He seemed to have lost it upon entering the city. How could he loose it? It was a giant white wolf and there were hardly any people here. He also found it more difficult to sense its power even though he could sense it was still around, it was faint and hard to follow. Why was it so difficult to pinpoint?! He scolded himself as he headed back to the castle. He would have to spend the rest of the day in the library doing research. He shook his head again as he transported himself into the castle. He located Thor almost immediately and began to enter the hall when he noticed a new member of the group. Another Midguardian? What are they trying to do here? Take over? He thought sarcastically as he approached from the opposite side and leaned against a pillar where no one noticed him. He had the odd sense his wolf was close but he ignored it wanting to get this over with and be back in his rooms. He observed the small group. His Brother appeared larger than usual and a bit confused standing next to the small females who were obviously happy to be reunited. Jane was looking the new girl over as if she had been through a hardship and the new girl; well she looked uncomfortable in the whole situation. Her dark brown hair fell just below her shoulders and her posture told him she had never seen the likes of Asgard and was not sure what to do about it. He heard Jane introduce Thor, the Prince of Asgard, and decided to make himself known. He cleared his throat loudly and raised an eyebrow, giving a half smile to the group.

They all looked at him. Jane gave him a glare, and Thor smiled at his return. Loki was about to push away from the pillar to give his report and dismiss himself when he saw the newcomers face.

"Ahhh Brother! I'm glad you have returned I was beginning to worry about you." Thor blurted out.

Loki stayed where he was his smile vanished, replaced by a small frown, as he looked into the girl's eyes. They were a brilliant emerald. He was so taken aback he must have stared a bit too long because the girl hastily lowered them to look at the floor. Thor looked between both before adding in, "Loki, this is Ashera she is a colleague of Jane's, Ashera this is my brother Loki."

"Another Midgardian, perfect, why not let the whole lot in." he said disgustedly. He would figure her out in minutes. Midgardians were so predictable and easy.

Ashera gave a weak smile before turning back to Jane with a bit more urgency. "Jane we need to find a way home now."

Jane's face fell, she knew Ashera was right but it was clear she was not ready to leave Thor yet. Ashera stood for a moment as Thor and Jane stared longingly at each other.

Seeing this could take a while she simply excused herself heading for the only couch in this section of the hall. It was large but somehow quaint and comfortable. Loki continued to lean against his pillar which just happened to be near the couch. Ashera pulled her knees to her chest curling up. She hadn't realized how tired she was. She noticed the other prince looking at her from under his lashes. The feeling of his gaze made things slightly uncomfortable but she tried to discount it.

After a few minutes she glanced over at Loki who was now leaning his head back against the pillar as though he too was tired. She decided not to worry, besides with Thor and Jane so close what would happen? She didn't sense anything nefarious, but just to be safe she put an invisible aura around her. If anyone tried to disturb her she would wake before they got too close physically or mentally. And with that she allowed herself to drift off.

She could tell it was not long after she first closed her eyes that her aura stirred. She opened her eyes to see Loki looking away and masking his previous look of concentration with a cold expression of disinterest. She knew what she saw and smiled a little on the inside. Some God of lies, a mere dog could detect his tricks. She snorted a small laugh to herself before closing her eyes again. Only a moment after she closed them she opened them again the annoying feeling of someone probing her aura keeping her from a nice nap. She stared directly at the prince who was not looking at her this time, but she knew he could see her. A slight grin was plastered on his otherwise plain face. His dark hair was slicked back and he wore a green shroud that grazed the floor. Annoyed she dropped her shield and sat up. Taking in a deep breath she smelled the leather and metal of the armor he wore and the slight aroma of paper as if she had her nose in an old book. It was surprisingly pleasant and she almost stayed put just to keep the calming scent near, but she thought better of it. She needed to focus and get her and Jane home.

Loki watched Ashera from the corner of his eye, he knew she had something to do with this and he was determined to figure it out. Once he had concentrated he realized the power he sensed was emanating from the girl. He also noted that it was the same as the wolf he had tracked earlier. He watched as she moved seamlessly across the room to sit on the couch. She looked tired and soon was lying down eyes closed. He turned his head ever so slightly to look at her still form. Narrowing his eyes suspiciously he reached out with his mind to probe her's. His magic hit a barrier he hadn't noticed was in place. It surprised him enough he was caught off guard by her opening her eyes. Turning back quickly he thought perhaps she hadn't noticed; but her small snort before she closed them again had him cursing himself up and down. She had a barrier up so she clearly had some magic besides her transformation… or was it a conjuration? He would have to look up the possibilities later. In either case he would just be what he was, the God of Mischief and Lies. He smirked as he probed her barrier again.

Cranky from lack of sleep and not interested in playing games with a God, Ashera stood, refusing to look at Loki still leaning on the pillar, and walked over to Jane and Thor.

"OK time to go Jane." Ashera pulled on her arm, "I'm sure I'll be late for my REAL job at this rate, even if their time is different."

"But who knows when we can come back!" Jane pleaded.

Loki chuckled nearby, "Oh my dear you do not realize how easy it actually is to travel between the realms do you?" He shook his head still smiling. "You need only know what you are doing." His silky smile was alluring. "Do not fret; perhaps you can persuade me to give my dear brother a few tips." He meandered over as he spoke, eyes lingering on Ashera as he smiled.

Jane looked at him with contempt. "You think you know everything just because you have magic." she sneered.

Loki could not dismiss the flicker of pain and disgrace that flitted over Ashera's face. It was almost so well hidden he nearly missed it. She was certainly better than he originally gave her credit for. He would be sure to remember that. He gave one last smile before retreating to his rooms.