The other fourteen victors and I were lead out of the bright sun and into the cool corridors of the golden dining hall. In the middle was a very long stone table with chairs lined on every side, imprinted with colorful gems and lined with silver and golden.
Already my wounds had been healing because of my Asgardian blood. We healed quickly and aged slowly. I felt my ribs ache and burn as they sealed together again. My bruised jaw the first thing to return to normal.
On the cold stone table giant roasted boars, baskets of fruit, trays of pastries and bread lined the center of the of it. Many of the children licked their lips hungrily, their eyes eating it all up.
"Please, eat up, children because tomorrow you will no longer be labeled children. Girls will become Ladies, boys will become men and Sirs. After you finish your meal, please select a servant who will aid you throughout your training. Your servant will dress you, bathe you, and inform you of events and lessons. He or she will show you to your rooms when you are ready. Enjoy, children." Queen Frigga spoke clear but every word seemed as light as air. She gracefully took her seat beside her husband, tucking her cloak beneath her. Prince Thor and Prince Loki nodded their heads in respect and sat on either side of each other. I couldn't help but glance up the the Princes. No one had announced they were going to be training with us. I looked around counting twelve other kids not including me. I sighed tiredly as a four kids ran to sit by Thor visiting with him as if they all knew each other well. Their clothing was simple but made well, their small weapons glinting in the fire light. They were friends of the royal family, I decided.
The next section of kids pushed and fought for seats close to the King and Queen to prove themselves of something though the chairs had a large gap in between the apprentices and the Royal Family. I took the chance to glance to Prince Loki's place. No one visited with him other than Queen Frigga, a soft calming expression on her face. Suddenly, Loki's head began to turn and I snapped my eyes down to my feet and began walking to the table.
The second half of us calmly took whatever seat was available.
It felt so wrong to sit down and eat like Royalty when my family only had two beds and enough food for two meager meals a day.
I sighed softly, giving in as I knew I needed the energy.
"Pass the rolls?" A boy asked next to me flicking his wrist but not meeting my eyes as he licked his fingers.
"Here," I said passing the basket full of rolls to him. He grinned mischievously as he stuffed a few rolls in his pockets, his vivid hazel eyes glimmering with greed.
"Thanks, my name is Afmund," the boy said, stuffing his face full of rolls.
"Afmund?" I asked unsure if I heard it right. He shook his head quickly, his floppy brown hair flinging around.
"Asmund," He said swallowing and sticking out his hand. "And you're Y/N? The one who took out the giant." He grinned as I nodded looking down fumbling with my fingers. "Choked by thighs?"
"Yup that's me.." I said- I really didn't want to be known as the Y/N the Giant Slayer.. Or Iron Thighs for that matter.
The rest of the meal was mostly uneventful minus the fact Asmund seemed to love the sound of his own voice, talking forever. I couldn't help but smile more than once because he was utterly clumsy as he knocked his cup over spilling wine amongst the food. He continued to tell me how he works with magic and runes not weapons; which tested my ability to not burst out laughing.
One by one the apprentices stood up, bowed the royal family, and turned to pick their servants. I really didn't want a servant. The thought of someone doing nearly everything for me at my every whim was unnerving. I bid my farewell to Asmund and turned on my heel to the small line of servants. Many of them were very young women, maybe a year or so older than me. They all wore them same beige colored dress, golden bracelets and small golden necklaces. Very simple but known to be royal servants.
Finally I laid my eyes on a servant. Her gaze was soft and her hazel eyes seemed to call me. She was older than the other girls. I walked towards her, and she smiled the corner of her eyes wrinkling.
"Do you wish for me to serve you, M' Lady?" She asked her voice soft like silk. I smile and nod. There was just something so inviting about her.
"This way," she says taking the lead and walking with grace down the golden, glimmering halls. Her hands were folded calmly in front of her and part of me wondered if I was supposed to do so as well.
"Your room will be basic with a bed, closet, and bathroom. Tonight I will measure you for custom clothing. If you wish for anything such as food, a bath, privacy, decorations, or anything else, you just only wish it and I will do as you say." She explained. I nodded my head. The hall had many doors, a few open still for the taking. She lead me to the very last door at the end of the hall.
"What is your name?" I asked her.
"My name is Gaela. And may I ask what yours is?" She responded as she opened the heavy door. It opened silently.
"My name is, Y/N."
"Beautiful name," she smiled characteristically. I nodded in thanks. In front of me was a large balcony, transparent white curtains flowing gracefully as a gentle wind blew on them. To the right was a rather big bed that could fit my whole family on it, more curtains lined the top to be pulled around the bed for privacy. The left side of the room had two openings, one leading the the bathroom the other the empty closet with only a dark gold curtain over it.
"Its huge..." I whispered, running my fingertips across the textured wall as I slowly wandered into the bathroom. In the corner a rather large tub sat, steam pooling around it.
"I mean no disrespect but you seem unaccustomed to this treatment. Does that mean you don't have any royal connection?" Gaela asked hesitantly.
"My mother served under King Odin as a battle maiden. She was in the fifth Vanguard that fell in the Fjord Wars." I explained for what felt like the hundredth time. Gaela sighed in relief.
"Your mother was a hero, I pray she raises her blade and her glass in your name." Gaela said. I struggled for words, a rush of happiness and relief flooding rivet me. It had been a while since someone had spoken so highly of my mother. "I suggest stripping and bathing yet tonight for tomorrow will be long. I also must take your measurements." She implied. I nodded and began.
I took the dusty boots off of my sore feet. A shiver of pain ran through my chest reminding me that my ribs were nearly healed but still injured. I unclasped my gauntlets and threw them down. Next was my ratty brown tunic. I slipped it off slowly, then deciding it was dumb to be self conscious around Gaela, I threw it off stepping into the hot water. I let out a breath of relief as I lay my heavy head back against the quartz tub.
It was only twenty minutes until I was out, Gaela had offered many times to wash me but I deemed it unnecessary when I was able to do it myself.
As I stepped out from the water haven, Gaela handed me a simple white gown to wear. I slipped the loose fitting garment on and stood as Gaela began measuring me with strange strings.
"What is your favorite color?" She asked absently as she walked around me measuring my back.
"Well I guess I prefer F/C to most, but any will do," I said modestly. She smiled.
"A bit of everything then." She said. "Unless you have any other requests, I will return to my quarters until morning when I shall wake you for training. You need rest for your big day tomorrow."
"No you may be dismissed, Gaela." I responded the words feeling odd and commanding in my mouth. She nodded her head and bowed, loose brown strands of her hair falling to her sunken cheeks. She closed the door softly.
I sighed and slipped on the small leather necklace from Uthgard around my neck. I crawled into the fluffy bed, sinking into it easily. I pulled the silky covers up and took one last look out the balcony to see the moon shining in and the thousands of stars shining bright. My head sunk slowly into the exquisite feather pillows and the soft sound of the wind lulled me to sleep.
~*~
"Lady Y/N? I am afraid it is time to rise." Gaela said softly waking me from my light slumber. I yawned and threw the blankets off of me. I stretched to touch my toes and yawned once more scratching the back of my head lazily.
"You have been provided with training attire, and are to meet in the dining hall for breakfast in a bells hour." Gaela said laying my clothes out on my bed. A thick leather breastplate, gauntlets, and shin guards were neatly piled up. They were newly made, the leather stench already becoming blind to my nose. It had the simple crest of a royal apprentice.
I shrugged off my nightgown letting it fall to the ground. Gaela stepped forward, lining the under tunic to my own body. It was a navy blue tunic. Next came the leather accessories which I guessed didn't take heavy damage well. Gaela slipped thick flat shoes onto my feet, though it didn't cover the back of my heel they felt comfortable. Gaela motioned for me to sit down on a pulled out chair. I sat down into it sinking like all the rest of the furniture did.
"Do you wish for a specific hairstyle?" She asked.
"Just something out of the way." I offered. She nodded silently and began working away braiding my hair in strange patterns until it was a beautifully done braided ponytail.
"Shall we get you to breakfast?" She asks. I nod my head eagerly.
"Yes, thank you, Gaela." I said and we heading off to the dining hall.
The royal family was already seated, only a few apprentices were up eating including Asmund who sat running his mouth off to another pretty girl. When he saw me he flicked his wrist towards himself. I figured it was best to stick with a group of people or just a single person who had the slightest idea of what was going on for now. I took my seat beside him and began putting Juniper jam on my bread.
"You look nice today," he smirked.
"I look like this everyday," I commented and kept gathering food on my plate. He fumbled for words until finally he gave up, clamping his mouth shut. Out of the corner of my eye however he nodded approvingly, smirking as he wolfed down some more food.
~*~
"You will all be split up into many groups and studying different things until the horn is sounded for you to attend your next lesson. Amity, Ur, Sif, Prince Thor, And Volstagg, you will be training first with battle tactics-" Aesgar spoke. Aesgar was like the speaker for the house; telling us upcoming events, classes and more. Aesgar listed several more names but I didn't pay attention until my name was called.
"Y/N, Prince Loki, Asmund, Sif, Ceri- you will be training in magic with Queen Frigga first."
I groaned inwardly. Why was I being put in a class of magic when I had no magic abilities? Before I could say anything I was being swept away with the crowd.
"All you need to do is feel the magic in your veins and release it," Frigga spoke softly, waking around us correcting posture. I was currently standing there trying my best to create some sort of magic when there was no magic in me to begin with. Frigga sighed quietly and she walked over to me.
"With all do respect, your Majesty, I have no magic in me." I said lowly, afraid she would be upset. She tutted.
"Everyone's magic is different in its own way. Perhaps a partner would do?" She spoke sincerely and nodded.
"Loki, dear? Can you assist Lady Y/N?" Frigga said as she gave me a reassuring smile and walked to be with other students. I nearly panicked before I realized I was both allowed to talk and look at royalty now. Loki approached me, taking long graceful strides. Next to me, my head only came to his upper chest. I nodded my head quickly as a respectful greeting.
"What do you need?" Prince Loki asked board, his gaze was dull but intimidating. I shifted on my feet becoming more nervous.
"I... I have absolutely no magic I don't know how to do it." I spit it out. He rolled his eyes and crossed his arms over his chest.
"Posture." He said. Immediately I steadied myself and gave him the basic stance for casting; steadying my arms in front of me and straightening my back. He circled me slowly I could feel his gaze on me the whole time.
"You're completely right. You have absolutely no talent." Loki said flatly and turned away from me. I nearly shouted but decided that yelling at a Prince was not a wise idea.
"Then help me! I don't know... teach me? I need to learn this do you not understand?" I said frantically. Loki stopped in his tracks and turned around slowly, fury in his emerald eyes.
"Why would I teach someone whom I cannot teach?" He asked cocking his head to the side. I struggled for words. I wanted to do well but so far that had been flushed down like mead. Loki smirked.
"Because." I said trying my best. Suddenly Loki flicked his wrist, a green orb appearing.
"Do this and I will." He said. To think the Prince of Asgard was nice was a joke. I grunted angrily, glaring daggers at him. He simply scoffed and carried on. I fumed angry thoughts of cutting his raven colored hair and watching him fret about.
"Need help?" A familiar innocent voice asked. I turned, changing my facial expression to that of none.
"No but he does," I hissed sharply. Asmund turned his gaze to Loki. He chuckled.
"Ah yes, the Ass of Asgard," he said quietly, looking around see if anyone had heard his foul comment. I doubled over laughing as I nodded. Loki glared back at us in disgust. Apparently we were disturbing his magic lessons, though it seems he didn't need them.
"Keep your voice hushed we could get kicked out and punished for speaking badly about him," I warned, though my smile told a different story.
The day went on and our group was headed to battle training. Asmund breathed deeply as his and my name were called out for partners.
"Fighting is like dancing. You can be slow and graceful, or you can be fast and accurate. Every attack can have different effects on different opponents. As for your choice of weapons, heavier weapons will swing slower but deal more damage. Lighter and smaller weapons will be faster but deal less damage. Choose your weapon and begin a simple spar with your partner." Orgnar commanded, his voice echoing across the vast grass training arena.
"Y/N, I promise to sneak you pasties for a week of you don't suffocate me or hurt me badly in any manner." Asmund pleaded at the weapon rack. He hadn't even picked a weapon yet and he was already cowering.
"I think a staff would be a good weapon for you," I said, his eyes going wide as I picked up two daggers, they weighed equally.
"Wait Y/N you didn't answer my question!" He said picking up a thick wooden staff and hurrying over to me where I was walking to our area. "I am so dead..." I heard him curse under his breath.
"Begin!" Orgnar shouted. I turned around quickly, hitting Asmund with the butt of the knife. He wheezed, falling back.
"I wasn't ready!" He grunted angrily, rubbing his chest.
"You would be dead where you stand to the enemy." I pointed to him with the sharp point of my knife. Asmund brushed himself off and stood up again. He glanced nervously behind me. I turned to look.
Orgnar was making his rounds, observing each child carefully. Prince Loki was tossing his dagger in the air looking unamused with a girl gritting her teeth and holding her left arm below him. She bounced up swinging wildly at him but he only dodged. Orgnar nodded approvingly and halted the angry girl. His lips moved and Loki nodded, walking to a wooden bench carved with the Royal family's crest, Loki sat on it and crossed his legs.
I turned back to Asmund.
"What was that about?" I asked him.
"Orgnar trains higher leveled warriors, Prince Loki was most likely picked along with his elder brother." Asmund sighed. Orgnar was getting closer to us every minute.
"We need to start," Asmund said in a hushed voice. "Otherwise he will not pick you and I apologize for what I may do."
"What? Why in the nine realms would he pick me?" I panicked and we walked in a circle slowly, our weapons in a ready position.
"He has been watching you the minute you walked in here." Asmund responded. I heard heavy footsteps behind me and I quickly launched myself at Asmund praying he had good reflexes.
Asmund threw his staff up, deflecting my two handed blow, my dull daggers getting stuck in the wooden staff.
"Fight me," he whispered as he began swinging the staff around, the daggers still wedged into it. I stepped to the left as Asmund swung the staff down on the ground. He began swinging it every which way, it was getting harder to dodge. Finally he hit me the the staff and I stumbled to the ground, my palms raw as rocks and dirt sat in my cuts. Asmund went to strike me again but I stopped his staff mid way, catching it with my right hand. Asmund grunted as he tried to push down harder. I kicked up my leg and hit his elbow, throwing his attack off.
As his grip weakened, I took the staff from him and swung it forcefully at his legs, sending him tumbling backwards. I scrambled to my feet, holding the wooden staff to his throat as I trapped his hips between my feet. I panted as Asmund slowly put his hands up smiling.
"Heh, Y/N, was it? You will be training with me from now on." Orgnar's deep voice said behind me. I looked back to Asmund, who was still panting and sprawled out on the ground before me. Asmund smiled cheekily, his hands raised in surrender.
"Thank you," I whispered offering my hand to my comrade.