Green Tinted Glass

It’s hard to explain the feeling of falling through space. 

The word ‘falling’ makes it sound fast, but it's more similar to sinking. Sinking downwards in a bottomless ocean of bright, bright blue. The pressure builds and builds, and it feels like you’re being torn apart. Stretched paper thin and then compressed until you’re denser than a neutron star. All the while, spinning shapes of every color surrounding you, dancing around like a kaleidoscope, or like when you close your eyes and focus on the back of your eyelids. There was something beautiful about it, and something deadly. Certainly an experience Lucia would never forget. And then, when she least expected it, she was thrown back into reality with a sickening lurch. 

She stumbled to the ground, back in her body once more, and fighting the instinct to throw up. The first thing Lucia noticed as she got to her feet was the gold. It was everywhere. More gold than she could ever imagine, like something out of a storybook. Well, she supposed that it was. The room they had appeared in was circular, with patterns similar to gears adorning the walls, and a raised dais of plated gold. 

That was the second thing Lucia noticed- there was a man atop the dais. He held a huge sword and was dressed in elaborate gold armor. He had dark skin and a thick beard, and his eyes were a warm honey shade. When he spoke, his voice was deep and rich.

“Thor, my prince, you have returned.”

“It's good to see you, Heimdal. This is-”

“I know who she is.” Heimdal interrupted. His gaze was piercing as he greeted Lucia by name. “I am Heimdal, I see all.” He explained, before she had a chance to ask how he knew her. 

“Right. Heimdal. Like from the myths.” Lucia rolled her shoulders, trying to shake the feeling of tumbling through space. “I really should have read up on Norse mythology before I came here, huh?”

Heimdal gave her a quizzical look and turned to Thor. 

“Do you wish for me to summon the horses, my prince?”

“No.” replied Thor, dragging Loki towards the exit. “We will walk. I wish to show our guest the city.”

And what a city it was. Lucia gasped at the sight when they exited the circular building. Thor, Loki and Lucia were standing on a bridge of color that stretched into the distance, where it met a city and a palace of glittering gold. Lucia pointed to the swirls of color dancing beneath her feet. The bridge felt as though it was made of glass, and it pulsed gently with energy. 

“Bifrost?” She smiled. Thor nodded.

Lucia turned her attention back to the city. It was beautiful. Built on a hilly area, the city fanned out around the centerpiece- the palace. It was the most incredible thing she had ever seen. Huge, easily taller than the empire state. It appeared to be made out of golden pipes, reaching towards the sky. It was a triangular shape, mirroring the picturesque white mountains that framed the cityscape.

“It's…” Lucia began, but words failed her.

“Impressive, I know.”

“It's beautiful.” She said, barely above a whisper. She was in utter awe. Lucia pointed to the glittering palace.

“That's where you live?!” And I thought Stark tower was fancy.

Lucia swore she caught an eye roll from Loki. Thor chuckled.

“Yes. Quite nice, isn’t it?”

“You could say that.” 

The three of them began the walk to the city, and Lucia admired the waves of the dark teal sea below the bridge. What a wonderful place to live. 

“Are you going to behave?” Thor asked his brother. Loki gave a small nod, and Thor took the muzzle device off his face. Loki breathed an exaggerated sigh of relief. 

“Finally. Must you muzzle me like a beast?”

“It was for the best. You cause too much trouble, Loki.” 

“I am the god of mischief.” 

“Yeah about that,” Lucia interjected, “Is everyone on Asgard, like, a god? Is it just the royals who have powers?”

Thor opened his mouth to answer the question, but Loki beat him to it, huffing out a scoff. 

“The citizens of Asgard have no power. It is only the Royals and elevated few like dearest Heimdall who have the gift of Seiðr.”

“Seidr?” Lucia questioned, butchering the word with her accent. Loki winced.

“Magic.” 

“Right.” 

They all walked in silence for a bit, nothing but the sounds of lapping waves and distant chatter from the city to fill the awkward space. 

“You know you signed my death warrant bringing me here.” Loki said in a low voice. Lucia wasn't sure whether he was talking to her or Thor. 

“He won't kill you.” Thor said, not bothering to look at Loki while he was talking to him. 

“I wouldn’t be so sure.” 

“Who’s ‘he’?” Lucia asked.

“Odin.” Loki spat.

“But he’s your father. He wouldn’t-” 

“You don’t know the Allfather, Angel.”

Lucia rolled her eyes, scoffing. Turning to her, Loki raised an eyebrow. 

“Angel?” Lucia asked with an annoyed expression. Loki stepped towards her, nodding towards her back. 

“You have wings. You’re not a Valkyrie. What else am I supposed to call you?” 

“Oh, I don’t know, maybe my name?” 

“That's awfully dull.”

She huffed and brushed past him, picking up her pace.

“He’s not going to kill you. Only the United Nations get to make that call.”

“Oh, the mercy, the generosity!” Loki quipped. “As if a midgardian has any sway with the All-father.” 

“She’s an emissary; Father will listen. And if he doesn’t, I’m afraid to say you’ve brought this on yourself, brother.” Thor said.

“You think I should die for my crimes?”

“No, but-”

“But you will stand and watch as Odin swings the ax?” 

Thor stayed silent.

After that, none of them talked until they reached the entrance to the city. There was a chariot waiting just outside the grand gates. Thor nodded to the guards and some soldiers in gold armor rushed forward to grab Loki. He didn’t object, didn’t say anything as they put chains around his waist and neck. Thor helped Lucia into the carriage, and Loki disappeared from her sight.

“Isn’t he coming with us?” 

“No.” Thor replied, staring out the window and smiling at the citizens lining the streets, waving as the carriage rolled past. “He will come after us. Father will want to be formally introduced to you before we proceed with Loki’s trial. He likely sensed your presence the moment we arrived. I’ll also need to secure this in Odin’s vault.” Thor continued, gesturing to the Tesseract.

“Right. Of course.” 

They rode in silence to the palace, staring out the window at the wonderful city. When they reached their destination, Thor helped Lucia down from the carriage and the two of them were escorted by guards through the golden halls of the palace. 

The throne room was the most amazing thing she had ever seen. 

It was a huge oval shape, and could easily fit over a thousand people by her judgment. Everything was gold, blindingly bright. Great pillars carved with scenes of laughter and revelry lined the room. The ceiling also had carvings, like a golden, 3D version of the Sistine Chapel, but far more grand. The floor was covered in intricate swirls and patterns that drew her eye to the dais at the end of the room. 

The dais was raised on a couple of steps, sitting the throne and the man atop it high above everyone else. The throne itself was grand, and obviously gold, matching the rest of the room. The lines of the steps curled up to form hand rests, the back was low, and decorative pieces of metal stretched out either side, giving the man sitting in the throne the appearance of wings. 

The man on the throne- Odin the Allfather, Lucia supposed- Had an imposing energy about him. He had regal wear that resembled the clothes that Loki and Thor wore, as well as a red cape. He sat still as a statue, with excellent posture, and his aged face held a stern expression. He had a golden eyepatch covering one eye, and a thick white beard that matched his long white hair. If Lucia squinted, he was just another man, but there was no mistaking the powerful aura emanating from him. 

“Thor, my son, you have returned.” Odin boomed, his voice echoing around the room. 

“Thank you father. I have brought a guest.” Thor nodded to Lucia and she stepped forward, straightening her shoulders. She really needed a good first impression. 

Thor introduced Lucia, explaining that she was here as an emissary for earth, to ensure Loki received justice and that the tesseract was secure. 

“The Tesseract is already on the way to my vault.” Odin said. “It will be perfectly safe there. As for Loki…” He nodded towards the doors of the throne room, and with a metallic groan they swung open. Before Lucia could get a look at the people walking into the room, Thor shooed her over to the foot of the dais, where an older, kind-faced woman stood. Her robes were more plain, simple yellow that made her blend in with the gold around her. Her hair contrasted that, braided elaborately atop her head. Thor embraced her.

“Mother.” He whispered, and she held him tightly. 

“Oh, Thor. Welcome home.” She said softly. Thor released her and stood by her side. She nodded to Lucia. “Hello my dear. I am Frigga. How lovely to meet you at last.” There was a twinkle in her eye, a mischief Lucia recognized from Loki, like she knew something Lucia didn’t.

“Uh, Thank you. It's lovely to meet you too. What do you mean by ‘at last’?” Frigga didn’t get the chance to reply, as everyone's attention turned to the entrance of the throne room. 

Loki. 

The room was deathly quiet, all Lucia could hear was the clankling of his chains as he walked ever so slowly towards the dais. Fifteen armed soldiers clad in gold walked behind him, two at the front holding onto thick chains that connected to a clamp around his waist, which then in turn had chains that connected to a collar around his neck and manacles at his wrists. 

It all must be horrendously heavy, but he held himself with an impossible grace. He turned to Frigga. 

“Hello Mother. Have I made you proud?” He asked softly.

“Please.” Frigga replied, eyes imploring as she fidgeted with the palms of her hands. “Don’t make this worse.”

“Define worse.”

“Enough!” Odin bellowed. Loki locked eyes with Lucia for a moment, smirked, and turned to Odin with an exaggerated stomp of his foot. “I will speak to the prisoner.” Odin continued. 

Loki chuckled.  “I really don’t see what all the fuss is about.” 

“Do you truly not feel the gravity of your crimes? Wherever you go there is war, ruin, and death.” 

“I went down to Midgard to rule the people of Earth as a benevolent god.” Loki growled, then added, “Just like you.”

“We are not gods. We are born, we live, we die. Just as humans do.” 

“Give or take five thousand years.” Loki smiled.

“All this because Loki desires a throne.”

“It is my birthright.” Loki growled, voice raised. 

“Your birthright was to die!” Odin shouted, making Lucia flinch. 

“As a child,” Odin continued, quieter now, “Cast out onto a frozen rock.”

Loki’s face was cold, but Lucia could see hurt in his eyes. 

“If I had not taken you in, you would not be here now to hate me.” Odin finished. 

“If I am for the ax then for mercy’s sake, just swing it.” Loki almost begged. “It's not that I don’t love our little talks, it's just…” Loki shook his head, “I don't love them.”

Everyone was silent for a moment. 

“Emissary.” Odin said, and Lucia looked up to him. 

“Er, yes?” Thor elbowed Lucia, mouthing Allfather. Lucia coughed, “Um, Allfather?” 

“Does Midgard wish for Loki to live?” 

“Midgard wishes to punish him for his crimes on Earth. I propose that Loki serves out a sentence here, perhaps a month or so in jail or the dungeons, or whatever it is you have here. Then he would return to Earth to face American trial and punishment.” 

Odin contemplated her words. 

“Frigga?” he asked. 

“You already know what I think.” She said quietly, refusing to meet his gaze.

Odin waited a moment before making his declaration. 

“Frigga is the only reason you’re still alive and you will never see her again. You will rot in the dungeons for the rest of your days. Be grateful I do not send you to execution.”

Loki's face hardened. His mouth was slightly open in a shocked expression. He was offended, angry. The guards tugged him back by his chains but for the first time, he fought to stay in place. 

“And what of Thor? You’ll make that witless oaf king while I rot in chains?” Loki’s voice was a dangerous snarl. 

“Thor must strive to undo the damage you have caused. He will bring order to the nine realms, and then… Yes, he will be king.” The guards started to grab Loki, dragging him away. He shot a desperate look to Frigga before the doors closed and he was gone. 

Lucia stepped forward, opening her mouth to argue with this asshole who thinks he can just overrule an entire planet-

“You will stay only until the Bifrost is mended.” Odin commanded as he stood from his throne, interrupting Lucia before she could even begin to speak. “Midgardians have no place on Asgard.” He muttered, pausing as he reached where Lucia, Thor and Frigga stood. “Frigga, my dear, would you please show our guest to her quarters? And Thor, walk with me so we may talk.” Frigga grabbed Lucia gently by the arm, leading her out of the throne room. 

“This way.” 

She let go as they rounded a corner, and her posture sagged as she saw there were no guards in the hallway. She let out a sigh. 

“Forgive my rudeness, but is there any way I could change the outcome of that sorry excuse for a trial? Loki deserves to face justice on earth.”

“I’m sorry my dear, but the All-father is powerful. You will not sway him.”

Frigga replied. 

Lucia let out a huff of frustration. The corridor grew uncomfortably quiet. 

“I supposed that must have been tough for you.” Lucia said, attempting conversation. Frigga’s face was weary as she replied. 

“Indeed. To see Loki so… misguided. It pains me. He needs to be set on the right path again, but I know not how.” She guided Lucia into a room. “Here. This shall do nicely. I’ll have the servants bring you some clothes. Do you prefer tunic and pants or dresses and robes?” 

“Uh, a bit of both, if it's not too much trouble. Is this… is this really where I’m staying?” The room was very fancy. It was nice and open, the four-poster bed was made with comfortable white linen. A giant set of glass doors opened onto a large balcony with a small table and chairs. There was a large desk off to one side, and a cozy nook lined with bookshelves. There were two doors on the wall to the left, and Lucia tentatively opened one, revealing a spacious ensuite with a bath set into the ground that might as well be a pool. The other door revealed a smaller walk-in closet, no clothes in sight. 

“Yes dear. Is there a problem? If its too small-” 

“No, no! It's great. I’ve never stayed in a room so grand.”

“Oh, I’m glad you like it.” Frigga said with a smile. “Now, there are plenty of activities in the palace and city, when I get the time I shall take you on a tour. I imagine Thor will be busy, but I can introduce you to Lady Sif and the warriors three, they’re sure to keep you company. Is there anything else you need?”

“Yes, actually. Do you have a map, so I can find my way around? And maybe a notebook as well so I can document my time here? If it’s not too much trouble.” Lucia asked.

“Of course. I’ll have them bring it up with the clothes. Oh, and some tea and sweet and savory things, you’ll be hungry. I will come and collect you for dinner. Goodbye, dear.” Frigga left the room without another word. 

Lucia slumped onto the bed, exhausted from the last couple of days. She eyed the door to the ensuite. A nice hot bath sounded really nice. She padded over, stripping as she went, and turned on the water. The edge of the bath was lined with lotions, balms and soaps, and she found one that seemed to be a bubble bath. She emptied half of it into the water and searched for a first aid kit as the water level slowly rose. At last, she found one, and she replaced the bandage on her leg. The kit also had some sort of healing balm, which she applied to the burns on her side and chest. 

Lucia sat there, butt-naked next to the bath, watching the bubbles form and the water rise as she plotted her next move. 

-

Lucia opened her eyes to the sound of someone in her room. The hot water was doing wonders for her aching muscles, and she had been in the bath for quite a while. 

“Hello?” she called out, tentatively. The door to the bathroom swung open and a scruffy-haired, petite woman walked in, carrying a basket heaped with clothes. Lucia yelped, plunging under the bubbles to her shoulders to cover herself.

“Oh, hello miss! Sorry for startling you, I got your clothes here. I left the map and notebook you requested with the tea in the other room. Er, miss?” 

Lucia was gaping at her. “Could you get out?”

The woman stomped her foot. “Oh, rude! That isn’t any way to talk to your helper, now is it?”

“Sorry, I just.. well, I’m, uh, naked, so…”

“Oh miss, form isn’t a worry on Asgard! Don’t be shy now. My name’s Aliex, the good lady Frigga assigned me to be your helper. Won't you get out of that bath now? Your tea’s getting cold!” 

“Right. Hello Aliex. Um, could you turn away? Or go into the other room?” 

Aliex rolled her eyes. “You midgardians. So shy. Goodness.” she huffed and walked out of the room. 

Once Lucia was sure Aliex was gone she stepped out of the bathtub and wrapped a towel around her. She peeked her head into the other room, and there Aliex was, laying out clothes on her bed.

“Can I have my, uh, underwear?” 

“What, these ridiculous things?” Lucia cringed as Aliex held up her bra and underwear. 

“Yeah, those.” 

“Of course not! Such strange garments aren’t proper! Here, I’ve got you some decent underthings.” She walked over and handed Lucia a white lace shift as well as a pair of what looked to be Victorian drawers. Lucia sighed. 

“All right. Fine.” She retreated back into the bathroom to put the garments on, and when she emerged again she noticed there was a tray with tea and an arrangement of cakes, savory muffins and cheese sitting on the table on the balcony. 

“There you are! Now, what dress do you fancy? Would you prefer a tunic?” 

Lucia studied the arrangement of clothes laid out on her bed. There were three dresses and three sets of tunics. Her eye caught on one exquisite emerald green dress. It had puffy sleeves detailed with lace, a corset top and a beautiful skirt of tulle that was covered in embroidered flowers. Lucia shook her head; she wasn’t here to play princess. Shrugging at Aliex, Lucia picked up a set of a simple brown tunic and pants. 

“This’ll be fine. Thanks.” 

She shrugged on the clothes and beelined for the tea, pouring herself a cup. It was only once she had scarfed down a savory muffin that she thought of Aliex. 

“Would you like some?” Lucia asked her, embarrassed. 

“Oh, no. I’m just waiting to take the dishes back.”

“Well, please. While you’re here you may as well have some food. There's way too much for me to eat on my own.” Lucia patted the chair beside her.

“No, no, I really can’t. It’d be improper for a servant to dine with-”

“I insist. Sit.” 

Aliex gave Lucia a wary look but sat down. Lucia poured her some tea. “Sorry for being rude earlier. I’m not used to the customs here yet.” She apologized, and set to looking at the map that had been tucked under the tray. First order of business: Find the lowest level of the palace. 

“What d’you need the map for, if I might ask?” Aliex peered over Lucia’s shoulder.

“Oh, just so I can find my way around. It's a big place.” She said absently, studying the long, winding corridors of the palace. God, this place is a maze. 

“You would be better served with a map of the city. So many nice things to do. I’m particularly fond of the rowboats by the pier. I take my nephew there every sunday.”

“That sounds lovely. I’m sure I’ll find some time for it while I’m staying here.” Lucia smiled and put the map back down on top of the notebook. “I think I’m done now. I’d like to have a nap before dinner.” It was true, the exhaustion from the last few days was finally hitting her, and Lucia let out a yawn. 

“Of course, miss. I’ll take the tray.” Aliex did so, and made her way to the door. “I’ll be back to get you ready for dinner!” she called out over her shoulder, and then she was gone. 

Lucia padded over to the bed, groaning when she saw that the clothes were all laid out there. Eyes heavy, she took the time to hang them in the closet before crawling under the covers and finally closing her eyes.

-

Smoke. 

The room was filled with smoke.

Lucia couldn’t see anything, not even her hands in front of her.

There was only smoke.

A scream pierced her ears, coming from everywhere at once. 

“Hello?” She called into the darkness, and she choked on the smoke. Coughing, she heard someone scream again. 

“Help! Help me, please!” The voice begged. It was a girl, Lucia realized. A young girl.

She felt through the smoke for a wall, there was none. The smoke was getting thicker, the acrid scent forcing itself up her nose, her throat turning black with soot even as she tried to breathe shallowly. 

“Where are you?” Lucia coughed into the darkness. 

“Here! Help me, help me!” The little girl said, then she screamed again, and Lucia had to cover her ears. It was so loud. She stumbled in the black, slipping on pools of blood on the floor. The room began to heat up, and suddenly she was on fire, licks of it curling up her legs, catching on her clothes. She could see nothing but the flames.

A hand grabbed her, and she turned to see a burning corpse with fire for eyes. 

“Murderer. Monster. Murderer, Monster!” The corpse shrieked, in the voice of the little girl. “Killer. Monster. Murderer…” it chanted at her, and Lucia backed up, further into the flames. It burned, turning her skin black and crackled. Smoke stung her eyes. She choked on a cough. 

Lucia sank to her knees and screamed. 

-

“Miss? Miss? It's time you awaken.” 

Lucia jolted awake, opening her eyes and quickly shutting them again from the light in the room. She rolled over, stuffing her head under a pillow. 

“Five more minutes. Please.” She mumbled, reeling from her nightmare. 

“I’m afraid we’re already late, miss. You really must get up. Frigga is on her way to escort you to the feast.” 

Lucia sighed, sitting up and rubbing the sleep from her eyes. “Right. Okay, let me just wash my face.” 

She stumbled across the room and into the bathroom, splashing cold water on her face and rubbing her temples. 

“Just a dream.” She muttered to herself as she grabbed a towel and patted her face dry. “Okay.” she said, emerging from the bathroom. “What am I wearing?” 

Aliex smiled and held up the emerald dress that had caught Lucia’s eye earlier. “I saw you looking at it. You’ll be looking gorgeous in it, to be sure. The finest maiden in all of Asgard!”

Lucia snorted, “I doubt that.” She took her tunic and pants off, crinkled from sleeping in them, and Aliex helped her into the dress. When she was done Aliex hauled a full-body mirror out of the closet and let Lucia look. She almost didn’t recognise herself in the dress. She looked… pretty. Clean. 

“It's… wow.” Lucia said, and Aliex giggled. 

“Oh, Miss, don’t you look fine!”

Lucia smiled at Aliex as a knock came at the door. 

“One moment.” Aliex called to the visitor. As she made her way to the door, Lucia rushed over to the nightstand quietly and slipped the map into her pocket. She was barely back in position when Aliex opened the door to Frigga herself. Frigga smiled when she saw Lucia in the dress. 

“I’ve always loved green.” she said softly, a twinkle in her eye. “You look beautiful, dear.” 

“Thank you, so do you.” Lucia replied. And she was; dressed in a long, elegant gown of glittering gold, her hair piled in a braid on her head, encased with a wreath of leaves and yellow flowers. She looked stunning. Frigga smiled at Lucia’s compliment and held out her arm. 

“Come along, I’m afraid we’re late.” 

Lucia took her arm. “Fashionably so, I hope.” 

Frigga nodded to Aliex. “Will you be coming to the feast, Aliex?” 

Aliex shook her head. “You know of my other duties, my lady. I couldn’t miss ‘em.”

Frigga nodded, and without another word she led Lucia into the winding halls of the palace. They walked in silence for a time, following the distant sounds of revelry. The feast had already begun. Frigga spoke. 

“I have a gift for you.” she said, pulling a necklace out of her pocket. The fine chain of the necklace held a pendant. It was a drop of green stone, encased in wings of gold. It glittered, even in the dim light of the hallway. It seemed to glow. 

“It’s beautiful, thank you. But, why?” 

“Consider it a gift for an event far in the future.” She said, that twinkle in her eye again. 

“Um, okay.” Lucia furrowed her brows at Frigga’s riddles. 

“Aliex didn’t tell you about me, did she? Or rather, what I can do.” 

Lucia shook her head, confused. Frigga smiled.

“I have visions of the future. I know the paths time will take. I know your path.” 

“I don’t suppose you could tell me what I’m in for?” 

“There are many wonderful and terrible things to come in your future.” Frigga said, a strange expression on her face. 

“That isn’t telling me much.” Lucia chuckled.

“Exactly. I swore long ago to never tell anyone the contents of my visions. It would only disrupt the path.” 

“Right.” Lucia muttered. Of course she meets someone who can see the future, but they choose not to tell her.

“Be warned, child.” Frigga said in a hushed voice as the sounds of revelry became louder. “Trust your instincts. You will not be safe for much longer; you will fail, and badly, but it will be the only way.” 

“What-” before Lucia could question her cryptic message, two huge wooden doors engraved with scenes of battle and victory yawned open and she was thrust into the midst of the feast. Dancing people twirled around her merrily, and boisterous laughter rang in her ears. Candlelight danced, turning the shadows on the wall into twisting creatures of dark. Oh, god, it was all a bit much…

A rough hand pulled her out of the fray. 

“Are you alright?” A pretty, feminine voice laughed. Lucia turned to her rescuer. She was dark haired, pretty like her voice, but with a gruffness about her. She wore a silver dress, which was adorned with decorative armor pieces. A fancy yet lethal-looking sword hung at her belt, and though her dress was long-sleeved Lucia could see the hints of muscle definition. A warrior, then. 

“I am Sif.” The woman said, holding out her hand. Lucia shook it, feeling the calluses caused by handling heavy swords.

“Your hands are rough,” Sif observed, “Do you fight?” 

Lucia huffed a laugh, “It's my job.” 

“I thought you were the emissary?”

“That, too.” 

She nodded, sizing Lucia up.

“Come, you can feast with my friends and I. Thor will be joining us soon.” 

Lucia followed Sif through the crowd to a group of three men sitting on cushions at a low table. As they approached one of the three men -a well groomed blonde- stood up to greet them. 

“Evening ladies.” he grinned, showing perfectly white teeth. “I am Fandral… the dashing.” He winked at Lucia and grabbed her hand, leaning down to kiss it. Lucia snatched it away, holding it out for a handshake instead. 

“Nice to meet you. I'm Lucia Stark.” She said with a slightly forced smile. A howl of laughter came from a beefy, ginger-haired man seated at the corner of the table as Fandral reluctantly shook her hand. 

“Oh, you are such fun!” He chuckled, and reached out to enthusiastically shake her hand. “I am Volstagg.” 

“The enormous.” Fandral added, muttering something to himself as he sat down again. The table was stacked with food; Glistening meat drizzled in brown sauce, piles of steamed vegetables, artfully arranged breads, cheeses and crackers and various assortments of strange dishes that were alien to Lucia. Her mouth began to water. Fandral heaped some of the food onto his plate. Lucia noticed that the final member of their party, a black haired man, hadn’t said anything, nor did he have anything on his plate. Lucia stuck her hand out to him and introduced herself. He studied her carefully before finally taking her hand and briefly shaking it. 

“I’m Hogun. It is a pleasure, my lady.” 

“Hogun the grim!” Fandral said in a sing-song voice.

Lucia smiled and took a seat next to Sif. “I don’t suppose you’re ‘Sif the something?’” Lucia asked her, and she laughed. 

“No, no. Only they get fancy names. I’m just Sif.”

“So, Lady Stark, was it? Are you very accomplished in the ways of the warrior?” Volstagg asked as he heaped an ungodly amount of food onto his plate. 

“Er, I guess. Not in the way you’re probably familiar with, though.” 

“How do you mean?” Fandral piped in. 

“Well, I don’t know how to use a sword or a bow and arrow. But I’m a pretty good shot with a gun, and I’m very good with daggers and hand to hand combat.” Lucia said, taking a plate for herself and putting whatever food she could recognise on it. Volstagg offered her a strange moving tentacle appetizer, and Lucia grimaced. 

Fandral scoffed, “What kind of warrior doesn't know how to use a sword?” 

“I’m not a warrior, I’m an agent.” 

“An agent of what exactly? Chaos? Honestly, a Midgardian coming here-” 

“Enough, Fandral.” Sif interrupted. “Don’t be so high and mighty. She defeated Loki, you know.” 

“He probably let her.” Fandral muttered, picking at his food. 

“Exactly.” Lucia muttered to herself. Sif gave her a questioning look, but nobody else seemed to hear. 

“My friends!” A familiar voice boomed, and Lucia turned to see Thor walking towards the group of them. Sif smiled as he approached.

“Thor,” she said, gripping his arm in greeting. “Good to see you.” 

Thor greeted Lucia with a pat on the shoulder. 

“Volstagg, Hogun, Fandral. How go you this evening?” 

“We are well.” replied Hogun. Fandral and Volstagg murmered their agreement. 

“Well then, if you’re all finished with your food I think the music is calling to us.” Thor boasted. 

Sif and the men cheered, but Lucia stayed quiet. As everyone got up from their seats to move to the dance floor, Lucia tried to quietly slip away. Thor grabbed her arm. 

“Lady Stark, are you not coming to dance?” 

Lucia fumbled for an excuse, “Uh, no. I’m just going to find the restroom.” 

Thor nodded, accepting her answer, though he gave her a suspicious look. “Right then, I shall see you later in the evening?” Lucia nodded in reply, an easy enough action to deny later, and slipped out the door of the feast hall into the dark hallway. 

The moment it shut behind her the sounds of laughter and merriment quieted, and she fished the map out of her pocket, holding it up to a brazier for light. She sighed, beginning to find her way through the winding halls, stopping every now and again to check the map. As she descended a set of stairs, the air grew colder and the light dimmer. Lucia’s eyes strained trying to read the map in the dim light.

She checked the map again after descending yet another set of stairs, and realized she was now on the lowest level. She turned a corner, then quickly backtracked as she saw a guard, pacing the hallway with his back to her. Lucia winced, the quick action taking a toll on her wounded leg. She peeked around the corner again, seeing a door. She counted the guards steps as he turned and paced back towards her. She studied the map in the dim light, finding where she was. 

There was no door marked in this hallway. 

Lucia had found it. 

The door to the dungeons. 

She peeked around the corner again when she was sure the guard's back was to her, thinking up a plan. Distracting the guard would be easy, but the door was the tricky part. It would likely be locked, and she doubted her ability to pick an Asgardian lock. She could try to force it open, but that would be a one-time thing, and Lucia certainly wouldn't be an esteemed guest if Odin knew she had broken into his dungeons. Goddamn it, she needed more time. 

Lucia sighed and retreated the way she came, fumbling in the dark. There would be plenty of opportunities later. Perhaps she could steal the key…

She made her way back up to her bedroom, carefully stripping off the gown and hanging it in a place of honor in the closet. Fiddling with her new necklace as she tossed and turned that night, she schemed up a plan to break into the dungeons.