Loki and Astrid had decided to go out on a lunch date together in a tavern in Asgard. There was a risk to this affair but Loki was curious as to what Astrid would do in terms of her magic to shape shift her appearance. He would be aware of her hair and eye color but he was still rather curious on how she would transform herself in magic. The fact Astrid was going to these lengths for Loki really made him feel loved. The devotion Astrid had for him was remarkable and he hoped to be just as devoted to the woman he loves. She would be wearing the pendant he had given her so he would be aware of which woman was his Astrid in a magical disguise. They wanted to move on from the debacle from Thor, even though both of them deep down we're still hurt by the events that occurred.

Speaking of his brother, Thor and Fandral had gone into the same tavern after a very successful mock battle of sorts. Thor chuckled since he was waiting for someone, perhaps his lady friend and this would be perfect for him to meet her. He wanted to better himself after what had happened between him, Loki, and Astrid and that meant being more supportive of Loki and seeing women beyond looks.

"Hey Loki, I'm surprised to see you here at this hour. What brings you here?" Thor asked with a dumb smile on his face.

Loki forced a smile but deep down hoped he would have picked another tavern. He wasn't over Thor kissing Astrid, his Astrid, but Thor couldn't know that the two of them were dating for their sake.

" Hello Thor, Fandral. I have a date and we agreed to meet here so please go elsewhere or leave me be." Loki stated firmly.

Fandral chuckled since it still was a bit joyous if not suspicious that Loki had someone. Actually, he thought Loki perhaps was just lying and was keeping up a ruse to impress them. After all, who knows if Loki can simply conjure love marks on himself, and if so Loki would really be pathetic.

"Ah yes the frisky yet shy maiden. Do tell what her name was again since I'm pretty sure I know most ladies of Asgard."

Loki sighed since was it really that hard for them to believe he had someone dear.

"Sigyn.. Her name is Sigyn. She lived in Vanaheim all her life until months ago, so I don't expect you to know her." Loki lied.

Fandral chuckled a bit at Loki's statement.

"Convenient I should say, perhaps we should stay and properly greet her. After all she plans to stay, she should meet your brother. After all, it's odd she wouldn't want to put herself out there unless she's not real. Any woman would love to show off that she's dating a prince of Asgard."

Loki scoffed since he wondered how many women Fandral actually courted and romanced. His numbers at most could be exaggerated despite the fact he was a bit handsome in looks.

" She is very real, that I assure you. She can meet Thor and you. Do not expect her to be like maidens here though." Loki expressed.

"Oh how so?" Thor questioned.

He didn't know much about this Sigyn maiden, but he already liked that she loved his brother.

" She doesn't go for men of physical strength since they bore her. She likes someone who can hold a conversation and has respect for magic even if they are incapable of performing it." Loki expressed.

Thor raised a bit of an eyebrow since it sounded a bit like Astrid but not quite. He really hoped his brother wasn't lying just to save face and to show him he had a relationship. Loki didn't have to tell Thor anything after their small fallout but he wanted to support him.

"Loki, you sure you actually know the girl. Kind of sounds like she's a dream. If she is real then I really want to meet her to thank her for stealing your heart." Thor expressed.

Loki scoffed bitterly. This is why he hated Asgard at times, so narrowly focused and saw magic as either a woman's art or not helpful in battle. Well his magic would be useful and it was what attracted Astrid to him.

" Why would it be so unlikely, because someone actually is romantically interested in me for once instead of you?" Loki expressed annoyed and somewhat hurt.

"I mean no disrespect but at least Astrid values some strength and may go for someone like her father in that regard, but your maiden sounds like she hasn't met many men." Thor mentioned.

" Oh she has been courted by men of strength as well as magic. Sigyn can appreciate strength but not so it overwhelms other qualities." Loki started throwing a smirk at Thor.

Fandral saw the smirk and chuckled.

"Oh you're either jesting or you've clearly laid with her. Sounds like she really loves you if she's willing to give herself to you." Fandral mused.

Loki rolled his eyes since of course they would go there. However, maybe he would have a bit of fun with them just to shut their mouths. He just hoped Astrid wouldn't be too mad at sharing a lie about their relationship.

" Not that it is any of your business, but we haven't shared a bed.. We have shared a bath however and it was truly a connective experience. Not everything is about sleeping together and Sigyn knows and appreciates that. It's her love of the simplest things and emotional intimacy that makes me love her so much. Wish you two could be less vulgar about relationships."

While Loki was growing more annoyed with Thor and Fandral's encounter, Astrid slipped in the tavern under her magic disguise. She sighed as she noticed Thor and Fandral there, but it would be a true test to see if she's fooled them as well. Loki looked handsome in a deep green dress shirt, black trousers, and Asgardian leather boots. She moved a loose strand of hair behind her ear and made her way to Loki's table.

"There you are darling. Place is pretty crowded isn't it but I'm glad I found you." she spoke in a calm accented voice.

Loki looked over to the voice and smiled softly. He noticed the woman had the moon necklace he had given Astrid and smirked. The woman Astrid became with magic was lovely and truly a sight to behold. She had honey blonde hair that went down to her back in waves, beautiful emerald green eyes, soft freckles and cute dainty yet longish nose that was a bit curved. She wore light green dress with gold accents on shoulders and collar that was flattering but not so revealing and provoking, with dark green shoes. Thor and Fandral were speechless at the woman and wondered how Loki got a woman so breath-taking. Loki got up and took Astrid's hand, kissing it softly. He'd almost forgotten the name Astrid gave him, but he soon remembered and smiled warmly at Astrid.

"Sigyn, I'm so glad to see you my dear. I apologize for the mild inconvenience but my brother and his friend wish to meet you." Loki expressed softly.

Astrid looked at Thor and she could already tell he was speechless. Still, she hoped he wouldn't try honey words with her in this form or else she might blow her cover by blasting his ass back with magic again. Thor however recomposed himself and cleared his throat when she looked into his eyes.

"So you're Thor Odinson. Loki has spoken about you a lot and that you're such a strong person."

Thor smiled lightly and wondered if Sigyn had met Astrid and could do magic like she could. He felt a bit of familiarity with Sigyn but he cast that thought out and pulled her into a hug.

"I'm glad he has and it is an honor to meet you. My brother has been in good spirits recently and I thank you for it. I'm truly glad he's finally taken to someone."

Astrid smiled lightly and returned his hug. She pulled away and responded with,

"But of course he has as I have been in good spirits with him. It is a loving mutual love I have for your brother and any man better think twice before stealing me away." she spoke, glaring slightly at a Fandral with that remark. Thor laughed heartily and shook his head.

"We wouldn't dream of taking you away from Loki. Just seeing him so happy and in a blissful mood is a sight in Asgard. Besides, a woman that can handle Loki is one that should belong to him and him alone, right Fandral."

She could see a very eager look in Fandral's eyes anyway as he took her hand. He looked over Astrid's body and couldn't suppress his grin.

" It is an honor to meet you Sigyn. Loki spoke highly of you. It is nice to meet the woman who makes him so happy and ignites passion. Forgive me for asking but did you two actually bathe together? Loki is known for his lies and mischief so I want to hear it from you." Fandral asked.

Astrid was a bit stunned when Loki told that lie to them, but could understand if sharing a bed came up. She glanced at Loki and he pinched the bridge of his nose and shot her an apologetic look. Although she did chuckle and would humor the lie. In fact, she might as well play up this persona and really shatter any connection that she was in fact the docile, shy, and polite Astrid she thought. A soft smirk came on her face which made Loki equal parts curious about what was on her mind.

"Oh but of course. I was feeling a bit under and Loki helped to give a bath that was warm and uplifting. The temperature was perfect and the bubbles were aromatic and so foamy too. He had to strip off his clothes and join me since my body was weak and he worried I might fall under from the heat of the bath itself. Though once I was feeling a bit better we did light research on the other's bodies and that was indeed an experience. Need to see what I'll be getting into if I were to bear his children after all and I will be satisfied when that day comes."

Loki had no words as he looked at Astrid, nor did Thor and Fandral. Astrid's acting was very convincing and if Astrid hadn't told him what she would look like or have his gift around her neck, even Loki wouldn't think this was his Astrid. He suppressed a grin since she was truly a kindred spirit for him in stirring up a bit of mischief, albeit this was scandalous on their parts. It was shocking that she was willing to speak about such topics so openly and unashamed, but he knew he needed to take back the narrative he unfortunately concocted.

" Sigyn with all due respect, you were ill and had a high fever. Like you said, I went in to be sure you were okay since you were a bit delirious from your symptoms. You did not know what was going on and any touches that occurred were accidental at best. I would never take advantage of a lady that's ill or inebriated." Loki expressed.

Thor chuckled and patted his brother on the back. That sounded more like Loki he thought with a smile. They cared for each other and that's all Thor hoped for his younger brother and Sigyn.

"Ah right, so sorry you thought something more happened but nothing but a gentleman tending to his woman when ill." Astrid expressed.

Fandral laughed but nodded.

"You are a real spitfire Sigyn. You really like giving Loki love nips eh?" he asked.

Astrid chuckled but internally she wanted Fandral to leave them in peace. She would slug him or stab if he didn't relent in advances or wanting more private intimate details.

"But of course, I love how he yearns for me like I yearn for him. It's like you and your conquests, but unlike you; I'm the only woman in his heart." Astrid expressed.

Loki nodded and pulled Astrid close to him, stroking her cheek gently.

"And I'm very happy and thankful you're with me Sigyn. Out of all the women in the nine realms, I truly found a woman who completes all parts of myself."

He and Astrid shared a light kiss, which truly made his brother smile as he could truly feel the sparks between the couple. Thor knew he was intruding on their romantic time and would leave them to their date once they pulled away.

"You really have a winner, Loki. Do enjoy your date with Sigyn and if you do see Astrid, see if she would want to go horseback riding soon. Want to um smooth things over you know and I want to show her I value our friendship, truly I do." Thor expressed.

Loki sighed as he mentally prayed to the Norns to have Thor not be so desperate or clingy to Astrid.

" Astrid knows I have a date, but if I do see her I will let you know. She is still a bit sore at you so don't get your hopes too high. Be thankful she's only been blasting dummies to get rid of her pent up anger and not taking it out on you. You did hurt her and she needs time despite saying she's okay." Loki expressed.

Thor nodded as he took Fandral to the bar for drinks, leaving 'Sigyn' and Loki alone on their date. Astrid smiled lightly though blush was forming on her cheeks from the passing comments she had to orchestrate. Never did she think she would be able to lie so boldly and have Thor believe her. She chuckled as she sipped on her water, locking eyes with Loki.

"Next time, can you please try not to stoop to their level and say something that didn't happen yet. It was hard to lie on the spot, you know. At least I surprised all of you with my response." Astrid whispered to him with a light smile.

Loki chuckled at that since she was very convincing that it could have fooled him.

"You could have fooled me with those lies slid across your tongue like nothing. You did me proud but I am sorry my dear that had to happen. They were immature to assume we had laid together. Thor is secretly jealous I think. For once a beautiful lady was not fawning over him all lovesick and desperate" Loki whispered.

"I know, two in one week; that has to be a record for him not getting so lucky with women. He has to learn that women might like something he does not have but love what you have." she teased lightly, tracing the top of her glass with her finger playfully.

Loki smiled and gently took her hand, stroking the back of it with her thumb. Even in her disguise, the feeling of her hand in his felt truly the same in the best of ways.

" I think it is good for his ego not to get too cocky, though I fear it may be too late regardless." Loki stated

Astrid nodded as food was brought to their table. She liked how Loki made the arrangements and got things prepared for their date.

"You can be honest Loki, how do I look?" she questioned as she sampled her stew.

Loki did admit that despite the beauty she disguised her looks to become, her natural yet soft natural looks would always take his heart the most.

"I do love your look my dear. You look stunning and very different in a great way. I do love your character in this form as well, it's just as ravishing as who you really are." Loki expressed.

Astrid nodded but she knew Loki would rather have her as she was. Egil was the pain that made them need to sneak around like this but at least her magic was blossoming if she fooled Thor handily. She didn't want to, but she had to.

"I don't want people to catch on easily since you deserve to bring a woman out on dates. Be honest, Thor and Fandral were giving you a hard time about me weren't they?" she asked.

Loki sighed and nodded. Again people look at him and think he's lesser or full of lies.

" They thought you were too good to be true, well Fandral since Thor actually wanted me to have you. To Fandral it seemed unlikely that a woman that perfect would like me. They even compared you to... well you in some ways." Loki expressed.

"Clearly they don't get too far with women to know much. All primal and shallow physical aspects with those two. Least you do your research and want to know about someone, something I greatly love about you." Astrid expressed.

She ran her fingers in her blonde hair and couldn't help but feel this was a bit surreal yet fun. She truly changed her appearance and voice to be another person. Her magical possibilities were really limitless and wondered what else she could do.

"Yes, well vain maidens hardly keep my interest for long. I need someone who will challenge me, push me to be my best and love me for me, but also have enough courage to tell me if I can be an ass as well." Loki expressed.

Astrid raised her eye playfully at him and shot him a gentle yet playful smile. Truly when they were alone, Astrid felt she didn't need to hide herself. She didn't feel shy or hold herself back emotionally; with Loki she could just be...free.

"Are you sure you're with the right person then? You know I love you so much that sometimes I wonder if you slide through me." Astrid teased lightly as she trailed a finger up his arm.

Loki smirked as he leaned in close to Astrid's face. It might be a blonde and green eyed maiden staring back at him, but he could see past it and imagine his beloved with the rose hair and amber eyes.

" I am sure, whatever form you are taking, you are not someone who keeps quiet if something is unfair or stupid." Loki said softly.

He looked at Astrid and was very impressed with how her shapeshifting was going. Loki made note of 'Sigyn's features' and he could understand the choices behind them. Blonde was a common hair color among Vanirs and Aesirs but the honey color added softness like her natural hair did. She had chosen green eyes for his love of the color and they were truly vibrant like gemstones. The freckles added a bit of charm to this look and it did add a bit of intrigue to the face to pair with the curvature of the nose. The vocal changes were a nice touch so no one would be able to tell Sigyn was just Astrid since Sigyn's voice was more calm and sultry. Astrid's voice only got sultry naturally when they were alone and in passionate kisses. Despite what Astrid achieved, he did however wonder if Astrid truly loved using her magic to do this. It was subtle, but there was a slight sadness despite her happy demeanor. and Loki could see her attempts to feign her sad feelings.

"You're really happy about this Loki?" Astrid mused as she put some bread in her stew.

Loki looked at Astrid and was confused by her question.

" About what exactly?" he asked

"You know...not seeing the real me like everyone else? Or do you like to look better and do I perhaps sound better?" Astrid asked as she ate.

Loki sighed since this was a good question, however with the right practice it won't matter much.

"You be honest with me 'Sigyn' my dear. Do you love this look more than your actual one dear? I know you find some pleasure but it also brings you pain. I see it in your eyes you're torn and hurt." he asked softly as he ate.

Astrid loved how insightful and perceptive Loki was. She couldn't hide much from him, but she really never wanted to hide anything from him.

"Yes and no. I do like that I can be out with you in public without worrying about people, but I don't like that we have to hide in a way. Because of Egil I can't look like myself, he is a stubborn and an irrational fool who thinks he can decide what my life will be." Astrid noted.

Loki smirked a bit and kissed her cheek.

"I might have a way we can hide you but yet we will see the real you." Loki whispered.

Astrid chuckled since Loki was always looking to see what tomes and spells he could get his hands on. He had ambitions, brains, drive, heart, and passions as well as a thirst for knowledge she loved quenching too.

" How will we do that?" Astrid asked curiously.

Loki smiled softly and took her hand.

"There's an illusion casting spell in which I can cast on you to make you appear this way to others when I cast it. However in reality you would look as you are to yourself and...well too me. I do love this look on you, but the look I love the most is when you get to be you dear." Astrid smiled softly and pecked his lips.

" Do you know the spell well enough? Have you tried it before?" Astrid asked softly.

"Well I found the spell, haven't practiced it yet. We kind of need a trusting third party to even see if what we're doing is working right? But at least there's one that exists even if it does need time to master." Loki chuckled and pecked her lips softly and playfully.

"Do you think my aunt would indulge and teach us?" Astrid mused.

She probably would since her aunt, like her mother, seemed to be taken with Loki even though Aunt Thyra hasn't met him yet. Thyra loved magic and teaching all forms and aspects of it. She and Astrid had gotten close and perhaps she would help them in more of their magical endeavors.

"Well I would have to meet her first right and see if she would help us? However, from what you told me, she seems to be very supportive of us." Loki grinned.

Astrid smirked and nodded.

" Well then we will need to make a trip to see her soon. I think she might want to see you and Thor, but Thor might be just to be polite. Still, it will be nice to actually spend a day with you in Vanaheim wouldn't it?" Astrid said softly.

Loki nodded and he actually thought he was in the wrong realm at times. He had been starting to think of a life if he wasn't king and that life was to be with Astrid in a place like Vanaheim; a place where their magic and love can flourish.

"I would love to take the trip with you. Vanaheim truly sounds like a wonderful place. Who knows...maybe it can be where we can live together someday." Astrid smiled and nodded

" That would be a nice place to live its peaceful has a lot of charm and people value magic over brute strength" she chuckled

The couple enjoyed their meal and Astrid was proud that she was able to alter her appearance and be out with Loki. With Loki's research, she might not be the sole person in the relationship to use magic to hide. He truly seemed to care about her and Astrid loved the way Loki made her feel. They waited until Thor and Fandral left the tavern to head out as well. They decided to enjoy their afternoon in their private spot on the outskirts of the palace city limits on a small hill. Loki used his magic to teleport them both so no questions would be asked by random people.

Astrid smiled as she wrapped her arms around Loki. Loki smiled and gently pulled Astrid close.

" Now that we are away from prying eyes, you can change to be yourself my dear." Loki said softly.

Astrid chuckled and with ease, she was back to her rose hair and amber eyed glory. She smiled softly and pecked his lips.

"So how was 'Sigyn?'" Astrid asked with a light smile.

" She is very beautiful and expressive and I do like her a lot, but I love you most of all." Loki expressed kissing Astrid

Astrid smirked lightly as she deepened the kiss. She ran her fingers across Loki's chest and started to have them move lower. Loki's breathing hitched a bit since he wondered just where her fingers would stop. Her amber eyes burned brightly and her smile shifted into a smirk.

"You really have to be careful with what you say sometimes, Loki. Your tongue can get you in trouble." she murmured while they kissed.

Loki smiled into their kiss, pulling Astrid closer to him.

" I am well aware, but I do love mischief." Loki whispered against her lips.

"Nothing wrong with that." Astrid mused as she felt Loki slip his tongue in her mouth.

The couple made out on the hill and let their hands wander about and felt their bodies grind against each other. Astrid and Loki truly were lost in their passions, but they welcomed the feelings they gave each other in all aspects. Loki was the one to pull away; he couldn't help but feel entranced by how they were together. Astrid felt the same and smiled as she kissed him on his neck. He grinned as she felt Astrid's teeth graze his skin and nipped it, sucking it to leave another mark. Not wanting to feel left out, Loki did the same to Astrid's tender neck.

"Loki!" Astrid moaned as she pulled away and placed a hand on where he nipped her. He grinned and he stared at the hand with an intense yet warm stare.

"You can heal it in a bit, right now I want to see my passion for you on your neck." Loki spoke in an alluring husk.

Astrid chuckled and removed the hand to show the light bruise on her neck. Loki smiled and rested his head on hers tenderly. Their love might be young, but their connection and passions were very strong for their age.

"I love you so much Astrid. Never did I think I deserved something so precious and so..."

Astrid placed a finger on his lips and kissed his cheek.

"Stop thinking like that darling. You are just as worthy if not more so of anything you want." Astrid expressed lovingly yet firmly.

"And you are worthy of your truest love and a magical, fulfilling life."

Astrid quickly mended her love bite and they watched the sun set. They teleported to Astrid's house and were thankful to see Astrid's mother outside.

"Your father will be home in the morning. His council meeting with Odin and other officials and warriors ran late and they were grabbing drinks. Come in when you share your goodbyes." Astrid's mother spoke softly.

Loki breathed a sigh of relief and cupped Astrid's hands.

"Until we meet again my beloved."

"Which will be soon my love, no frets, only love." Astrid professed softly.

Loki kissed her lips once last time and smiled softly. He bowed to her and teleported back to the palace while Astrid spent her evening with her mother. Today was a success but there was more to learn in magic and in love for them both. They were on this path together and they couldn't wait to spend more days together.