AN: Update Feb, 2015.

This chapter needed clean up, but it flows much better now.

Thanks reviewers, I'm glad you like how this is continuing, and the adventure in Aegirheim will bring some fun drama.

"Well, don't you look…rested.," Fandral noted with a raised brow to an approaching Loki, who only glared in response at the warrior's jest.

"I know, I look rather spent, but I'll still be of use to you, after all it is the only reason you want me here," He noted bitterly.

Fandral sighed with a shake of his head, very much a patronizing mother with that action. "Why don't you believe that we actually missed your company? We aren't a full battalion without you."

The God of Lies only shrugged before looking away to the landscape. The lands were growing orange from the barely risen sun of dawn as they waited for the others to arrive. It was crisp with a bite in the air, the damp nipping at the tops of his ears that peeked between the strands of his black hair. He pulled his leather gloves tight and clenched his fingers into fists to hold in the heat. His impatience was causing him much irritation, and he could feel himself slipping into the fidgets. The cursed dream hadn't left his thoughts after the brisk walk to here from his chambers, but he was trying everything in his power to put it out of his mind. Knowing Thor well, he would be the last one to show up before they could leave on their journey, his tardiness always being the hindrance to their timely departures. Being left with Fandral was rather a nuisance, for he could feel the blond warrior's eyes upon him in scrutiny.

Loki winced before speaking, "Alright, share what you have to say."

"You look so terrible right now, I hardly recognize you. Since when is Liesmith ever this disheveled?" Fandral said incredulously.

"Dreams in the dark are often unsettling," Loki murmured.

"Aye, a bad dream was it; really I never took you to be so bothered by nocturnal illusions."

"An illusion can feel more real than what is favored. I was…disgruntled to say the least." He ran another hand back through his hair before turning to see more of the warriors marching to join them. Sif spared a heated glare his way while he grinned evilly at her, summoning up enough mischief for that it would seem. "Love your new hair milady." He bowed in mockery to her.

Sif growled and lunged at him only to be stayed by Volstagg's thick arm. "Calm yourself Sif, and Loki could you please keep your snarky comments to a minimum, we actually have to make it to Aegirheim today."

"Forgive me; it was not my place to be discourteous." He kept his face serious even with her eyes still narrowed and fixated on him.

"How much longer until we leave?" She asked tersely before turning to Fandral.

"Well Hogun is arriving just behind you, which leaves Thor and Halios. Really you'd think my friend would have been first to show since this is for her lessons." Fandral shook his head humorously.

"No, Thor was helping her find an outfit appropriate for the journey," Sif retorted.

Loki frowned with derision. Why did everyone always go to Thor for help, and what assistance could she possibly need with her apparel? They were irrelevant details that nevertheless worked to unsettle his practiced demeanor of an unflinching façade. "Well they should hurry!" He spat.

"Yes, how cruel of them to take up your time; I forget how much you have to do in a day," Sif responded sardonically.

He was about to retort, but everyone turned to the sound of laughter flowing down the bridge. Halios was in step with Thor and smiling at him warmly while they shared in laughter. A common and familiar sight in Loki's eyes; Thor could make anyone laugh, but Halios was jovial enough that much effort wasn't necessary. What was different about her that morning however was her garb, ill fitted and masculine on her boyish figure. She was fitted in tight black cotton pants with a flat bottom pair of black boots to match. A light blue cotton button up was underneath the brown leather jerkin she was straightening. Her hair was braided back from her face and Loki caught the glint of a golden hilt strapped to her leg in a leather scabbard. She was carrying with her, a small dagger.

"Ah, you and Sif have not sent each other to Valhalla yet, this is a good sign." Thor nodded while slapping Loki's shoulder. Loki rolled his eyes while Sif spared a small smile.

"I apologize for making you all wait here, but as you can see, this is more appropriate attire for such a cause." Halios spoke aloud, her voice soft and steady.

"Indeed it suits you attractively." Fandral winked at her and she laughed with her head back. "Though I'm surprised to see we had any type of armor that would fit you."

Halios' ears pinked at the tips as she looked at Thor. "It is actually tailored to fit an adolescent boy."

"It was all the armorer could find. We have few pieces of battle garb for women. Don't give me that look Sif, yours are specially made," Thor said while the Lady warrior glared shrewdly at him.

"All is well. As it is, I don't think I'll be wearing much of the sort again," Halios said with a shrug.

"Indeed, we are all here to keep you safe. Let us be off," Thor spoke, now everyone following in his steps.

Halios hung back long enough for it to look intentional so she could fall beside Loki, who saw her but was committed on ignoring her. He really was so black and white, even he thought it was difficult to know which mood he would be in around the girl. "I thank you again for coming, though I must speak boldly when I say that you look a little more under the weather today." Her face held concern when he glanced at her.

"If that is your polite way of saying I look horrid, then I thank you for the pleasantry. However I already caught a glimpse in a mirror and know I look weary," He said shortly. "The real mystery is how the glass did not shatter upon my casting reflection."

"Well I wouldn't be so blatant about it, but you do look worse for wear."

Her words were so delicate. How annoying. "We'll see how you fair when traveling by Bifrost." He jeered.

She paused in step with worry etched onto her face. "How different is it?" Her voice sounded slightly higher pitched in panic.

His eyes widened from her sudden distress, not realizing the inelegance of his words because of his blinded spite. "I meant not to worry you, and that is my mistake, I'm sure you'll do fine. Everyone experience's it differently the first time after all." He corrected quickly.

"How do most handle it?" She wondered as they continued walking, though her steps had slowed considerably. It looked to him that she was dragging her feet forward forcibly.

"Most feel vertiginous or ill; I remember when we all first traveled by Bifrost. Everyone was battling sickness except for Thor." He frowned while lacking his usual malice. "It seems he can handle any challenge thrown at him just perfectly." Loki added as an afterthought.

"I'm sure you were fine as well," She said kindly.

He huffed at her constant attempts to placate. "Not hardly; I blacked out for several minutes and had to be taken to the healing room by my father." The reminders of his weaknesses made him bitter and peeved. He had been small then, but he could recall his head bobbing up and down and his legs swinging back and forth as his father rushed through the corridors with him in his arms. His mother had not been far behind, with Thor trailing at her skirts.

"Could the very same happen to me?" She inquired.

"Not likely; we were children then, but an adult mind will be able to support the stress better."

It was upon them as they came under the archway of the Bifrost, entering the golden dome at the end of the bridge. Heimdall stood in the center of the Observatory, clad in solid gold, his large sword ever present with him. Loki saw as Halios marveled at the sight of the giant Gatekeeper with her wide eyes; his dark skin matched the very sky he observed with those pensive eyes. It was a surprise to see Freyja present in the dome with him. She was dressed in her traditional Vanir dressing gown; this one of a simple rosy pink, the skirts all gossamer as they trailed down from her wide hips to her thin legs.

"I come on my own behalf to wish you well in your endeavor. Let it be that you all return swiftly and in safety. Let your eyes guild and protect you, and let your ears not be deceived from poisoned words. Be it that the norns find you home." She smiled at Halios then, stepping forward to take her hands. "Mine student, I look forward to your future learning upon your return; let none else sway you from your path." At that, Freyja sent a malicious glare to Loki who was used to such proclivities from others, yet his brows hit his hairline from the unexpected scorn of the Vanir.

"Whoa, scary; what was that look for I wonder?" Fandral whispered closely to Loki.

"I have no idea," Loki muttered back while deep in thought. Truly he was just as surprised as Fandral about the uprooting hostility, and the hairs on his neck were standing at attention from it. He watched as Freyja's swaying figure left the dome, his mind at work in attempt to come up with a decision for her hate, but none could he find and he was perplexed.

"You wish to seek Aegirheim, but I can only send you as close to its waters in Vanaheim," Heimdall spoke, his voice a deep baritone.

Thor approached first, for the Gatekeeper's respect for Asgard's eldest Prince ran deep, much to Loki's protest. "Then off to Vanaheim we shall go friends."

The group split off before the portal of the Bifrost, all standing at arm's length apart from one another. Halios had paled considerably since they entered the dome, to the point that she looked as ill as Loki felt. He wanted to tell her to relax, but not for everyone else to hear. Her cotton white face was unusually fair, all of the blood in her body rushing away to her head and her heart in some desire to flee no doubt. He fought through his troubled thoughts, deciding to probe her mind lightly, if only to give her a sense of peace.

"You'll be fine Halios."

Her eyes were blown huge as she turned to face him, her plaited hair swinging off her shoulder like a whip. He smirked in response, his goal realized now with her mind distracted. Heimdall pierced the center of the dome with his sword, activating the Bifrost, all the gears spinning like clockwork. At the last second Loki felt his hand be taken in by Halios' small palm; gripping tightly as they soared between the realms. He made sure not to let go, and for her comfort he squeezed her hand back to alert her to his presence. The feeling of evaporating into tiny pieces always sent Loki aquiver while in the space between worlds. Even now in his palm, Halios' skin was barely felt, but he knew she had not let go out of fear. Why she had elected him for comfort was baffling, but not unwelcomed either. Her childlike hands were smooth and warm as petals on a flower left in the sun of a summer evening. Too soon did he see a small orb in the distance, taking shape into a blue world as they grew closer. Vanaheim's lush green scenery came into view as they landed on world in an open garden, a harmonious place that they could all be thankful Heimdall had chosen.

Halios stumbled back into Loki with her weight, though he caught her with ease in his arms. He sat her on the ground quickly and knelt down at eye level to see her now red eyes that were fluttering rapidly. The others rushed forward almost immediately once they noticed the pair knelt on the ground. Loki kept his hands on her shoulders to steady her as she overcame the feeling of world to world travel, her frame swaying back and forth like a top. Slowly she put her hand to her forehead while pinching her eyes shut to save them from the daylight sun.

"That was…exhilarating," She put dryly, her words coming out slow and smooth from her flushed lips.

Loki grinned from her brusque response. "You did well considering, though my hand is worse off than before." His fingers were clenched together and red from where she had been crushing them in hers.

"Oh I'm sorry!" She exclaimed, a mad blush retreating onto her cheeks.

"What was she doing holding your hand?" Thor asked, a big teasing grin appearing on his face.

Loki stood abruptly and pushed passed his hulking brother without answering. Fandral helped Halios stand again, as the energy flowed back into her knees and leg muscles. Loki was already ahead, judging their bearings to get to the sea from their vantage point.

"The coast lies to the far east, we should head as straight as we can with little detouring." Loki deducted when the others joined at the front.

"Lead the way then Silvertongue." Volstagg nodded.

Loki's expression soured but he went ahead as Thor joined him. The long grass was sparse, but it crunched beneath their boots as they walked through the brush. Unlike Asgard, which was rich with good soil to grow crops in low level farmlands, Vanaheim was abundant with sand. The beaches of white sand stretched all around the Palace in the distance, down to the coastline of the rich waters. Wharfs and seaports were common as most villagers made their living as fisherman. The lands had little business being tiled, though they did have a thriving lumber trade because of the so many forests that covered a good deal of their lands. It had been many years since Loki had last been to Vanaheim, and even longer since he had set foot in the pearl Palace, but he remember much of its grace, the sweet harmony of the cool ocean breeze on his face.

"You did of course remember to bring something to bribe with I assume," Thor began while interrupting his quiet reverie.

"Of course; I knew all others would let it slip their minds." He drawled, juggling the small bag of coins in his hand.

"I however, did bring this." Thor pulled out from a burlap sack, a bottle of Asgardian vodka with slicks of gold flakes dancing in the liquid under a wax red seal.

"Clever that," Loki complimented shortly, not expecting the idea to come from his lame witted brother.

Thor hid the bottle once more for extra bribery for safe measures. "I couldn't help but observe your new relations with Halios," He hinted with a touch of excitement.

Loki scoffed. "I only help the needy."

Thor rolled his eyes dramatically. "Please brother, I see you two share a connection. She trusts you, and I see some good out of this friendship between the pair of you both. It appears you can talk to her more freely than you can with the others—besides myself—and Halios needs someone like you for guidance with your magic and what not."

Loki quirked his lips slightly while heeding his brothers jumbled words. Apparently it was fickle to deny, seeing as even the dunderhead Thor could see they talked in cohesion. Verily, he did favor Halios, but it called for something beyond friendship. He thought back to Freyja's hateful look, and wondered if she had somehow put together the lust he felt for her new apprentice.

"You're becoming more observant brother; I'll have to watch myself," Loki replied cunningly.

"I'm sure you'll find new ways to cloak yourself." Thor grinned. It was true; since the night he had destroyed Sif's hair, he had only increased in his skills of invisibility and it proved a useful tool in the house of Odin. Pray be it stood skillful against the sea giants.

"I can feel the spray and salt of the ocean waters upon my face, we must be nearing," Fandral called ahead to the two princes.

"Aye the water, she be to the left of us up ahead," Volstagg responded.

The solid oak docks dropped into the shallow end of the water, with little boats tied by ropes on the platform, the oars tucked away safely on the seats. A burly old fisher was sitting on the wooden pedestal with rod in hand, his hat tipped down to avoid the sun's strike, and a pipe with smoke of Vanir ash dangling from his mouth.

"We'll have to pay for the use of the boats. I do hope we will have enough money left over to sate the sea giants," Thor added wearily as he counted the coins in his hand.

"We could always borrow them if the price he names isn't to our liking," Loki added slyly.

"You mean steal them?" Halios asked incredulously.

"In the worst case scenario, yes we would. I did not come this short to fail." His candor had Halios biting on her lip. Really, she was as innocent as they all said, and it thrilled him to the point of chuckling aloud. What was life without a little sin anyhow, he thought frankly. Perhaps she was learning he was as mischievous as the others had no doubt told her. Perhaps she liked that.

"You're the quick one with words, go and bribe him Loki." Volstagg nudged the small prince forward in the direction of the stationary fisherman, who was sitting too still to not have been eavesdropping.

Loki kept his shoulders straight while breathing in an air of confidence. He felt rather dashing from the obvious satisfaction Halios was receiving from watching him. It appeared she saw him just as interesting as he foresaw her to be. More than just a puzzle to be solved he concluded. With false sincerity he plastered on a smile before clearing his throat to address the old sailor. The man was scruffy and untidy. His face was in desperate need of a shave while his hair needed to be groomed and bathed from too many long hours spent in sweltering Vanaheim sun. His dark blue overcoat reeked of fish oils and soiled water, clear from the mold stains that chewed away on the hem. A sheen of sweat glistened on his upper brow that he promptly wiped away with his hand, all while choking out a gurgled cough. Loki kept his façade calm, but inside he was swelling with arrogance. Sometimes life was too easy and provided no challenge. The older sailor was quick to agree to let them have the boats for free before he turned back to his futile fishing with worm on hook. Nothing was biting, but bless him for trying.

Loki strutted back to the others with a nonchalant expression. "Shall we get going then?" He asked aloud. Mouths hung agape, as usual they were once again impressed by his ability to persuade. Even Sif seemed mildly entertained by his display, her brow hooked up in question.

"Just like that? Wow that was almost too easy for you," Halios smiled at him as she overcame her initial shock.

"Easy is, as easy does love," He remarked sharply.

So it was that they made their way into three groups for the small boats. Loki remained collected when Halios decided to stay with him, but it was rather rewarding that finally someone had picked him over the colossal Thor. It seemed he offered out his hand for her to take before anyone else could, as she stepped into the small boat. His stomach was light and leaping with lust for her again, but he also wanted and demanded to keep respect for her and so he fought back his more carnal inclinations. He was discreet, but kept sneaking glances at her as they paddled onto the water, his loins insisting that he did. The masculine clothing she was adorned in somehow looked appealing to his eye more and more, hugging her dainty hips and lean legs tauntingly. Her hair was darker than the Vanir sun, but rather matched the wheat that grew in the lower fields of Asgard. She was tending to a seasick Fandral at her side, which made him gape at them humorously, but a twinge of jealousy stirred also.

The air was thinning into a chill now, and the mist seemed to build as the land was no longer visible behind them. He tightened his grip on the oar while pushing the boat forward cautiously, the blade of the paddle cutting through the water in quiet strokes. The ripples formed light on the surface like glass as they treaded further out in the sea towards the mighty halls of Aegirheim, where just below their noses it became apparent what would soon be upon them.

Onward towards the Ocean Palace! Lot's of Lolios to come (Still love that ship name!)