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Recovery and a Warning

The next few days dragged on.

Not surprisingly, of course. The only thing worse than being sick is recovering from a sickness. I would know. Lady Frigga stuck to me like glue the entire three days I was recovering. I was basically grounded to my room except for the few times I would leave to eat dinner with the royal family. Mainly because I was weaker than a newborn calf trying to walk, but, hey, I tried. We spent our time getting me up and moving to help me regain some dignity, talking and telling stories to each other, and reading. You know, when I wasn't sleeping. I think it was during those times that I was out that she would leave and attend to her duties considering I would often wake up alone. She wasn't gone for long though.

She loved to tell me of all that I spoke about when I was sick. Apparently I was pretty amusing when I was in that delirious haze that I don't remember, talking to phantom people and going on a rant about talking spiders and donkeys.

Yeah, I don't know what that means either.

On my second day of recovery, I asked Frigga what it was that invaded my immune system so thoroughly. I have some history with strong illnesses and a standard flu couldn't have done that to me, and I'm not anywhere near where a normal virus could get me anyway. "Well," she starts, giving it some thought before continuing. "The healers believed it was a basic virus that all Asgardians get once in a while. Most of our children become bed-ridden because of it. Jane says it is the Asgardian version of what you call a cold."

"That was a cold?" I asked incredulously. No way. I handle colds way better than that.

"Yes, you did respond to it quite spectacularly," she responded, giving me a gentle smile. "However, you did not respond to the medication our healers gave you. So, they were not entirely sure that was the problem." She cocked her head to the side. "We all thought it was odd. Jane also caught the illness early on when she moved here. She responded the same as you did. However, our medicine remedied it immediately, so she was only ill for a day."

My eyebrows came together in confusion. "That does seem odd."

"Yes, and it was worrisome. Without the medicine, you had to fight the virus on your own. Because it was attacking you so violently, we worried you would not recover."

I lowered my eyes. I wished I could say that was the first time I had to fight off something unseen that was trying to kill me, but I have practice with this sort of thing. "Well, I'm glad I did recover," I finally said, just to say something.

"As we all are," she agreed, smiling gently.

I chewed over that little tidbit for the rest of the day. I wonder why the medication didn't work for me? I mean, everyone responds to medicines differently. For instance, penicillin works, for the most part, amazingly well with fighting viruses and helping people combat unseen pathogens. However, others are deathly allergic to it. Similarly, some allergy medications work wonders for some people whereas not working at all for others. It all just depends on the person and the body.

I would be the one to take something to help me and have it not work. It's happened before.

I let that train of thought slide. It's officially my fourth day of recovery and it's the first time I feel somewhat back to normal. I'm still dog-tired, but I can walk across my room without assistance and still feel okay to keep moving. Yay! Frigga (finally) left me alone, mainly because there were palace matters she really needed to get back to. Not that I mind. I kind of missed having some time to myself. It also makes me feel a little better when I'm being pathetic without an audience to witness it. Not that I get the chance to be alone for very long.

Loki makes an appearance about half way through the morning. He's been pretty scarce the past few days, only popping in when I was asleep (Frigga would tell me when he would come) or to check on his mother and I. I know he'll never admit it, but I think my illness freaked him out a little. Well, his bodyguard side anyway. He's supposed to protect me and keep me alive, but you can't protect someone against everything.

Again, this is only a suspicion, but he has been acting a little weird around me. More withdrawn compared to the last lucid day I had. Hell, for all I know he was busy with random stuff and he has a lot on his mind and probably isn't worried about me at all. That sounds more like him.

"Loki," I greet, somewhat surprised at seeing him. "Didn't expect to see you today."

"I was simply wondering how you were faring," he responds. He doesn't leave my doorway though. I narrow my eyes at his odd behavior. Usually he's sauntering around in here, looking at everything or messing with the few objects I have out. Not loitering by the door.

"Did Frigga put you up to it?" I ask, suddenly suspicious. I can totally see her doing that. I know she doesn't want me to be alone in case I relapse or something. It's more likely I will fall and not be able to get back up. But, considering I am doing so well with walking right now, I don't think that will happen.

It would kind of suck if it did.

I get a small smile from him. "No. I can make decisions without my mother's pestering."

"If you say so," I mumble, grinning slightly. That sounds more like the Loki I know. He's in there somewhere.

"I'm doing much better today," I respond finally, focusing my attention back onto his earlier inquiry. "See? I can even walk on my own!" Just to prove it, I walk from my bed, where I was sitting, to the fireplace and back. "And my knees aren't even shaking," I add, giving the statement some childish pride. Well, it is a small victory for me.

He lifts an eyebrow at me. "You seem to be very pleased over such a small feat."

I narrow my eyes. "Small? Trust me, if you could have seen me over the past few days, you would know this is not a small feat."

"If you truly wished to test your meager strength, you should walk more than just the length of your room," he points out.

"Hm, I suppose you're right." I get an idea. "Care to join me for a walk around the palace, Loki?" I ask, smiling sweetly. He gave me the idea, so he should have to join me.

Well, he has to anyway, but that isn't going to diminish my teasing. It's far too much fun.

Rather than give me an answer, he turns and opens the door, holding it open until I can slip on a pair of flats I have resting by the door and can walk through it. Our walk is mostly silent, considering I can't think of a single thing to say and Loki isn't a talker to begin with. I really want to ask what he's been up to since I got sick. He probably reveled in his brief freedom. I roll my eyes at the thought, keeping my head turned so he can't see it. He probably wasn't that concerned, not like everyone else. I mean, his odd behavior probably has nothing to do with me. Granted, I can't think of a single thing that would make him act so strange, but that doesn't mean anything. I don't know him like I know Uncle Thor.

I think that bugs me more than anything else. I wish I could get to know him more. We've never had any personal talks, besides my brief explosion about how I was tortured. But, even then, that was about me. This man is supposed to guard me but I don't know what makes him tick. I don't know what keeps him motivated, what he's passionate about, what he hates. I know absolutely nothing. I know he's a damn good fighter and has a skill with magic that is only rivaled by Lady Frigga, has a sharp mind and even sharper tongue. But everyone knows that. I sigh and shake my head, staring at the ground passing beneath my somewhat steady steps. This enigma of a man may just end up staying that way.

"What are you thinking so intently about?" he asks, immediately capturing my attention and bringing me back to the here and now. He is watching me out of the corner of his eye.

"Nothing important," I respond. I am not about to tell him I was thinking about him just now.

Thankfully, he drops the topic. Lord only knows what I would have had to do to change the topic if he truly cared about getting the truth out of me. We're outside now, walking along the rainbow bridge. I watch the colors morph and pulse under my feet with childish delight. I don't know how it works, but it will never get old to watch.

"Do you usually respond to illnesses in such a… remarkable fashion?" he asks suddenly.

I glance back up at him to see he is smirking slightly, his eyes focused straight ahead with his hands clasped behind his back while we walk slowly. I narrow my eyes at him. "Well, maybe if that illness was something I was used to fighting, I would have handled it better," I respond, sighing. I shake my head, my annoyance leaving me quickly. "To be honest, it's not the first time I've gotten that sick. Only, the last time…" I drift off, turning my head to stare at the city as we pass it.

"The last time?" he prods, clearly interested.

I sigh again, trying to find a way to choose my words carefully. "The last time, I was much younger. An infant, actually. And I was fighting something that nearly killed me." I glance up at him to see that he is watching me with curious eyes. "Have you ever heard of cancer, Loki?"

He cocks his head to the side, thinking. "The term sounds familiar, yes. I am unaware of what it truly means, though."

I place my hands in the pockets of my jeans, facing forward again. "Cancer is a severe type of illness. Basically the cells attack the body for no apparent reason. Science doesn't really understand it completely yet, other than it can be hereditary, and we are far from finding a cure for it. A lot of people have died because it." I lower my eyes to watch the pulsing colors again. "I was diagnosed with a rare form of it at six months old and proceeded to be treated and fighting it for the first five years of my life." I glance back up at him. "So, when I say that I'm used to what I just went through, I mean it. Granted, I was a little bit more lucid," I admit, smiling.

He watches me with serious eyes for a moment before turning his head to face forward again. "I was unaware of that," he mutters.

I shrug. "I'm not surprised. I was adopted near the tail end of my illness and didn't meet Uncle Thor and Aunt Jane until after I was out of the hospital. It's not something my family likes to talk about."

We lapse into a silence then. I think I may have surprised Loki. I don't know why. A lot of kids had and have cancer. I just happened to be one of the lucky ones who survived. It took a long time, because the chemo and radiation didn't work on me right away, but I eventually fought my way healthy. And it hasn't come back in nearly twenty years.

I consider myself very lucky. I watched too many kids not come back while I was living in the hospital.

"My brother and the other warriors will be returning later today," he says, changing the subject abruptly. "A feast will be thrown upon their triumphant return." There is an undertone of bitterness in his voice. Does he wish he could have gone? I think Loki is still grounded on Asgard. He may have gotten all of his powers back in order to better protect me and whatnot, but I don't think he is allowed to leave Asgard. I sometimes wonder if he misses the heat of battle.

I don't voice any of this, though. I'll just leave it all to my own speculation.

"You do realize," he continues, finally looking over to me, "you will have to make an appearance, right?"

"To the feast? Tonight?" I question him, my eyes widening. Oh, god. I don't think I'm ready for a feast yet. I'm still just testing my ability to stand and walk for long periods of time. And now I'm being forced to socialize? Ugh.

"It would be considered inappropriate for my family's honored guest to be absent at such an event," he replies. "Especially considering you are, technically, Thor's guest." Glancing over at me again, his eyes scan up and down my body. I glare in response. "However, if your weak mortal form is not feeling up to such a small event—"

"Don't worry, your royal Highness," I quip, my glare heating. "I'll be there." I roll my eyes. Yep, that's the Loki I know. Does he have to remind me I'm so much weaker than everyone else in this realm?

I get a smirk in response. Ass.

"I will collect you when it is time and make sure you do not stumble over your own feet upon entering."

"Don't do me any favors."

We lapse back into a comfortable silence. This is normal. This is routine. I missed this.

The afternoon passed fairly quickly after our walk. Once he dropped me off at my room, I took a nap, mainly to try and stave off my exhaustion. That is the only thing I can't quite shake, unfortunately. I wake up when the sunlight is starting to wane in the sky. Sighing, I pull myself out of my warm and inviting bed and get ready for the feast. The only good thing about this is seeing my uncle again. I've missed his larger than life presence. It'll be good to see Sif again, too, so I can get back to training. Going an entire week without practice has probably put me behind. I haven't tried picking up a sword and I should get back to practicing with my knives, if only to get my stamina back up to where it was before.

I'm standing in my closet with only my underwear and a slip on, staring at the array of dresses lining my closet. What the hell am I supposed to wear? All of the dresses range from casual day dress, fighting dress, to what I wore my first night here. I figured that dress is kind of overkill for this, not to mention I won't be able to get into it on my own. But that doesn't help me much.

Before I can decide, on anything really, I hear my door open and close with a small bang. I peak my head out of the closet and see Loki standing there. He is dressed in the same garb he was wearing the first night I arrived: black, leather pants, green tunic tucked under a black chest plate with a golden arch and golden arm braces. A long black coat covers his shoulders but leaves his arms free, with a strip of green at the tails of the coat. I have to admit, the outfit looks good on him.

Better than his usual black and green tunics anyway.

I blink at him while he stares back at me, an eyebrow raised. Shit. I'm not ready yet and he's here. I hold my palm out, telling him to stay put. "Don't you dare come in here," I command, running back inside the room.

"Why are you not ready yet?" he asks, obviously ignoring my command and skipping right to the point.

"I can't figure out what to wear!"

I hear a sigh. I'm pretty sure there was an eye roll that accompanied that. I hear his boots walking across the floor and panic slightly, turning my wide eyes on the door as they get louder. "Don't come in here! I'm practically naked!" Why isn't there a door when I need one?

His footsteps pause just outside the door. I'm far too tense. I'm anticipating him walking through that doorway just to show me up. But, after a moment and he still hasn't, I start to relax. I return my attention back to the dresses. "I would recommend a simple one," Loki says, his annoyance showing clearly.

"That really doesn't help me," I mutter. I start pulling dresses off the rack to get a better look at them.

"Well, if you would allow me to enter, I could certainly help find one that is fitting."

"Ha! Nice try!" He may be a prince, but he is still male. I don't trust him that well. I continue looking through them all before finding one that looks like it would work. It's a light blue one, but very simple. It has a sweetheart line with an empire waist. The skirt flows straight down. The only problem? It would show off my upper back and all of my scars. I glance around the room with the dress in my hands, looking for something that will cover me up but still look good with the dress. On the other wall, I find a black cloak. That will work nicely.

I wiggle my way into the dress and attempt to zip it up on my own. I can only get it halfway up. I sigh and hang my head. You would think designers would've learned to move the zipper so it's easier to access by now. Holding the upper part to my chest to so I don't flash him, I walk out the door and find Loki leaning against the wall, arms crossed, looking mildly impatient. His eyebrows raise at my choice. I can't tell if it's in approval or not, but I don't really care. I turn my back to him, sweeping my long hair over one of my shoulders in the process. "Can you zip me up?" I ask, trying not to let my mild discomfort show.

He doesn't respond, but he does zip it up. His hands are cool where he touches my skin. I feel his fingers trace an outline of a scar and I shiver. The only one who has every willingly touched my scars is my Pops. Nobody else can seem to muster up the courage to do so. I peek over my shoulder and get a glimpse at his face. He has a distant look in his eyes, like he isn't exactly in the room with me. I wonder what he's thinking about. I quickly remember what the Jotun Man told me the last time we talked, about Loki's time with the Chitauri. If he was tortured by their hand, like Jotun Man implied, then maybe we have a lot more in common than I thought.

He at least understands my pain more than anybody else around me at the moment.

Seeming to snap out of whatever he was thinking, he lowers his hand and I face forward again, allowing my hair to fall back down my back and cover the marks back up, if only slightly. I just want to ask him. But, at the same time, I don't. Some things from the past shouldn't be dredged up unless it absolutely has to. At the very least, there is an understanding between us that others won't get. And I think I can live with only that for a little while longer.

I walk back into the closet to finish getting ready. I pull my crazy, curly hair into a messy bun low on my head, my hair parted to the left of my head allowing my bangs to basically hang free from the tie. I pull on the cloak and put on small black heels. I can't handle big heels on a good day and my balance is still shaky at best. After making sure the sun necklace is on, I walk back out ready to get this night over with.

Loki and I walk to the big dining hall in silence. He makes sure to stay by my side and not walk ahead of or behind me. He doesn't hover, but I think he meant it when he said he would make sure I wouldn't fall on my face. I'm trusting his quick reflexes and response time to catch me if I do, in fact, fall. He will never know, but I do appreciate his offer to help me.

The feast is in full swing by the time we get there. We split up. I have no idea what he does at these things (besides brood in a corner), but I want to see my uncle and I make sure to do just that. It doesn't take long for me to spy him in the big room. I grin and head to where the crowd is the thickest and loudest and gently maneuver my way through the throng of people to the center. I find him retelling the tale of his battles with Volstagg interjecting exaggerated details here and there. I smile at the scene. Aunt Jane is sitting beside him with the twins wedged between them. She is giving both men a dubious look while the boys drink in every detail with rapt attention and awe. Lady Frigga is standing off to the side with a small smile on her face, periodically turning and talking to one of the guests about lord only knows what. Odin is nowhere in sight. I allow the banter and laughter to flow over me and slowly relax me.

It takes a few minutes, but my uncle catches sight of me out of the corner of his eye. I raise my hand in a hello and smile slightly. Bounding up, he rushes over to me and gives me a giant bear hug. "Charlie!" he exclaims, setting me back on my feet. "I heard that you had recovered from your ailment. How are you feeling?"

Smiling, I say, "A little weaker and definitely tired, but much better from yesterday. I'm sorry you had to leave with me so ill, Uncle."

He waves his hand, dismissing my concern. "As long as you are well, little one." He latches his arm to mine and leads me over to the table. "Come! Have some food. That should help rebuild your strength. You will be up and fighting again by tomorrow!"

I sit beside him at the table and grab a small plate of some meat, cheeses, and bread. I won't eat much, but it won't hurt to have something. Volstagg and Fandral both ask how I was faring as well and after multiple reassurances that I'm fine, they continue on with their stories. Hogun stands stoically behind them, ready to intervene if their stories become too fantastic. I don't see Sif anywhere nearby. I'll have to try and find her in a bit.

Magni somehow manages to wiggle his way into my lap after a few minutes and I keep a strong hold on him. I don't trust him or his brother running around at this event. Aunt Jane must have the same idea because she is keeping a close eye on Modi who is sitting in between her and Uncle Thor. It becomes apparent after a while that neither of them are planning anything mischievous: they are far too engrossed in the stories being told around them. Not that I blame them one bit.

After about an hour of chatting and listening, I move Magni so he's in his father's lap (not that he really noticed) and get up so I can stretch my legs and try and get some adrenaline. I'm starting to get really tired. I cover my mouth in an attempt to stifle a yawn as I walk around the room, looking for Sif. I find her at a table with a few other men. There appears to be some type of game going on. I hope she gives them all a run for their money. The subtle smirk on her face gives me a small indication that she might be in the lead.

I watch them all quietly from a distance for a few more breaths before finally turning and leaving the hall entirely. I'll talk to her later so she can focus on kicking the men's asses. I walk through the doors and to the balcony on the opposite side of the hallway. I jump up onto the railing, turning to press my back into the supporting column of the balcony above my head and stretching my legs across the stone rail. I lean my head back against the column and watch the ocean, allowing the waves crashing underneath me to lull me into a comfortable peace.

"Should you be out here by yourself?" a familiar voice questions behind me.

I turn around. "Well, I'm hardly alone now, am I?" I respond, grinning slightly.

"Still," the Jotun Man continues, giving me a small smile in return, "it is not wise to wander by yourself in your state."

"Ah, you heard about my illness." I turn my head to face the ocean again. The whole palace probably knows about it. Great.

"Of course I did," he replies, walking over and standing next to the railing by my legs. He is looking out to the ocean himself. "Everyone in the palace was quite concerned over your welfare." His red eyes dart to meet my forest green ones. "Try not to die on us. It might destroy the royal family if you did."

I furrow my eyebrows in mild confusion. "Why would it destroy them? Don't get me wrong, I understand why Uncle Thor, Aunt Jane, and the twins would be heartbroken, but why everyone else?"

"Are you really that daft?" he asks quietly. I glare at him. I don't think my question is an unreasonable one. I can understand why Lady Frigga might take it hard—she has cared for me like a mother would. But Odin and Loki? That's laughable. The King only cares out of duty and hospitality. Hell, some of the stories I've heard about him make me believe he doesn't care about mortals in any sense. After all, we are so insignificant compared to Asgardians. He would not be emotionally effected if I suddenly died. And Loki? He would probably just feel relief that I was no longer his responsibility. We may be getting along as of late, but I don't think he cares for me in any sense of the phrase. Not beyond duty, anyway.

It's silly how that thought makes me a little sad.

"Do not think the royal family cares for you so shallowly," he finally answers, glancing back towards the horizon. I shrug. That's obviously the only answer he is going to give me and I don't want to push this topic. I don't have the energy to.

"I cannot stay long," he announces, recapturing my attention. "I came to give you a warning."

"A warning?"

"Yes. While you have been recovering, I have been… off-world. Trouble is brewing within another realm."

"What do you mean by trouble?"

He glances back over to me. "I mean, you need to get your strength back, and quickly. I fear Asgard is not safe."

That gets my entire attention. I sit up a little straighter and give him my unwavering focus. "You think there's going to be an attack?" He nods. "When?"

"I do not know."

I sigh, but don't press it. After all, I don't know what he's had to do to get this much information. "Why are you warning me?" I ask instead, my head cocking to the side as I regard him.

He mirrors my own action, his red eyes serious as he regards me in turn. "I am aware that you are adequate at protecting yourself, but you need to be prepared. These adversaries are not ones you are accustomed to fighting."

"Who are these people?"

"I am afraid I cannot say," he responds with a small, secretive grin. "If word gets out that I had been off-world, well…" he drifts off, looking back to the ocean. "Let us just say there will be hell to pay."

I nod, understanding. "Should I warn Loki? He is my guard and all."

I receive a genuine smile from the mysterious man next to me. "Oh, he is fully aware of the situation."

I roll my eyes. "Of course he is. And he didn't even bother to tell me. Jerk."

He laughs. I give him a confused look. Why was that funny? He doesn't answer my unspoken question though. "I must leave now. Rest tonight. But resume your training again tomorrow. You should be well enough to handle it." He bows his head to me, turns, and leaves with no more preamble. He melts into the shadows before I can shout a farewell to his retreating back.

I turn back to face the calm waves, thinking about our short conversation. An enemy, huh? I wonder if this is the same people that threatened Asgard? I had almost completely forgotten about my uncle's warning from my first week here. It would make sense that it would be from the same people. I need to start working on my drills again. A week off shouldn't have put me too far behind and I'll be better than ever once I get started again.

"Hey, Charlie!"

I turn around to see Modi running towards me. I smile and hop off the railing, shoving these thoughts to the back of my head for now.

"What's up, kid?"

I get a small glare in response. Probably at my nickname for him. He grabs my hand and starts leading me away from the massive hall. I notice out of the corner of my eye a guard peel away from the doorway and start following us as he leads me back towards the royal wing. "Magni and I are going to bed," Modi announces. "But, will you please tell us one your amazing stories? We're not tired yet."

I smile. "Sure. What do you want to hear? A myth or do you want me to read one of my books?"

"Will you finish that tale of the boy with the magic stick?"

"You mean Harry Potter?" My smile grows even bigger. "Of course!" I'll make Potterheads out of them yet.