Chapter 1

The lone figure of a woman made her way down the hallway of the glittering palace of Asgard. Her rushed and frantic pace going unnoticed by those who milled about the palace halls as they were far too distracted from the most recent gossip. Where once only hours go, the palace was silent and peaceful was now overrun with rampant gossip that spread like wildfire with the news of prince Thor's return, the new spreading quickly well beyond the palace walls. Overhearing a loitering couple of servant girls in the kitchens she'd felt the leap of her heart before running itself into an erratic pace. Instantly she knew what Thor's return meant.

Without a second thought she'd left behind her work, no longer caring for it as a single thought whirled through her mind as she passed down the long hall through the chaotic gossip. She paid no mind to the people around her; just as she was an invisible servant girl to them. Not knowing how much time had actually passed since Thor's return left only one thought that drove her- she had to get to the throne room.

In her twenty years within the palace she knew exactly where she needed to go. The All-Father would have already locked himself within the glittering confines of the room where he would be left to think in peace, denying all entrance, even Thor. On most occasions where Odin needed such periods of quiet he would only allow Queen Frigga to join him, having always relied on the opinion of his beloved queen. Despite this fact, she also knew that Odin, with his sense of kingship would not deny an audience with one of his subjects no matter the circumstance. It was that sense of duty that she was now relying on to win herself the opportunity to speak with him.

Reaching the tall embellished doors of the great hall she paused only long enough to take in a deep calming breath to gather her courage. Announcing herself and her purpose to the gold armored guards standing watch they nodded their assent. The doors flung open without a hint of hesitation allowing her entrance.

The hall was silent but for her light foot falls of her slippered feet as she made her way down the long aisle that led toward the glittering golden thrones of Odin and Frigga. Just as she figured Odin sat, his one eye watching her approach as Frigga at his side offered a small smile and nod. Once reaching the throne she stopped at the appropriate distance kneeling before them in a show of loyalty and honor waiting silently for their permission to speak.

"No need for such formality Vitalini," Odin's smooth strong voice filled the room. Even in its softness power seemed to resonate in the empty space.

"My Lord, I've no right to ask anything of you after all that you have done for me, but I must make a request," she spoke her eyes still facing the floor feeling almost ashamed of herself for the selfish request she was about to make.

"You have grown up in these walls, Vitalini," Odin continued, sounding slightly put out by her continued formality. "Ever since my son's brought you into the palace as a ragged orphaned child you have proven yourself a gentle, kind and caring soul with a great deal of loyalty and honor. All traits befitting a Lady or even a Princess I would say. If I had my way you would have been such as you became like a daughter to me."

Vitalini smiled endearingly up at the old god seeing beyond the weariness that hung heavily upon his shoulders to the unmistakable twinkle in his eyes as he spoke.

"I have become well aware of that over the past years. Thor and yourself never miss the opportunity to reprimand me for my decision to remain in my station. I can never thank you enough for what you have done for me but a child with no known family or history to speak of, and pulled from the streets does not have the right to take such advantage of your kindness."

Every word she spoke she could not have spoken more earnestly if she'd tried. There was no denying how grateful she was or how much love she held for the royal family. They had given her more than she could ever remember having- literally.

"All I can do to repay you for that kindness is to do what I can to ensure your own happiness and gladly working for my place here in the palace."

"While I do agree with my husband," Frigga spoke up smiling back in return before turning to her husband to whisper in hushed tones. "Stop nagging at her dear."

"Besides if what I went through growing up with Thor as a playmate," Vitalini paused suddenly realizing that the Thor of the she spoke of was not so much in the past. "Or even now- I don't think I could possibly handle the troubles that come with being a lady as well. I would much rather keep the one trouble."

The king and queen laughed at her open, yet very true statement regarding Thor's brash character. Despite what she said Vitalini loved Thor dearly. As a child he had treated her like a younger sister but never missed the opportunity to play a prank on her along with Loki- although they were both quick to defend her if another child decided to bully the orphaned child.

Momentarily lost in past memories, Vitalini shook herself from such thoughts, forcing them safely to the back of her mind. There was a reason she had come and while she had the courage she must do it. Any playful joking dispersed as the tenseness that had momentarily been pushed at bay returned almost suffocating them within the room. She already knew that both Odin and Frigga were more than likely aware of the reasoning behind her sudden arrival before them.

"Is it true that Thor has returned?"

"It is."

"With Loki?"

"Yes," Odin heaved a great sigh at the admission the stress of the past events clearly weighing heavily upon his mind.

"I have no right- nor can I deny the wrongs Loki has committed. I cannot deny the lives he has taken from the innocent people of Earth-," Vitalini paused searching for the right words, taking the moment to regain control of her slipping calm. "But I beg you please do not kill him for his crimes!"

Vitalini knew she was begging her head bowed low as she kneeled before her king and queen. Her words were desperate, filled with emotions that rolled in a chaotic mass within her before slipping past her lips to form her words. Never had she asked something so incredible from her benefactors. In most circumstances she would never even dream of doing so having no right or reason to attempt to override Odin's decisions. Yet, now everything had changed.

Now- his life was in danger.

No, it had begun months ago when she'd noticed Loki's changes. In learning of his true parentage his pride had been pricked for the last time. Being overlooked and shadowed by Thor throughout their childhood and into adulthood had always weighed heavily on Loki. Finally the moment had come to provide him the chance to prove himself. However, misguided the attempt to prove himself had been she could not deny that she understood his point of view. In the end, his ultimate defeat had only left him more fractured.

Vitalini had watched it happen but could do nothing to help her childhood friend. Long ago he had repelled her, shunning her from his life. It did not matter that in coming to the palace, being offered a place in Odin's court or becoming a palace servant she always had been and always would be a lowly street urchin. As a child she had accepted his decision to shut her out knowing deep down she shouldn't be surprised. Looking back on it now they had been the actions of a lonely child who felt like the outsider in his world and so he had shunned the only other outsider who would dare to get close to him. To this day she would not regret her attempts to console him as he so sorely needed.

She wasn't even sure if he even knew who she was anymore.

"In twenty years despite your freedom to do so you have never come to me with a request," Odin spoke his eye watching her questioningly. "Why make this particular request?"

Vitalini paused searching her mind for an answer that may explain why she was doing it. Already she knew how odd it was for her to ask considering the circumstances surrounding Loki.

"We are the same."

The answer fell from her lips before she could think the words over. But even as she spoke them Vitalini knew how true they actually were. It was what had always drawn her to Loki- an understanding of each other. Together they were both lost souls- outcasts among the glittering golden palace. Even when he had pushed her away that simple fact could not be denied.

"I do not ask that you spare him from punishment, only from death."

She knew she was attempting to make her request seem less outrageous. Loki's actions were not ones that warranted leniency, leaving her well aware of the possibility of death that awaited his judgment.

"Death shall not meet the prince," Frigga's gentle voice cut through Vitalini's revere.

Vitalini looked up at the royal couple, staring up at them slack jawed and shocked. Frigga's words were gentle and understanding just as her glossy eyes that stared back down at her seeming ready to cry. She knew well what both the king and queen may have been feeling with the concerns for the man they had raised as their son and would always think of him as such. Yet, they could not escape the punishment that must be dealt to the war criminal he had become.

"I cannot kill my son no matter his crimes but punishment must be dealt," Odin spoke up at his wife's words as if knowing exactly the thoughts that had passed through Vitalini's own mind.

"He is to spend the entirety of his immortal life in the crystal cells," Odin finished.

"The crystal cells!" Vitalini parroted, her eyes wide with shock at the news.

Vitalini stopped herself from continuing knowing deep down Odin had sentenced Loki to a befitting punishment while managing to spare his life. It was exactly what she had wanted but for banishment into that particular place had stopped her heart cold. She could only imagine that in Loki's mind such a punishment was worse than death. The crystal cells were specialized dungeons constructed deep beneath the palace of Asgard made of a crystal that could never be broken, and possessing properties that vanquished any power or magic from those who touched it's surface. It was a prison set aside from all other prisons meant for only the most powerful of prisoners.

Such a life without the magic that was so much a part of him would be nearly torturous for Loki.

Instantly, a new course of action clicked into place in Vitalini's mind.

"Then let me be his servant to watch him."

The request was made in a moment of haste. The words spilled out without thought but full of conviction that she would never take back. Frigga and Odin looked down at her from their high thrones both staring down at her in shock by her new request. Vitalini continued to kneel undeterred by their strange looks. She merely looked up at them unwavering in wait of their reply.

"His servant?" Odin questioned as if unsure he had heard her request correctly.

"Those who are taken to the crystal cells require a servant to take them their meals.

I would like to remain there to be a companion and caretaker of sorts for Loki. You could also consider it a guard," she answered in her best attempt at convincing him of her proposition.

"A little thing like you- a guard?" Odin laughed at the idea of her in such a position of power.

Vitalini knew his reaction was rather well warranted. It was obvious just by the site of her that she was far from a force of strength and the skill of Lady Sif. Still, she was not absent of the skills to protect herself well enough.

"Loki losing his power will be difficult for him and he will be in need of care," she added pointedly, speaking the truth as knowing the great deal of pain and weakness at losing his power Loki would be feeling. Of course very few were aware of certain capabilities of hers and she preferred to keep it as such.

"This is true," Odin conceded suddenly in deep thought at the idea of Loki in pain, obviously uncomfortable with the idea. "Then it shall be done but be sure to remain beyond the bars," he added warningly. "No matter how weak Loki grows within the cell one touch of that crystal and one such as you will be easily taken down by him, and you will be unable to defend yourself."

"Thank you your majesty," Vitalini thanked them with complete sincerity relief washing through her at Odin's agreement to her request.

Nodding one last deep bow Vitalini

"I should return to my work for now," she spoke beginning to turn away.

"Vitalini," Odin's deep voice echoed through the room stopping her in her tracks. "Are you sure of this?"

Vitalini turned back to her king smiling.

"Have you ever known me to turn away from my decision?"

Odin could only nod in return offering the barest of smiles at her reference to their earlier discussion. It was her way of telling him she would not budge from her course now. Without another word between them Vitalini turned and silently made her way out of the throne room.

Despite her own words, Vitalini felt herself at a complete and total mess on the inside. Her mind was whirling with thoughts and decisions, questioning herself even while at the same time being completely sure in her choice. This was her path. She felt it in her body, heart and soul. Now there was no turning back. There was a great deal to sort out before she followed Loki into his prison.

Tomorrow- she would once again face Loki.