'I'm not strong enough to stay away. Can' run from you, I just run back to you, like a moth I'm drawn into your flame. Say my name, but it's not the same. You look in my eyes, I'm stripped of my pride. And my soul surrenders, and you bring my heart to it's knees. And it's killing me when you're away, I wanna leave and I wanna stay. And I'm so confused, so hard to choose between the pleasure and the pain. And I know it's wrong, and I know it's right. Even if I try to win the fight, my heart would overrule my mind. And I'm not strong enough.' - Apocolyptical (Not Strong Enough)
Fiore ran, her lungs burning against her chest, her muscles beginning to ache with the effort to keep going. Not once did she pause, her feet knowing on instinct where to take her. All around her the palace had erupted into chaos. Guards filed through the halls, completely oblivious to her presence as they concentrated on defending their kingdom. From all around her she could hear the echoes of battle from within the once impenetrable walls of the palace of Asgard. The creatures, whatever they were, were now within the palace walls. While there presence was helpful in creating a distraction for her to continue unhindered by the palace guards as she made her way unattended through the palace halls, it did nothing to ease her mind where Loki was concerned.
Knowing that her time was quickly running out she pushed herself to go faster, ignoring the protest of her body. Just as she rounded the final corner that would lead to her escape through the library Fiore's feet came to a halt. Pushing herself against the high wall she made herself invisible to the small battalion of dark skinned creatures as they faced the palace guards. Flinching as one man's agonized scream before he found himself swallowed by a weaponized wormhole echoed she forced herself to find some semblance of calm.
Breathing in a deep breath to center herself she risked a glance around the corner quickly taking note of the number of creatures and guards that battled there. It seemed as if they all had yet to take notice of her presence there. Taking the risk Fiore made the decision to slip past them as they distracted each other.
Fear consumed her. It made her numb. All the while her mind raced with the possibilities.
Keeping close to the wall, crouching low as to appear as unnoticeable as possible Fiore little by little inched her way toward the door. Her eyes never left the battle taking place before her, her whole body tensing with each slice of the sword that seemed to vibrate within the air itself. The tearing of flesh and agonized screams, impossible to know which force they had come from, enemy or friend,
Coming to the library door she simply looked back at the devastation that continued to take place. Filled with a sense of courage she had never felt before she slipped through the door. The moment she stepped across the threshold into the semi safety of the library Fiore's feet were once more off and running. With each moment that passed as the creatures invaded the palace she could only imagine the chaos taking place beyond the palace walls where the city was far less protected. All she could think about, the one thought pushing her forward was that, beyond the palace walls was where Loki was.
Scaling the wall surrounding the enclosed garden, that would sadly by night's end would be little more than ash, was a simple feat courtesy of the adrenaline currently pumping hotly through her veins. Dropping safely to the ground on the other side of the wall Fiore found exactly what she had feared she would. The streets of the city were in chaos, people ran rampant in search of shelter from the invading forces while the guards spared from protecting the castle ran to help.
All around were attempting to avoid the danger that the unknown force attacking them posed. With yet another calming breath she was off once more, weaving her way through the sea of bodies that ran for safety.
Running as fast as she could Fiore felt a burning begin to spread through her chest as she continued to push her lungs as she ran. She came to a sudden halt, her breath heavy as she stared wide eyes at the horde of creatures once safely contained within the prisons of Asgard ran amok. She could hear the frantic screams from beyond the horde as the townspeople attempted to escape the bloodthirsty merciless criminals. Fiore attempted to ignore the screams, even as she heard individual voices be viciously cut off, knowing full well what the sudden silence met. Despite the chaos that would normally drown out such individual sounds it seemed impossible to ignore. The city was burning, the people running for safety and like a wave of the sea they were ever rushing nearer, a second wave of destruction against Asgard and her people, using the hatred of the captured criminals against Asgard, weakening its defenses further.
Feelings of dread seemed to drown her, making it impossible to breath. Fear kept her frozen even as her head demanded for her to run. Yet, she did not move, standing and watching the danger approach ever closer, the screams ringing out, echoing with the rush of running feet. It wasn't until a random civilian in their panicked haste slammed into her unsuspecting body, forcing what little air she had left from her lungs. Falling to the ground Fiore on instinct alone curled into herself, arms raising to protect her head and face from the stamped taking place around her. The rush of people making it almost impossible to get to her feet once more before being pushed back to the ground.
Taking a deep breath Fiore forced herself to concentrate her mind, searching frantically for a means of escape. Already she could feel the horde of escaped criminals at her back, their approach causing a jolt of sickening awareness at the back of her neck. Still protecting her body she looked through the barrier of her arms searching for a means of escape. it was then that she saw it, the safety offered by a single narrow crevice, not even large enough to be called an alley, between two nearby buildings. While doubtful that she would even be able to fit into such a small space despite her small size Fiore could only think of Loki's smooth voice inside her mind commanding her to move. Taking a moment to find her opportunity she found her opening in the crowd and began to crawl, weaving her way through the sea of pounding feet. Fiore winched, groaning as a stray foot kicked her harshly in the gut leaving her winded. Fiore allowed herself little more than a moment's pause, forcing herself to ignore the throbbing pain left in her side as she continued onward. It wasn't until a pair of large feet stepped directly in front of her that she paused again. They did not move, remaining directly before her. Taking the risk she looked up finding herself looking up at one of the ugliest creatures she had ever seen. The creature was a strange mix of man and beast, whose huge hulking figure towered high over her even had she been standing at full height.
The man's straining muscles, scared features and red eyes spoke volumes in the way he looked down at her with such hate, the smile curling his lips speaking exactly what sort of blood thirsty thoughts were filtering through his mind. Like a lion ready to feast on its prey, helpless and at his mercy, he looked at her as if he had found a prize. Fiore knew it was obvious that she was connected to the royal family in the dress she wore, made of the finest material and the jewels she wore- the sort of person he would hate and relish killing. Without a word his giant arm swung up his stolen weapon ready to strike a killing blow. With the danger looming, her life in the balance Fiore felt the darkness welling up within her, called up by the fear, demanding for her to succumb. Refusing to lose herself, calling forth instead the light and refuge of the ice. Shaking off the darkness Fiore moved her arms, swiftly reaching out her hands to grasp hold of the man's body, the size of her hands compared to his massive leg making it impossible for her to wrap her fingers around the appendage completely. But the single touch was all she needed. Reaching deep within she felt her power leap forward in reply to her call, feeling the familiar cool tingle at her palm as it struck out. Even as she pushed her power to attack Fiore was rolled across the cobbled street managing to narrowly miss the deadly blade that was swinging toward her.
With the creature out of sight in her quick movements Fiore heard the enraged pain filled scream of the creature as his leg was encased in crystallized ice. Regaining her bearings she took note just in time to see the sword swing toward her again. Taking the opportunity of his being incapacitated by her ice Fiore dodged the blade, rolling away and this time pushing herself back onto her feet without missing beat in her movements. Once more regaining her footing she ran the swing of the sword missing her body, yet this time her dress was not so lucky as the seam caught against the blade tearing the delicate fabric all the up her thigh. Without wasting another moment Fiore bolted for the semi safety of the crevice, the sound of cracking ice and loud bellows threatening her from behind her. Next, she heard the ice finally give way against the force of the beast, its shattering echoing just as she reached the opening of the small space. She slowed in order to squeeze herself through the tiny opening. Taking a risk she looked back seeing the creature finally breaking through the hold her ice had on him, his enraged eyes zeroing in on her as he lunged for her, sword waving with deadly intent. Watching his fast approach Fiore began to struggle attempting to more quickly push herself further into the alley and away from the reach of the sword. Bracing her hands against the rough surface of the wall before her Fiore have herself one last push, feeling her body finally begin to slide just as the sword struck out, the blade narrowly missing her head as it sparked against the stone wall. Breathing heavily Fiore stared wide eyed as the blade barely centimeters from her face. Willing up the power once more Fiore sent another ice burst toward the opening ensuring that she could not be followed.
Feeling safe beyond her ice wall and cut off from the battle Fiore allowed herself to breath the smallest sighs of relief, the simple breath reminding her of her wounded side as a sudden burst of pain jolted through her, a reminder for her to keep moving. However, she needed to think. Her mind raced as she slowly continued to weave her way through the small space, heading god only knows where, a sudden thought struck her.
In all her time spent sneaking into the prisons to see Loki, despite his protests in fear of her being discovered, he had taken the pains, or her pain, to drill into her my every secret passage and escape route the trickster prince could think of. Not the most thrilling of ways to spend her stolen time with Loki, but she strove to impress him with her capacity to take in his instruction- much as she had in the past when he had taught her how to control her powers. And so she delved into her memory, searching for the path that would take her to Loki with as little notice from the invaders as possible. Her exit suddenly clicked into place, her path decided.
She moved on, trying in vain to control the desperation to see Loki, threatening to overcome her. It was not as successful as she would like but Fiore pushed on none the less, needing to get to him first before she fell apart completely. If she let herself fall apart now, letting her fear get the better of her, she would be less than useless to Loki. No, she had to be strong.
For Loki she could do that- she had to.
The endless seconds seemed like centuries as she picked her way through the narrow alley. As she grew closer to the sliver of light signalling her exit from the dark confines like a beacon. Approaching the exit she paused listening and waiting. It seemed as if the battle had yet to reach the street beyond. To ensure that the street was indeed safely passable Fiore paused at the mouth of the crevice, carefully peering out into the abandoned street. The calm of the street seemed eerie with the other areas of the city where she had only been walking minutes ago she could hear echoing with horrific screams.
Looking about Fiore's gaze zeroed in on what she was looking for. Across the way, several yards down the street from her hiding place was the alley she had hoped to have remembered it's position correctly. Remembering Loki's instruction it was the alley that would lead her to the secret passage that would open up right into the prisons. In the past, Loki had told her, such passages had been used as easy means of hiding beneath the city and away from the dangers of being out in the open. Over time the passages had fallen into disuse as none would dare challenge the Allfather. By now it had been thousands of years since the passage had actually been used. Fiore doubted that anyone even remembered the presence of the underground passages that the people walked above every day- all but Loki that is.
She waited a moment more wondering if the street would suddenly flood with criminals. When the street remained clear Fiore slipped quietly from the crevice, stepping out into the street before bolting. Her feet moved quickly, faster than she had ever thought possible, her heart pumping the adrenaline through her body, as she ran. Her breath rushed out in a sigh of relief as she reached the alley now much more comfortable in its narrowness, allowing for more free movement. It did not take long to find the brick gently marked with the seal of the royal family; finding it on the left wall directly in the center of the alley, right where Loki had told her such passages would be hidden.
Taking one last glance about Fiore ensured that she was alone in the alley before reaching out to push the stone in. At first the stone refused to move having grown stuck in its centuries of disuse. With one last heave the she managed to dislodge the stone. As the stone sunk into the wall she heard the loud slide of locks releasing from within. Gritting her teeth against the weight of stone door Fiore managed to push the door open just enough for her to slide through the opening. Once inside she was not surprised at what she found waiting for her there. With on the small bit of light filtering in through the remaining crack from doorway a small section of the passage glowed. The air was filled with dust, walls matted with dirt and cobwebs from the unnumbered spiders and vermin that called the passage home. With the light she could barely make out the once intricate carvings that had once decorated the walls, their form now indistinguishable. Judging by the disused state alone Fiore thought it safe to assume that Loki had been correct in believing the passage had indeed been forgotten in time.
As much as she hated the idea Fiore could not risk one of the invaders or prisoners finding the opening to follow her. Taking a deep breath she turned back to the door, pushing it closed and shutting herself in darkness. With no light to guide her way she followed her feet trying all the while to ignore the all too familiar feeling of a darkness of another kind creeping up around her.
While the complete darkness was disconcerting Fiore was feeling safer than she had in the last several hours, what seemed like hours, Fiore slowed the quiet echoing through her mind, leaving her thoughts to wander to Loki. Despite knowing Loki's capabilities in battle it did not ease her mind, particularly when images of the beast that had attacked her along with the others she had seen during her visits to the prisons invaded her mind. It seemed impossible to not worry for his safety.
Then there was the part of her that feared what would happen is he escaped himself. No matter how deeply she believed in Loki Fiore could not deny the possibility of Loki giving in once more to his need to prove himself or even worse revenge. She didn't want to lose him again now that she had finally found him once more. So lost in her wandering mind Fiore did not realize she had reached the end of the winding passage until she found herself nearly walking face first into the wall. in the darkness it was impossible to see even her own hand in front of her face. Carefully her hand reached out to the walls around her searching for the lever that would free her from the darkness and open the door that was the only barrier between Loki and herself. She could feel the panic setting in as the dark confines ed space closed in around her. Fighting for calm she searched, her palm feeling the rough surface of stone against her skin her frantic search. In her search she felt a jagged piece of stone sticking out from the wall pierced her skin undoubtedly smearing the walls with her blood. Had it not been for the pain and wetness that suddenly coated her hand she would not have known she was bleeding at all in the darkness.
With the adrenaline returning full force Fiore ignored the pain, giving no more than a wince and groan when the cut on her hand stung like a red hot brand against her skin as she simply continued to grope within the darkness for the lever.
A small wave of relief flood her as her fingers finally found the lever she had been seeking in the darkness. Growing ever more desperate to escape from the darkness she took hold of the lever and without hesitation pulled. Just as with the previous door into the passage the lever resisted, having grown stiff in disuse. She pulled harder feeling the mechanism give way little by little until finally with one last tug released with a hiss and cloud of dust. Inhaling the hazy cloud Fiore broke into a bought of hacking coughs. Stepping forward to escape the dust cloud she stumbled out from the passage into the surprisingly empty but familiar prison hall. Teary eyed from the dust that had stung at her eyes Fiore carefully took in her surroundings, hearing in the distance the sound of battle as it echoed down the empty hall. Stepping completely from the passage Fiore once more ensured to push the heavy door shut behind her so that no wandering enemy could find their way into the passage.
Being empty of any of the prison cells holding the prisoners fave Fiore the time and opportunity to roam, but the sounds echoing from further within the prison continued to remind her of the very real and present threat- a fact that only continued to push Fiore onward. It did not escape her notice where the sounds of mayhem were coming from. From where she had exited the passage Fiore knew she was halfway into the prison. The majority of the mayhem sounded as if it were taking place from deeper within the prisons. Unfortunately, that was also where Loki's cell was located.
Quietly she moved, swiftly making her way further into the prison. She came to the first archway that lead into the nearest hall containing prison cells. Glancing through the archway Fiore took note of the empty cells, the barriers that had once contained the prisoners inside was left shattered while the charred remains of both criminals and the Asgardian soldiers assigned to guard the prison. Fiore moved on, taking note with each hall she passed the empty cells and gruesome death that had been left behind. With each step she took and with each empty hall she passed she grew more despondent, trying to mentally count how many criminals had managed to escape- hundreds- thousands. As she moved on she could hear the angry voices grow, alerting her to the fact that she was moving ever closer to the danger rather than away from it, a fact that would earn her very confused and disapproving looks had anyone been there to watch her.
Fiore continued onward slowly making her way toward the last hallway within the deepest section of the prison where Loki's cell was kept. Along the way she continued to note hall after hall of empty cells. Finally she came to the final cellblock. Beyond the archway of the entrance she could hear the loud blasts of destruction and the rush of feet as the escaped criminals and guards as they attempted to regain control. Now should be the time that she should turn to leave, escape, but she couldn't. Whatever danger had arrived to Asgard had reached Loki here and Fiore could not risk him.
Taking a deep preparatory breath she risked a glance around the corner, watching as the escaping prisoners rushed for the opposite exit that would lead toward the only 'true' exit, which explained the emptiness of the hall that she had taken to get there. Taking in the destruction her gaze suddenly landed on the huge hulking form that was making it's way down the hall pausing only briefly at each cell to slam a powerful fist against the barriers that kept the criminals safely within. Fiore stared in shock as he seemed completely unaffected by the jolt she knew he must have received in return, knowing that had anyone else made the attempt to even touch the barrier would likely be risking their lives with that brief touch. The creature, whatever he was, was a terrifying sight to behold, seeming to be born of death and fire. his skin and armor were charred black and glowing with embers of fire beneath the surface of the cracks created by his body burning from the inside out. Still he remained a distance away down the hall from Loki's personal cell at the end, nearest to her. At such a distance she was at the very least provided some time.
Needing to take the opportunity while the creature was still at a distance Fiore took a breath before running from her hiding place, making a direct beeline for Loki. Not a single thought rushed through her mind as she ran, her mind completely focused, refusing to think of what may very well be the end.
Reading his cell Fiore almost completely ignored Loki, her entire focus completely on finding a means of opening his cell. There had to be a way as each cells' barrier had to be individually maintained. Had their powersource been connected in any way the destruction of one would have most likely deactivated them all. That told her there was a way to open the cell. While an outsider like herself or any of the criminals contained there may not know the mechanism to release the barriers Loki might.
Continuing to ignore Loki in search of a manual way to open the prison cell she completely missed the look of complete and utter shock that crossed Loki's face at her sudden appearance. In that moment it was as if the ever approaching danger did not exist while their eyes finally met, their attention now becoming completely focused on each other.
The shock faded as quickly as it had appeared only to be replaced with seething anger.
Fiore saw the change, watching as his crystal green eyes, nearly blue, turned to a simmering deep emerald. Knowing exactly what was to come she pulled her attention away from him concentrating on finding the lock to his cell.
"Fool!" Loki hissed angrily. "You're going to get yourself killed."
"And here I thought you'd be pleased to see me," she shot back icily. "They're attacking the palace. If they realize who you are they could kill you," she explained to him as if there were no other reasoning necessary to explain her presence there.
"Do you really think I can't defend myself?"
"Do you really want to make that argument when you are trapped in a prison cell?" Fiore shot back matter of factly with a questioning brow.
All argument died immediately on Loki's silver tongue at the retaliation- one which he could not argue with. The inability to retaliate for the first time in his life left him gapping in search of new clever words to say. It lasted only a moment before he shook it off, his attention focused once more on fiore as she continued to work. For a moment he watched her, marveling at how undeniably beautiful. Even covered in dust and cobwebs, bruised and battered, and her hand covered in blood from the jagged wound he had long since noted she was beautiful.
As children he could remember many times when she had thought herself less than she was, those awkward years of being between childhood and adulthood had
Fiore had always thought herself, with her red hair, silver streak, freckles, and mismatched eyes to be more awkward than beautiful- or even pretty. What she did not understand was that it was that and so much more than made her beautiful in the best of ways.
Loki knew that he could have walked into court and picked out a hundred or more ladies who were beautiful, but none would ever be able to match Fiore's unconventional beauty. Fiore had fight and spirit in her that set her apart from all others. In all his years Loki had never met another woman so gentle and kind, shy and awkward, and yet equally passionate and headstrong. She was not the sort of woman to just walk away or give in when she was driven to make a stand even if the odds were so clearly against her.
Looking at the woman standing resolute before him now with her emerald and gold eyes set in pure determination. Looking at her now he could still see that shy awkward young girl he had first met so many years ago as she looked to him for friendship and guidance- and then something so much more-something he had been so afraid to acknowledge even to himself. He saw the girl who without knowing 'who' he was had accepted his true self that he had never allowed others to see. He saw the girl who defied him when she wished to, who too often saw through his tricks, and who dared to argue with him. He could still see that girl who would have done anything he asked in the woman standing before him now; a woman who would do anything for him.
This was most definitely not the kind of woman that was like all the others. She was the woman that all others should strive to be.
But she was not meant for him.
"It doesn't matter!" he bit out, wanting her to believe him. "You need to leave," he paused briefly to glance at the beast that continued to draw ever nearer. "Now!" he growled angrily baring his teeth at her like a wild animal that had been cornered; that was exactly how Loki felt.
"Not without you!" Fiore replied sharply, refusing to back down.
Any further discussion was immediately cut off as Fiore heard the earthquake like footsteps now sounding from directly behind her. Fiore did not miss Loki's gaze focusing on something large behind her. His subtle hint seemed to scream at her in warning of what was there.
"Leave," Loki demanded once more through the barrier, the pure desperation he felt beginning to slip through the cracks of his cool facade. "I don't want you to stay," he lied, the words dripping easily from his lips in the attempt to push her away.
The moment that passed seemed endless, the two staring at each other through the golden glow of the barrier that kept them separated, seeming blind to all else around them- there was only them. Then much to Loki's wonderment a small tremulous smile broke out across Fiore's pale pink lips.
"That was a lie," she choked out, trying to keep back the tears that threatened.
"No it wasn't," Loki shot back gritting his teeth in frustration at her continued refusal to leave him. Yet, his words fell on deaf ears earning him nothing but a teary eyed smile in return. As she looked at him it became difficult to tell whether the shimmer of tears he saw there were of happiness or desperation for him to understand her plight.
"And I don't want to leave you," she answered, her eyes desperately begging for him to understand. It did not matter if she had listened to his request or not, it was already too late to run. She could feel death staring at her back. With one last pleading look she turned away from him she turned standing protectively before Loki and ready to fight if needed.
"You won't touch him," she bit out, trying to sound as threatening as possible in the face of such a deadly beast.
The creature was unphased by the threat as he towered over her. In return he simply reached out his hand taking hold of Fiore's delicate neck before she could manage to dodge him, the hold ripping a pain filled cry from her lips as he slammed her harshly into the wall. Fiore's breath rushed from her lungs, winded after the far less than gentle landing against the wall. She felt the burning sensation of the barrier at her back scorching through the fabric of her dress.
Fiore could practically feel Loki's eyes on her, his always clever mind searching frantically for a way to aide her while he remained trapped on the other side of the barrier. He stood directly behind her seeming so close and yet so far. when the creature had attacked she'd heard the enraged growl of Loki from behind her followed by a mumbled curse as his initial reaction to reach out and protect her was met only by the disagreement of the barrier that immediately zapped him back. Only now he was silent, a deadly predator simply eyeing the enemy with cold resolve, challenging them to release him from his cage.
With Loki unable to help Fiore knew it was up to her to think fast on her own before the life was quite literally squeezed from her. Struggling against the pain, as well as the disarm hold at her throat Fiore's hand lifted meeting the wrist of the beast. And just as she had previously done to the creature that had attacked her, she called forth her magic. The air grew cold, her power crystallizing around the creature's hand and spreading up his arm like frost against glass. A sizzling hissed as the icy pain of her power collided with the heart bringing forth an enraged bellow of pain. The creature immediately dropped her, air rushing into her lungs as his large hand dropped away from her burning throat. Fiore dropped back onto her feet gasping for air but before she could get her mind to register that new freedom the beastly creature shook off the effects of her ice, the ice without her attention melting away against the intense heat of his body. His unwounded arm struck out, giving her little more time than to gasp as it landed a bone crushing blow to the side of her face, swatting her away as easily as he would a fly.
Fiore felt her body hit the pillar nearest Loki's cell before she slid almost lifelessly to the floor. With her body crying out from the beating she fought for consciousness, her mind screaming at her to remain awake and continue fighting. But the fight did her little good as she began to grow numb. The last thing she heard before giving into the dark welcoming arms of unconsciousness was Loki calling out her name.
Loki gritted his teeth, snarling angrily as he beat against the barrier of his cell in the attempt to go to Fiore's side and ensure himself that she remained alive, completely uncaring of the intense jolt of pain that flashed through his entire body with each touch of the barrier. Already he felt the pale skin of his hands burning, being scorched by even the briefest touch. It did not matter, all he wanted in that moment was to destroy the offending creature that had even dared to touch Fiore, even though he too wanted to kill her for her foolish act of thinking to stand against someone so obviously not her equal.
Fiore was indeed no pushover, in magic, he had seen to that, nor was she lacking in terms of bravery or skills, but she would never stand a chance against the pure brute force of this creature standing before them now with deadly intent.
With the slight woman no longer being a threat the creature turned to Loki, his piercing blue gaze eyeing the fallen prince. Loki stood, his prowling and pounding against the barrier ceasing as he met the creature's gaze, cold deep emerald meeting cold blue. Loki's gaze was unflinching, revealing no fear, only arrogant hate. Eyes, cold, emotionless, and refusing to back down or show the slightest bit of fear. While he may continue to lack the battle hardened muscle, brute force, and hunger for battle that Thor had always had, he and his brother were at least equal in their nerve, confident that whether they won the fight or not they would put up a more than adequate fight against their opponent.
As if deciding against releasing the potential danger the creature backed away leaving both individuals alone to continue on with his mission. Now with all but one prisoner freed he had moved to accomplish the last task he had been instructed to complete- it was time to go to the palace itself.
In the distance down the hall Loki could hear the cavalry arrive, the familiar war bellow of his brother practically stinging Loki's ears. A familiar wave of bitterness suddenly washed over Loki. In the moment it practically overpowered him as he stepped forward, "You may want to take the stairs to the left." The words left his silver tongue before he could stop them.
With that said the creature paused only briefly as if deciding on whether or not he should take the dark hair criminal at his word. In the next moment he turn his back once more taking Loki's advice, escaping the arrival of Thor and his warriors seeking to quell the escaped criminals.
With the beast now gone from sight Loki did not give himself the opportunity to dwell on what he had done. Instead his stiff stature eased, falling to his knees to pull himself as near to the glowing barrier wall as he could manage without touching it.
As he kneeled there looking down at Fiore sprawled haphazardly on the floor her back against the wall. Through the mass of red curls that was left fanned out around her face when she had fallen it was impossible to see much of her pale face. Yet from where he stood Loki could see that the silver streak that gave her looks so much character had disappeared hidden by the blood
from a wound she had most likely received when she'd hit the wall.
His keen eyes took in every aspect of her that he could see, relieved to note that he could make out the slight steady rise and fall of her chest as she breathed. Despite her wounds, the beating she had taken, and the pain she would undoubtedly feel upon waking it seemed she was alive and as well as could be expected.
Thor arrived efficiently fighting off the remaining criminals that lingered within the halls of the prison dispatching them easily enough despite their attempts to escape. Leaving the few that remained he left his companions to continue rounding them up once more as he made his way down the hall. With each step closer they watched each other warily, Thor knowing his trickster brother far too well to trust that there would be no trouble even with him still kept safely within his cell. As he approached Loki's continued presence was not the only thing that caught his eye.
His cloudy sky blue eyes taking in the sight that met him there, noting the blistering burns that scorched Loki's knuckles, the mystifying presence of Fiore laying beaten against the cold stone floor, and the deceptively calm.
Despite the confusion Thor's gaze did not waver long from Loki having many questions to ask. As if sensing Thor's wavering attention from the one person who deserved his attention Loki stood to full height making himself seem as authoritative as possible next to his brother, refusing to back down.
"She needs help," Loki stated simply, his voice stiff and emotionless to make himself seem detached from Fiore- from Thor. It would not do to make it much more obvious that
"She should not even be here," Thor spoke, his large hand motioning toward the still girl as if her presence there were all the explanation that was necessary.
"And that disqualifies her from the right to be taken to a healer?" Loki shot back feeling the irritation rise at what he could only call his brother's idiocy. Trust Thor of all people to concentrate on the battle before the wellbeing of his people- particularly one who was to be his bride very soon. The thought was immediately cut short, his irritation rising until it began to twist and turn into rage within him. The very reminder of Thor's blessed connection to Fiore like a blast of icy water met to wake him from the most pleasant dream.
"She was simply looking for a place to hide from the chaos outside," Loki explained shrugging his shoulders as if it were such a simple obvious answer. "It does sound dreadful out there. Shouldn't you be doing something about it all might Odinson?" he couldn't help but add to antagonize Thor.
"So she ran to the prison- a place full of criminals when the streets are full of them and it is obvious they have originated from here?" Thor shot back the words more of a statement of fact rather than an actual question. "I may have only just met the woman but she does not seem so foolish."
"I cannot answer to the whims of a foolish little girl," Loki answered with barely a bat of his eye. Even as he said the words he was at that moment grateful for Fiore's unconsciousness knowing that she would openly let him know of his offense to her. "That is the only answer you shall receive," he added adamantly ending any further attempts to receive more information that he was willing to share with Thor.
Thor looking between Loki and the unconscious Fiore, his eyes searching for answers clearly sensing more than Loki was letting on. It was very similar to what he had sensed upon his first meeting with the girl. It was obvious to all that, like himself, she did not welcome their union or the life decisions being made for them. At the time he had simply thought it because of their unfamiliarity with each other and the bitterness of feeling herself being striped of her free will in the decision that had been made for her since infancy. He would have easily thought it was her wanting for them to be able to chose their partner, being aware that he already had someone he wished to openly chose above all others. Now, he sensed that there was indeed more to the puzzle than all that. And it was undoubtedly something much more complicated- if that were even possible.
Before his thoughts could wander much further a loud crash of battle drew his attention back to the present. At the moment there were more dire things to worry about. Finding that his warriors were handling the last of the escaped criminals lingering within the prison walls he felt it best to return quickly to the palace to reinforce the defense of it's walls. With one last lingering look to his brother who remained standing stiffly beyond the barrier of his prison Thor turned away. Kneeling before Fiore with one arm he hefted her slight frame from the ground hearing her groan, as she was slightly jolsted from the movement. Holding her as he was against his shoulder with one strong arm to leave his hammer arm free for battle he turned and began to leave, leaving Loki staring after them.
With his attention completely focused once more on the battle taking place around them Thor did not notice Fiore awaken. Her eyes blinking open to stare over his shoulder where her head rested lazily, not even strong enough to hold it up herself. With blurred vision she naturally sought out Loki meeting his emerald gaze. She wanted to call out to him, tell him that she would be back for him again but her throat constricted painfully blocking all words from being spoken. As they continued making their way toward the exit Fiore could feel her consciousness slipping once again, her vision blurring until there was nothing.