Here's the first official chapter! :) It's still a little short, but the chapters will get longer as we progress!

Please leave reviews, we're very excited about the feedback!

Disclaimer: Everything except Ireth belongs to Marvel


The palace library was a sight to behold. Ireth had grown up in the royal palace and had spent countless hours in the airy library, reading book after book while leaning against its stately pillars. Even after all these years, its magnificence never ceased to amaze her. Unfortunately, today she did not have time to waste, so she spared only a passing glance at the thousands of shelves before setting off to the hidden doors near the back of the hall.

Ireth carefully hid behind a column and peered at the heavy gold doors. A pair of guards stood watch, their keen eyes scanning the hall for any trespassers. Ireth remembered the guards distinctly, having come by several months ago. She had been attempting to access a long sought after book, only to be harshly informed that this section was "for royal family only." The restricted area held some of Asgard's oldest secrets. Although it had taken considerable effort, Ireth finally found a solution to her problem.

Closing her eyes, Ireth focused her concentration and energy on the illusion she had carefully perfected over the last couple months. Even after copious practice, the spell still managed to drain a significant amount of energy. Luckily, she did not need the disguise for long. Within seconds, Ireth's auburn waves transformed into sleek, jet-black hair, and her sparring attire was replaced with heavy green, black, and gold armor. As soon as she stopped growing taller, she knew the illusion was complete. She opened her eyes and looked down and was pleased to see the hands of a man rather than her own dainty fingers. With a deep breath, Ireth slid out from behind the column and proceeded toward the restricted section of the library.

"Good day, gentlemen," Ireth deeply intoned. She smiled internally at the voice, for it was not her own.

The guards bowed simultaneously before one spoke up. "Good day, Prince Loki. Back so soon?" Without expecting an answer, the guards unlocked the door and pushed it open, revealing columns upon columns of gleaming, well-preserved books. Ireth's hand twitched involuntarily, aching to touch their cool, leather spines.

The door shut with a resounding thud behind the disguised lady. She let out a sigh of relief, finally having the freedom to explore the wonders of the unfamiliar chamber. Surely this was her niche in the world, and her heart desperately wanted to stay read each and every book. Nevertheless, she was on a mission and had little time to spare. It would not be long before the disguise wore her out.

Finding the book she required took slightly longer than anticipated. The books seemed to be organized in some archaic fashion, but she discovered the pattern soon enough. With a delighted smile that looked very out of place on Loki's mouth, Ireth pulled a thin grey book from the shelf. Thankfully, it was rather unremarkable and looked fairly normal, dwarfed by the large jewel encrusted books next to it. With its small size and leather bound pages, Ireth was sure the book would not be missed.

Book in hand, Ireth took one last, longing glance at the room before heading out. Halfway back to her chamber, a giddyness overcame her as she realized that she had been triumphant in her endeavors. She internally giggled with glee that her plan had gone off without a hitch. She was so wrapped up in her success, that she did not notice the dark shadow among the columns until it snaked out and grabbed her tightly around the arm.

"Well, well, well," a mirthful voice intoned, "I'm looking quite handsome today."

Ireth was so shocked to see the actual Loki there that her illusion immediately disappeared, leaving her cowering under prince's gaze. Loki's usually stoic face broke out in surprise, "Ireth?"

Before she could even blink, Loki regained his composure and snatched the book she held in her now lax hands.

"History of the Bifrost?" Loki questioned, arching one eyebrow in distaste. "Seems like a boring book to risk stealing for. Especially for a judge like yourself." Ireth tried to scoff with as much derision as she could muster, which was not much given how she could not think past her beating heart.

"I am not stealing... just borrowing it. To learn," she muttered, her golden-green eyes trying (but failing) to look at him coldly.

"Learn what, pray tell?" Loki lazily drawled, but a genuine interest showing through his emerald eyes.

Thinking her situation could not get any worse, she proceeded to explain.

Having grown up never excelling in the art of battle like her peers, Ireth found adventure in her books. As time passed, her longing for real adventure continued to grow. The worlds outside! All the knowledge she could gain if only she could explore it for herself. Unfortunately, there was no way to leave Asgard, with Heimdall tightly controlling travel on the Bifrost. Being one of Odin's judges kept her confined to the city and if Heimdall knew she was leaving the realm, he would have no choice but to tell the Allfather.

Ireth had read everything about travelling between worlds, but the only real way it seemed would be to 'teleport' through the essence of the Bifrost. But on the actual magic, none of the books could shed light. It was only through weeks of tedious research that she heard mention of this particular book, whose ancient secrets were carefully guarded by the royal family. She figured if she could learn the history, the different magic that made up the Bifrost, then she could access it somehow as well. Then maybe…just maybe…she would be able to go on an adventure herself.

Loki leaned back against the wall, impressed. He seemed thoughtful for a moment, and then casually dangled the book in front of her. "Here, I will loan it to you...on one condition."

Ireth took a step back in astonishment, not believing her sudden good luck. "Anything," she stammered.

Loki chuckled. "When you figure out how to leave here, promise me you will take me with you."