Loki couldn't believe how hard it was to find a decent Asgardian-esque meal on Midgard, but he had done it. The bags he had carried back to the fortress included such things as pheasant, quail, plumb pudding, pies, and apples (one of his personal favorite treats). He had, of course, transferred the meals from their idiotic plastic containers to real dinnerware.

Now, as he stood yet again outside of his telepath's door, he couldn't help but feel a bit nervous. What if she didn't like anything he had brought? What would he do then? Force her to eat it? That surely would not endear him to her.

He was a ruler, for Odin's sake! What was he doing standing there pouting like a newborn waif? He straightened his shoulders and entered without knocking. The girl sat behind a book, which seemed to be a regular accomplishment of hers. He smiled and cleared his throat to regain her attention.

Paige looked up from her book and smiled at him. Good. You're back. She stood, showing off her beautiful new dress. What do you think? I figured, why wear modern attire in the presence of a prince? I thought this dress would fit the situation much better.

Loki couldn't help but smile. The ladies of the Asgardian court had nothing on the beauty before him. The dress fit her perfectly, hugging every curve and floating behind her like white silk wings.

She took a step closer to him. Thank you for all the beautiful new clothes. I've never had so many dresses in my life. She blushed, immediately regretting how small and dependent she sounded. Well, anyway... What did you bring us?

Paige crossed the room and sat down at a nice little table, just big enough for the both of them to share a meal upon.

Loki waved a hand over the table and the items he had stored in thin air appeared, perfectly placed. Good. All to his satisfaction, and all according to plan. The smell of food made even his mouth water. Paige must have been starving.

He seated himself in the second chair and tapped a finger on his knee, trying to decide what to devour first. He covertly watched the girl to be sure she didn't mind the fare. Hoped she was just similar enough in her tastes to enjoy the cuisine he adored. If so, he would bring out the real showstopper. His fingers twitched, waiting to summon the final item he had purloined.

It took everything within her not to dive right in like an animal to the food in front of her. She hadn't realized how hungry she was. But, she had to act like a lady.

Paige carefully picked up her silverware, cut a piece of the meat, and took a bite.

This is absolutely delicious. You must give my regards to the kitchen staff. She glanced down and saw him nervously drumming his fingers. Aren't I supposed to be the nervous one, your highness? She teased. ...Well, say something. Goodness, I don't know when I am and am not broadcasting. At least say something to let me know you're still hearing me.

"Deepest apologies." Loki silently scolded himself for not being more attentive. "I am able to hear you perfectly. The meal is to your satisfaction, then?" He quickly regained his confidence and waved a hand in the air with a flourish. A bottle of wine appeared and he flicked another wrist to reveal a long-stemmed glass. "I hope you don't mind. I appreciate a glass or two of wine with my dinner."

He popped the cork and poured himself a glass. A swish in the bottom to aerate it, and then he sipped slowly. Mm. Yes. Simply divine. Not quite as good as Asgardian wine, but as close as he was bound to get here on Midgard. He leveled his head to make eye contact with Paige.

The meal is wonderful. Paige watched as he obviously made a show out of making the wine appear. He was so prone to large displays. Simple just wasn't his style.

"Where are my manners?" Loki raised the bottle invitingly. "Would you care for a glass?"

Paige eyes the red liquid in the glass. She'd seen her mother drink wine many times, especially after her father had died. Her mother had gotten drunk many nights off of good bottles of wine. She herself had sworn off of it. Too much trouble for just a bit of sour juice.

But... she was so thirsty. He had planned this, hadn't he? Did he wish to get her drunk?

An image flashed through Paige's mind. A memory of the island. A memory worse than that of the drill. No. She wouldn't let him take advantage of her like that.

But... she was thirsty.

Um... I'm sure just one glass couldn't hurt.

Loki presented a secondary glass with a flourish and poured just the right amount of wine into it. He gracefully extended it in Paige's direction. She probably thought he was after something, but in truth all he wanted to do was talk. If she would allow him the pleasure. It wasn't often that he found himself wanting to get to know a beautiful young lady such as his telepath, and the wonderful meal before them presented just such an opportunity. He couldn't resist.

He waited for her to take the glass.

Paige hesitantly took the glass from him and took a sip. The cool liquid on her tongue made her only want more, but she held back and set the glass down. She remembered that she must act proper, and gulping down a whole glass of wine, despite her thirst, would not be proper.

Thank you. Everything is wonderful.

She ate in silence for a moment, as she tried to sort through her thoughts. Silence. She'd lived it for so long. Earlier, he said that he could heal her, and she hadn't stopped thinking about it since. What would she do if she could speak? What would she say?

Earlier, you said you could restore my vocal cords. How is that possible? They're deformed. She shook her head and looked at him. I don't know if I'd even want it. I've been this way for so long... Even if they worked, I couldn't speak. She blushed as she finished her thought. I don't know how.

Loki sipped his wine and settled the long stem in an empty spot on the table. "There is no need for shame. I know many Asgardian remedies that would easily rectify your ability to speak aloud. There are not many things impossible when you know the science behind them." He paused to take a bite of the pheasant before him. A little greasy, but edible nonetheless. "And I do not mind that you do not know how to speak, either. I like this feeling. This... you in my mind. A refreshing change from many Midgardian customs." He couldn't help the smile creeping onto his face. And he detested himself for letting his emotions show. How would he ever win her over if he couldn't control himself?

Paige smiled and looked away, taking another bite of her meal. She wasn't sure what kind of bird she was eating, but it was delicious. Another sip of wine brought on another urge to gulp the whole thing down. Still, she refrained and set the glass back onto the table.

I used to speak with a friend of mine using only thought. It made things a little difficult, because we were more open with our emotions, but that was the beauty of it. An entire conversation transmitted through the speed of thought. Emotions, hopes, dreams, desires, words... all rolled up into one. She glanced at him, trying to hide a smile. You must think I'm such a hopeless romantic, talking of hopes and dreams.

She couldn't help herself, her thirst. She took another sip of her wine.

But, back to our conversation about my lack of speech... My vocal cord deformity is a birth defect. I'm my parents' only child. My mother was lucky she had me, and I'm lucky I lived. She had two miscarriages before I was born, and I was their finally try. One day, she started bleeding and thought she'd had another miscarriage. They rushed her to the hospital and forced my birth. I was four months premature, and the doctors didn't know if I was going to survive. I was so small that I could fit in the palm of my father's hand. They kept me in an incubator for months, tubes down my throat, trying to keep me alive. I lived and grew, but my vocal cords never formed properly. Thankfully, they became paralyzed in the open position, or else I would've had to breathe through a tube the rest of my life. They doctors wanted to do surgery, but my parents refused. They preferred me to be normal, and have to use Sign, than to still have difficulties speaking and have to breathe through the tube. So... here I am, a little silent librarian.

She shrugged, slightly embarrassed by her story. Another sip of wine, this one larger, to wash the pain away.

Loki smiled back at her. "When one has had all hopes and dreams ripped from their clutches, one comes to understand and cherish those who believe in fairytales. I find it quite fascinating." He went out on a limb and revealed a single personal statement. "I only wish I held the capacity to believe in such things."

No longer, he silently added. No longer could he find it in him to believe that such wonderful things existed in the world he lived within. Too many wrongs had been done him, and he had done too many things he could not take back.

Paige gazed into his eyes and sighed. He held so much pain behind them, and her heart went out to him. He must have felt so much pain for all the wrong he had done. She reached out and gently took his hand in her own.

Believe me, dreams are as real as you make them. Like life. Even after years of defeat, hope can still live on. I'm not saying I support your desire to take over the world... She flashed him a mischievous grin. But you cannot lose hope in those things you truly believe in. Life is what you make it. I mean, look at us. You are still my captor and I could be fighting you to the death right now, but instead we're enjoying a nice peaceful meal. Why? Because I have not lost hope. Hope in the kindness of a stranger. Hope in the petty dreams of a scholar; dreams that say magic exists and a silent librarian can dine with a powerful prince. She released his hand and returned to her meal. Just something to think about.

Loki smiled as she released his hand. One more action that said she could possibly come to trust him. He sipped his wine again, noting she seemed to be drinking hers down faster than he could. "If there is anyone who can make me believe once more in fairytales..."

He returned her mischievous grin and broadcast the end of his statement. It's you.

Paige blushed harshly and looked away from him, trying to hide her smile. Just then, realization dawned on her. He had broadcast the end of his sentence. And earlier... when he had spoken of helping her find her destiny... he had broadcast that, too. He walked so easily into her mind, but wouldn't let her into his. Everything began to make sense. The reason he knew so much about her. How easy it was for him to resist her telekinesis.

You're a telepath. Paige stated, glancing at him again. Is that why you've taken such an interest in me?

Loki leaned back in his chair. "Telepathy is just one of my many talents. An acquired art, but teachable nonetheless. Though, I must say," he took another sip of wine and raised an eyebrow. "You took your own precious time coming to that conclusion."

He had thought maybe she'd overlook his apparent telepathy. Smarter than she let on, wasn't she? He liked that in a woman. This woman intrigued him. And she just kept laying on the charm. Hard to resist, which was yet another reason he had chosen her.

Teachable? Paige looked at him like he was crazy. How is it teachable? As if it's something that can be learned! The only reason I can do it is because of the metal contraption in my head. Teachable. She took another sip of her wine as well and finished off the glass. As for how long it took me to figure out you're a telepath... I had suspected so earlier, but was too distraught to be sure. I was waiting for proof. I'm actually quite shocked there's another person like me, even if said person is really a Norse god. She grinned. What does that say, then? That I'm rather like a god, or you're rather like a human?

Loki admired her mischievous streak. She thought she could get away with comparing him to mere mortals? Oh, she had another thing coming. Loki broke out his entire arsenal of mischievous vocabulary and chose his weapons wisely.

"Teachable, yes. You have been granted this gift. The one that makes you unique. Yet another reason I noticed you. Not because you chose to remain as other mortals, but because you superceded their expectations. As you have mine." He picked up an apple and tossed it in the air, then caught it. "I always knew you would. Didn't you?"

Paige narrowed her eyes. Do you think that my gift is the only thing that makes me unique? Then, my prince, you are clearly mistaken.

She lifted her right hand and, with a smirk, telekinetically grabbed the apple midair, causing it to hover for a slight moment, then snap into her hand. She defiantly took a bite.

You have yet to ask me of my other abilities.

Loki regarded the apple in her hand with quiet displeasure. "I am aware that no one has warned you, but resorting to thievery is not a welcome way to attract my attention." He downed the end of his glass of wine and poured another. "As for you other abilities... I believe I know more of them than you do at this exact moment."

Paige frowned and swallowed. It was only a joke. I'm sorry. She picked up her knife, wipe it off on her napkin, and cut the apple in disproportionate halves. Here. Why don't we share it instead? She laid the larger portion down next to his plate. Oh, really? Did you know I play the violin?

Playing the violin was an understatement. Paige regarded herself as a master violinist. She had been playing the violin since she was ten years old and had used it as her only means of audible expression. Her violin, to her, was her voice... and she loved its song.

Loki accepted the apple half, still a bit disgruntled, and bit off a good quarter of it in one smooth motion. He supposed he should be thankful she apologized. So he let it go. "Violin, hmm? Did you know that violin is my favorite mortal instrument? Its voice penetrates the silence with the authority and high tones of a queen. I am quite sure Frigga would love the violin, should she ever come to Midgard." He waited for Paige's reaction. It was sure to amuse.

Paige nearly choked on her bite of apple. O-of course. But, why should the Queen of Realms burden herself with a trip to this lowly planet? Surely you have more wondrous music on Asgard than we humans could ever produce.

She blushed, suddenly feeling very small.

Loki waved a hand dismissively and refilled Paige's glass, even though she hadn't asked him to. "Nonsense. Each realm has something lovelier than the last. Perhaps in Midgard I have simply found that music is its loveliness." Another sip of wine to still his tongue before he started gushing. Why he had been cursed with the ability to speak when nothing presented itself as a subject, he couldn't fathom.

Paige accepted the refill and leaned back in her chair. Then perhaps one day I could play for you. I tend to think highly of my skill, but I'm sure you've only had the best play in your presence. I'm no Vivaldi, that's for sure... Also my style is a bit... modern. I own both a traditional and an electric violin. The electric one has a different and very distinct sound. I'm not sure you'd like it.

Paige took another sip of wine, noting a strange feeling in her head. She had never had more than a few sips of wine in the past, but now she was on her second glass. She set her glass back down on the table, trying to pace herself. The last thing she wanted was to start babbling like an idiot in front of royalty.

Loki finished off the apple and tried not to narrow his eyes as he surveyed the girl before him. "I am certain I would find whatever you choose to play quite fascinating. No matter what instrument you choose to entertain me with."

Paige gave an airy chuckle, more like breath escaping than a laugh. You've never heard me play. She grinned at him. You're not the only one with magic tricks. If I had all my equipment, I'm sure not even you would be able to figure out how so much sound can come from such a small instrument. But, my stuff is still back at my house.

Unknowingly, Paige took another sip of her wine. She was too caught up in the conversation to notice.

Hey, when are you planning to release me, anyway? Not that I'm protesting your company, but I have a life. Friends. Family. You can't keep me here.

Loki shrugged noncommittally. "Why do you think I brought you here, Paige? What thoughts invade your beautiful mind?"

Paige took a second to think about it. Why had he brought her there? I'm not sure why I'm here. It has something to do with my abilities. I know that. You said you want to help me, and I believe you. I also know you have a habit of causing trouble. You nearly took out the whole of New York last time you were on Earth. Honestly, I have no idea why you've brought me here. I'll gladly accept your help, but nothing is ever given for free. What do you want from me in return?

Loki smiled and popped another bite of food into his mouth. Chewing gave him some time to think about it. How should he answer her? She mad a valid point when she said he did usually have ulterior motives. Maybe one day he would learn to outgrow them. So, since he wasn't entirely sure himself, he answered with one single word.

"Trust."

Paige raised her eyebrows at his simple reply. That you will have to earn. She took another sip of wine. I used to give trust away freely. But, not anymore. Not since AVCORP decided they wanted to play with my brain. Not since... well... never mind.

She looked away, realizing she nearly gave away too much information. If there was one thing wine did to her, it definitely made her talk.

Another refill. Loki had to admit, talking about such deep issues made him thirsty. Or angry. He wasn't sure which. Either way, he had swiftly finished the last glass of wine and needed another to calm himself. "This... AVCORP, as you call them. Did they harm you? Are they the monsters you cringe at the very thought of?"

Paige sighed. AVCORP is the abbreviation for Avril Corporation. A group of scientists who love money, power, and weaponry. And, yes, there are monsters. Or, they were...

My friend, Demetrius, is the heir to the company. When his father died, the company went to an evil man. I volunteered for one of their science experiments, and they gave me the implant. I'm sure you saw my memories earlier. They were the ones who did that to me.

But, they made it worse by sending our collective consciousness into a "paradise". They only wanted us out of the way. The head doctor wanted to use the devices to create the perfect soldier. The ones he gave us were prototypes, created by Demetri. Upon a completion of the program, we were to be terminated, since we are not soldiers and the devices cannot be removed without killing the wearer. Demetri was one of the participants, and it would have been a good excuse for the doctor to get rid of his only chance of losing the company.

Two of the other participants, Eric and Minna, saved the rest of us before we were killed. We fought back against the scientists and burned the place to the ground. The doctor was killed in the fire, leaving Demetri as the heir. I have no qualms against AVCORP now, but every time I think of them... I remember what they did to me.

Paige took a large swallow of wine, trying to drown the memories. She didn't want to tell him what else happened to her on that virtual island. The pain and horror she had felt. The betrayal. And all because of her cursed silence.

Loki balled his hand into a fist under the table. Yes, this so-called experiment had given Paige her powers, but he hated how she had been treated. He knew how it felt to be a pawn in another's game of war. And he hadn't liked it. Not then, and not now. If the scientists had not already been slain, he would kill them himself.

He rolled his shoulders back and pasted a smile on his face. "Well, I think perhaps we should speak of a happier subject. Don't you?"

Paige glanced up at her prince and forced a smile. Yes, I would like that. Here I am talking about myself, and all I know about you are probably inaccurate human legends. Earlier you spoke of the loveliness of the Realms. What, would you say, is the loveliness of Asgard?

"Its people," Loki answered without hesitation. "Though I can tell you wonder about my answer. Their loveliness does not always lend itself to well-treated relationships. My brother is a prime example. However, no matter their temperament, Asgardians are lovely people."

He sipped again, remembering the good times before the fall. Before the tortures and the Chitauri. If only he could go back, and be who he once was.

Paige smiled. I'm sure they are... The Realm Eternal. What's it like? I've only heard stories, distorted through centuries of retelling. It must be beautiful. The planet of the gods.

Loki smiled as he thought back on what he had left behind. "Oh, it is amazing. Gold turrets that reach the sky. Stables with innumerable steeds of the finest nature! Halls of shimmering stone and clothes of only the finest silks. Balls held often and feasts held nightly. Tales of amazing feats and songs of the days gone by. Something tells me you would love it. Perhaps, one day, I shall take you there."

Paige smiled as she listened to his description, but then blinked in surprise when he offered to take her there. Me? No, I don't belong there. I'm a mortal. I'd probably turn to ash the second I set foot on the soil. It's a lovely offer, though. Thank you. But, I'm sure your people would view me as lower than the animals.

"Thor brought Jane to Asgard, and she is mortal. Besides, the people wouldn't dare to look down on the guest of a prince. And, no matter what I may have done, I am still their prince." He smiled to hide the pain in his heart and finished off the apple that he had practically forgotten about.

Paige glanced away from him, reminded yet again that he was royalty. If you really think it'd be alright... I'd be honored if you would take me there. In return, perhaps I could show you how lovely Earth can be. We have many more wonders than music. She took another sip of her wine and realized she'd nearly finished her second glass. She should stop. She knew she should, lest she do something she'd regret later.

"As I said, perhaps one day I shall take you there." He downed the end of his glass and poured yet another. Midgardian wine was so much easier to chug than Asgardian. "As for the wonders of this world... I would be delighted if you would show them to me. You must be a very skilled guide in this manner."

Paige blushed. Oh, no. I'm hardly a guide in anything. But, if I am good at one thing, it's research. I'll do some study on the wondrous places of Earth and find those things that would impress a prince. So, tell me more about you. What do you do in your leisure time? Surely you do more than plot to take over the world. She flashed him her signature mischievous grin.

"I used to spend my time practicing my illusions, as few paid me heed." He scowled at the uncomfortable memories.

"Tricksters aren't allowed in this game of war," Thor hadn't meant to hurt his feelings when they were children, but he had. Always bigger and braver, leaving him out.

"What's that? Silver tongue turned to lead?" Volstagg had asked before the Jotunheim incident. A nickname that had stung since his childhood.

"If you hurt him, I'll—"

"Kill me?" It hadn't taken much for him to finish Sif's statement of wrath last time he had been on Asgard. She had always hated him.

The memories swirled in his head like an angry red mist, and try as might, Loki couldn't quench the rage that boiled up inside of him. So many who hadn't given him a chance. So many who might have loved him, if only they had listened. Paid attention. Seen him.

Paige sat very still as she watched his memories. His veil had lowered, allowing her into his mind. She heard the hurtful comments his supposed friends had given him. She felt his pain and rage.

Before he realized it, Loki had flung his glass at the wall, shattering it and sending droplets of wine cascading down the stone.

The shattering glass jolted her from the vision.

Paige tentatively reached out her hand and laid it gently on his arm. She searched for words, trying to find some way to console him, but couldn't come up with anything good enough. Words could not comfort the way a heart could.

Loki wrenched his arm out from beneath Paige's soft, calm hand and almost kicked his chair over in his haste to remove himself from his seat at the table. He moved to the window and stared out into the beautiful countryside.

"Do not pity me, my little telepath. All that has occurred, I have brought on to myself. If I had wanted a different life, I would have chosen a different path to follow. As it is, I shall not bother you with the intricate details of the betrayals I have sustained. Neither will I bore you with the betrayals I have caused. It would only serve to frighten you and further infuriate me." He chortled. "And to think I had the gall to request your trust. I do not deserve it."

Paige stood and joined him by the window, laying her hand softly on his shoulder. Althought I do feel sorry for the way they treated you, don't call it pity. It's more like... understanding. I know what it's like to be mocked for being different. In my opinion, those cowards were not worthy of your presence. I, too, have felt betrayal from supposed friends. At least you could fight your friends. I'm a small woman, and wasn't so lucky.

Loki shrugged her hand off. "Go back to your food and your wine, little girl. Leave me to my odious thoughts. You will not find it wise to anger me further."

Understanding. What good did it do when it couldn't change anything?

"Little girl". His words cut deeper than his blades ever could.

That was hurtful. Just because you're in pain, that doesn't give you the right to shove that pain onto others. Paige hissed inside his mind.

She turned on her heel and strode to her chair across the room, where she had previously been held captive. She picked up her book and flipped it open, not reading it, but simply pouting behind it.

"Do you think that your presence here gives you the right to speak to me in such a tone?" Loki roared, coming away from the window. "Simply because I have hand-selected you to be my companion here, do not think for one moment that it allows you the freedom to disrespect me so!" He stopped in front of her, planting his hands on the table with a loud BANG!

Paige gasped at the loud sound and slowly closed her book. And do you think, my prince, that you have any right to disrespect me simply because you are royalty? Her voice was calm, almost soothing, despite her fear. I meant you no disrespect. But, I must remind you that I am still your guest here, am I not? And I'm still a lady. You should not speak to me with such a raging tone. Calm yourself, then we will speak. She gripped her book tighter with one hand, preparing a blast of telekinetic energy, should she have to use it.

"And there is that tone again." With no warning, Loki dashed around the side of the table and clamped his slender fingers around Paige's throat. The soft, supple skin beneath his hand flexed and moved so easily. He knew he had the upper hand. His powerful muscles around her delicate airways. "As you say, you are my guest here. I allow you to remain unharmed, and in return you will do as you are told."

Memories flooded through Paige's mind. Images of the intruder in her home. Memories of a friend turned savage. A friend who had shoved her against a wall, taken out his knife and... She didn't want to remember.

She reached up and grabbed at Loki's hand, trying desperately to make him release her. Yes. I'll do as you say. I'm sorry. I'm sorry! She felt the tears well up in her eyes and spill over onto her cheeks.

Loki released her then, his fingers opening just enough to slide from around her throat. Now that it was over, he felt a little guilty, but he would never admit that.

He produced an intact glass from thin air and poured himself more wine. He took it to the window, knowing she couldn't possibly wish him to be near her at that moment. No words were necessary, and his would only have harmed further. Memories of his wronged childhood still coursed through his head, filling him with rage.

Paige tried to gasp when he released her, but her throat felt as if it was closing. Soft gasps escaped her throat as she tried to breath.

Her vocal cords had been open. But, of course, they were also paralyzed. Could the grip he had on her throat really have caused them to close that much?

Paige clawed at her throat, feeling as if he still had her. Loki! She cried out to him. I... can't breathe!

Oh, yes. Her paralyzed vocal cords. Hmm. He must have held on more tightly than he had thought. With a roll of his eyes, Loki traipsed back across the room and settled his hand around her throat once more. A few breathy mumblings, and a lot of concentration, and he felt the (only slightly moved) cords peel back to their "open" position. Once he was completely sure her airways were indeed open, he strode back to his position by the window to sulk.

Paige gasped and gave a little cough as she felt her throat open. Thank you.

She leaned her head back against the back of the chair, completely exhausted.