Working Title : Loki & Annie

39 Pretty Little Maids

In the halls of Asgard, every Asgardian had their place. Starting at the top was of course Odin AllFather and Frigga AllMother, then the two Princes, Thor and Loki. After them came all the nobles, some of which also lived in the palace along with the royal family. Wealthy families, merchants, and citizens all had representatives living within the walls of the grounds. They all considered themselves the most important people of palace life. However, there was one group of people that knew they were the most important people.

The three chambermaids easily carried the linens in their arms down the corridor. They were quietly chatting to each other about various tasks and which of the guests were the most difficult to serve. Coming to a dim hall that led off the one they had been traveling two of the young maids continued however the third entered the side hall, going for several steps before being called to.

"Arna!" Myrun called sharply. "This way." Myrun had a frown on her face, they all knew the halls perfectly.

Arna shook her head, "I'm late. I'm going to cross over."

Myrun and Solva exchanged looks, "You'll have to pass his chambers." Myrun hissed in a whisper.

Arna shrugged, "I'm not afraid." She raised her chin defiantly then negated her words by adding, "Besides, there's a guard at the far end by Prince Thor's chambers."

Again the two maids passed a look between them, Solva speaking up, "We'll go with you."

"What?" Myrun wasn't going to be volunteered without comment. "No. I'm not going go that way." She took a step back to emphasize her words.

"Oh, Myrun. He's not here, what can he do?" Arna walked backward while looking at her two friends. She gave a cocky grin, "Have some adventure!"

Myrun watched as Solva moved quickly to catch up with Arna then looked longingly at the way she wanted to go. Looking back to see her friends fading from sight she called out while moving after them, "Wait for me!"

They said nothing by some unstated agreement, keeping quiet even as they walked in the dimness. Only a few torches were lit along this end of the passage, leaving large lengths in the gloom. The three were aware they were coming closer to a doorway, they could see the outline. 

Myrun grabbed Solva's arm tightly, her body unknowingly moving closer to the far wall and away from the danger. Arna forced herself to keep her hands gripped on the linens, with no thought to wrinkling them. As the three came abreast of the door they all seemed to stop at the same time.

The door was open, not fully but enough that a person could slip past though not enough to see straight inside. They all strained their necks to peek in but it was dark and they saw nothing. Arna moved closer and Solva grabbed her, squeezing her arm tightly.

"What are you doing?" Her voice was a hoarse whisper though she tried to keep as quiet as she could. Even still it was easy to hear the sense of trepidation in her tone.

Speaking slightly louder Arna answered, "I just want to see." She noticed the missing handle. "I can just push it open."

"No. Let's just keep going." There was a pleading in Myrun's voice, "Arna!"

Arna ignored her friend and stepped closer to the large door, noticing the shadows of the knotwork. She thought they moved yet she still came up close enough to put her hand on the surface of the door. Nothing happened and she pushed, the door soundlessly opened into the room. Breathing shallowly she gave a last little push, the door swung fully open to reveal the interior of the room.

Standing in the doorway Arna felt herself finally take a shuddering breath that rushed out before she took another one. Nothing happened. There was no act of terror that came to punish her for this act of trespass. She felt her friends come up behind her, one of them clutching at the back of her work frock. The hand tightened as she leaned closer, passing over the door's thresh hold.