Ashe was staring out the concave window of the small space vehicle. She was numb to all senses and feelings with the exception of sorrow. The sadness was so intense, she could feel it coursing through every cell. Her world was emptied of joy and hope, leaving her with the dregs of life that tasted of despair and pain. It was all meaningless now. He was gone, and no amount of magic or bargaining could bring him back. It was not another one of his tricks where he would disappear after faking death, show up, and hold her while promising everything would be okay. She would never feel the comforting touch of being wrapped in his arms on a brisk winter morning. The smell of the Asgardian wool mixed with the hint of pine in the wind, a scent that would bring her back there every time she smelled it. She vividly remembered laying beneath the blankets, watching the gentle flakes drift down to earth like a gift from the heavens themselves. The sun would roll up slowly and lazily over the hills then peek out through the glistening ice that was layered on the tree trunks. The soft honey-colored light of dawn made the lovers' skin glow. When with him, it was one of the many things she associated with safety and hope. Both would've been content to stay there all day and enjoy the company and love of each other. Knowing they were born to be together, brought them extremely close. Their love felt like home, like a refuge.
Finding one's soulmate was a powerful experience. There were no misgivings when two people were right for each other, and they were truly in love. And it was a real soulmate; not some made up fairy tale that parents told their children about at night. This was the most fulfilling event in one's life, but the potential consequences proved to be immensely painful. It would only make sense that the most intense love could lead to an even more intense sadness if disaster was to strike. Unfortunately, in her case, it had. Now she was here alone but not physically, as Thor had also been found by the Guardians. She knew he too was mourning, but she could not confide in him at the moment. She didn't want to speak or eat or move ever again. Sleep would have been welcome if dreams didn't exist, so she could lose herself and not be reminded of the events of the past few hours. Watching the life drain from his eyes as Thanos had the gauntlet around his throat had torn her apart. Losing a soulmate was the greatest loss she had ever known. It was as if she was missing something within herself now that he was gone. The pain gripped her heart tight, but she squeezed back. It was the only thing she had left to hold on to.
Ashe suspected she had been screaming when the incident happened because her throat was dry and scratchy. Otherwise, she didn't remember much of anything aside from Loki's death. The rest had been a blur of raw emotions: Passion, rage, despair, all in their purest forms. Ashe never wanted to feel that again and she knew she never would. A person only had one soulmate and it was rare to find them. Most people lived their entire lives without experiencing such a strong bond. Perhaps it was better that way. They would never know the despair and hopelessness of losing their heart's desire. Still, she would rather have had Loki for the short time they were together than to never have had him at all. The love they had was real and passionate, and it could never be undone, not even in death.
A memory came to mind, and even though it hurt to remember, she never wanted to forget him. It happened when they'd first connected. Before then, they had met and interacted, and both had known that the other was special, but that night the pieces fell into place.
She had been an Avenger during the event in New York and saw him kill Phil Coulson, a close friend. Loki had sworn to change his ways after he witnessed the look of horror and fear in her eyes. Afterward, Thor asked her to go to Asgard and become a Valkyrie, a sworn protector of the throne and the people of their world. She had accepted because Thor was a good friend and ally, and they worked well together. Ashe would always offer her help to protect others. However, she knew Loki would be there, and that was a complication. She had no urge to deal with his tricks after the loss of Phil. She thought he may try to cause problems for her, so she decided to keep her distance from him. Though, even before they discovered their unique connection, she had found herself drawn to him. But this was Loki, God of Mischief, and Ashe was smart enough not to trust him.
On the day she recalled, there was a special event in Asgard. They called it Hylli, the Norse word for allegiance. Princes and princesses from nearby worlds came to court each other and make alliances among kingdoms but the real prize would be to court Thor or Loki. It was known that at this event Thor would not choose a princess and Loki would choose one for just the night. The trend remained the same until a few years ago when Loki ceased his attendance. On this particular year though, he had decided to make his return. This may have been because Ashe was required to be there as a royal guard during the event as were the other Valkyries. So that night she dressed up in her finest of dresses that was custom fitted by the Queen's personal stylist. It was a floor-length, silky, emerald green dress that had over 1,000 diamonds sewn into it by hand that stretched from the low neckline to the waist of the bodice. The bottom of it was sleek but had an intricate lace pattern depicting a scene of a huntress slaying a wyvern sewn into it.
As she entered the ballroom, many got quiet and all eyes were on her. The princes and princesses gawked at Ashe with hair done up in a braid crown atop her head. The stylist had done subtle makeup that highlighted her natural features. It seemed she had out-dressed many of the female guests who were attending, though she had hoped to be underdressed. The girls that surrounded the Asgardian princes seemed quite jealous, but as it was in their nature, they eventually skulked away and went back to attempting to flirt with Loki and Thor. Both of the men stood at the head of the room near the throne where their father, Odin, sat gazing out at the sea of people with his one good eye. Ashe decided it was best to stay away from them. She didn't want to get distracted while on duty, monitoring the room for any signs of threat.
Something within made her steal glances over at Loki as he lazily drank champagne and ignored the flock of feathered and bejeweled women in their finest of dresses standing around him, desperate. Each and every one of them fought for his attention fruitlessly while he would often look towards her instead. Based on her knowledge of the event she knew he would be searching for a lady to take to bed tonight and his next look at her said it all. However, she was stronger than the rest of the women here with the knowledge that he had no good intentions, or at least that's what the other Avengers believed. Truthfully, she was having a hard time moving past New York but there was still this desire in her to be around him and learn more about who he really was.
While she patrolled the area, Ashe became overwhelmed by the ball and felt the need to take a short break from the loud string music and scent of heavy perfumes that dominated the space around her. She saw a small servant's passage at the rear of the room. It looked to be a hallway leading back to the kitchen where servers were bringing out more hors d'oeuvres and champagne to the already tipsy and stuffed guests. She walked down the hall about halfway before stopping and leaning against the cold stone wall. All of sudden, she felt a buzzing in her bodice. Realizing that she stored her universal cell phone there, she took it out to see that Tony Stark had sent a video message. When she opened it, the faces of all of her friends back on Earth appeared and they began singing happy birthday.
After the song, Tony smiled saying, "Happy Birthday, Ashe. Wish we could've sung to you in person, but we hope you're doing well in Asgard. And don't let that job of yours get in the way of getting wild on your birthday. Sending you our best from Avengers HQ!" Hearing their voices brought a smile to her face.
Loki had been watching her all night, so she was not surprised to see him sauntering towards her in the dim lighting of the hallway.
"You never said anything about it being your birthday," he said with a sly and knowing tone.
With a roll of her eyes she said, "Of course I didn't. If Thor knew, he'd have canceled this whole event and thrown some extravagant party which is not the kind of attention I want to bring to myself."
With an understanding nod, Loki leaned against the wall next to her and crossed his arms. "I suppose I could give you a birthday gift then." There was a soft glint in his eyes as he looked at her.
"No, no, no, you don't have to do that. I'm perfectly happy with no presents. And I'm not interested in what you have to give."
"See, I find that hard to believe. A beautiful, intelligent woman like yourself must have something she desires." Loki's cunning voice dared to trick her mind into wandering to the things she secretly did want. He was so elusive and mysterious with that long dark hair sweeping behind his shoulders and his pristinely handsome face. She pushed the thoughts from her mind.
"No, I'm sorry, but I don't need anything," she stated, her voice clear yet a bit shaky and indecisive. Now, she noticed he had moved from the wall to stand close in front of her.
"Please," he scoffed, "I know what you wish for. I can see into your mind. We want the same thing."
"Loki, I told you it would be best if you just stayed away from me."
"Why? That's not what you want, and we both know it." He leaned in closer with a smirk on his face and braced himself with a hand on the wall next to her head.
If she truly didn't want him, she would've stopped this interaction long ago with a punch to that face… Yet, here she stood practically drooling over him like a kid in a candy shop.
"I…I can't," she spoke but she didn't sound very convincing. He moved closer. Struggling to find an excuse for herself, she said, "You killed Coulson. Nothing will ever change that." Loki froze with pain, regret, and guilt in his eyes.
"I've changed. I promise you I have," he put a cool hand on her arm, "From that moment I vowed to refrain from my mischievous actions. That's the only reason I'm not currently rotting in a cell right now. I promised Thor that I would never do such a thing again as long as he wouldn't tell father. I'm so sorry. Truly, I am."
"You killed thousands of innocent people. People that were under my protection," her voice was stern, but she saw in his eyes that he spoke the truth.
"And I regret each death. Thor has a weakness towards me. He just wants me to be his brother and that is what I have agreed to be to him. Brother, not enemy." He really did sound sincere. "Just this one night let me make it up to you. It could be your present. Or, if you really are so adamant about staying away from me just say so and you will never have to speak to me again."
Ashe let her mind wander to places she didn't often think about, but the thought of being with him like that was irresistible. Even if she knew she would regret it the next day, she couldn't help but feel a need to be with him. "I accept your offer. Show me you've truly changed, Loki Laufeyson."
Lust was most definitely in her eyes when she looked at him as he leaned in to caress her face with his cold but careful hand. Her eyes closed as his lips reached hers and when they met it was like a missing piece of her soul had returned. She felt whole. Their kiss was passionate and lustful like that of long-lost lovers reuniting for the first time in forever. After what seemed like a decade, she needed to breathe.
Loki pulled back, so he was staring into her eyes. He brought a feeling of warmth and fulfillment to her heart. They both had hunger in their eyes as they leaned back in and entangled their hands into each other's hair. Greedy for more than just a kiss, Ashe reached for his suit buttons, but he pulled away and gently grabbed her wrist.
"Let me take you back to my chambers. If this is to be a birthday present, then I wish to do it right," he gave her a small kiss, "I'll leave first and wait down the hall while you convince my brother to relieve you of your duties for the night." She nodded, willing to do anything he asked of her. As he walked away from her reluctantly, she felt the strongest sense of longing for him and everything he could give her. She waited a minute, fixing her hair back to a presentable position, before walking out of the servant passage and crossing the ballroom. She weaved her way through the guests and the cluster of desperate women until she got to Thor who was not impressed by any of them. Rumor had it that he was still in love with Jane Foster from Earth.
"Thor? I don't feel so good. Do you think I could call it quits for the night and head back to my room?"
Happy to see someone who wasn't trying to sell themselves to him, Thor patted her on the shoulder and said, "Of course! The rest of the Valkyries will be here, so I'd say it's fine if you snuck out a bit early. Have a wonderful night. I'll see you tomorrow!" She gave him a sweet smile, and nodded thanks, then left the ballroom while trying to keep a steady pace to go find her lover. When Ashe got through the doors she scanned to the left and right looking to catch a glimpse of that dark hair. She then looked up at the grand staircase straight ahead and found who she was looking for. His elbow rested on the gold-plated railing and those icy blue eyes stared down, inviting her to an evening she could've only imagined up until this point. She calmly climbed the stairs until she got to him and they linked arms. The rest of that night was history.
Ashe opened her eyes that morning and realized where she was. Loki's room was extravagant like the rest of the palace and she would've liked to lay there all day admiring the intricately woven tapestries that cloaked the walls. She turned over, noticing that the bed was empty, but she could hear the shower running in the bathroom across the way. She got up from the bed and put on her undergarments. The elegant dress she'd worn the night before had been carelessly tossed on a chair. Ashe couldn't possibly leave in it, a symbol of what she had done last night. She didn't care if people knew she'd had sex because she was not ashamed by sexuality, but it was the question of who she had been with that would cause issues.
Thor couldn't know about them as she feared he would scold her for being so stupid and he might even try to intervene or fight with Loki. So, Ashe rummaged through Loki's clothing drawers until she found a suitable tunic and some trousers to go out in. Once she was dressed, the bathroom door opened, and steam came out as Loki walked into the room with a towel around his waist. Their eyes met once again, and she felt a thousand wildfires light up her heart. Loki looked back with similar compassion. He had begun walking towards her when a knock was heard at the door.
"LOKI!" Thor yelled with rage in his voice, "What did you do with her?!" Ashe froze in her tracks, eyes wide. She couldn't let Thor know she was there. She ran to the door in hopes of hiding behind it when it was opened so she could slip out after. Loki went to the door, opening it carefully, "Who is it you're looking for, brother?"
"I went to check on Ashe when she didn't show up to her Valkyrie training this morning and I cannot find her. What tricks are you playing, brother?" As Thor progressed into the room, Ashe had the chance to sneak out of the door. She couldn't let Loki get in trouble though, so she turned around and knocked, hoping to the gods that Thor wouldn't recognize his brothers' tunic. "Woah, Thor, what are you doing? Loki had nothing to do with my disappearance. I just went out for a walk and lost track of time but when I got back, I heard you yelling from halfway across the palace."
Thor spun around. "Lady Ashe? I've been looking for you for an hour now. I'll have to beg Sigrún to not punish you." He spoke of the Valkyrie commander who wouldn't take kindly to her missing practice, but it was nothing Ashe couldn't handle.
"Come on, you're a prince of Asgard. Why not just tell her to cut me some slack?"
"Being close to those on the throne does not give you special privileges. Maybe it does back on Earth but here, the Asgardians will not let your actions pass unnoticed."
"Well the least you could do is to leave your brother alone. Loki had nothing to do with any of this."
Thor sighed, "I'm sorry for misjudging your ability to keep your promise, brother. I hope you continue to keep it." He then walked past Ashe and hesitated before walking away saying, "I don't believe I've seen you in that tunic before. The color suits you. Now head over to practice before you lose any more time." The color was, in fact, Loki's green and the comment left a small smile on her face as Thor left.
Once Ashe knew that he had fully turned the corner she walked up to Loki who met her in the doorway. He seemed pleased as he placed a hand on her cheek and a kiss on her lips. He was still standing in just his bath towel. The night before was one she would never forget and even though she wanted more with him, her morals drove her decision making this time.
"Loki… I… I don't think we should continue this," her sorrow echoing in her words, "If Thor finds out, which he almost did, who knows what will happen."
He looked at a loss for words. "Ashe, please, you can't just give up so soon. He won't find out, I promise. I don't want to lose you because my idiot brother can't keep his nose out of other's business."
"If this was easy, I would have left already." She didn't want to do this. He had given her the world and she wanted more.
Loki looked at her with longing and they both felt an undying need to be together. "I suppose… if that is what you wish then we will part, even if it is reluctantly."
"I'm sorry it's just that I was asked to work for your family, and I don't think I should go behind their backs in a relationship they wouldn't approve of." And with that, she turned away and while tempted to look back once more, she forced herself to keep walking.
When Ashe made it to the training room, she was scolded by Sigrún and had to stay later than the rest to make up for the time she missed. Practice was harsh, but she made it out in one piece. Her next task was to get herself dressed up to have dinner with the royal family as she was, in fact, friends with them and was shown special privileges. She left the emptied practice room and stepped out into the hall. A figure leaned against one of the large pillars that lined the hallways. It was him. Ashe stomped over. "Loki? What the hell do you think you're doing here? I thought we agreed to keep our distance?"
Giving her a puppy-dog pout, he said, "I missed you. And I think we should try this. What's the worse that could happen? I get disowned? Been there, done that. It's nothing special." He grabbed her hand. "Come on. In here."
Instead of doing what she should have done, Ashe followed him as he opened up a large door just down the hall. Inside was one of the many ballrooms in the palace. The chandeliers were golden and glimmering in the evening light that shone in through the thin window panes. The room mostly just contained round tables and chairs with lacey cloths. Loki took her to a table close to them and pulled out a chair for her to sit in. After she sat, he took a seat and looked at her expectantly.
"No one will come in here unless the room is in use. There aren't any events in the near future that are taking place here, so we should be safe." Loki spoke with the kind of absolute certainty that would probably get them both in trouble.
Ashe wasn't sure what exactly he wanted them to do in this room. "Just to be clear, I won't be doing anything else with you until I get to know you better."
"Of course. So let's just talk. What would you like to know," Loki asked.
"Why don't you start by telling me who you are. Give me a brief run-down on the history of the God of Mischief." And he did. He spoke of his childhood and living in Thor's shadow. Ashe also told him of her past. Then, every day for the week, Ashe and Loki would meet up after her training in the empty ballroom and talk about life, what they liked or hated, and what things often troubled them. She learned of his Jotun blood and he learned of her unconventional birth.
"I don't quite know how to say this because I don't expect you to believe me, but I don't think I was fully in control when I attacked your world. I was given the staff to brainwash people, but in a way, I think it was influencing me as well. I didn't want to kill Coulson. And after I did, I didn't want to keep going. I just wanted everything to stop but, well, I couldn't." She could feel that this was the truth. She couldn't exactly tell how she knew but there was some connection that told her to believe him.
"Ok…" Ashe wasn't going to let him coerce her into fully trusting him but at the same time, she wanted to. She supposed that it made sense. After all, Thor always spoke of their childhood and how Loki was never one to be quite that evil.
"Listen, I… Wait. You believe me?" Loki sounded a bit shocked to have her trust with such ease, but he didn't complain.
"Yes. And don't ask questions or I'll change my mind," she said coyly. Loki simply smiled back at her.
Suddenly, Ashe heard voices coming down the hallway outside the room. She could hear their muffled voices and it sounded as if someone was looking to host an event and the ballroom was in their interest. She put a finger up to her lips and motioned for Loki to follow her. They both got up against the front wall where both entrances were located. The voices stopped getting closer so she knew they would enter in from the first door. Shuffling along the cold stone wall, they got to the other door and just as the people entered the room, they snuck out, silently shutting the door behind them.
Afraid that they would be spotted together, Ashe insisted that Loki follow her to somewhere more secluded. They went out on a balcony where few people ventured to and Ashe knew what must be done.
"I can't do this anymore. We were too close to being found out today and I won't have that happen again. It's time we broke this off and went our separate ways." Loki didn't seem to expect her words.
"How can you want that after all we've told each other these past days? No one will find out, I promise." He truly looked upset.
"How can you make such a promise? You have no control over these things. Trickster or not, there are some things that can't be hidden forever," Ashe spoke, already tired of this argument. There was only one way their conversation was going to end.
"So that's it then? All of this was for nothing," Loki asked in frustration.
"If you wish to think it was nothing then that is your belief, not mine. I simply don't want to cause issues here with Odin."
"I never thought you'd be a coward, Midgardian," said Loki jokingly. Ashe's jaw dropped.
"You dare call me a coward? Me, a Valkyrie? You are walking on thin ice my prince, but I'm sad to say that I must be off. I'll see you around." And with that, Ashe left Loki alone on the balcony and reported back to her living quarters with a solemn heart.
That night, she was summoned to eat dinner with the royal family. She didn't want to go, knowing she'd have to see Loki so soon after their untimely breakup but, Ashe wasn't one to deny the wishes of royalty. She dressed up and entered the hall.
Odin sat at the head of the table with Frigga next to him and Thor across from her. This left Ashe to sit next to Thor and across from Loki who kept glancing up at her throughout the three courses of dinner. He would occasionally move his foot up against hers and she would have to force herself to move it away. After everyone seemed to be done eating, Ashe cleared her throat, "Dinner was great as usual. Thank you for letting me accompany you all." She stood and gave a short bow before heading out to go back to her room.
Once she arrived, Ashe removed her jewelry and noticed that one of her earrings must have fallen out. She would ask the palace workers to keep an eye out for it tomorrow since she was extra tired. After her eventful night combined with the more difficult training routine from earlier, a long night's sleep would be beneficial. She stripped out of the itchy Asgardian dress that she had worn to dinner. It made her look a bit too much like a German barmaid, but she was told it was acceptable dinner-wear on this planet.
Left in just her undergarments, Ashe was about to crawl into bed when there was a knock on the door. She was in no mood to put the dress back on, so she settled for a silky white robe that she found in the wardrobe when moving into the palace. "Be right there," she said making her way to the door. She cracked it open to see Loki standing there in his dark green suit with his arms behind his back looking as handsome as ever.
"I found this in the dining hall and thought I'd bring it back to you," he kept his eyes on hers though he obviously was interested in finding out what was under her robe. "Um, sorry for interrupting. I suppose I should leave," he put his hand out with the earring in it and when she reached for it, he took her hand in his and placed a tender kiss upon it like he was Prince Charming. And Ashe believed it was working, but she had to stay strong, so she simply thanked him and forced herself to shut the door in his face. That night she dreamt of Loki, his touch, his kiss, and that magical night together.
It had been roughly two weeks since her birthday, the day she fell for Loki. Ashe went to practice as per usual, lifting weights, training with the other women and wishing the day would be over soon. Every once in a while, she would go through bouts of depression when life would feel meaningless, like everything was falling apart. She never felt compelled to act on these thoughts, but she would often spend hours with just herself, her thoughts, and her tears. So, that night, instead of going to her room she went to a secluded part of the palace that was rarely visited and sat on the balcony's railing. For the next hour, she would sit there, emotions twisting into self-deprivation. It was her own fault she'd never find real love because she kept pushing everyone away.
At the sound of footsteps, she raised her tear stained eyes and saw him. He had kept away from her these two weeks, so she'd barely seen him at all. But he was here now when she needed him most. Those blue eyes sparkled in the starlight as Loki got closer and that midnight hair stood out against the glow from the palace lights.
"What's wrong, darling?" He approached her and sat on the railing next to her. She couldn't speak so she put her head on his shoulder. He wrapped his arms around her and that's when she knew that this was what she had been looking for. It felt like home, a thing she'd never had.
"I'm so sorry I've been pushing you away," she whispered as he held her steady in their own little world. "I need you."
"It's all right. Everything will be okay," he said, rubbing her back.
"No one ever comes out here. Why you,' she asked curiously.
"This is often where I come to when I'm feeling down, alone, and unwanted."
"Did you come here because you were feeling those things?"
"I did. But I don't feel them anymore." He closed his eyes and held her tighter.
After a few more minutes, they looked into each other's eyes and saw their future together briefly. Their lips touched and in one passionate sweep, Loki took her in his arms and kissed her as he'd never kissed a woman in all the hundreds of years of life he'd lived.
Neither of them realized that at this moment that Thor had happened to enter from a distant hallway to see the two of them together. He kept to the shadows as Loki carried Ashe off down the hall. Thor followed distantly until he confirmed what he had suspected. They went into Loki's room and closed the door.
Ashe and Loki weren't as explicit as they had been that other night, but they held each other and kissed until both were tired. He lay her down in his bed and got under the covers next to her. She rested her head on his chest, one arm on his torso and he wrapped his arm around her. Both drifted easily into a deep and inviting sleep. Her dreams were clear and progressive as the depressive thoughts seemed to wash away with the rest of her tears that evening.
The next morning, Ashe was slowly waking from sleep, lying on her back with eyes still closed. A distant tapping sound crept into her consciousness. It grew louder and louder until she realized it was someone banging on the door. Then she heard the voices of guards.
"Prince! You have been ordered by Odin to be taken to the royal court immediately. Open the door!" Ashe bolted up in bed and Loki sat up next to her, looking dazed. Suddenly the guards kicked open the bedroom door with their swords out and ready. Ashe had nowhere to hide but it seemed it had already been too late. The guards grabbed Loki out of bed and threw a cloak around him before cuffing his hands in front of him.
"What is the meaning of this?" Loki asked with a displeased tone as he was yanked out of the room. Ashe jumped from the bed and dressed in a tunic, then ran out of the bedroom, chasing the guards to the throne room. When she reached the room, the doors were closed so she burst through them to see Loki in chains standing before Odin who looked quite unhappy with having to deal with this situation. Though Ashe knew better, she ran towards Loki.
"Guards! Keep her under control," Odin boomed, clearly not in the mood. Two armed men grabbed her arms and held her near the back of the room. Ashe reluctantly stopped struggling. Frigga stood at the edge of the room near Odin.
"Loki," Frigga spoke softly.
"Hello, Mother. Have I made you proud?" The sarcasm was thick in Loki's voice.
"Please, don't make this worse."
"Define 'worse'," he came back smugly. Then Odin spoke up.
"Enough! I will speak to the prisoner alone." Frigga turned and left the hall through a side exit. Ashe considered the word 'prisoner'. Had Odin somehow found out about New York?
Loki stepped forward, now with chains on his ankles as well, and clanged them together. He let out a short chuckle, "I really don't see what all the fuss is about."
"Do you not truly feel the gravity of your crimes?" He knew then. Who had told him? Loki had plenty of enemies but Thor and Heimdall were the only others who would have known about this. "Wherever you go there is war, ruin, and death."
Loki gave an answer that was true even though his intentions had not been his own. "I went down to Midgard to rule the people of Earth as a benevolent god. Just like you." Odin would not believe Loki if he attempted to explain that he had been compromised.
"We are not gods. We are born, we live, we die. Just as humans do," Odin stated.
Unimpressed, Loki said, "Give or take 5,000 years."
"All this because Loki desires a throne."
"It is my birthright."
"Your birthright was to die," Odin boomed, "as a child." His voice became soft when he continued, "Cast out onto a frozen rock. If I had not taken you in, you would not be here now to hate me.
"If I am for the axe, then for mercy's sake, just swing it." Loki's words hit Ashe hard and she yanked against the arms of the guards, wishing to keep him from harm. "It's not that I don't love our little talks, it's just… I don't love them," Loki continued, sorrowful.
"Frigga is the only reason you're still alive, and you will never see her again. You will spend the rest of your days in the dungeons." Odin spoke with such finality that it sent a chill through Ashe's bones.
Loki stepped back in shock, "And what of Thor? You'll make that witless oaf king while I rot in chains."
"Thor must strive to undo the damage you have done. He will bring order to the Nine Realms and then, yes… He will be king." Their conversation was over as Odin ordered the guards to move Loki into the dungeons. Ashe followed while still being restrained. Loki looked over his shoulder when they reached the bottom of the staircase at the doorways to the hall of prison cells. When their eyes met, tears welled up, distorting Ashe's vision.
"Ashe, please, do not shed tears for me. Everything will be fine, I promise."
She longed to touch him again. "Loki, I don't want to lose you," she turned to one of the men holding her, "Please let me go to him one last time." Both of them considered it before inching her towards him. She broke their hold and grabbed Loki's hands in hers.
"How did they know? Thor?" She was struggling to hold her composure.
"You'll have to find out. When you do let me know so I have someone to curse for the rest of my days. I… I'll miss you. Visit me, will you?" Then he was ripped away from her and thrown into the first cell on the left side of the dungeon. Looking into the cell she caught one last glimpse of those cerulean eyes before being forced to leave. Separation from him physically hurt her and she didn't understand why since they had only been together a short time. Every emotion she had experienced had been so intense that she felt obligated to keep him safe from harm.
Ashe made it her mission to chase down Thor and find out if he had outed Loki and why. The palace was large but there were a few places she thought to look for him. She passed through hall after hall with rage in her heart. Some passages had large stain glass windows depicting imagery of Odin, Frigga and their sons being benevolent rulers. As she approached her destination the air became warm and humid. Ashe rounded the corner to the bathhouse and saw Thor sitting in his bathrobe while eating grapes.
"What did you do? Do you know that your brother is currently imprisoned? How does Odin know about New York?" With every new question posed, Ashe grew angrier and more irritated. Thor stood up, seeming unamused by her accusations.
"Since when did you become so concerned with the fate of the man who destroyed thousands of the people you were sworn to protect?"
"I can't believe you," she shook her head in disappointment, "You told Odin. And what reasoning did you have to break your promise with Loki?"
"Maybe I turned my brother in because he is corrupting my close friend and the person I hired to work in my city," Thor said matter-of-factly. Ashe was truly taken aback in that moment and utter disbelief was written across her face. "He took you to bed and you didn't even hesitate or question his intentions. It looks to me as if you have been fooled by the trickster himself. I merely wish to save you from your own inability to withstand his wistful charm."
"You dare to patronize me Odinson? Do you really believe I could be so easily tricked by the meager might of Asgardian powers? If that is how low you see me in terms of strength than I want nothing more to do with your wretched family," she spat.
"Oh, I would love if you stayed far from Loki so please be my guest," he gestured towards the door.
"Your reasoning is flawed. I will not put up with your childish tantrums any longer. Loki has changed. He wanted to be your brother and now you have betrayed him over what? Jealousy? Because he is enjoying himself while you wallow in sorrow over long-lost Jane?"
"Enough! You do not speak her name again." Lighting sparked at Thor's fingers and Ashe could see that she had struck a nerve but was not concerned at the moment due to the spite she felt. "You may think that Loki wants you. That you are special to him because he has chosen you as his midnight fling. He will abandon you like he has done to everyone else in his life. I thought you'd have figured it out by now. Loki only cares about himself." And with that, Thor pushed past Ashe, storming out of the bathhouse. She stood there, considering Thor's words. Before the night of Hylli, she would have agreed with him. But being with Loki felt right. Didn't it? He wouldn't use her. He couldn't possibly feign such love.
Ashe left the steaming room. She needed to go anywhere else and her first thought was outdoors. So, she went to leave the palace and roam the city market. Walking down the massive stairs at the front of the palace, she heard a whoosh and looked up to see Thor, in his cape and armor, flying away from Asgard with Mjolnir in hand. She tracked his course over the Rainbow Bridge and observed as he landed at the Bifrost where moments later it activated and sent him off to god knows where. Ashe rolled her eyes, irritated at how he was running from his problems like a child while she was forced to stay there and face them.
She continued to march down the golden streets of Asgard, past the outdoor theater, until she arrived in the marketplace or Kaupstefna as it was traditionally named. The smell of spices and dried meats rose up to her nose making it crinkle. It was packed with Asgardian peasants and the sounds of them bartering and chatting drowned out everything but the stands that sold musical instruments. The soft melodies called to her, so she made her way towards the closest shop selling lyres. The middle-aged man who was working the stand turned towards her.
"Looking to buy an instrument, ma'am? We've got the finest crafted lyres, lurs, and horns in all of Asgard. Which would you be interested in?" She paused to look at the assortment of lyres. Their strings were fine but when she plucked one it was obviously strong.
"I'm just having a look. How much for your lyres?"
"Well, it depends on which one you're looking at. Each is hand-made and carved. Try this one," he said handing her one that was smaller than most but had many small intricate flowers carved into the light wood. She played a short melody that wanted to ring out through the market but was drowned out by the cluster of noises. "Hmm. Maybe a larger one then?" This time it was a lyre of normal size with slightly less decoration on it. Instead of flowers, it showed vines and leaves on the same color wood as the other. The horsehair strings were thicker and tempted to fight back as she played. It was louder but she just didn't connect with the sound it made.
"Well, I must be off. These are beautiful instruments but I'm afraid I have other business to attend to. Maybe I will stop by tomorrow." Ashe was just trying to get away without being hassled about buying something. Before he could say anything, she began to leave when a flash of bright color caught her eye. Looking back at the man's stall she saw, behind the table, a gorgeous lyre that was made with a dark cherry-like wood. It was small but not too small. "What about that one," she pointed towards it. The man picked up his work and she realized it wasn't yet complete.
"Ah. This is still a work in progress, but you may take a look." He handed it to her, and she was in love. The curve of the wood was smooth and the carvings that the man had begun were patterned with swirls and fancy lines that had been painted over with a gold gloss. And when she played it, she felt true bliss from the immaculate sound that greeted her ears.
"I know it isn't finished, but would you mind if I pay now and then just have it sent to the palace once it's done?" He considered her bargain with a hand supporting his chin.
"I suppose it would be no trouble. It'll cost you 250 though."
"Done." Ashe received a wealthy paycheck in Asgardian currency for being a Valkyrie.
"It will be finished by tomorrow then." She handed him the coins then walked off further into the mass of people in the market. The deeper she got into this crowd the more the scent changed from pleasant spices to sweat and grime. People bustling around, shoving each other, while Ashe searched for decent places to spend her money. She witnessed a peasant walk out of a purple tent, crying. It was set up near the edge of the market but was closed up so you couldn't see inside and there were no signs near it. Ashe's curiosity got the best of her and she pushed her way through the fabric and into the tent.
Inside was dark and musty. The smell of incense filled her nose making her cough. There were candles set up on a small table in the middle of the cramped space and the pale glow barely illuminated a small figure on the other side of the table. It was a little old woman with hair like straw and a face old as time itself.
"Hello?" Ashe inquired calmly.
The woman looked at her intensely. "Do you wish to have your fortune read?" Ashe considered this stereotypical seer. She supposed it couldn't be too dangerous.
"Sure. How much?"
"I'll tell you your fortune then you can pay as much as you see fit." She motioned for Ashe to sit down at the small chair in front of the table. When Ashe sat cautiously the woman said, "Give me your hands, girl." She did as she was told. The woman's hands were wrinkled and leathery but instead of being cold as she expected, they were pleasantly warm. The seer closed her eyes. "Hmm. I see. You are quite lucky. It is rare that I give this fortune. There was only one other person in all my years that has found their soulmate such as you have."
"What? I thought soulmates were just a hoax, a fairy tale."
The woman reopened her eyes. "It is very real. Every being in this world is born to be with someone else. Their perfect partner that will love them unconditionally. You need not be of the same planet or age, so it is very hard for people to find them. Finding your soulmate is the rarest of events but it does happen every once in a while. The last time I saw it happen was about 3,500 years ago."
"So, you're saying that I've met my soulmate at some point in my life? How do I know who it is?"
"I do not know who it is, but I can tell that it was a fairly recent development. You must have some idea though. The presence of a soulmate is strong. You've felt it but maybe you choose to ignore the signs. If they are not what you expected, I suggest you simply give them a chance."
Ashe was silent. Was the old woman legitimate? She let go of her hands and stood up. "I… I have to go." As she was about to leave the tent, she dropped a good sum of money onto the table for the woman.
Entering back into the market, her senses reawakened. She pushed through the crowd of people and headed back to the palace. She needed to go test this woman's theory of having found her soulmate.
Once inside the palace, Ashe found herself sneaking down the stairs that lead to the dungeon where Loki was locked up. She kept her distance from the group of guards that was hauling in new prisoners from god knows where. As the group passed by Loki's cell, Ashe stopped and hid. She caught a glimpse of Frigga who was standing in the cell with Loki. Hiding from their sight, she listened in to their conversation.
"Odin continues to bring me new friends. How thoughtful," Loki said watching the men take the criminals to their cells.
"The books I sent you, do they not interest you?" Frigga stood in the middle of the cell. Ashe wondered why they would let her in there even though she was the queen.
"Is that how I am to while away eternity? Reading," Loki questioned.
"I've done everything in my power to make you comfortable, Loki."
"Have you? Does Odin share your concern?" He was mad at Odin for locking him up, but he should have been angry with Thor for turning him in. Ashe supposed it stemmed from a life of daddy issues. "Does Thor? It must be so inconvenient, them asking after me day and night." Loki lay the sarcasm on heavy.
"You know full well it was your actions that brought you here."
"My actions? I was merely giving truth to the lie I had been fed my entire life… That I was born to be a king." Odin had a throne, Laufey had a throne and now Thor was to take the throne of Asgard. And Loki was imprisoned.
"A king? A true king admits his faults," Frigga said, only wanting to help Loki. "What of the lives you took on Earth?"
Loki raised his voice. "A mere handful compared to the number that Odin has taken himself."
Frigga began to say, "Your father…"
"He's not my father!" There was pain and anger in his voice.
Frigga paused, unfazed, "Then am I not your mother?"
"You're not." He had resumed his calm and collected demeanor.
Frigga chuckled, "You're always so perceptive about everyone but yourself." Loki shook his head and reached to place his hands on hers. Alas, he found out she was not really there, just an illusion. Ashe realized that much of Loki's magic had been learned from her which would explain why they were close. Frigga's illusion faded and Loki stood there alone again.
Checking that no guards were around, Ashe stepped out from the shadows and approached the illuminated wall of the cell. "How's the prison life treating you?"
He turned around and upon seeing her his face lit up. "Well it's not the greatest but I suppose I have the rest of my life to get used to it." Ashe thought about her possible soulmate being imprisoned for the rest of their lives.
"I doubt you'll stay here forever. Something tells me you'll find a way out."
"Careful with your words. If anyone overhears, you may be charged with aiding a criminal. Then again maybe I could convince them to let you share the cell with me," he said with a sly grin.
"You would like that wouldn't you," she rolled her eyes jokingly, "I think I'll stay out of prison, but I will miss you. At least we can still speak to one another."
"There are so many things more than talking that I'd like to do with you." She blushed at his comment.
"Yes, but here we are. A wall between us," she said with a sigh. Loki sat down on the floor of the cell in front of her so that they would be eye level.
"Have you figured out why Odin knows of New York?"
"As I thought, it was Thor. We got into quite the fight over his reasoning. We were not careful enough and he saw us last night when you took me to your room. He claimed that he feared I was being tricked by you, but I believe it was jealousy. He must be missing Jane and was upset seeing you happy."
"Damn him," Loki hit his fist on the ground. "He breaks our promise and I'm the one who ends up in a cage. How typical."
"After our disagreement, I saw him storm off to the Bifrost. He might be going to see Jane."
"Why? So he can rub it in that he can visit his girlfriend whenever he pleases while mine must sit outside my cell?"
"So… this is a thing then? A real thing?" And Ashe felt what the fortune teller told her about. She couldn't stand being apart from him.
"Well… yes. If you'd like it to be. I'm not sure how long it will last with me in here, but I do find you beautiful and intelligent, and I wish to continue this, if possible."
"Don't think that I would go and find someone else simply because you are locked up. If I commit to something then I commit," she said looking up into those brilliant blue eyes. His gaze warmed her heart with his soft but sad smile. She put her hand to the forcefield that was between them. "I have to go and tend to my Valkyrie duties before Thor comes back and finds out I ignored them."
"Good luck. If it wouldn't get you into trouble, I'd ask you to slap him for me," he chuckled. Ashe grinned and shook her head as she left dungeons.
It was a bit of a long walk through the large corridors and up the spiraling staircases when she was on the way to the training room. As she approached the hall where it was located, a group of soldiers ran past, weapons at the ready. She continued on thinking nothing of it until more soldiers ran by. Curious, Ashe figured she should head back the way she came.
As she passed by an open area, she caught a glance of Thor. He was there with Jane from Earth and Frigga as they watched the men run past. She went over to ask what the commotion was about.
"What's going on?" Ashe asked as the warning horns rang out.
"The prisons," replied Frigga.
"Loki…," said Thor with suspicion. Frigga told him to go while she stayed behind to protect Jane. Then Thor addressed Ashe. "I need you to keep them safe," he said, referring to his mother and Jane.
Ashe nodded as he flew off toward the cells. She then followed Frigga as she led them through the palace. They stopped briefly to talk with Odin, and he told them it was merely a skirmish. Continuing on, Frigga pulled out a dagger and spoke to Jane.
"Listen to me now. I need you to do everything I ask, no questions."
Jane responded with a confident, "Yes, ma'am," and Frigga explained her plan. She would make Jane appear to be with her, but it would be a simple illusion, therefore buying her more time. Apparently, these enemies that were breaking out of prison were after her because of something called the Aether. Ashe wasn't completely sure what was going on. Frigga then told Ashe that she was to stay with the real Jane at all times and keep her safe no matter what happened.
They reached a hallway where they could either turn left or right at the end. Splitting up seemed like a bad idea but Frigga went right and ordered them to take the left hall and get somewhere safe. They did as they were told, and when they passed by a window, Ashe could see the intruder's spaceships coming in to attack. They were shaped like thin daggers and could turn any which way to avoid crashing. Suddenly, a protective barrier came rising up from the outskirts of the palace. It was made of the same glowing material as the walls of the prison cells were made of. It had almost encompassed the whole building when, without warning, it stopped and began to dissipate. Things weren't going well.
As they kept running there was an impact on the palace, and it shook like an earthquake. Both women fell with the force of it, and Ashe had to wrench herself off the floor before grabbing Jane by the arm and shouting "Come on!" Eventually, they stopped in a small side room that would go unchecked if they kept quiet. Frigga had begun the illusion and suddenly Jane said she could see where she was. She moved around the small space as if she was actually in a different room. All of a sudden, she snapped out of it and the illusion was ended.
"They have her," Jane spoke. She looked terrified of whatever she had seen.
"Where?" Ashe said she would protect them, and it was her job to do so.
"I don't know somewhere further up in the tower, I guess. There was a bath in the center and a large balcony. The dark elf is there along with some minion of his. She's in danger."
"I think that might be off of the Queen's room. I have to go help her. Stay here and keep quiet."
"I'm going with you," said Jane as Ashe was about to leave.
"No. They want you and if they get you then everyone is in trouble. Whatever this Aether stuff is I'm sure it's dangerous in the wrong hands. Now stay here." Ashe left before Jane could respond and get herself in trouble.