A/N: So, here is my first attempt at a multi-chapter story. Wish me luck! This story takes place quite a bit before Thor.

I haven't done much writing, and I don't think I am very good at dialogue, so I would appreciate any constructive criticism that anyone has for me.

Also, if you have any ideas for this story I am open to them. There's no guarantee that I will use them, but I appreciate any input you have.

Disclaimer: I don't own Thor.

The Healer and the Blossom

Chapter 1

As Loki walked with Thor, the Warriors Three, and their ever present and determined companion, Sif, he decided that today was a day that was worth spending outside. The sun was shining, its rays reflecting off of the gold that was so prevalent on the Asgardian buildings in the city. The temperature was mild, warm enough to permeate the body and give a sense of comfort and well-being, but not so hot as to prevent such activities as sparring and riding.

A few birds flew in the sky, swarming in a patterned chaos above their heads before lighting upon the branches of an ancient tree. The leaves of the tree were a bright and vibrant green, despite the age of the plant, but that was consistent with much of Asgard's flora. Asgard was considered the Realm Eternal, and there was not much that withered and died in the realm. It was a place of consistent health and beauty, locked in a sort of stasis where illness and decay held no place.

That morning after breakfast, Thor had come to Loki and explained his plans for a day ride to the forests bordering Asgard's main city. He did so with such innocent enthusiasm and excitement that Loki couldn't possibly say no. They tracked down the Warriors Three and Sif, although since they generally hung around near Thor that task wasn't too difficult, and told them of their plans.

Orders were given to the stable hands to prepare their horses, and the kitchen staff to prepare a lunch for them to eat during their ride. The group made their own preparations, mostly focusing around gathering their many and various weapons.

Sif donned her silver and red armour and extended the two blades of her sword. Ostensibly, this was to make sure that her weapon still functioned properly, but Loki suspected that she simply enjoyed the feel of the lethal weapon in her hands and the slightly wary looks of those around her when she held her sword. She also ensured that her shield was clean and had no flaws upon its decorated surface.

Fandral, Hogun, and Volstagg each dressed in their armour and picked up a thin blade, a mace, and an axe, respectively. Volstagg also packed a little extra food, certain that the kitchen staff had no idea the amount of food it took to sustain such a warrior as himself. Of course, Volstagg's definition of a little extra equals most people's definition of a hearty feast.

Now, heading towards the stables with his friends, Loki decided that he was glad that he was outside to enjoy the perfect Asgardian day. Loki enjoyed his books and studies, but he also liked to spend the occasional day with Thor riding out of the city. Not that the library was stuffy or closed; in fact it was a very open and light place, with large windows and adjoined balconies where a person could sit and read a book in the sun. But a day of physical activity and fun with Thor was worth leaving behind his research for the moment.

The princes of Asgard weren't the only ones who had decided to enjoy the perfect weather. Many of the people of the realm could be seen strolling through the carefully tended parks and riding along the streets of the city. Loki watched as a man and a woman walked hand in hand by a budding flower bush in quiet conversation, and a young, laughing boy scurried under and fence, chased by a few more children, while his mother oversaw the game with a happy light in her eyes.

A small smile curved his lips as he recalled the games he and his older brother used to play under the watchful eyes of their own mother, Frigga. More often than not they would return from a day of play dusty and rumpled. They would hang their heads under the soft scolding of the mother regarding their conduct, before she would sigh and give them each a quick embrace before ushering them in to change and clean up before dinner.

Most of the time the games resulting in their distressing state were Thor's idea, as he was more inclined to the more physical and adventurous sort of activity. That's not to say that Loki didn't cause his own trouble, but he was less likely to get caught.

Loki had been lost in thought as they walked up to the stable, but now he tuned in to the conversation that was happening around him.

"Do you think you have enough food Volstagg? I'm pretty sure you have brought enough to feed all of Asgard's armies. Are you sure your horse can bear the weight?" Fandral was asking.

Volstagg gave a hearty laugh. "One can never truly have too much food. And you know very well my horse is able to carry me and my lunch".

It was true. Volstagg's horse was by far the largest and strongest of the horses in the stable. Its head was much higher than the other horses around it, with thick, stocky legs and strong hooves. The only other steed that came even close to Volstagg's in terms of height was Thor's.

At this point Sif gave her own input. "Well, with that much food we are likely to be attacked by some beast attracted to the smell your lunch is creating. Although, maybe your own odour will be enough to counteract the smell of the food and repel any monster that might otherwise be interested!"

Rather than being offended, Volstagg only laughed harder before mounting his horse.

Hogun said nothing, only mounting his smaller black horse. Loki and Sif followed suit. As Thor mounted his own horse he commented, "Let us hope that Volstagg does not drive away any beast in the area. I for one would enjoy the opportunity to have a good fight before the day is done."

As he said this, Thor lifted his hammer from his belt and swung around a few times.

"You know Thor, it's a miracle you don't knock down your own horse while you sit upon it. Stop waving your hammer around like an idiot and let us get on with our ride," Loki stated dryly, turning his horses' head in the direction of the city gates.

Thor, Sif, and the Warriors Three spurned their mounts to canter after Loki's, the hooves creating a racket against the stones of the street. They rode through the city streets catching glimpses of the daily lives of the people that Thor was destined to rule over in the future. A woman could be seen tending to her flourishing garden outside of her house. A man a few doors down was showing his two sons how to properly repair a roof. The ring of a blacksmiths hammer on metal could be heard in the distance, and there was a steady buzz of contented conversation in the air.

The companions passed through the marketplace, where vendors could be heard calling out the benefits of their products and keen old women and smart young men bartered for the best price. The people made room for their two princes, bowing in respect as they rode by. Thor smiled at the people around him, and everyone who felt his gaze upon them could not help but be cheered by his light and enthusiastic countenance. Loki responded to the bows of the people with his own respectful nod.

The young group finally reached the gates of the city, where a few guards stood sentinel, alert even in the peace of the day. As they beheld the princes and their companions riding towards them, they moved to open the gate. Loki thanked them as he passed by, and the party left the confines of the city.

The five young men and one young women urged their horses into a brief gallop, reveling in the freedom of the open road before them. They headed into the woods, ready to spend a perfect day in the perfect realm of Asgard, their minds light and their thoughts content and untroubled.