Grace of the Magician: Pt. 5

Seneca woke to Sigyn gently shaking her shoulder.
"Uuuuhhhh-mmmhmmm..." Seneca groaned, rolling over and burying her face in the pillow.
"You've a busy day ahead of you, child," Sigyn said, sitting on the edge of the bed.
"What are we do-do-do-doing?" Seneca said through a yawn, sitting up and stretching.
"I'm sure Loki will explain it to you in time," Sigyn replied, handing her a glass of clear liquid, slightly thicker than water.
"Thanks," Seneca said, draining the glass. The drink tasted faintly of grapes and mangoes, a strange but invigorating taste.
"That should widen and enhance your brain pathways, allowing for advanced magic. I have a feeling you may need it today," Sigyn said, taking the empty glass and leaving the room. Seneca was perplexed as to why Sigyn had said this, the fact being she was only a child, and a beginning magician. Why would she need to perform advanced magic at all?
Pushing the thought from her mind, she crossed to her closet and took down an outfit. Thinking she may have to move around quite a bit today, a dress certainly was out of the question. She pulled on an outfit her mother would never let her wear, no matter where they were going. A black jumpsuit, loose black silk pants, and a black silk robe that only came down to her thighs. She tied a gold leather belt studded with sapphires around her waist, pulled on a pair of black hunting boots and ran downstairs.
"There she is," Loki said, standing by the door and twirling blue light between his fingers. "She looks good even without a dress. Like a warrior."
"Thank you," Seneca said, blushing very slightly. "Where are we going?"
"You'll see," Loki said, pushing open the door and starting down the street to the square, Seneca at his heels.

---

They crossed the square purposefully and quickly, stopping only occasionally to talk to citizens asking about Seneca (clearly they'd heard about the commotion at the palace) or to sample wares from vendors, many of whom were following a new fad: Imported from Midgard.
Ever since the Chitauri had been defeated on Midgard, a massive amount of trading had commenced between Midgard and Asgard. Though many of those in power disapproved of this roaring market, no one attempted to stop it. As long as no one got hurt from the imports, there were no objections.
"Here we are," Loki said, popping a blueberry into his mouth.
"What is this place?" Seneca asked, perplexed. They were in front of a low, unmarked silver building. Unmarked buildings were usually unoccupied, but by the hum of electricity and magic emanating from the walls, it was clearly in use.
"A weapons shop," Loki said as they went inside. "Exclusively available to those in power and my... adoptive family." It was common knowledge that Loki was adopted. The news had spread like wildfire, causing unrest and some violence. "They make better magic-compatible weapons than the Asgard Armory.

---

The two of them sat waiting in the lobby to be taken down to the main level, where Seneca would get to design her weapon. Couriers rushed about, exchanging graphics tablets (Imported from Midgard), cold drinks, and, on occasion, bars of precious metals. No one paid the two any mind, except for one courier.
"Loki!" a voice called, and a female courier rushed over to them, carrying a graphics tablet and a single bar of platinum. "You remember me, right?"
"Agnes," Loki said, getting up and shaking her hand, "how could I forget you?"
"I haven't seen you in forever! Is this your new student?"
"Yes. Seneca, meet Agnes Shoratta, a former candidate of mine. Agnes, this is Seneca Atrilla."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Seneca," Agnes said, dumping her stuff on a nearby chair and shaking her hand.
"The honor-wait, you mean honor, right?"
"Oh, of course! I apologize, I guess I still use my Earth lingo a bit."
"You were a hailed candidate," Seneca said, examining her face. A lock of flowing black hair fell between her bright blue eyes. "You brought back some hope in Loki."
"Yes, I remember," Agnes said, smiling. She turned to Loki. "You're wanted on the main level, by the way."
"Thank you, Agnes," Loki said, leading Seneca towards the stairs.
'Could Agnes be the prophecy child?' Seneca wondered. 'Did Odin chose wrong?'