The boat tipped dangerously over the edge and while Freya screamed, Loki laughed. He grinned as he felt the spray of the water hit his face, and he let the boat lurch just a little longer than necessary before hitting the switch that would let them hover. The wings at the side of the boat sprung to life, turning the ship into an aircraft, and he gently levelled them out so that they were floating above the waterfalls at the end of the world. It truly was a magnificent sight, with the water crashing down and there being nothing but stars and blackness beyond. His eyes sparkled with mischief, for it had been a long time since he had done something like this, but he was confused as he realised his companion was shaking. Normally his friends were used to his pranks, but it seemed this one was full of fear. Freya was clutching on so tightly to the side of the boat that her knuckles were white, and she was muttering something under her breath. He was a little concerned then, for he had only meant to scare her slightly.
"Freya, it's alright. You can open your eyes now." He assured her as he stepped forwards. "We are perfectly safe."
"I'm dead… I must be. It's the only way to…" She muttered and he shook his head.
"You are very much alive Freya of Midgard." He told her. "And there won't be any changing that anytime soon." He was sat next to her now, and the student risked opening her eyes.
"Who's steering?" She asked, then looked around her as she realised that they weren't moving. "Wait… The boat flies?" She was very much surprised, and then rolled her eyes. "Of course the boat flies. Why wouldn't it?"
"I thought you would have known."
"I should know not to trust a trickster." She pointed out. "The wings aren't just decorative then?"
"Why would they be decorative?" Loki asked, a little confused.
"I don't know." Freya gave a massive sigh of relief and then burst out laughing. It was truly a ridiculous day and she had no idea how to deal with all this information. Loki just grinned and headed back to the controls.
"Where next?"
"Land, and quickly, if you please." He simply bowed his head and did as she asked.
"You'll enjoy the view from the prow." He told her as they moved across the water. He was not surprised that she was a little sceptical, but Freya still moved to the front of the boat and watched as they came closer to the citadel. Her hair and cloak billowed in the wind, and Loki wondered whether he would ever see her again after the binding was undone. He had never spent much time with mortals, and until a few months ago he had not even set foot on Midgard. However, he had grown rather fond of this girl, with her love of history and cats, and he hoped that they would be able to remain friends. He certainly could not hate her for accidentally summoning him, and he was certain that she would be the key to releasing him from the enchantment.
Freya watched with amazement as they came closer to the palace. Asgard was truly a beautiful place, and she wished she could explore it all at her leisure. However, she knew she had to get home sooner rather than later, for she still had responsibilities there, and she had no wish to keep Loki stuck to her for any longer than absolutely necessary. Sighing, she let her mind wander back to the day she had first met the God of Mischief, and tried to work out who exactly could have trapped Loki as a cat. It would certainly have had to been someone powerful, and they would have had access to the university buildings during the summer months. Could it have been one of the professors? Or someone else? And how would they have known that Loki had been present?
Her thoughts were disrupted by their arrival back at the docks, where the boat stopped hovering and the resulting splash of water soaked her through. She cursed as she was drenched, and wondered if it had been done purposely, before she heard Loki swear too. She turned around and then giggled as she found that he too was soaked through.
"We'll be leaving puddles all through the palace." Freya smiled, and Loki just rolled his eyes.
"One of these days I'll get the landing right." He told her as he tied the boat up to the dock. He then jumped out onto land before offering her a hand, and Freya took it. "We should probably change before we continue the tour."
"We should, except I only have the one gown." Freya stated before undoing her cloak and draping it over her arm, not enjoying the weight of it on her shoulders.
"Then we shall simply have to find you another." Loki shrugged, before finding a passing servant. The drenched cloak was also taken from Freya, and she looked a little bemused before they walked back in to the palace.
"If anyone should ask what happened…?"
"They won't." Loki assured her. They hurried back towards their rooms, although Freya came to a standstill as they had to cross the main hall. Loki was halfway across it when he realised that he wasn't being followed, and he turned to find the mortal girl staring at the carved columns and painted frescoes in wonder. With no sign of his father or brother, Loki simply shook his head and knew that this was the only chance that Freya would get to have a proper look at everything without being disturbed. He leaned on a column and watched as the girl looked around, ignoring the pool of water forming at his feet. Her fingers traced most of the carvings and her eyes were filled with wonder as she wandered. She stared at the frescoes and picked out a couple of the myths she knew, but he knew what she really wanted to do. The golden throne was the largest thing in the room, and it could scarcely be ignored. Freya seemed hesitant as her eyes rested upon it, but Loki simply smiled as she looked at him for permission.
"Go on. I'll let you know if anyone is coming." He told her, and that was all she needed to hear. Freya was instantly hurrying up the few steps and then crouched to look closely at the carvings upon it. She was truly enchanted by everything, and he wondered whether she was always this curious or if it was simply because she was in another realm. Of course, she too was leaving a trail of water behind her, and the dress was clinging to her body, but at this moment she appeared to be completely unphased at this fact. Instead she was in her own little world, and he wondered if all humans were like this. Did all humans want to travel to other places and learn about the world? Did they know of the Nine Realms and their Gods? Were they all such curious creatures with a thirst for knowledge?
"Loki! I had heard you were back! Why did you not call on your mother?" Freya was behind the throne now, completely out of sight, and Loki put on his most charming smile as his mother approached. "What happened to you?"
"I am sorry mother." He apologised as she hugged him. "I was trapped on Midgard and could not return home."
"Until a few hours ago." She pointed out, though she did not seem very cross with him. "How did you escape?"
"I had help." He shrugged. "I am grateful to be home."
"I take it you have been up to mischief already?" She guessed as she took in his appearance. Her smile turned to a frown then as she spotted movement out of the corner of her eye, and she turned to face the throne. "Who dares to approach the throne?" She demanded.
"I…" Freya began, then stared in awe at the woman before her. She was dressed all in gold, and her golden curls were perfectly arranged. She had no doubt that this was Frigga, the queen of the gods, and Odin's wife.
"Speak girl!" Frigga commanded and Freya hurried down from the throne.
"Mother, this is…" Loki began, but was not allowed to finish.
"I should have you…" The queen threatened, reaching for a weapon.
"Mother, this is Freya." Loki introduced the young woman. "She is the one responsible for my return."
"I am truly sorry for any offence I have caused." Freya apologised as she curtseyed before the queen. "I merely wished to admire the beautiful carvings."
"Freya?" Frigga repeated, her head tilted as she regarded the mortal girl curiously. "I suggest you be more careful in future. If my husband had found you then…" The queen shook her head before offering a hand to the student. The mortal took it, and then found Frigga smiling warmly at her. "I should thank you for your help in returning my son to me."
"It is a pleasure." Freya smiled.
"I take it he has been a gracious host?"
"Loki has been showing me around Asgard, including a tour on the water."
"Already getting into mischief eh?" Frigga laughed and Freya grinned. "You are of Midgard?"
"I am."
"How did you know how to help Loki?"
"I…" Freya hesitated, for she had no idea how to explain the truth without getting herself into trouble.
"It is complicated." Loki stated. "In that Freya has managed to bind me to her will as a result." Frigga looked troubled as she took in this information. "But it was not maliciously done."
"It was an accident, but as a result I am to remain on Asgard until a way is found to reverse it." Freya explained.
"What exactly did you do?" The queen asked.
"I read an inscription aloud." The student admitted. "It appeared to summon Loki, and the object was covered in symbols connected to him."
"And where is this object now?"
"With father." Loki told her. "As Freya is no threat, and may have some idea how to undo this, father decided that she may be allowed to see Asgard."
"You have studied magic?" Frigga turned to the girl, and Freya laughed.
"Magic to us humans is merely fiction. There is no such thing…" She realised that mother and son were glaring at her, and Freya hesitated. "I mean, no, I have not studied magic."
"And there are no witches in your ancestry?"
"Not as far as I am aware." Frigga regarded her curiously, and then appeared to make a decision.
"Very well. I shall see what can be done. In the meantime, you should change. I cannot have visitors trailing water through the palace."
"Of course." Freya bowed her head.
"And Loki, it is a long time since we last had a visitor from Midgard. Do not get her into any more trouble."
"I make no promises mother." Frigga just laughed as she left the hall, while Loki turned back to his guest. "What now?"
"We should change." Freya decided.
"And then?"
"Continue our tour?" Loki just grinned.
