Work Text:
Iduna sat on the cliffs, looking out over the fjord. It was spring, and the flowers were starting to bloom, creating a vivid tapestry around the meadows in the sunlight. She tried to appreciate the scenery for what it was, and not sink into melancholy nostalgia each time she noticed a flower similar to those she remembered from her childhood.
She heard the town bell ring eleven from down below. She had agreed to meet the young king for lunch at noon, so she had better be making her way back down the mountain now.
As she got closer to the edge of town, more and more people appeared on the road, coming and going. Once in a while, someone would recognize her and they would exchange greetings, but for the most part, she simply passed through unnoticed. She was content not standing out, though, thankfully, being noticed no longer made her sick with anxiety as it once did.
Finally, she was in town, and the noise and bustle of market day provided another layer of anonymity for her, which ended at the castle gate. The royal guards were now very familiar with her, as she had become a frequent guest of King Agnarr.
The steward welcomed her in and led her to the dining room, where Agnarr was waiting. She gave a brief curtsey before the steward left.
“Hello, Iduna,” he said.
“Hello… Agnarr.” She still felt like she ought to address him as “majesty” or something similar, but at least the steward had left already. If other people were around, the familiarity felt all the more awkward.
“Have you been outside today?” he asked. “There were several visiting ambassadors this morning that I had to meet, so I haven’t gotten out yet.”
“Yes,” she said. “I had a very nice walk. It was a beautiful morning.”
He gave a bit of a frown, but then smiled. “After lunch, why don’t we go out to the courtyard, then? What do you think?”
“Of course,” she replied. She did think that would be nice, but, of course, what else could she answer?
Several footmen silently entered and set out plates of food. She wanted to say thank you, but, of course, that wasn’t done. Now it was time to eat.