Hello folks. Already here with chapter eight! Woooooow, this is getting good! I am really hoping that you guys like this story thus far I hope that I am neither dragging it out to long or making it seem to fast. I think it's a moderate pace. But that's just me! So I hope you all enjoyed the previous chapter. Some little Loki/Irene fluff kinda going on and with Loki's lovely crown of flowers. Not fit for an Asgardian king/prince in his opinion. But I thought the scene was overall sweet. I mean it is pretty thoughtful and Irene doesn't really know the whole story about the Asgard showdown between Thor and Loki! I could already see the sweet juicy dialog for when it takes place. So I decided that this would be a individual story. Set before the avengers. And that This story's sequel would be during the events of the avengers! So yaaaaaaaaay early planning!
Many thanks to:
moonsword17: Glad you find my affectionate name of moon moon funny! As for the flowers oh yes, Loki will find out he just absolutely hates not knowing but I am happy you liked the scenes with the flowers.
AkeraWriterOfTheNight: Glad you are so amused by Loki the flower child xD *giggles*
onyourleft: you really think Irene is kinda like Jane from Tarzan? lol
inuxkag1000: you have by far one of the most interesting theories. I enjoyed reading it. And I am glad that my responses make you smile! It's a goal for me to get as many people to smile! And you seemed very moved by the growing friendship it makes me happy!
musicgal100189: seven reviews in a row for each chapter! Wow, thank you so much. Though as short and simple as your reviews are I am happy that you are enjoying my story and I find your observation to be very perspective. Your aware of certain things that I have written in my story, that's just awesome. I look forward to your future reviews my friend.
Loki: I detest that.
Sure you do~
But anyways thank you anyways for those who follow/favorite this story like stalkers and never comment but that is fine either way cause moon moon and Akera make me happy enough with their comments *gives them Loki plushies* they can get the top pull on future choices that I'll present in the sequel. It would be like Dragon Age or Mass Effect your choices could effect the plot! Isn't that a fun idea? But of course it'll be a vote. So until the time is right we shall just settle on working for this.
Enjoy the chapter folks~
Chapter 8: Fight and Flight
He didn't know whether or not he should be amused or annoyed.
Amused. Because his little mortal ally seemed to be fretting, nervously so. She kept pacing back and forth the length of the Morning Room. A large breakfast nearly worthy of even making Volstagg satisfied resting on the table that she had prepared for the arrival of her father.
Annoyed. Because she had woken early that morning, completing the final finishing touches of her aria and was overly enthusiastic enough to share in her accomplishment. Loki nearly sent a blast of concentrated magic her way when she startled him by barging into his chambers so early before the dawn, just to proudly show him her finished work. And he had never been much of a morning person.
Now they were simply waiting. Irene had sent word to her father that she had completed one of her tasks that took her nearly another week to complete and he was on his way to come and get her finished work. It was no surprise to Loki that Mr. Hawkins would jump on the reasoning for his summoning so quickly. He would have to find out just exactly why the old fool needed such things from Irene in the first place. On a brighter note Irene had made a full recovery with the help of his care, from her sudden weakness due to her disease. What ever that disease was. It was another thing that threatened his plans. He would need to figure out a way to eliminate it.
Permanently.
Only if she remained loyal to him and him only.
It was foolish, maybe: his simple little desire. The tiny little nagging hope in the back of his abyssal conscious, that want and need to be acknowledged. To be noticed. For someone to yearn for his presence over his golden brother. It was always about Thor in the end. No one never looked at Loki and saw Loki, no one. All with being the exception of one mortal girl. Loki could never forget the look of joy, when those brown eyes fell upon his face after he had revealed himself to her, just after her father's brutal strike. How tightly she held him then. Not once had Loki needed his silver-tongue to sway her onto his side, she had wanted to help him willingly. She dubbed him: friend. Held him once more in her arms in her garden a few days prior.
In his many experiences in his long life, Loki didn't know what to make of this little enigma of a mortal.
He spotted her straightening one of the many plate that laid out on top of the table, worrying away at her lower lip subconsciously. He sighed. He appeared next to her side, his hand resting upon her shoulder. "Put your mind at ease, there is nothing to fear Irene." he soothed. At his command he sensed the tension leaving her as she rested her tiny pale hand on his. Soft and oh so breakable. She smiled, her eyes shining with gratitude.
She released his hand and turned to him. Where will you be when father gets here? She looked so much younger than she was as fear crept onto her face. Barely concealed fear. Was she that frightened of her father?
"I will remain here." He said, trying to sound as reassuring as possible. "With you, I shall stay."
Her brows scrunched up. But father would see you! He'll- Loki held a hand up, cutting off whatever else she was about to say. His green eyes flashing as he stared her down. She submitted so easily to his will. He couldn't help that little part of him that hungered for such things. That dark, twisted, part of him. "I'll give you my word that he will not see me-" he told her, lowering his hand down. He snatched a strawberry from one of the many plates of fruit and held it up to his lips with a smirk "-with magic I shall make myself only visible to you, that way I can oversee everything in this little 'transaction'." He took a bite of the strawberry. Enjoying the sweet taste that coated his tongue for a few savory seconds.
Could you really? Irene shuffled nervously on her feet.
The God rolled his eyes. "I am a sorcerer." he reminded, "I make myself known to whom I wish, and currently it will be just you."
His silky words seemed to have the desired effect when she started to calm. A small thankful smile on her pink rose petal lips. It was not much longer after their little talk that they heard the sound of gravel crunching under the tires of a moving vehicle. His little allied mortal's eyes widened He's here! Spinning on the delicate balls of her feet she rushed to the window, peering outside to see the sleek black car roll into a stop, the skirts of her dress moved with her movements. Irene had settled herself in simple white Midgardian gown. It was nothing glamorous, but he never really seen her in anything worth of her noble status. Not rich but not cheap either. She would had fit in with what the mortals would call 'middle class' easily enough.
What should I tell father? She asked him earnestly once she moved away from the window. They could both hear the sounds of doors opening and closing.
"Anything," He said "you have the power here. You have what he wants, exploit it. You are of age here, yes? Try and improvise and if your caught in a loop I will lend you my assistance." With that he murmured a spell under his breath, the welcome wave of magic washed over him.
I am not called Loki Silvertongue for no reason.
She pouted a little before taking a seat at the table. Loki on the other hand went to the nearest wall to lean against. The perfect spot so that he could see everything. And Soon (that old bat) Mr. Hawkins and (that useless oaf) Doctor Labelle entered the room. Both of them looking please when they spotted the feast of food before them.
"Irene." Mr. Hawkins greeted her gruffly. He sat in the chair directly across from his daughter.
Mrs. Labell helped herself and sat down on Hawkins' right side. She offered no words of greeting but she nodded her head at the young girl. Her icy eyes calculating as always. Something about them made Loki seem very much aware of her.
Hello father, Irene started out timidly. I trust your trip here was well?
Mr. Hawkins grabbed a clean plate. Busying himself with piling some fruits and eggs and that wondrous things called bacon, with the amount of food he was piling up Loki couldn't help but cringe in disgust. "Traffic as usual" Hawkins' gravelly voice sounded "but that is to be expected from a city like Montreal...and the fact that idiots there can't seem to drive worth a damn." The old fool dug into his spoils. Not even thanking his daughter for the meal she so graciously prepared for him that morning.
He leered at this Midgardian abomination.
Irene noticed his distaste and spared him a second glance before focusing on her father once more. Neither of her mortal guests noticed.
I am happy you arrived here safely, she continued diplomatically. Thank you for coming in such short notice, I would have assumed you would have taken longer and had returned to Ottawa by now.
"I would have," Mr. Hawkins' concurred. "if S.H.I.E.L.D. left our country. That Coulson bastard is still roaming around here, and I don't like it."
"Only temporarily." Mrs. Labelle spoke, surprising them all for a moment when her smooth sultry voice joined the conversation. "I heard that he would be returning to the States soon, his organization is up to something per usual."
"You know this how?" Irene's father asked skeptically.
The doctor's face broke out into a smile, an eerie one. "I have my ways." She helped herself to some of the fruits, her dainty hands grasping on of the many cherries there and popped it into her mouth. Her chewing was slow, calculated, seductive. Her chilly eyes bore into the man that sat next to her.
Loki rolled his eyes, not as effected by the wanton display that clearly got under Mr. Hawkins' skin.
Poor little innocent Irene seemed a bit put off by what was going on his front of her.
"So..." The woman started, her eyes turning from what was seemingly one prey to another. "Have you been taking your medicine? You seem much better than usual, as if your not sick at all." Mrs. Labelle's blue eyes raked up Irene's figure with observing eyes. Loki saw that little movement between her brows as if she was puzzled by Irene's good recovery.
Interesting...
Yes... Irene started carefully. Clearly uncomfortable by being so closely examined. That's what medicine is suppose to do right? Make one better?
A forced, cheerful, smile made it's way onto Labelle's face as she clapped her hands in front of her in mock merriment. "Of course!" she crooned, her voice was sickly sweet. "I am so happy to see that my treatment is working!"
Loki kept his face blank, watching when his mortal ally smiled happily at her Doctor. She may not be able to tell the difference between truth and lies.
But he can.
And that was most certainly a lie. He moved from his spot by the wall, ignoring the questioning and anxious look Irene shot his way as he circled around the table so he could see both the mortals' faces. His green eyes blazed with heated fury. His lips turning up with a sneer. The two of them remained in their seats, ignorant of his presence and continued on.
"So, where is this finished work of your's?" Mr. Hawkins' dabbed the corners of his mouth with a napkin.
As if snapping into action Irene picked up a yellow file holder and held it out to him. Her eyes wide and expectant. Like she was wishing to have approval from the man who sired her. The familiar sight tore at his soul a little with how much it reminded him of himself. He found himself sympathizing with the young mortal girl when her father said nothing when he had the folder in his grasps. He opened it hurriedly to scan the contents within. His brows shot up as his eyes scanned each page of Irene's masterpiece.
"This is more than what I originally expected." He admitted after a few moments of silence. The eyes that matched so well with his daughter's narrowed. "Why so much effort into this one?"
Irene fidgeted for a moment. Her pale cheeks heating up as she suffered her father's scrutiny. I was thinking...if I could have some funds of my own. I am nearly twenty-two and I wish to branch out. The medicine Doctor Labelle prescribed me is working and I wish to travel to the ci-
"ABSOLUTELY NOT!" Mr. Hawkins' yelled, outraged.
But father-! Irene flinched with fright when the older man stood up abruptly, the chair he was sitting on crashing loudly to the ground. Mrs. Labelle didn't seem to bat an eye at his sudden spout of rage.
Mr. Hawkins' hands slammed down on the table's surface. The plates and the food jumping in the air from the disturbance as glasses full of water spilled unceremoniously over. Mrs. Labelle was quick to snatch Irene's aria away from the harmful mess.
"We had went over this years ago!" The words left the man's mouth in a heated fashion, not once did he stop to let his daughter interrupt him. "You are never to leave this house! Do you hear me?! NEVER! As long as I breathe you will stay here, under my roof, under my care, and under my supervision! I provided you everything! I provide this food, this house, your animals, and you have the nerve to question your own father! Me! Who gotten you a doctor while this disease ripped you slowly apart! You may not remember it! But do not forget whose fault it is for the death of your mother! YOU!" Snatching the nearest glass the man violently pitched it at the girl's head. Loki intervened as he murmured a spell that would make it go off course, it barely missed the girl as it shattered against the wall behind her. The arms she had raise to defend herself lowered as confusion showed on her face when there was no impact made.
The God strode to her, standing directly behind the trembling girl and grasped her biceps lightly. She flinched at the sudden contact as she stared at her father in horror. She hardly seem to register it was him. He must confess, this outcome was unexpected. The conversation escalated quickly.
"MURDERER!" Hawkins' hissed venomously.
So, that is one piece to the puzzle solved as to why her father hated her so. He blamed her for some inevitable incident many years ago. It seemed a bit unfair, even to Loki. It acutely explained why Irene's mother never made herself known. She was very much dead as Mr. Hawkins' put it. Whatever the accident was, Irene was tied to it.
It was time to step in a little.
Leaning forward, he bent at the waist so his head was leveled with the frighten girl. Her silken hair brushed against his cheek but he ignored the sensation as he turned his head just an inch. His lips brushing the shell of her ear, it made her shutter but she seemed to become aware once more to his presence. She smelled like the roses in her garden and...something else, he couldn't put his finger on it. He swatted that thought out of his mind and focused on the task at hand.
"You are no murderer." he whispered fervently in her ear. "A child! That was what you were! An innocent child that had the blame of one death thrust upon her shoulders! This man before you is nothing, unworthy of your love and devotion. He is the monster." His slender fingers tightened around her arms. "Why suffer under this blundering fool's subjugation! Why let him treat you as if you were a relic? To be left and forgotten until you become useless and rot! YOU hold the power..." His voice trailed off, becoming more silent as he projected his own rage at Odin into her. "You have what he wants..." His thumbs brushed against the skin of her arms soothingly. "Exploit it."
His lips curled upwards as he saw something flash in those brown eyes. A large spark. Anger. She was angry. Not at him of course. His words tugged at the emotions he wished to expose. It would give her strength. He released her when she stood. She was a head shorter than her father, but she didn't cower.
I was a child! You can't blame me for something I had no control over! IS THAT WHAT THIS IS ABOUT!? The Trickster could nearly imagine a shrill voice with how quick and rapid Irene's sign language was. Her father looked startled at her sudden rebelliousness. Oh, this was just to good to be true! It felt like he had received the biggest gift on his name day as the little show continued.
You lied to me! You told me that I would remain here until I got better! Irene accused.
"Does it matter?" Mr. Hawkins sputtered, his face turning into a unflattering shade of red and purple. "YOU OWE ME YOUR LIFE!"
I OWE NOTHING! She countered. Her eyes watered as the emotions poured out. Anger, sadness, confusion, betrayal, disbelief, fear, grief- so many emotions Loki could see on her face.
"TELL ME!" Loki blinked as his own voice rung in his head. The demand he had shouted at Odin that fateful day when he found out his damnable heritage. Was that very expression he had on his face as well? He suddenly didn't find this very amusing no more.
I knew you hated me father. I never knew why...for the longest time I thought it was because I was sick and weak and an utter disgrace to your family name! You never told me why mother was gone! Never explained what happen, or where my sister was! I don't even remember her name! She looked so genuinely distraught.
Mr. Hawkins' nostrils flared when he exhaled through his nose angrily. "Fine, you wish to know? Then let me tell you!"
\oooo/
Ice storm of 1998: Outskirts of Montreal, Canada...
"Are you mad Aelwen? There is no way you can make it to the hospital from here in this storm!" Mr. Hawkins said nervously. He stood in the doorway, holding his youngest daughter in his arms. It was very upsetting how still she was, barely conscious with a high fever. His nerves were shot. He had a difficult time placing his eldest daughter to bed, she had refused him time and time again claiming that she would not sleep without her baby sister. Since the moment of their birth they had never been separated until now, it took a lot of convincing on his part for her to sleep.
"You know we can't wait, Greg." His wife, Aelwen, replied softly with her still noticeable Scottish accent. She was packing a bag of blankets,food, and a portable heater just in case. She buzzed around their large living room. Her long dark hair swayed as she waltzed about, her face set into 'there-is-no-room-for-argument' as her green eyes pierced into him. "At this rate Irene won't survive long enough for this storm to end." She scurried to the kitchen, mumbling about 'water' under her breath.
His lips pressed together in a grim line. "Can't I at least go with you?" he pleaded.
She laughed loudly. It sounded beautiful and rich to his ears as he went over to the couch and sat down. He rested Irene on his knees as he observed his loving wife. Aelwen was breathtaking as always she emerged from the kitchen with bottled water in her hands. Tall, slender, elegant, she was the picture of an European princess. Her movements were fluid and confident, graceful and poised. Her white attire, in stark contrast to the dark surroundings of the room, clung seductively to her sensuous body. Her chestnut hair accentuated her wide oval eyes and pearly teeth as she flashed a dazzling smile that always captivated her husband.
"I'm sorry, mo ghaol, but one of us must stay and watch Liera." she reminded him.
"I know..." he said, slightly disappointed. "I just don't think that going out into the storm is wise. It's dangerous."
His wife came over and planted a gentle kiss upon his brow. "I will be safe, I promise." she cooed lovingly. She went over to the bag and placed the bottled water within and zipped it up. "When we get to the hospital, if the storm gets worse, than Irene and I will stay there until things are better."
Greg narrowed playfully at Aelwen "You better!" They stared each other down before they burst out in fits of giggles. They stopped when Irene let out a small whimper. Looking down at his little girl, Greg saw that her face was scrunched in discomfort, her round cheeks were red from the ongoing fever. He ran his much larger hand through her wild locks of hair "Shhhhhhh..." he soothed. Irene only whimpered again, eyes blinking open to stare at him. Those same russet eyes as his own stared back at him. Poor thing was clearly suffering as big fat tears formed in the corner of her eyes.
Aelwen came to join him on the couch. She leaned against him and glanced down at the little toddler with a big grin. "Hello, mo bhilis, I'm so happy to see your awake." she greeted. His wife's green eyes sparkled joyfully when Irene recognized her mother and sputtered out something that sounded much like 'mama'. The poor girl couldn't even talk straight.
Greg blinked when the little girl was snatched from his possession and into the arms of his wife.
"Having a hard time sleeping?" She asked. Little Irene blinked sluggishly before nodding. His wife playfully hummed and pretended to be thinking hard before exclaiming a loud 'ah-ha!' and settled Irene more comfortably in her lap. "Do you want me to sing you a little song?" She waited patiently until her little girl nodded her head again. Greg leaned back against the cushions to watch, his lovely wife was known to sing for the children. Though all her songs were from her native country of Scotland he never had a clue what they were about since most of the time she sang in Gaelic.
Aelwen started to sing softly, running her fingers affectionately through Irene's shorter locks. Never once did she looked away from the child's round face.
"Dheannain sùgradh ris a nighean duibh
N' deidh dhomh eirigh as a 'mhadainn
Dheannain sùgradh ris a nighean duibh
Dheannain sùgradh ris a'ghruagaich
'Nuair a bhiodh a' sluagh nan codal
Dheannain sùgradh an àm dùsgaidh
'N àm na siùil a bhith 'gam pasgadh
Di-Luain an dèidh Di-dòmhnaich
Dh'fhalbh sinn le Seonaid a Aircaibh
Riof 'gha ceangal 's riof 'gha fuasgladh
muir ma guallain fuaim is fead oirr
Null ma Chaolas na Ròimh
b'fheudar dhuinn am bòm a leaiseadh
Null ma chaolas na Fraing
Maide 'na làimh is gaoth 'gha greasadh
Dh'fheumadh pòrsan thigh 'nn à bùth dhith
Ged a bhiodh e crùn an cairteal
Ged a bhiodh e crùn an óirleach
Dh'fheumadh pòrsan dheith thigh 'nn dhachaidh."
Like magic Irene was once again asleep. This time more peacefully in her mother's arms as the woman held her closely like she was the most precious treasure in the world. Greg's heart swell with love at the sight of the woman he adored and his child. They sat there together for a few moments longer until Aelwen glanced up at the clock and stood. "We best go..." she said. She handed Irene back to him and gave him the instructions to get her dressed in warm clothing as she went to go get her thick jacket and winter boots. Once they were both ready, Greg hastily put on his coat and carried the bag to the car. Aelwen followed him with Irene in her arms and placed her in the child booster seat, making sure she was safely tucked in before closing the door.
They both shivered when the icy wind blew at them. Greg squinted his eyes as he watched the icy hail and snow plummet down on the Earth, the roads looked icy and dangerous. He prayed the winter tires he had bought this year would be good enough. "Be sure you both come home safe!" he yelled over the howling wind. He reached out and grasped his wife's hands, squeezing them and taking in their warmth. She stared back at him, her eyes were wide as if she were taking in every feature on his face. "I will." She promised, she boldly stepped forward and captured his lips.
Her lips were warm and soft against his own, something that he always committed to memory every time he was deployed. Now was no different as he wrapped his arms around his wife and brought her close, his heart aching in his need for her. He loved her more than life itself, more important than the air he breathed, more important to him...than his own children. If he were to lose little Irene, he would lose a potential musical prodigy, but it didn't matter as long as he had Aelwen at his side. They would still have Liera. He knew that deep down his wife would be heartbroken at the lose of her youngest. It would hurt her to see Liera grow up only to see what little Irene could have been. He and his wife had been blessed with identical twins. But if Irene were to die it would be like a curse for his poor, sweet, Aelwen.
They broke apart, gasping for breath. Greg leaned forward, his forehead rested against her own. "I will see you when you get back." he said hoarsely.
His wife's chuckles echoed in his ears.
"I love you."
With a quick peck to the cheek she spun on her heels and climbed into the car and turned on the engine. The high beams from the headlights blinded him for a moment until she started to pull out from the driveway. Lifting a hand to shield his eyes he saw her wave at him through the driver's window before driving away down the road and out of his sight.
He never could have guessed that it would be the last time that he wold ever see his loving Aelwen again.
And he would always regret never saying that he loved her too.
After the departure of his wife and daughter, the storm grew worse. The phone lines were out, there was no way of reaching anyone as the area he and his family lived in experienced a massive blackout. Despite this fact he continued on, taking care of Liera during the day. Until the first day past, and then the next, and then the following after that. His worry grew until the point it was starting to consume him.
Until one morning he received a knock on his door. He nearly ran to it and jerked it open with excitement as he readied himself to welcome his wife home. But to only be filled with dread when he met the stern, grim, faces of two officers. They came bearing bad news. That while on the way to the hospital his beloved Aelwen hit a batch of black ice and got into a head on collision with an S.U.V.
Neither she, or the other driver made it out alive.
Irene was the only survivor. She was at the Montreal's children hospital under intense care. She had the case of Haemophilus influenza and suffered a case of hypothermia due to how long she had been exposed to the cold.
When the news was delivered he had never felt so numb before in his life.
As if life had just lost all meaning.
When his daughter was released from the hospital and back into his care he couldn't help but watch her. Little Irene, perfectly healthy like a five year old toddler should be.
"Papa! Papa!"
Her voice sounded grinding to his ears.
If she wasn't ill in the first place, her mother wouldn't have needed to go out into that hellish storm. If she didn't exist, his sweet Aelwen would still be with him. If she weren't born, he would have been happier!
Mr. Hawkins bitterness for Irene over time turned into resentment. He couldn't stand looking at the little girl, even after two years after his wife's death. With the inheritance he had gotten from his father, which included the giant estate hidden in Stanbridge East, he decided that he would send her there with a caretaker until she was at an age when she could fend for herself. With the debt she owed him in the expense of his wife's life, he would take her music. He would take everything from her, like she did to him.
He would make sure of it.
\oooo/
Everything was silent.
Mrs. Labelle was still sitting there without much care in the world, Irene's aria resting in her lap as Mr. Hawkins' tale came to an end.
Irene, though, looked horrified at his admission in finding out the truth of why she was there in the first place.
Even Loki himself was solemn. He deemed that family quarrel had gone on long enough. With the wave of his hand he murmured a spell that induced sleep on those he cast it upon. And under his influence Mrs. Labelle started to nod off first, she resisted of course, her eyes blinking rapidly. She frowned in confusion until she couldn't fight it anymore and fell into a deep sleep. Mr. Hawkins' was much easier to oppress as he fell back, landing on the floor with a loud 'thump'.
Irene jumped back, startled.
She looked over at the God of Mischief, who was staring down at the two sleeping humans with boredom.
"That's quite enough of that." he said.
Loki faced his human ally, a dark brow rose in question. "Are you alright?" His concerned seemed to make her relax a little as she nodded her head. She rested a hand on her chest, trying to calm that furious beating heart of her's.
How did they...? She gestured at the two unwanted guests.
"A spell." Loki assured. He frowned as he glanced at the table "That was a waste of good food." he mumbled. Walking over to the fallen form of Mr. Hawkins' his lips curled up into a sneer as he tapped his booted foot against the large man's head. He ignored the exasperated look Irene sent him and bent his knees, his hands patting along Mr. Hawkins' form until he found what he was looking for and pulled out a 'wallet'.
"This is what Midgardians have to hold their funds, correct?" He opened it and glanced inside. Finding weird little square cards, and colorful paper that he assumed was the currency. His brows rose as some of them had certain numbers on them and pictures of people. Snatching what they would need he handed it to her when she confirmed that it was indeed; money.
He should have known that her father would have been to much of a wildcard to play. It was a waste of his valuable time. Slicking a hair back he inhaled and exhaled through his nose slowly. His mind produced multiple options, some more appealing than others. He faced his mortal ally, and saw how she was looking at him. She was frightened, her anger had melted away into nothing, leaving a somewhat broken shell. Loki frowned at the sight. An odd sense of kinship flooded his chest as those watery brown eyes focused on him.
What are we going to do now Loki? She asked him sadly.
Loki dumped the wallet on Mr. Hawkins' and shrugged his shoulders. "We have what we want, but I am certain that you are not safe here no longer." He stepped over Irene's father and moved to the figure of Mrs. Labelle, doing similar actions as before and found nothing until he notice a little satchel dangling off the chair and snatched it. "You will have to moved to a different location, far away from here..." he paused for a moment. "Possibly out of the country to one of the many other Kingdoms for protection." He pulled out a generous some of money and smiled at the unconscious woman in mock gratitude.
Protection? Leave the country? Loki it's madness! I...I never left Canada I don't know where to go! What if my father get's my hands on me if I flee? She questioned in panic.
The God returned to the distressed girl and placed a hand hesitantly on her shoulder. "Do not worry..." he started slowly, considering his next words carefully "You had graciously helped me when I was weak, offered me shelter, food, and companionship." his expression was grim "They say that if you pledge loyalty to a God, or make a promise, you shall always be protected. And you had called me, Loki Laufeyson, your friend." His expression lightened, taking a bit of a chance to allow her to see his vulnerability, his fears. The sheer want of acceptance. "Would you help me? Like you said you would, in my quest of returning to Asgard? Would you swear your loyalty to me and no other?" His hand trailed up from up her shoulder to her cheek, her flesh was soft beneath his finger tips. "I will admit...that I am not the most easiest person in the Nine Realms to get along with, or that I may not always be truthful." He couldn't always be as truthful as one could hope. Absentmindedly Loki tucked a stray lock of Irene's hair behind her ear, a twisted smile curling onto his lips as the girl flushed. Leaning forward his lips brushed against her exposed ear, his breath fanned against it which caused the girl to shiver as his voice dropped into a much lower and menacing tone. "If you agree, there would be no turning back. This will be your only chance to choose whether or not you stay or go, it is up for you to decide. If you say yes to my proposal, remember that I am a not so generous God. And I am quick for jealousy, remember that for it could be your undoing."
Loki swiftly moved away from her. His face becoming the perfect mask of indifference.
When her silence dragged out, he found himself holding his breath. The feeling of disappointment started to gnaw at him. Perhaps he was wrong and she didn't want his company no more? Did she change her mind with wanting to help him? Was she no different then the others? Just when he was about to give up he saw her bob her head. He blinked.
Loki watched as the corners of her lips turn up. Her eyes shimmering happily even though there were still traces of fear. She hastily pocketed the money he had handed to her.
Yes. She said simply.
The God's brows furrowed. "Yes, what?" he asked slowly, if not a bit cautiously.
Now it was her turn to approach him. She came to stand directly in front of him, so close close he had to really crane his neck so he could look down at her.
She took a deep breath and signed. I, Irene Hawkins, solemnly swear that I will uphold my promise to you, Loki Laufeyson, in helping you find a way to Asgard. I will be your friend, and I hope that one day you will see me as one too during our alliance. I will offer any assistance in any way I can-though I must warn you I'm not really a fighter-and I will agree...to your terms. I will go with you.
Just then he spotted something in her gaze asides from the fear and happiness.
Playful mischief.
The breath he was holding was released and his shoulders relaxed just a little. Smiling lazily at her now he bowed his head in acknowledgement. "We have a deal then." he responded smoothly.
So what now? They won't stay asleep forever I doubt, where do we go? She inquired, pointing out the two sleeping figures of Mrs. Labelle and her father.
This time, it was Loki who shot her the mischievous smile.
"Grab what is most valuable to you." He advised. "We are leaving now."
Another chapter wrap! Though I am not so impressed with this one, not sure if it's just me but yeaaaaaaa. Irene's Mother with a name! Progress! And we learn of her sister Liera, who is her identical twin! Shocker. So we know the fate of the mother, but what has happen to her sister? Dun, dun, duuuuuuun! I was hoping for a bit of drama between Mr. Hawkins (Greg) and Irene. But no worries folks even if Irene and Loki leave the house I do assure you that Mr. Hawkins and Mrs. Labelle would return with vengeance. Their motives will come to light sooner or later but at least you all know WHY Irene was put there in the first place.
Next chapter would most likely be them fleeing from Irene's estate in search of a different place.
I am not going to spoil much for you but I just hope that it is good.
So Irene has a bit of Scottish heritage! Nice! The language her mother spoke was Scottish Gaelic which is indeed different from the Irish Gaelic.
Mo bhilis- is my sweet heart in Gaelic it was what Aelwen called Irene.
Mo gradh- is my love
and the song was a Scottish Gaelic child song called Dheannain sùgradh. It translates to The dark haired girl.
In English:
I played with the young dark-haired girl
When I woke in the morning
I played with the young dark-haired girl
I played with the long-haired girl
When everyone was asleep
I played when we woke
And when the sails were unfurled
On Monday, after Sunday
We left the Orkneys on the Seonaid
Reefs taken in and reefs shaken
Waves under her bow, and her booming and whistling
Across the straits of Rome
We had to keep a tight grip on the boom
Across the narrow waters of France
She was under control and the wind driving us
chorus
She wouldn't want a gift from a market
If a crown was her share
Even if it were a crown of gold
She wouldn't want a gift brought home to her
So I really hope you guys enjoyed it (i'm skeptical about it lol)
love, review, and see ya around in the next chapter.
-Shizu