One day, two days, three days, four days, five days. That was how long she had been locked in her room staring at the ceiling, tidying up any messes she could find – which there were always plenty of – and trying to draw pictures of various things. She was bored, oh so bored and nobody stopped by to visit except Prue who brought her something to eat occasionally. The redhead's visits, though brief, were longingly awaited as with them came news of the outside world.
Apparently, Fandral had coerced the rest of the warriors three, lady Sif and Thor into asking the allfather for leniency a few days back. Egill had even gone on his own little mission, which was a surprise to Kari as she had assumed the asgardian had completely forgotten about her by now – Prue's involvement seemed plausible in his decision making however. People really seemed to be worried about her; tear jerkingly sweet as it was though it also brought up the question of just how bad her offence had been. Would the king really execute her? She knew she had joked about the idea at her lowest points but was it a genuine possibility?
Day five, that's where she was at and having a jolly good sigh as she fussed on a purring fur ball. It was relaxing, stress relieving, she had heard rumor that owning cats extended the life expectancy of owners and by the stroke induced tranquility Griffin was causing she could see that theory very possibly being true. It was a good thing too, as her door burst open allowing the passage of guards to escort her, Kari desperately needed all the internal calm she could muster.
Straightening her clothing, feline friend dispersed in fright to the windowsill, she rose from the bed and followed the armed men out into the corridor. It was a long walk, though not by actual distance but more so the metaphoric. She caught Prue's eye, as the woman passed them on her way back from clearing the dining hall after lunch, the two women exchanging a reassuring smile each. This could not be an end to her journey; it hardly even felt started.
"Karian Motter of midgard." Odin left the latest version of her name hanging in the air as he stared down at her from his throne. "You have disgraced yourself, the good name of your grandfather, the warrior Fandral the dashing, and you have publicly denied and offended the king of Asgard at his own table." He paused again, either letting his accusations sink in or just to prolong the discomfort in her knees from having to kneel on the hard floor. "Despite your arrogance and pride, it seems you are still in the possession of allies, even among my own house. It is with their pleas that I have decided to fore go harsher punishment, their reminder that you are a child and as such should be judged."
Did everyone really think she was a little girl? That probably shouldn't have annoyed her as much as it did but she needed something to bury a chunk of her mind in, least she dampen the floor in a matching golden shower from the kings pure intimidation.
"It is with great deliberation I have decided upon your penance. An adequate reprimand for a child is no simple determination; it must be trying, demanding and fit the lesson that must be learned. As such, I, Odin, King of Asgard, have come to the decision that you, Karian Motter of midgard, will prove yourself a true citizen of this realm by the completion of three of its societies most fundamental studies; the development of a warriors skill, a demonstration of the knowledge of magic and finally the recounting of the tales of our people and king." Oh god, he was making her go to school – perhaps the harsh punishment would have been the better option. "In order to complete these tasks, you will have to call upon those around you, humble yourself to their goodwill and by this same day, one year from now, demonstrate what you have learned. If I am not satisfied, in any way by what I see, then I hereby decree the original punishment for your actions will be reinstated and you shall be sent forth to the farthest reaches of the realm to live alone and unaided until such time as I allow your return." OK, the harsh punishment really was worse than school – it was horrible outside the city from what stories the others had told her. "I have spoken my judgment." He made a booming noise with his spear as it walloped the floor shocking her into almost standing. "Go, return to your duties."
She was dissed and dismissed but at least he had not used his pimp hand on her – it would have no doubt really hurt though probably not as much as her knees right now. Kari carefully rose, her legs stiff as she tried to straighten them and bow before scuttling away like an albino hermit crab. A feeling of possibly going down with something was circulating its way through her system though it was probably just a mixture of shock, terror and overwhelming trepidation. She had a lot to do in a year and he even expected it to be perfect – from a girl that failed most of her classes at high school that was a pretty tall order.
Not even a foot out of the throne room, she was instantly set upon by an anxious set of hands turning her on the spot before dragging her into a forceful embrace. Fandral appeared somewhat distraught, his grip around her like knotted iron and refusing to let go until he was sure she were still real. She blinked in the moment then tentatively mirrored his action, letting her forehead rest on his shoulder with a deep exhale. This was nice, she could feel blood returning to her extremities again as he held her in his safety.
"Tell of everything." His voice was flat, the joviality knocked out and replaced with concern.
She was sitting in one of the observation rooms, a giant fire in the centre of the room keeping her toasty on the outside whilst whatever was in her cup kept her warm on the inside. Fandral was busy discussing with the others about her plight, she had not been listening but instead trying to get very drunk and forget the world for the time being. Could she do this? Could she learn things? Weren't you practically incapable of learning new skills after a certain age? She was sure she had heard that said before, most likely to her face when discussing with a colleague about maybe, possibly, going to college or university one day. She had always regretted missing the opportunity of higher education but with her lack of high school qualifications, barely scraping a pass in art and surprisingly wood work – the bird house she had made was wonky but the teacher said it had style – it had always been one of those fanciful dreams people got.
She groaned into her cup as she finished its contents then leaned towards the jug for another refill. The liquid tasted like some sort of fruity, honey infused mead unlike anything she had tried before – a shame she was drinking it with such abandon instead of savouring the flavour.
"What do you think, my dear?" Fandral was staring at her; she merely blinked back, her cheeks flushed from the alcohol.
"Huh?" She was finding it hard to focus on his face.
"Learn swordsmanship from myself to complete your warriors task. I am sure you carry within you an affinity for the weapon." He was not dismayed by her snort of 'oh really'.
"And we shall all recite tales of heroics until you know them by heart." Volstagg looked eager at the thought of boasting.
"And no one knows better than I the stories of the king, my father." Thor laughed, seeming to be happy the knowledge he'd been hammered over the head with was finally going to prove itself useful for something other than making him want to out do them.
"Though I think not tonight." Volstagg was staring right at her. "It appears our young student has been suckling on the mead too long."
"Huh?" She mumbled again, not entirely sure who was talking anymore but having the inkling it was about her.
"Her tolerance has become impressive." Thor was looming over her now, turning the once full jug upside down to show the others its emptiness. "Well done, friend!"
He slapped her on the back, not even particular hard this time, but as drunk as she was Kari soon found herself off balance, whilst sitting down, before greeting the floor much to everyone's amusement.