Eye for an Eye (sequel to Protecting Spirits)

Chapter 16

"Asha!" Sif cried, standing from her place where she was watching Volstagg and Fandral spar. She ran over to the red headed woman, wrapping her arms around her in a tight embrace. Asha winced slightly but covered it up, smiling and hugging Sif back. "I did not know you had returned!"

"I only just arrived," Asha replied, offering smiles to the Warriors Three as they approached. "It is good to see you all again."

"How long will you be staying?" Volstagg questioned.

"I do not know yet."

"Would you like to join us for a sparring session?" Fandral asked with a kind smile. "It has been a long time since we have fought someone with your abilities."

"Indeed!" Volstagg said. "What do you say, Asha?"

But the woman did not reply. She froze at their words. Images of her sister broken and bleeding in the snow surfaced to her mind.

Asha was quickly brought out of her nightmare when someone grabbed her hand while another hand came to rest on her shoulder. She looked to see that Sif held her hand while Hogun's hand was on her shoulder, both trying to calm and comfort her even if they did not know why.

"I believe we should let our friend rest," Hogun suggested, looking back at Volstagg and Fandral. "She is probably tired from her journey and cannot fight right now."

"Of course, of course," Fandral said with a nod. "Another time then?"

Asha forced herself to smile.

"Possibly," she said.

"I will escort Asha to her chambers so she can wash up and rest," Sif said. "We will see you later."

With a gentle tug, Sif pulled Asha away from the fighting grounds. When they were out of sight, Sif wrapped an arm around Asha's shoulders, holding her close to comfort her friend. Sif quickly led Asha to her room, setting her down on her bed.

"Thank you," Asha said.

"You're welcome. Would you like me to stay or...?"

"I think I'll be alright."

"Alright. Listen, there is a banquet tonight. If you are up for it, and only if you are, you should come. We would love to have you join us, but we will be understanding if you choose not to."

"I will consider it. Thank you again, Sif."

"My pleasure. Rest well, my friend."

Sif smiled gently at Asha before quietly stepping out of the room, shutting the door behind her. Asha sighed and fell back on her bed, throwing her arms over her eyes, wanting to hide her teary eyes even though there was no one around. The idea of fighting anyone had scared her, more than she would like to admit. She knew the damage she could cause; even if Fandral and the others were gods, she could still do serious damage.

Wiping the tears from her face, Asha sat up and went to the bathroom, turning on the faucet for the tub. She checked the temperature to make sure it was warm enough. As the tub began to fill with water and bubbles, thanks to the soaps Asha had added, the young woman walked to the chamber door. She pulled it open and peaked into the hall, quickly spotting a guard that had just passed her room.

"Excuse me," she called, gaining his attention.

"Yes, my lady?"

"Would you happen to know if Klia is in the palace right now?"

"I do not know for certain. Would you like me to find her and send her here?"

"If you could, that would be very appreciated."