Avengers The Captain's Secret Book 2: Waiting for Thor

Part 11: Serving by the Fire

LESEDI POV

It was a relief.

They were all willing to work with me.

Now I had to meet the Asgardians who lived here. I had to get public approval. 

Heimdall said he would make the announcements after the meal was finished, and that I was free to roam about the hall.

Steven had made loads of friends. He was the charmer. Looking at him, I wondered if Steve was like that at one time. He seemed more shy. I wasn't a shy person, but in new surroundings and with new people I was unsure. 

One thing I had learned was that if I was a servant, no one judged me much. I went to the ladies who helped make the meal, and asked to help.

Haldis couldn't believe it. "Oh, no, milady--"

"Please," I whispered. "If they think of me as just a maid, they won't judge me."

"Have you ever thought you'd attract suitors?" Haldis asked. "That's-that's--"

"How about I go with your daughter, Dalla?" I offered. "She's the most beautiful here, and no one will play attention to me," She was beautiful; petite curvy figure, golden hair, hazel eyes...I cringed inwardly, thinking of the woman who kissed Steve. She was...kind of like that. 

"She's been too scared to go to the warrior table and to Heimdall's."

I realized what she was saying. Her daughter was hiding from eligible men. "Then I'll be a great chaperone?"

Haldis raised an eyebrow, calling over her shoulder.  "Dalla?"

Dalla was talking to Sif, who was holding a sword that wasn't hers. It was apparent that she was getting pointers.

"Dalla!" Haldis called again.

Dalla was startled. "Yes, Mama!"

"I need you to serve the tables--" Haldis gestured toward the warrior table. "With Lady Lesedi."

"Dalla, I'm nervous," I put on a little act. I was, but amplified it. "I've never done this before."

Dalla looked conflicted. "Oh."

"I'd be so happy if you could come with me," I told her. Haldis gave me a small smile.

"Oh...alright." She said, and in minutes we were given platters to serve. 

The warrior table was a bit intimidating. These men were mostly huge and gregarious, but they were ruggedly handsome, each in their own way. She served quietly.

"Wait a second," one of them said. "Aren't you Dalla?"

"Yes, I am," Dalla said, keeping her attention on serving. 

"Daughter of Haldis?"

"Yes," she said, speeding up. 

"My, how you've grown!" another spoke up. "Hasn't she, men?" There was chorus of agreement and completely male soft laughter. 

"This is my friend, Le-Lifa." Her words came out in a rush.

I smiled and nodded, moving along myself. This was a hard table to serve, kin to serving a pack of wolves in some ways. I looked over to Heimdall's table and caught Erik watching her. Hmm...

Suddenly, dogs howled outside. Uh-oh...

"What's got them--"

"I'm sure," I said quickly. "I'm sure they smell the meat."

The men agreed and began to feast. Dalla quickly left, and I followed.

"Is there anyone you'd like to serve?" I offered. "I can accompany you."

Her eyes slid over to Erik, and then back to the empty platter. 

"Alright, we'll get a buffet platter--"

"A what?" her eyes widened. "I'd--you see--he's my-my teacher."

"Teaching what?"

"Once a week in secret, he teaches me how to wield a sword," she said excitedly. "And he made me a better archer. He said that he might let me go hunt with the men soon, I'm that good."

"He sees you for who you are," I said, remembering my times with Steve. I always felt I could be myself with him. There's no greater freedom than that, especially when love is behind it. "Alright, come on--" I took her to the cooking fires and began loading the platter with various foods.

"Wait, there is only supposed to be one food on each--"

"Offer him everything," I said quickly. "Let him have what he wants."

She thought about my words. "Lesedi!"

I laughed softly. "Food, Dalla, food." I turned her around and lightly smacked her backside. "He has more choices, that means more time to talk."

"About what?"

"Oh, just...anything! Go on!"