The Maid (DISCONTINUED)

Chapter 10

Montage time: The next several weeks were difficult, as I put myself to the test. Well, actually Loki wanted me too, and I honestly did as well. My first task was to stop being so cowardly, and I succeeded. Week 2 was standing up for myself, which I also prevailed in eventually. Week 3 was being persuasive, bargaining and maybe getting a little fierce to have my way. It took me way longer than a week to complete that task, but I did do it. I had no idea why Loki was testing me like that, but it was honestly a good thing for me. I didn't always feel so scared and weak, I felt like I had a little power, control over myself instead of being pushed around by residents of the castle. I had completely cut ties with Thor, as I knew he secretly disapproved of me, but Odin I still tried to impress. He still acted as nasty and demanding towards me as ever. Frigga liked me though, and would occasionally invite me to clean her personal quarters, which I felt very important to be worthy of that job. I would only see Joanne on occasion, because she was always busy and we worked in separate parts of the castle. So the only person I saw everyday was Loki, and we had become friends. Every time I completed the task he had set for me, he'd tell a little more of his story. It was so heartbreaking and devastating, I'd forget my newfound toughness and cry as he told his tale. From finding out Odin wasn't his real father, to being disowned by everyone but Frigga, to being held solely responsible for the destruction of New York, he had lived a much worse life than I could have even imagined. Being bullied and outcasted for being a peasant was nothing compared to Loki's experiences. As I got to know him better and trust him more, I also revealed my own story, and we slowly bonded over being outcasts together. We were both in the shadows, and were kept there because no one wanted to hear the truth, to understand our struggles and stories. We were just both happy we had found a friend that could relate to our problems with ourselves, and society.

Loki's POV: As much as I'd hate to admit it, I was growing quite fond of Elspeth. She actually took the time to understand me, and never judged my choices and decisions. Of course it was also helping that I'm recruiting her to be a stronger, better willed person. I just couldn't get along with someone who feared everything, and didn't make choices for herself. But so far, I've managed to turn her around and turn her into a better person, one that I could communicate with and grow fond of. Of course the other prisoners noticed our closer relationship, but a bit of persuading and mind controlling took care of it. It was like I was growing closer to Elspeth every day. Her story was saddening, and it was because of that her personality and will didn't stand up to the problems of life. But I'm pleased I've managed to bring her up higher than she ever dreamed of, even if her status didn't follow along with it. If I can keep improving her skills, I may grow even more fond of her, something I've felt towards no one in a very long time. I can't help but feel this way towards the broken, yet kind maid, but I wish I could be certain she was trustworthy. I don't want to have my heart broken again by someone I thought who actually cared about me....