My lesson with Sif went well. She taught me more advanced sword fighting maneuvers and blocks today, and I kept up. She was still going easy on me, only using the moves she had taught me to block and attack, but when we sparred she actually broke a sweat now. After we were done and putting things away, Sif came up to me and laid a hand on my shoulder.

"You're doing great." She smiled at me before dropping her voice and turning to block us from Asa's view. "I heard Loki's been causing problems for the guard lately. It might be a good idea to go see him." Sif said. She knew that I'd snuck in to see both him and Thor every now and then since I'd gotten my teleportation back.

"Odin's watching me too closely today. He's wanting to start the next phase. He thinks I'm strong enough, now." I explained. "He's announcing it at dinner tonight." I continued. Sif frowned at the ground, but nodded. She knew it was too dangerous for me to try to see them today.

"Should I be worried?" Sif asked me. "You know they made me promise to keep you safe. Even if that meant-"

"Getting me off of Asgard, I know." I finished for her. "But you know I would never leave them here." I told her. Sif sighed deeply and nodded, knowing I would never agree with it. She left me with Asa, excusing herself for her duties.

Asa walked with me back to my room in the infirmary for me to take a shower before lunch. I took a shower quickly and Asa laid out a dress for me to change into. Once I had the dress on, Asa curled and did my hair, adding little jeweled pins to keep it up.

For lunch, Bruce, Korg, Miek, Asa, and I ate in Frigga's garden. Only Bruce was allowed to attend dinners with Odin, the council, and me. Bruce had been reading up on the different materials found here and the science of their medicines and medical equipment. Because of his ability to absorb information, he'd been extremely helpful and was frequently in the infirmary to help the healers. He wasn't allowed to help, or even be in the room, for my treatment, though.

Korg and Miek had jobs in the castle guard. They patrolled the streets of Asgard and, from what they've told me, they loved it. It was a good job for them, but I couldn't help but feel like they were trying to isolate me from my friends. Luckily, we were allowed to have lunch everyday.

"You look better today." Bruce smiled at me. Yesterday, all foods made me nauseous, even just smelling it made me nauseous, so I couldn't really have lunch with them.

"I am," I smiled back and took my seat.

"I've been hearing things around the castle about there being an announcement at dinner tonight." He continued. "You know what that's about?" He asked and poured me some tea.

"Thanks," I said and took a sip before answering his question, "Odin's going to start preparing me to strengthen Asgard." I told him. Asa brought in our sandwiches and cakes next and set them on the table for us.

"Thank you." Bruce said to her and took a sandwich for himself. Korg and Miek immediately went for the cakes. They had a big sweet tooth.

"Mmm," Korg mumbled as he stuffed a cake in his mouth. "This is delicious, what is this called?" He asked with his mouth full.

"Don't talk with your mouth full." I scolded before looking over at what he was eating. "I think that's a gornberry cake." I told him. We had it a few days ago, but Korg had a different cake then.

"I love gornberries!" Korg exclaimed with Miek joining in.

"Have you ever had them before?" Bruce asked curiously.

"No, why?" Korg answered, making me snort laughter. "What? What I say?" Korg asked curiously and tilted his head to the side, making me laugh louder.

I started eating my own sandwich after I stopped laughing. It was peaceful in the garden and ensured that the silences were nice instead of awkward. When I was done eating, I waited for the others to be as well. Bruce was finished eating next, but Korg and Miek were bottomless pits. They always finished the rest of the food.

"Have-uh," I started poorly in asking Bruce a question, "have you gone to see Hilde this week?" I asked. Unfortunately, no one, but the palace officials, were allowed to speak to the princes, so Bruce couldn't see them. He could, however, talk to Hilde.

"I tried, but they sent her to the forest on some kind of mission." Bruce told me, making my eyes widen.

"The forest?" I questioned out of shock. "But, it's dangerous!" I said and sat up. "Is Odin trying to get her killed?"

"What's wrong with the forest?" Bruce asked me.

"Dark creatures live in there. Mostly Goblins and Half-Elves. Goblins are brutal while Half-Elves are magic." I explained. "And he just let her go out there?"

"I'm sure she's fine." Bruce told me and covered my hand with one of his. "She's the best fighter I've ever seen, and we live with superhero's. She'll be back in no time." He assured me.

"And, if she isn't?" I asked. "What then?" I waited for an answer, but something else drew my attention away. Emil had joined us outside and was speaking to Asa. This wasn't unusual since I requested him to be my guard for the times I leave the palace to go to the village. What was unusual was was the way he placed his hand on her lower back as he spoke to Asa, and how red her cheeks got by the contact.

I openly stared at them as Emil leaned closer to talk to her. I smiled at them until Asa's smile turned into a worried frown and she looked up at me, nodding her head at whatever Emil was telling her. I furrowed my brow when Emil stepped back and looked at me. He started making his way toward me and I stood up from my chair, completely ignoring the confused questions from the others.

"What's wrong?" I asked once I was close enough. Emil sighed and gave me a smile to try and make me feel better, it didn't work.

"I'm not entirely sure." He told me.