Broken Remedy |L. Odinson|

Chapter Twenty-Two

Eir was true to her word, and just a day after her confession to Loki, she changed her routine. He no longer saw her in the palace during the mornings, but when she came over later on, Alvis was with her, and there was a proud little smile on her lips as she left him at the stables of the palace before joining her friends. A fight would undoubtedly take place later on, but it wasn't the way it had been for the last few days. The blades of her cane didn't make an appearance once, she played fair, and the fights were longer and harder, a true spectacle for anyone watching. She would go back home to have lunch and then, as the day ended, she'd return, this time to join Loki in the library or his chambers and the rest of the day would pass in silence.

She was making progress and the little smiles she sent him at points were a clear indicator she was getting better. In his chambers, she took to holding his hand, and conversation was made in hushed tones so as to not disrupt the quiet atmosphere.

Eir was truly in better spirits and she opted to always keep her word. When the next feast was announced to take place, she told Loki at once she would be there. He hadn't been all that pleased about that.

Standing in front of a mirror in her room, Eir looked down at the modest blue dress she had chosen for the feast, making sure it appeared well-kept and that it was suitable for the occassion before she reached up to brush her hair. She let it fall against her back in waves and despite the situation she had been through not too long ago, she smiled at her reflection. Her eyes then fell on her cane resting on her bed. Her smile fell.

There was a part of her that wanted to take the cane with her no matter what. She hadn't let go of it ever since the dwarves had attacked in the castle, and without it, she knew she'd feel vulnerable. However, she was going to a feast and to bring a weapon to a feast wasn't a motion that indicated peace. Besides, she could defend herself if need be pretty well even without her cane. With a rather heavy sigh, Eir forced herself to look away from her cane. She took a last look at her reflection and left the room.

She met her mother and Cuyler in the hall of their home. Cuyler had tried his best to appear presentable but there was nothing he could do to fool anyone. The dark circles under his eyes, a sign of fatigue and exhaustion were easily seen. Her mother was in a similar condition.

The family of only three now left the house and walked to the streets. They were joined by a few people heading to the palace, but no matter how many people were around them, Eir couldn't help but feel uneasy. Her hands twitched in front of her and she couldn't help but wish she had brought her cane. She spoke nothing of her inner thoughts as she walked forward, trying to busy herself by thinking of something else. Instead of focusing on her discomfort, she looked at those walking around her for anyone she recognised. Soon enough, they had reached the palace and were heading to the hall the feast would take place.

Music was heard from inside the hall the closer they got. The doors were open as they reached the room, the candles and torches around making the gold of the wall and ceiling shimmer. Eir almost smiled.

A few couples were already dancing to the music and in the other side of the room, she noticed the Warriors Three and Sif. A few ways away, on the throne, sat the King, the Queen beside him. On his other side, stood Thor, with his magnificent scarlet cape and a wide smile adorning his face, and on Thor's side stood Loki, his gaze calculating, appearing regal in the green and gold of his attire, his arms held behind his back. He was looking around in search of something or someone, and as Eir got closer with her family following close, she met his gaze. He smiled. She couldn't keep her own smile back.

"Your Majesty," she spoke as she got close, bowing briefly at the King and then the Queen before she moved closer to the Princes. Thor grinned at her and she smiled back in a reserved manner as she moved closer to Loki.