Author's Note: So this isn't my best work. It's more of a transitional chapter if anything. Gotta get the boring shit out of the way to get to the exciting stuff. Just gonna leave a special shout out to my gal, who I'm gonna name Pocker Man, for listening to all of my crazy ideas for the chapters to come. Also special thanks to xLokiswolfx for the great reviews. As always R&R!

Falling. She was falling. The universe had swallowed her soul, rocketing her through the very fabric of its being. It was a canvas for her to paint her starry presence on. She was nothing. She was everything. The entire cosmos caressed her fragile mind, whispering the secrets that everyone wonders, but no one dares to ask. The blackened totality bloomed before her eyes in swirls of vibrant energy. Ravyn could feel every embodiment at once. All the joy, all the agony. They bled together in one endless and euphoric moment as she breathed in infinity.

Her mind was the liquid gold that filled the stars, beautiful and oblivious. Ravyn collided with the rigid stone floor, but for just a moment she was unaware, her existence still living with the celestial happenings. A great gasping sound escaped her lips her lungs worked on their own accord, filling themselves full of the oxygen they were deprived. The first thing Ravyn was aware of when her mind started to ease back into the world was pain. The pain of reality burned in her head and her veins, so much so that she couldn't bare to move. Slowly, the rest of her senses trickled back to her body. The gift of sight was among the first. It came to her so suddenly that the brightness made her crave being blind once more. Ravyn closed her eyes for a moment and felt a hard presence under her body. All she could see when she opened them again was the large golden ceiling above her. She tried to voice her displeasure, but her mouth only let out an undignified grunt.

"Welcome back, Prince Loki. I hope your travels went well." Ravyn heard a sonorous voice echo throughout the domed expanse.

Loki... She knew that name. Why did she know that name exactly? Memories slowly trickled into her mind as Ravyn struggled to remember why that name was so important. Loki. He was the Norse God of Mischief and Lies, she knew that much for sure. She remembered reading about him constantly in all her books, about his fascinating magical talent that reminded her so much of her own. Ravyn remembered the piercing green eyes that stared at her with contempt as she laid on the floor of the bifrost observatory…

"Oh don't bother with pleasantries, Heimdall. You know exactly how my travels went."

Everything hit her at once and she shot up from her place on the floor, whipping her head around frantically. Her eyes landed on Loki, who stood a few paces away from her now donned head to toe in traditional royal armor.

"You bastard." She heard the raspy words fling from her mouth before she felt them. Ravyn shot to her feet and descended on the dark prince.

"How DARE you! You literally just kidnapped me right in the middle of New York. Are you out of your fucking mind? Take me back right now or I swear to fucking god-" As she raised her hand slightly before her in frustration she got a glimpse of something purple cascading down her arm.

"What the hell?" Ravyn looked down at herself in disbelief noticing for the first time that she was no longer in her casual earthly attire. She turned to see herself fully in the reflective golden metal around her. Everything about her seemed to be completely different from before. The dress she was in was a long purple assortment of elegant layered fabrics that wisped around her body with every movement. Fixed upon her chest was a, surprisingly comfortable, silver armored breastplate, adorned with several smaller gems that accented the peak of her breasts. Upon her shoulders was a satiny silver traveling cloak embroidered with a few different symbols she did not recognize. She looked carefully at her pale face, framed by her soft brown curls, and realized that even her skin seemed to glow a little different in this atmosphere.

"Obviously I couldn't have you walking around Asgard in Midgardian attire. This will suffice until you can be properly fitted by the tailors," Loki drawled, picking at the beds of his fingernails. His voice brought her out of her temporary state of shock and she rounded on him once more, the same icy anger taking hold once more.

"Oh well this is just fucking perfect. Not only do you kidnap me, but you also take away the only possessions I have."

"Watch you tongue, girl. It is extremely unbecoming of a lady to use such foul language and not be reprimanded for it, especially in the presence of royalty." Before she could retort the same voice from earlier cut through their arguement.

"Welcome to Asgard, Lady Ravynia.I hope you enjoy your stay here." This was the first time Ravyn acknowledged the presence of the other god in the room. His heavy armor stood defiantly from the rest of the room as he gazed upon them with his all seeing eyes. Ravyn's hatred towards Loki immediately melted away the moment she saw the ebony gatekeeper.

"Y-You're Heimdall, all-seeing gatekeeper of the Bifrost. You transport people between the nine realms." He let a slight smile slip into his stoney features as she stared at him in complete awe.

"Perhaps she will not be as difficult to integrate as you believed," Heimdall commented to Loki who only rolled his eyes at the fawning girl.

"Do not speak so soon, her mouth is filthier than a peasant's chamber pot and she has a complete disregard for royal status."

"She will learn," Heimdall assured.

"Speaking of which, we have much to accomplish before nightfall. Come." He beckoned for her to follow. Ravyn was still in such a state of shock that she was actually meeting one of her favorite gods that she obeyed without protest. She followed Loki out of the giant dome, stepping into the cool Asgardian air for the first time. Immediately, she was completely consumed with the sights and sounds of the new world around her.

Below her feet, the rainbow bridge glimmered an swirled in a thousand colors she couldn't even dream to name. Further down, she could hear the black waters crash and swirl on the jagged rocks until they dropped into the heavens entirely. The city shone brilliantly before them, reflecting the bright mid-afternoon sun. Ravyn pointed to the large building that stood proudly in the center of the city.

"Is that the palace?" Her gaze was full of absolute wonder. Loki side eyed her strangely at her question.

"Aren't you still furious with me for kidnapping you, and for being, as you phrase it, 'out of my fucking mind'? Surely, you cannot possibly be enjoying your relocation." His sarcasm rolled off her. She knew that she should be feeling upset about all of this. To an extent, she was. She was upset with how she got there, but now, as the realm eternal bathed her in its otherworldly life, Ravyn couldn't bring herself to be mad. She had been dreaming of this place all her life, and to finally be here was… more than overwhelming.

"Shut up." Out of the corner of her eye, Ravyn watch a small smirk lift from the corner of his mouth before he continued to walk along the length of the Bifrost. She scrambled to catch up to him. Part of her was angry that she would push away her hostility with Loki so quickly, but the part of her enthralled with the world around her knew that she needed to be at least civil to him. He was her only connection to this completely different culture, and unfortunately, she would need him if she had any hopes of learning about it.

At the end of the bridge, where the rainbows stopped to give way to land, two horses awaited them. They were both massive compared to those that were on Midgard, but as she looked at Loki's stature, she realized why that probably was. One of them sported blackened horns that matched its equally dark mane. The other was a dark brown with a simple leather saddle and reins.

Loki mounted his with ease and adjusted his cape accordingly. Ravyn had never ridden a horse in a dress before. She was unsure if it was proper for her to try to ride it normal or if she was expected to ride the beast side-saddle.

"Hurry up then, I have no time for your meandering." She was just going to have to wing it. Ravyn put her foot in the stirrup and tried her best not to flash him as she swung her leg around the creature. The leather was warm and comfortable between her legs as she settled into place. He didn't comment on her riding position, so she assumed it would be alright. They started off and he told her to put the hood of her cloak up.

"Best to leave an air of mystery for the meantime. There is nothing that the Aesir love more than a bit of gossip, and they are sure to have a field day with you."

Resentfully, Ravyn followed his instruction and lifted her hood so that it partially shielded her face. She was glad that she did however, because the moment they stepped into the city, eyes were instantly glued to her. The citizens rushed to gather around the path they followed, desperate to get a glimpse of Loki's new companion. Whispers flitted through the air until they erupted into shameless chatter.

Who was she? Why was she here? Why would she arrive with Prince Loki? Was she to be trusted?

All the attention was making Ravyn extremely uncomfortable. The last time this many eyes were on her was when she accidentally got mixed up in the Salem Witch Trials, which was understandably not a pleasant memory. After that, Ravyn had always tried to keep a low profile. It seemed that she would not have that same option on Asgard.

Uncomfortably, she shifted her hands on her reins, tightening her grip on them for stability. The amethyst sleeve of her gown slid past her wrist and bunched at her forearm, exposing the metallic bangle Loki had given her. A loud gasp came from a woman to her right.

"Gods! She's got his mark!"

"What? Where?"

"There! Right there, look! That's his mark!" The woman pointed at Ravyn's wrist and a thousand eyes fell upon it. Just like that, all hell broke loose.

"His mark!"

"She's wearing his mark!"

"Prince Loki never gives out his mark!"

"Who is this girl?"

"I bet they are lovers!"

"I bet she's a prisoner!"

"Don't be stupid! You don't give your mark to a prisoner!"

"Why does she deserve it?"

"She doesn't look special to me."

"Is this why the bifrost has been so active lately?"

The city was a buzz of questions and Ravyn found it increasingly difficult to keep her eyes straight ahead of her. Loki quickened his pace only slightly as the gates to the palace came into sight and she adjusted her speed in order to stay abreast to him. Loki had remained silent the entire ride, only giving a slight flick of his wrist to gesture for the einherjar to open the gates. Several guards had to hold back the energetic crowds as they passed through the archway.

It was so much calmer passed the doors that Ravyn could clearly hear the horses' hooves clambering against the cobblestone. Loki led them over to a smaller building in which a rather plain looking man waited for him. The Prince dismounted his steed and handed the reins to the boy, giving a quick nod in thanks. Ravyn followed Loki's lead and began to dismount, but on her way down the satin of her gown caught on the metal stirrups and felt herself tumble from the horse's back.

Ravyn squeezed her eyes shut and braced herself for impact, but instead found that someone had caught her. She opened her eyes in confusion to see Loki scowling at her. Her cheeks flared up as she quickly removed herself from his stiff embrace with embarrassment and muttered a quick thanks. The stable boy scrambled off with the two horses and two were left alone.

They stood there awkwardly while Ravyn shuffled around uncomfortably, letting out a slight cough while trying to look anywhere but him. Loki rolled his eyes at her ridiculous antics, his patience already running thin. He just did not understand how this girl could grind his nerves so expertly when he'd barely spent any time with her. She wasn't so much of a mystery as she was an enigma to him. It seemed that she had changed completely the moment that she realized they were in Asgard. The arrogant, vulgar girl had shifted completely into a timid and clumsy idiot within five minutes of their arrival. Loki wasn't sure which he preferred at the moment.

"Take my arm." He held it out for her and instinctively she reached out, but retracted her hand before she could actually touch him.

"Why should I? I see no fucking reason why I should trust you."

Strike that. He definitely preferred her weak compliance from before.

"If you blow your cover with your foul vocabulary I will sew your mouth closed and leave you to rot in the dungeons." He used his free hand to wrap her arm around his own, which was thankfully met with little resistance from her part. They began to walk up the hill that led to the palace entrance.

"Let's make a few things clear. If anyone asks, I have brought you here from Vanaheim to study magic under me. Only a partial lie really, as you will be studying magic during your stay. However, I have no desire to teach someone like you a single thing, so you will be provided with the materials to study independently."

"Is that why I've been dragged from Earth? To study magic? That hardly makes sense."

"First off, it's Midgard. If you want the privilege to interact with anyone besides a guard outside a cell you will use the correct terminology." She let out a huff and rolled her eyes.

"You've made your point, I'll watch what I say, but that doesn't explain why I'm actually here." He gave the einherjar a slight nod as the two passed through the entrance of the castle and began to work their way through some of the long, winding halls. There were alone again before he spoke once more.

"You are here because your magic is completely out of control."

"What? That's ridiculous I-"

"Your magical control is pathetic at best. You have no idea how to moderate your magic because you've been living on that pathetic planet for so long, for whatever reason. Without the proper training your power will turn your brain to stew and use your body as a magical conduit to do whatever it pleases. Most likely, destroying anything in its path."

Silence fell between them once more as Ravyn contemplated his words carefully. She wasn't sure if she didn't trust him because of her past experiences, or if it was because he seemed to do whatever he needed to get his way. He was the God of Lies after all, one with a rather obvious distaste for her. Surely he would have no moral qualms about lying to her.

However, Ravyn did have to admit that she did have some troubles with her magic, but it seemed rather far fetched that there could be such a severe reaction. Even if it was true, why would he care if it happened? Loki made it quite clear that he didn't care about her or Midgard, so why would he do anything that would benefit them? No, there definitely had to be something else that he was not telling her.

This conclusion was made just as a rather exuberant shout echoed throughout the hall they were walking in.

"Brother! You've finally returned." Loki immediately halted bringing Ravyn to an abrupt stop next to him. He pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Dammit," Loki muttered to himself, barely loud enough for Ravyn to hear him. This was just what he needed today. An idiot girl and his idiot brother. What could possibly go wrong.

"Brother. I thought you'd be sparring by now." He said pleasantly, schooling his features completely. Loki had let go of Ravyn's arm and carefully spun around to face the elder prince. She followed suit, trying to keep her expression blank as Thor came into view.

The first thing she noted was how accurate the legends had portrayed the Golden God before her. He was massive in build, reminding her of the shirtless men plastered on the covers of magazines shameless women would fantasise about. The man was extremely tall, however just slightly shorter than the dark god that stood next to her. His sort of wavy, blond hair came to rest just below his hulking shoulders. The moment Ravyn had turned Thor's eyes shifted to her. He parted his lips to reveal a dazzling smile and Ravyn could say in all certainty that he was definitely an attractive man.

"Brother," he quickly wet his lips, "You neglected to tell me you were going to have company." His eyes openly trailed over her. "And such attractive company at that. Pray tell, what could such a lovely beauty such as yourself be called?"

Loki was more than just a little fed up with his brother's flattery. Especially when a small giggle erupted from the woman next to him. Clearly she buying into the elder Odinson's exaggerated charms.

"Ravynia," she hummed softly in response.

"Ravynia." Thor repeated her name thoughtfully, sounding out her name like he wanted to taste how it felt in his mouth. "What an exquisite name. I could think of nothing better to reflect your lovely nature. I am Prince Thor, " he flashed her a grin and leaned down until he was on a single knee. He gently took her hand in his own and brought it to his lips.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Ravynia." He kissed the soft flesh of her hand, catching a slight glimpse of her bracelet. He cast her a curious look and carefully pulled back her sleeve to reveal the snakes coiled around her wrist. He looked up at Loki in surprise.

"She bares your mark, brother?" Thor asked, standing from his previous position, Ravyn's wrist still within his grasp. "My apologies, I had no idea. Does mother know yet? She is going to be quite pleased when she learns that you've finally decided to court someone."

"Excuse me?" Ravyn sputtered in complete shock. She pulled her wrist to her chest and cradled it with her other hand. Is THAT what being marked meant?

"I am not courting her, brother," Loki snorted in amusement. Of course that is what his brother would immediately think.

"Is that so?" Thor looked back to her for confirmation and she vigorously nodded her head.

"Loki is not-" she brought her hand to her mouth and let out a forced cough, "I mean, Prince Loki is certainly not courting me, and for that matter, no one else is either." Thor's mouth quirked up in a sort of sly smile.

"Would you like to change that?"

"Oh!" Ravyn's cheeks became completely scarlet at the prince's forwardness. It was a little embarrassing to admit, but she had never actually had much experience with flirting on Midgard due to her exaggerated life expectancy. Ravyn never really saw the point of engaging in it since she wasn't going to pursue any sort of relationship.

"That's enough, Thor. We've just travelled by way of the bifrost and our dear guest still needs to get settled in her chambers." Loki tried to use this as a way to end the conversation, but Thor didn't seem to get the hint.

"Well if she isn't here for courtship, then why did you bring her here, Loki? I don't even remember the last time you let someone wear that." Ravyn opened her mouth to answer, but Loki quickly interjected before she could even utter a sound.

"If you must know, I've brought her from Vanaheim. Her father is a rather high ranking noble who requested she have the most prestigious magical education. Apparently, that would be me." Thor regarded her with careful interest. Many Aesir had a slight affinity for magic, but it was truly rare for anyone to have power beyond weak spells. The real gift of magic was almost never seen.

"You're a sorceress? Well by all means, you should come to the training grounds with Loki and myself. I'd love to see just what you are capable of." Loki pursed his lips.

"Perhaps when we are finished settling her in, but for now we really must be going." He spun them both around and briskly continued them on the path they had been on before Thor had interrupted them.

"Looking forward to seeing you there, Lady Ravynia!" Thor shouted after them. Ravyn turned her head back to offer a smile which Loki responded to by pulling her forward once more. They had continued their walk in silence. The halls they walked down slowly shifted in appearance. Before, the great arched windows lit their path, highlighting the marble columns and intricate paintings that dotted the walls of the castle. The farther they walked, the less natural lighting there was. The sconces' warm glow stained the stone floors with a soft yellow light. The halls were much more narrow in this part of the castle, but seemed to have just as much, or even more decoration than before.

They stopped at a large wooden that Loki hastily pushed open to reveal a rather lavish looking sitting room. Ravyn barely had time to examine her surroundings before Loki was issuing instructions.

"These are your chambers. They consist of a sitting room, a bath, and a bedroom. Until I see fit, you will not leave these rooms unless accompanied by myself. The tailors will be here shortly to take your measurements and provide you with some menial clothing until they can construct a proper wardrobe for you. You will be assigned a handmaiden to assist you that under no circumstances is permitted to know who you really are." She scowled at him as he plucked a few books from off a shelf and handed them to her.

"These are the books you will be studying. You are not permitted to use any magic that is outside of these texts until I know you aren't going to blow yourself up by being foolish. If I do not arrive to take you to meals then they will be delivered to you. Now, I have things to do, I'm sure you can entertain yourself."

"Wait, does this mean we can go to the training grounds now?" Ravyn asked. She was dying to see more of the palace than just the halls that they walked through.

"Absolutely not," he snapped, "You are more certainly not ready to interact with anyone yet. In fact-" He reached up to grab another book off a shelf and thrust it in her hands. "-Perhaps you should read up on how to act before the tailors arrive and you make a fool of yourself.

Ravyn frowned and turned the old book over in her hands. It took her a minute to make out old Norse, but slowly she read the title. A Beginner's Guide to Asgardian Customs and Etiquette.

"How can I even read-" Ravyn looked up from the title just as she saw the door swinging shut. Unbelievable.

"Wow, what a bloody prick." Ravyn muttered to herself before looking back down at the book in her hands. She flipped to chapter one Titles and Societal Order and began to read.

There really wasn't much else she could do until Loki returned

Except wait...