Hey everyone, I am so glad that you are enjoying this! I am writing this here before I forget but Ingemar is pronounced:Inje-mar so in-ju-MAR (ju kind of rhymes with chew and Mar like Mark.) is how I have been doing it.

Thor watched Loki as they ate lunch. His brother was up to something, and he knew it. His brother, every the mischievous one, would play along with silly faces when their parents were distracted. Half the fun was trying to not laugh at one another. Today, Loki preferred to stare down at his bowl while he ate. Thor thought it may because the weather was slightly better with only a grey sky and stopped raining.

Loki was still mindful of his manners though. He did not slurp or spill his soup, even if he was shovelling the stew into his mouth using pieces of bread. Thor was at least thankful his brother was present this time. Yesterday, it was just Thor at lunch because of his family's meeting. It was uncomfortable, and reminded Thor about how he disliked being alone for meals.

Thor took a few more spoons of stew as he listened to his mother talk about some upcoming event that they'd surely have to go to. He was settling into dinner when he heard Loki speak up. His voice quivered a bit with nerves. "Father. Mother. May I be excused please?"

Odin looked to his wife with an eyebrow slightly raised, as if asking his wife for answers. Frigga gave a small nod. "Yes son." Odin spoke as they continued the conversation. Frigga glanced over with a smile as Loki walked politely out of the room with his hands behind his back. He barely made it through the door threshold before bursting into a run. His steps echoed down the hall, causing Frigga to let out a giggle.

Thor squinted at the door as he decided once he finished he would find Loki to understand what caused his brother to act so weird.

Loki barrelled through the marble halls with great speed, taking every twist and turn to get to the library as quickly as he could. Upon reaching the hall, Loki slowed down to his usual pace as to give the pretense of being calm and not stir suspicion. Ingemar was waiting outside the library with her back leaning against the stone wall. She was far more casually dressed that day, with a pale yellow dress and dark grey tights. Her hair wasn't in any ridiculous hairstyle but instead a half-up ponytail tied with a large ribbon. Ingemar glanced up from staring at the floor. I

"Loki, I was beginning to think you were otherwise occupied today. With how nice it is out."

Loki shook his head. "I like to keep my word." He grinned at her before leaning his towards forward. "We could take advantage of the nice weather. I have a great idea planned if you'd like, instead of just sitting in the library." Loki's eyes glint with mischief. Ingemar tilted her head as she thought about it, her amber eyes flickering with curiosity. She was reading his body language, and Loki could see concern flicker across her face.

Loki pouted a bit at this before he held out his hand. "Trust me?" He raised his hand up, hinting for Ingemar to take it. Ingemar's hand hovered over his for a moment, before she placed it into his hand.

"I'll trust you Loki." he gave her a toothy grin before giving his hand a comforting squeeze. Loki led her through the hall slowly, keeping an eye on who was around. He was glad that no one was paying them any mind. After all, they were just two small children. Ingemar continued to cling to Loki's hand; putting all trust in him. She noticed that Loki was naturally cold to the touch at first; but figured it was natural. Her eyes were glued to his back, right between the shoulder blades and avoided anyone that they passed.

After a few more twists and turns, Loki reaches two doors. He pushed one open, revealing the outdoors as the wind winded around the two. Ingemar looked out and saw they were at a beautiful garden. Large trees, with a few bearing fruit, surrounded the edge with a stone wall behind them. All sorts of flowers were spread throughout. Many not native to Asgard, but still beautiful. A stone path circled around so one could see all the flowers, and life. In the middle was a pond. It was encircled by lilies, and other plant life. Different animals were scurrying around; ducks in the pond, ravens in the trees, and the occasional rodent or snake skittering across the grass.

"Here we are."

Ingemar was in awe, as she grounded herself by clinging to Loki's hand with both of hers. Loki glanced back and grinned at her. "It is nice and quiet here. The only time people come out is to walk and gossip. Or if Thor and I come to play." Loki walked them over to the pond and sat down on the edge of the water and slipped off his shoes so he could splash his feet in the water. Ingemar let go of his hand to unbuckle hers and Loki couldn't help but feel a shiver of cold run through him that started at his hand.

He shrugged it off and decided now that Ingemar had gotten comfortable, he could start doing what he wanted to show her here.

"Watch this." Loki spoke, as he glanced over to Ingemar before staring at the pond. He waved his hand before setting it down as Loki stared at the pond. A green shimmer appeared on the pond before a mirror image of the duck swimming about appeared. The original duck, who was known to be quite territorial, began to squawk and flap its wings. Ingemar was focused on the two ducks as the imitation one began starting to flap its own wings. Her mouth was slightly agape and eyes shone with wonder. The real duck got upset at it and swam at the illusion. It disappeared as soon as the duck touched it, causing the animal great confusion.

Ingemar giggled into her hands, which reminded of Loki of bells or how he pictured light elves would. They watch the duck calm down and continue to swim the pond, his head raised high as if the duck itself had defeated the rival.

"That was fantastic Loki." Ingemar finally spoke as she stared at the water as ot moved. Loki could see the spark of interest in her eyes. Loki nudged her gently with his elbow as he gave her a soft smile. He leaned close to speak with her as if it was a secret.

"You could try?" Loki offered as he held out his hand again to her. "I could teach you some."

Ingemar's hand immediately went to tuck her hair behind her ear, clearly a nervous tick of hers that Loki noticed over the day and a bit of knowing her "I would like that. To be truthful though, I know some already."

His eyes widened in curiosity. He had not met many others who could do magic. Even fewer closw to his age. His green eyes lit up and his grin returned. "Would you should me?"

Ingemar gauged his response to make sure it was one of positivity not scrutiny. When Ingemar was confident in herself that Loki was not looking for something to tease her with, she nodded and began waving her hand a bit. Her brow wrinkled as she focused on the water in front of her. Loki enjoyed seeing her amber eyes focused in concentration, it was like a fire was lit behind them. His eyes drifted when he noticed movement towards the water. Little drops of water were beginning to rise off of the surface. Ever so slowly and carefully the water came towards her outreached hand, its movements reminiscent of how the pond water was moving. In her concentration, Ingemar's jaw clenched shut. The water started to swirl around her fingers.

"LOKI!"

A voice rang out behind her as Ingemar jumped slightly and the water fell onto Ingemar's dress. Loki and Ingemar looked back as they noticed the blond prince coming towards the pair, his hand waving wildly in the air.

Loki's stomach dropped as he saw Thor. He absolutely loved his brother he did, but Loki was enjoying his private friend to discuss magics and things that would bore Thor.

"Thor." He muttered and began to stand up, sort of shielding Ingemar from his brother's view as Thor ran towards the two.

Thor raised a brow at how his brother was posed. Behind him was a timid looking girl. Loki was hiding a new friend of his from Thor, but Thor was not sure why. They shared most things, even if it was just telling each other.

"What are you two doing?" Thor questioned as he stood in front of Loki, crossing his arms before raising an eyebrow. "Also, who are you?"

"In-ingemar." the girl murmured quietly. Amber eyes were staring at the ground towards Loki's feet in front of her as if she was not sure how to react now. Loki, already becoming quick with the silvertongue, spoke to his brother.

"Ingemar and I were waiting for our stomachs to settle before we started any type of game." he lied since he felt it not right to share Ingemar's magic with Thor.

Thor hesitated and dropped his arms as he thought over his brother's words. Loki's eyes were staring to Thor with a silent plea to just go with his words and not scare away his new friend. Either his brother believed him or caught on fast. Loki was not sure

"May I join?" Thor asked, his gaze looking more to Ingemar and a tone more calm. Thor stepped over a bit and crouched down.

Loki glanced over at Ingemar as she looked up. It was clear that the girl recognized Thor as someone to be respected. She reminded Loki of being a rabbit with how skittish she was around new people. Yet around Loki, she had quickly trusted him.

"Su-sure. What would you like to play?"

Loki interrupted immediately before Thor suggested they re enact battles. "Let's do hide and seek. Thor can be it."

Thor seemed excited by the game, nodding and covered his eyes with his hands before anyone else could speak. "No leaving the garden though! I'm not chasing both of you through all of Asgard like I had to last time Loki."

Removing a hand, he gave Ingemar a teasing look. "He hid over at the bakery before sneaking back to the library." Thor covered his eyes again and began counting.

Loki smiled as he put a finger over his lips, with the other one reaching out for Ingemar. She was looking around as Loki guided her towards the edge of the garden while Thor started counting.

"4, 5, 6…"

When they got far enough away that Thor could not hear them, Loki spoke quickly and quietly.

"Thor is typical. He'll start in the obvious places. Trees and glancing behind the bushes. He also listens for the duck to give me away."

"18, 19, 20, 21…"

Ingemar nodded while standing for a moment, and glancing behind Loki. Her eyes widened as an idea struck her and she smiled. It was a far-off plan, but it'd work. Ingemar practically dragged Loki to the bush, who stumbled at first before he raised a brow. "I just said hiding behind the bush won't work." He spoke in a loud whisper.

Ingemar shook her head. "We aren't hiding in it. But rather, under." Ingemar laid down on her stomach as she scooted under the bush. It was a place that had some flowers in front of it creating a perfect cover. She had made sure her dress was not sticking out in any way either.

Some of her hair was catching in the underbrush but she didn't mind as her cheek laid against the cool dirt. Loki debated for a moment before he followed suit as he crawled in with his face staring at hers. Opposite cheek laying on the dirt.

Both smiled as they tried suppressing their giggles for the brilliant idea. Thor continued to count up to 50 before he finally started walking around the bush. He was quite into the idea of a hunt. Thor's footsteps were getting closer and closer to them as both held their breath, with Ingemar covering her mouth, and stared at each other.

"AHA!" Thor shouted before letting out a loud whine.

Thor was beside them, his shoes being seen between the flower plants. He had believed they were hiding under the bush. Ingemar made a cringed expression, waiting for the moment that Thor realized they were there as she looked to Loki in concern. Neither dared to move a muscle until Thor's footsteps were becoming faint. Loki could hear his brother's yelling in the distance as Thor searched through the trees and bushes, becoming more desperate.

Loki was waiting until his brother's temper got the best of him and he flipped out. Glancing to check on Ingemar, he noticed she had her eyes closed and her breathing was relaxed. The hand that rested on her mouth now laying in front of her. Ingemar fell asleep while hiding. Loki chuckled at the reaction.

"Dang it Loki! Where are you?" Thor shouted followed with a loud splashing noise that was possibly a rock being thrown into the water.

Loki moved his arm to shake Ingemar. Her amber eyes slowly opened to be half lidded and he gestured to leave the bush. Both crawled out as Loki called out.

"We win!"

Thor ran over as he raised a brow. "Were you using magic?"

"Nope. We just outsmarted you brother."

"I checked those bushes though!" Thor proclaimed, getting really close to Loki. Ingemar finally butted in.

"Loki said you'd check behind the bush… so we hid under it." Her voice quivered a bit but Ingemar was trying to keep her eyes up. Loki glanced over to see the girl's hands were shaking a bit.

Thor seemed to pause for a moment, looking at Ingemar, before he realized the logic behind it and burst into laughter.

"Loki's found a good friend." Thor declared as he smiled. "Loki should be it this time though." Before Thor started running off to the side.

The trio continued this game for another hour or so. Loki found Ingemar quickly who hid in the apple tree but it took longer this time than usual to find Thor; who chose a new type of hiding place upon Ingemar's recommendation. Right in the pond's plant without even the duck seeing him.

Ingemar chased the brothers the third time. Loki had almost given up on her finding him when she finally had poked him in the side causing Loki to yelp loudly and stumble into the flowers, covering himself in pedals.

Thor was found quite quickly afterwards because of his laughing at Loki's misfortune. Even Ingemar had begun to laugh at him. His hands were covered in a sticky substance from the plant as Loki grinned before waving his hand and chasing Ingemar. She squealed and ran, Thor following Ingemar's lead when he saw Loki trying to get either of them with his sticky hands.

He chased the two around the garden until he stopped Ingemar right near the pond with a rock blocking her other exit. Grinning Loki got closer as she took a step back. The edge was slippery and her heel slipped away.

She shrieked as Loki tried grabbing her hand, only to be pulled in during the process.

Thor saw this as he decided it was best to join the other two into the pond. The duck let out angry sqawks on the otherside of the pond before flapping its wings. It charged towards the three youth as they let out another yelp before the trio ran towards the castle, not caring about their soaking clothes. Thor was the quickest and arrived at the door. He opened the door and waited for the two to get there. The other two slide inside before Loki and Thor grabbed the door and yanked it shut just as the duck arrived. The angry flaps of wings could be heard outside of it as they all sat on the tiled floor and took a moment to process the situation that happened. All three began to laugh.

This was how the three were found by Frigga on her walk to find Loki to see if he was coming for his lesson. Thor was leaning on the wall and clutching his stomach, whereas Loki laid on his stomach with his hands under his head. The girl Frigga did not know was laying on her back with her arms spread and staring at the ceiling.

It appeared that Thor was telling a hilarious story.

"So, as we are walking through this bush, Loki and I walk much too close to this bird's nest. Of course, they just had laid their eggs so these two birds chase us as father is watching behind. They got a good chunk of our hair before they finally let us be. It suited to be apart of their nest."

"Thor had to cover that spot by arranging his hair for a few months until it grew back." Loki added as Thor rolled his eyes.

"You used magic to hide it!" The girl was giggling and did not notice the Queen. It was Thor that did first.

"Mother!" he exclaimed happily as Ingemar's eyes widened and she scurried to get up and curtsey.

"Your highness." She spoke, staying curtseyed for a moment before standing upright and fiddling with her dress that was sticking to her from the damp.

"Why hello you three. It appears you must have been up to something." Frigga spoke, her tone could be seen as judging unless you knew her and realized she was more curious as she waved her hands. "Could this be the reasons that the ducks are so upset this afternoon?"

Thor and Loki looked at each other with a guilty expression as they nodded. "We were playing hide and seek. Then chase but we fell into the pond and it made the duck mad."

Thor puffed his chest proudly. "I was the fastest at outrunning the goose mother."

Frigga smiled at the boys as she looked to Ingemar. "I hope they were not too much to handle." Ingemar shook her head wildly. She was biting her lip and keeping quiet. Loki wanted to help Ingemar out but knew it would be far more difficult to have someone be less afraid of a queen than another child.

"Well I think you three should go change, before you catch an ailment and require the medics." The three nodded as Thor immediately scrambled up. "But Ingemar, could I speak with you a moment?"

Loki paused, looking between Ingemar and his mother. He wanted to stay with her and interfere but the look his mother shot him ceased that idea. He had yet to perfect masking himself or creating a full form version of himself.

As he walked, Loki worried what his mother may say to Ingemar and if he'd see her again.