Author's Note: This story has been a long time in the making; I started it after the first time I watched Rise of the Guardians (Near the DVD release of it) There is around 12k words written for it and it's still on going. I just decided to post it, almost two years since it was started. I am happy since this is one of my stories that I actually still like after all that time. ^^ This story came up from the idea that I though Jack, even as Loki's son, wouldn't take Loki's destruction of New York lightly. People, probably a lot of children, would have died in that, so needless to say my story will have a lot of emotions and anger, but of course my writing style of sprinkling in humour will also be there. (I can't do pure angst)

This will be updated weekly unless I reach a certain review goal I post up on the chapter; if it is reached another is posted that day. This chapters goal is 5 reviews.

I would like to thank my beta reader, The Glass Sea, for all the help by helping me make it better by getting rid of most of the dumb spelling errors I made. ^^

Disclaimer: I do not own Avengers or Rise of the Guardians or any of the characters

It all began with a young Asgardian that came to Midgard for a break; he was looking for a sanctuary from the brutish society from which he hailed from.

He came to this realm for the simple reason that there was not too many dangers (making it so his brother wouldn't insist in coming as well) and their lives were short and any wrongs done were forgotten by a decade; maybe even less. He was quickly charmed by the Midgardians, they lived for such a short time and they did not squander it; many, mainly the lower-class, lived their lives by simple values and a goal to survive. They were much like ants the way they scurried around; the humans were always busy. Their goals either were to survive or find peace in their short chaotic time. The chaos made them interesting; more so than the Aesir.

They knew not of the immortal that rested in their town; Loki was dressed down in the ratty hand-sewn clothes that the mortals wore. They were of better make (since they were summoned by magic) than some of the lower class peasants, making the god look like a middle class traveller. He even forsake his usual habit of slicking his hair back to blend in, instead his hair was wild and messy from Midgard's untamable wind. He blended in as well as he could, but he still got multiple curious glances and stares since newcomers were the most interesting thing in the little town.

The streets were full of people even though cold snow fell from the sky. Children ran around and laughed, neighbors treated each other well since they appeared to lack the need for pointless bloody brawls. They seemed to prefer to save their energies for work and keeping their family's well. It was far different than Asgard where certain behavior was expected, hierarchy was everything and fights were the norm. And Loki loved it.

When it came to be night during Loki's vacation, he went to the tavern. It was alike to Asgard's, but the people seemed to be more familiar with each other; people greeted each other by name and spoke of topics only relevant to the citizens. (Such as farming and livestock.) The feeling of being an outsider seemed to follow the dark haired god wherever he went. He stood to leave when a slender hand grabbed Loki's own.

"Please do not leave sir, the night's still young." Loki turned to face a woman. She had the common Midgardian colouring of brown in both her eyes and hair, but her face was feminine and detailed with intricate spots. Freckles, Loki recalled what the humans called them. She was genuinely beautiful unlike an Asgardian women who often make themselves pretty by Asguardian standard with magic and powders.

"I guess I could stay, for awhile at least my lady." If this wasn't Midgard; Loki would suspect this lady to be a fae with her sway over him.

The woman smiled and with a childlike enthusiasm she said, "Travellers always have the best stories, come join us!"

The woman grabbed Loki's wrist to guide him once again, and he noticed that her hands were rough with calluses, likely from work. She guided him to the middle of the tavern with a small group of people.

"Traveller? May you tell us your name and some tales?" The woman's smile was blinding; Loki couldn't refuse such enthusiasm.

"I am Loki and..."

The townsfolk let him speak and he felt appreciated for once, even though to the people he was simply tonight's entertainment. For most of that night Loki told outrageous and entertaining stories from Asgard. The small group of humans listening quickly turned into the whole tavern. Everyone smiled and laughed, but his focus was on the brown-eyed mortal. Every-time she laughed her eyes did the same; she was either the best liar he had seen or the most honest person. The green-eyed god couldn't help but smile with her and her honest eyes.

Days passed and Loki continued his stay at the mortal village. He had befriended the mortal woman, and she befriended him. Over the days Loki barely left the woman's side. She showed him her life, and the Asgardian prince even attempted assisting her, much to her amusement. He had no idea how to milk a cow or to steal eggs from hens. (Midgardian chickens were truly fearsome beasts.)

The woman was everything he wanted; she loved mischief; both her own and his, she had a fantastic sense of humour (more so than any of his suitors on Asgard), she was so honest and open with her thoughts and emotions (it was refreshing to be around so different from him), and she had a childlike fascination in everything; but she was a mortal, so it was never to be.

Her life was short and he was sure the whole of Asgard would mock both her and him for it if he brought her there to live out her short life with him. He could imagine that fascination and honesty vanishing after constantly being torn apart verbally. It wasn't something that could be done or something he would do to her so Loki decided to leave before he grew even more attached.

"I plan to leave tomorrow." Loki spoke evenly even though his words sent feelings of sadness and loss rippling through his chest.

The woman shrugged, "All travellers leave eventually," and she leaned in to kiss Loki, "But they may return if there is something to return for."

Running on emotion instead of logical, rational thinking, the god returned the kiss.

Loki's last night was eventful to say the least. After such a night he was remorseful to leave, but he knew eventually Thor would notice his absence. (Probably when he wanted to go on another silly adventure.)

"Do you have any plans of returning?" The mortal woman asked as they both walked out of her bedroom.

Loki paused then spoke, "I will my dear," Loki decided sometime during the night that returning to see the woman again would not hurt."But my homeland may have need of me for a time."

"I will take that as a promise," the mortal woman kissed Loki one more time and he drew her into a hug which lasted longer than the usually friendly hug. He slowly moved his hands away while staring into her honest dark eyes. He slowly moved to the doorway and out it; he looked back to see her watching with unshed tears in her eyes. He turned away, but his heart still hurt at her pain.

Loki walked for a long span of time before summoning the Bifrost. Little did he know that he was followed and that wet brown eyes watched the rainbow light that took him home.