A/N: Hi, here's chapter eleven. The major part of it is a flashback and I'm excited as this is the first thing I wrote, before deciding to go for a full story. It's been revised about half a dozen times, but essentially it's what persuaded me to write a Loki-fanfic. It was fun to write and I hope you will all like it.

And thank you very much to the three reviewers. I was so happy to get comments again after quite a long time. Without any feedback, favourites or followers I wouldn't have the guts to continue this, so thanks to all of you for the support.

The moment Fara stepped into the box the mare approached her to nuzzle her face against the girl's forehead. Fara could not contain the small laugh that escaped her upturned lips. "I've missed you too, my sweet." Her fingers buried themselves deep into the long white tresses of the animal's mane and she closed her eyes to breathe in the familiar scent. Dana's heartbeat drummed against the skin of her cheek and she began to feel the horse's body heat envelop her own frame.

Her father had owned three horses and a pony when Fara had been but a toddler and her mother had always smiled when recalling how her youngest had already been an accomplished rider by the time she uttered her first words.

It had been inside Freyja's stables Fara had sought rest after long hours spent bend over books. There and on the vast fields surrounding her great mistress' hall she had always managed to find peace.

Odin had allowed her to use the stables to her pleasure and offered a box to her own mare Dana. Eight weeks had passed since their arrival and the young sorceress had spent every second day inside the palace stables.

She continued to stroke the soft white fur beneath her finger tips. She finally was at peace.

"So here you are hiding while your sister has turned every corner of the palace upside down in search for you."

Fara gasped and almost tripped as she turned around to face him. He was leaning against the box's door frame, arms crossed before his chest and his lips raised to a crooked smile. Even from the distance that separated them she could she amusement at her clumsiness dancing in his pale green eyes and she felt a strong urge within her to smack it away. She decided that it would not help in his case and instead just said. "What?"

"For tonight's banquet. Apparently she needs your help in deciding on a gown." said Loki. "The reason of which I fail to grasp, since the only colour you are allowed to wear is white."

Fara could only look at him in bafflement. She hadn't been with Dana for five minutes. "Ugh alright. I - I'm coming. Just give me a second." She turned again to the mare in disappointment.

She could sense him straighten up behind her, traces of mischief laced in his honeyed tone. "You know you don't necessarily have to go."

"Of course I do, Sigyn's looking for me."

"And she can continue to do so for another hour or two. Do you honestly believe there are no other women in the palace who could lend her their opinion?" Loki said.

She sighed and turned her eyes once more to him. He raised an eyebrow before suddenly throwing something at her. She caught it with both hands, the question already forming inside her head as she felt the soft leather of the reins collide with her fingers.

"Meet me at the portal." He turned away and walked towards another box.

"What?"

"I'm bored. I need to get out of these walls. Now hurry."

Was he being serious? Her ears were apparently mocking her because that had just sounded like an invitation. How funny, she would laugh were it not so unlikely that Lord High-and-Mighty had actually meant those words.

"I cannot ride. I fear I have to pass on that one." She shouted halfheartedly after him. She still hadn't moved an inch, certain he was jesting with her.

Oh don't forget with whom you are speaking. I can sense a lie before it is formed in the liar's head. Now hurry, I won't wait for you all day. She could almost see that damned crooked smirk of his as she heard his voice inside of her.

Forgotten our manners today have we? She replied.

All she received as answer were faint chuckles.

She tried not to think about the fact that her cheeks were burning as she began to prepare Dana for the first ride in what felt like centuries. Spoiled, mischievous, careless Aesir that he was he offered her a way to sneak out for a couple of hours and relax. With a little luck she could get rid of him on the way and enjoy her day.

Tss, don't even think about it.

Oh how infuriating! Get out of my mind or I shan't come with you.

And again you lie. You don't seem to learn from your mistakes. Another set of tiny laughter.

Dana's reigns in one hand Fara stepped out of the stables and led the animal towards the large golden portal that held the grassy plains of Asgard behind its opening.

Loki, already mounted on an elegant brown steed, raised a brow at her. "Ready?"

She would not give him another reason to sneer at her; before the ride was over she would make that arrogant grin of his disappear once and for all. "Where to, my Lord?" She mounted Dana and looked at the long smooth line that formed the horizon.

He followed her gaze. "How about a race to those trees back there?" She could hear the challenge in his words as she discovered the group of trees he meant.

"What, you think I can't win against you in a horse race?" Fara said.

"I know you can't." And with that he kicked his heels against his steed's flanks and was gone.

Insufferable! Fara tightened her grip around her reins and before she knew it she was gliding behind him over the tall grass.

Her hair danced in the wind, and her heart beat faster and faster – she felt alive like she hadn't in ages as she took in the familiarity of each and every sensation. The sun sent hot rays down upon them until droplets of sweat began to graze their foreheads.

His back was still before her vision but not for long she decided. "Come, Dana." The horse's breath came in unison with her own and she enjoyed the cool breeze as Dana accelerated until she seemed like she was flying over the fields.

She did not look at Loki as she rushed to overtake, but she could imagine the look of utter surprise on his face and began to laugh.

She was laughing like a small girl as she saw the trees not too far away. Loki almost appeared beside her.

"Watch and learn, my Prince!"

Again her body was shaken by the sheer thrill and the mare's rapid movements. She felt joyous, she felt free. She felt happy as the gleaming sun transformed the grass beneath them into a lush green sea.

As if you could outrun me. With eyes fixed on her form the corners of his lips turned upwards.

She could even feel his rapid heartbeat inside her mind as she turned her head and met his gaze for an instant. Her skin radiated excitement and she sent him a brilliant smile as he looking back at her with a challenging look.

The trees grew larger and larger as they drew close and Fara gripped her reins even tighter.

As she halted Dana amidst the lavishly adorned branches she turned and could not contain the squeal that had built up inside her. His face seemed like one of injured pride, but his jade orbs betrayed him as their depths equaled her glee.

"Oh no, your Highness lost, and to a mere commoner none the less." They both dismounted, their breaths still coming in hard waves. "What will people think?"

"Nothing, the problem will be eliminated before word can spread. Why do you think we own dungeons after all?" His cheeks were flushed from the exercise and the hot summer air.

"Do I hear the whimpering of a wounded ego?" She fastened Dana's reins over a tree trunk and raised her arms into the air to stretch her muscles.

He simply sneered at her as he bound his own horse next to Dana. "Nothing that can't be later mended in a rematch." Their eyes met and she enjoyed the satisfaction she saw in his.

Shaking her head Fara said. "Deal."

She let her eyes take in her surroundings - it was only a small group of trees that stood together and a narrow stream had carved its way winding between the roots. The pale pink blossoms that adorned the braches and twigs broke the light until it shone in bright sparkles on the ground. The shadow they provided cooled their heated faces as they bend over the stream and led icy water caught in cupped hands moisten their lips and embalm their thirsty throats. The horses too began to drink the refreshing cool with great eagerness.

Loki leaned his back on a broad spot of bark and closed his eyes. His chest did no longer rise and fall as rapidly as moments ago and his features relaxed until she could have almost sworn he was asleep. No mischief or scheming, just plain calm. She realized she had never seen him like that. Satisfied, yes. Devious, more often than she could bear, but never truly at peace.

Yet at that moment he seemed just that, as if nothing could disturb him.

She blushed when she realized that she was staring at him like some fool and immediately lowered her gaze to her hands which were folded on her lap. She was thankful he could not see her imprudence and was careful to shield her thoughts.

He noticed the barrier instantly and furrowed his brows, eyes still shut. "What are you doing?"

"Even I need my privacy from time to time." She bit on her lip. "I'm not used to having my thoughts constantly on display. Even back at home."

"It's not like I'm going to run off and tell anyone."

"Can I really trust the God of Mischief and Lies on that?"

She meant it as a joke, but as he opened his eyes she was surprised by the gravity they held in their green depths. "Do you think you can?"

Tingling warmth crept into her bones as she felt the walls of her mind lift and melt with his once again. It was a different kind of heat than the burning sun above their flowery shade, one that danced in the pit of her stomach. She let out a small sigh.

She knew he was an accomplished sorcerer, perhaps even more so than he let everyone else know, yet it amazed her with what ease he wielded his magic. She almost felt a twitch of jealousy – almost.

This familiarity had not been given from the start. Even after their first real chat in the library she had barely caught a glimpse of him. Thor had once joked his bother preferred the company of dead things, referring to Loki's scrolls and magical utensils, to that of the living and although it had been meant as a jest Fara knew there was more than just a tinge of truth to it.

He no longer kept away for most of the gatherings and dinners and her initial astonishment had eventually turned into secret delight when he would show up.

It felt natural – this melt of minds – and she was surprised by the hollow feeling it left in her every time the connection was cut. She had gotten quite used to the sense of closeness it provided, telling her she was not alone but in the company of a friend.

She lay down on the ground and the grass tickled her cheeks and neck. Do you often come to this place?

Whenever I can be spared by my family. His words carried some weight with them, something weary. She did not like it.

She turned her head to the side and eyed him suspiciously through the tall blades of grass. Instantly his eyes locked with hers. She caught glimpses of a child alone in the great palace library, teary eyes focused on books as large as his tiny body. A young boy with raven hair sitting alone on the balcony facing the exercise yard on which groups of youths were shouting one name – Thor! Thor! Thor!

The scenes vanished as soon as they had come and Fara swallowed hard as her eyes gained focus over his dismissive features.

She parted her lips, tried to say something, but was still speechless from what she had just been made to see, undoubtedly it had been outside his control.

His face was devoid of any emotion as he glimpsed at the palace's golden form in the distance. Tell me of your childhood.

There is not much to tell.

Still, I want to hear.

Turning her face again toward the brilliant canvas of pink blossoms against a clear blue sky she sighed. I grew up as the youngest of my family, I have seven brothers and sisters. We lived on a farm near the eastern sea in Vanaheim. Our home was surrounded by grassland, almost like this. She smiled inwardly at the memories. "But the grass was of course of a much deeper green."

She could feel his faint chuckle against the inner walls of her temples, vibrating against them and she felt instant satisfaction at having diverted his mind at least for a short time from any heavy thoughts.

Mother would often be in the kitchen, baking bread or pies as my father trained outside with my eldest brothers in sword and bow – he was an experienced warrior.

Was?

My parents died when Sigyn and I were already with Lady Freyja.

Fara heard his breath halter for a moment. "I'm sorry." He spoke in a whisper.

"Don't be. It's not your fault after all." She tried to smile, but failed miserably.

You miss them. It was not a question.

With every fiber of my heart.

No one said anything after that for a long time. It was almost amusing how fast they had switched from light banter to such heavy thoughts in such a short time.

She concentrated on the soft whisper of the wind dancing between the leaves and the lapping of the close water against stones and twigs. Somewhere in the distance she thought she could hear a bird's song, perhaps even the city's busy mixture of noise and music. Time could stand still and they would never notice. Each breath she took carried the faint taste of honey and she wished for one moment they could stay like this forever – just him and her beneath their blossom ceiling, the two horses whickering contently in the background.

I didn't know that Asgard could be so beautiful.

He hesitated slightly before answering her. Perhaps one day I could show you more of its beauty.

I'd love that.

Again that funny feeling spread from her stomach to her limbs and she felt him smiling in satisfaction inside her head.

Do you still think coming here with Lord High-and-Mighty was a bad idea? Mischief had once again entered his words.

You know, the nickname suits you. I'll be using it more often in the future.

Both their heads tickled with the other person's laughter.

She could have sworn her heartbeat faltered a bit when his voice echoed inside her again. But honestly, do you?

She did not miss the slight urging in his tone.

No. she answered. No I'm glad I came. Despite the short time of their acquaintance he was the best friend she had, as close or even closer to her than her sister and she was glad for the tiny moments they could share in each other's company.

Good.

Time did not exist in that moment, she could not bear the thought that they would ever have to return to the palace, that the sun would ever set behind the far away hills and make space for the moon and stars. Could time really be so cruel?

"I think it would be best if I brought you to Asgard." Thor spoke to Jane, his voice soft but decided, the voice of a tired yet concerned king-to-be.

Hours had passed after the fight against Malekith's force and the group, joined by Loki to the surprise of some and to the unease of others, sat together in a room far away from Fury and his suspicious eye. Steve's forearm was bandaged and Clint had cuts above his brows and on his hands, but no one had been severely injured. Fara had offered to at least close those cuts for Clint but he had declined with a smirk.

Darcy lifted her hands, palms turned upwards as she stared at him. "But you can't just leave now that those things know where we all are."

"But it's not us they want, it's Miss Foster." Steve said.

"And there's a chance our healers can help her." Thor rubbed the back of his head with one hand, Mjolnir resting on the table. "Brother, could you bring us back? I still have runes left, but I'm not entirely sure they can carry four people."

This made Fara's eyes jerk up to meet his. "Four? Why four?"

"Well, you, Jane, Loki and myself."

"Me? I-I can't come with you." She shook her head vehemently.

"Why not? Surely Lady Freyja didn't mean for you to remain here forever."

Out with your little secret, servant girl. Jade eyes burned into hers, daring Fara to tell the truth – he, the God of Lies, the trickster!

"Whatever the reasons, you will be under my protection, as will Loki. Now don't worry." Thor told her.

She tried to protest again, her mouth bursting with objections, but then she reminded herself of Loki's smug grin, the challenge in the depths of his cold eyes and she kept quiet, fuming silently.

Willing to commit treason against her mistress, all just to keep her secret safe. The edges of his mind pushed deeper into hers and she tried to fight the urge to simply let him in, completely melt with him and feel the familiar heat. She couldn't let him see everything, the last barrier around her stood shaking, but still it remained intact.

The rest had fallen silent, considering Thor's words.

"When will we leave?" Jane asked, eyes lowered. Fara knew the mortal woman could not be enthused by the idea of leaving her home world, but was there another solution to getting the Aether out of her? If anyone could help them it would be Asgard's healers. Eir...and Sigyn.

"As soon as you are ready. You will be provided with everything you need when we are there." Thor took her hand into his, fingers intertwining. "That is if you want to come. It's your choice."

"I suppose I can hardly stay here and ask that Malekith guy to get that thing out of me himself. And besides, I really want to see Asgard." She smiled up at him, but the nervousness did not vanish from her eyes.

He nodded, furrowed brows setting themselves into a more relaxed position and the tension visibly left his shoulders. Thor looked at the faces around the table. "Then it is farewell from you for now, my friends."

They would rely on Loki's powers to bring them back, even if Thor felt his tongue go dry at the idea. The runes that had brought him and his brother to Midgard were remnant of the time Loki had tried to conquer Earth. Odin had needed to conjure great magic and the task had drained him for weeks. Without the Bifrost or runes Loki was the only option left.

He felt reassurance pump though his veins at the weight of Mjolnir pulling at his arm. The man had fought on their side and protected Jane, but until Loki's true allegiance had been proven he would remain cautious. He cursed his own mind for clinging to that doubt, switching between confidence and suspicion. It seemed trust did not come as easily to him as it used to. Only time would tell whether his efforts were in vain and until then he would try and not let go of the last bits of loyalty to a brother and former friend.

"What if they come back?" Clint asked.

"They might, but I doubt it. They will sense the power gem's absence from your world." Thor's gaze shifted to Loki and the raven-haired man nodded in agreement.

Fara felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to see Natasha's eyes "I guess that's goodbye then."

"Thank you for everything."

"Hey, don't mention it." And the Black Widow hand came to a rest on the Vanir's shoulder. "Stay safe."

"You too."

A tiny laugh escaped the female assassin's lips – a fairly rare sound – and the two women stood up to join the others who had formed a circle around Thor, Jane and Loki.

She bit her lip as she stepped beside Jane, meeting the excited mortal's look.

"And we can be sure those elves will not appear on Earth again if you leave?" Steve stood with hands clasped behind his back. Thor affirmed, hammer clasped tightly in his grip.

"And if you need help or anything, you know, give us a call or something." Tony wore his cocky grin as he winked at the two women.

Thor gave Loki a nod and instantly golden threads weaved a net around the four as Fara saw the world vanish in light. It was as if a golden globe had taken them into its centre, so bright that the sight hur her eyes, yet too beautiful to look away. Her hair brushed against her cheeks as wind carried them forth.

Then it was over.

Loki snickered silently when they landed in the same formation they had been in the base, all steadily on their feet. As if travelling by runes could compete in any way with his magic.

"Wow, we definitely have to do this again some time." The astrophysicist's voice was filled with excitement. Fara walked up to her and Thor who were both standing together a few feet away, hair dishevelled but unharmed. Then she turned her eyes to the skyline and her breath caught in her throat.

The palace's facade glistened like copper in the sun. Far away the mountains reached out to the millions of stars in the sky that were nearly hidden behind the baby blue mask of day and the light reflected by the Rainbow Bridge beneath her feet met her gaze as if welcoming her back.

Asgard.

They were in Asgard.