It was a far cry, but she would try again. She approached the large library, though with less hesitation than yesterday, and filed in behind many officials and nobles who perused the libraries extensive selection. She, however, was not going to read, she was in search of the lone boy from before.
She followed the same path as before, her teal dress flowing and bouncing with every step she took. Her long silver blond hair was curled, bouncing along with her prance. She smiled up at all the tall shelves, the books that crowded them, some untouched covered in dust, and others worn. Some were new and the smell of leather strong in the air. Again, she went back to her skipping, finding the same space where the boy had been before. It was the same time of day as yesterday, after having a tryst with Elma about the fact that seemingly happened to come in her grace late that night, flying right on top of her head, pulled her away from getting there any sooner.
However, the boy was there, pouring into some of the same books, along with new ones scattered all around him. She slowed her skip until she was standing right next to him. He looked up slowly until his green eyes met hers; he seemed shocked to find her there, again. She smiled down at him, taking in his childish features. His dark hair was kept in the same manner, and his dark green tunic and leather pants gave him a devilish look.
He looked away and looked down at his books until he grabbed one and then looked back up to her, handing the book in his hand to her. She had no intention to read it, but if he wanted her to, then she would peruse it while being in his company. Unlike the other boys, he was quiet and not prying her from her name or social status. Of course, by now, they all knew who she was, and they were taken aback by her young beauty, yet she would have none of it.
He seemed almost shy about her presence, but he didn't protest to having her there. She smiled inwardly to herself as she graciously took the tomb and sat across from him like before.
The book he had handed her was an ancient tomb of sorcery, of course, none of her immediate interest, yet surprisingly the book was more lightweight on the information, and she could easily read the text, comprehending some of it to her surprise. She felt the heat from his gaze again from the top of her head, she didn't dare look up, only allow the boy to stare at her intently. He didn't say anything, didn't move or gesture to wanting to strike up a conversation, so instead, he went back to his reading.
I smiled inwardly, knowing that he's accepted my company, and went back to enjoying the book he had graciously given to me.
Soon it was late in the afternoon, the sun setting in the distance causing long shadows to cascade through the large openings above. The boy had not moved from his spot, flipping through the book and studying each page he came to with great detail.
She also did not move, for fear that he would get up and leave if she did, and even so, she couldn't get herself to do that. But she knew she would have to be home before night would fall, and she had very little time now. Begrudgingly she stood up slowly as not to startle the boy, but his head had risen a little at her movement. She walked towards him and handed him back the book, smiling down at him when he eventually took it. His expression was one of surprise and almost hurt.
She could only smile at him as she walked away, bouncing and skipping through the halls and rows of books, leaving him bewildered once again.
Once home, her mother had quickly scorned her for not being home sooner, but she easily put that aside as they talked wistfully through dinner, her misdemeanor forgotten. Once she was in the safety and privacy of her rooms, she glanced over to the window. She drew the chair from her desk and sat it in front of it, pulling the curtains aside a little to get a better view of the garden.
Down below, even in the late of night, she could still see the flowers, glowing and blowing around in the wind. It was cooler tonight, unlike most other nights, but it was a comforting feeling. Unlike the rest of the year, Asgard was usually quite hot, bathed in a never-ending sun. She cherished these nights when it would cool down bearable enough. She sighed to herself, letting her head fall onto her arms which rested on the windowsill.
Through the thickly forested flowers, she could see movement between the swaying leaves. Below, she could see a slim figure, her blond hair cascading elegantly behind her back, her dress hugging her slim form. Around her waist, she could see an arm wrapped around her leg, pale, in comparison to her dress. It was not her own, this one was much smaller, such as a child's.
She peered closer, wanting a better view, but it was cut off, she couldn't see the other figures that were dancing and prancing around her. But she knew, it was the Queen and her sons. She overheard her mother speak to her father about the many afternoons and nights that the Queen would allow her children to run freely through her garden. How they didn't have to act like princes, just be children for once.
She sighed to herself once more and left the window to crawl into bed, falling quickly asleep, dreaming of the dark-haired boy from the library and prancing through gardens of large flowers and sunshine.
The early morning ritual was faced with the same smug and grim composure. She was facing away from Elma as she was forcibly washed from head to toe. She hated to be washed; she would rather do it herself knowing that she had to stand in front of such a woman as Elma. She bore through it though, knowing that she would be able to escape later that evening back to the library. Her mother, once again, was out in the market, conversing and sharing secrets, buying necessary foods and other items. Today, she was free to do as she pleased, fully, without any scolding from her mother.
Today was also the last day of her break, her private schooling would start up again, and she would be forced to attend, along with other mindless children, learning the aspects of Asgard, and the places that it ruled.
"Arms up," Elma ordered, and so she lifted her arms up as high as she would allow them to go, and Elma poured the hot water all down her back, the hot sting soothing her muscles, but also paining her to yelp in surprise. Elma always heated the water too much, it was the sign of her hate, and the desire to burn her was a pleasurable feeling for Elma.
Once dressed in a pink dress, she was free to play, as long as she stayed clean. She wanted, like so many other times, to go out into the start of the forest and play with the mud, but thought against it. She wondered if the boy was there all day, or if he was somewhere else while she was away. She knew there was only one way to find out!
She easily pranced down the stone walkway, taking her time and leisurely looked about. Everything about Asgard was beautiful, immaculate, and over the top. The gold buildings lined up perfectly against the high mountains. Fountains of water poured down into the never-ending sea. It was perfect, a sight she would cherish forever, life on Asgard, though insufferable from nobility, was awe-inspiring.
She was met with the familiar ornate building of the library, though now it seemed more filled with people scurrying about, talking animatedly from person to person. She didn't know many of these people, have not been to an event or party, since she was far too young, but they ignored her just as easily as she was, and skipped right in.
She bounced to the normal area where the boy usually was, though this time, space was empty and cleared out. She wondered if it was like this when he came before she did, and deliberately placed the stack of books for her to sit for the second time she joined him. Did he expect her? She thought to herself. How odd.
She stood in the empty space for some time, looking about, waiting to see the dark-haired boy return, but then again, it was fairly early. She wondered if he wouldn't come today since the school was to start up in the morning, she wondered if he would come at all, or even anymore.
"Hey, what are you doing?" a young voice spoke, and she thought it would be the boy, but when she turned around, it was a young man from her class. A bully, that terrorized her the first day of school by pushing her to the ground laughing as he ran away. His blond hair was long and matted, framing his face awkwardly. His blue eyes typical of that of an Asgardian, and though he did look handsome, his character could speak out against that.
"I'm just looking around, Amund," she scowled at him.
"Seems like you're looking for someone, might I ask whom?" He stepped a little closer to her, she took as many steps back.
"I just told you I'm looking around; can't you just leave me alone?" Her voice was pleading, losing its temper. He scoffed at her and quickly stepped closer to her.
"No, I find that you are irresistible," he spoke, his young voice betraying his words. She could only laugh at him. He didn't seem to understand her reaction and stood there oddly.
"Go back to your mother, I think she would find that line more appealing," she laughed again, but that got him angry. He charged after she and she squealed at his advance, backing away as quickly as she could until he stopped. At first, it made him angry even more, but then he started to squirm. He really couldn't move, stuck frozen in his stance. He struggled more, reaching out towards her, but she took a few more steps back. "What are you doing? Stop it you freak!"
"I'm not doing anything! I swear!" she gasped, his cries for help were being ignored by the rest of the library, and she didn't know what was happening. A tear ran down her eye as she watched him struggle, going from confused to enraged in a few seconds until he was fuming. Then a figure approached them from behind Amund. His dark hair was impossible not to figure out was the boy who sat in this spot. His hand was pointing towards Amund, his lips silently mouthing out an incantation.
"I swear, if you are doing this, I won't hesitate to make your life miserable!" Amund shouted at her, flinching at his harsh words she slumped to the ground and couldn't help but let the tears fall. She watched as the boy approached Amund before he swiftly moved his hands to the side, throwing Amund towards a bookshelf. He slammed into it hard, landing on the ground with a thump. He stood slowly, glowering at her, but shaking his knees.
"I didn't do it, I swear!" she was able to choke out, but this only made him angrier.
"You little-" he was cut off half-sentence as he began charging again when he was thrown even farther away, out into the mess of people down at the very end of the rows. He didn't return, instead, he left the library altogether, but she knew she would pay for that tomorrow.
Suddenly the boy was in front of her, his hand outstretched for her to take. She stared at his palm, not knowing what exactly to do, but to her better judgment, she simply looked away, instead she stared at her hands. The boy huffed, and knelt in front of her, his green eyes serious.
"I'm not going to hurt you," he said, his voice a melodic tune. She smiled, for some reason, hearing his voice was much better than just looking at him. He seemed puzzled for a moment, gauging her reaction with trepidation.
"Thank you," she whispered hoarsely. He seemed as equally shocked at her words. She wiped away her fallen tears, crying left forgotten as she stared into his glowing green eyes.
"Are you okay?" He finally spoke, careful and resistant. She giggled, a small smile playing on his lips, he reached his hand out, and without hesitation she took it.
"Yes, I am now. He doesn't exactly like me very much," she admitted. He was about her height, she noticed, though a little taller in some respects. His boots must've given him some form of height, being quite smaller built than other Asgardian boys.
"I would say otherwise, though his comment wasn't that respectful," his brows furrowed.
"He's teasing, he doesn't know any better," she giggled again. "Maybe now he'll leave me alone tomorrow when school starts." He seemed pleased by this. "I'm Sara."
"Loki," he said curtly, but a small smile was still there. She almost yelped from the name, for she knew it from the many times her mother would speak about the princes of Asgard. He stood back a step, noticing her sudden posture change, eyes wide with shock.
"You're the prince," it wasn't a question, her voice just above a whisper. She instantly dropped to one knee and places her right fist over her heart, bowing her head. "I'm terribly sorry; I didn't mean to intrude on your private studies." Her whole face was blushing crimson at the sudden realization, feeling beyond embarrassed and suddenly very self-conscious.
"Please, stand," he said calmly, she rose slowly, meeting his gaze. He seemed amused by her reaction, but wouldn't show it otherwise.
"Thank you for saving me, but I must be heading back," she said in a rush, wanting to get away, but he stopped her, standing in her way.
"Please, you don't have to go. I want your company," he said, his expression one of worry. For a second she thought of declining him, not wanting to embarrass her further, but she supposed there wouldn't be any harm in sitting in the younger princes company. In fact, she enjoyed being in his company, even though he was just reading.
"Okay, I won't go," she spoke hesitantly but stepped away from him enough to see him fully. Today he was in a darker green tunic, and the same leather pants and boots, his hair was as per usual greased back to show off his perfectly boyish face. He smiled at her, a sincere smile that warmed her heart.
"Good," he said. "Do you enjoy magic?"
"Not really, it wasn't anything that interests me too much. Though the book you gave me yesterday was informative," she lightened at the end when she saw his face drop.
"Then why did you read it?" He spoke, his voice showing his hurt.
"Because you were, I didn't come here to read. I just happened to come across this place. It's very beautiful," she smiled, looking around the area. They were standing in a conjunction of many shelves, a large area, with the tiled stone beneath them in an intricate pattern.
"It is, and it is also quiet," he spoke softly. She met his gaze and saw that he was mildly interested in her. She blushed under his gaze and went back to walking around, gazing down the row where Amund was flown through, but she was happy and relieved that he was gone.
"We can go get your books so you can study again if you'd like," she approached him again.
"Okay," he sounded almost sad. She ignored it, smiling at him and then following him to the section of books in the back. She hadn't been back there, regretting it as soon as she stepped into the aisle behind him. The first thing she noticed that it was considerably cooler back here, no sun reached this part, only the shadows of the light from the end of the row. She shivered, hugging herself before realizing she was a few paces behind Loki. She quickly ran to stand behind him, he seemed to know where he was going, and soon he stopped in front of a shelf and pulled out some books. These ones were dusty, new ones for him to explore, he seemed pleased with his findings, then glanced over at Sara. Her teeth were chattering slightly from the sudden drop in temperature and wondered why he wasn't feeling the same. He shook his head and then grabbed a few more books then motioned for her to leave the aisle. She seemed more than pleased to buy her fast pace to the end and then sighing inwardly as soon as the sun touched her skin.
They made their way back to the large opening, setting down the books as before, and then he rushed over to another section and pulled down more books. He set them in a stack, a seat as before, for Sara. He motioned for her to sit and did as he bid. She watched him move with easy grace for some more books, and then made his own seat, and sat down on top then reached for the nearest book in his stack, which was just as tall as his own seat, and opened the first book, skimming through it quickly, then closing it.
"What classes are you taking in school?" he asked suddenly.
"Oh- I um… I'm taking art classes, including everything else that is required," she was a little shocked, but he was pleased with her answer.
"What kind of art?" He seemed a little bored almost.
"I paint," she answered short and to the point.
"Have you painted on any of the canvases?" This was tricky. Of course, she had painted on the canvases at school, but she was sure he was referring to the more prominent artists that had their show on the market. Her's were for school, and none great enough to be presented in such a tough market.
"At school, yes, but none of it has made it to the market," she admitted, her face dropping slightly.
"I'd like to see your artwork sometime if you wouldn't mind showing me," he offered, his voice light.
"If you want to," she smiled sheepishly at him, but his brows furrowed slightly. "I mean, of course, I want you to see my work! Nobody has really asked me that, I'm sorry if it offended you." She apologized.
"Would you prefer me not to?" He asked his voice sullen.
"I don't mind," she wished that she could get ahold of her wits, he was just a boy, and yesterday if she hadn't known who he was, would be striking up a lovely conversation with him. His brows furrowed even more, but she smiled reassuringly at him.
"Do you like to read?" he asked. He changed the topic quickly, to save further embarrassment on her part, which she was greatly thankful for.
"All sorts, though not sorcery. Not even war stories! They're all the same, the boy fights, wins the girl, over and over. I enjoy the ones of nature, and of artists, there are few of those here though, I've noticed," she babbled.
"My brother prefers the war stories, he always asks my father to tell him of them at dinner. I stick with sorcery, it suits me better," Loki admitted. She smiled, lightening his mood somewhat.
"You must really enjoy it, your magic?" She breathed, wonder laced in her words. She could see a faint blush paint his pale cheeks.
"Yes, I do. Can you perform any spells?" He asks, his green eyes lighting up with hope.
"None that I've attempted," she laughed, shrugging.
"Would you like to try, I have an easy spell you could work on," his eyes lit up even more, and she could only stare at his eagerness. She nodded and stood slowly as he bounced on his heels over to her. "Give me your hands," he ordered, she held out her hand as she was instructed, palm up. He placed his hands on her, cupping her small fingers carefully, the slim cool feeling of his soft fingers splayed under hers. In an instant, she felt a tingle flow through her palms, and she yelped a little when a small flame formed just above her hands. She wanted to take her hand away, in fear of being burned, but she didn't, she only stared in wonder.
"Wow," she breathed, the glow of the fire igniting her eyes.
"Beautiful," she heard Loki breath under his breath. She looked up to see him staring intently into the flame, wonder etched on his face.
"It is," she added, and soon the flame flicked away, leaving behind smoke that rose into the air.
"Did you feel it? The fire?" He asked.
"I did, it was strange at first, but it felt like it was humming against my skin," she rubbed her hands together, remembering the faint feeling that was still running through her palms. "How did you do that?"
"You have the energy for it, I just channeled it the way it was supposed to," he commented as if she was supposed to know it.
"So you can produce fire, and control boys. You seem to be very talented," she smiled at him, and he smiled back at her.
"Will you be here tomorrow?" He asked his voice hopeful again.
"If you want me to, but it probably won't be until later. I get home from school late in the afternoon," her head drooped a little.
"You could join me for dinner tomorrow," he inquired, but she instantly took a few steps back shyly.
"Um, I really couldn't impose. Your family seems-"
"They will not mind, you will be a guest!" He smiled, and she couldn't honestly say no to that face. She giggled at his excitement, and she nodded her head nervously, but he smiled even brighter. "You will meet me here tomorrow, and I'll take you to the palace!"
"Okay," she nodded sheepishly again and smiled at him. "Well, I know you aren't done the reading, you went to all that trouble getting the books, lets at least give you a moment to look them over."
"I've read those, many times over. I have them memorized, I just get them from time to time to brush up, but I would rather us go somewhere else," his smile turned into a smirk.
"What did you have in mind?" She didn't want to be further rude to the young prince.
"Follow me," he ordered, she followed closely behind him and then stopping short.
"What about the books?" She glanced back at the set of tomes that still perched in a stack.
"Someone will take care of it. Come on!" And so she skipped alongside him, watching the back of his head. He turned, and he was smiling as they both walked out of the library, not noticing the strange looks that the nobles gave them as they marched out on a mission.
He turned around at some point, his face admiring her appreciation as she followed closely behind, he could only smile to himself. He began picking up his pace, running eventually but she kept up easily, running with ease, her feet padding on the ground. She enjoyed this and began laughing, her fit of giggles escaping, and reaching over to Loki, who began laughing as well.
The laughter and enjoyment on his face seemed so fitting, yet so foreign to the young prince, but he couldn't help himself, he was enjoying her laughter. Once they were far from the library, taking a left, they ran straight, the path thinning into a single block, and then it eventually turned into dirt. She enjoyed the feeling of it as it ran between her toes; the squish between her feet caused her to laugh even harder. Pure bliss.
"Not much farther, just through here," Loki told her, finally turning around slightly to grab her hand and pull her through the brush. Once through, he didn't let go of her hand, but clasped onto it, continuing his running, and she right behind. She seemed almost nervous, Loki could feel her aura sending that off, but he just squeezed her hand in reassurance, he wouldn't let anything happen to her.
They turned slightly to the right, the sound of a creek in the distance, the furling of trees and green plants sticking out of the ground, growing thicker as they ran farther into the forest. This was an area that she hadn't ever been, and feared to step foot even near this area, but the farther she went, the more she seemed to be at ease. This was her nature, this was a beauty to her eyes, and she watched in awe as the brush above them began to thicken, shrouding them from the impending light from the sun.
There was another thick amount of brush ahead of them, hiding whatever mysteries lie behind it. Loki stopped right before the brush began, a large wall now standing in front of them. She stood and tried to catch her breath, a smile plastered on her face as she gazed up at it in wonder.
"What's this supposed to be?" she asked, reaching her hand out to touch it, but Loki grabbed her hand before it touched the leaves.
"Don't touch it, there's only one way to get in there," Loki warned her, taking her hand in his and giving it a reassuring squeeze. She blushed but didn't look over at him, not until he tugged her closer to him. "You can only get in by magic. I've bewitched the hedge if you touch it; it will pull you into its fortress and hold you there until I come for you. Animals get caught in here all the time; I've fixed it so it only affects someone." He held her hand more tightly, and then he grabbed for the other, and turned both hands palm up and placed his hands on hers like before. She felt the familiar heat run through her palms and then the fire sparked to life. She gasped in wonder once again, but soon his hands slowly left from under hers. She looked up at him worriedly, but he only smiled at her, a small smirk playing on his lips. "Place your hands near the hedge." He ordered softly. She hesitantly moved her hands near the hedge, and before she knew it, the hedge began to move away from the fire, suddenly, it shuddered and it parted before her, the rush of wind coming from behind extinguishing the fire in her palms. She jumped back as the hedge parted further until a person could walk through.
A haze, fog, poured through the opening, and she was hesitant to walk through, but Loki grabbed onto her trembling hands and then led her into the haze, through the opening. What was behind, she couldn't even put into words.
