Soooo, yeah. Ch. 10 already. Hope you like this one.
Disclaimer: I do not own neither AtlE nor Thor.
Sentences that start with a line and a (") are meant to be atlantean dialect.
– Tell me, what is it that you wish to talk about?
– I must ask something first. Does the name Borr mean anything to you?
– Borr you say? It wounds vaguely familiar.
– Does the name Búri sounds closer?
– Ah! The King of Asgard. The All-Father his people used to call him, – the spark of recognition was evident.
– I am Eydís, daughter of Odin, son of Borr, son of Búri. I am the first Princess. Third in line to the throne of Asgard and the Nine Realms of Yggdrasil.
As she spoke the whole weight of her title made her stand proud and straight. By the end of it, she kneeled again only this time she saluted in asgardian fashion. The atlantean King sat on his throne as if the news were heavy as well.
– So Asgard has finally come. I must assume that you have concealed your identity and thus, your companions are unaware of your particular mission.
– That is correct. My father told me it was best to conceal it from everyone but now that I am in the presence of the King, I believe this is right. After all, our peoples once knew each other.
– Asgard had never seemed to care for my city's fate. What do you want now? How many more came with you?
– I came alone on a personal mission.
Eydís took out her pendant.
– Father, how am I supposed to open the locket? You have not told me yet? – she asked as they were riding to the Bifrost chamber.
– By blood it was sealed and only by blood shall it open again my star.
– Blood magic. So I need to bleed on it?
– If necessary. Once you reach the ruins, the locket will indicate you the way of your ancient home, shall there be any remains. The closer you get, the warmer it will turn. It will open on its own when the time is right.
They arrived with Heimdall. Her mother weeped a little but offered her a chocolate-colored, leather satchel. It had only one compartment and it wasn't too big but the Princess accepted the gift gladly.
– Eir has supplied it with as many things as we thought you might need on this journey.
– It is so light, – Eydís said while adjusting it.
– Lightweight charm my dear. As well as an Extension spell. It might prove useful.
– Thank you mother, – she said embracing the Queen around the waist.
– Eydís, – Thor called her out. – This is a gift from our father and myself.
He held a sword covered with a deep red, satin cloth.
– This was meant to be your name day present but it seems adequate to give it to you right now. May it prove useful.
He unveiled the sword. It was magnificent though unusual for asgardians. It was a long, leaf-shaped blade ornamented all along with a wavy pattern. It was weird. The sword almost looked like it had two blades instead of one. One over the other, each half forming an open "s".
The hilt was a piece of art on its own accord. First, the guard looked dived as well. Half of the quillion was facing upwards whilst the other faced down. The grip was big enough for her two hands and was carved out of a beautiful, light blue gemstone that had four silver rings spaced along of it. Finally there was the pommel, silver as well that shone with the light of a freshly polished metal.
Eydís was marveled.
– It is beautiful, – she said passing a hand over the blade without daring to touch it.
– Went all the way to Alfheim to request it, – Thor said proudly.
– That explains the shape, – she finally looked up.
– And it has a few secrets of its own.
Thor took the pommel and turned it counter clockwise. Suddenly, the sword split, the grip shrunk and now she had a double sword rather than a single one. Eydís widened her eyes as much as her smile. That was her weapon of choice and she loved that Thor remembered that.
– I… I have no words for this brother. I do not think myself worthy of such a gift.
– Yes you are, – Odin interjected.
Thor made the sword whole again and handed it to her.
– You will need a name for her, – he pointed out.
– I shall find a worthy name for her, – she vowed.
The young Princess wrapped it again and found a perfect spot for it in her satchel.
– Sister, this is my gift to you, – Loki said offering her a small brooch in the shape of an eight point star. Four long sides and four short ones.
It was made of white diamond, joined on the long points by a silver circlet. The piece was about half her thumb and it seemed to shine with light of its own. Eydís took it with amazing care, mesmerized with this present as well. She could feel magic coming from within the brooch. Loki's magic. It was unclear to her what kind of spell the star had but considering who it came from, it was for sure something important (or at least useful). The Princess pinned it to her clothes, near her heart and embraced both her brothers.
– I love you, Deki, Roar. I love you very much.
– As do we little star, as do we, – Thor answered.
– My Princess, it is time. I shall show you the attire you need to pass inconspicuously and then you must find your way alone, – Heimdall said.
She waved farewell and then, Eydís was no longer in Asgard.
After arriving at Midgard, everything had gone accordingly and now, weeks later, the Princess was finally here, witnessing the impossible. These in front of her were her family, her kin, her blood.
– What is that?
– My guide. I read the journal but this was more reliable.
– Journal? What journal? – Kida asked.
– Midgardians from the surface call it the "Shepherd's journal". Milo has it.
The King laughed gravely.
– I had quite forgotten the name you gave us.
– I can assure you I am not using it as an offence it simply means…
– The people of Middle Earth. I know. I am curious whatsoever. Why did an asgardian Princess went through all the trouble of looking for us after so long? Where were you when we needed you the most? Where did our alliance stood then? – his voice got angrier with each question. – You all saw and did nothing, did you not? You never cared? What is another midgardian empire to your eyes? Nothing.
– That is not true! – she answered a bit altered. – Asgardians wanted to help but we could not find you. Something veiled you from our watcher's sight, still does. He can neither see you nor hear you. For all we knew we were too late and everyone had perished. Despite that, I was sent here after our new watcher saw that Milo was going to receive the journal along with the equipment to look for the city. Furthermore, in spite of the fact that I would be alone I accepted the mission. We never expected to find much, let alone atlantean survivors. We did the best we could with what little we had.
Eydís felt angry at the King for doubting the people she had been raised with but then again she saw his point as well. It was true that very few asgardians now remembered the city of Atlantis but the ones that did were the ones that mattered the most. She wasn't going to let this stranger judge them all.
– It is true that there are few to remember your civilization but I came here to try to mend our bonds. We have been granted a chance, let us make the best of it.
The King seemed to think about it. Much more calm now after an explanation was given.
– I did not know about your… difficulty to see us.
– I know ignorance is no excuse, – she quoted her brother, – but please, accept my sincerest apologies on behalf of my realm.
The King sighed.
– Alright, alright, – he said slowly, – but in return you must stay at least the night here in the palace. I would much like to discuss some things with you.
– Of course your majesty, – Eydís said, finally standing up.
– Good, good. Kida, would you join us?
– I am afraid I had other plans father.
– In that case, ask the maid to bring us some food here as you go out.
– Yes father.
Kida went down the steps and smiled to Eydís.
– It was really an honor meeting you, Princess Eydís.
– I can only say the same, Princess Kida.
They giggled together as if they had told a joke and then the eldest left leaving the young one with the King.
– You two seem to get along very well, – he observed as he changed his sitting position for a laying down position.
– I thought so too. It just feels right, – they young one said.
– Hmph. Come closer child. Seat beside me.
With a last bow from her head she complied and soon after there were two maids bringing out food from who knew where. It was mostly fruit but there was also some kind of seafood. This would be an interesting meal.
Sitting near his knees, King Kashekim was able to see the girl's profile. He too noticed an awful simile between the two Princesses and his tired heart felt both happy and sad at the same time. His guest placed two plates in front of her.
– What would you like to eat Sire?
– Serve yourself, I will eat the same.
– Are you sure? Would you not just like some fruit?
– You sound just like my daughter, – he said with a smile.
Eydís blushed a little. She wasn't exactly sure if it was due to the blood spell or her own excitement.
– That was not my intention.
– It is quite alright. I just wished she…
He got quiet.
– Who Sire?
– Uhmm… no one, no one. Forget about it.
Eydís wasn't sure how to proceed. How could she prove herself as his kin?
– I was wondering about the royal family. Could you tell me more about your house?
The King grew silent for a moment.
– Would you rather I asked something else?
– It is a sad story and it happened too long ago. Yes, I would prefer another topic.
– Would you like me to tell you about mine instead?
– That sounds nice. Speak.
For the first time in weeks, Eydís was able to reveal her real self to someone, use the real names of her family members. She told him about her father, about her mother, about her living brothers, even her mare. She told him about their summer holidays, about their winter traditions. She talked none stop of her home, the Warriors Three, Lady Sif, her training, not just the physical but the magical as well. She told him of some of her road trips with her family to the different realms, describing with amazing detail every scenery she could think of.
Occasionally the King would interrupt her to ask something but for the most part he remained quiet. A feeling of peace washed over him at seeing this girl so happy and content with the life she had enjoyed. He laughed when she told him about the kind of pranks her brother Loki would pull on some people and agreed with her when Eydís told him about Thor: he had the potential of becoming a great leader but he wasn't ready.
Hours flew by.
– I have told you practically my whole story. May I request something from you?
The King tensed up little.
– It is something I have long desired from a time now.
– Ask, – the King said expectantly.
– Would it be too much to ask for a hot bath?
The King relaxed and smiled.
– Of course not. Sheshkala, – he called out. – "Prepare a hot bath for our guest of honor.
– "Yes, my King.
– Go with her. She will guide you to the washrooms.
– Thank you your majesty, – she said as she stood.
The Princess bowed her head and left the throne room.