Chapter 15
15
So Luka got her picture taken in various poses and different outfits. Bryce was over the moon with how easy it was to set up his shots. He didn’t need wardrobe at all; all he had to do was show Luka a photo and she’d copy it on herself.
The makeup girl cried, afraid to touch that perfect face and mar the goddess’ complexion. Luka sat with her for a half hour, pouring over magazine ads for mascara, eye shadow, coverup, lipstick, etc. When Luka decided she understood all the various compounds and their uses, she thanked the young woman and sent her off for tea and a snack.
Weber had been shooting Luka in natural light. Posing before a huge, south-facing window on the top floor of his studio, she didn’t immediately notice the change in the weather. The sun was behind or beside her, making her hair throw sparks of purple and blue fire.
“Damn it! I don’t remember the forecast saying anything about rain,” the shutterbug complained. “We’re losing our light!”
Luka turned to see and immediately understood. Thor. He must have discovered her missing from the Tower again. The quickly building thunderclouds could only presage an upset thunder god storm. The first crack of lightning sent her scrambling.
“I fear we must cut our visit short, Karl Bryce. This sudden storm is my brother worrying. I did not inform him of my plans and he frets when he does not know my whereabouts.” She shrugged. “Big brothers!” Luka shook her head and smiled. “Perhaps we might continue at another time. Now, I must go.”
“Tell me where I can contact you! You gotta cellphone?” Weber asked quickly, before she vanished on him.
“Oh, yes. Here,” she handed it to him. “Or you may simply reach out to Lady Friday at Jarl Tony Stark’s residence. I am staying there in my brother’s chambers.”
“Avengers’ Tower?” He questioned. “Of course, of course. I should have realised that. Here’s your phone back. I programmed my number in for you.”
“Ha det, og takk for i tag!” Luka waved and disappeared right before his eyes. She returned to the pool garden on the roof of the main tower. Putting up the hood of her long cape, she hurried inside before she got drenched.
The goddess called out to Friday as she scurried down the hallway. “Where is Thor, Friday?” As she strode past various doorways, she manifested a book she had been reading.
Given his location in the communal living room, Luka headed there. Working up a righteous indignation as she went, when she stepped out of the elevator, it showed plainly on her face. The rest of the Tower residents present took one glance and made excuses to leave. Quickly.
Thor stared for a moment, his expression going from worry to anxiety. Her hand on her hip, deep frown and moistening of her lips signalled trouble coming his way. Luka inhaled deeply, and shook her head, slowly.
“Did you even bother to look before panicking, Brother? I do not appreciate being prevented from some relaxing time in the sun on occasion. Nor is it enjoyable to have my studying cut short by an impromptu, and cold, shower!”
Tony, who’d escaped into the kitchen, snickered as he could not help overhearing the goddess. The instant silence from the outer room made him cover his mouth with his hand. He couldn’t hear a thing now, no clothing rustling, not even the gods’ breathing. He was tempted to duck beneath the counter to hide.
After hearing a rather put-upon sigh, the goddess’ dulcet tones rang out. “If you are going to skulk about in the kitchen, would you mind heating water for tea, minn fjol? I promise no violence, to you or Thor. I just wish for peace and understanding.”
Tony peeked around the corner. Luka stood facing him, damp book in hand, the water spots on her cloak and in her hair still glistening. She looked pretty annoyed, at least from the glare she aimed at the big blond.
The inventor really couldn’t blame her. Thor had come back from his trip, gone to his apartment and immediately come up here, freaking out. He was trying to organise a search party when Luka arrived.
“Uh, sure, sure. I was just getting coffee. Um, Thor? You want a cup?” Tony glanced at the gods quickly and ducked back into the kitchen. “I can make some snacks, too, if you’d like?”
“Thank you, no. Tea will suffice.” Luka cut Thor off before he could speak. “We shall return to Thor’s chambers and continue this discussion there.”
“Right, right. Good idea. I need to get back to work, too. Any particular kind of tea, Lady Luka?”
“I enjoyed the variety the good Captain brewed me the other day. Earl Grey, I believe?”
“You got it! Brucie Bear likes it, too. We always have some on hand. Oh, that reminds me. There’s a whole cabinet here full of his herbal stuff, too. He said you’re welcome to help yourself.”
“Kind of him. I may take advantage,” Luka smiled as she accepted a steaming cup from Tony. She nodded her thanks and turned to the Thunderer. “Come, Thor. We have taken up enough of Jarl Stark’s time.” She swished out, not bothering to see if he followed.
Tony muttered under his breath, “Good luck, buddy. I think you’re gonna need it.”