Disclaimer: Loki's saying that half Asgard would slit his throat and the other half would cheer is referenced from the Marvel's comic as well as the quotation about Mischief being his own weapon.

Ári (eagle), Yngvarr (Ing's warrior), and Eira (snow) belong to me

A day without Loki

After the 'incident' in the library Loki was gone for the whole day. He only mentally contacted Caroline to tell her he would be in Alfheim until the next day. It was enough though. She instantly knew that this would be a political meeting between Asgard and the realm of light elves.

She was currently in Loki's library again, but not in the Norse section. She wouldn't dare go there again, except if Loki didn't give her his permission. She remembered the book which rolls had crashed on the bottom of the pages. Was this book broken now? She shook her head. How could she know. Her memories moved to the scarlet book she had found and what followed after Loki found her. She shivered and bit her lower lip at the memory - his shadow over her, his firm grip around her, the emerald eyes she knew were on her skin, his lips on her neck, and his hands squeezing at her flushed body. And she was helpless under his intentions. Eyes wide, knees weak, heartbeat frequent. She wouldn't have the strength to push him away even if she wanted. Addison gripped the shelf in front her as if Loki was behind her at this very moment. She closed her eyes and stood there for a moment.

Caroline needed a distraction. She opened her eyes and sighed. Loki had told her not to go out his quarters without him. She went to a wide window and looked out to a beautiful garden – Frigga's famous garden. Addison narrowed her eyes. If she wanted to go for a walk she needed a guardian. Loki of course couldn't trust her to anybody, for no one trusted him. This is why Caroline had to make her own friends and hope for Loki's relationships to change in future. But how could she herself know who to trust? What if she went out and met Amora, or another of Loki's former-…
Addison clutched her head and winced. No. That wasn't right. She smirked though. She was going to disobey him again. Would that make him angry? Maybe he would punish her for real this time. Her lips thinned. It has to be done. I am sorry Loki, but I cannot hang alone and indoors for36 hours (the Asgardian length of a day).

She concentrated on the one she knew would see and hear her even without her powers. Her lips moved to say his name, "Great Heimdall, forgive me for bothering you, but you are the only person I could think of. My Loki has left me in his quarters with the behest to not go out alone. Yet I am tired of staying indoors. I was wondering if-… If it is possible. Would you help me out of my loneliness? Maybe you would know somebody reliable to send for me, somebody who would be interested in having a walk and making a new acquaintance, or even a new friend." She paused. "I know that you can hear me. Please."

Heimdall was standing in the Bifrost when he heard Caroline's plea to him. He furrowed his eyebrows. Loki's woman. What kind of trickery was that? At first, he decided to ignore her, but then she said she was sure he could hear her. The Guardian of Asgard sighed irritated. Who could he send to her? Everybody knew Loki for his evil mischief and trickery. They wouldn't think his mortal woman a suitable company. He knew of her befriending Fandral, but the Dashing was abroad at this moment.

..

Caroline was seated in an armchair in the main hall of Loki's quarters. She was reading Mayne Reid's Wild Huntress, casting an eye every now and then to the now widely opened gates, which leaded to the main hall. She was waiting, hoping that somebody would come for her. After five chapters without anybody showing up, she started being nervous. Maybe no one was coming after all. After the eighth chapter she heard an echo from heavy steps coming from the corridor.

Addison let her book fall in her lap and straightened on her seat. The steps were coming closer. Caroline was sure that they belonged to a man. She started having second thoughts about the opened gates. What if it was a random warrior, or somebody who was coming to harm her? People surely knew Loki wasn't in Asgard at that moment. She jumped from her place and stood behind her armchair. A very tall golden armored Asgardian entered the hall. Caroline smiled. "Heimdall. I am so gratefu-…"
"What were you thinking leaving those gates opened," he cut her off with deep calm voice.
Her smile faded. "I-… At first I didn't think it would be a bad idea. But after a second thought, I believe that was dangerous."
Heimdall didn't have any plans on doing anything about Caroline's plea, but when he saw her opening the gates he had to go to her. He could remember some time ago Loki saying to an alliance of his that half Asgard would slit his throat if they got the chance, and the other half would cheer. Right now the same goes for his beloved. She was alone and anyone could go to her. The Guardian wouldn't have cared, but she was under Odin's protection. Currently, he stood on his place looking Caroline strait into the eyes, making her feel like he could see into her. Yet he wasn't a mind reader, although he wished he was, so now he would be able to see into the woman standing in front him, or at least he thought he would be able to do that, for Loki had shielded her mind away from any mind reader but himself.

The Guardian stretched his arm towards Addison and bellowed, "Shall we?"
Her eyes widened at him. His intimidating posture, his vibrant voice, his eagle eyes. He simply was gorgeous. And he was there for her. Yes. She really was grateful! Caroline flashed a wide grin at him and advanced towards him. Heimdall didn't move an inch though. Addison stopped in front him, perplexed. He regarded her with a dark look and spoke, "I must warn you from now. I do not tolerate any kind of mischief and betrayal. If you have called me to get me into trouble I will not hesitate to send you back to Midgard."

Caroline's lips thinned. "The great Heimdall has come to me with prejudices." …and false threats.
"My apologies for the beloved of the man I would never trust in my existence." He bowed to her. It wasn't a mock bow, nor were his words sarcastic. Addison wasn't sure what she should do. She wanted to tell him that she accepted the apology, and to share her hopes for future well terms, but sudden loneliness caught up on her. Her words caught in her throat and she bit at her lower lip to suppress the sob that threatened to come out instead of her words. Her eyes filled with tears and she turned away from Heimdall.

The Guardian stood calmly on his place. He sure had seen lots of tears, him being able to observe all nine realms. So now he wasn't moved in the slightest. He kept his cold gaze on her when she turned around to look at him, her eyes filled with quiet rage, her cheeks wet. She spoke with slightly trembling voice and higher tone, "You are the Guardian of Asgard for many centuries now, a loyal servant of Odin. This is your life. Now imagine you became the prince of Svartalfheim with no hope to ever come back to Asgard again. And you may or may not have the chance to say goodbye to your family and friends. The only people I know in this realm are not here, Heimdall. I miss Midgard so much! At least I had internet and cellphones there. I could call anybody. Now in one night I lost everything I was used to and came to live on a place where I am already hated, because of my beloved's reputation. Well, thank you for coming. I still appreciate that you took from your time, and I am still glad I got to speak to a living person different from Loki today."

She waited for him to turn away and depart but the Guardian only smirked. "So even if you cannot resist him, you still want to have a break from his company and socialize with others."
Caroline cocked her head. Resist? Did he mean-… She raised an eyebrow at him when she spoke, "Have you been stalking on us?"
His deep voice replied, "I can see everything. Especially now when Loki doesn't hide from me. There was time when he blinded my vision towards him, so he could try and take over the throne of Asgard."

Addison blinked. That was a serious crime. She let Heimdall's comment on her resisting abilities to slip away and spoke, "So now you actually have an eye on him. Is that so?" Heimdall nodded his head silently. She continued carefully, "Well, I believe there is a reason for Odin to forgive him. And to return to your previous question. Yes. I like socializing. So I wouldn't die of boredom when Loki is not around. At least when he is here, he somehow keeps me entertained. He also likes pranking me."
Heimdall smirked. "Oh, you would better brace yourself. He sure hasn't started pranking you yet."
Caroline's eyes widened and she laughed nervously. "Gosh! That's bad."
The Guardian let himself chuckle with her and spoke, "Now where would thee fair Caroline like to go?"
She laughed softly. "Frigga's gardens?"
Heimdall nodded. "Very well."

And so they departed, closing the gates to Loki's quarters behind them. Addison turned to the Guardian. "Tell me great Heimdall, has Loki always been mischievous?"
He didn't look at her. Instead he kept his golden eyes directed somewhere in the distance and calmly said, "Always."

Caroline spent the rest of the whole afternoon with Heimdall. She felt a bit guilty for forcing him to become her babysitter. He sure was an interesting company though. She would ask him naïve questions like: How does it feel to see and hear everything? How do you cope with all the information you receive at once? Do you remember everything you see?
They firstly had a walk in Frigga's garden, then he took her to the Bifrost. Caroline was the one to ask endless questions and Heimdall would grant her with as much information as he would deem right for her to know. He didn't ask her many questions though. After all he knew everything about her life. What he only couldn't figure out was how her mind worked. He couldn't understand her inner emotions, her awe or surprise from the things she saw and heard during her time with him. What he couldn't understand mostly was her relationship with Loki. She didn't seem anything like the Trickster. Was her purity deceiving? Yet he didn't ask her many questions. Instead he settled for simply studying her behavior. At least for now he knew he didn't dislike her anymore. Still he remained cautious about her.

Heimdall and Caroline were in the palace walking back to Loki's chambers when they met Frigga. It was a fortunate meeting for the queen was very glad to see Addison and desired to spend some time with her. Knowing that Caroline was in good hands the Guardian left her with the assurance that she could call him again if she needed him.

Frigga on the other hand, led her to hers and Odin's quarters to seat her comfortably and have a nice long conversation over a cup of tea. The queen wanted to know everything about Addison's life and her relations with Loki. It was endearing to be in Frigga's presence. She was very warm and accepting towards Caroline. The two women went to dinner together. Odin wasn't there, for he was in Alfheim with Loki and other noble represents of Asgard. So now the queen was in charge.

Addison observed how the others on the table acted towards Frigga and she wasn't surprised to see that the present people would look at the goddess with absolute adoration in their eyes. Yes. Frigga was a fitting queen. She was an accomplished lady, graceful, kind. The warmth in her words would win over even the cruelest heart. Maybe this is why Loki loved her so much. Caroline remembered when he had thought her to be his mother while she was caressing his head one night after she had put him to sleep back when they were still in the green room of Stark Tower. Addison sighed. She hoped Loki wouldn't do anything stupid while he was in Alfheim. He may not be too much mischievous with her, but he still was Mischief, criminal mind. Heimdall had told her many stories about Loki today: How he replaced Sif's gorgeous golden hair with black one when he was still a kid; how he had manipulated people in his ways of trickery and chaos, and then got them into numerous of troubles. The Guardian had quoted Loki's words once said to him. "Mischief is my area of experience as physical battle is my brother's. Mischief is my sword. It is my hammer. We all have tools. We all have areas of excellence. We all have ways that we can shape the world. This is mine. Mischief. But not to you. Not to anyone. Only to those who stand in the way of what I know must be done."

Yet Loki's estimation of what 'must be done' was questionable. Oh, Loki please don't make troubles.
A soft chuckle sounded in her head. 'You get to spend some time with dearest Heimdall and you already worry that I will do something unacceptable.'
She snapped playfully. 'I have always known you were a trouble maker, Loki. I only didn't know details. When will you be back exactly?'
'Tomorrow in the late morn. You can sleep as much as you want. I will perhaps come to wake you.'
Caroline smiled to herself. 'I can't wait.'
'Oh, I am sure you cannot wait for your punishment. You disobeyed me yet again.' His tone was sarcastic, his voice honeyed poison. So he had heard her thoughts when she was planning her going out his quarters.
'I couldn't stay put waiting for you to come home now, could I?'
There was silence. Loki was pondering on the term 'home'. He instantly knew she meant two things with that. One was that Asgard was his home. The other one was her attempt to accept the Shining City as her place to call home. Was Asgard really his home again?

At that moment Frigga turned to Addison. "Why are you quiet, child? Is anything wrong?"
Caroline smiled. "No dear Frigga. Everything is fine."
The queen smiled softly. "Oh, come now. I know that you are not here right now. Where are you?"
Addison laughed. "Your majesty is right-…"
"Uh-uh! No majesty! Frigga." The goddess waved a finger in the air as if to scold her.
Addison repeated gently with a smile, "Frigga." The queen returned the smile. Caroline continued, "I was just thinking-… about Loki. Heimdall told me a lot about his life today. I was maybe worrying."
"Maybe?"
"Well, yes. I mean, I was worrying."
"What do you worry about?"
"I don't know. It seems that Loki is very much into mischief-… I never know what could be on his mind." That guy's brain is a bag full of cats. You can smell crazy on him. Dr. Banner's perception of Loki was unmistakable. Caroline had read Bruce's mind when they were at Tony's tower. And the doctor had said that before Thor. What was he thinking? Addison suppressed a chuckle and listened to what Frigga had to tell her.
"Do not worry dear child. I believe Loki wouldn't risk making troubles now that he has you beside him. I can see that he wants to build a good future for you."
Caroline slightly raised her eyebrows. "You do?"
The queen smiled warmly, "Yes dear. I do." Addison felt excitement in her heart. Frigga continued, "Will you come to the feast tonight? Odin, Loki and the other represents will not be back until tomorrow, so it may get lonely to be on your own."

Caroline nodded, "I would love to, but Loki has forbidden me of walking alone the empty corridors of the palace."
Frigga smiled. "Of course he would. But don't worry. From now on you will have your personal guards to go anywhere with you at any time. I know that Loki dislikes guards or servants in his quarters, but an Asgardian noble woman needs to be assisted. I will give you twelve of my loyal guards and a servant."
The breath caught in Addison's throat. Her eyes widened slightly before she regained her composure. "This is so generous of you dear Frigga. Thank you!"
The queen slightly nodded her head, graciously accepting the gratitude.

She clapped her hands and a guard showed up. Frigga told him something in Old Norse, he bowed and walked out the hall. Caroline turned to the queen. "I will have to ask Loki to teach me Old Norse."
Frigga smiled. "I believe he would be glad to give you lessons in our ancient language. He is a good teacher. He has had several apprentices before." At that moment twelve guards, walking one after the another in two rows, entered the hall and stopped beside the queen. She spoke to them in English, "My loyal guards, there is a new task I have for you. This is your new mistress, lady Addison of Midgard. You are to be her personal guards from now on. You shall follow her orders."
Their eyes turned to said girl, discontent flickering in their cold gazes. They bowed to the queen and then turned to bow to Addison formally saying, "My lady."

Frigga looked around. "Where is Eira?" A girl showed from behind the imposing guards and stood straight with her hands clasped behind her back. Her hair was short and white, her big eyes were light blue, her skin lighter than any other complexion Caroline had seen before. Perhaps, in order to add to her light appearance Eira wore a white dress. She simply was as white as snow. Addison's eyes stopped at the girl's pointy ears. She fought the urge to gape her mouth and simply stare at the elvish girl, although, with a more careful eye Addison could see that it wasn't a child that was standing before her, but a very delicate woman. Eira held such a mystic beauty, that Caroline wasn't even sure she was too comfortable to have her in Loki's quarters.

Frigga smiled warmly at the elf. "There you are. Lady Addison will be your mistress. I am sure she will be very kind to you unlikely your previous mistress."
Eira bowed to Caroline. "What is it that my lady would like me to do?" Caroline inhaled slightly and held her breath. She didn't really want anything at the moment. Her eyes flickered from the elf to the anticipating guards. She then looked unsure over to Frigga. The queen raised slightly her eyebrows. "Order them what you want them to do for you."
"Oh. Um-… I want the twelve of you to find your posts here in the hall and wait for me to call for you." They silently bowed to her and walked away. Caroline turned to the elvish girl, "Eira-…" Addison looked across the table where a male servant was pouring some liquid in his master's goblet, then the man said to his servant something in Old Norse. The other man made three steps back and stood behind his master's chair. There were many servants standing the same way around the table. Caroline took a breath and spoke, "Pour me some wine please and wait for me to call you like the other servants do. I hope this doesn't sound too curt."

Eira giggled and shook her head, "No my lady. You are actually too polite to add 'please' in your order." She went to gingerly pour a goblet of wine for Addison and elegantly withdrew to stand behind her chair.
Addison looked at a very amused Frigga who was observing everything. Caroline spoke, "My! I am so not used to giving orders. I almost felt guilty for asking her to stand behind me." The queen laughed putting a hand on her chest.
"But this is what servants do."
Caroline smiled nervously and continued, "Could you tell me why she is a servant here?"
Frigga smiled. "Eira comes from a very poor family in Alfheim. She has received a good training in being a servant though. Here she can have better life."
"Oh. I see. But then-… Who is her former mistress?"
Frigga looked across the table at a very familiar woman. Addison's eyes widened. The queen spoke, "One day I saw Amora beating the poor girl until her cheeks started bleeding. I couldn't just let that be. This is why I took Eira from her."

Caroline felt touched. "I appreciate that you believe me kind enough to entrust me with Eira. Although-… I am not sure what to do with her assistance and with my guards. I was thinking that maybe I won't need more than two guards at a time. But how should I divide the guarding time for them?"
Frigga laughed and laughed. "Dear child. You worry too much about this. I am sure you will figure that out by the time you have to give them your orders. Now tell me, how do you cope with the longer Asgardian days?"
"Surprisingly well! I expected to sleep like I used to when I was on Midgard, but I guess-…" Thor's blood. Was it appropriate to even speak about this?
Frigga continued for her, "You possess part of Thor's soul. This surely makes you more tenacious."
Addison smiled nervously. "Yes! I don't even know how to thank him properly."
The queen put a gentle hand on her shoulder, "Time will show you, dear child. Now go and prepare for the feast tonight."

Caroline bowed her head and stood from her place to walk away. Eira followed her suit. When Addison was about to exit the dining hall she stopped and looked around for her guards. She couldn't see them. A very oppressing feeling of embarrassment started creeping up her spine when somebody cleared his throat behind her. Addison turned to see her guards looking down at her with the expressions of bored children. She gulped and spoke to her elf, "Eira, go and fetch for me some pepper of at least fourteen sheets and a pen, or any decent mean of writing and bring them to me at Loki's main hall." The girl turned to do what she was asked to but Caroline stopped her. "Wait." Addison turned to one of the guards. "What is your name?"

"Ári, my lady." His voice was gentle. He sure was young.
Caroline smiled. "Ári, go with Eira and make sure you both come to me safe." She dismissed the stunned two with a wave of her hand and turned to the rest confused guards. Her eyebrow rose. "What?"
They quickly changed their expressions and said nothing. Caroline pushed with calm tone, "Do tell me what left you all so surprised!"
One of them spoke, "You seem to be too cautious, my lady. It is not bad. It is just that only the queen is been so kind with us. Anybody else would give us straight orders without much concern about our-… well being."
Caroline smiled. "Well then, let us go to Loki's chambers where you should receive your future schedule after I get my paper."
Addison was regarded with another set of perplexed looks but she didn't dare ask. Her suspicion was that orders were given only verbally, so perhaps her guards were wondering what the heck she needed the paper for.

Arriving at the main hall Caroline actually invited the big guys to sit wherever they found suitable. Not to mention how awkward it was for those armed men to just sit in the presence of their mistress. Fortunately they didn't wait for long. Ári and Eira came in hurriedly only to halt in their steps and stare at the sitting guards. Addison laughed and waved for them to approach. "Come. Sit with the others. Please don't give me those strange looks! You know that I am not of Asgard, nor am I from a noble, or rich family to have ever had a servant or a guard in my life. If it depended on Loki, you wouldn't be here. But it is the queen who decided for us to be together. This is why you will have to put up with my craziness." She reached for the papers and a beautiful green-blue feather pen with an ink-pot. She placed them on a table before her and started writing. The place was silent. Only the scribing of the pen could be heard. Firstly Addison made rough copies, and then wrote on 13 of the papers the schedule for her guards. One was for her.

She then stood from her place and went to handle the lists randomly to each one of them. They stammered a thank you with furrowed eyebrows and big unsure eyes, and waited for further instructions. Addison stood straight before them and cleared her throat before she spoke with the manner of a presenter at a meeting, "Now dear gentlemen, this is your schedule to be. If we take that a day and night in Asgard is 36 hours, the schedule is made so every one of you will have to work four days for 12 hours, and then rest for four days. Please look at your papers and tell me if there is anything you would want me to brighten further for you. You can also tell me if you have an objection about the schedule. All I know about your hours of serving though is that you actually don't get more than a couple of hours to sleep and then go back to your posts. This is why I thought that maybe you need more time for your families, and for rest." She paused and regarded them with firm eyes. They all looked surprised and slightly grateful. She smiled. "I know that I am of Midgard and probably you have lived a lot more than me-... My wish is that we have respect for each other. I believe that when Loki comes back tomorrow he will perhaps be displeased to see you. You can respectfully explain him why you are here. Now I will have to write your names in my personal schedule, so I will know who of you are available at any time of the day."

After Caroline had all twelve names it turned that Ári and Yngvarr, an older guard with severe features and padlock ginger beard, were the ones that would come with her to the feast that night. She ordered them to go and stand on the sides of the gate leading to the main hall and the others she dismissed to go to their homes until it was time for them to guard her and Loki's quarters. Addison didn't miss the exchange of looks that Ári and Eira gave each other before the guards left the hall. When she remained alone with the elvish girl Caroline smiled and spoke, "Did you know Ári from before?"
Eira's cheeks pinked. "N-no, my lady. We just met."
"Oh. I see. I now wonder what I should do with your schedule. It was easy to make it for the guards, for they were a good number, so I could divide the guarding time between them. But you are all alone here. Hm-..."
Eira bowed her head and looked into her feet. "Whatever my lady decides for me."
Addison stared up to the ceiling thinking absentmindedly. Yes, but when Loki is back, my guess is he wouldn't like to have her here, nor do I think I actually need her at all. It is only a matter of prestige to have personal servants. And for that Frigga was very generous. And yet, what should I do with this girl, who actually may be way older than I am. She sighed. Damn.

Caroline spoke, "You should have your own room and I think I know which one would suit you." She led Eira to a spacious light room with big windows, white walls and furniture with warm colours. Apparently Loki had left this room unchanged after their first mind lesson. So practically that room was Addison's piece of art. The look in Eira's eyes in the moment they entered could say so much. One, she was surprised, but she liked what she saw. Two, she wasn't used to such comfort.

Suddenly Eira looked out the window and started panicking. "My lady! The sun is going down. It is almost time for the beginning of the feast! Oh no! Now there is no time for preparing and you will be late." She started sobbing covering her eyes with her pale hands. "It is my fault. I should have thought of it earlier."
Addison caught her wrists and shook her gently, "Hey! Calm down girl! Nothing bad has happened. We were busy, that's all." She brushed a tear from Eira's cheek and cooed. "The feast continues until late at night. We can be a little bit late, can't we? And besides Frigga and Odin always join later. I will be at the feast because of the queen. There is no point of going earlier. Now quickly prepare my bath. It is over there."

Caroline showed the girl her personal bathroom and went to prepare the clothes she would wear tonight. She was going through the beautiful dresses in her wardrobe. Loki had miraculously supplied for her models that would perfectly fit her tastes. Yet her hand stopped on a particular shade of green. She shook her head. Green wasn't her colour, but it seemed right now she didn't mind it. She said laughingly to herself, "I can't believe I am doing this."
"I am sorry."
"What?" Addison turned around to see Eira with her hands behind her back and looking at her feet.
"Preparing the clothes for my lady is my task. I-…" She trailed off.
Caroline picked the green dress and handed up her other hand. "No. Stop it. Choosing my outfit is my right and mine only." She looked at the forest gown and added. "And Loki's."

Eira lifted her big blue unsure eyes at her mistress. Addison suppressed a smirk. "Is my water ready?"
"Yes my lady."
"Good." She strode to her bathroom and her servant followed. Caroline turned to her. "Oh, no. You don't have to come with me. In fact, you will not come with me. I prefer to bath alone. You only be ready to help me with drying and clothing." Suddenly Addison tilted her head at a realization. "Don't you have baggage?"
Eira's light blues went wide. "Have-… what, my lady?"
"Your belongings. Where are they?"

"Oh! I have nothing mine, my lady. You see, a master or a mistress decide what they give to their servants. We do not own anything. These dress and shoes on me are a gift from the gracious queen. These are my only belongings."
"I understand. Well, we will settle that. You will have your own clothes and whatever you need. Now I should hurry and clean myself."

She turned to walk away, but Eira covered her eyes again and started sobbing. "I am sorry for crying!"
"Um… Why are you crying?" Having spared five years of her life around Tony Stark and other as arrogant personas as him, Addison was used to dealing with tough old bastards and not crying young elves. She only stood awkwardly and stared.
"Her majesty was right that my lady will be kinder to me."
"Goodness! What did Amora, that woman do to you?" Caroline went to the little elf and embraced her. "Now, now. It will be fine from now on. So take a grip and enjoy your staying. I don't want to spoil you too much though." She broke the hug and looked into the girl's blue pools. "Your eyes are stunning Eira. Now I surely should be off." And so she went to her bathroom. That afternoon and the night coming turned to be more interesting than she had imagined them earlier that day.

Heimdall was a meanie, but I wouldn't expect him to be else when it comes to Loki's woman. How did you find this chapter?