Chapter 11

When I get back to the library, on my way home for the night, I find an odd surprise. Instead of the usual book, there's a folded-up paper. I pause in the isle, unfolding the note, and read:

Someone took something from me, if you find it, you will be paid. It is very dear to me, as it was my mother's. The last place I had it was the throne room and it seems I've misplaced it whilst cleaning. When you find it, please place it into the vase that was broken.

Under the words is a small illustration of a ring of wrapping ivy, the leaves emeralds. A very pretty ring from the looks of it.

Well, I suppose I can stay and look for it for a bit.

Pocketing the note, I make my way to the throne room. When I enter through a servant's entrance, I make sure I'm alone before searching. I walk up to the steps, looking around for the ring, but as I walk more to the side of the room, I have an idea. I hold my hands palms down, then concentrate, I try to use the cleaning magic to call the ring to me. Something comes flying across the room, landing in front of me with a clink. Picking it up, I find it to be a small emerald, shaped like half a leaf.

That's a start. Now, how in the hell do I locate the rest of it? If I stole a pretty valuable ring, where would I take it?

Simple. I'd hawk it. Now, to find a sketchy shop...

I exit out the main doors and hurry down the hall. About halfway down, I intercept a pair of guards, patrolling in their shiny suits of armor. Through their helmets, I can tell they are kinda cute, so I decide to try my luck.

"Excuse me," I say, putting a little honey to my voice. They stop, both grinning.

"Hello, there, what can we assist you with?" The one on the right says, allowing his staff to slack slightly.

I smirk, proud of my acting. "My ring was stolen, and I have a suspicion that it was sold so the thief could have a spot of pocket money. Would either of you know the best place to look?"

"You could try old Bjarke's place, he been accused of buying stolen items many times." Says the left, and I shake my head, acting aggravated.

"I don't know why I didn't think of that! Some days I wonder how I even get out of bed without help!" I laugh and they chuckle. Good, just gotta keep up the act, and I should be just fine.

"It's no problem, darling. We apologize, though, we must get going. Perhaps we'll see you another day?"Says the left, sounding hopeful. I smile at him and nod.

"Perhaps! I thank you once again for assisting me, but I must be off at once!" I do a small curtsy, then hurry away. That was easier than I had thought, and my anxiety hadn't spiked as it usually did... maybe I'm getting better at this acting thing.

I find my way out of the castle and down into the lamp-lit streets. Laughter and music float on the gentle breeze of the night, calming my nerves. People still roam the streets, despite it being a little past midnight. They laugh and some stumble, held up by others, and some children play in the streets as well. Walking up to what appears to be a sober adult, I ask them where I could find Bjarke's shop, and she points down the road.

"Go down to the end of the street and turn right, his shop is right on the corner." I thank her and rush off, following the woman's directions. It doesn't take long for me to come across it, and I arrive just in time, as a small old man is locking up shop.

"Please, wait!" I say, out of breath. He turns and wrinkles his nose.

"And why should I do that, I ask?"He says in an irritated voice.

"Because! I come looking for something. A ring. Please! I absolutely need a ring right now, 'tis my Mother'sday of Celebration, and I forgot to get her a gift!"

"You got money?" He asks, and I nod. He unlocks the door and we go inside.

He walks behind a glass counter filled with jewelry and trinkets, and I scan the case, looking for the ring but I don't see it.

"I have many rings, just take your pick." He says, indicating to the ones in the case. I shake my head, examining them.

"My mother, she has a garden and I was hoping to give her something... relating to her love of pants. She particularly loves vines and ivy." I say, while still looking at the display. He snorts up something nasty and clatters something behind the case. I stand as he sets down a large, flat wooden box onto the counter, and peer inside at the many rings on display.

"These here be my more expensive and valuable items. Just your luck I just received something of what you are looking for earlier today." He picks up a small golden ring, then presents it to me in the palm of his huge hand. I reach for it, and he pulls away.

"No, no. I ain't gonna have you runnin' off with this precious thing. Look, no touch." I nod and he holds it out once more. It appears to be the one I have been searching for. The ring is a slightly wide band, inlaid with emeralds in the shape of ivy leaves.

"Could I see all the way around? I just want to be sure it's what I'm looking for."

"Well, I think it looks fine from here, why-"

"I don't mind if there is a gem missing from it, it gives my father something to repair. He enjoys working with gemstones." I say, and his eyes narrow.

"How did you know there was a gemstone missing?" He asks, suspiciously. I smile, meeting his eye.

"The way you didn't want me to look at it from your side, I just figured it was because of a missing gemstone, or perhaps a scratch in the metal. I'll pay for it, as that's the one I think my mother will want." I pull out the money I had just earned, and he sniffs as he eyes the pieces I set on the counter.

"Well, I think five will be sufficient, here you go, enjoy." He snatches up the money, and I get the feeling I just overpaid him. He shoos me out, and I hurry back through the streets towards the palace.

It takes me no time at all to find my way back through the labyrinth of halls. When I reach the hallway where I had shattered the vase, I rush over to the now-repaired vase. A quick examination of the vase tells me why Loki hated it, as it shows the story of his parents leaving him to die and then Odin stepping in and saving him. My heart races as I begin hearing footsteps walking down the hall adjacent, so I quickly place the ring and missing emerald in and hurry away towards the library.