Servant of Jotunheim

Years

Time had past by quickly on Earth as I had settled into this new life. It seemed odd to me that I had only been on Asgard for just a few short months, yet had found myself living among the mortals of this realm for four years now.

Hank and Darleen had become like a family to me, he now had taken to calling me 'sis' and Darleen had told me on many occasions that I was the daughter she never had.

She often remarks that she counts her lucky stars and blesses the day I walked into the diner.

After selling more golden coins, I had given the currency to Hank who had great dreams and aspirations of opening a far larger diner in a more populated town, which had come into fruition due to my generous contribution.

Darleen no longer had to be a waitress and was now able to retire with the profits coming in from the new diner. I continued to work for Hank as his head waitress and due to his success he was able to hire more staff.

After we moved to this new town, I found myself an apartment of my own which is far better than that motel room I used to have. I also live near a rather quaint library which I like to visit when I am not too busy.

I had not received word from Asgard since the day Prince Thor visited me all those years ago. This led me to believe that the kingdom had moved on and forgotten about the Jotun servant that perished, and the mystery princess who had courted the King.

In all honesty, when I am alone at night with my own thoughts I often think of Asgard fondly. Sara, Ruth, Frigga and Thor, I missed them all dearly, but most of all I missed the King.

I remember gazing longingly into his green eyes in the mornings and how he would look at me in return, as if I were his entire world and nobody else mattered to him but me.

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One early afternoon, I am working at the diner and it has been quite a busy day so far.

I must say even the way I speak is different now due to being among mortals for such a long time. I had adapted to being much less articulate in the way I speak around them, as it seems to make people more comfortable.

Most of them had assumed I was British?

Hank: "Morning, sis" he smiles when he arrives to work.

Me: "It's the afternoon, you're late".

Hank: "Sorry, late night".

Me: "It's a good thing that I arrived early to cover for you then".

Hank: "You're the best".

After a while, there is a strange sound somewhere in the distance. It was strangely familiar, but I naturally ignore it, not wanting to be distracted from my work.

Hank: "Umm...Anya?"

Me: "What?"

Hank: "Friends of yours?"

I turn and look out of the window to witness two women wandering in the middle of the road, scanning their surroundings looking positively lost.

I nearly drop the tray of food I was taking to a nearby table once I realise who it is.

I set the tray down quickly, noticing that the reason Hank had asked me if they were my friends is that they are dressed similarly to how I was on the night we met.

Me: "Holy shit".

Although surprised to see them again, I run outside to greet them and they appear happy to see me as well.

Sara: "Valanya!" she squeals as she runs towards me.

Ruth: "We found you! And you cut your hair?" she notices.

Me: "I cannot believe it! What are you both doing here?"

Ruth: "We needed to speak with you. It is rather urgent".

Me: "Come with me".

We sit together in the diner and Hank cooks them both a burger and fries which they are hesitant about eating at first, but seem to enjoy it once they have tasted it.

Me: "So what did you need to speak of that was urgent enough for you to travel here?"

Sara: "Your presence is needed back on Asgard. The Queen Mother has sent us to find you".

Me: "Why? Is something the matter?"

Sara: "She is quite unwell, she..."

Me: "What?"

Ruth: "Odin calls to her, there is little time remaining, Valanya. She is dying" she answers.

Me: "I see. When do we leave?" I reply quickly.

Sara: "So you will return? We feared you would decline".

Me: "Of course, I will return if that is what she asks of me".

Ruth: "She told us that she wishes to speak with you before the end. We leave at first light".

I see Hank over in the kitchen and decide to go over and tell him about my impending departure. I do not wish to leave this realm without saying goodbye.

Me: "I have to leave tomorrow".

Hank: "What, why?"

Me: "A friend of mine is dying. I'm not certain when I will return".

Hank: "I get it. You do what you need to do. Is that why those women are here? Were you in a cult?"

Me: "No, I wasn't in a cult. They are my friends from where I used to live before I met you".

Hank: "The blonde is really pretty".

Me: "Oh, that would be Sara" I laugh.

Hank: "Are you bringing them to the bar tonight? I guess we could make a night of it since you're leaving?"

Me: "Damn, I forgot all about that, but I will ask them".

I return to the table and ask them to join us that evening, they agree despite being a little apprehensive at first.

Ruth: "What exactly does one do at a bar?"

Me: "It is not unlike a tavern, we drink, sing and dance".

Sara: "Will the handsome man be there?" she smiles shyly, looking in Hank's direction.

Me: "Yes he will. He says that you are rather pretty by the way".

Sara: "Truly?"

Me: "Yes and you will both be staying at my home this evening".

Ruth: "It has been too long Valanya, but you look well".

Me: "I am well. As much as I was uncertain of my decision at first, I have built a real life here and I also contributed to someone else's life in order to make it better".

Sara: "You did that for us also. We only ever had each other before you came along".

Ruth: "We have missed you".

Me: "I have missed you both as well".