Chapter 2

Loki heard the door open from high above even before the footsteps of the person making their way down into the dungeons could be heard. He listened intently at each foot step on the winding staircase that lead down to the deepest dungeons Asgard had to offer, barely discernible in their lightness. When he had arrived back on Asgard chained and gagged like a defeated prisoner- just as he was- he had been surprised at the punishment the old king had passed. Loki had fully expected execution for his crimes on Earth and those he'd committed before on Asgard. Despite the humility of his defeat at the hands of that pathetic band of misfits who had the gall to call themselves Earth's mightiest heroes he could not deny that he was oddly flattered by his prison. Only the most powerful of enemies were kept in this particular prison. The crystal that made up the walls, floor, ceiling and bars caging him in had already drained a great deal of his powers.

Of course the weakness and worthlessness that weighed heavily on him was unfortunately nothing new. It was the same feeling that had shadowed him nearly all his life as people's eyes watched him, always comparing him to his golden hero of a brother. In a strange way his placement in this prison was somewhat of a balm against his wounded pride yet, it also only helped to fuel his rage in the weakness it left in him.

He continued to listen, waiting for his new keeper to appear as he lazed in the far corner of his cell where he could watch them enter. Yes, he had known they would send someone to watch him. Odin while sentencing him to this prison was still fool enough to fake sincerity and love for him and send him a servant to bring him his meals as if he were actually still in his palace rooms. They were all fools- as if he would fall prey to their false sincerity. He'd grown up as a shadow and in their eyes would always be such. Whoever they had sent was a guard and a spy, not an act of pity no matter how much they would like to fool themselves.

As the footsteps grew closer Loki became intrigued at the lightness of their step. No soldier would walk as such. His question was answered as the figure finally reached the final step.

Loki felt his world suddenly shift even more than it already had out from under him, his dark green eyes narrowing in both anger and shock. Of any person that could have stepped out of the shadow of the stairwell he had not expected a woman. By the look of her it was obvious that she was no warrior either. The very idea of sending such a tiny woman down to guard him set his teeth on edge and it took all of his control not to scream in frustration- at the indignity of it all.

Did they expect to trick him into feeling at ease with such a seemingly defenseless woman that he would reveal anything to her for only for her to report back to her masters? They were even bigger fools than he had first taken them for if they believed in such.

The girl was small, so much so that if she were to stand beside him Loki doubted that she would barely manage to reach his shoulders. Yet, despite her height he could see that she was very much a woman by her slim but feminine curves. Those curves were nearly hidden in the draped folds of her servants tunic adorned with a belt carved with Odin's seal that proclaimed her a palace servant. Despite the anger that bubbled up within him at her appearance Loki was unable to deny that she was very nearly stunning, especially in the dim light of the dungeon lit only by the glowing torch light of the room. It was the girl's hair, long and so blond it was nearly as silver as the moonlight glowing like a halo around her face as it flowed in a simple braid across one shoulder and down her back before nearly reaching her waist. The color of her hair set off the intensity of her aquamarine eyes, so big and blue it was nearly frightening.

The girl paused briefly in the doorway those frightening eyes finding him where he sat, not having even bothered to move or even speak a word to her upon her arrival. She looked little more than a frightened rabbit as she slowly began to approach his cell her eyes warily never leaving him. She barely looked away enough to take in the room where she would be staying. The room beyond the bars of his cell was large, livable and adorned with everyday comforts, allowing for others to come and go without the danger of the crystal's properties. A bed had been prepared for her already in the corner farthest from Loki's cell while a few of her belongings such as books and clothes had already been delivered bellow.

Loki scoffed in annoyance at her approach. No matter how beautiful she was it did not change the fact that Odin was insulting him with little more than a worthless powerless servant girl to act as his spy.

Even so, there was something more about the girl; like the prickling of a long forgotten memory at the back of his mind. Refusing to give into his damned sense of intrigue he ignored it.

"Prince Loki," the girl bowed respectfully before his cell her behavior considering his situation rather surprising. Not that he would ever let her know that.

"They sent you- a lowly servant to spy on me?" Loki spoke his voice full of disgust at the humility. In the vain attempt to throw the girl he got to his feet standing at his full height and strode toward the bars careful not to touch the bars as he stared out at her with hateful and arrogant eyes.

For a moment her aqua eyes blazed with hidden anger before turning to the meek and mild gaze of hers he had first seen, successfully hiding what seemed to be a backbone

behind a facade of mild manners.

Interesting- perhaps the little rabbit would actually be able to provide some sense of entertainment while he was locked away like an animal.

Deciding to ignore his degradation the girl went about the room arranging her belongings properly in the futile attempt to make the place homey.

Suddenly overcome with curiosity, as was his nature, Loki attempted to reach out with his mind in the attempt to read the girl more closely. However, the moment he did so his magic was drained from his body as if being pulled uncontrollably from his grasp until it was no longer a part of him. The feeling of his magic being stripped away was numbing; like his skin was being stripped from his body or a chisel being hammered into his mind until he could no longer think or feel. The feeling of his own body being without his magic was foreign and all together painful.

As the crystal of his cell zapped away the spark of power he'd released Loki felt the sudden pounding in his head that came with the intense numbing pain that coursed through his entire body. So overcome with the feeling he couldn't help but give outward signs of that pain wincing and grunting softly as his hand went to his temple in the vain attempt to sooth the pain.

"You should conserve your strength," the girl spoke without even sparing a glance in his direction as she organized her belongings across the room. "Shouldn't you know my name first before you attempt to go rifling through my mind?"

The question caught Loki so off guard that his jaw nearly dropped from the surprise. How could she have possibly known what he'd tried? Glancing her over once more he considered that perhaps she had some sort of talent and power but quickly dismissed such a preposterous idea. If she had ever possessed even the smallest amount of talent Odin would have long ago took her into the palace to hone her skill for some purpose. Her standing as a servant meant there was no possibility of such talent.

"And?" he asked his words after his period of silence catching her equally off guard.

She looked at him, blue eyes wide and confused as to his meaning. For someone who had attempted to stand up to him only moments ago she easily lost her bearings when confronted directly by him- a fact that he greatly enjoyed. At the very least someone showed him the proper respect, even if it was in the form of fear.

"You told me I should know your name," Loki pointed out as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

"Vitalini," she answered offering a slight curtsy born from years of service to the royal family.

The name brought yet another spark of memory to Loki's mind something that greatly troubled him. And his mind being troubled was something that he found incredibly annoying, meaning he disliked her all the more. Loki refused to linger on the familiarity of her and the name deciding that whatever it was there was no importance in a servant girl such as her.

The weakness of his attempted magic continued to linger deep within his body making it almost difficult to stand. With as much dignity as he could muster Loki proudly strode to the pathetic excuse for a bed that had been provided him within the cell. With an inward sigh of relief he sunk into the pillows, his eyes closing, intent on ignoring the girl's presence. He lost track of time as he laid there silently wanting nothing more than to sleep and wake in the hope that this was all some sort of nightmare. The pain embedded deep within his body from this weakened powers made it nearly impossible to sleep but Loki wasn't about to let that discomfort show to his so called guard. Instead he forced his mind to linger on anything other than the pain.

Unfortunately, try as he might if it was not the pain and loss of pride that occupied his mind it was the strange servant girl that otherwise occupied his thoughts.

"Are you hungry?"

The simple question drew Loki out of his wandering mind drawing his gaze to the girl. He was surprised to find her now standing much closer than she had seemingly dared to since her arrival. If he had wanted to he could've reached out and touched her had he been standing before the bars of the cell. Annoyed even further by her quickly seeming to grow more comfortable in his presence to approach him as she did; Loki only afforded her a indiscernible grunt before closing his eyes and ignoring her once more.

Vitalini didn't even wait for a reply before moving back toward the stairwell. Once far up the stairway she felt a little of the tenseness lift from her that the distance between Loki and herself gave her. She hadn't been surprised by the attitude of disdain she'd received from Loki at her arrival in the dungeons nor had she been surprised that he didn't remember her.

It had taken a great deal of her self control to keep from going up to him as she had wanted at seeing him look so weak and in pain. Vitalini had wanted nothing more than to take it away as she knew she could. Yet, at the moment she wasn't so sure how close she was willing to get to someone who seemed little more than a wounded animal backed into a corner waiting for the first opportunity to pounce.

Moments ago when she'd approached the bars Vitalini had done so without realizing. If he had wanted to Loki could've reached out to her and grabbed her. While he may no longer be able to use his magic he could possibly muster the necessary strength to physically harm or even kill her. At the same time she saw no reason for him to do so- he had proven that in his ignoring her approach and not even bothering to bat an eyelash.

To be honest, Vitalini was not fearful of what Loki could possibly do to her. It was instead the fear of how she felt when so near him, and the confusion his presence caused her mind and heart. There was so much there- too much. She had known the emotions that would stir by accepting this duty. Vitalini had accepted that truth and even as her heart demanded for her to speak out she would instead remain silent, facing Loki's hatred just as it was.

There would be no revealing the past. There would be no admittance of feelings long since buried. There would only be an offer of friendship and company in his time of banishment within the dungeons.

In the attempt to both give herself the a moment to regain her composure after this less than easy reunion and give Loki the moment to regain his own composure as well, Vitalini excused herself with the task of retrieving his dinner. After all, Loki was not one to enjoy others witnessing his weakness. At the same time she hoped that a meal would help revive some of his energy and bring some of the color back into his already pale skin and return some of the liveliness back into his usually mischievous green eyes.

Sighing heavily Vitalini continued her way up the stone stairs leaving Loki in peace. If she had stayed before him any longer with his green eyes glaring hatefully at her with such pure disdain Vitalini thought she might actually break down and reveal herself to him as the little girl who'd followed him like a lost kitten when they were children. Vitalini had not missed the few moments of curiosity that had passed over his face as he watched her when he thought she had not been paying attention.

In the time it took her to return she only hoped that she would manage to regain the control her reunion with him had destroyed completely. Perhaps he would even be in a better mood when she returned; although, she highly doubted that possibility. If she was going to be locked up with Loki she needed to have better control of herself when around him than what she was currently displaying.

Vitalini walked slowly down the wide palace halls lined with extravagant Norse paintings and tapestries that adorned the glittering golden walls. She should have long ago returned to Loki in the dungeons with his promised meal- not that he had given any indication that he planned on eating what she prepared. Still, Vitalini felt that wandering for several extra minutes would be much appreciated to Loki. He may not speak it but she could see easily enough that he was in a great deal of pain and extremely embarrassed by his reduced circumstances.

It was difficult watching him as he was. The once proud prince she had always admired with pride and hidden friendship was not as he once was. Even worse was the knowledge that she had the power to at the very least heal the pain currently racking his body but could not do so. Vitalini wasn't sure if it was fear of punishment for going against the dictates of her guardianship over Loki or fear of what Loki would attempt to do to her if she dared get close.

Could she give him that trust? Had she ever stopped trusting him to begin with?

Just as she was about to turn down the hall leading toward the palace kitchens Vitalini's step halted at the sound of her name. Curiously she looked around in search of the voice before her gaze quickly landing on the familiar faces of Thor, Sif and the Warriors Three. It had been Sif who had called out to her, the voice having obviously been feminine compared to the brisk tones of the four males that followed after her.

Bowing slightly at their approach Vitalini found herself surprised by the intensely upset glare boring into her from Sif's unwavering brown gaze. Confused she looked among the other faces finding that only Thor's remained with his usual charming grin while the others looked at her with a mix of confusion, upset and worry.

"Yes?" she asked unsure of their presence.

"How could you volunteer?" Sif demanded angrily without preamble stepping threateningly closer as if ready to attack. It was a fact of which Vitalini was not completely surprised of considering Sif's volatile warrior temper. Often the only difference between her and Thor in battle was that she was more likely to use tact while Thor ran head first into battle with little thought.

Instantly Vitalini knew exactly what they had sought her out about. It was no secret among the court and even the servants Lady Sif's dislike of the silver tongues prince. It was clear they had sought her out to discuss the topic of her becoming Loki's guardian in the dungeons.

Vitalini didn't back down. At the accusation cast at her from Sif she felt intense anger rise up within her, all her emotions bubbling hotly to the surface without being checked as she often did. In an instant her entire person changed from the meek and mild servant girl to a fierce and rather pissed off woman. Shockingly to all those watching Vitalini stepped forward meeting Sif's threatening advance with one of her own and meeting her glare for glare.

"Why shouldn't I?" Vitalini demanded eyeing them all, knowing that with the exception of Thor they were all thinking along similar lines concerning her decision. "I can't blame Loki for what he's done- not completely."

Sif made to retort but was quickly cut off by a swift dismissing wave of Vitalini's hand, effectively dismissing any opinion she could have given.

"I blame people like you Sif," Vitalini spoke clearly with condemnation, speaking with so much force it left little doubt in anyone's mind that what she said was indeed what she truly thought. "For years I watched you treat him as if he was less than what he was for the mere fact that he wasn't as-flamboyant- or as socially flamboyant as Thor," she added again for lack of a better word to describe the thunder god. "Why should any of that have mattered? Jokes and tricks are just as much a part of Loki as war is part of you, Sif- goddess of war. Why should the god of lies and mischief be any different?"

Still reeling in shock from her sudden outburst none spoke allowing her to continue her angry tirade.

"Loki has always possessed a great deal that none of you have ever possessed. Despite not being the strongest warrior he is definitely the smartest and calmest under fire. He uses his mind- he seeks knowledge that can be far more useful in the battles than brute strength. Yet, you seem so keen on deeming people worthy by their skills in battle Sif. But I wonder how many of them could you all have escaped without the help of Loki's insight- or his skills in magic?"

Vitalini paused briefly her eyes catching the increased tenseness at the mention of magic. She was not foolish. Just as there was truth in all that she had spoken she also knew that Sif wasn't one to condone the use of magic in any situation. It wasn't an unpopular opinion within the kingdom. Magic was considered a rather rare talent and in its rarity was usually looked on with intense skepticism and even fear rather than awe and reverence. Due to the possibilities that magic possessed there was always the fear amongst the people that magic could easily be harnessed for evil intent. It was not strange considering the people of Asgard and the gods that made up the elite members of the society were often battle hardened preferring the use of other talents- none of which entered the realm of magic.

It was an opinion that from the moment of Loki's birth he was doomed for the possession of a skill he could not help but possess.

Warranted that opinion of Loki in the eyes of Asgardians seemed to hold true to the belief of the dangers of magic. Still, had he been given the same courtesies, belief and love that others had given Thor the results might have been different. It was one of the reasons that after everything Vitalini remained loyal to her friendship with him. She would not condemn him as others had heartlessly done without actual knowledge or attempts to see otherwise.

Besides- who was she to turn her back on him?

The fight slowly left Vitalini as the angry words were finally spoken after years of being kept under lock and key. If the result was the loss of Sif's friendship it wasn't much of a loss at all as she and Sif had never truly liked each other, even as children. Vitalini often preferring the company of Loki when playing in their childhood had probably helped fuel that dislike.

As if sensing she had lost this discussion Sif finally backed off with a huff of disdain as she turned and broke through the barrier of men surrounding her to stomp angrily away. The four men standing before her watched warily as Sif disappeared down the hallway knowing that she was undoubtedly headed for the training grounds as she turned down the hall that lead in that particular direction.

Still inwardly fuming from the confrontation Vitalini blatantly ignored anything the four men, Thor included, would have said to her with Sif's absence. She didn't need to hear any other drivel concerning the absurdity of her decision to stay with Loki within the dungeons. Without a care that technically all of them were considered elites, if not royalty in Thor's case, Vitalini turned her back on them and without a word walked away.

Just as she was stepping around the corner toward the kitchen's Vitalini came to a screeching halt as yet another familiar figure suddenly appeared in her path.

Why did people need to keep interrupting her?

After Sif, Vitalini was just too angry to deal with anyone else right now. As her feelings of annoyance began to make their way to be voiced from her lips the words died instantly as her blue eyes realized exactly who it was that she had nearly bumped into. Looking up at the slightly taller woman before her Vitalini found herself staring up into the kind brown eyes of Queen Frigga.

Frigga had changed from the gown she had been wearing earlier to something that she undoubtedly found more comfortable and easier to wear while wandering the palace. Her long caramel hair was partially bound in a high bun adorned with glittering gold clips while a long piece was left to curl down over her shoulder. For several long moments Vitalini was too shocked to find the queen wandering in such a strange place close to the servants work areas such as the kitchen or the training grounds that were in the courtyard just a few halls over. Rarely did any of the royal family wonder the area besides Thor and his friends.

"Vitalini," Frigga spoke acknowledging Vitalini's presence with a her usual kind smile.

Realizing her rudeness Vitalini gave a quick bow her mouth still working for something to say. The only explanation for Frigga's presence in this particular part of the palace would be that she had purposely sought someone out- and Vitalini was more than sure it was her that Frigga sought.

"How is Loki?" Frigga asked earnestly her eyes shimmering with worry.

Vitalini sighed in relief at the topic of choice for the queen. Of course she would want to know the condition of her son. At the same time could she honestly lie to the women who had been more of a mother to her than her own mother whom she couldn't even remember?

"Loki is- adjusting," Vitalini answered in the attempt to sound more helpful. It wasn't a complete lie but she didn't want to worry Frigga over the pain Loki was going through when there was nothing that she could do now to help her son.

Frigga sighed in obvious relief at the news of Loki's welfare even though the look in her strained features did not fade completely as if seeing through the gloss Vitalini had added to the situation. Despite the worry and sadness that still remained Frigga smiled down at Vitalini. Suddenly before Vitalini could react the queen had pulled her into her arms for a tight hug.

"I am so glad he has you," Frigga whispered shakily into her ear sounding almost near tears.

Vitalini stood in shock even as her arms automatically rose to return the embrace doing her best to comfort the distraught queen.

"I know Loki isn't the easiest person to get along with and I know that you have never really left him-,"

"He left me," Vitalini replied softly cutting the queen off. The hurt she had thought that she had long since gotten over was once again constricting around her heart once again reminding her of its presence.

"I know," Frigga replied sadly leaning back as her hands reached up to Vitalini's face holding her so that their eyes locked. "But you still haven't given up on him- he needs that more than ever and I am thankful for that."

Vitalini didn't know what to say in reply to that. It had been a long time since anyone had referenced the long ago friendship she and Loki had once shared. Even stranger was that even though she and Loki had not spoken in years, so long ago that Loki didn't even know who she was any longer, that anyone could pick up on the relationship that Vitalini herself remained connected to. It was also admittedly unsettling for Vitalini that Frigga seemed so attuned to the even deeper emotions that lurked deep beneath the surface of her feelings for Loki- the sort that were far from mere friendship.

When they were children Thor and their other friends had on several occasions joked about the type of friendship that existed between Loki and herself. At the time it had been only the jokes of children with no real sincerity or knowledge of whether the relationship or even those sort of feelings existed between the two. At the time it had not mattered. Although, even as children the jokes were not exactly false observations on her part. Even long after Loki had left her behind the jokes still held true in Vitalini's heart.

Could the queen possibly have figured that out?

Meeting Frigga's earnest gaze Vitalini thought it very possible- and very likely.

With little more than another hug and smile Frigga stepped around Vitalini and made her way gracefully down the hallway as if she often visited that area of the palace. Vitalini stared long after her, mind still reeling from the shock. After years she had thought she had been so careful to conceal her feelings from others, sometimes even from herself. Even then it still seemed as if her efforts were useless against the all seeing eyes of the queen and mother of Loki and Thor. Shaking away the unsettling thoughts Vitalini turned back to her duty to Loki already having been gone much longer than she had originally intended to.

Within the hour Vitalini managed to make the dinner she had promised Loki and slowly make her way back down the winding staircase leading to the dungeon. When she walked through the archway that opened up into the larger room that held Loki's cell Vitalini gasped when she saw him collapsed on the ground within his cell.

Without thinking the tray of food for Loki and herself dropped to the ground and scattered in a heap to be left forgotten as she ran across the room to his cell. The only thought in her mind in that instant was Loki.