon."
"Of course, I would be happy to demonstrate the use of my lightsaber and blaster for you at any time." Anara says. "The Master Healer said he was going to discuss a training regimen for me with you. If he has not already done so, might I respectfully state that I already have a regular training routine. I just need someplace to practice it."
Roygan responds. "Gustause did advise me of the wounds you sustained and the fact that you have been given the Elixir of the Golden Apples. So while you may have a regular training regimen, your injury will likely make some modifications necessary in order to rebuild the muscles that were damaged, as well as additional training to help you get used to your new strength. I would be happy to work with you to develop a program to do those things."
Confused, Anara looks to Frigga and Thor.
"New strength? Does this have anything to do with the immortality Odin mentioned yesterday? I'm afraid I don't understand."
Thor looks to his mother, and gaining her permission, begins an explanation.
"My father discovered a fruit, what we call The Golden Apple, some millennia ago. Something in its nature grants a select few of us a measure of immortality. Along with long life, you gain superior strength and resistance to injury. You were given an elixir of that fruit to save your life and thus were granted the same gifts. Because you passed Odin's test yesterday, he allowed you to maintain the immortality and the other benefits as well. As a Royal Companion, you are granted the privilege of eating a Golden Apple every year with the royal family at the celebration of the winter solstice."
Sitting back in her chair, Anara takes a moment to consider what Thor has just told her. "Dear Yoda," she thinks to herself, "Let me be a universe away from home. If my sister were to find out about this, it would be disastrous."
"Anara?" Thor asks, snapping her out of her reverie. "Are you ok? You look a little pale."
"I'm sorry. I was just thinking of what would happen if Darth Daeva ever got a hold of an apple."
Seeing blank stares around the table, she explains, "Darth Daeva is the leader of the New Galactic Empire – the region of space where I'm from. She's an evil, sadistic woman, and powerful enough as it is. If she managed to gain immortality and increased strength, no one could stand against her."
Seeing concern on Thor and Roygan's faces, she adds, "Luckily, she's currently imprisoned in the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. That does bring up another question, however. "
Addressing the chamberlain, she asks, "Do you have star charts or maps of your galaxy? I do not recognize the name of your world, and from my limited conversations with Loki, and Thor's stories of planets in your realm, I'm beginning to believe I'm nowhere near my own galaxy."
"Of course. I will have them brought to your chambers so you can study them at your leisure." Hoff replies.
Seeing that everyone had finished eating, Frigga addresses Anara. "Since we have finished our repast, why don't we retire to the couches and you can tell us your tale, Anara."
Agreeing, they all rise and move to the couches around the fire pit. As servants circulate to refill cups, Anara tells them what little she remembers about how she got here.
Finishing her tale, Anara sits forward, stretching out her arms and feeling again the twinge across her back. Everyone sits quietly for a moment. The chamberlain is the first to break the silence.
"So let me see if I understand this correctly. Not only are you a princess and a high- ranking warrior, but you are also an ambassador and a negotiator?"
"Yes, the Jedi Order is tasked with keeping the peace across the galaxy. We use force when needed, but prefer to use diplomacy and negotiations when we can." Anara replies.
"Interesting," Hoff says. "Might I call upon your skills then, the next time the Guild leaders get in a dispute? They are a hard-headed group, and I find myself at wits end with them often times. Maybe a pretty face and a gentler tone will soften their skulls."
"I would be honored to assist in any way I can." Anara replies, smiling.
Addressing the group, Anara stands.
"My lady, gentlemen, please forgive me, but I fear I have been idle for much too long. I find myself restless and in need of some exercise."
Rising with her, Roygan motions to the door, "Let me show you our training areas."
Turning to Thor, he asks, "My Lord, would you be so kind as to retrieve the lady's weapons from the Armory and meet us on the training grounds? Perhaps she'd be willing to give us that demonstration now." He looks back to her.
"Of course," Anara replies, glad that she'll finally have her lightsaber back.
As a group, they leave the dining hall, though Anara quickly finds herself alone with the Master at Arms.
"I hear this sword of yours cuts through flesh like butter. Perhaps we could set out a series of materials and see how far it gets through each one?" Roygan suggests as they walk down a long open hall towards an outdoor training area.
"That is a good idea. I can tell you now that there are very few materials in my world that are impervious to a lightsaber blade, but maybe there is something here that is."
Thinking, Anara rattles off a list of materials.
"Wood, stone and your hardest metals, and an old piece of personal armor would be good to test, as well as a series of similar materials set up like targets to show the blaster's abilities."
Thinking further she adds, "And a piece of my ship. If it can be moved, one of the cross beams maybe?"
Roygan nods as they exit the palace and walk through a series of elaborately landscaped gardens.
"I do not know what kind of projectile weapons you use, but I would be willing to demonstrate my ability to use the lightsaber to deflect them."
Roygan stops and looks at her.
"Your confidence sits on the edge of arrogance my lady, having not seen the types of weapons we use."
"Point taken Master Roygan." Anara replies, motioning for him to continue on.
"It was presumptuous of me to state otherwise without seeing your weapons capabilities first. Perhaps I should have offered instead to let one of your men fire my blaster at me, to demonstrate my abilities."
Chuckling, Roygan looks at her.
"I highly doubt Odin would allow such a thing. A simple demonstration is one thing. Allowing one of my soldiers to attempt to wound you with your own weapon would be considered a great offense, considering the effort they went through to save your life the first time."
Continuing on, he asks, "Since you do not wish to use your royal title, is there a military one you would prefer?"
"I held the rank of General on the battlefield; however, I prefer the title of Master elsewhere. You can introduce me as Jedi Master Anara if you wish. Those of lower rank may call me Master Anara, or simply my lady, if you deem that appropriate."
"As you wish, Master Anara."
Receiving a nod from Roygan, she heads back to the royal gardens having seen a secluded area just inside the walls. Settling on a low stone bench, Anara examines her lightsaber. Though covered in dried blood, it seems undamaged. Using the Force, she separates the blood and dirt from the hilt, incinerating the blood before letting it fall to the ground as ash. She never willingly leaves her blood lying around. As an apprentice to the sometimes leader of the Nightsisters, she knows all too well how it could be put to use against her. She does the same for her blaster, checking the charge and priming it. Standing, she closes her eyes and takes a deep breath to center herself and then ignites the lightsaber. Its distinctive hum fills the air. Using the Force, she scans the weapon looking for damage but finds none. Relieved, she shuts it down and returns to the bench. Combing her hair with her fingers, she plaits it into a single braid that falls down the center of her back.
A green and gold aura shifts into her awareness. She hears Loki enter the secluded section of the garden, his boots crunching on the gravel path.
Without moving, she asks, "Is everyone ready?"
"They are."
Opening her eyes, she sees him standing before her, proud in his armor, the sun glinting off his golden-horned helm. Smiling, she rises in one fluid motion.
"Tell me, do you find your helm to be a nuisance in battle? I would think those resplendent horns would get in the way."
Suddenly the horns appear to melt away, leaving no evidence they were ever there.
"Not really," Loki responds, a slight smile playing on his lips at the surprise on Anara's face.
"Come, they are waiting," Loki says, motioning for her to precede him.
As she passes she says, "You will have to show me how you do that some day. That was a very impressive trick."
"I have many tricks, my lady," is his only reply.
Anara walks through the archway from the gardens to see the practice field has become a very different place. A large beam from her ship sits in the middle of the field surrounded by stands of the various materials she requested. Off to the left, in front of the stone face of a hill, sits a row of targets set at various distances from a line marked out in white stone. To the right of the ship wreckage are the soldiers that had been on the field, now standing in ranks and the Companions standing to one side with the Master-at-Arms. Approaching the ranks of soldiers, she assumes the guise of teacher, a role she enjoyed while at the Jedi Temple. The Master-at-Arms calls the soldiers to attention as she draws even with him, Loki moving off to join Thor and the others. Nodding to her, Roygan steps back a few paces.
"Please, as you were." Anara says, using the Force to carry her voice to the furthest ranks without needing to yell. "As Master Roygan told you earlier, I am Jedi Master Anara Solo. I know that does not mean much to you, so let me explain." Anara continues with a short lecture on the origins of the Jedi order. Finished with that piece, she takes her lightsaber from her belt and holds it out.
"This is the weapon, and the symbol of a Jedi." Lighting it, she does a few simple passes with it. "It is an elegant weapon, but one that is not easily wielded by someone who cannot control the Force."
Turning to the group of companions, she calls to Fandral. "Fandral, you are skilled with a sword, yes?"
"Aye my lady, I am very skilled with the sword. Would you like a demonstration?" He replies, his innuendo obvious.
Smiling, she replies, "Not right now, no. However, I would like to have you help me illustrate my point." Fandral struts forward to join her. "I am going to hand you my lightsaber. Now, don't do anything fancy, I'd hate to see you lose a limb, but take a couple of swings with it."
Suspecting he might be made a dupe, Fandral carefully takes the lightsaber from her, and tests its heft in his grip.
"It's surprisingly light."
Attempting to swing it in a graceful arc, the lightsaber wavers in its path, and Fandral finds himself needing to use two hands to control it. A few soldiers in the front rows snicker but are quickly silenced by a glare from Roygan. Fandral tries again, this time with two hands, but again with the same result. He cannot truly control its path. Shaking his head, he hands the weapon back to Anara, who motions for him to step back. Stepping into one of her regular training routines, she spins the lightsaber in a complicated series of moves, adding in a few flips for good measure. She ends her routine by coming back to a relaxed stance and shuts down the lightsaber. The practice field is filled with the silence of a completely stunned audience.
Fandral breaks the silence, his voice full of awe. "That sword must have magic only attuned to her, for there is no way I could have controlled the sword like that."
Turning to Fandral, Anara gives him a small bow. "Thank you Fandral, for helping with my demonstration." Turning back to the troops she says, "As I said, only one who controls the Force can control this weapon. In my world, the Force is not magic, though some cultures do think of it that way. Anyone trained in the use of the Force could wield this. " She begins to walk towards the materials set up for her. As she waits for everyone to gather around, she studies the set-up, determining her course through the materials.
"I'm sure you have heard by now the story of the healer who lost a finger when he tried to test the sharpness of the lightsaber's blade. So you already know it cuts through flesh with no trouble."
Igniting the blade again, she approaches the wooden post, easily the width of a large man, and slices it in half with one stroke. Murmurs run through the assembled soldiers.
"There are very few materials in my world that are impervious to a lightsaber's blade," she continues, as she cuts through a metal pole the size of a man's arm. She moves on to a stone block, and cuts through it with ease. The murmurs get louder. Walking to the beam from her ship, she places a hand on it for a moment, acknowledging that her ship is damaged beyond repair and mourning its loss and all that it stands for. Stepping back, she plunges the lightsaber's blade into the beam and cuts a large hole out of it. As the cut metal hits the ground, silence greets her once again. Looking out to those assembled, she asks, "Are there any questions?"
"Master Roygan", a soldier shouts, "Will that cut through one of our staffs?" Many voices rise among the ranks in support of the question.
Snapping out of his thoughts, Roygan replies. "Let us see. Bring one to me."
A pike man near the front comes forward and stabs his staff into the ground in front of Anara. Easily 7 feet tall and the width of man's wrist, it has intricate design work along its length and a set of razor sharp barbs at the top. It is a formidable weapon.
Anara looks to Roygan and asks, "Are you sure Master Roygan that you want me to attempt this? If I succeed, your man is out a weapon."
Waving her off as it if was nothing, he replies, "Please, I would like to see this myself. We can replace the weapon if you destroy it."
Anara nods, then taking a step back and spinning her lightsaber around her back, slices neatly through the staff, shutting down the blade and returning it to her belt in one smooth motion.
Thor elbows Loki and says, "Well, brother, I guess you won't be sparing against her!"
"Not while she wields that thing, I won't." Loki replies, clutching his own staff just a little tighter. Everyone laughs. Loki turns to Thor, "Why don't you see how your hammer holds up."
"Oh, I think not, brother." Thor replies, quickly adding, "not that I fear that Mjölnir would be damaged of course." Loki smiles, knowing he's gotten back at his brother just a little. Thor, stepping forward, bows to Anara.
"My lady, that truly is an impressive weapon. Now, if you please, we will give you a small demonstration of our own." Motioning Loki and the others forward, they take their places before the targets, and each in turn demonstrates his skills with his individual weapons. Anara is impressed. She would be pleased to go into battle with this army and the Companions any day.
As the demonstration ends, Anara makes a point to seek out Loki and talk to him about his staff. She is genuinely intrigued by it, but she also wants to see if she can figure out the reason behind his disappearing act this morning. Fandral, apparently not to be outdone, approaches and interrupts them.
"My lady, I would be honored if you would engage me in a short fencing match-with a normal sword of course," he quickly adds. Before she can respond, Loki speaks.
"I am afraid Fandral, that she will have to decline. I distinctly remember Father instructing the Master-at-Arms to do an evaluation with her before she's allowed to practice with any of us." Turning to Roygan, he says, "Is that not so Master Roygan?"
Roygan, giving Anara an apologetic look, says, "Yes, my Lord, that is correct. Fandral, I'm afraid you'll have to wait a few days for that match." Turning back to Anara, he addresses her. "Speaking of such, my Lady, if you wish we can begin working on a program for you tomorrow morning, say an hour after sunrise? There is an indoor workout area that would be sufficient for our needs. Any of the palace servants can show you where it is."
Nodding her assent, she turns back to Loki, and they pick up their conversation regarding his staff again. Unfortunately, Loki has completely shut his mind to her, and his annoyance at Fandral is the only thing she is able to perceive.