Ashera sat upright, wolf eyes wide staring intently at the prince. She cocked her head to one side to convey for him to explain.
Loki was instantly happier to talk about his plan.
"It would be what you consider telepathy. It is done by learning each other's auras and patterns. Like I said it will take quite a bit of trust but I am sure it will work."
Ashera twitched her tail and moved with slight hesitance.
Loki took this queue and continued on, trying to avoid any unease.
"We won't be able to see everything even when we are linked. All magic wielders know you need to keep some part of yourself sacred. No one wants to lose themselves," he added darkly. "This would just be a means of communication, a way to actually speak without speaking. We could get across messages by showing one another images as well. It is unorthodox perhaps, but it would be a safe form of communication. This would certainly help you while in wolf form. We could speak freely without you having to strain and use more power to change. Best of all it should work across realms and would give us the freedom to train more efficiently."
Loki was becoming excited at the prospect. He looked to Ashera who was sitting in a contemplative, manner even for a wolf.
Loki looked hopeful, "It will take a great deal of time and effort on both our parts but I have faith that we can do it." He persuaded with a grin.
Remembering the mirror suddenly, Loki quickly pulled it from his inside pocket, "We can use these in the meantime."
Ashera leaned over and sniffed the mirror in the prince's hand. She seemed to accept this, giving a brief nod before trotting behind the boulder to change.
Once human and dressed again, Ashera walked over to meet Loki who was already deep in thought most likely coordinating their upcoming lessons.
"So," Ashera began in order to announce her return, "How does the mirror work?"
Loki looked up, a grin on his face. "It is not just a mirror; it is a spyglass that can work across realms. It may not help with conversation but it will let us see one another. It works brilliantly and I have already tested them." Loki's grin was met with skepticism.
"So you've been spying on me?" Ashera teased as she took one of the glasses.
"How else would I test them?" Loki said with a shrug.
"Seems unhelpful; if we need to speak how will we know?"
"I will teach you all the necessary spells, they are quite simple only a few words each." Loki dismissed as if it was obvious. "The spells will allow the caster to view the location they want. There is also a few spells that change the color of its twin, red will be for emergencies. They are a bit rudimentary but I think they will serve their purpose until our minds are connected."
Ashera rolled her eyes even as a smile played on her lips. She was glad the messy dream business was behind them for now. She knew she would be learning a lot today.
"What else did you want to go over? I mean you did skip out on our last session." She said with a grin, "How did all of your, uh, engagements go anyway? It didn't seem like you were too happy about them." She was honestly curious of how things were in Asgard. Last she knew Loki was still not allowed outside of the city; or the castle for that matter. Besides, any topic was probably easier than their previous one.
The God smiled slyly. "They were unbearable and I am now supposed to 'play nice' with Thor."
"What happened?" Ashera asked half amused.
"I merely pointed out the fact that my condition is no excuse for him to deem me untrustworthy, and that perhaps I am not the one who should have to apologize." Loki hadn't meant to tell her about Thor but she was easy to talk with and for once he didn't feel like making up a reasonable lie to cover his problems. Besides he had just told her the most dreadful portion of his past. There didn't seem to be any reason why he should lie about such meaningless banter between himself and Thor.
Ashera looked down contemplatively, "Well, I think he does need to be more understanding."
"Thank You!" Loki said throwing his hands up in triumph.
"BUT!" Ashera added "You need to realize what a large disturbance you caused, your fault or not it defiantly stands out. And let's face it, you are a trickster. In conclusion, you need to recognize that as well Prince."
"Spoken like a true diplomat" Loki sulked as he rolled his eyes, "You would get along with my mother that's for sure. She said something similar."
"A wise woman," Ashera stated. "I wouldn't mind meeting her under better circumstances"
"What? Sneakily training with her fallen son who is not allowed outside the city walls is not the ideal scenario in which to meet the Queen of Asgard?" Loki's sarcastic tone was too funny not to laugh.
Ashera let out an involuntary snort as she tried to hold it in.
"No, so I do not think we will ever have the pleasure of meeting." She smiled. "I will have to make due with stories."
Loki grinned at the thought of telling stories of his mother and of his childhood. His joy quickly turned to sorrow as he realized the truth of the matter. This wonderful girl would undoubtedly never get to meet his mother and that was a pity. Perhaps it was because they were so similar in their acceptance of others. Perhaps it was because he truly was beginning to like this half mortal and she was the only other, besides his mother, he had allowed himself to trust in honest.
Loki sighed and walked back over to lean on the boulder once more shaking his head. He didn't like thinking about family. There was too much pain and uncertainty. His mother was one thing but of course those thoughts brought up Thor and Odin as well. He did not want to get into those details with Ashera, not yet. Although he doubted she would let him keep those details to himself for long.
"That reminds me," He paused looking sideways at Ashera, "I have added another topic for us to study."
"Oh you did, did you? I guess we will be busy then."
"Yes, I will be training you in hand to hand combat."
"What brought that on?"
"A less than appreciated spar with my brother, it made me realized you need a more balanced training. I can't have you relying on magic alone."
"I won't be." Ashera said with a smug grin, "I have my wolf form I can fight in."
"That I'm afraid would be considered magic."
Ashera let out a small chuckle, "I suppose it can't hurt then." she paused looking thoughtful, "I have always wanted to sword fight."
"Good enough!" Loki stated, "Let us get started, we will revise our schedule and begin with telepathy."
Thor paced in front of Loki's door. He hoped he would show up but knew better than to expect him. He hadn't seen Loki since their failed spar and was getting impatient. He could not let this stand in his way of getting his brother back. He had already spoken with Odin again pleading his case for Loki to be allowed on the annual hunting trip. Odin had at least told Thor he would consider his words. Thor knew he would be watching Loki more closely now at regular events, such as the common feasts that were held, in order to determine his current demeanor. Now Thor needed to convince Loki his intentions were pure, apologize and throw the warning in that he may be under further scrutiny.
Thor's pace quickened, He had thought about what he was going to say for a few days now and hoped his words would make sense. Loki was the one with the silver tongue not him. He could never talk his way out of anything as Loki did. He grinned remembering how Loki had gotten them out of a tough situation on more than one occasion. He hoped he had learned something from those times at least enough for his brother to hear him out now. He was determined to make things right.
"Loki, you are my brother and being such…" Thor practiced as he paced. Where was Loki? He rarely left his rooms and Thor had already checked the gardens. A small suspicion arose in Thor's mind. Perhaps he had left the premise, if he had what could he be doing? Perhaps he was up to something again. Thor mentally scolded himself for thinking such things especially after they had just fought about that exact topic. He needed to begin the mending process by trusting not always jumping to conclusions. Thor sighed Loki clearly was not taking visitors. He turned to leave, shaking his head he retreated down the hallway.
Loki stood behind a pillar, having come from his training with Ashera. He always took the garden path on his way back instead of teleporting directly to his rooms so it looked more natural. He had been later than usual due to all the new topics on their list, as well as teaching her the spells for their spyglass. Thor had been there pacing so Loki had used an invisibility spell to go unnoticed; waiting for Thor to leave before slipping into the room. If Thor had come to visit he must now think Loki simply didn't want to see him which wasn't entirely false. Loki wasn't sure he wanted to see his brother yet. Ashera had successfully calmed him and he did think about making amends from their previous spat but his pride still stuck to him. He was not yet ready to apologize. For now he would continue his contemplation on the topic.
Cassidy brushed her hair. The rumors had begun quickly and she was pleased with her work, so subtle but effective. She would deny them of course! But with a side glance to show her bluff. Everyone would still think the accusations true. Loki would hopefully be at the banquet so she could further her ploy.
She was in the guest quarters getting ready for that nights feast. Navier was in a room across the hall. Cassidy was going to introduce him to everyone and be sure they knew he was her biggest support. Although that would mean making a visit to the thrones and speaking with Odin AND Frigga; but one had to do what was needed. She was pining for an invitation to the hunt and was hoping for a longer stay. She knew the seasons end was bringing more festivities and that would be a perfect excuse. Having people think the prince was interested in her did not hurt her prospects either. She hoped he would be there tonight. Putting on her finishing touches a knock came at her door. She opened it to reveal her uncle in his finest court suite.
"Are you ready?" He plainly stated.
"I am always ready, but tonight I am prepared." She answered calmly with a devilish smile.
Cassidy entered the great hall with Navire by her side escorting her to a seat at Thor's table. The empty seat beside Thor made her grimace. Although a disappointment, tonight was meant for her uncle to be seen in a good light. So perhaps it was a blessing he was not there to distract her from the more challenging part of her job. Navire had to be shown as her subtle guardian, taking ques from her but also providing regulation on court protocol. He was after all supposed to be teaching her. All of this had to be done precisely in order to prove to the king and queen of Asgard his fidelity to her institution rather than his previously known role as the best swordsman and executioner. Odin too used to have such a title within his court, or so the old tales told.
Navire spoke softly and waited to be introduced. He kept things jovial enough and had many of the other warriors eating out of his palm the entire night. The real challenge was during the viewings. The nobles and heads of houses would approach the throne to speak with the lord and lady of the house, make introductions or other pleasantries. It was not required nor did every guest partake during every feast, but this one was important. She had kept Navire close but quite, as if he had little influence over her ideals but guided her as far as procedure. She furthered this by purposefully miss-stepping during their viewing and having him subtly correct her stance in front of the King and Queen, a motion that would not go unnoticed. This had Frigga's eyebrows rising ever so slightly and Odin looking more open to the idea of him in his castle than before.
"My King, My Queen," Cassidy curtsied politely before the seated couple. "May I introduce my uncle Navire." Navire stepped forward following every last inch of protocol down to the degree of his bow.
"Your highness' I am humbled to be in your presence and am honored to have been allowed entry." His formality coupled with a hint of regret was perfect.
"Lord Navire," Odin spoke with prestige. "Thank you for joining us. I apologize that we have rarely seen eye to eye, but I am glad that Cassidy has such a strong and proud commander by her side. It is clear she has learned much from you and we are happy to see her continue to improve. You are welcome here as long as Cassidy sees fit to stay with us." His tone suggested he may be admitted to stay without Cassidy but the chances were slim. They still did not trust him but they were naive enough to think Cassidy was acting alone as far as her commands were concerned.
"Thank you for your kindness, I hope to further our relationship in the coming months."
"Yes," Cassidy took over, "I have many meetings planned and had hoped to learn even more about your people. As long as the offer still stands I would like to stay in the palace for a time to integrate our knowledge and grow from my time here."
Odin looked over the pair before giving a stoic smile. "We have plenty of space as well as knowledge. There are several grand libraries with history on many realms. Perhaps we can have you work with a few of our historians."
"That would be lovely I am sure between meetings and lessons I can get together with them. Thank you very much for this grand opportunity!" Cassidy curtsied again politely.
"I will have rooms made up for you and your uncle for a more enduring stay." Frigga said as she waved over one of the palace workers and turned to them giving instructions of which rooms to make changes to.
Cassidy smiled beautifully before heading back to their table to make small talk until they retired for the evening. She was giddy knowing it had gone so well and that they would soon be one step closer to the throne. She could not help but glance over at the empty seat throughout the night. She still wished she could have seen her prize.
A/N: I am sorry some of this seems disjointed or cramped. It is all in the same realm so when i swap characters on my copy there are asterisks and they won't show up on this. Hope you enjoy anyway. Thanks for reading!