I think apologize's are in order! I promised that this chapter wasn't going to take as long to upload as it normally did. But it ended up taking me longer than usual. I was going to have this edited and posted within the week I announced that. Things kind of came up and I didn't hold up my end of that promise so I'm sorry! I'll try and make it up to y'all today.

So! Once again, I do not own Avengers nor do I own Loki, the warrior Three. I only own my OC's and the problems I cause for them!

I'm not beta-d so mistakes of any kind are mine.

I hope this chapter is good for you as it was for me. Lol! Don't forget to review, favortie, follow and all that stuff.

Let's go!


Touching... Something was touching me and whatever it was that felt the need to do so; they are going to wish they never came into this room. I pushed off the covers and whirled around to come face to face with Geri snout. I blinked, falling back on the bed. I started laughing hysterically as she climbed into the bed and lies across my chest. I stretched my limbs out, but Geri would not move off me.

"I'm glad you two are having fun." I tried to look around Geri body but it was difficult. Even though I already knew whose voice that belonged to.

"Yeah, it was fun for awhile. But now it's gotten to the point of becoming nauseating, with her being on top of my stomach and all. Could you? Get her off me, please." Loki walked over to the bed and he reached out to grab Geri by her neck, but she watched him the entire time from the corner of her eye. When he got too close she growled and she even snapped at him. He flicked his wrist and she went hurtling into the wall. I gasped at the sound of her body colliding with solid concrete or whatever it is that they used to build houses here. It took me a minute to realize what was about to happen. Geri had gotten back on her feet, shaking her head a few times, and then she looked towards Loki baring her teeth. I jumped up and stood in front of Loki before she launched herself at him.

"Geri! Loki didn't mean to be so forceful...he's not a very gentle person. Could you go and make sure breakfast it being prepared?" I don't know why I was talking to her like she understood. But the way she relaxed a bit, made me entertain the idea that maybe she does understand. I walked up to her and kneeled down to scratch behind her ear, and she licked my face -which I took as a good sign- that she was calm now. I opened the door and she snarled at Loki one last time before running out the door and down the hall.

"She wouldn't have hurt me...she wouldn't have had the chance to get close enough." Loki stated in a matter-of-fact kind of way. I know it was true; he would have killed her, or wounded her pretty bad.

"I know you could protect yourself. But that doesn't mean I wanted a front row seat to see you two attack each other." I turned to look at him and I almost choked on my own tongue. Loki had nothing on besides a chocolate brown towel that hung low on his hips, showing off the deep 'V.' That directed a person's eye to wonder, where the letter ended. I looked away before I got too carried away.

"It's good to hear that you care so much for me. You should go get ready for breakfast..." He had a lopsided smile on his face as he walked up to me. He moved with a sensual grace that I haven't seen in most women, let alone a man. I walked backwards as he moved forwards, like he had an invisible force field that would push me back if I got too close to it.

"You can always use my shower if you'd like. Or bath tube if you're in that kind of mood." He had walked me into the door. He was close enough to me, that I could smell the soap he used, but he wasn't close enough to touch.

"No, no thanks. I think it's time for me to see which one of these rooms has my clothes in it."

"Suit yourself...my shower's pressure is like no other." He stays right there, staring at me. I started to feel a little uncomfortable with the attention he was giving me, he gave my body a once over before he moved back.

I opened the door said my goodbyes and walked out. I found Hebe after a while and she showed me to my room.

After taking a long shower, I made my way to the great dining hall. Walking around the dinner table I take the seat next to Loki. The table was full of plates upon plates of fluffy eggs, toast and various meats.

My father and Odin were talking to each other only to take a break to comment on something either my mom or Frigga said. Loki and I would talk about different things. I'd ask him about his magic or I'll ask him about my past visits. And his eyes would light up, when he'd talk about our adventures into the dangerous side of Asgard or into one of the nine realms.

"Good morning all!" Thor walked in talking as loud as ever, he walked over to his mother and his father kissing them both on the cheek. He tries to kiss me on the cheek, lingering there for too long. Before I took it upon myself to pull away, he just says hello to Loki before sitting down.

"How did you sleep, my sons?" Frigga asks both Thor and Loki looked up at her.

"I slept very well mother. I'm very excited for this year's hunting trip." Thor smiles brightly.

"I'm glad Thor; I do hope you watch out for my datter here." Frigga looks at me and she smiles when I made eye contact.

"She couldn't be in any better hands other than mine. She will be taken care of." Thor beamed at Frigga, before diving into all the food.

"What about you Loki, how did you sleep last night?" Frigga shifted to look at him, not just skimming over the fact that he didn't answer. I liked that a lot. I've seen Odin do that to him a few times and it bothered me every time.

"I had sufficient amount of sleep. I slept-" Loki was cut off by other loud people calling his brother's name.

"Thor!" There was a male voice rang throughout the halls.

"Come, my friend!" Thor yelled back, there were heavy footsteps that followed Thor's response. Four people walked into the room, one was a heavyset man with red hair and long red beard. His eyes landed on the food before he addressed anyone other than Thor. Then there was a fit guy that looked like he didn't play games, it took a lot to get him upset but when he did. I felt sorry for whoever it was that made him mad.

He also seemed like the silent type. Then there was a guy with blond hair and he looked me up and down, like he couldn't wait to drop a line on me. This made my skin crawl. I moved on to look at the girl she looked like a stubborn type of girl, she had armor on too. So she must have, had to prove yourself a lot to be a part of the majority male army. I hope we won't have any problems.

"Volstagg, Fandral, Hogun and Sif! How are you?" Thor walked up them and hugged every one of them, before gesturing to the table.

"Come, eat! Then we can go and have a spare to prepare for our hunting trip." Thor declared to which they all nodded.

"If you don't mind Frigga...Thor invited us to eat breakfast." Sif asked politely as she pulled up a chair next to Thor, and the rest just fall in line with her.

"No, it's fine. Sit and eat till your hearts content." Frigga gestured over the food with a warm smile on her face.

"You're always so kind Frigga and ever so beautiful." Fandral says to Frigga who just smiles kindly while Odin looked at him like a hormonal teenager. I turned my head away from their side of the table to roll my eyes.

Then the four guys started talking about the different war's they've been a part of, and what he did to the enemy and how they felt when they killed them.

"So, Loki you were saying that you slept well?" My mother asks, ignoring Thor and his male friends tell their gore filled tales.

"I slept very well...Mrs. Smith." Loki said politely.

"Call me Valerie...no more this Mrs. Smith stuff." I smiled at how comfortable my mom was towards Loki. I stole a glance at Loki as he smiled as well. He looked up at me for a second before moving on to look at my mom.

"Okay...Valerie. I slept very well; I had enough warmth in my bed to make my transition to sleep very pleasurable." It took everything inside of me, not to choke on the bacon that was in mid shallow; I recovered by drinking my orange juice.

"I'm glad." My mother peered over at me, like she was asking the forbidden question. I shook my head, trying to stop from blushing at what was being implied. I playfully hit Loki's leg, and he grabbed my hand. Before I did the same thing to his side. I could hear him chuckling softly, causing a small giggle to escape my lips.

"So, ósnortið? Thor tells me you're coming with us to the hunting trip." I had a feeling Fandral was talking to me, but I didn't get a chance to say anything. Before Thor jumped in and spoke for me.

"Yes! She is coming, I'm excited to show her how the beasts differ here than from the earth." Thor was ready to burst into confetti with all his excited energy.

"That is right, she is from Midgard. How interesting...so tell me what do you Midgardians like to hunt?" Volstagg asked between stuffing his face, like it would be the last time he's going to be able to eat. And we both know that's not going to be the case.

"We hunt deer's, bears, birds, fish...even though it's not called hunting when it comes down to the fish." I used my left hand to eat, seeing how Loki hasn't let my right hand go. I know if I pulled it, he would let it go. But I didn't want to free my hand, you see the problem there. I probably look like an infant trying to learn how to use their utensils for the first time. I didn't care either way; I just loved the feeling of Loki's hand in mine.

"You hunt birds?" Fandral asked like it was the weirdest thing ever. But I guess from their standpoint it would be.

"Yes, we hunt birds. They're all kinds of birds we hunt, chicken, turkey, pheasant, quail, and ducks. There are a lot of different kinds of birds we hunt. But I'm not really into that sort of thing, so I couldn't tell you the names of the others." I replied honestly, I only told them what I knew. Which wasn't a lot of information.

"I've heard you human's like to hunt things just for fun. Is that true?" Fandral ask, making me feel like a new spices that they found. Now they're trying to find out if I can speak English.

"Yes, that is true. Some people hunt and then they'll have the bird, moose, bear or whatever hung on the wall of their homes." I took on the tone of my father that he used to use on me, when he'd be getting ready to go to another sermon and discuss with other doctors. And I'd stand there asking him a million questions on everything. He didn't want to be rude, so he'll answer my questions briefly and simply, until I was satisfied and walked away. Ha, good times.

"Fascinating! And is it true that you sometimes have a farm with all kinds of beasts that you kill and eat for a special occasion? What was it called?" Volstagg leaned in while still eating his food, some of it was falling out of his mouth when he talked.

"Yes, some people have farms where they keep livestock to eat or sell to make a profit. Some people make a living by growing these animals and killing them for the market or stores. The occasion you're talking about is called thanksgiving, but we don't only buy our food for just special occasions. We buy food for everyday purposes. Don't you Asgardians go shopping at your markets? Do you even have markets?" I was curious to know why they made my race's everyday normal activities sound so...alien.

"We do have markets, but we don't usually go get what we need for ourselves. We'll have one of the errand boy's get it. Sometimes we go there for scented ornaments and what not. Thor likes to hunt for our meal, though." Loki decided to explain it, looking at me like he didn't know why they were acting like that either.

"It's still amazing all the things mortals do to survive." Thor commented while smiling at me.

"I don't see the big deal...we have turkey's here." Sif said after watching Thor watch me, she seemed a tad bit upset at that. But if she would have been really looking, she would've seen that I wasn't even moved by Thor.

"You're right Sif. It isn't really a big deal...we do what we can to survive, no more no less." I continued to eat. Every once and awhile, I could feel that Loki was looking at me and I'd caught him staring sometimes. I tried to show him that I wasn't that upset by smiling at him whenever we locked gazes.

"Which isn't much..." Sif said not even trying to lower her voice, so I wouldn't hear her.

"Excuse me?" I look back at Sif with no emotion on my face.

"I was just agreeing with you...you human's do try to survive on what little you have and do even less with what you know." Sif said with an almost disgusted tone in her voice.

"Why, thank you. Sif that's the sweetest thing I've ever heard. " I wasn't trying to be condescending. It's just the more I thought about what she said the more it began to sound like a compliment.

"I do not understand." Sif looked at me with eyebrows furrowed and confusion in her eyes.

"Well, you see...you just said that we humans don't use our full potential. Right? So by you saying we are not using our full potential, you were basically saying that we have potential." I was surprised at how calm I felt. I don't know this girl from Eve and yet she has this vendetta against me for no reason. Regardless of what she believes I feel for Thor, which is nothing at all.

"That wasn't my point. I think you are mistaken." Sif recovered quickly and went back to her original stubborn beginning.

"No, I get you completely. Let me try this again; a person has to have potential in the first place, to not be able to use all of it. You get it, now?" I asked with no trace of malice or any negative feeling that I wanted to show. But decided against it.

"Mortal's think they know a lot...with your version's of magic. Yet you human's can't even handle the battle. Hand to hand combat, you have to get those racket things that spit out little metal pellets, like a child's toy." Sif was talking like she had a lot of experience with humans. Like she was speaking from somewhere personal. It did not go unnoticed that she ignored my previous brilliantly made point. Just further proving that she's just trying to argue with me, no matter what it's about.

"We used to use swords and bow and arrows. But we found that it was more effective to have something that shot faster. And that didn't require us to be up close and personal. Something that doesn't slow us down as much." I used the reasoning, I heard at one of my dads 'discussion parties'. With his smarty, arty friends that he hangs out with.

"Sounds more like an excuse than anything else. You don't want to have to look at the person when you kill them, being afraid is not the way of a warrior. Anyone can pick up one of those things and use it. But not everyone can pick up a fine blade and use it properly." Sif spoke with finality, showing me that 'she shall not be moved.' No matter what I say, there's no changing her mind.

"We had to move with the times. If our enemy's were still using daggers and swords, that is what we would be using as well. But our enemy's are not using swords, they are using guns. We would be setting ourselves up to be overtaken, if we brought swords to a gunfight. " I guess, I was paying attention in history class. I remembered what I read about Spain and the Native Americans. Even though he thought he was in Asia, well he was actually trying to find India. But that's not the point right now.

The room went silent after that, to which I was very grateful for. Because I didn't know how long I could hold onto the reigns, of that angry bloodthirsty, beast I called my temper. But it was manageable now, and that's what I'm going to focus on.

"So? Let me ask you question, Sif. If you knew your enemy had this power that defeated you the first time you fought them. Say, you found a way to utilize that power for yourself and your fellow warriors... are you telling me, you wouldn't use it for the next time you go up against this enemy?" I asked looking at Sif face. Watching every twitch, every little movement. She looked surprised by the question.

"Yes! I do whatever I needed to do, to protect this kingdom. If there was a way to defeat the enemy, if that was the only way. I would." She said through gritted teeth, Sif didn't want to agree with me. Which was fine that she didn't, but I wanted her to see it in a way I knew she would understand? I knew if I used the importance she felt towards being a warrior, she wouldn't answer from her judgmental point of view.

"Now, as a warrior, knowing you want to look out for your people. Wouldn't you want to evolve, to improve your performance, so that the enemy will never take advantage of your weakness again. If you have the same power they had and you made it better, that the enemy wouldn't have the upper hand anymore. " I looked her in the eyes for a few seconds, before I went back to eating the rest of my food.

"A warrior must always improve." Sif's jaw twitched when she finished talking.

"Right. I think improving of any kind is good. " I felt kind of tired with all this talking. I think I did great, I didn't get loud. Or aggressive with her, I was calm, cool, collective. "I may look weak and all that stuff. But I am capable of taking care of myself." I decided to just say out loud what Sif was most likely thinking. I didn't even have to read her mind to know, that's where she was trying to take this conversation.

"I don't think you're weak Anna. But I will protect you from the creatures out there. They are not like the ones you hunt on Midgard, they are big and truly vicious." Thor spoke up after a few beats past. I gave him a short nod and a small smile.

"Knowing this...why bring her along? Thor, we don't have time to watch her and ourselves at the same time. We can't carry her weight and be able to do what is necessary to get our kill. I am not willing to help someone who can't help themselves." Sif looked at Thor who looked utterly disappointed in her. And I was just thoroughly pissed off; the air around me was getting hotter. I think my mom noticed because she tried to speak softly to me, catching me off guard. I don't know what this chick wants from me? Should I go outside and challenge, the biggest grizzly bear looking Asgardian to a duel? Like, who does she think I am?

"I have seen what stærk hjerte is capable of...I have great faith in her. I will be held solely responsible for her life. I want her to see the animal's that Asgard has to offer." Thor said it loud and clear, there was no convincing him otherwise.

"You don't have to go. If you are truly that afraid of dying from a simple hunting trip then you can stay home, being safe and sound." Loki chinned in after being silent for most of this discussion. He gave my foot a light tap underneath the table; I lifted my head slightly to give him a small smile.

"You're not going anyways, so I don't know why you have any say in this, Loki. Besides your opinion is jaded." Sif turn her fury onto Loki, who can handle it with more grace than I thought was possible. I've been pretty good though, I do have to admit.

"Actually, he is going... I invited the both of them." Thor said to a now gaping Sif, her mouth wide open. I can see why Loki latched onto me, so tight from the beginning. These 'friends' of Thor have very negative views of Loki, I can feel it. And that bothers me more than I would have hoped.

"Aren't your opinions 'jaded' when it comes to Thor...Sif?" I spoke without looking at her. I waited for her to respond. But there was nothing but silence for a while, I eventually glanced up at her.

"What? W-Why would you say that?" She looked completely off her axis. Which I liked to see a person as ignorant as her to be thrown off by something I said to her.

"I may be a human...but I am not blind, dumb, nor am I stupid. It is so obvious that you have some kind of feelings for Thor. That is why this whole ignorant conversation started...you didn't like the fact that Thor seemed too enthusiastic about mere mortal things that you 'Gods' clearly have as well. He was giving me too much credit, I will agree to that." I picked up a piece of fluffy egg and wrapped my mouth around it.

"Are you saying that I am ignorant?" Sif whole body tensed, like she was preparing herself to get up and charge me, for telling the truth. Even though she was picking bits and pieces of my words and trying to find a reason to justify herself for acting like a freak. But there is absolutely nothing that I could've said, that would supply her with what she was looking for.

"No! If you were actually listening, I said 'this ignorant conversation'. If I meant to say you were ignorant, I would have said so. Don't put words in my mouth." I started to count down in my head to stop myself from getting any angrier. The air that surrounded me was increasing in the temperature. And I know that isn't good. I wondered for a brief second if Loki could feel it.

"I think that's enough Sif." Hogun the silent one spoke, shocking everyone to be temporarily quiet.

"I still don't agree with bringing them. Having to tug about dead weight...there's not nearly enough of us to make that work." Sif made a face that I think was like pouting. It was an almost human like expression, I wonder if she knows that?

"It's funny how you think that we humans are worthless and beneath you...when your 'Gods' and 'Goddess' always seem to be drawn to us humans." I stated simply, I've heard stories about different Gods from this weird girl from my school, she was really into it. It was fun to listen to her go on and on about it.

"When it's easy to win such simpletons over, I have no doubt that they were drawn to your kind." Sif folded her arms over her chest.

"Simpletons you say? Were you not the one, who was tricked by Loki? And I heard it wasn't even a very difficult trick...it was quite a simple illusion. I don't think flesh eating grasshoppers exist up here. Do they?" I glance over at Frigga who was covering up a giggle with a cough; she looked at me and shook her head before she removed her hand from her mouth. I placed my fork down lightly and stood up; I leaned on the table to look directly at Sif with a smile on my face.

"It wasn't because we are simpletons that the 'Gods' seem to fall in love with us and end up trying to do anything for us. It's because we are different. We have a mind of our own and some of us will stick up for ourselves. We have thoughts and opinions that we will voice, we just don't let them walk all over us like some of you 'Goddess' that feels like you're better than us 'mortals' do. Not everyone up here can be as great of a woman as Frigga." I stood there when I finished, daring her to come up with a rebuttal. When it didn't come, my smile turned into a smirk, and different voice entered the room that drew me back to the fact that it wasn't just me and Sif sitting in the room.

"I'm going to the garden...would you like to accompany me...datter?" Frigga asked looking at me.

"Of course! I would love to join you in your garden." I stood up straight. While I fixed a nonexistent ruffle in my outfit. I waited for Frigga to walk by, so I could follow her. Before we were fully out of the room, I could see Odin smirking from the corner of my eye.

We walked with no words passing between us. Just being in her presents made my anger goes away. And this calming warmth replaced the anger, I allowed myself to drown in that feeling.

As we turned the corner to the side door of the indoor greenhouse, she waved her hand over the water pail and it began to levitate by itself. It moved over to water the plants.

"I am so very sorry about Sif. I do not share her views on humans." Frigga said sorrowfully, her tone caused me to frown. She shouldn't feel the need to apologize for something she didn't do.

"I know Frigga. I don't want you to apologize for someone else's stupidity." I watched her move around the room gracefully, like she was dancing some complex ballet piece. I see where her son get's it from.

"I just don't want you to think that I nor Odin feels that way. We do not keep you around because of pity. We have grown very fond of you and your parents." She smiled sweetly.

"That's good to know. I've never felt like you guys were doing this out of obligation." I nodded, even though her back was turned towards me. For a while she just tended to the flowers, but said nothing. I didn't know if she wanted me to help, so I stood there for a second or two before I busied myself with watering the other half of the flowers.

I mean I did have a horrifying dream about this exact subject. And it did plant some doubt and suspicion on where Odin's motives lay but I never had a doubt about Frigga. Frigga is amazing and kind, I know she will do what she thinks is best for those she cares about. Even though it may not be the best thing to do. But do I think she'd hurt me purposefully? Never! She wouldn't do something like that.

"My son cares so much for you." She said out of nowhere, but her voice sound happy.

"Um..." I said lamely, both Loki and Thor seem to care for me. So I didn't know which one she was speaking about specifically now.

"Loki...I have never seen him so concern with someone else before. I know Thor cares as well, but in his current state of mind. I don't think his intentions are as clear as my Mørk." She stated, which gave me really weird has been a little touchy feely since he saw me, but I don't know what she meant exactly. My mind just made a mental note, just in case it comes up later.

"You mean Thor's over zealous mentality or immature mindset. I couldn't agree with you more. I know Thor has a good heart somewhere in that entitlement personality, it's just going to take something drastic to bring that heart forward." There was a hand on my shoulder and I turned around to look up into Frigga's face. She looked concerned with something and I waited for her to tell me what's wrong. She looked me in my eyes with the most sincere expression I've seen yet.

"Do you know that my Mørk cares so for you?" Her question came out of no where. It scared me a little.

"Yes, I can feel it coming off of him. Every time he looks at me." I tried to avoid the question, as best I could. That look on her face, just shook me to my core.

"Do you care for him?" Frigga asked again, not even seem tripped up by my attempt to deflect.

"Yes, I can feel it in my heart that I do." She smiles and pulls me into a motherly hug, that makes my eyes water.

"I know you do hreint hjarta, I could see it. I could feel it...he looks at you like he is checking to make sure you're still there. Like there might be a chance you won't be, but I know in my heart that you will never be completely out of his life." She steps back and grabs my hand before walking over to the bench. We both sit there looking over at the flowers.

"You two have this connection...ever since the year you turned five. You would stick up for Loki all the time." She smiled fondly at the memory.

"Do you think that is why he has attached himself to me...because I stood up for him?" I was voicing the thought that was in the back of my head. He could just be mixing love with being grateful.

"At first we all did...we thought once the both of you had gotten older you wouldn't be as close as you once were. I thought once your life had become busy with different things and you'd stopped coming up here, Mørk would move on. But when you stopped coming it devastated my Mørk. Then we started to check in on you and we saw your struggle with keeping your magic under control." I nodded, even though I had no idea how they were able to check in on me. I giggled at her choice of words. It made me think about how she made the water pail levitate, she had magic. By her calling my...ability magic, it was like she was putting me in the same category as her. I may be over analyzing this but, I liked the sound of it.

"The first time you can back and your power had become stronger than your body and mind allowed it overtook you. And you passed out for over a week, your parents were frantic and Loki, he wouldn't let anyone see him cry. But I knew when he would sneak into the room we gave you, he would sit on the bed...hold your hand and cry. I would find him curled up right next to you, every morning until you woke up. I sent him out the morning you woke up and the first thing you said after you looked around the room was 'where's Loki? Is he okay?' You were the one that was out for a week and your only concern was my Mørk." Frigga sounds like she was trying very hard to stop herself from crying. My throat squeezed in on itself, I choked around the lump that was lodged there.

"If he was there when I exploded, it would be logical for that to be my first concern. If he was okay." I said after the lump seemed to disappear. Allowing me to speak freely.

"That is true, that would be logical. But I knew it was more than that. I know it's more than that...I just believe you will be the one to reach him when no one else can." She said with surety, like she knew this to the God given truth. I don't know why I feel so strongly about him, when I don't really remember Loki. But it will not stop me from caring for him.

"Those friends of Thor's...they don't like Loki too much, do they?" I felt the need to change the subject. What she said sounded more like a prophecy, than just a request or desired wish.

"No, they do not care much for Loki's antics. Have you heard of his nickname?" Frigga didn't press the fact that I did change the subject. She just rolled with it, I appreciated that.

"Yes, Odin said something about...tricky or trickster? I was half dead when he told me, so it's kind of hard to remember." I inhaled the scent of her beautiful flowers. I could sit here all day and just...watch the flowers and taking in their combined scents.

"Half dead? When did this occur? Are you alright." She was truly concerned, thinking I was being literal. I smiled while I nodded.

"It's just a saying...I was extremely tired. But yes, I have heard of his nickname." I let her hold my hand; they remind me of Loki's. They were so soft and comforting, not to mention warm.

"Oh well, that's a troubling saying. But yes, his nickname is trickster among the other ones." She said but I couldn't see if she made a face, because I was looking at our hands still.

"The other ones?" I looked up at her curiously.

"There aren't many, but he is called trickster because he likes to use his magic to play pranks on people, without their knowing of it. He is also called silvertongue for his ability to talk his self out of any trouble and talk people into doing really bad things. He is very cunning and guarded. That was one of the things, I first noticed about your effect on him. He tries to hide from you, but you were always able to expose his emotions." She watched for a reaction...and I just smiled those names seem to fit.

"Yeah. Loki seems like the mischievous type. He's very good at his magic...huh?" I could picture him doing that to people. He gets bored and he'll think up something, put into play. Then lurk in the shadows to watch it unfold. Once it was over he'd go right up to them, and act completely oblivious about the whole thing. Yeah, I could see that.

"Yes. Too good sometimes, I'm afraid. Fooled me a few times." I was going to ask her what she meant specifically by 'fooled me a few times.' But something inside of me said I wasn't ready to find out. So I just stayed silent.

"I'm sorry..." I gently squeezed her hand, they were small like mine. The weight of her hand was familiar, I enjoyed comforting her. She was like another mother to me. I just wanted to protect her...she seemed so innocent and kind hearted...well more like tender hearted. I didn't have to try hard to care for her; she pulled that reaction out of me. It was so natural.

"Why are you sorry?" She asked me this time about my reasoning behind my apology.

"It seemed like the right thing to say at the time." I explained honestly.

"Do you want to ask me any questions?" She looked so vulnerable about whatever it was, behind her statement. I knew if she wanted to talk to me about it, she would have the moment she said it. Why push for it, when it felt like she wasn't ready to speak of it.

"No, no ma'am. I do not. The memory is not a pleasant one...and I don't want you to relive it any more than you already do." She squeezed my hand a little. I heard her sigh before speaking again.

"How do you know that?" She sounded relieved and exhausted at the same time.

"Well...I can feel it when you said 'fooled me a few times'. Also, if it wasn't a painful memory you would've just came right out and told me. Like with the Loki sleeping in the same room as me when I was in my mini coma. And him crying only to me and you, I assume. You just sound...pained by the memory. I know you would tell me if I asked you to. But I don't want you to feel like you have to tell me, when you're not ready. Despite your willingness to." I said, peering down at my lap.

"You're as wise as always...what ancient one has bestowed that gift onto you?" She stared at me, really intrigued by the answer.

"I get it from caring. Simply caring about people...I've always been able to feel out a situation, and react accordingly. But when I care for a person, I make sure I notice the little things. Like the hesitation in their voice, when they are trying to tell a painful story." I stated simply.

When I found out that I could hear people's thoughts, I made sure that I didn't get dependent on that ability. Just in case I stumbled upon a person, that I couldn't get into their mind. I won't feel stuck, because I didn't put all my eggs in that abilities basket. So, I worked on noticing things on my own, without my ability. So I just read people's, faces and their eyes. I found that if you really look into someone's eyes, you'll see that they never truly lie.

"I care about you...Frigga...a lot actually." I felt the lump come back into my throat. I didn't try and hide the emotions this time. I wanted her to feel them. I wanted them to give her reassurance.

"I know." There was a calming silence that fell on us. That we both accepted, we just enjoyed the warmth of each others hand and the each others company.

"Could you tell me about my time here? You know, fill in the blanks?" I asked once the thought occurred to me.

"I would love to but, you should be getting back in there. So you could get ready. It's almost time for all of you to get a move out. You have to make sure of the time that you all leave. I think Thor changed it from this evening to tomorrow morning." I was taken aback by the rushed feeling, I got from her. She saw my expression and pulls us up to stand. She hugged me again moving a runaway hair behind my ear.

"When you come back, I will answer any and all questions you have. Okay?" I nodded and commence to walk away, but Frigga stopped me by asking a question.

"Will you keep my Mørk out of as much trouble as you can?" She looked worried.

"Yes...I'll do my best." That's all I can give her. I'll do my very best to keep him safe, I couldn't make any promises.

"Protect him...please? Until next time." She had so much faith in me. And in Loki's care for me, I was going to make some joke about how that's supposed to be his job. You know, protecting me. But I didn't think it was the right time for that.

"Until next time...and don't worry, he'll be fine. Thor's there to protect us all." I wasn't trying to be sarcastic, but it just came out that way. She just smiled sweetly, back at me.


As I made my way back to the -probably empty table now- apart from that man eating everything. I thought about what Frigga was asking of me, and it didn't feel like she was just speaking about right now -today but for a lifelong request. Like she knows there will be other times he will need my help. Maybe I'm being paranoid; I don't know I can't shake that feeling off.

Turning the corner into the dining room, there was a huge weight that landed on my chest suddenly. Knocking me to the ground on my back. There was small chatter when I first walked into the great hall. But when whatever the hell this was, landed on top of me. It had shut all that down.

Something in my mind started to move...but I didn't give it too much thought. Because I was pissed, I hit the ground hard and my ass coupled with the back of the head hurt like hell. I opened my eyes and my vision was a bit blurry. I had to blink a couple of times to clear it up. That's when the growling started; I pushed lightly, knowing exactly who it is that was on top of me. But the growling didn't stop, in fact the beast decided to incline its sharp teeth towards my jugular.

I tensed for two seconds, I heard a chair moving and I could feel Loki's anger coming over to the beast. Wanting nothing more than to grab it by its neck before he'd rip it to shreds, for daring such a thing. I ignored him for a while...focusing on this thing drawing closer to my neck, trying to force me into submission. Like that was going to happen. I grabbed it by the throat and throw it out of me.

Dropping right into a crouching stance, it jumped up and copied my stance. We eyed each other for a while, before it launched itself at me. Both of us rolled around, it snapped at me. While I pushed and tackled it, never really hurting it. This goes on for a minute before I finally pinned it, and when its neck was exposed I hovered over it just before I...pinched it.

"Ha! I got you Geri!" I had a toothy grin on my face. I let her go and she sat up and licked my cheek. Freki soon joined us on the floor; he sat on the other side of me. I scratched behind his ears before I slowly stood up. I was feeling a little fuzzy from the impact of the hard floor to my not so hard head. One hand on each wolf's head, I looked at Loki first, him looked stoic -which I didn't like seeing the lack of emotions on his face. It never meant anything good. - So I walked over to him bent down to whisper in his ear.

"I'm okay. There's no reason to be upset, I will never be in real danger with Geri and Freki. They will protect me, like I know you will protect me." I stroked his hair, running my fingers through the soft ocean of black. He wouldn't look at me as I was talking to him. So I grabbed his hand and made him run his fingers through my hair, like I just got done doing to him.

"I just don't like those wild dogs feeling so comfortable with you." Loki had the cutest look on his face. I just wanted to lean forward, and feel his soft lips on my own. Of course I didn't do it. Bad mind, I shouldn't think about that. But, his lips do look soft though.

"Well, if its any consolation...they don't like you either." I smiled when he finally acknowledged me. There was this tickling feeling at the back of my head. I shook my head to get rid of it, but when it didn't go anywhere I looked at Loki.

"Are you putting some kind of voodoo god spell on me?" I eyed him suspiciously, letting the smile show on my face.

"Why would you say that?" His eyebrow lifted with the question.

"For starters, you're touching my head, and then all of a sudden my head feels all tingly. Are you trying to make me your woman-servant-love-slave?" I keep my tone light and playful so he wouldn't think I was angry or being serious with my accusation.

"I wouldn't need magic to make you my anything." He was smiling fully this time. I didn't blink to ensure that I didn't miss it. I made sure to burn it into my memory. While making a mental note to make it appears upon his face more often.

"Oh really? You think you got it like that, to have me falling all over you?" I respond as my attention came back to the conversation, and off his mouth.

"When the time comes, I will not have to make you do anything. You will be more than willing." He smirked up at me and I couldn't help but return it, he was a confident little twit. But he keeps my attention that way; I would never want to change that about him.

"So, Thor this hunting trip...is there anything that I need to bring? Water, food, a really loud siren to alert the mighty soldier's of our defeat and weakness, so we as the damsel in distress can be saved? Do you think a siren of that size would fit in my camping bag or my pocket?" Everyone found it funny except for Sif, which I didn't really care if she did or not. If all fails laugh, it'll make you a happier person. That's what I like to do.

"We are going to the sparring room. Come, I will explain everything there. You too brother, join us." Everyone stood up to walk with Thor to gym. And everyone who dared cross Geri or Ferki path, they would snarl and snap at them. I especially liked Sif full body jerk, and slightly frightened expression. She stayed behind to see what Geri and Ferki would do to me, when people weren't around. Geri just nipped my hand and Freki just head butted my stomach, which made me laugh.

Catching up with the little group as they arrived at the gym, I sat down on the viewers section with Loki. As Hogun worked with the long ranged weapons, throwing knives, then he switch to a long sword ending with a mace. He just got real medieval up in this piece...he fights as quietly as he does everything else. Thor and Volstagg were fighting in the center, first with swords. Then, with one particular move from Thor, caused the both himself and Volstagg lost their weapon. They just continued on fighting bare handed.

"Not much for fighting eh?" I asked Loki.

"No. I prefer style over sheer brute. Strategically planned attacks over a clumsy misinterpretation of strength." That seems like a type of style that would best suit him. Loki has long limbs and slender body, meant for doing something angelic and graceful. Even if it's causing trouble.

"You're quite the troublemaker, are you not?" I asked, trying to make small talk.

"Well, what do you expect from the God of mischief?" Loki said nonchalantly.

"I guess you shouldn't expect anything less than mischievousness..." I started giggling causing him to look at me; I could see even Thor glancing over to see what was going on. Ignoring everyone weird looks; I angled myself more towards Loki to focus on our conversation.

"What's so funny?" Loki had this almost believable, serious look on his face.

"Nothing. It was just something I said to your mother, that now totally makes sense on why I said it. You just confirmed what I was saying." He asked what I said and I just gave him the short vision of what was said while guiding the conversation away from any other questions.

"Tell me about some of your tricks." I really wanted to know what he did that was so bad, that people call him all those names.

"You don't want to know about that." He said coyly looking at his hands.

"I wouldn't have asked if I didn't want to know. You know you want to share so...what with the hesitation? Spill it already." I playfully shook him back and forward, he smiled. And then looked at me to -I guess- check and see if I was really intended to listen.

After a while he began his tale of some of his earlier tricks and how he progressed. He spoke of his favorite one and the ones he didn't like because the execution wasn't well planned.

With every new story he got into, his face would light up. And his eyes would sparkle, when he started to talk about how much fun he had. I watched all the emotional transition that flashed through his eyes and over his face. I made sure to comment as little as possible -not wanting to disturb wherever this train ride was taking me- it was like he was in a trance, lost in the memories.

I could tell by his unwillingness to open up to me, even though we're supposed to be like two peas in a pot. He hesitates like he's waiting for me to pull the rug out from under him, he doesn't get many opportunities to be truthful with people because of the reputation he, himself created.

"Your eyes...there different...right?" I asked randomly gazing into his eyes with my head tilted slightly. Trying to figure out why green -even though it looks really good on him- doesn't seem quite right.

"You've noticed...not many people here have." His voice had a little sadness lace, underneath the bored tone he was using.

"Not many people here care more about others than they do about themselves. So am I surprised no one noticed? Nope, not in the less. Lucky for you...I'm not like most people here." He smiled and nodded, looking down. I thought he was just going to leave at that, not truly confirming if it was or wasn't his real eye color. But when he looked back up at me...his eyes were...blue. My hands lashed out on their own and cupped both sides of his face pulling him closer, so I could get a better look.

"I know this color...I can't quite piece it together but I...I just know." I muttered more to myself than towards him. Loki couldn't help but hear me, seeing how I have yet to let his face go.

"Do you like this color better?" He asked as he blinked a few times. I could feel his breath, brush up against my lips every time he exhaled.

"Hmmm...I like this color...but the green makes you stand out. Not like you don't already stand out, in my eyes. But green gives you an eerie aura. It's..." I leaned in closer, memorizing the way his blue eyes gave his face a softer look. Almost made his face look even younger. My skin was moving in such an excited way, with the skin on skin contact. The way he stared back at me, made my heart flop around like an unruly child that was throwing a temper tantrum, in a Wal-Mart. Once I finally let go, my heart tried to calm itself.

"So, uh...your magic...Can you show me something?" My breath came out shallower than usual. With the effort of trying to calm down, while trying not to notice our close proximity. Like I could achieve that. I noticed every time he shifted in his seat, so how I thought I wouldn't notice how close we are...I couldn't tell you.

"Do you want something small or big?" He asked with his smirk in place. Knowing full well he was the cause of my slow recovery.

"Um...something small would be nice, nothing too noticeable." He cupped his hands, one on top of the other and his lips moved for a short time. Before he looked up at me with a self satisfied smile on his mug.

I glanced around the room to see if there was anything different. But there wasn't anything different or out of place. I turned back to him with a look that said 'Is that it?'

He lifted his hands up to say nonverbally 'look in there.' So I did, peeking through the small gap of his fingers. I saw a green ladybug crawling on his hands like they were made of grass. Then it transformed into a horse that was galloping hard through the meadow. I could see its strong legs pounding on the ground with long strides. I could hear his heavy breathing; I could almost feel its breath brush up against my cheek.

Then it busted into a dragon and it was flying around the small space that his cupped hands provided. It changed directions quickly and flew straight for my face, I gasped and jerked backwards. Looking up at him briefly, he seemed to be really enjoying himself. Sharing this side of himself with me, and I really enjoyed being allowed to see this part of him. The beautifully crafted green dragon flew around some more. And every time it made a full circle back, towards my face it became bigger.

And it would start to fly quicker, like a snake on water it was going faster and faster. It's body would grow and grow until Loki started to open up his hands bit by bit, it soared into the air. Loki watched me watch the dragon fly high until it flew straight through the ceiling.

I blinked and turned to the magic man himself who smiled briefly, before he pointed back up at the ceiling. I looked up in time to see it coming right towards me. I closed my eyes and brace myself for whatever feeling that I was about to experience with a magically projected dragon flying through my face.

"Don't close your eyes." I heard Loki whisper into my ear. I nodded and keep my gaze straight ahead as the dragon came closer and closer, I could hear it roaring as it picked up speed.

Just as it was about to touch my face, it exploded into green sparkly rain. I couldn't help but let my eyelids drop with the green sparkles falling down on me.

"That was amazing! I guess there is no doubt when it comes to how strong you are with your magic." I fought the urge to giggle like a psychopath, by biting into my bottom lip.

"I had to practice to get to this point. I worked hard everyday, endured many teasings to have this kind of power." I was about to say 'but look at you now...I bet none of the people that made fun of you can do what you just did.' But I notice that the exploding dragon left behind a scent, a calming smell that hit me right down into my core.

"Jasmine..." I whispered.

"Yes, it is Jasmine. I'm surprised you didn't notice sooner...we use to run through a field full of them." Loki just watched me, this time I didn't stop him. I know I could stare into his eyes all day, and gaze at his face forever. Wow, that was really cheesy. I blame Frigga for making me feel all sentimental and what not. I have no idea where that even came from.

"I was so busy being in such awe of your marvelous magical majesty. That-" I was cut off by a sound of air being cut through. Sensing something, I caught the axe that was thrown towards the side of my face.

"Come on mortal...lets see how capable you really are." Sif smiled at me and my anger flared, my heart rate skipped a beat. One sentence kept running throughout my mind. 'I was really going to kill her.' Loki stood before I got a chance to, ready to put her in her place -which made me happy-, that he wanted to stood up for me. But I wanted to handle it myself. Putting my hand on his chest, he studied my face before slowly sitting back down. I took off my jacket and made my way towards her, axe held tightly at my side.

"Hold this for a second...would you?" I chucked it back at her and when her hands landed on the spot where mine were, she yelp in surprise at the heat that her hands were greeted with. And she almost dropped it on her foot. I tied my hair up and walked over to pick the axe back up.

We started out slow...she was watching me to try and find my pattern, so she could predict my next move. I already had a good idea of how she fights. Seeing how she is the only girl among all these men, she would definitely have to prove to them all, that she can be just as tough as they are. That's exactly how she fights...like she has something to prove. She wants to prove to me that she's better than me, and she wants to prove to Thor why she's the best choice for him.

Blow after blow we go back and forward, I kicked her axe out of her hand a long time ago. She hit mines out of my hand and tried to head butt me, I dodged it easily. She hits hard I respect that.

She got lucky one time and knocked me down. I felt that same jiggling thing in my head like something was trying to get free, like it has been wedged into place. All these forceful hits I'm taking on, is causing it to come undone. But Sif was on her feet -so I had to put trying to figure what that feeling was, on the back burner- not to point out the fact that Sif was closing in on me.

She had the axe back in her hand and I refuse to let this self titled, prejudice bitch win this and really start smelling herself.

I looked around at the situation as it lays itself out for me. What I should do? When she gets close enough, she raises the axe in the air and as she brings it down, I kicked her in the shin pushing myself back.

Getting myself back on my feet with a flip, using her arms that were still holding on to the hilt of the axe that was lodged in the ground -I climbed up her body, and wrapped myself around her neck. I brought my whole body weight downward, successfully putting her down onto her back. I kicked the axe as it flipped in the air. I quickly grabbed the hilt and in one swift motion brought the head of the axe against her neck.

"Are we done here?" I asked her nicely, showing no sarcasm or arrogance. She started to moving, trying to buck me off of her. I just let her try for a while, before it began to irritate me. I pushed the blade into her neck more; I could see a red outline coxing the axe's edge. Her blood was rolling slowly onto the safety mat.

"I'll say it again...are you done?" I revised the question, because I was already over this, it did take me a minute not to drive the blade further into her neck. Getting it over with now...bring her around the block as some would say.

She let out this battle cry, roaring like a beast while acting like a person having a mini seizure. When she finally stopped struggling, she laid still and huffed.

"Yes...you have fought well." I watched the blade bob up and down as she swallowed. Then it vibrated when she spoke. Fascinating.

"Thanks." I got up without offering her a helping hand, because someone like her would take that as an insult. I didn't even notice the little audience that somehow accumulated while I was busy with Sif. I throw the axe as far away as I could, while walking over to where Loki was he smiled at me.

"Let's all just call it a night, alright? We're going want to start bright and early tomorrow morning." Thor announced patting Sif on the shoulder, before making his way towards the door.

"That was marvelous my friend. Just wonderful...wouldn't expect anything less from you...stærk hjerte." I nodded and we all left going our separate ways.

I was all done with my shower; I decided to do a little exploring and ended up in the kitchen. I raided the cabinets finding some of my favorite things like candies and cookies like Oreos, red beans, hot chocolate just to name a few. I found sugar cubes in one little container and I put a few in my pocket for some reason; I didn't question myself too long about it. Because I was too busy snacking on some Oreo cookie, when I spotted a side door -being curious as I am, I opened it to see that it leads to the outside. I watched the sky seeing the Asgardians moon and surrounding planets, it was a bright morning sky. Maybe it was evening, what time is it here? Is the time different here than it is on earth? I don't know but everything here is just...statuesque.

Enjoying the air and the perfect painting that was basically drawing itself, laid out right there before my eyes. I was pulled out of my daydream by this noise that was coming from the side of the house; the object was block from my view by a wall. So I get up to go to see what it was and I was greeted by a sight of three kittens crying out for their mother, that from the looks of it was nowhere to be found.

I wasn't going to mess with them, but I knew I couldn't just leave them there. I rushed back inside to grab a small bowl, poured some milk in it and carefully but swiftly returned to the kittens. I watched them finish the whole thing, I ended up petting all three before going back in the house.

I wanted to tell Loki what I saw, I felt like he would appreciate a good 'I found and feed three really cute kittens' story. One was orange with white spots, and then there was the other one that was black with white paws. The last one was grey, and white with black spots. He had one black spot over its eye.

I was making my way back to Loki's room where I believed he'd be. I was walking down the hall, when a door open and Thor was letting a maid out of his room. He sees me and smiles, waving me over.

"Hey Annabelle, you ready for this hunting trip tomorrow?" Thor asked standing in the door frame, shirtless.

"Yeah, I guess." I could see his chest in my peripheral, so I didn't need to stare. His chest was impressive; I haven't seen any guy with his muscle mass that didn't look weird.

"What's wrong? Do you not want to come with us?" He looked almost crushed with the possibility. Those blue eyes were so piercing.

"No, no that's not it! I'm not a big 'hunting' type of girl. Or camping really, but I'm up to try it out." I tried to clear any confusion. I don't want him to feel like I was being rude.

"Oh good! I am glad that you do still want to experience this with me." Thor quickly went back to his chipper mentality, within a matter of seconds, of hearing my response.

"Yeah...um...Thor how long is this hunting trip going to be anyways?" He walked away from the door frame, and back into his room. He was by his dresser while he put on his clothes, he gestured for me to join him in his room. I felt completely uncomfortable with going into his room by myself for an unknown reason; I throw those feelings to the side for now. But I'm going to stay alert.

"It's approximately a week trip...why do you ask?" He looked like he was going out; maybe he's going out to drink with his friends.

"I asked because I wanted to know...it's a week here a different time on earth?" I stayed at the farthest part of his room.

"I'm not sure...you'd have to ask the all father." I do intend to...I guess there's no real need to freak out. If there was a time frame of us being here, my dad would have said so from the beginning.

"Does the time for this voyage bother you?" Thor turned towards me after, he finally putting his shirt on.

"I was just thinking that it was a long trip, if my dad wants to take us back to earth...he won't be able to get to me." I say slightly more troubled, by that aspect of this trip.

"Do not worry! I will have you back in no time; he wouldn't even notice you were gone that long." He had somehow made his way in front of me, I was thinking too much. If I didn't notice that.

"Thank you, Thor!" I found myself focusing on nothing other than Thor movements.

"You know, you did really well for yourself in there with Sif. She is the best woman warrior I know." Thor smiled. I was getting nervous again.

"That's very good for her. I can only imagine how hard it was and probably still is for her to be taken seriously." With my senses on high, I was extremely aware of the way Thor's tone changed. He was beginning to get closer to me with every minute that passed.

"I was very proud of you. I look forward to seeing how you handle yourself when we get out there." His voice dropped into a lower range.

"Thanks...Thor." I said slowly. I looked around the room, not really finding a reason to watch him. Trying to alleviate the utter awkwardness I felt in this moment.

"Yes, I was very proud of you...stærk hjerte!" Thor was making this weird noise with his throat. This conversation was becoming creepy really fast; I didn't like the tone his voice was taking on.

"Look, Thor I don't know what you're doing but you shouldn't-" I looked back at him and his face a few inches from mine. Then without warning he smashed our lips together, I pushed him as hard as I could but he didn't budge. He put one hand on each side of me, boxing me in place putting our bodies flash together.

"I've never been with a mortal before...I have always wanted to know what it would feel like. Seeing you wrestle around with Geri, made me even more curious about it. Those wolves are powerful, but do you think you can handle rough housing with me?" My snaky remark was cut off by his mouth slamming onto mine once again.

I pushed again but nothing happened still. His hands began to travel my body on their own and that was pissed me off all the more. I growled and pulled my knees up to my chest and grabbed the dresser. That Thor had me smashed painfully against, and with all the strength I could muster, I lashed out. Casting Thor across the room, he slammed into the opposite wall, dropping down to the ground.

"How dare you! How the fuck dare you, Thor! Are you out of your fucking mind?" I was shaking violently. I already knew I was covered in fire and right about now, for once I didn't care to control it.

"Do you think of me as a whore, Thor? Do you think I'm a whore...?" Thor got back up slowly, but he had to stand a certain distances from me as the heat was becoming too much.

"No. I-" Thor answered and it didn't help me calm down. I know I asked him a question, but I didn't want to hear him answer it.

"That's right! I am no bodies whore! You already know how I feel about your brother...why would you do such a thing to him? To me? Who do you think you are? If I had a choice to be anyone's whore on this self centered planet...it would be Loki. I would be Loki's whore before I'll be yours. Hell I'd be Hogun's whore, before I'll be yours." I was fuming. You know when you get past being "kill everyone" angry...you start saying just about anything.

"Annabelle I'm sor-" The smack that was heard around the world...well echoed throughout Thor's room.

It made my hand sting, and he had a handprint burned into his cheek meat -and for the first time the smell of burning flesh didn't make me feel bad, or have a flashback to that really bad day. Satisfied was what I felt, the shocked expression that graced his face was to me, well deserved.

"Don't! You don't get to say anything to me right now. You lost every right to, when you thought in that underdeveloped, illiberal, minuscule brain of yours that this was a good idea. Your an idiot Thor...and your arrogance will be your downfall one day." The more I looked at his face the more my brain was showing me ways to kill him. And if I didn't leave, I just might act upon one of them. I walked towards his door, opening it before turning to face Thor one last time.

"If you ever do something like that to me again..." I made my fire expand until it filled the room without touching him. "I will kill you." I walked out completely before slamming the door as hard as I could -stomping off still ablaze- everyone still inside that house, was lucky they didn't run into me at this point. I wouldn't have seen them till it was too late.

I finally made it outside without any fire-y accidents, thank goodness. I let my feet take me where they wanted to, as I continued to fuss in my head about Thor's stupidity. I never realized that I had stopped until someone's voice entered my ears.

"He's very wrong for what he did." I blinked and I finally got to 'see' where I was. There was this black man with this gold armor on, with this big, long sword that he had in front of him with both of his hands on the hilt. I blinked a few more times then closed my mouth because it was hanging open. I cleared my throat before I said.

"What?" Confusion was clear on my face.

"Thor, what he just did...taking it into his own hands to push himself on you. He is no better than that Kyle boy." I stared at his profile for a long time; he just stood there and let me, when he glanced in my direction. I was overcome with the need to hug him.

Before asking for my permission my feet were moving...running actually towards him. I leaped at him. He didn't even take one hand off the sword, and he was still able to catch me. I hung there silently; I didn't even know I was crying until a sob fall from my lips. One gold metal clad hand covered my back, giving me a one-armed hug.

"I'm sorry...I...I don't know why I did that. I didn't mean to throw myself at you...literally." Even though I was apologizing, my arms would not unhook themselves from off around his neck. I was shaking from the effort to let go of him, it was obvious. I didn't really want to let go of him, so I stopped trying.

"It's okay... lille sorte ræv. I know about your trouble...your memory loss and what happened down there with that boy." He was so calm while he continued to hug me.

"How do you know about that? Did my dad tell you?" I leaned back to look him in the eyes...yellow colored eyes at that.

"I see all...I hear all. Nothing can be done without me knowing." He states with every ounce of seriousness.

"So...you're telling me that you 'saw' me almost burn all those kids into ashes? From all the way up here?" I asked. I don't know if I should be weirded out by that or be in awe.

"Yes, that is what I'm telling you. I don't usually look into Midgard, I only watch for possible attacks on Asgard. But when you came here and you won the hearts of Odin and Frigga, I would look after you and your family from time to time." He rubbed my back one time, before going totally still.

"I've never heard it being phrased like that before." I laughed. I looked down at his armor; it had a lot of small but well detailed carvings on it.

"What is it that you're used to hearing?" He glanced over at me.

"I usually hear that I gained 'favor' in Odin's eye." I started giggling, I seen the corner of his lips quiver upward a second before going still. "But I've never heard that I won his heart." I looked back at those haunting, golden eyes that look back at me.

"I don't know why anyone would phrase it that way. I only state the true nature of what happened." His face twisted up in disdain in what I just said to him.

"Oh, I don't doubt what you say...it's just different. It's a good different, so don't worry." I lay my head back down on his shoulder. He continued his work as doorkeeper or bellhop quietly. I realized that in the little time, I've been in his presence and on his shoulder that my anger has died down to nothing. I was so relaxed to the point of needing to take a nap.

"You must be experiencing strange emotions about me right now."

"I was very suspicious about everything when I first woke up, but there was something in the back of my mind that told me this place was familiar. That it was just like earth...it held good and bad memories. And as far as the people here...the ones I've met so far, I decided to go off my first instinctive reaction. I haven't been wrong yet." I kept moving around trying to get rid of some of the pain that was in my gut. The weird shoulder gear he had on was poking me in a weird not so pleasant way.

"Even with what just transpired with Thor?" He asked curiously.

"Yes, even then...I felt uneasy going into his room. But I didn't want to be rude so I ignored it, I did stay on guard nonetheless." He wrapped his hand around my back and moved me into a more comfortable position.

"Are you trying to ask me, how I feel about you in a non direct way? Because if you are...I think me lying on your shoulder like a slab of meat, should be the answer to that unasked question." There was a rumbling noise that came off him, that I assumed was a laugh that he was trying to hold back.

"No, I was not beating any bushes with asking you a question. That wasn't a question that I was going to ask, like you said with you being at rest with jumping into my arms in the first place, gives the answer to that unasked question. As you so lovingly put it." He seemed just as calm about me being on his shoulder, as I was actually being on it. I sighed after I finally get settled in.

"Did I do this to you a lot?" I asked with a lazy smile pulling at my mouth.

"Yes, you would jump into my arms as soon as you saw me. I found your confidence in me, to not hurting you, amusing. You were the first mortal that didn't fear me the first time you saw me...and there has been a few humans up here." He sounds happy about that fact. Which I'm glad he wasn't a part of 'you human are all weaklings' club. I got my full of that from Sif.

"So, I've been told. I didn't think we were the first humans that have been up here, even though that's the way some people make it seem." I sighed again.

"I've grown to being accepting of this type of affection from you. I look forward to it actually, even after you were told that this is not the Asgardian way of greeting someone -you still do it, no matter what others say about it. Your courage is admirable." I nodded, finding it harder to keep my eyes opened. With the heat coming off of his body being so soothing.

"I am not Asgardian. So why would I let them tell me...how I can and can not greet someone that I liked talking to? Especially when I wasn't hurting anyone. Now, if they told me that by hugging you I would cause you physical pain, because that's just how your body responses to skin on skin contact. Then of course! I wouldn't have continued to hug you every time I got the chance." I shrugged when he asked another question that didn't really make it's way to my brain. I sort of nodded off for a few seconds before I jerked awake, I opened my eyes and looked around. Was there not one building or room that isn't made of gold?

"I'm sorry! I fell asleep on you...I guess I've done that before as well. Haven't I?" I looked at him as he nodded once.

"Okay? How am I going to...?" I looked at the gap between me and the ground. I will tell you this...I'm not jumping down from this distance. I was trying to calculate my next move, when he grabbed my waist and slowly guided my feet to the ground.

"Thank you..." I bowed my head and turned to walk back the way I came, but I didn't know the way back. See? The only thing about walking around without paying any attention to your surroundings is when you really need to go back; you don't know where 'back' starts.

But this wasn't a stuck in the woods kind of situation, this long slick almost slippery looking; runway like flat surface thing is like a million feet long. That may be an exaggeration but believe you, me it looks that way from where I stood.

"Can I walk on this? I mean is it safe?" I was really scared of falling off this thing. I could see myself falling off it, in my mind.

"Of course it is safe! Thor and the others have ridden horse across this bridge...you will be perfectly fine walking on it. How do you think you got here in the first place?" There was a laugh underlining his voice, and now I feel like an idiot for even asking such an obvious question. Of course I walked on this bridge to get here, what did I think was going to happen...I was going to fly across?

"I wasn't really paying attention when I walked here. I just let my feet take me where they wanted to, because my mind was pretty busy calling Thor every name in the book." I continued to stare at the bridge unblinkingly to be specific.

"I understand. But trust me you are safe to tread on this walk way...I assure you." I nod again before taking a cautious step forward.

"Thank you again, Heimdall." He smiles showing off his gold teeth, at first I thought it was yellow teeth but nope it was gold...real gold. I wanted to ask him about it, but I knew if I didn't quit while I was ahead. I would stay there and talk to him all day.

"It was my honor to be your companion on this evening. Be well, lítill svartur refur. Stay out of trouble!" His name just flowed right out of my mouth...no hesitation...I was proud of myself for recalling it so quickly. Then again who can forget a man covered from head to toe in gold?

I was halfway to the other side, when I had a thought about asking Heim about what happened with the Jotun people. Dang it! I wasn't thinking about checking out Thor's story about them trying to eat me.

Man, I could have asked him about a lot of stuff. I went totally blank when he said he 'sees all, hears all.' I wasn't thinking about asking him about the way I was, when I got here or when was the last time I was here? How old was I?

I will just have to remember those questions for when I get back here from the hunting trip. I look to the left side of me then the right, my heart began to race -If someone falls off this bridge they will be lost, forever. I don't see anything a person can latch onto, to give them leverage to get back up here.

It is a beautiful site though; just one wrong move and I could fall off and die. Okay that's enough of that! Focus on something else...okay this bridge itself is amazing. It lights up under your feet, it reminds me of my old sketchers shoes. Oh! Or Michael Jackson's Billie Jean video. Oh my god, it does. Ha!

When I finally might it to solid enough ground, I turned around to see the distance from this side. It was still far looking from here, exhaling out of relief; I begin to walk back to the palace.

People pay me little to no mind, and I'm fine with it. I go about my business looking at the different stores, shops, pubs and things like that. If I didn't know any better, I would think this was another place on earth, a country with a whole lot of renaissance lovers and what not. I wouldn't think that I was on a different planet with God's and Goddess'. It's still a strange thought to get used to.

Odin's place came into view, I got to see the actual size of it and it was as humongous as I thought it would be from just being on the inside. I was going towards it until I saw a stable, a littlest ways off to the side. Deciding I didn't want to see nor deal with Thor and his rudely invasive friends. I walked into the horse's stable; there were such beautiful horse in there.

They seemed very aware of my presence, making their noises to greet me. I smiled and pet some of them who let me, I reached the last horse and this one was different to me. The colors were richer more vibrant, if that makes any sense. He walked straight up to me and knocked his face against mine, he was a big one. His black hair sparkled in the sunlight; he became really interested in my jacket pocket. I reached in and pulled out the sugar cubes, I stuffed in there earlier. I held one out for him to take which he did happily.

"You like sugar too, big fella?" I smiled when he whinnied, while searching my hand for another one. I kissed his face...this horse seems to have a little personality all on it's own. I heard rocks' shifting like someone was coming into the stable. I turned around to see a person standing there, watching me interact with the horse.

"I'm sorry, is he your horse? I hope you don't mind me feeding him a few sugar cubes...it wasn't a lot maybe two or three." I glanced at the horse again. I looked back at the person when they didn't reply, the person looked up at me and I saw him smile. I thought that was a friendly gesture so I try to start another conversation with him, when he steps into view fully.

I had my head turned back towards the horse to pet him, when my breath caught. Pain like I've never experienced rang throughout my body. Shocked, I looked at the source of this unbearable pain that was coming from my chest. And there was an arrow sticking out of there, just a few inches from my heart. I could feel it every time I would breathe. The guy had a bow in the hand that he hid behind the stable door.

He was still smiling when I dropped to my knees, and when I collapsed on my back. He didn't move from his spot just outside the door. He didn't stop smiling, as the tears started falling from my eyes. Nor did he stop when my vision blurred and I blackened out.

His smiling face was the last thing I saw...with Odin's warning being the last words I heard.

"There are Gods here who are not too keen on having you here. Please watch out for yourself..."


Whew! Alright, that bring chapter 4 to a close! Was that a lot that took place or what? I'm sorry that I changed, Thor a little. Don't be mad at me! Be mad at him, he was the one who told me to write that! So it's not my fault.

I can't promise that the next chapter will be up soon, but I can promise to make it as interesting as my ability will allow.