Walking With Shadows [#Wattys2015] [Being Edited]

An Unexpected Visitor

Tassel remained in the room for a bit longer before setting the bear aside and locking the door back. She took one last glance over the room before venturing back outside. As her hand released the door knob, the entryway slowly began to fade. It was gone in seconds.

Moments after letting the tapestry fall back over the wall, a hand grabbed Tassel's shoulder and whirled her around. She was face to face with a burly looking guard that was at least a foot taller than her. His face was grim. His eyes were dark and narrow like a snake's, and he had a scruffy beard to match. The guard's mouth was set in a deep frown, molded from years of anger that rooted itself in the very depths of his heart. He had a shaggy brow, grown out so much that it was nearly a uni brow. The thick, black line was furrowed angrily. Tassel backed herself up a bit only to find that there wasn't anywhere for her to go. The man was getting uncomfortably close. He shoved his overly large nose in her face.

"What do you think you are doing?" he growled menacingly.

Tassel caught a glimpse of the guard's teeth. They were gnarled and yellowed. She fought back the urge to gag. His breath was horrendous.

"I-um..."

"You're coming with me." he snapped and grabbed her by the elbow, pulling her along.

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The man was rough as he dragged Tassel along down the halls. The guard's footsteps were three of Tassel's, so she had to jog to keep up. His grip was tight, and his hands were callused, making them even rougher as he gripped her arm. It was like sandpaper. People stared on in dismay. Tassel fought back with all her might, but for all of her strength, she was no match for this bear-like man.

"Excuse me! Unhand me, sir!" Tassel demanded, violently pulling away only to be dragged forward again, "I do not appreciate being man handled!"

She jerked backwards, dug her heels into the floor, and even tried to lay down, only to become a limp noodle and be pulled back to her feet yet again.

"What is going on here?"

A commanding voice silenced the hallways and halted the guard. Tassel let out a small yelp as he twisted her arm behind her back and pulled her around to face the questioner. The king's one eye stared down at her, accompanied by his two sons. All three of them seemed to be in a heated conversation.

"Ah, sir! Could-"

"Caught her trying to make off with a tapestry in the east wing." the guard explained simply, cutting off Tassel's sentence.

Confused, she spun her head around to look at him. A smug look was played across his face.

"Stealing a tapestry? Really? That's your brilliant accusation? I can't believe this.." she snapped, throwing her free hand up in exasperation.

"You were trying to steal our tapestry?" Loki asked, cocking his head to the side in mock confusion.

Tassel turned her head back around to face the three of them.

"Yes, I was trying to steal your tapestry." she answered sarcastically.

The royals looked at each other in confusion. They didn't speak for a long moment, only passed looks between the guard and Tassel. Odin shot a look at both of his sons. He let out a long sigh, like this had occurred multiple times in the past.

"Boltorn, release the girl. I am sure she has done nothing wrong." Odin commanded.

Grudgingly, Boltorn released her arm and backed up. He bowed to Odin, keeping his head low, yet never forgetting to keep his harsh gaze locked on Tassel. She rubbed her arm and grimaced slightly. He had twisted her skin in different directions, leaving an awful red patch on her forearm. Thor's face, still an angry red from whatever conversation had occupied the three earlier, was turned into a slight frown.