Chapter 8
8
“I could not believe the mortals spent so much time and energy on mere clothing. Then Lady Pepper explained that the movie was fantasy, but that this ‘industry’, as she called it, does exist. People truly spend their lives trying to convince others to wear what they make. And they actually collect coin for this! So ridiculous!” She shook her head in disbelief.
“So you did enjoy it? And Lady Pepper?” Thor called from the kitchenette.
“She is an excellent chaperone, not that I need one. Kind, considerate and very informative. We had an enjoyable evening, considering the circumstances. We spoke of many things that make the mortals different from us, and many that are similar. I learned much about them.”
For some reason, her last comment gave Thor a chill. Premonition? he thought to himself. He was not normally prone to foreknowledge.
To change the subject, he asked what her plans were for the day. “Did you have anything specific in mind, my Lady?” Thor returned with warmed food and hot tea.
“Oh, nothing special, my Prince. I thought to rest for a time; I did not sleep well last night.” Luka smiled to herself at the guilt written across Thor’s face. “It wasn’t all your fault, Thor. I think I have always had difficulty sleeping, haven’t I?”
“Um... um, yes.” He murmured, slowly. Watching her closely for any sign of distress, he continued, low. “You used to come to my bed when nightmares woke you when we were children. You would curl up in my arms. You said it was the only place you felt safe and warm.”
“I see,” Luka whispered. “I seem to remember being found there by Fa... your father one night. He was very angry, and made me go back to my room. He locked me in. I think I hid in a closet ‘til morning.” Her face crumpled, tears threatening. “Why does he hate me? What did I do?”
Thor leapt up and rounded the table as quickly as he could. Scooping her up, he rubbed her back, stroked her hair and spoke into those sweet-smelling tresses. “He doesn't hate you. You did nothing. It’s complicated, minn svass. You remind him of old enmities, from before our births. Our people have been enemies for a long time.”
“Why?” she wept. Though her cheeks had flushed, she still looked beautiful, her eyes crystalline with unshed tears.
“I don’t know what started it; it was not always so. My grandmother was one of your people. I have no idea what could make him hate his own mother’s kind so much.”
“Was I a hostage, Thor? Or a spoil of war? Is that why I cannot remember?”
“Possibly. I don’t know. I was never told. I was very small. I only remember Mother calling me to her chambers to meet my new... sister.” He smiled down on her. “I was very excited. She said you were mine. Mine to love and protect. I was so proud to have such a great responsibility. Like a real warrior.”
The blond god’s expression softened. “I held you and sang to you until you fell asleep. As soon as Mother took you back, I ran to tell Father how well I had done. He had just come back from battle, you see. I didn’t understand that he had brought you home with him.”
Thor was completely taken aback by her next question. “Were we meant to be betrothed, Thunderer? To cement a peace between two Realms?”
“Wha... what?” he stuttered. Where did that come from? Why would she think that?
“And something went wrong. Odin changed his mind. He didn’t need me anymore. So I was pushed aside. I didn’t understand. Did I confront him? Is that what happened? He couldn’t just kill me; Mother would never allow that. So he made me forget who I am.”
Luka sat suddenly. She took a sip of cooling tea. “Who was I, Thunderer? A Princess? From where? I know I am not Alfar. Am I a Van? But, Asgard and Vanaheim are allies, so no, not Vanir.”
She covered her mouth and nose with one slender hand. “I’m not mortal, either. That leaves only Svartalfheim, but they’re all dead. Or Nidavellir, but I don’t look like a dvergr; I’m too fair, too tall and too slender.”
Thor could see she was getting very upset. “Stop, Luka! Please, stop now! You are thinking crazy thoughts. And none of it matters. You are you, and I love you just as you are. I...”
“Doesn’t matter? Doesn’t matter?” Her voice rose to a shriek. “It matters to me! I don’t even know what I am, nor who I am! Why can I do the things I can? Where did I learn seidr? That takes years and years of study and practice. And I am very good at it!”
The goddess rose from her seat. Narrow-eyed now, She glared at him. “You know! What is so terrible you fear to tell me?” Her hands clenched in fists, glowing green and shaking in rage.
“I am afraid, hjarta minn! If I say the wrong thing, it could traumatise you so badly, you might break.” He sighed, “again.” Thor raised pain-filled eyes to his Lady. “I might never get you back. That would kill me, too.”
“Again, Thunderer? Is that what happened? Something so terrible, I lost my mind, my very self?” Luka shook her head, backing out of his embrace. “What could be worse than this not knowing? Was I such a monster?”
Thor held her shoulders, giving her a gentle shake. “You are not a monster! ‘Tis truth, for a time you did believe so. But, the most monstrous thing was what my father did. He stole you from your home and then lied to you, and to me, all our lives.”
Pulling her close once more, the Storm King murmured into her hair. “We should cease this discussion, for a time, elskan minn. I need to calm down, so I’m sure you do, as well.”
She scoffed, pushing away. Thor turned her to the balcony. “Look at the sky! I’ve all I can do to hold back the storm! And you are near weeping in distress. Please, let us speak of other things.” Thor begged his Lady, hoping she would agree.
“Oh, alright, Thor! But, I think I will rather read for a time. Lady Pepper gave me several suggestions last night and left a ‘Stark pad’ here for my use. I think I will sit on the balcony and enjoy the sun.” She went into the bedroom, returning in a moment, pad in hand.
Thor was actually relieved to hear she had something to do to occupy her thoughts. Even if he did feel a slight sting at his company being rejected. He could live with that. He watched her settle in a lounger, sun behind her shoulder, already engrossed in her story. Nose in a book, as ever. Some things just cannot be changed. The Thunderer smiled, and went off to find Tony.