Servant of Jotunheim

Ruth and Sara

The King sits silently for the longest time while looking down at me from his golden throne so I remain perfectly still and quiet, awaiting any instruction from him.

Loki: "Do you speak, girl?" he asks.

Me: "Yes, my King" I answer hesitantly.

Loki: "What is your name?"

Me: "They call me runt, my King".

The King sighs as though he were displeased with my answer, but I was simply being honest.

Loki: "What name did your mother give you?"

I had not been called by my name in so long that it takes me a moment to recall it myself.

Me: "Anya, she called me Anya, my King".

Loki: "And where is she now?"

Me: "She passed away when I was quite young. That is when my father gave me to King Laufey as a servant. I have worked in the palace ever since".

Loki: "Well you are a palace servant here now so we cannot have you barefoot and dressed in rags. You will be escorted to the servant's quarters where you shall be bathed and dressed accordingly, is that understood?"

Me: "Yes, my King".

I am taken away by two female servants and lead to a large room with what I believe is called a bathtub inside of it. We do not have these on Jotunheim, but I have read of them in books.

The women strip me and quickly dispose of my tattered clothing.

As I lay in the warm water, the women scrub me throughly and wash my hair. They even cut my nails and polish them to make me appear more presentable.

After combing all of the knots from my hair and cutting it to a more suitable length, I am allowed to get out. I do notice that the two women seem slightly uneasy at the sight of my bare skin before them while they dry me.

They hand me fresh clothing that resembles their own, but I am confused by other items handed to me.

Sara: "Do you need help, miss?" the younger one asks me.

Me: "May I ask, what these are?"

Ruth: "They are undergarments, miss?"

Me: "Undergarments?"

Sara: "I do not believe she has ever worn any before" she whispers to the older servant.

Ruth: "We will help you put these on, but you must put them on yourself in future".

Me: "Thank you".

After I am fully dressed, they style my hair so that is up and away from my face. I cannot help but strain my eyes a little due to how bright it is here. I am more accustomed to the cold and dark, but here is the exact opposite.

Ruth: "This way, miss".

I am taken to a small room where there is a bed and a wardrobe inside, far nicer a room than what I ever had on Jotunheim. I look out of the small window nearby and can see the kingdom below, it is truly beautiful.

Sara: "This is Asgard, miss. Quite wonderful is it not?"

Me: "Yes".

Sara: "Apologies if this is rude to ask, but why is your skin blue, yet your eyes are not red like the others?"

Me: "I am not a full frost giant. That is why my father brought me here".

Ruth: "I must say, you are quite well spoken".

Sara: "We will begin showing you around the palace tomorrow and teach you your duties".

Ruth: "Would you like something to eat?"

In truth I have not eaten in days.

Me: "Yes, please".

Sara: "Your spare uniforms are in the wardrobe over there, along with more undergarments and a change of shoes. Another servant will come and collect your worn ones twice a week and return them to you promptly".

Me: "You are all far kinder than I deserve".

Ruth: "I will not lie to you, there will be others here who will not be so kind to you".

Me: "I am quite used to it".