"What do you mean, you know her?" Loki was looking at Albreth sternly, for he knew him to be a seer, and he was wary of any proclamation made that might deter Jane.

"I mean…in a dream…I have seen this face," he observed Jane now with a careful stare. He shook himself out of it, and smiled, turning to Loki. "Never mind, Odinson…let us walk to the tavern down in the green. It has been far too long since I have had the pleasure of your company."

Jane was nervous…and her trepidation was twofold: firstly, it was unsettling to have a sorcerer claim to know you when you had never seen his like before. Second, people were seldom so happy to see Loki. She had noted that much while spending time with other races on Asgard.

The trio began to walk further into the nestle of hills. "You have not heard, then, Albreth?"

"Heard what, Prince?"

Loki stole a glance from the side of his eye and wondered if the sorcerer was playing a game with him. "Heard of my desolation? My true parentage?"

"Nay…I have not. What are you referring to?"

They had now reached the tavern and went inside. It was a dark place, and it smelled not unlike cedar. Jane crept alongside Loki, for though the Vanir weren't ordinarily brutish, they were a bit on the reactive side. She thought that should they feel at all threatened by their presence, the sorcerers wouldn't hesitate to act.

It was dimly lit, and the wood glowed a soft red in the air of the place…it was early afternoon, though it felt as though night was descending.

They found a table, and Loki summoned some ale.

Jane wondered how the place would stay profitable if all of the clientele were sorcerers able to conjure drink.

"It is true, Albreth. Odin is not my father, nor is the Queen my mother. I am Jotun…and I am on the run."

"With a mortal?"

"Aye. With this mortal woman."

The two drank deeply and Jane sipped nervously.

"Well, I suppose that makes for an interesting adventure," observed Albreth.

"It is hardly an adventure, as you term it. We are in constant fear for our lives, and I need to keep the two of us cloaked from Heimdall and from Odin's wrath."

"This is not a desirable thing for us, Loki. If you are in fear for your life…if you are hiding from Odin with this mortal…you would do well to leave Vanaheim."

Loki sat back and stole a glance at Jane.

She wasn't looking at him. His gaze fell…she was worried. "Tell me, Albreth. What was your dream about? The one you claim you had of Jane, here."

Albreth looked at the pair and sighed. He downed his drink, and wiped his mouth with the sleeve of his tunic. "It is a curious thing, Prince Loki. I had this dream a year ago…and I recall it because I just had offered my well-wishes to the convoy to Asgard. I fell asleep hard and fast, and when the dream began, I thought that I had awoken to a different Vanaheim…" he paused. Music had begun to sing in the background…"I was walking in the meadow just by my house at sunrise. I was walking, and suddenly it began to rain…I hastily made way to a low hanging tree, when I saw this woman," he nodded to Jane. "She was smiling. I asked who she was, but she did not answer, she just kept smiling."

Loki's eyebrows raised. "…and?"

"And. Nothing. That's all."

"Nothing terribly foreboding about that, Albreth."

"I never said that it was foreboding, Your Highness."

And Jane, who had uttered nary a word, swallowed her ale in a gulp. She recognized the presage of the dream. She saw it as her, Jane, playing a part in something hideous…she shuttered.

"What is it, Jane?" Loki was looking at her.

She shook her head, smiling.

He cleared his throat and stood. "Dance with me?" he held his hand to her.

Jane just noticed the lively dance being played…violins, a tambourine…sounded a bit celtic. She took Loki's proffered hand and rose.

He wrapped his hand around her waist and pulled her close. The music filled the room, and covered them in a safe overlay of comfort. Jane rested her cheek against his shoulder, and lost herself in the movement…she felt his black tunic brush her skin. She felt his hand on her lower back, she felt his heart beating steadily under his ribcage.

Everything was gonna be alright.

"I love you," she whispered.

And his head dipped onto the top of her head, and his grip tightened around her in response. "Nothing will happen to you, Jane…I promise."

"What about you?" Jane felt him stiffen up a touch. "Loki?"

"I don't know…"

She pulled away from him. "What do you mean, you don't know? What don't you know?"

He shook his head and pulled her close once more. "Jane Jane Jane…I cannot see what will happen, I've never been gifted with the sight... but I tell you, nothing will ever happen to you. I will risk my life for your sake."

She wrenched free of his grip. "And what about your life? Loki…I cannot have you putting yourself in danger for my sake." She paused a moment. "What do you think that Albreth's dream meant?"

He sighed. He didn't know how to tell her that he couldn't read dreams…he wasn't gifted in that way, but it wouldn't do to have her wrought with concern over as something as ludicrous as a dream a random sorcerer had. Loki took her hand and led her off the floor, back to the table where Albreth had been watching them.

"Tell Jane this instant what you believe your dream meant," Loki commanded.

The Vanir man shifted, and looked warily at them both. "I never, not in all of my years, Prince of Asgard, believed I would see such a sight as you in love…but it suits you. You, who barely loved your own. You, who despised many, who had murdered without contrition, to be as in love as you are…a lover, indeed."

"Cease your reflection, sorcerer, and give me your interpretation."

"This mortal lady, for good or ill, shall play a role in the future of Yggdrasil."

Loki's eyes narrowed. "Not my own fate, then, Albreth…?"

"Nay. I see nothing with regard to you."

Loki looked at Jane.

She was held rapt. "I shall play a role in the Tree's future? How?"

"I cannot say, Lady. But I would imagine that it has something to do with the fact that you are running from the All-Father, hand in hand with his wayward son," and he sniggered, and turned to Loki. "You have but little in terms of friends, Loki. You are likely putting this mortal in more danger than even you realize."

"Thank you, Albreth. Jane and I will be leaving now."

"I'll be watching, Your Highness, with an eager eye."

"And if your reveal our position…rest assured you shall feel the full brunt of my wrath," Loki stepped aside so that Jane might pass.

She offered Albreth a weak smile.

He didn't return it, instead, he raised his eyebrows, and nodded…

The sky dripped vermillion color…it was an odd thing, watching color, like paint, fall from the sky, mixing with the atmosphere…and a song was heard in the distance…no…a cry…death….death…death…

"Jane?" his hand was at her elbow.

She swayed a bit.

"Jane!" Loki grabbed her arm and pulled her tight against him.

Her breath came fast, and she looked at Albreth with a wary eye.

He nodded once more, got up, and walked away into the bleak light of the tavern.

Jane was pressed tightly against him, "I'm alright, Loki. Let's go."

He was concerned, she could feel it in his walk as she moved away from him slightly.

They entered the offensive light of midday, and Jane breathed in deeply; it steadied her. She noticed Loki walking ahead a touch, and she quickened her pace to catch up. "Loki?"

He slowed, but didn't look at her.

"What is it?"

He stopped…and Jane's eyes fell to the ground. "Nothing, dearest. Let us walk some more…Vanaheim is a lovely Realm. We can take in the landscape, and then we can obtain refreshment. Later I shall conjure us a dwelling for our sojourn here."

"You're gonna conjure a house?" she smiled crookedly.

He smiled in return and shrugged his shoulders. "I preferred my manner of expressing my intent."

"Oh yeah, much more flowery, but really? Just… poof! A house?"

Loki took her hand and began to lead her to the town proper. "We are amongst sorcerers, Jane. No one will think it odd."

They walked a bit, and Jane took note of the rich green of the place. "Does it rain here often?" Jane asked. She thought that it must, for she had never seen so much green.

"Often enough."

And the nagging questions which bit at her with insistence emerged once more. He said our sojourn…which means we will be leaving…how long will this last? What is his plan? Does he even have a plan…?

They emerged in a square, and Jane looked about. It was lovely, and looked a bit like how she imagined colonial times to be, sans horses. It was a bit more advanced than some of the other Realms, as she understood them to be more medieval in nature. It always struck her that Earth was likely one of the most scientifically advanced of them all.

"Do other races have cars and stuff? Airplanes? Computers?" Jane asked. She had seen some of the races with computers, but everyone travelled the Bifrost…so means of transport was lost on her.

"Most do not pollute their air with such things. Most prefer to walk, or if one is fortunate, use magic."

She nodded, and took in the scene:

The stone street was smooth enough.

There were storefronts, mostly selling clothing.

A bookshop.

Another pub-alehouse.

A place of worship.

And a jeweler's shop.

Trees were bending down to the ground, brushing the tips of their leaves to the earth in prayerful obedience.

Loki led her down the road, passing a few Vanir along the way; they offered strange looks at the pair, for Loki was recognized as an Aesir (he had cloaked them in costume, his magic hiding who they really were), but Jane was difficult to convince others that she wasn't mortal. She shifted uncomfortably and squirmed a bit next to him, pressing closer. "Where are we going, Loki?"

"Just here," and he stopped in front of the jeweler's.

"The jeweler's?"

"Aye. Let us see what the Vanir offers in terms of trinkets," he smiled at her and winked.

"Loki…" she began with a hint of warning, but went in with him anyway.

The place had creaky wooden floors, whitewashed walls, and there were gems of all sorts adorning tables littered about. Loki folded his hands behind him and walked around, admiring the display.

Jane looked around herself. She always liked jewelry, even if she didn't wear much. There were definitely things about her which could be considered girlish.

She hoped he wasn't about to purchase something for her.

Jane stopped and watched him intently….his long form completely donned in black, his armor long tucked away with his magic. His hair was hanging in his face a bit in inky coolness. He was touching a trinket softly with his long digits, careful not to disturb the display. His black boots were large, and Jane thought that he looked pretty bad ass.

She cleared her throat and looked at her own vestments. Jeans. A long-sleeved grey tee-shirt. Brown boots.

It was amazing that she wasn't dreadfully hot, it was so humid in the Realm. She reached in her pocket and pulled out a hair-tie, then pulled her hair back into a pony tail.

She thought about her bag in the cave and wanted to put on some mascara. She didn't think that she was unattractive, but when traveling with a god, it is always advisable to wear mascara. Lip gloss couldn't hurt, either.

She let go of a breath he had been holding and looked at the table in front of her. She thought of the disturbing vision she had seen before they left the tavern…red…so much red…

"Jane, what do you think of this?" Loki was calling out to her.

"Hmm? What?" and she walked over.

"What do you think of this?" he was looking at a ring.

"What do I think of it?"

"That's right."

"What do you mean?" she looked at the thing.

It was smallish, the setting color silver in color, with a very vibrant gem in the center of a setting which boasted some intricate markings…like a fleur-de-lis.

He folded his arms in front of him. "What do you think that I mean?"

She tore her gaze from the ring, to find him smiling crookedly at her, a glint in his eye. "What?" she asked.

"Do you like it?"

"I…" she looked at it once more. The gem was a violet color, but very bright, its coruscate held in it the tapestry of the sky. "It's lovely."

"I believe it is a Midgardian tradition to bestow a ring on your intended."

At that, the shop keep entered the main room. "Afternoon, my friends. Can I help you with anything?"

"Thank you, yes…what do you know of this piece?" Loki pointed to the ring.

"Loki…can I talk to you outside?" and she tugged at his sleeve, smiling at the purveyor of jewels.

"What is it?" he asked her, as the door clicked shut behind them.

"Intended? Loki…we aren't getting married."

"Not yet."

Jane rolled her eyes. "No. Not yet. I'm not getting engaged, either. Come on, Loki. Don't make me feel like a jerk."

"It is impossible for me to make you feel any way, Jane," he paused. "Well…I suppose that is a bit much, considering our activities earlier in the cave," he smirked playfully as she swatted his arm.

"Whatever," she giggled. "But I don't think that it's right. Not yet. It's too soon."

"Dearest…" he began. "Please do not concern yourself over my entering into this prematurely. I am not about to slip any jewel on your finger any time soon…nor shall I place you under any spell to make you agreeable to marriage…" he paused. "On second thought…"

Jane's eyes grew wide. "You wouldn't," she whispered.

Loki laughed. "No, though a few years ago I might've."

And a playful look graced her visage. "A few years ago I might have been more inclined to say yes."

His face fell. "Surely not."

"No," Jane giggled. "But then why do you want to buy a ring?"

"Because," he began, reentering the shop. "I know that I shall be proposing, and what if I am in no position to give you a ring when I do?"

Jane thought that she should be concerned about this, but for the sake of not wanting to think about things further, she dismissed the inclination.

"What will you do with it?" she was asking him some time later as they made their way through a thicket.

"Ah…I'll never tell," he was ahead of her, brushing past the trees in the copse.

It was a pleasant enough path, the trees hung low, and the floor was soft with the moss. The star was slowly slipping behind the hills, and Loki had decided it was time to find a suitable refuge and location for the dwelling he would be conjuring.

They had enjoyed a lovely day; Jane loved the local fare, and had delighted in some ale the Vanir partook daily in. She and Loki had entered an ancient book shop, and he had argued with the owner…something about one of the volumes being billed as a "1st edition," but was clearly at least the 5th.

Jane wondered how effective their disguises were…no one save Albreth had recognized Loki.

"Loki?"

"Hmm?" he stopped at a small precipice and looked out on the expanse of thick green. "What do you think of this spot, Jane? It affords a lovely view of the lea."

"The lea…?" she walked over to where the trees parted a touch. Beneath her lay so many trees…lush…vibrant in verdant hue. "Wow."

"Is this spot agreeable, then?"

"Ah…yeah," and she turned toward him. How did she end up here? A god. In love with her. On Vanaheim...

He nodded and turned toward the forest of green and waved his hands.

"Loki?"

"Hush, love…give me a moment…"

She stepped back a touch and watched as tiny flecks of light appeared in the fissure of trees…softly at first, the dust light fell from nowhere, and formed a small structure. It was hesitant at first, but soon formed a solid frame.

It was smallish, smooth stone, and a slanted roof…it appeared to be of the same style as the rest of the Realm.

"Oh wow, Loki. It's beautiful."

"Shall we go inside?"

Jane smiled and went in.

There was a small stone entryway, and some plush chairs to the right of the entry…the windows were low and bayed facing the copse. A fireplace was stationed in between the kitchen and sitting room.

Jane crept through a bit awestruck. "It's lovely, Loki."

"The bedroom is upstairs," and he touched her hand.

"Oh yeah…?" and she turned into him. "Complete with a bed?'

"Of course…" and he kissed her softly.

"Loki…" she said in between kisses.

"Hmmm?"

"Are you sure that no one will know that you are…you?'

"Pardon?' he pulled away a touch.

"I mean…no one is going to recognize you…because you are in a disguise…but I can't tell…so how is it working?" he was nipping at her neck.

"That's right. The spell is for anyone who I determine shouldn't know who I am…" his hands were at her breasts, and Jane's breath was coming quick.

"Ok…it's full proof…?" they were on the steps, and Jane was being lowered onto the stairs, Loki hovering on top of her.

"Are you concerned, love?" his hands were going up her thigh…

"Yes…" and he reached for his pants…down…and she took hold of his growing arousal.

"Don't be," and he waved his hand and they were naked. He trailed kisses down her torso. "Jane…" he began.

"Yes?"

"Marry me…" he entered her.

"No," and her head went back.

He moved. "If I keep asking, will you say yes?"

"Maybe," she breathed.

"It's a start…" and he moved again.

"Loki…"

"Yes, dearest?" his tongue traced her collar bone.

"Take me to bed."

…and he did…