Author's Note: Now, we dive into the real story. The last chapter was a prelude of a sort, so this chapter jumps backwards in time. I apologize for changing the story title and summary. For me, it was an artistic choice that I hope you'll forgive. Anyways...Please keep in mind that the main characters in this chapter are equivalent in age to what would be 7 or 8 in Midgardian years. They are just more intellectually spoken because, hello, this is Asgard. I hope you enjoy this chapter and reviews would be wonderful. Especially if you want a quicker update.

This chapter's song is Headlock by Imogen Heap. I feel it captures the tone of the chapter well.

Disclaimer: Still don't own Marvel characters or Norse Mythology.

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"Aveline! Come here this instant!" Asfrid cried from across the kitchen.

Aveline jumped in fear and hauled her tiny body up off her bottom, then marked the place in her book, sliding it underneath the oven she had been leaning against. She weaved through the cooks, servants and maids bustling about the kitchen, then stopped just shy of Asfrid, panting and face flushed.

"Yes m'am?" she squeaked, clasping her hands behind her back.

"There you are, silly girl," Asfrid sneered. Asfrid was a large, burly, gruff, intimidating woman who provided service to the palace of Asgard through the work of orphaned middle aged children. Aveline, regrettably, was one of two youngest children who were forcibly given duties and tasks to uphold in the house of Odin. However, Aveline hardly ever saw other young coworker, Errick. Because he was a boy, Aveline and Errick were given different duties the majority of the time. It was a shame, for Aveline quite enjoyed Errick's company. But Errick was the last thing on her mind as she stood before the looming figure of Astrid.

"I've been calling for you!" she spat angrily.

"I greatly apologize, m'am," Aveline pleaded for forgiveness with the moisture in her eyes.

"I don't want you apologies!" Asfrid barked. "You do realize what today is, don't you?" She raised an eyebrow and waited for Aveline to answer.

Aveline nodded eagerly and said, "Today Anaheim and Asgard celebrate the sixth millennium of peace."

"That's right," Asfrid cooed mockingly. "This is a very rare occasion. Only five other celebrations have been held to this day. Everyone seems to be carrying their weight around here except you," she pointed an accusatory finger at Aveline's nose. "I will not have you ruin this. Now, clean yourself up and go with Greta to bring food out into the great hall." Asfrid shooed Aveline away with the flick of her wrist.

"Yes m'am," Aveline sighed and went to go find Greta. She didn't have to go very far.

"Aveline!" Greta smiled warmly down at the girl removing her apron and hanging it on a hook. Greta loved Aveline. And Aveline loved Greta. Despite the gap of age difference, Aveline and Greta got along well. Often, they were assigned to the same jobs and duties throughout the palace. They dodged the royals in the halls, as Astrid required all servants to do, they diligently fulfilled their duties, and Greta read to Aveline in their downtime. If anything, the two shared something similar to a sisterly relationship.

"Greta," Aveline greeted with a smile of her own.

"Is Asfrid giving you a hard time again?" Greta sighed sympathetically after taking notice of Aveline's less than cheery mood.

Aveline shrugged. "It's nothing new. She told me to help you set the tables with food."

"Well we sure need the help," Greta informed.

"Good thing I'm here to assist,"Aveline quipped with a cheeky grin. Greta laughed, wiped a stray smudge of grime off the girl's face and pulled some pieces of the young girl's hair behind her ears.

"We must have you looking presentable," Greta murmured under her breath.

"Why?" Aveline asked curiously.

Greta smiled thinly down at the young girl. "You'll see," she promised. "Now take that plate of bread and follow me."

Aveline did as she was told and waited for Greta to position a few trays in her hands before she followed her out into the Great Hall. She wasn't prepared for what she saw.

People! Masses and masses of people dressed in the finest of clothing and adorned with the most beautiful jewelry that reflected light to the heavens. Aveline was so distracted by everyone that she almost ran into Greta's back. Aveline quickly thanked whatever higher being was watching out for her, for if she had caused Greta to tumble, fall and spoil the food that she carried, Aveline would have been in so much trouble.

Still watching everyone in the room laughing, talking and looking to have a grand time, Aveline gently set the bread on the table. She lingered there for a while, wishing more than anything that she could join in on all the festivities. But it was not to be. Aveline was condemned to the life of a servant. While she surveyed the room with bright eyes, she noticed one person who didn't seem to want to take part in the celebration.

A young boy, presumably Aveline's age, stood in the corner of the room, eyeing the crowd warily. The boy had dark hair and brilliant green eyes that Aveline could see even from her position a hundred paces away. He looked lonely, lost and somewhat sad. Feeling pity, Aveline found herself longing to give the boy some company. Before she could even make a move to do so, Greta grabbed her hand and urged her to follow her back to the kitchen. Aveline frowned and kept her eyes trained on the boy while Greta ushered her along. But before she turned the corner down the hall, the boy turned his head and caught sight of Aveline. She smiled brightly and nodded her head in recognition. Aveline caught a flash of the boy smiling thinly at her before she was dragged around the corner to the kitchen corridor.

His smile embedded into her mind while she was told to take more platters and bowls out into the great hall. It hadn't been overly enthusiastic, nor too genuine, but the enticing part about his smile was that he had seemed legitimately surprised that someone had acknowledged him. That Aveline had acknowledged him. A girl about his age. Each time Aveline entered the Great mead Hall, she kept an eye out for the dark-haired boy. Unfortunately, she was unable to spot him again.

"Well, good," she thought to herself as she set the last platter of dessert cakes on the long table. "He must've found some company."

As the night pursued, Aveline found herself feeling a small pang of jealousy growing in the core of her body. Aveline was forced to stand watch against one of the walls of the room with all the other servants, ready and willing to help direct guests or offer any sort of assistance to the Anaheim visitors. As beautiful as the room and the people were within the room, being forced to watch and not partake in the festivities was more than annoying and frustrating. However, that wasn't the worst part.

These people were free. Nobles were always free. Servants weren't. Unfortunately, Aveline was born a servant. Her parents were servants before their untimely deaths. This left their little girl in the hands of Astrid, whom had never been kind to Aveline. In all honesty, Aveline couldn't recall a time when she was truly happy. She tried. Oh she tried. The only times she even came close to joy was when reading. Regardless of if Greta read with her or not, books were Aveline's escape. With this on her mind, Aveline was itching to flee from the celebration room and resume reading the latest book she was able to snatch from the palace's library undetected. She did that quite often... Borrowing books. No one ever caught her, and Aveline always returned the books, so she saw no problem with it. However, she did keep the books away from Astrid at all costs. Who knew what would happen if Astrid ever discovered Aveline's secret? The repercussions would surely be disastrous. But Aveline was willing to run the risk. Literature was Aveline's freedom, just as celebrations and parties were freedom to the nobles and royals.

Aveline resisted shuffling her feet and forced herself to watch the party, imagining that she was interacting with everyone within the room instead of serving them. She lost track of how long she monitored the celebration. She felt her eyes beginning to feel heavy. It had to be getting late.

"Hey, Aveline," Greta had cautiously approached the girl and taken station at her side. Aveline blinked and looked to Greta.

"Hey, Greta," Aveline whispered back in response.

Greta's eyes darted back and forth nervously before she shifted closer to Aveline, concealing something behind her back. Aveline's eyes narrowed suspiciously, and she waited for Greta to explain.

"I found this underneath the stove," Greta revealed Aveline's borrowed book from behind her back. "And I think the courtyards are pretty much bare during these gatherings. It would be the perfect time to read."

Aveline gingerly took the book from Greta's hand and smiled up at her with sad eyes. "Thank you, but I can't leave my post."

"That's why I'm here to cover for you," Greta answered with ease.

Aveline's gaze turned hopeful. "But what will you do if Astrid asks for me?"

"I'll figure that out when it happens," Greta chuckled. "Besides, she's too occupied at the moment. Now, go! No child should have to work this late at night."

Aveline's smile widened. She pulled Greta down to her level and gave her a kiss on the cheek to show her gratitude. "Thank you so much," she could feel her eyes clouding over with tears. "I owe you."

"Oh come now," Greta cooed, giving the small girl a sincere hug. "You don't owe me anything. Just take off your apron before you leave. Now go! Quickly, before someone sees!"

Aveline didn't have to be told twice. She took off in a dead sprint towards the eastern courtyard. It was the closest courtyard to the Grand Hall, however, she doubted many, if any, people were going to be in it. It was the least elaborate of the four courtyards within the palace walls, but it was Aveline's favorite. It was simple, delicate and beautiful. There was something about it that calmed her spirits. When she entered the courtyard, she was thrilled to see that its beauty was amplified beneath the starlight of the night. Aveline smiled brightly and practically skipped to her usual spot tucked behind a fruit tree. She sat and leaned against the tree trunk, tucked her hair behind her ears and dove into her book.

Aveline was so consumed in her book that half an hour later, she didn't sense someone watching her from over her shoulder.

"What are you reading?" a young boy asked from behind Aveline.

She jumped and jerked her head in the direction that the voice had come from. At first she saw nothing, then the young boy took a step from the shadows, revealing himself in the moonlight. Aveline's eyes widened in recognition, and she smiled shyly. It was the same boy she had smiled at earlier.

"A book about magic and sorcery," Aveline admitted sheepishly.

"Really?" The boy's eyebrows raised in surprise. "You know that's frowned upon by most," he took a few steps around the marble edging to face Aveline full on. "May I?" he asked, gesturing to an open area next to Aveline on the ground.

"Of course," Aveline grinned up at the boy and scooted over to make room for him. He smiled and graciously took a seat next to her.

"I do know that it's frowned upon," Aveline confirmed in reference to the boy's earlier question. "But I've always been fascinated by it."

The boy looked at Aveline with a quizzical expression. The corners of his mouth turned upwards slightly in a small smirk.

"What?" Aveline shifted under his stare.

"It's just not many people would say that," the boy shrugged.

"Well why not?" Aveline retorted indignantly. "If not for magic we wouldn't have many of the remedies we have today. The medical field would lack the innovations they've discovered."

"True," the boy agreed with a nod, "but that's white magic. There is also such thing as dark magic, which that book fails to mention."

"You've read it?" Aveline questioned with wide eyes.

"Yes. In fact, I've read every book on that subject in the royal library." Aveline's eyes widened in terror. The boy knew that the book was from the Palace's library.

"I was going to return it as soon as I finished," she blurted.

"I never assumed that you wouldn't," the boy frowned at her outburst.

Aveline calmed down a bit upon hearing the boy's words. "I'm sorry," she apologized. "It's just that Asfrid would surely kill me if she knew I was borrowing books from the Royal Library."

"Asfrid?"

"She's my mentor in a way," Aveline explained. "I'm a servant here, and Asfrid is very strict. She likes to think she controls everything we do, but..." Aveline's gaze drifted from the boy's eyes to the book in her lap. "She doesn't."

There was a brief pause before the boy spoke again.

"If you're a servant here, how come I've never seen you before?"

"We're instructed to stay invisible unless needed," Aveline spoke with bitterness. "If I were to be seen, Asfrid says I better have a good reason for it."

"That's pretty depressing," Loki commented honestly.

"Tell me about it," Aveline sighed. "But, it isn't all bad. I have a friend, Greta, who shares my desire for literature. We read to each other in our spare time."

"Have you borrowed books from the library more than once?" Loki questioned, to which Aveline nodded timidly. "Well, that explains the absence of a few books I've wanted to reread in the past."

Aveline felt her face flush pink. "I apologize. I didn't realize they'd be missed."

"It isn't a problem," the boy reassured quickly. "It's actually quite a relief to know that someone other than myself finds joy in reading."

Aveline smiled at that. It then occurred to her that she hadn't introduced herself, and she didn't know whose eyes she was looking in to. "I'm Aveline by the way," she said, holding out her hand.

"Nice to meet you Aveline," the boy corresponded by shaking her hand with his own in a firm grasp. He didn't offer anything more.

"That's it?" Aveline frowned.

"What?"

"Well, typically the proper thing to do is to offer up your own name," Aveline laughed in a mocking tone.

The boy pressed his lips together and bit his bottom lip, suddenly very shy.

Aveline suddenly felt bad for teasing him and furrowed her brows in confusion. "I don't want to press you, but why don't you want me to know your name?"

The boy winced ever so slightly, his green orbs swirling with unknown emotions. Just when he opened his mouth to say something, a loud voice penetrated into the night like an arrow shot into its target.

"Loki! Loki, c'mon out!"

The boy deflated in defeat and grumbled. "That's why not."

Aveline's eyes widened and her jaw dropped in disbelief. "Loki Odinson?"

Loki smiled thinly and nodded curtly. Before he could say another word, Aveline had proceeded to stand up in order bow before him as she had been instructed to do if she ever came in contact with one of the Royal family.

"Your high-"

"Please don't do that," Loki pleaded, pulling Aveline down before she had the chance to complete her curtsey.

"But-"

"It's not necessary," Loki cut in. "We're about the same age. You shouldn't have to kneel before me."

"You know I didn't mean it!" the voice cried again, a bit more desperately. "Don't hide! I know you're out here!"

Aveline studied Loki, still shocked that she'd spoken so freely in his presence, and that he'd been the one to speak to her first. He was a prince after all.

"Who's calling for you?"

Loki's lips pressed together so tightly that they almost thinned to nothing. "My brother."

"There you are!" the person that had spoken exclaimed, now standing before Loki and Aveline. "Look, I'm sorry for what I said before. But Mother says-" the other boy paused upon noticing Aveline sitting next to Loki. "Why hello there," he grinned cheekily at Aveline.

Aveline felt Loki shifting to stand up, so she decided to follow his lead. "Thor," Loki addressed him. "This is Aveline. And Aveline, this is my brother, Thor," he introduced the two. As Aveline studied Thor, she came to the conclusion that he was exactly how others described him. Golden blonde hair, bright blue eyes, a dashing toothy grin. Bottom line: he was handsome.

"Pleased to meet you, your highness," Aveline tucked a stray hair away from her face shyly.

Thor's grin widened. "I assure you, the pleasure is all mine," Thor took Aveline's hand into his, lifted it up to his lips and kissed it gently. "Lady Aveline."

Aveline felt her face turn a bright crimson, but she tried to conceal it by smiling as gracefully as she could.

"I apologize for the intrusion," Thor continued with a dazzling grin, speaking only to Aveline. "But I have come to retrieve my brother."

"Why?" Loki asked warily, grabbing Thor's attention.

"Father is about to give his address," Thor looked at Loki for the first time since he had acknowledged Aveline's presence. "And mother says we both need to be present."

Loki sighed drearily. "Very well. I'll be there shortly."

Thor looked between Aveline and Loki, eyes narrowed slightly. It was interesting to see his little brother make a friend on his own. And while it was quite enlightening, he hadn't expected for him to make friends with a beautiful girl. And more importantly, a beautiful girl that Thor himself had never encountered. So it was with much reluctance that Thor took his leave.

"Until we meet again, Aveline," he vowed. He then turned away from the pair and departed the courtyard.

Loki let out an exasperated sigh when he was sure his brother was out of earshot.

"Sorry about that," he grimaced.

"There's nothing to apologize for," Aveline reassured. "He was...nice."

Loki laughed aloud. "Out of all the words to describe my brother, you went with nice?"

Aveline found herself chuckling alongside Loki. "Well...he was."

Loki's smile faded as something crossed his mind. "And what do you think of me?"

"I think you're someone I would very much like to see again," Aveline spoke truthfully.

Loki's eyes sparkled at her words. It made Aveline wonder if he wasn't generally well liked by his peers. But that didn't make any sense. Loki was good company.

Loki's smirk deepened and his eyes flashed with a strike of excitement when he caught sight of a tree with wilting flowers standing at Aveline's left. He reached across her, cupped one of the dying flowers and gently plucked it off the tree.

Aveline watched, noticing how withered the petals were. Its color had long ago faded into a dull brown. Of course, the season of blooming had come to an end weeks ago, so it was expected. Aveline looked to him in perplexion. "What-"

"Watch," Loki instructed, laying the flower flat on his palm.

Aveline did as she was told, and watched in captivation as the flower re-bloomed and grew in Loki's palm. She gasped when the flower's purple color was restored, and stared in awe at the flower when it had reached its previous beauty. Loki then reached for Aveline's hand and tenderly placed the flower in her palm.

"You can do magic!" Aveline gasped in realization.

Loki bowed his head, almost in shame. "Yes."

"That's amazing!" Aveline breathed. "You must teach me."

Loki seemed relieved by her reaction. "Then perhaps I shall someday. But now, regrettably, I must excuse myself. Mother and father need me."

"Of course," Aveline agreed with a vigorous nod. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"For talking to me," Aveline shrugged as if it was obvious.

Loki's facial features melted into something on the verge of gratitude and joy. "No," he said. "Thank you. I appreciate your company."

Aveline grinned and looked directly into the boy's emerald green eyes. "Goodbye, Loki."

"Farewell, Aveline," Loki waved a bit awkwardly. With a brief moment of hesitation, he finally turned away from the girl and sauntered out of the courtyard.

Aveline trailed his leave with her eyes, then sighed wistfully when she was no longer able to see him. Aveline felt stupid for not knowing who Loki was prior to their meeting just moments ago. She was actually surprised that he hadn't been offended by her lack of knowledge of the physical features of the royal family, but she was also glad he wasn't. Loki was wonderful company. Aveline liked him very much. He didn't treat himself as superior to others. Aveline turned her attention to the flower he had given her, and gently closed her fist over the most precious, heartfelt gift she'd ever received.