DISCLAIMER: I do not own Marvel, therefore, I do not own Thor and its characters.
A/N: I made a new world! Wynvare. I hope I'm doing this fic okay haha! Do please leave reviews.
For every writer, reviews = motivation
EDITED: 11/24/2013
Chapter 2: Elera
Loki stared out off the balcony of his room. The grand view of Asgard did little to clear his thoughts of a certain woman whom he encountered during last night's festivities. He did not like the fact that his desire to conquer the woman was left unfulfilled due to his fool of a brother's terrible timing – he simply hated it when that oaf got in the way.
Picturing the woman one's more; his brows furrowed as he bit his lip. It is true she possesses a modest beauty and fine curves, but what Loki finds most memorable of her is her smile – an all-too familiar smile only worn by one with hidden intents. That smile on her lips kept appearing in his mind, as if mocking him.
The prince shook his head realizing he was merely over-thinking. He breathed the clean air deeply and then slowly exhaled – he needed to relax.
A smirk formed on his lips as an idea formed in his head. He knew what would relieve his mind's burdens: to erase this Miura's haughty smile and have her lips quiver as she screams his name in pleasure. Yes, why would he spend his precious time thinking of a meagre woman when he could easily triumph over her?
Loki trudged to his extravagant room and grabbed his fine cloak; he knew exactly where to go.
He walked with his nose in the air, ignoring the palace servants and giving little attention to the lords and ladies. He breezed over the crowd of people as he made his way to the inn Miura spoke of. Not one acknowledged him through the excursion – he cared little of it, he was used to it by now (or at least that's what he says to himself).
Once arriving at his aspired destination, he entered the trifling building with a look of disgust in his features. The dwelling homes drunken men and harlots.
Loki, upon seeing such a distasteful sight, turned to leave, but (surprisingly) a man noticed his presence.
"M-my prince" The man, who can be assumed as the owner of the inn, stammered in both fear and shock, "I-is there something you seek?"
The prince could only snort at the man's distress, "I seek a woman called Miura who is said to be staying here."
The old man thought frantically, not wanting to keep the dark-haired prince waiting. He answered nervously, "Er…n-no, my prince. I've never heard of the name."
Loki raised an eyebrow. Clearly, this man is daft. He spoke slowly as if speaking to someone mentally-challenged, "Are you certain? A woman – red hair, slightly short, arrived three days ago."
Again, the old man thought. "I apologize, my prince. But I, er…would remember a redheaded woman when I see one...s-sire."
Loki sighed exasperatedly. Daft. This man is daft. He is certain, absolutely certain, this is the inn Miura mentioned. This conversation is going nowhere. The prince turned his back to the old man and walked away knowing if he spends one more breath speaking to such fool would spoil his day further.
As he walked back to the palace, he was deep in thought. How could she not be there? Is he wrong about the inn? No. He is positive. He could not have just imagined her; he didn't have that much to drink that night and Thor saw her as well.
Finally, he reached his home – a grand palace, its floors polished and each corner possessed the most extravagant of beauty and the walls' carvings held only the finest of designs.
Once Loki stepped in the throne room, he's eyes widened at the sight.
There she is, Miura, speaking to his father and mother along with this man who seems to be her father for they have the same hair colour. They were laughing at something, not noticing his presence. What is this woman doing here? And speaking to mother and father so nonchalantly?
Curious, Loki coughed as he walked closer to the four.
"Loki!" His mother, Frigga, was the first to greet him. "I've been looking for you. They said you were at the market."
He eyed Miura before acknowledging his mother with a polite smile. Not wanting the redheaded lady to know that he was searching for her, he half lied, "I was just taking a stroll around town, mother."
Frigga looked at him curiously, surprised at her son's answer for it was unusual of him to go out of the palace walls without any real purpose.
The Great King Odin, father of Loki, did not give such notice for he cared little of his son's doings. Instead he went straight on to business, "What good timing you have, son. Meet the High Lord of Wynvare, Lord Sarin," Loki gave him a firm shake. "and his daughter, Lady Elera."
Both His eyebrows rose upon hearing a different name.
Elera?
The lady in front of him smiled playfully. You can only imagine the shock The God of Lies and Mischief felt upon knowing that someone was able to fool him successfully.
Loki eyed this Elera, as if he was seeing her for the very first time. Slowly, he took the Lady's hand, and without breaking eye-contact, he gave it a light kiss.
"It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Prince Loki." She smiled that playful smile of hers.
The prince could only stare at the lady. How could he have not foretold such a turn of events? How could a woman who was, at most, mediocre last night now be standing in the palace's throne rooms having an idle chat with the king and queen of Asgard? And this woman, she lied so…fluently.
Odin's gruff voice pulled the two back to reality, "They are to make a treaty with us. Wynvare bears the best metals and jewels as Asgard bears the best warriors."
"We hope to have a strong bond with Asgard" Lord Sarin's voice was deep and possessed a wise tone. "And my daughter is very fond of your land, your grace."
"Oh yes," Elera said joyfully. "It is very different here. A great deal of fascinating stories; I would love to hear more from the Asgardians." Her green eyes were locked on Loki's blue ones clearly reminding him of their first conversation.
Loki forced a gracious smile and then spoke complacently, "I do advise you to be careful Lady Elera. I have learned to not always believe what others say."
Elera laughed, "This coming from the God of Mischief, himself."
"Well," Frigga interjected as she sensed something intriguing happening between the two, "Why don't we leave you two to get acquainted. Loki, why don't you give, Elera a tour around the city?"
Loki was delighted with the idea. He wanted to speak with this woman alone, "Of cou-"
"Why not Thor?" Odin interrupted, "Thor knows more about the city. Loki spends most of his time either in his room or the library."
The prince frowned. How he hated that his father favoured Thor so much.
Elera noticed Loki's contempt. She knew well that people favoured Thor over him, as do his father; in a way, she knows how that feels. She is the only child Lord Sarin has and will ever have since her mother died of a sickness with that, since that day her father looks at her with a slight discontent (though he tried his best to conceal it) knowing he will never have a son.
The young lady spoke, "Oh! I would love to see your library, your grace. I have heard countless praises of Asgard's library."
The God of Mischief looked at the lady in surprise. Passing up the opportunity of being with the charming Thor?
Odin's expression is the same also having the same thought as Loki. "Really?"
"Oh yes, my king."
Sarin laughed, "It is true. My daughter adores books. I keep telling her to go out more; work on her combat skills."
She faked a smile. She wanted to leave immediately, "I'll excuse myself then." Elera curtsied then turned to Loki. "Shall we?"
It took a moment for Loki to respond for he was still surprised that she refused having Thor. He then gave a polite smile as well as a cunning look.
The two bowed to the three adults, and with there arms linked, they went on their way.
"They seem to get along well." Frigga smiled as she watched the two depart.
The two wandered the halls, finally alone.
Loki was the first to speak - he had a question he's been eager to ask, "So, Lady ELERA?"
The woman gave a soft laugh then answered matter-of-factly, "That was merely payback."
Letting out an amused gasp he responded, "Payback? For what?"
Elera's smile didn't fade as they conversed. "Obviously, for being rude to me."
"Rude?"
"'I do not wish to waste my time on idle chatter, especially to someone who is of no importance.'" She mimicked Loki, making her voice deeper and adding the arrogance he had when he said it.
Loki laughed all the while wondering who this woman is. He felt comfortable around her and it bemused him. Is it because he was hoodwinked by this woman? Is it her infectious smile? Is it because SHE was comfortable around HIM? He cared not the reason at the moment, "I didn't sound that pretentious!"
"Yes!" Her eyes were wide as well as her grin. Is he oblivious of his bigheadedness? "Yes you did!"
Actually, Loki IS aware of his bigheadedness and he felt no shame of it, so shrugging, he said "Fine, I may have. The fault is not mine though."
"What?" she gasped laughing. Funny…this man is actually funny. "How is your pretentiousness not your fault?"
He looked at her smugly. "Majority of the time I am surrounded by fools."
"Ha! Pretentious!" She rolled her eyes teasingly.
The two smiled as they conversed animatedly. When, at last, they have arrived at their destination.
Elera smiled eagerly as she stood in front of the immense doors of the library. Loki watched her, his smug look not leaving his appearance. He bowed good-humouredly to the lady and then pushed the doors opened.
"It is AMAZING!" She exclaimed as she entered the room. The room was vast and contained what seems to be an infinite amount of shelves, and in those shelves, an infinite amount of literature.
"You think so?" Loki teased.
"Are you kidding me? The books…are countless!"
Elera sped towards the shelves and immediately scanned the spines of the books, her fingers running along each of them.
The prince saw the glint in her eyes as she skimmed through the collection. He found it refreshing to see another with an attentiveness for literature, "You like it?"
"I love it, my prince!" She beamed.
"'My prince'?" Loki queried with one brow raised. "Really now, Elera, obviously, we are well acquainted enough to no longer call each other by our titles."
She was taken aback by his words. So we are well-acquainted now? What he said pleased the redhead.
She shrugged then smiled, "Okay…Loki."
He smiled hearing her say his name so casually and he is also glad to finally have someone not mentally-draining to talk to.
Elera took her time rummaging through the assortments, not knowing Loki watched her as she did. The prince thought of the night they first met; how average she seemed at that time...and now?
Then, something stuck him.
He recalled his musings early morning – how he wanted to conquer her. He thought for a moment, should he pursue his goal? Indeed, Elera is a good woman (so far), BUT she still played a trick on the God of Lies and Mischief, so it is only right for him to have his way this time. And maybe, they can still have their engaging relationship at the end of the day. Finally, he decide the two are alone, and what better way to melt a woman's heart than to make her feel they are the only two in the universe.
He made his decision.
Loki walked closer to Elera, sensing this, she spun around only to see him merely inches away from her; she had to tilt her head in order for them to have eye contact. Loki gave her a coquettish look.
At there closeness, they can hear each other breath as well as feel the heat coming out of their bodies. The prince's expression was subtle yet strong, enough to make shivers run down the lady's spine.
Though Loki was pulling her into temptation, Elera thought nothing of the prince's actions. Instead, she just stared into the prince's eyes. Just like last night…it held such sorrow.
The prince was about to say something alluring but Elera went first. Her words were almost a whisper, "Why such sorrow?"
Loki immediately took a step back from the lady and gave her a flabbergasted look. Utterly confused and slightly disappointed, he asked, "SORROW?" How could she mistake his look of seduction for SORROW?
"Yes. Sorrow." She answered nonchalantly, also confused that he found her words puzzling.
The man could only look at her in silence. What made her say I possess 'such sorrow'? And why would I BE in sorrow? The truth is he knows it is true, but he denies it; for to be in sorrow is to be weak, meagre, and defenceless.
Elera guessed his thoughts correctly. Men are so full of pride – not wanting to show any signs of vulnerability. Perhaps he will open up to her some other day.
"Well…"She said breaking the quietness, "who wouldn't be in sorrow if one is surrounded by fools majority of the time, right?"
Somehow, Loki was relieved by her words. It was merely a jest - at least that is what he tells himself; they both know that short moment was a solemn moment. "Thank goodness you are no fool then."
"That's right." She smiled at him. "I'm no fool."
And Elera is definitely not.