Chaotic Peace

5. A Known Stranger

After having a long bath, in what seemed to be one of the coolest bathrooms I had ever been, or as the Asgardians called it, the 'bath chamber'; I stood in front of the long mirror, smoothening the non-existent creases on my long, flowy silver dress. Becky had taken that one out from the wardrobe beside the mirror as I could not storm in front of the All-Father in my blue flannel shirt or ripped jeans.

Apparently, going in front of the All-Father seemed to be a pretty huge deal here. That's why Becky sent out a maid to fetch someone to do my hair decent, while I stood my ground stressing and worrying about what I knew not. My hair kept sticking out of everywhere, especially after I had washed them. Nothing can tame my hair, not even Asgardian shampoos, I suppose.

I reflected on the last twelve hours and how amazing turn my life had taken, a little dangerous but amazing and that too, over the span of the few hours; I hadn't even seen it coming. To be honest, I wasn't really complaining- an escape and an adventure was what I wished for and I had gotten it alright.

It didn't feel utterly weird to be there in Asgard as I had Becky with me- I just hoped that my family would be safe. As for Grandma, I just wished that I had gotten a chance to say goodbye to her.

Becky lay sprawled on the huge, round bed.

"Oi, Miss Fiddlefingers! What are you fiddling about?" Becky asked, elbows propped on the soft sheets, causing them to crease.

"Nothing," I replied ignoring the sheets getting untidy.

"Come on Aris," Becky scoffed, "I know that face you make, you look like you are about to shit yourself!"

I frowned at her and continued pacing around the room. Becky slowly sat up straight and looked at me with concern.

"What happened Aris? What's bothering you?" noticing that I was really worried, she asked in a soft voice.

I sighed, "Am I... am I going to be offered as a sacrifice or something in some weird blood sacrificing ritual or something? Why was I attacked? What are these people gonna do with me? Why me?"

Becky stared at my face, searching my face to see if I were joking. Then she blinked once, twice and, then she burst out laughing. "You- you-" she gasped in between for air, "You are unbelievable!" and she continued laughing.

"What?" I asked bewildered.

Finally, clutching her sides, she stopped laughing.

"Oh my cynical Aris," Becky said smiling, "I can't believe you thought that we a brought you here just to murder or torture you. Although, I cannot answer those other questions right now- I am not allowed to but I can assure you that you are absolutely safe here."

My heart still wavered, and seeing the uncertainty on my face, Becky said, "Come here Aris," patting the bed.

I walked over to her and sat beside her. She softly ran her hand over my hair, smoothing them and took my hands into hers. She gave a caring smile, dimples forming on her cheeks.

"Look, Aris," she said carefully, "You know that you are my best friend but I am bound by my duties and I cannot answer few of those questions- no, listen," she cut in as I opened my mouth, "After a while, when you shall meet the All-Father, you will understand, all your doubts will be cleared. Although, I cannot ask those questions you just asked, I can very much and assure you that you are absolutely safe here- you have my word."

Looking into her eyes, I nodded. If Becky said so, I trusted her. I was safe, but a fear crept in my mind- what about my family?

"You still don't appear relived..." Becky observed narrowing her eyes, "You don't trust me?" she asked pouting.