Beyond The Stars (UNDER REVISION)

Earthly Possessions

I sit in the large room as what I assume to be nurses rush around me. I run my hand over the soft sheet of the bed. One more woman walks in. "I am the Head Healer. I am here to assess you." She looks tired. I guess it is pretty late. She takes her time looking me over. After a full exam, she leaves.

I sigh loudly, not wanting to be stuck here any longer. After what feels like hours, the king from before and the pale man walks in. They stare at me in silence. I feel a weird tingly feeling in my mind. After a few moments, they nod to each other. "Well, Eldrid Iverdottir. You are of Asgardian blood. I have thought it over and if you would like to stay here, in Asgard, you are welcome too."

I stand up, "No offense..." I turn to one of the nurses to find out how to address him.

"Allfather," she whispers.

"No offense, Allfather, but I have classes to attend and an essay to write. It's due in a few weeks. From looking at your palace, I assume there aren't any computers about. I'm about to become a doctor in both astrophysics and nuclear physics, so it's kind of important."

He thinks for a moment. I'm sure I confused him.  "You are welcome to return to Asgard. After you finish your work, you may become a citizen here."

I hold my hand up to stop him. "That is all well and good, but I don't know anything about this place. I mean, I read in the book I was given that y'all age slower than humans, so why I am different? How would I even get back here? What are the rules? How do I know this isn't a weird, false string of thoughts implanted in my mind by a genetically enhanced superhero? And why do you trust me so easily- I mean, I could be some masterminded terrorist here to destroy your world."

The Allfather looks around. "Loki will answer all of your questions. I have work to attend to." Before I can say anything, he leaves.

The pale man stays, staring at me. This is Loki? Son of Odin? He looks nothing like him. "Come along. I need not waste more of my studying time on this matter." But he is definitely his son. Sounds exactly like him. Is everyone in this place so formal? Maybe I should be... 'I forswear you accusations, sire!' I let out a small, audible snort. 'I am Beowulf! Incline not to arrogance, famous warrior! Now shall the fullness of thy strength last for a while.' I smile softly at my thoughts. 'Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say good night till it be morrow.' "Enough!" I jump back at his abruptly loud voice. "You have not paid attention to a single thing I have said."

"I'm sorry..."

"All Asgardian citizens train to be warriors."

"Even the women?"

He looks at me like I'm stupid. "Of course."

"Well that's very forward thinking." He just ignores me. "Where would I sleep, should I stay?"

"The Allfather has arranged a chamber for you on the palace grounds."

His voice is really pretty... "Ooh, fancy."

He gestures for us to continue walking. "What is this work you must return to Midgard for?"

"Midgard... Oh, Earth! My studies. I'm about to become a doctor with two PHDs."

"You are a healer?"

I shake my head, "No."

"Then what do you study? Magic?"

"Science. Space, the stars. Space dust. And also things like nuclear fission and fusion." He looks at me confused and intriqued. I see a window beside us. I grab his hand. "I'll show you." He pulls his hand away and walks behind me. I point out at the night sky. "You see the stars? Well, those are burning balls of gas. Sometimes they collapse and explode, creating new elements. And there are this things called black holes that suck in all things around it and nothing can get out."

"You and I have very different explanations of stars."

"I have an idea. I'll be back to Asgard in a short bit. Can you lead me to the way to get back home?"

I walk around my apartment. Everything seems so small, so insignificant since I've seen the beauty of Asgard. I grab my backpack and throw it on my back. I look down at my phone. Assuming I'll have no service on another realm, I leave it behind. I think for a second, staring at the room. I have an idea. I walk over to my desk and open the bottom drawer. I pull out my portable CD player and a pack of batteries, happy that I created a mix CD for road trips. I finish off my coffee, making my way to the park again. Thankfully, it's dark and empty. I tightly grab my bag straps and repeat what I was told to say. "Heimdall, open the Bifrost." Just like last night, I'm surrounded by bright and colorful lights. In an instant, I'm back on Asgard. "That will never not be fun." I laugh. Heimdall smiles at me. "Thank you." I see Loki has waited for me. I smile walk after to him. "I have returned."

"I see."

"Where are said chambers for me to rest?" He looks annoyed with me. "Don't worry. I won't keep you from your studies any longer. I have my own to do." We begin heading back. I stay silent, as to not annoying him anymore. I take this time to get a good look at him. He's.... Beautiful. His eyes, his perfectly sculpted face. His cheeks turn a slight pink and a small smirk tugs his cheek up. Awe. Wait... Can he-...? Can you hear me? I watch his face for a reaction. Nah, he's too stupid to do that.

"I beg your pardon?" He abruptly stops and looks at me.

"Aha!" I yell, pointing my finger at him. "I knew it! You can read my thoughts!" By the way, I don't think you're stupid. "You should have told me though. That's very invasive." He just sighs and keeps walking. With a small flutter of his hands, a book appears. Woah! That's so cool!   I watch as a grin crosses his face. He begins reading the book. "You know, I stick out like a sore thumb. Where would I find more suitable clothes? Like dresses and stuff, but still in a dark color. I prefer darks. Blacks, greys, dark greens, dark blues, dark reds," I realize I'm rambling. I ramble when I get nervous. Damn. Nice one, Dri. Embarrass yourself in front of the son of Odin. Great one. Lord, kill me.

I walk into my chambers and walk straight to the bed. Loki watches me from the doorway. "Father says-" 

"Shh." 

He looks taken aback. "I-... I beg your pardon?" I pull my bag off my back and open the zipper. In a swift movement, I dump everything out. I search through the pile to find my CD and CD player. I put the disc in and pull headphones on. "I really do not-" 

"Shh!" I hold my hand up this time. I hit play and hold my breath. Misery Business by Paramore begins. I laugh softly. "Haha!" I turn to the Prince with the biggest smile on my face. He looks confused. I turn the device off. "Well, the Allfather?" I urge him to continue. 

"He has urged me to keep an eye on you and educate you on our history. Along with my brother, who will prepare you for training." 

I nod. "Sounds wunderbar." I look at his furrowed brows. "It's German. For wonderful? Earth has so many languages." 

"Do you know them all?" 

I laugh loudly. "No. Not even close." 

He doesn't seem to grasp what's funny.  We stand in silence for a moment. "Goodnight." 

"Goodnight." 

"Your parents possessions will be brought to you in the morning." 

"Wait, their what?" I ask, but he's already gone. I suddenly feel very tired. I grab the watch from the pile. I brought it to keep track of the date on Earth. It's 3 in the morning. I sigh and look at the pile on the bed and around the room. I begin putting my things up and away in the bare room. Tomorrow will be an eventful day.