Freya's laughter was still ringing in Loki's ears and he could not stop smiling as he prepared for the feast. He had never before seen the playful and mischievous side of the mortal woman, and he was glad that he had gone to satisfy his curiosity. He had not had so much fun in a very long time, and he wondered if he would ever see the Midgardian like this again. After all, she was usually rather calm and collected, and he had only ever glimpsed her playful side. The last hour had just proven to him that there was far more to the mortal woman than had first appeared, and he wondered just how much of her true nature she felt that she had to hide.

"Did you drown her brother?" Loki was interrupted from his thoughts by Thor walking through the door, and the Trickster scowled, for the God of Thunder rarely knocked.

"Why would I do such a thing?" Loki asked, and Thor smiled knowingly. The Trickster instantly recognised the look on his brother's face and groaned, for it did not bode well for him.

"Indeed." Thor paused, before taking in the Prince's outfit. It was well tailored, and perhaps a little too fine for the weekly feast, while the God of Thunder knew that some effort had gone in to it. "What was it that you wished to talk to Freya about?"

"I just wanted to see how the day had gone." Loki explained as he straightened his tunic and then headed towards the door, wanting to stop the conversation before it began. No matter how many times they went over this, Thor simply could not believe that he was being honest.

"And that is all?" Thor asked as they headed towards the hall.

"It is." Loki stated, though he glanced at Freya's door as they walked past, hoping that she would not overhear them.

"I don't believe you." The God of Thunder said, stopping in his tracks by the door to the stairs.

"What?" The Trickster asked, unimpressed.

"I have seen the pair of you together. The looks, the glances and gestures… I even saw the pair of you on the beach earlier. This is more than friendship…"

"We are just friends. How hard is it to believe that I might just have one of my own?" Loki asked, somewhat frustrated as he stepped past the King of Asgard.

"I am glad you do." Thor paused. "But the pair of you are close…"

"She is our consultant, and we must work closely together if New Asgard is to be a success." By this point Loki was praying that the conversation would end the moment they reached the feast, and so he quickened his pace. Thor was undeterred however, and merely matched it.

"You know full well what I mean brother." The God of Thunder pointed out. "Although I am surprised, given your record with humans…"

"Freya is different." Loki defended, somewhat heartened by the sight of the doors to the hall.

"Because she summoned you all those years ago?" Thor asked, knowing that his brother was trying to shake him off. "Or because she has continuously decided to help you against all odds?"

"Why are you so interested?" Loki asked, exasperated.

"Because, believe it or not, I care for you Loki." Thor explained as they headed to their seats. "And I don't wish to see you hurt."

"I can take good care of myself thank you." Loki pointed out as they sat down. "Freya is a friend and a colleague. Nothing more than that, nor will she ever be."

"And you are certain of that?" Thor asked, looking towards the hall doors. Loki followed his gaze, and frowned as he spotted someone he did not quite recognise with Hilda. The woman wore a deep blue Asgardian gown, while her brown curls had been pinned and adorned with flowers. For just the hint of a second, it was as if there was no other in the room, for the Midgardian looked every bit a goddess as she glided towards the dais, and Thor just grinned as he patted him on the shoulder.

"She will suit you very well brother." The God of Thunder said as Freya took her seat, and Loki did not deny it.


Freya was somewhat worn out by the time she had reached her room, but she had been glad to see Hilda waiting for her. It had taken a little longer than either of them would have liked for Freya to get ready, but the Midgardian was excited at the prospect of wearing a proper Asgardian gown for the first time in years. Hilda had finished making it just that afternoon, and Freya had not needed much persuading to wear it for the feast. The full-length dress was of a dark blue satin, had been embroidered along the seams with silver flowers, and it fitted perfectly. Admiring herself in the mirror, Freya had then slipped into a pair of heels and let Hilda do her hair. Today had already been a lot of fun, and she was determined to enjoy the feast too, even if she was starting to feel rather tired.

"I hope we're not too late." Freya said as they left her room, though she was thankful that they did not have too far to go.

"I'm sure it will be fine." Hilda assured her. "After all, it takes time to look this good." Freya laughed at that.

"I sure hope it is worth the effort."

"Why? Are you hoping to catch someone's eye?" Hilda teased, while Freya blushed. The Asgardian was well aware of Freya's crush on a certain Trickster, and she was doing nothing to help her get rid with it. If anything, Hilda was fully supportive of such a thing and was determined to see the pair together, whether Freya liked it or not.

"No. I just haven't attended an Asgardian feast in actual Asgardian dress before, and I'm hoping I don't offend anyone."

"You're one of us now. Surely this past week has shown you that much."

"You're right Hilda, as always." The Asgardian grinned as they reached the hall, before letting Freya go ahead. Freya took a deep breath before stepping inside, fearing that there would be some comments made, but she was greeted with smiles as she headed towards her seat.

"I almost didn't recognise you." Ragnar said as the feast began. "I take it this is Hilda's work?"

"She certainly is a fine seamstress." Freya admitted before they talked of other things. She was glad to eat though, for looking after the children had certainly given her an appetite, and she was grateful to be able to do so in relative peace. She was also glad of a sit down, and she smiled as Ragnar helped her to come up with some ideas for more field trips.

Of course, the moment that the tables were pushed aside, Hilda stole her, and Freya could not help but smile as people admired her dress. This past week had proven that she had been accepted as one of their own, and Freya finally felt comfortable being herself around them. Some of the parents also sought her out to thank her for the day, and Freya felt rather proud of the fact that her plan had worked. However, she only managed two dances before she felt tired, and yet she had no wish to leave. For one, she had a promise to keep, and for two, it would be a shame to spend such little time here when she had gone to such efforts to look good. Giving her excuses, Freya hoped that fresh air would revive her, and so she slipped out to the balcony, somewhat unsurprised to find that someone was waiting for her.

"I wondered how long it would be." Loki mused as he turned to face her. Freya had to catch her breath as he truly looked handsome in the evening sun, and it took her a moment to respond.

"Am I truly that predictable?" She asked as she perched on the stone railings.

"You have to admit that you have somewhat of a tendency to escape here." He shrugged, and Freya could not argue with that. "I like your dress by the way. The colour suits you and brings out your eyes."

"Thank you." Freya smiled, for she knew then that Hilda's efforts had not been in vain. "You're looking rather handsome yourself." She told him, for he wore a dark green tunic with golden leaves embroidered on the neck and sleeves, while he had dark trousers and black boots with gold detailing. It was simpler than some of his other outfits, and yet of far finer cloth.

"I usually do." He pointed out, and she laughed. "You seem to have settled in rather well now."

"These things always take time, but I finally feel accepted, and that I can just be myself…" She trailed off, then frowned as Loki looked a little troubled. "What is it?"

"Do you ever regret coming here?" He asked as he perched next to her. Freya was quiet for a moment, and knew that she could not lie.

"Sometimes." She admitted. "I mean, there have certainly been some very stressful moments, and I do question my sanity in giving up everything to live among strangers in a foreign land where I don't even speak the language…" Freya paused. "But it has been one heck of an adventure, and it does have its perks."

"Like living in a palace?"

"There are many things that have made it worthwhile." She explained. "Like living by the coast, working with Norse gods, and spending time with you." Freya's eyes widened with panic as she had not meant to say that last part aloud, and then she tried to back pedal, for she knew that she could not lie and yet she could not admit the truth either. "I mean to say…"

"I quite like that too." He smiled at her, meeting her gaze for just a moment. Freya's heart raced and she knew that she was in dangerous territory right now.

"Do you regret staying on Midgard?" She asked, looking away before she lost herself in his emerald green eyes.

"There are worse places to live." He shrugged. "Though it is a little frustrating to be stuck in one place."

"I am working on getting that lifted." Freya admitted, and he was surprised. "No one should be trapped in one place for long, and you have already had to make so many compromises."

"Answer me one question." He said after a moment.

"Go on." She prompted, somewhat intrigued.

"What did I do to deserve such friendship Freya? Anyone else would have given up on me long ago, yet you have not."

"You saved me." She admitted as she fiddled with her gown.

"This is more than gratitude." Loki pointed out, somewhat unconvinced.

"It is who I am." Freya answered, hoping that he would not pry any further. "My closest friends have my undying loyalty."

"And I am one of them?" She nodded.

"Not that it probably counts for much considering I am just a mortal woman…" She pointed out.

"But you are not just any Midgardian." Loki pointed out. "You are Freya Wilkes, summoner of Gods." Freya laughed at that, and Loki smiled, for truly she looked every bit her namesake this evening.

"I have only summoned one so far, and even then, it was a complete accident." She told him. "Are you certain you do not deserve my friendship?"

"No one is worthy enough to deserve you Freya." He told her, and she was a little surprised at his honesty. "Never have I met an individual who is so kind and warm hearted. You would do anything for anyone without expecting anything in return. You have suffered so much for it, and yet this still does not deter you. I count myself lucky to have met you." Freya was a little surprised at his sincerity, and for one moment she wondered if he had recognised that their friendship was more than close… But she knew that she could not let this go any further. It was already difficult enough to keep her crush hidden, and this was making things much worse.

"I am honoured." She paused as she stood up.

"Where are you off to?" Loki asked curiously.

"Hilda will undoubtedly come looking for me soon." Freya explained, hoping that this was true.

"She can surely manage without you for a few more minutes." He stated as he got to his feet and reached for her hand. "After all, you do have a promise to keep." He reminded her.

"And I am not one to break my word."

"Then shall we?" He asked, and she nodded.

The song was slow and beautiful, but Freya could not make out the words as they began to dance on the balcony. Her heart was racing while her skin tingled at his touch, and more than anything she wanted him to be hers. He held her close as they moved to the music, and she smiled softly as she heard his heart beat as her head rested on his chest. Truly this was sheer pleasure, and yet sure torture, for this was all that she wanted. Today had been amazing, and she had really enjoyed her time with the Trickster. He was pretty much everything that she had ever wanted in a man, and yet she knew that this could never be. After all, she was a mortal, and he was a god. They would be doomed from the beginning. But there was something about the way he looked at her and how he held her this evening that was different. Even the dance was different to all those they had shared previously, and she wondered just what had changed.

But even if he had recognised that there was something between them, Freya knew that she could not let it happen. After all, her death would break his heart, and she feared that there would be catastrophic repercussions. Yet as desperate as she was to get away, she had no wish to stop him. By the time the song came to an end, their foreheads were almost touching. He smiled warmly at her as he reached up to brush a loose curl from her cheek, and Freya almost forgot to breathe, for his lips were so close and she felt the overwhelming urge to close the gap.

"Freya, I…" He began, sounding very uncertain, while she fought against her emotions. How often had she dreamed of this moment? And yet, now she was here, she wished it were not so.

"May I…" He hesitated, while she knew she had to get away. She would never forget this day, and she knew that she would never forgive herself for this, but she could not let him do this. She had no idea if this was some ploy that would lead to a broken heart, and she had no wish to be toyed with. Yet if this was real, then she could not let him suffer after she was gone. It was an impossible situation, and she had no wish to remain there any longer, even if it would break her heart.

"I…" Freya began, before she heard the balcony door open. The pair instantly stood apart, and Loki quickly regained his composure while Freya had never been more glad to see Ragnar.

"I am sorry to bother you, but Hilda is looking for Freya, and the people are asking for you to sing sire." Ragnar explained. "It has been such a long time and…"

"I recall mentioning something of it last week." Loki agreed. "I'll be through in a moment."

"Of course." The Head of the Guilds headed back inside, while Freya walked towards the door, knowing that this was her chance to escape.

"Freya…" Loki began, but she just shook her head.

"I'm sorry Loki." She said softly, before going in search of Hilda.

Every step was agony, and Freya was desperately fighting back tears as she sought out her friend. She wanted to run to her room and let her heart break there, but she knew she had to stay at the feast for just a little longer. Taking a few deep breaths as she walked across the hall, she managed to regain her composure just in time for Hilda to grab her hand and pull her into a dance, but Freya's heart was not in it. She wanted to know what Loki had been about to ask, and yet she knew deep down that it was better this way. Hilda quickly noticed Freya's distress, and she pulled her to the side of the room to find out what was going on.

"What happened out there?"

"Nothing." Freya lied, though she watched as the Prince stood on the dais talking to the musicians.

"Then why are you so…?"

"I'm tired, and I think the sun has gotten to me today." Freya dismissed her concerns. "I mean, it has been a long day."

"Then you should probably get some rest." Hilda instructed. "There's always tomorrow to tell me everything."

"So long as you have some of your spiced mead then I'll be there." Hilda laughed at this, for Freya had developed a taste for the drink. "Good night Hilda."

"Sleep well Freya." The music began just as Freya reached the exit, and then she heard his voice. Truly it was like honey, and Freya knew instantly that she was in love. Not only was he handsome, charming, intelligent and mischievous, but he could also sing, and her heart melted, for truly he was perfect for her, and yet it could never be. She could not quite translate the words he sang, but from the tune she knew it was a love song. After all, why else would it be so soft and slow? Her gaze lingered on the Prince for just a second too long, and he smiled as their eyes met. For a fraction of a moment it felt as if there was no one else in the room, and Freya fought the urge to run to him. She was mesmerised by his voice, and yet she knew she could not stay. Unable to fight the tears any longer, Freya ran from the hall and prayed that things would be better in the morning.