Hey everybody! Thanks for the wonderful reviews! I'm glad you guys are enjoying my first attempt at a full length story. My editor/BF is really excited for you guys to see what is coming in the next couple chapters. I walk around at work with my next chapter folded neatly in my pocket so I can edit when I have some down time. The chapter after this one is a big one and hopefully I can make it worthy for you guys in a reasonable amount of time. Enjoy!
Ellie's mother was a much younger woman, so these images must have been events that happened before she was born. Her name was Alaina. Alaina was a beautiful young woman who moved with grace and everyone noticed. People would comment on how much Ellie looked like her mother and she always hoped she would be as beautiful. Her most cherished memory was walking with her small hand in her mother's and feeling that it was her whole world.
The images of her mother pulled at her heart, making her entire chest tighten. It started with Alaina walking with a group of women down the street on their way to somewhere. In the background, Bill looked after her longingly. Then the images shifted to what could only be explained as a montage of awkward dates between the two people Ellie had previously thought were her parents. Bill never seemed to feel comfortable no matter how hard Alaina tried. She was accommodating and patient, but he never seemed to know what to say or do.
The image then shifted to Alaina walking along the street alone carrying a bag of groceries. As she looked down to fiddle with a button on her dress, she ran right into a tall and very handsome man. The bag fell to the ground, but the man reached out and grabbed her arm to steady her before she fell. Alaina's eyes shot up to the man's. A look of surprise passed over her face.
Before she could say anything he apologized and bent down to pick up her belongings. Ellie looked the man over. He was very tall, shaggy light brown hair, green eyes and fair skin. Almost otherworldly looking. He was devastatingly handsome and Ellie could see the odd shape of the man's ears poking through his hair. Realization hit her hard on who this man was. He was her father, Ellador.
Ellie wasn't sure how long they were together, but the images of that time flashed before her. Alaina and Ellador visited many of the same places that she took Ellie as a child. It seemed as though her mother wanted Ellie to share the same experiences that her father had, knowing they would never meet. When Ellie thought back with an adult point of view, she could remember the slight sadness on her mother's face.
The time her parents spent together seemed to be happy for both of them. They smiled, laughed and always seemed to be touching in some small way. Knowing what Odin had told her about her father's loss of his wife and child, Ellie was pleased to see that her mother was not just a distraction. They both seemed to truly enjoy being with one another. So the tender moment that they shared when Alaina told Ellador she was pregnant made Ellie's already tight chest start to hurt. Her eyes began to well up.
It became almost unbearable to breathe as she then watched Ellador telling her mother goodbye. Ellie did not know how much he shared with her about who he truly was or where he was from, but she watched as Ellador handed Alaina the pendant. They both looked down at their intertwined fingers. Alaina nodded in acknowledgement as Ellador spoke to her. He then knelt down before her and placed his hands on her sides. Closing his eyes, Ellador leaned forward and rested his forehead on her belly. Ellie could see his lips barely move as he murmured soft words. Tears began to slide down her mother's cheeks. Ellador stood and pulled Alaina into an embrace and kissed her with such passion it could only tell the story of how much they actually cared for one another.
…
"Ellie!"
The voice sounded as though it was a million miles away. Then Ellie could feel warm hands on her face.
"My love?"
The voice was close now. Ellie opened her eyes to see Loki sitting in front of her, wiping away her tears.
"You always seem to be wiping tears off my face," Ellie whispered.
Loki sat back, tilted his head to the side and looked into her face.
"Wow, that was really intense," Ellie wiped her hands across her face and then ran her hands up through her hair.
"Tell me," Loki said.
Ellie's fingers tangled in the knots in her hair. "Hold on," she breathed. "I need to gather my thoughts."
Standing, she walked to the washroom to find a brush. On her way back, Ellie stopped at the vanity and splashed water on her face from the basin. Looking up into the mirror she noticed she looked different somehow. It wasn't an obvious changed, but there was something new.
Ellie slowly moved back to the bed and sat down Indian style across from Loki. She gingerly brushed the knots out of her hair as she went through all that she had learned. Loki quietly sat and watched her, waiting.
It seemed that Bill liked her mother, but never knew how to act around her. Then Alaina met Ellador and they shared something short yet powerful. Ellie was not sure if it was love, but they did make each other happy. The look on Ellador's face when he found out Alaina was pregnant told Ellie how happy he was to become a father. Why couldn't they stay together? She remembered how Odin told her that Alfheim was at war and her father had told him how he had found a woman to bear his child. When she had first heard that, Ellie thought how it seemed so heartless and technical. But it was beautiful. She was wanted by both her parents.
What really struck Ellie was how her parents met. She could not overlook the fact that it was exactly how she met Loki. Was it fate or was it a sign?
…..
"Is she truly Ellador's daughter?" Frigga asked.
"Ellie is of the proper age and she has possession of the pendant," Odin replied. "Royal blood must flow through her veins. Only the true heir can wield the power of the elves. I believe Ellie is the lost queen of Alfheim."
"This means she is in more danger than we feared," Frigga said sounding worried. "The Frost Giants will want her back."
"Do not fret my dear. I do not think they realize who she is. Helbindi wants to use her as a means to hurt Loki for killing his father."
"I hope you are right," Frigga whispered as she wrapped her arms around herself. "If anything would happen to her, I fear Loki would be lost to us forever."
Odin walked up behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders, "Do not worry, my love. They will never get close to her again. Our men will protect her till the last one stands. They fell under her spell when she was first with us and when they heard of her bravery there was no doubt of their loyalty. They are all willing to die for her."
"Does Loki know?" Frigga asked turning to face Odin.
"No, I am leaving the decision up to Ellie. She must choose how much she wishes to reveal."
"Well…."
There was a knock at their chamber door.
"Come!" Odin boomed.
The door slowly opened and Anson walked in. "My lord, the Frost Giant army has reassembled on the field. They have camped and seem to be organizing themselves."
"We knew they would be back," Odin said as he walked to the balcony to look out at the forest. "I had hoped it would not have been so soon."
"There also seems to be a small contingency approaching the city," Anson continued.
"Well it seems that Hellbindi would like to speak with me. Anson, gather a group of men and let us hear what he has to say," Odin said walking to gather his weapons. "And Anson, get my sons."
….
Ellie sat on the bed next to Loki and was trying to decide how much she should reveal to him. Looking up into his face she could see that he was starting to get frustrated that she hadn't started talking. Her mouth began to open, but she slammed it shut when she lost her courage after looking into his eyes. Loki lay back against the pillows with the blanket covering his hips and his chest bare. He was distracting. Ellie stood up, grabbed her shirt and started to pull it over her head. After closing her eyes and taking a few breaths, she pushed her head through the hole. Her head felt fuzzy and she slowly opened her eyes to see Loki leaning towards her.
"What has you all flustered?" he asked with a smirk on his face.
Ellie blew out a big breath. She smiled and was about start again but she turned and walked into the bathroom. Closing the door behind her, she walked over to the mirror and stared at her face.
"What is wrong with me?" she whispered. "Why can't I just tell him?"
Ellie tried to decide how to tell him that she was the queen of Alfheim. She should just come out and say it, but then she thought about how he had thirsted for power. Would this bring back his dark side? She had only ever seen the good in him. The dark side was nothing but a story to her.
"Ugh!" she groaned.
Ellie worried about the fact that they were betrothed. How would he take the news? She was unsure if he even wanted to get married. They had not even gotten to that discussion in their relationship. All this information was all too overwhelming. Ellie's head felt as though it was about to explode. Something had to be done. She would tell him everything because she did not want any secrets between them if they had any chance at real love.
Real love? This still left some doubt in her mind. Were they truly in love? She took a deep breath and walked out the door.
After Ellie walked into the wash room, Loki stood and put on his pants. He could tell that she was having a hard time trying to figure out what she wanted to say. Having him lying there nude must have been making things harder for her. Sometimes he felt the same way. Her lack of clothing was often a distraction from coherent thought.
Loki walked over to the door and leaned against the door frame waiting for Ellie to emerge. He could hear her moving about. Finally the door opened and Ellie stepped out. She pulled up short and stared up into his eyes. There was something different about her, but he could not pin point what it was.
"Your eyes can be so unnerving. Sometimes I feel like you can see right into my soul." Ellie lowered her eyes to his chest.
Loki laughed. "If that were so I would not have to ask you what is making you act this way."
Ellie placed her hands on either side of his chest.
"I am quite sure that if you tell me what is on your mind it will make you feel better," Loki said. "How do humans say it? Get it off your chest."
Ellie laughed. She took a deep breath and began. "I'm not who I thought I was."
"Who are you then, my love?" Loki asked.
She started to lose confidence and leaned her head against Loki's chest.
Before she could back down, Ellie blurted out, "It would seem that I am not from New Mexico like I thought. Bill was not my father. My mother met a man that came from another place that was more like…"
A loud knock sounded on the door and broke off Ellie's thought. Loki ignored the door and waited for Ellie to continue, but she froze. The knock sounded again with more urgency. Loki sighed and broke away from her.
"We will finish this," he looked into her eyes and then moved to the door. He turned back and met her eyes again.
Ellie simply nodded.
Loki opened the door and Anson stood on the other side.
"My lord, the All father requires your presence immediately in his chambers."
"Tell him I will be there shortly," Loki grumbled.
Anson bowed and walked away.
Loki began to quickly dress. Ellie followed suit. If something was going on with the Frost Giants she wanted to know about it. Now she had more at stake in what was happening than she did before.
"Where do you think you are you going?" Loki asked looking up at her.
"I'm coming with you of course," Ellie answered with a matter of fact tone. "I'm part of this now, so don't even try to think of a reason for me not to."
Loki smiled and shook his head. He knew he had his hands full.
…..
Loki and Ellie entered his parents' chambers a short time later. A group of his father's most faithful soldiers had gathered, along with Thor, who approached them as soon as they walked in.
"What is going on?" Loki asked.
"The Frost Giants have camped in the battle field. A small group is waiting near the edge of the city," Thor replied.
As Loki talked with Thor, Ellie glanced around the room. Odin caught her eye and motioned her over. Ellie slowly made her way through the throng of men. She was certain he was going to question her on whether or not she talked with Loki.
"I am surprised to see you here," Odin said, glancing sideways at her. "I was sure Loki would insist that you stay in his chambers."
Ellie straightened her shoulders, "I refused to let him leave me behind. This has everything to do with me. I can help. Loki helped me learn how to start to control my powers."
"You have told him then?" Odin asked, knowing full well that she had not.
"I started to, but I lost my nerve."
"Ah, well….." Odin started, but was interrupted by his sons approaching.
"It seems that the Frost Giants are not finished with us yet," Loki glanced sideways at Ellie.
"So it would seem." Odin surveyed the assemble group. "Let us go and hear what they have to say."
Odin strode out of the room and the soldiers followed. Ellie was so worried and focused on what this meeting would entail, that she never noticed the guards surrounding her as they made their way outside. As her mind ran through numerous scenarios, Loki fell in step beside her and gathered her hand in his. The warmth of his hand relieved some of the tension in her body. They walked in silence to the edge of the city where the giants waited. Ellie could feel the palpable tension within the group. They were unsure of what this meeting would hold in store for them all.
They rounded a corner and the group of Frost Giants came into view. There were about twenty five of them. The group was large enough to be intimidating, but small enough to not be overly threatening. Odin stopped about twenty yards away. Close enough to hear one another, but far enough to keep some distance.
"Odin," Helbindi said and gave a slight nod.
"Helbindi," Odin replied with a slight nod of his own.
Everyone stood quietly looking at one another. Loki surveyed the group recognizing a few faces from his few trips to the Jotunheim, but Helbindi was unfamiliar to him. This must be the new leader since Loki had killed Laufey.
"So to what do we owe this pleasure?" Odin asked as though speaking to a friend.
"Ah, Odin. I think you already know what we have come for," Helbindi replied.
Ellie saw the giants eyes travel towards her and her body instantly tensed. He knew who she was. She could feel it deep down. Not telling Loki who she really was would make this meeting a bit of a problem.
"You have possession of your casket. There is nothing else you need here. I think for everyone, it would be best if you gather your army and return to the Jotunheim," Odin said throwing his authority back into his voice.
"Come now, Odin," Helbindi said with a smile and his eyes settled on Ellie again. "You even brought what we came for with you."
Loki felt confused. He was sure that the giants had wanted him. To take revenge for the slaying of their king, but Helbindi's eyes kept looking in the direction of Ellie. Why would they want her now? She had been a pawn to get to him, but now he was here right in front of them.
"The young lady is of no use to you. It is my son you want…." Odin began.
"STOP!" Helbindi roared. "Do not tell me that you do not know who she is. A man of your wealth of knowledge has surely figured this out by now."
Odin simply nodded.
"Then you know that she belongs to me."
Before Ellie realized what was happening, Loki flew through the guards with a roar and came face to face with his father who simply held up a hand to stop him.
"Settle, my son," Odin stated calmly and turned back to Helbindi.
Thor stepped to Loki's side and put his hand on his shoulder. "Calm, my brother. They will not lay a hand on her."
Loki glared at Helbindi, clenching his hands so tightly; his nails began to dig into his palms. He wanted so badly to rip the Giant's head from his shoulders for even thinking Ellie could belong to him. Flashes of what Ellie looked like after she had been taken played through his mind and he wanted nothing but revenge for the mistreatment of the woman he loved.
"I see the little giant is angered by this," Helbindi sneered at Loki.
Thor threw himself at Loki as his feet began to move. They struggled with one another as Loki tried to get past his brother and tear the giant king to shreds.
"Enough!" yelled Odin looking at his sons. "The lady will stay with us." He said without even turning back to the giant.
"I think that is unwise. We have destroyed most of your army and you have your women and children to protect. Reconsider your options old man," Helbindi said snidely. "Give us the young queen and we will leave you alone to pick up the pieces of your kingdom."
Odin turned toward Helbindi. "We have also dwindled your numbers. Do not think we have not noticed."
"I will give you one day to consider your options. If you do not give up the woman in that time we will destroy you and your people," Helbindi stated and turned away. He walked back into the forest followed by his men.
Loki was stunned. Thor slowly let go of his brother and stepped away as Odin began to walk back into the city. Helbindi had referred to Ellie as a young queen. He knew she had started to tell him something, but she had stopped. Did she not want him to know? Loki's mind raced trying to put things together. Ellie did not trust him to know the truth.
Thor turned and followed his father. The guards turned and ushered Ellie back to the palace. Loki stood for a second and felt deflated. Did she truly feel that she could not tell him this? How long had she known about this? Did she always know and felt that she could not share with him? Then he thought back to how he had been before her. He had been power hungry. A lost soul. Ellie had made him better.
Loki turned and stormed after the group. He was angry with Ellie for not telling him who she really was. He was angrier with himself for who he had been.
Ellie walked back to the palace surrounded by the guards. Her mind raced as she worried about what Loki was thinking. He was obviously angry with what had transpired during the meeting but was he angry with her for not telling him what she knew about her background. Ellie hung her head and trudged along amidst the soldiers.
"Do not fret, your Highness. All will be well."
Ellie looked up at the soldier. Anson walked proudly next to her.
"Please don't call me that," Ellie whispered. "I don't deserve that title."
"Why would you think that, your Highness?" Anson smirked.
"I wasn't born into this life. It was thrust upon me. I grew up on Earth as a normal everyday person. Not some princess who was groomed to become a queen and ruler of a whole realm. I'm not special. I'm not a god," Ellie slowly got louder as she went.
"You are a Goddess," Anson said plainly. "A queen."
Ellie let out a big sigh and shook her head.
"I have seen the strength of your will, my lady. Your bravery is comparable to any warrior I have encountered," he said looking proudly down at her.
"You make me sound better than I really am."
"Every warrior surrounding us right now would lie down and die for you. They all have heard the stories of what you have done to save others. You may not have been raised as a queen, but you have certainly proven yourself as someone people would be willing to follow." Anson finished by pressing his fist to his chest and bowing in Ellie's direction.
Ellie walked in silence. What Anson had just told her made her realize she could not remove herself from her new found responsibilities. She felt the weight on her shoulders. Her life was about to drastically change and she did not know if it was for better or worse.
