Desire

Everyone was there.

Men, women, children, aunts, uncles, cousins, third cousins, butchers, blacksmiths, welders, shoe-shiners and archers. All of Asgard had turned up for the celebration of Elliot's return. The city itself was quiet and empty, but the palace itself oozed life and vibrance.

Elliot entered the celebration alone and was barraged with greetings of, "Lady Elliot!" "Good evening, Lady Elliot!" "So good to see you safe, Lady Elliot!" Others complimented her on her gown, shimmery and navy blue that reflected light from Asgard's golden walls. It fit flawlessly, complimenting her recently acquired feminine shape, and the strapless style revealed her delicate collarbones.

She responded to each greeting in kind with a gentle smile of her own. Before going to the celebration Elliot had visited Heimdall.

While she was happy to have returned to Asgard in one piece, she was continuously nagged by the fact that her family's fate was still unknown. So she slipped away from Eira and traveled to the edge of Asgard, where Heimdall stood, and asked of them.

She learned that apparently they had been relocated to somewhere in Canada. Russell, Katie, and Megan, that is. Heimdall wasn't able to locate her parents or her grandparents, but the fact that Katie and Megan were safe was sufficient.

It meant that Fury had been lying to her that whole time, while she was locked in the interrogation room. It was simply a well-known tactic S.H.I.E.L.D. used to make their captives crack and reveal information. Elliot was happy that she stood so firmly in her belief that her family was alive, or else she would have probably gotten herself killed.

As happy as she was that they were safe, she still felt guilty. All of the events that had transpired in the past few months were her fault, and it was her family who ultimately paid the price.

So when she arrived at the celebration, her mood was a little bit melancholy. Her smile didn't exactly reach her eyes, and when no one was looking, her smile faded.

Elliot stood near the edge of a group of dancers who were skipping in circles to music provided by Asgard's most talented. She had talked to a few people she recognized the last time she was in the city.

There were also surprise guests invited to the ceremony: elves. When Thor had first told her about their arrival, she promptly panicked, but he assured her that they were here to relay their good wishes and to make amends.

The highlight of her night was meeting Gaelira again. She had met Elliot's eyes from across the room and then made her way over with her inhuman grace, avoiding the dancing Asgardians.

"Lady Elliot," she said, her voice soft and husky. "We are honored by your return." Elliot smiled in return, looking at her robes made of shimmering pale silk, woven with Elvish symbols in blue thread. The princess brushed strands of her silver-blond hair from her eyes, waiting for a response.

"Thanks," Elliot finally said, leaning closer to the elf to make her voice heard. "How are things on Alfheim?"

"There were no revolts against the new leader chosen to lead us," Gaelira responded with hope, her lips lifting upwards into a smile.

"That's good," Elliot said honestly, remembering how the realm was left in disarray with Frey's demise.

Suddenly the elf's eyes twinkled with mischief. "You may also find it pleasing to learn that you have earned a reputation amongst the Nine Realms, Midgardian."

"Oh?"

"You are known as Pilindiel," Gaelira explained, her voice soft. "Which means 'arrow', for you move with lightning speed and fire with such quickness unlike anyone has ever seen."

Elliot resisted the urge to smirk. Warrior nicknames were things she remembered reading in fantasy books.

"To other realms, you are simply known as the Blue Demon," the elf added with a quick nod.

That piece of information was slightly horrific. Elliot chewed on her lip thoughtfully, trying to interpret the name for herself, but she only imagined images of a blue-skinned monster slaying innocent people. "Why Blue Demon?"

The look on Gaelira's face was one of disapproval. "Do you not know the color of your own arrow tips, Lady Elliot? For they were the most striking shade of blue I had ever seen. Amongst the barren landscape, your arrows illuminated the sky."

Gaelira again, reminded her that she had killed people. Elves, but still people. Elliot's smile was temporarily frozen in place while she struggled with the concept that there were other creatures in the Nine Realms who were actually afraid of her. Lady Elliot of Midgard, known as Pilindiel, the Blue Demon. The title had a nice ring to it, she had to admit. But it was still awesome and terrifying at the same time.

Without warning, warm breath brushed Elliot's cheek and she jumped to the side with a squeak of surprise. A heavy arm slid around her shoulder, and then Elliot turned her head to see what was happening behind her.

Langley gave her a lopsided smile, his eyes narrowed into slits. "Hellllooo, Elliot," he slurred enthusiastically. Elliot glanced at Gaelira awkwardly, unsure of what to do. With a grunt, she secured her arm around Langley's torso, looking him up and down. His dark, curly hair was incredibly messy and looked like it hadn't been washed in days. Typically he wore a clean-shaven look, but tonight he looked scruffy and unkempt.

Gaelira looked upon Langley with distaste, her perfect nose wrinkled. "Who is this homeless man?"

Langley swayed unsteadily and Elliot grunted under his weight. "Sir Langley of Asgard at yerrr service," he drawled, inclining his head. "Pleased to meet you."

"Langley, come on, let's get you out of the public eye," Elliot muttered, giving Gaelira an apologetic glance. "He's an old friend of mine. He's been having a rough time. Um..." she turned, hoping to catch the eye of one of the guards to escort him upstairs. She wasn't exactly in the mood to deal with Langley tonight.

"I can take him for you," said Loki's smooth voice from behind. She turned, her eyes wide - he didn't tell her he was coming. Gaelira visibly stiffened in Loki's presence, but Elliot didn't notice. Loki did; he turned his eyes to her and an easy smile spread across his lips.

"Gaelira," he greeted her formally, inclining his head. "It is good to see you tonight."

"Is it truly?" the elf responded, her voice hard. "Even after the events that have transpired?"

"Of course," Loki said, his voice surprised. He smoothed a large hand over his dark green tunic. "All is resolved...all is well, is it not?" He met her suspicious gaze, still smiling.

The elf turned her eyes from him, looking at the dancers. "Yes, it is."

Loki then looked at Elliot, and his easy, relaxed grin turned into his trademark smirk when he saw Langley hanging off her shoulder. "I see you have found your swordsman."

"Would you take him, please?" Elliot pleaded quietly, her eyes sweeping the room again in case anyone was watching. "He's too heavy for me, and he's going to get me drunk just from smelling the ale on his breath." Loki chuckled quietly but moved towards her, slipping an arm around Langley's waist. The swordsman protested immediately, refusing Loki's help, but after a few moments he gave up, his head lolling backwards. Within seconds, he was asleep.

Elliot smiled sadly at her old friend and resolved to speak to him once they returned from Muspelheim. She then glanced at Loki, and saw that he was studying the new stubble on Langley's face with interest.

"I will take him," Loki said finally, raising his eyes to meet her. He supported Langley's weight easily, and leaned towards her with a conspiratorial gaze. "You must speak to Thor before our departure. Return to your chambers in half an hour. I will heal your wounds." His eyes flickered to Gaelira, who was focused on the dancers, but clearly still listening to his murmured words. "Then we will depart for the ceremony."

Loki leaned back, watching her expression. Elliot nodded once, her lips set in a line, and then Loki departed with the drunken swordsman at his side. She watched him retreat from the dance, noticing how other Asgardians watched him with interest. Perhaps he rarely made appearances at their celebrations.

Elliot turned back to Gaelira, her smile tight. "I'm sorry about that."

"It's not a problem," Gaelira responded, her voice light, but curious. She glanced past Elliot's shoulder once, and then looked at her once more. "It seems you have errands to run."

She heard all of that? Elves must have supersonic hearing, Elliot thought with frustration. She opened and closed her mouth, trying to come up with an explanation. She knew that Gaelira wasn't Loki's number one fan. Although Elliot and Gaelira aren't the best of friends, she certainly didn't want the elf against her for working with Loki.

"It's just that he needs help. And I have to help him."

"You don't owe him anything," Gaelira responded, and her voice was hard and cold. "He nearly brought destruction about the Nine Realms."

"He didn't know. Everyone was manipulated in this," Elliot tried in his defense, shrugging her shoulders. "I was, you were..."

Gaelira wasn't exactly impressed by her explanation, and turned her gaze away. "Do what you must, Pilindiel. Until we meet again." It was a clear dismissal, and Elliot shuffled away from the elf, feeling embarrassed. There goes my next possible ally.

She wove through the dancing crowd, smiled at some Asgardians, until she found Thor in the corner of the grand room, with a cup of ale in his hand and a broad smile on his face. He was busying entertaining a group of Asgardians with his adventure stories when she arrived, a sad smile on her face.

"Elliot!" Thor exclaimed with delight, noticing her face amongst the sea of golden robes. "What a pleasure!"

"Can we talk?" Elliot asked him, noticing that everyone was looking at her. "For a minute?"

"Of course," Thor responded good-naturedly, setting down his cup on a nearby wooden bench. He made his way over to her, still smiling, and for a moment Elliot wondered if that smile would remain on his face when she told him her news. "What is it?"

Elliot took a deep breath. "There's something I need to tell you."

As she suspected, the smile on his face began to fade. He met her eyes, and they were wide and serious. "What is it?" he asked again, his voice quieter now. "Is something wrong?"

"I...no...yes...kinda," Elliot stammered, not sure what to answer. "It's just...Loki."

Thor's happiness completely vanished, and his eyes narrowed. "What did he do?"

"Nothing. It's what I'm going to do. He and I are leaving in the morning to go to somewhere-"

"Somewhere where?" Thor asked her dangerously, leaning into her personal space. "Elliot, you have only just arrived, and you are not yet healed. Where are you going, and why with Loki? What has he convinced you to do?"

"He hasn't convinced me, it's my own free will," Elliot responded with the barest hint of a scoff. She crossed her arms. "You know how Thanos is after his blood? I'm going to try to help him stop it. We think there's some information on Muspelheim, and he needs my help. So we're leaving in the morning. I just thought I should tell you first."

"Elliot, you needn't do anything," Thor said on a sigh, rubbing the scuff on his face. "I will have it taken care of."

"There's no time to wait for you, Thor," Elliot answered, her voice softening with sympathy. "Loki's running on a schedule. It's only a matter of time until Thanos gets impatient and comes after him himself. That could put Asgard in danger. It's better to be proactive now. We can get a jump on Thanos."

Thor's eyes examined her for a few minutes. "Why are you doing this, Elliot? You were so keen to distance yourself from him earlier. What has changed your mind?" After he spoke, realization dawned on his face. "What happened to you on Midgard?"

Elliot glanced away from him immediately, not liking the look of concern written on his face. "Things happened. But I promise I'll tell you when I get back. And I promise I'll come back," she added quietly, looking up at him underneath her eyelashes. "I will. Loki's strong, and he'll take care of me."

Thor placed a large hand on her shoulder, his eyes sad. "Elliot, I think of you as the sister I never said. Please be safe." Elliot internally sighed with relief; at least he was going to let her go. Not that she really gave him much choice to disagree.

Elliot wasn't exactly sure how she would be able to tell time without a watch, so she estimated when 30 minutes had come to pass. She slipped out of the celebration quietly, without saying goodbye to Sif or the others; Thor had promised to pass on her message and come to her defense if accusations arose.

She slipped through Asgard's palace quickly and quietly. Even though her side hurt slightly, she made it up the flights of the stairs to the corridor where her chambers were. When Elliot arrived at her door, she looked up and down the hallway for signs of any guards, but there were none. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door.

Not surprisingly, Loki was there, sitting at the edge of her bed. She came to a stop, puzzled when she saw a large object in her hands.

He raised his head, alerted to her presence, and a smirk was on his lips. "So this is your precious Megan," he said, his voice casual. "I can see why you refused to stay on Asgard. She is undoubtedly a pretty child."

That's the weird compliment I've ever heard, she thought, closing the door behind her. "Thank you...even though she's not really my kid. Is Langley alright?"

At the mention of Langley's name, Loki chuckled, setting the picture back on her nightstand. "He is asleep. I do not think he will take too kindly to learning about your sudden departure."

Elliot watched as he stood upright with a casual expression. "Well...I don't really know what to say. Honestly, I wouldn't have expected Langley to start drinking. I'd like to say that I'm sorry about it, but then again he knew it was coming all along." She bit her tongue, thinking that her words were harsh.

But they're true, she thought firmly. He's acting like a baby. She shook her head to get rid of the thoughts, and then looked at Loki, who still stood across the room. "Well? Are we going to do this or not? My side hurts a little."

"Only if you disrobe," Loki responded, and the mirth is his eyes was unmistakable. "You are aware of how my healing magic works."

Elliot's mind raced for an excuse. Her eyes fell to her dresser. "I know," she responded curtly. "I'm going to change into something less...fancy." She skipped over to her dresser, feeling nervous, and pulled out a pair of black trousers and one of her favorite blue tunics. She glanced at Loki out of the corner of her eye as she walked into the bathing room, and then closed the door behind her.

Elliot pressed her back against the cold door and exhaled with relief. Situation avoided. She undid the dress without any help and then wiggled out of it. When she pulled on the pants and tunic, she felt a little more comfortable and less vulnerable.

Loki was still standing by the bed when she emerged. His eyes ran up and down the length of her body, and she could have sworn that she saw approval on his face. "What's with the glance? I thought green and black was more your style."

"I suppose," he replied casually in response, rolling up the arm of his sleeve as he walked over to her. "I do not deny that you are more suited to blue than any other color. It suits your skin."

Elliot barely managed to hide her smile. Loki and fashion? she thought with twitching lips, raising her eyes to the ceiling. She tensed up a little when she felt cool air brush her stomach, and then he rested the tips of his fingers just above her navel. Elliot inhaled as quietly as she could to calm her racing heart.

"So, what exactly does this ceremony entail? Magic?" Elliot kept her eyes to the ceiling even as the cooling sensation began to rush through her, healing the wounds. "Am I going to become immortal?"

Above her, he laughed. "No, not immortal. It is simply a title. If you wish to become immortal, that would require a very powerful spell, and I think I've spent more than enough on you." The cooling sensation began to fade away and Elliot sighed quietly with relief, contracting the muscles of her stomach to test for any pain. She was aware that Loki's hand still rested lightly on her skin, but didn't make any move to remove it. The palm of his hand was a little bit cold, but it still felt nice.

"I never asked you to do it."

Loki's hand dipped and gripped the skin just above her hipbone. "Who else would besides me?" He dropped his head. "I am the only one who would do anything for you," he added with a broad smile.

Elliot remained still while his other hand crept upwards and tangled in her hair, tugging slightly. "Was that a declaration of love?"

The smile transgressed over into smirk territory.

That smirk was still on his lips even as he bent his head to kiss her, pressing her against the edge of the dresser below. She couldn't help but apply pressure to his arms, to keep him from entirely pressing himself against her, even as he used his tongue to coax her lips apart.

And that was when she realized that it had been so long, weeks even, since he'd kissed her last. The adrenaline from the first time hit her in a rush, and she was alive and he was there, kissing her fiercely as if his life depended on it. She was back on Asgard, she was home - and for once she decided to let herself feel. Feel the smooth column of his neck and the way it moved when he tilted his head to kiss her -

And then the sounds of footsteps approached. Loki's mouth left hers and her lips were cold, and they throbbed. She opened her eyes in wonder and he was still there, his silver-green eyes as wide and confused as hers. Elliot dropped her hand from his neck, her mind still swimming, and then remembered why the kiss had ended. Someone was coming.

Words rose and died in her throat. Loki stepped back a few paces, his shoulders rising and falling rapidly as he worked to control his breathing. She blinked once, and then he was gone.

Present at her ceremony were all of the people she knew best: Thor, Sif, Fandral, Valstagg, Hogun, Gaelira, Frigga, Eira, and Loki. To Elliot's immense disappointment, Langley hadn't woken up from his alcohol-induced slumber.

They all stood in the corner of a dark, candle-lit room less than an hour later. The room was spacious, enough for them all to fit. Her friends gathered in a tiny half-circle around a tall wicker than held a flaming candle. Eira smiled at her across from the room, and Elliot gave her a quick smile back. She felt guilty looking at her handmaiden, seeing as how she was the one who nearly caught her with Loki.

Elliot glanced nervously at Thor, who stood next to her, and he flashed her an encouraging smile, urging her forward. She shuffled towards the candle, and raised her eyes to Asgard's king.

Odin sat in front of her, in another spectacular golden throne, dressed in his armor. Elliot's lips curled into a gentle smile as she looked him over. When she last saw him, he didn't look too well, but now there was a healthy flush to his cheeks, and his blue eyes were clear. His hands curled around his spear before he spoke, clearing his throat.

"Your request to become a citizen of Asgard has been approved, Elliot of Midgard. Do you wish to know why?" he began, his voice deep and quiet in the darkness of the room. Elliot nodded once, unsure of how to answer. "You have helped to save this city, and you have brought peace, as one of the best female warriors the realm has ever seen. Along who Sif, who has shown us...and me...that a woman is as strong as any man. Your Midgardian ways are unfamiliar to us, but they are welcome."

Elliot couldn't help but grin at her friend. Sif, the woman who could.

"Kneel."

She was surprised by the command, but hastened to do so, resting her right knee on the stone floor.

"Do you swear to guard the city of Asgard with your life?" asked the King, his voice firm.

"I swear."

"Do you swear to preserve the peace?"

"I swear."

"Do you swear to cast all selfish ambition and pledge yourself for the good of Asgard and her citizens?"

"I swear."

A smile tugged at Odin's lips. "Then it is done. I, Odin Allfather, proclaim you Elliot of Asgard. Keep faith in me, and I will keep faith in you." Ceremoniously, he rammed the bottom of his spear into the ground.

Volstagg was the first to burst into applause, and the others followed eagerly, celebrating her new status. Elliot stood upright, a nervous smile on her lips. That was easy. She had expected a bit more fanfare, and a little bit more difficulty. But considering how it could've gone, Elliot was pleased with the quickness of the ceremony.

So I'm an Asgardian citizen, she thought to herself, watching as a guard entered the door.

"We have a gift for you," Odin announced, his voice laced with amusement. "Bring it forward."

The guard approached her, his eyes smiling from beneath his helmet. Resting on a golden pillow he cared was a new black quiver. Inside were arrows, the shafts painted a sleek black, with cerulean blue tips. Decorated on the quiver were symbols she couldn't understand, but it was still beautiful.

"Wow," Elliot breathed, her eyes widening with pleasant surprise. "I...thank you." She accepted the quiver and ran her hands along the exterior. "It's lovely."

"Loki generously agreed to cast the spells for protection, and for replenishing arrows," Frigga offered, glancing at her youngest son with pride. Elliot sought out Loki in the darkness and he stood at the very end of the circle, next to Hogun. He looked so smug she almost wanted to hit him, but she resisted. Instead, she gave him her warmest smile.

"Thank you."

"You are welcome, Elliot," replied Loki, his voice smooth. "But do not believe that you may fire as many as you wish...from time to time, I will have to re-cast the spell."

"Magic! Bah!" Volstagg grunted, adjusting his belt. "Only a few more pounds on you, and you could wield a sword, like Sif! But that's enough of that. Will there be celebration by way of food...perhaps?" he asked, looking eagerly at the Queen.

Frigga rolled her eyes. "Yes, Volstagg."

"Come, Hogun!" Volstagg grabbed the warrior's hand, dragging him towards the door. "It is time we eat. Congratulations, Elliot! Perhaps if you gain a few pounds, you might best me in battle."

Hogun offered her a shrug, following the giant man out of the door. Fandral escorted Sif out of the room, offering her a chance to polish his sword.

She bet her life it was a sexual innuendo.

The others began to file out, one by one, except for Loki, who remained in the corner, waiting for her. His form slowly stepped into the light coming through the door.

Elliot ran her hand over the leather quiver once more, trying to find something to say. Being alone with him in the room reminded her of what had happened less than an hour ago. She let Loki kiss her, and she actually kissed him back...because she wanted to. It was a strange feeling, and she was still trying to figure out where the desire came from.

Loki looked around as he approached her as if he was expecting someone to dart out of the shadows. He stopped when he was in front of her with only a few inches of spaces left, and then lowered his head.

She thought he was going to kiss her again until he shifted slightly, and then his voice was near her ear. "I expect you to use those rather...frequently during our travels," Loki murmured. "There is a reason I cast those spells."

"Ah." Elliot nodded slowly, lowering her eyes. "This was more or less a gift for...yourself, then." She peered up at him under her eyelashes, gauging his reaction.

"Not necessarily." Loki stood upright, and glanced over his shoulder at the open door. "I am not so selfish."

"Aren't you?" she replied dryly, side-stepping him. "So? Are we leaving, or what?"

"Have you spoken to Thor?"

"Yes."

"Then, yes. Have you no goodbyes to make?"

Elliot rubbed her chin thoughtfully. "I don't think so. Although...I would like to speak to Heimdall, before I go."

"Why?" Loki demanded, sounding irritated. "You were the one who said we must make haste."

Elliot understood perfectly why Loki was keen to leave as soon as possible. The quicker they find a fire-demon, the quicker he can eliminate Thanos. However, she had a question or two to ask Heimdall. The answer was practically essential to her well-being.

"I won't be long," she promised. "I'll meet you at yours, okay?"

Loki looked like he wasn't going to agree, but at the last moment, he gave in, dropping his shoulders. "Agreed. Dress lightly, and bring your weapons."

Elliot nodded once, glancing at him over her shoulder, and then slipped out of the small room.

a/n:

You all are so lovely and patient! I have to admit that I had a bit of difficulty writing that kiss scene but I think it came out okay. I didn't know if I wanted full on passion or something reserved, but I just went for it. Finally, right?

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! The next one will hopefully be up sometime before Christmas. i just finished finals which is why this one took me longer than usual! Sadly, it's the second to last chapter, but don't fret too much because I'm currently working on another story featuring our lovely couple that takes place right after this one! I figured that one more story won't hurt, and I want to write a story centered on their relationship without all of the anger and disdain and whatnot. I'm excited, and can't wait to get started!

Please leave reviews, and thanks to those who normally do, as usual. I've enjoyed writing this one!