Chapter 25
25
The widow arrived early on Thursday morning, her luggage hauled up to Thor’s apartment by Tony’s bots. She packed heavy for her, two suitcases and a duffel for her weapons. By contrast, Luka seemed to have nothing but what she wore and a parasol to keep off the sun. It was much warmer in India, averaging 32C, (90+F) during the day. Being still the dry season, the days would likely be sunny.
Natasha’s eyes opened wide as she watched Luka wave a languid hand over her bags and they disappeared into nothingness. Though she made no comment, Luka chuckled at her expression. “Don’t worry, everything will be safe. As soon as we are settled in our suite, I’ll return it all. Are you ready to take a short trip?”
“Ready as I’ll ever be,” the spy replied, giving herself a shake and taking a deep breath. She took the goddess’ hand when it was offered. Steeling herself for she knew not what, she followed Luka’s command.
“It would be best if you close your eyes, my friend. The creatures that live in the Void are not pretty. And no matter what you hear, do not let go of my hand. A few steps and we shall be at our destination.” Natasha felt a gentle tug, then deep cold and she could sense the dark even through closed eyes.
Disoriented and shivering, Natasha immediately recognised when their destination had been reached. The wave of heat that washed over her was almost too hot, if welcome after the frigid black of the last few moments. It was also very bright where she now stood, many voices echoing around her instead of the silence of the Void.
Opening her eyes, she squinted until she adjusted to the sun streaming into the hotel lobby. On a sigh, her sudden nausea dissipated, leaving her slightly shaky and thirsty. “I’m okay. I’ll be fine in a minute,” she answered Luka’s unasked question. The goddess’ concern was written plainly on her face, as well as in the hand she placed on Natasha’s shoulder.
Surprised, it took the spy a moment to realise Luka’s outfit had changed. Instead of her usual long, Asgardian gown and elven slippers, she now wore a traditional saree. Dark, emerald green with gold braid trim, the blouse and underskirt were plain and unadorned. Luka had jewelled sandals on her feet and flowers in her upswept plaits and curls. Dark green cymbidium orchids to match her dress, golden plumeria and white star jasmine in a crown across the top of her head; she truly looked like a goddess.
Luka simply stood where she was, in the centre of the lobby, waiting for staff to notice her. It didn't take long and the ladies were surrounded by several people. A beautiful, mature woman in a red and blue, gold trimmed saree, placed her hands together and bowed her head. “How may I be of assistance, your grace?” She had obviously recognised Luka as a person of some importance out of the ordinary. Right on her heels, two men in cream suits slid up and stood beside the pile of luggage that had appeared when the goddess gracefully waved her hands one over the other.
Luka smiled regally. “I have an apartment booked for my companion and myself for the next week. I am Luka Laufeydottir. We would like to rest for a time, then have dinner in tonight. Tomorrow, you may call for breakfast at 8am. I have an appointment with Madam Chiuri of Dior at 10. We will require transport to her hotel by 9:30, no later.” The goddess placed one hand in the other at her waist, calm and patiently waiting for these mortals to go about their tasks.
Natasha was as stunned as the hotel staff. She’d never seen Luka act like royalty before, nor use her seidr openly to move objects. She did notice all her luggage appeared in good order, nothing missing or out of place. She managed to keep her jaw from dropping, barely, unlike the staff.
The woman facing them blinked, rather unnerved by this strange person. She had just done things that should be impossible, and as casually as if she did them every day. It did not seem to bother her beautiful companion at all, so she must be used to apparent miracles.
The manager bowed again, “I am Meena Bhatnagar. I will happily accompany you both to your suite. Just let me check to be sure it is ready for you.” She put her hands together again and walked swiftly to the front desk. Luka had said nothing, simply nodding, but her one lifted brow made the manager scurry.
Even though it had only taken a moment for Luka and Natasha to step through the Void to Mumbai, it was already evening when they arrived. Being ten hours, 30 minutes ahead of New York City, dinner hour was swiftly approaching. Most places served between 7 and 9pm. Thus, they had a short amount of time to get settled and rest before they ate.
Ms. Bhatnagar approached, palms together, bowing. “Namaskar, your grace. I have taken the liberty of ordering dinner for you and your companion. It should arrive within the hour, if that is acceptable? The kitchen is stocked and fresh flowers placed throughout the rooms. Anything you might need, please simply ring and we will provide.”
She was leading the women along a hall after having risen quite a few stories in the lift. “Ah, here we are. You have a lovely view of the Arabian Sea from your balcony. May I open the curtains for you? The evening breeze is cool and enjoyable.” Meena showed them into the suite, going to the sliders to the balcony. She threw back the drapes and cracked the doors, before heading to the suite entrance.
Luka responded to her by also placing her palms together with a modest nod. “Namaste, Meenaji. That will be all for this evening.” Natasha also answered traditionally, nodding and murmuring, “Namaste.” She took it upon herself to show the porters where to place her and Luka’s luggage. Both bedrooms were identical, so Natasha took the one closer to the main door.
Everything put in its place, the mortal washed her hands and face, found a glass of water and went looking for her friend. Luka had wandered onto the balcony and stood staring out to sea. Her hair and gown waved gently in the breeze. She looked pensive, as if she was remembering something from her lost past.
Tasha answered the knock at the door, letting in the steward and his assistant. They set up dinner in the dining area of the suite,then swiftly and silently bowed themselves out. It all looked and smelled delicious: Chicken biryani, dal, naan, samosas, tomato/cucumber/radish salad, mint cilantro chutney, gulab jamun & soan papdi for dessert.
The spy helped herself to a cup of milky chai, then poured one for her friend, who still had not moved. Though she knew the goddess had no doubt heard, she took the tea out to her. “Luka? Dinner is here. Smells really good. You going to come in and eat?”
Accepting the cup with a distracted smile, the goddess replied. “You go on ahead, minn vinr. I’ll be in shortly.” Luka turned back to the view with a sigh. She sipped her tea, but Natasha could tell something was on her mind.
“Are you alright?” Natasha slipped her hand from the taller woman’s shoulder down and rubbed her back.
“I will be. This view reminds me of home. Well, Asgard. It is so much like the one from my balcony in Bilskirnir. I had my own apartment there.”
“Ah. A little homesick maybe?” Dropping her hand, the spy smiled. “Come on in. Dinner and some Bollywood will distract you. We have a big day ahead tomorrow. Let’s just relax and enjoy ourselves tonight. You can tell me tall tales about you and Thor. We’ll have some wine and laughs.”
Luka followed her inside slowly. The food did smell good, warm and spicy. The goddess sighed once more and took a plate to help herself from the laden table.
With a sad smile, she sat across from Natasha, who had just opened the bottle of Fratelli Sette, a rich red with a slightly sweet taste. “I would love to regale you with amusing anecdotes of my youth and pranks played on my brother. Alas, I remember very little of that time. I was not really me then; this body belonged to someone else.”
“It’s okay, Luka. We’ll just watch something silly on TV. Drink some wine, relax.” Natasha tried to cheer up the goddess. She wondered, though. Another confusing hint of Luka’s forgotten past only added to the spy’s suspicions.
It made staying friendly more difficult for the mortal. She actually liked Luka. The goddess was very bright, usually cheerful, a great sparring partner, and had a rather droll, whimsical sense of humour. She had similar taste in fashion, loved trying new things and even reminded Natasha of her old partner in the way she enjoyed playing tricks on Thor. But, the strange comments she occasionally made, alluding to the time before her amnesia, upset Natasha. If Luka was really who the spy suspected, what was she to do?