Ragnarok Unwound: The Awakening

Chapter 19

Keir awoke to the sensation of comforting warmth about her. All she could see in front of her was the layout of a room that wasn't hers. She was laying on a four poster bed with fine decor and patterns, silk curtains drawn back to reveal a large stain glass window across from her, a fine wardrobe, and a night stand, with small figures of the Aesir. She realized that the warmth around her had pressed a certain weight on her back. Keir's brow furrowed in confusion and turned over slowly. She saw a slender arm around her waist and became aware that she was laying with one underneath her other side as well. She also saw that a long, pale leg had been thrown over own, almost lazily.

Upon turning completely she saw Allison sound asleep. Keir froze, a sudden panic washing through her. She looked for any traces of frost or injury on the girl. She found none but noticed something rather odd. Alison was beautiful. Keir knew that, but something made it more prevalent. She couldn't deny she felt something for the girl. What it was; she wasn't quite sure. Part of it reminded her of how she felt close to Freya, but at the same time completely different. Keir was determined to know. So she studied her.

She noticed how the girl's golden locks spewed across the pillows, Keir could make out the faint scent of milk and honey. She saw how Allison slept so quietly as well, her features soft and serene, her breaths heavily but barely audible. Keir felt oddly at ease with the situation. Allison had a tendency to be to quick to touch, desiring so much to be intimate. Keir tried to stop her at first, it was highly inappropriate and dangerous. But for some reason, Keir didn't feel so on edge about it anymore. She didn't fear hurting Allison as much as she used to. She felt more in control when the girl was around. At the same she lived in constant anxiety of Allison seeing what she truly was.

Almost as if she knew she was aware that she was being looked at, Allison opened her eyes. For a moment they went wide and a strong blush spread across her cheeks. It quickly gave way to a concerned smile. Allison rose up slowly, unwinding herself from Keir. Keir tried to get up, only for Allison to lightly push her back down. Her breath hitched slightly as Allison placed her fingers gently on her forehead and Keir felt a sharp pain.

"Two days," Allison giggled softly. "For someone who's as skilled as you are, you sure do take a lot of beatings."

"What happened?" Keir asked, feeling a slight panic.

"Odin intervened in your battle, you took a rather nasty head injury. But they brought you back here and you were tended to. They wanted to speak with you once you were awake."

Keir relaxed slightly, Allison didn't sound scared or disgusted. And Odin stopped what would have been a blood bath. She let out a sigh of relief.

"Keir, may I ask you something?" Allison questioned, her voice sweet but her words heavy. Keir felt a tingle run up her spine. Keir sat up fully, only feeling slightly dizzy. For the first time she realized she was disguised but her skin had a slightly blue hue to it. She felt her chest go tight as Allison grabbed her hand.

"What?" The word comes out harshly. Keir resists the urge to flinch. Allison begins to toy with her hand, tracing circles with her thumb.

"I care for you very deeply. I think I might even..." Allison shook her head and laughed slightly. "Merde, look at me, getting flustered!"

Keir remained silent as Allison composed herself.

"You mean very much to me, and I hoped that I meant very much to you as well." Allison stated, caution in her tone. Keir's tense position softened, she felt a small pang of guilt.

"Allison, of course I do! You're a treasured friend. I've never had one, but I would consider you to be a very dear friend. If not more than that!" Keir rushed before she could stop herself. She saw Allison freeze at that. For a moment she almost felt guilty for putting Allison as her most dear and possibly best friend, over Freya. But there was something about Allison that made her easier to talk to.