It was complete disaster. She went to Loki's cell, yelled at him and made a fool of her. He didn't put any spell on her. It's stupid. When she was thinking about it now, next morning, she had to admit she acted a bit hysterically. Well, maybe more than a bit. When he said he didn't use any spell, she simply left the cell. She started coursing loudly once she locked door behind her. Guards looked at her in surprise, but she simply didn't care.
Happily, Queen didn't have any books for Loki today, so after finishing her morning work, she headed to clinic, determined to apologize Snorri. With every step taken she was less and less sure about how to explain her yesterday dissociation. It was really quiet inside, she could hear only her feet as she walked. Before she could think about something satisfying to justify herself, she was standing in front of clinic's door. She took a deep breath and went in.
Snorri was there, sitting and playing chess with a man she didn't know. Only they were inside, but it was rather usual that they didn't have any patients in the morning, as warriors usually came back later. Sometimes, when they've spent night fighting, there were busy mornings in the clinics, but mostly it was calm at this time of the day.
"Welcome, Eir.", he said, nodding to her.
"Good morning…", she answered slowly, wiping her wet hands into her dress. "I came to… to apologize for yesterday."
"It's fine Eir. Everyone can have worse day. Check!", he shouted happily, slapping his hands to the table with delight. "I told you I am better!", he smiled to the man sitting in opposite.
"Game goes on…", answered stranger slowly, looking at the board thoughtfully. Snorri laughed.
"Will you be back in the afternoon? Thor is gone again.", said medic without looking at her, focused on game.
"Yes. Thank you!", she answered happily, said goodbye to both of them and left the room. She wanted to scream from happiness inside.
Maybe this day will be better than the day before.
She went to the library, smiling happily. Oh, she was so stupid yesterday! Everything looked so bright this morning, so happy and full of hope!
"Good morning, Eir!", yelled Sif from the opposite side of the hall. Eir turned around, looking as woman walked towards her.
"Good morning", she answered when Sif joined her. "You're not with prince Thor?"
"We're already back", Sif smiled, seeing surprise in Eir's eyes she added, "But don't worry, no work for you today. It was easy one, no one is hurt."
"I see. Glad to hear that. I am turning here, books calling.", she smiled last time and nodded for goodbye to Sif, exceeding the threshold of the library.
Smiling to herself, she looked through the window in library to see the beautiful, shining sun on the sky. It was quiet and cool inside, though outside it was probably really warm. Suddenly, it came to her mind that she wasn't on a walk just by herself for a long time. Opening fat book, she promised herself to go outside in the evening.
It was warm outside, as usual in Asgard. Eir left the castle and headed to gardens, breathing deeply with fresh air. She closed her eyes for a second, smiling. She needed that, moment off from Loki, books, clinic.
Slowly, she headed to her favorite part of gardens, full of blue and purple flowers. There were some people also walking, singly, in pairs or in whole groups. She saw the Warriors Three and lady Sif from far, as they were fooling around with Thor. She changed the direction, but unfortunately, Sif already noticed her.
"Eir!", she called, running to young girl. Damn.
Eir closed her eyes, counted to three, opened her eyes and slowly turned around, recalling smile to her face. She bowed down graciously, watching as Sif was coming closer to her.
"I thought you wanted to study?", Sif asked, smiling. She turned around as their friends were calling her back, she waved impatiently showing them to shut up with gesture.
"I did, but it came to my mind I could use some fresh air.", Eir answered, putting her hands on hips. She looked around, trying to show that she enjoyed walking alone.
Please, please, don't…
"Come and join us then, I would like some lady companionship for a change!", Sif grabbed Eir's hand and pulled her to the place, where Warriors Three and Thor were sitting.
Please don't make me go with you Sif. Oh, thank you, Sif.
Eir toddled behind female warrior, not really happy. She didn't know them. And she didn't like to meet new friends. She is antisocial, that's what. Especially when one of her friends-to-be is making noises while eating. And he keeps eating almost all the time.
"This is Eir.", Sif said as they reached place where four men were sitting. Eir bowed nervously, fingers clenched on her dress. All four men greeted her politely. Sif showed her to sit down on the bench next to her. Eir did it reluctantly, promising herself that next time when she will have stupid idea of going for a walk, she will hit her head against the wall to get rid of it.
Sif prattled something about their last expedition, Eir nodded unconsciously, sometimes smiling or laughing. Warriors Three and Thor listened to Sif, laughing loudly, sometimes adding few words. Eir thought that she might enjoy the company, if only she wouldn't be so nervous and shy. She was looking at her laced hands, which rested on the table in front of her.
She decided at least to try to focus on conversation and have fun, since she is stuck here. Looking up, she caught Fandral's eyes focused on her. Embarrassed, she moved her gaze to Sif, feeling that she blushed. Female warrior was showing some spectacular way of killing monster, which they must have fought lately.
As time was passing, she listened quietly to the conversation, laughing from time to time. Finally, Thor stood up, announcing that it's late and his warriors should go and get some rest, as tomorrow will be a busy day. Eir picked up herself willingly , opening her mouth to say good night, but suddenly she saw Fandral in front of her.
He bowed and asked, "May I accompany you to your room?"
She looked at him with surprise. At first she wanted to say "no", but then she noticed Thor's eyes watching her, so she nodded quietly. Fandral smiled and offered her arm. She accepted politely. She didn't even notice, as rest of their company vanished in the dark of night.
"You were quiet", Fandral remarked as they were walking slowly to the castle.
"If I have nothing to say, I simply don't.", she answered, smiling, her eyes locked at the ground in front of them. "I am not really talkative person, but I liked this evening, all of you know really amusing stories."
"I know some more, I think you would like them.", he said mildly, looking down at her. "Maybe one day you will allow me to take you for a walk, so I can tell you?"
"Maybe…", she answered quietly. What? No! He is nice and all, but…
But he is not Loki.
Oh, no, of course it's not about that. Just… She simply likes him as a friend, nothing more!
They approached entrance of the castle and Eir noticed, that she started walking faster to get to her room. Even if Fandral also noted that, he didn't show it. She made herself slow down a little bit, as it wasn't polite to act this way to prince's friend. They were passing many chambers, their steps echoing in silence of asleep castle.
"So… It was really like Sif said? Only five of you against hundreds of enemies?", she accosted, looking at him. She felt like saying something, she didn't want Fandral to complain to Thor that she was unpleasant. He smiled and shook his head.
"Lady Sif likes to make things bigger than they actually are. There were many of them, but it was maybe a hundred."
Eir couldn't help but laugh at that. Fandral smiled again, thinking that she has really nice laughter. So… Gentle and joyful. He liked her long, shiny, ginger hair, those big, green eyes and even her upturned nose. Her pale skin made her look so… Fragile. He was surprised that he didn't notice her earlier. Quietly, they reached room, which she shared with another servant. Fandral bowed, taking her hand into his and kissing it gently.
"Until the next time.", he straightened up, still holding her hand. "Good night, lady Eir."
"Good night.", she smiled, freeing her hand, entering the room and locking door behind her.
Alright. That was awkward.
Next few days Loki and Eir acted like if nothing happened and Eir came back to her normal self thanks to that, though she had some weird feeling from time to time when he was taking books from her. As if her body begged to extend the moment their fingers touched. As if hear heart was pulling out to him. While cleaning, she usually told him what she did last day or what happened in the castle. She knew that he was listening, even if he didn't react. Eir herself wasn't really talkative person, but she felt sorry for him to sit locked whole days and nights and she wanted to somehow make it easier for him, even if it meant babbling about silly things.
Eir filled bowl with warm water. Queen smiled to her and started washing.
"I have some books for Loki again, will you carry them to his cell?", Frigga asked, wiping her face.
"Of course.", Eir smiled, bowing slightly. She haven't seen him for two days now and she had to admit she missed him. Not a lot! Just a little bit.
"Thank you, my dear. I hope he isn't too mean for you?"
"No, my Queen, he is…", Eir stopped, trying to find the right word, but she couldn't, so she finished awkwardly, "He is just fine."
Frigga gave Eir books, smile still on her perfect lips. Her heart felt warmer when she looked at that girl, she knew that Eir is a great company for her little sonny. She saw as Eir blushed slightly when she asked her to pay him a visit. It was a nice feeling, knowing that someone else also cares for Loki. Odin and Thor acted as if he didn't exist and she couldn't do anything about that.
"We're done, child.", Queen said, thoughtfully. "See you tomorrow."
Eir bowed quickly and left the room, wide smile on her lips. Somehow it made her happy that she will go visit Loki. Yesterday evening she saw that her favorite flowers finally burgeoned and she couldn't wait to tell him. He will smile his usual mischievous smile. Probably he will add something malicious, but she didn't care. She knew that's just how he was and she didn't mind it at all.
"Good morning, Lady Eir.", quiet voice next to her almost made her jump from surprise. It was Fandral, grinning at her. He was holding his hands behind his back.
"Good morning.", she answered politely, her smile slightly faded, but then widened again. She must be polite. She looked at him questioningly, when the silence between them was extending.
"Those are for you!", Fandral gave her bouquet of beautiful, red roses.
Well. If she felt awkward when he walked her to her room, then how should she describe her feelings now?
"Oh… Thank you…", she answered, unsteadily taking flowers from him. She stepped over her feet, glancing anxiously toward the stairs. "I…"
"I know, Sif told me. You have to take books to prisoner. I will escort you.", Fandral said, taking books out of her arm. She couldn't help feeling that word prisoner was soaked with reluctance.
She shrugged and smelled flowers. She had to admit, they were beautiful and fragrant. Their color was really deep. He picked up gorgeous ones.
"It's inappropriate, that Queen is making you do such a thing. If you wish me to, I can talk with Thor, maybe he will have influence on his mother's actions.", Fandral offered as they were walking down the stairs. He was in full armor, as if they were going somewhere again.
"No!", she said nervously. Too nervously. Damn. "I mean…", she started slowly, "I don't mind, Queen is giving me really much free time to study in return."
"But if he will behave improperly, just one word from you and I will teach him a lesson.", Fandral promised, gently taking bristle of brush from her hair.
What the hell?!
Eir moved slightly. She felt disgust about his last words. She felt like hitting him, but she stopped herself. It wouldn't cause any good. In her spirit she breathed a sigh of relief as they reached the prison.
"Yes, thank you. It won't be necessary.", she said colder than she wanted, reaching out to take books back, but before passing them he took her hand as few days ago and kissed it gently.
"I still remember about that walk, lady Eir. I hope you liked the flowers. Goodbye."
"Goodbye.", she answered, looking at his back as he turned around and walked away.
Oh, she didn't like what was happening. Not at all.
Thank you for reviews! It feels really nice to know that I am improving. I hope that after today you won't change your minds, but sometimes in this chapter I felt like I can't express myself properly, though I did my best to show what I intended. Hope you like it!