Ashera sat on the floor near her couch eyes blurred by angry tears. The realization that she belonged nowhere overwhelmed her. The toaster's timer sounded from the kitchen, her bagel was ready.

After calling Jane and feigning illness she called out of work for the next few days as well. She was a whirlwind as she tore through her tiny apartment shoving food and clothes in her bag. It was only a few minutes before she was out the door and already far away from the small town she grudgingly called home.

She ran. Her paws hit the ground in time with her even breathing. The ground before her was changing, getting rockier as she traveled. It was perfect. At times like these running was all she had. The rocks soon turned to red cliffs building higher into the sky. She scrambled up them and jumped from one to another. Sure footed as ever she leaped across a fracture in the rock top that made way for a small stream at the bottom. Landing safely on the other side she slowed to a stop having reached a large edge overlooking the canyon. Sticking her nose in the wind she took a deep breath before letting lose a howl. It was a long mournful sound that echoed on every surface. She flicked her ears back and forth listening for any return calls. Emptiness answered her as it always did. Turning she trotted to dismount onto an easier path leading to the canyon bed and the small stream. She had traveled further than usual and her muscles were tight. Reaching the stream she stretched and lay down for a moment. Her head on her paws, she allowed herself to mourn her own existence. A single tear rolled down her muzzle. The earth drank it in never even leaving a mark.

The sun was setting throwing long shadows over the earth. Ashera had wandered further and though not lost was not sure where she was or what she was doing. Her paws were raw from the hot rocks of the day. Her body sore from overexertion but her mind was still very much awake and reeling.

Loki was not what he seemed but he tried so hard to be unafraid and in control. What could she do if he was afraid of her? Fear would not help either of them. Was he just being stubborn? She growled to herself still confused. Surely he knew she couldn't, and wouldn't, hurt him. She needed to find answers, but how would she get them? He had been angry and afraid; but even afraid he had tried to see her, tried to face his fear. She sighed, was that all she could hope for? Someone who could at least stomach her presence after knowing the truth?

She felt an otherworldly chill. It was indistinguishable but assuming it was Loki trying to reach her she shielded herself and stood to keep moving. She hadn't decided whether she wanted to see him again so soon, let alone at all. Her only option was to keep moving and keep shielded until she was certain. She continued on into the night not stopping until her body could no longer move and her powers had been drained by her shield. She found a small overhang and curled up to try and sleep. Perhaps by morning she would have some answers.

*Asgard*

Having retreated to the castle Loki now stood on his balcony. He had spent the rest of his day trying to find the words to explain his regret, and have it be genuine. Seeing the sun dip below the trees he began to panic, feeling he may run out of time he searched for Ashera's aura, he needed to find her and explain himself or he would not be able to get her back willingly. He tried to locate her using the breach she had come through. After all that's how he had found her before. He learned he could manipulate it to search for things, as long as he knew what he was looking for. He just had to concentrate and use enough of his magic to enhance it. This tactic was much easier at the actual breach but he could not stay there all day and night. His attempts failed making him desperate, pushing him to consider other options. He could ask Heimdall but knew the guardian would only alert his father of his inquiries and of his being outside the castle walls. His other option was Thor. He was not interested in that option. His brother knew little about having to solve a problem without using force. Besides this was now his secret to keep.

Loki walked back inside pacing in front of his chair as if to wear out the floor. Why was he so worried? Why did he even care? If the girl didn't want to be taught he would not bother. It was just more trouble for him anyway. She said it herself she had not agreed to his terms. He would just forget her. He stared angrily at a book he had no intention of reading. It was all books he no longer needed. Ashera was gone. He tossed the book onto the pile of spells and werewolf tales.

He collapsed into his chair. He wanted to forget all about it. He wanted to forget her; but he couldn't. He did care. He could not dismiss the fact that it was his fault she had become upset. His pride had gotten in the way again just as it always did. This time instead of a physical pain he held another. He paused to try and feel her presence. Still he felt nothing. Cursing himself he realized how unsure he was of what to do next.

He looked at the time. His last option was to wait.

*Vaneheim*

Cassidy strode into the open dining room; her uncle was late. Where could he be? She did not have time for him to keep her waiting. Knowing it was her only choice she sat at the head of the table and tried to keep her cool. She poured herself a glass of wine. Sipping it she tapped on the crystal with her long nails; the sound was enhanced by the large empty room. She poured another glass and moved to the fireplace her impatience growing. Finally she heard hard footsteps echoing down the hall. She glared at the door.

Navire entered, his black cloak sweeping around him, his dark boots were covered in mud, and his dirty blonde hair was windswept as If he had ridden through a storm. His hard grey eyes assaulted Cassidy's blue ones cutting through her own look of distaste.

"You're late" she spat.

"You would do well to hold your tongue," his deep voice was even and threatening, showing exactly who was in charge. "Who do you think just re-acquired the loyalty of the troops in the East?"

Cassidy's eyes softened and her attitude seemingly turned on a dime. "OH! Uncle you are so grand! Thank you!" She trilled.

"Drop the act child and just be grateful it was easy." She shot a dark look at her uncle who was pulling off his rain spattered cloak. Shaking it out he added, "No thanks to you."

Cassidy put a hand to her hip, her face changing to exasperation. "I was merely trying to give hope to those still in mourning. Show them I will rule gracefully in my parents wake. It's not my fault I'm not what they expected." She downed the rest of her wine and grabbed the bottle to refill her cup.

"Yes, I suppose if they expected a mature adult they would be disappointed." Navire gave her a pointed look as he walked over to the table and the glass that awaited him. "Your announcement of reducing our militia and traveling more frequently off realm was not well planned out. It played to no one's interests. I have told you time and time again you need to gain the people's trust here first, not go gallivanting to Asgard every other week. They are not your main priority until you have your following here cemented." He poured his wine and took a sip before continuing. "The King and Queen of Vanaheim are dead under suspicious circumstance and you expect everyone to fall to their knees before you immediately." Taking another sip he added, "Many people still hold no admiration or trust for Asgard; and you allying yourself to them so quickly after such a loss! It has the masses wondering what hand you may have had in their beloved king and queens passing."

"How dare you!" Cassidy screamed throwing her now empty glass to the floor. It shattered instantly, tiny shards sprinkled across her feet. "You know very well I had nothing to do with their deaths!"

"Even so," Navire commented dryly, "It would not hurt you to at least feign the air of mourning due to their untimely passing." He sat back; putting his feet up on the long table he took a larger drink of the blood red wine. "I cannot sway the entire realm for you. You are making my job harder than it has to be."

Cassidy calmed herself and joined her uncle at the table. "Very well." was the reluctant response. "But I will be going to Asgard again, and soon. I will not let my prey slip through my grasp just to please some peasants who know nothing about what will soon be mine."

"Perhaps you should take a note from the spiders and weave a web a bit harder to escape from." Navire gave Cassidy another look, "And that web starts here."

"Listen all I have to worry about is proving that we are no longer a threat to Asgard and enthralling Loki. He is the key for us both to rule remember. You will just have to keep everyone here happy for me. No one suspects me, and Loki will fall in line once he realizes my plan and all its benefits for him. If you think he doesn't want revenge on his brother or Odin you have to be kidding yourself. The hardest part is getting to him and making him listen. So that is where my focus will lie. The rest is child's play." Cassidy turned her lips up into a devilish smile batting her eyelashes at Navire as if it would have an effect on him.

"Don't underestimate a God." Was his only response before sighing and throwing his legs back off the table. Changing the subject he said, "How was the party anyway? Everything you hoped for and more?"

His cheeky inquiry had Cassidy sneering.

"I have been invited to the Asgardian palace again for the coming feast. It's not too far off so I need to prepare in case I'm quizzed again by the all-important Frigga." She sniffed, "You know she had the audacity to give me her condolences? She also dismissed me without a thought. I don't think she is as willing to accept me as you thought she would be." She shot another dark look at her uncle.

"She will come around as long as you play your part. Part of which is here." he said confidently. "Besides you haven't said anything other than what I approved this time. Have you?"

"I said everything you suggested and more just to add to the illusion."

"Illusions are a tricky thing, next time stick to the script."

"She said to give you her regards by the way." She drawled as she reached around him grabbing the wine bottle and leaving the room.

Navire sighed. She was a stubborn one, he knew it could cause him problems in the future but there was no stopping her. She had let the power he offered go to her head. If she refused to think clearly he may have to turn the tables. Ruling two worlds was one thing, but becoming the ruler of all nine? That was a challenge he had long awaited. He had taken too much care and spent too many centuries putting this into play. He was not going to be brought down by his immature bitch of niece.

A/N: Wow! Thank you everyone for reading and for all of your reviews! This is very exciting and I can't believe how many people this has reached already. Please stay with me I am trying my best to write and post quickly. Thank you again I appreciate all of you!