Dancing First
Loki had been off today.
Ever since he had to pull her from death, he had been more open around her, his emotions no longer masked quite as well. Today, however, it seemed to be no different than several months ago. He was quieter and sometimes his words held a bite of coldness. It had become more apparent to Numina when she had made a mistake in her technique, not concentrating the energy in the manner Loki had instructed her.
"It seems that you have decided to move backwards instead of forwards in the learning process today," he snapped.
Numina finally became overly frustrated by his change in behavior and her own lack of success. The illusions she was practicing on seemed to be looking at her funny, taunting and laughing at her. With a slight tremble in her fingers, blue magic leapt forward, racing towards them. The illusions were engulfed in sapphire flames that formed a tornado of magical energy around them until Numina finally allowed it to die down. The ground was smoldering where her magic had touched and the illusions were gone, the power behind her spell being more than enough to disrupt the magic that held them together
"Perhaps if you instructed me properly," Numina replied flatly, "I would actually be able to make some progress."
Loki's eyes met her own and they held the freezing cold that colored Numina's icy eyes. "Again," he growled. With a wave of his hand more enemies for her to practice appeared, although this time they were not illusions, but instead constructs of stone. To prevent her from destroying them with anything other than what Loki was attempting to teach her, no doubt.
Numina sighed loudly in displeasure, not even bothering to regain her stance. Instead she focused on the stone golems in front of her, annoyance bubbling. She did not understand what had happened to make him treat her as he was. It hurt, she would admit, but she had to find a way to get him to at least converse with her. Her mind wandered back to an event many months ago where she had managed to do just that with his slightly askew barrier lesson.
Her goal for today was to manipulate the illusions and to either push or pull them away from a spot that wasn't herself. She also couldn't use herself as an anchor for her magic because if there were a real enemy that was heavier than herself, she would be the one to be thrown. So far, she had limited success with it, unable to pocket her magic somewhere other than within herself to act on Loki's illusions.
Perhaps this lesson was much like the barrier lesson from before. Maybe it was Loki's intent to frustrate her in whichever way he thought effective to get her to accomplish the true goal he had in mind. Numina diverted her focus on the constructs, what she had initially been told to manipulate and turned it elsewhere. What could she manipulate other than them and still produce the same results? She nearly laughed when the idea struck her. Instead of focusing on the constructs, she focused on what was around them. Not the air, but gravity.
Magic is limited only by the creativity by its wielder, and Numina so far had yet to come across and obstacle she could not think her way out of. She pooled a portion of her magic to a spot in the middle of the stone enemies, channeling it within a pocket between realities, the physical and the metaphysical.
The first time she had breached the boundaries had been many ages ago, a lesson learned from her mother. The metaphysical world ran parallel to the physical one, similar in all appearances except for the lack of time and barriers enacted by physics. Stepping in between the two realities was a trick assassins used, disappearing in a flash of shadows from the physical world, moving to another location as if time had stopped in the physical world, and appearing out of nowhere as they emerged from thick black smoke, a cause attributed to the metaphysical world. Numina now pulled from aspects of the metaphysical world, using her magic as a catalyst and programmer for what she pulled through.
It happened in an instant. Numina applied her catalytic magic, the metaphysical reality was brought forth in a blinding blue tear in the fabric of the physical reality, and from that spot in the center of the constructs gravity was reversed. Explosively. As the wave of antigravity expelled outwards, it had more force than Numina had intended, blowing the constructs away from the center, reducing them to dust in the process.
But Numina had expert control on her magic now. The reversal of physics only acted in a limited area from the rift in realities, limited only to the area in which the constructs once stood. Her skill in magic was growing exponentially. She could hardly believe the power she now wielded.
Numina looked to Loki, expected at least a muted expression of being impressed. All she found was the same cold stare waiting for her, stirred not in the least by her display. At the very least, Numina had expected him to maybe chastise her for manipulating the fabric of reality, a dangerous thing to do for those that were not properly trained. It was one of the few things Numina was actually grateful that her mother had taught her.
"Thor's stupidity and inability to follow instructions must have rubbed off on you in the hours you spend with him," Loki snarled.
And she found the black, beating heart of the issue. Venom had laced his word and his cold expression had attempted to keep it hidden, but Numina was getting better at understanding Loki, at reading him. She saw what flashed through his eyes all but momentarily: jealousy.
"Loki…" she whispered, taken by surprise at the hostility, hurt by it.
If he saw the pain that he was causing Numina, Loki ignored it. "You may have forgotten, but I remember how you all but shrank away from him as if you were fearful for your life."
"He is different now-"
"Yes," Loki scoffed, a cruel smirk framing his lips. "My brother has finally found an ounce of subtly and you have fallen for it as any simple minded woman would." The words were thrown like daggers at a target. "You know," he continued, words dripping with malice, "I was wrong about you. You are just another loose skirt waiting for some handsome man to tear you off in bed."
Loki's words found their mark. Numina's mouth dropped in shock, her jaw tightening at the pain he caused her. Her eyes glazed over and a couple of unbidden tears fell. Numina did not look away from him. He hurt her, and he was going to watch what his words had sown.
"I thought you were different, too, Loki," her voice cracked hoarsely. "But clearly I was wrong about you as well. You are just as shallow and selfish as all Asgardian men are. You see us woman as toys and play with us, caring only for your wants and desires." Numina did not allow Loki to give her a response of any kind before she turned on her heal and vanished into the shadows, stepping between the realities.
Everything stood motionless as Numina walked through the hallway, frozen in time. The world was now cast in a shimmering blue light that tainted her entire surroundings. Falare had said that the way the space between realities appeared changed from person to person. For Numina's mother, everything had been blood red. Numina suspected that a person's character or soul is what colored this boundary between physical and metaphysical.
There were limits though, and as Numina walked through the timeless world, she could hear the white noise growing louder. It would always start softly, but as you lingered in the boundary, it would grow in volume, sounding like waves endlessly crashing onto rocks. The noise would rush through the frozen landscape, the only thing that changed other than yourself.
Two minutes. That is the longest you can stay in the boundary. If you stayed any longer, you risk having the metaphysical world affecting you. There are stories of people who stayed much longer in the boundary, they were eventually driven mad, unable to distinguish between the realities. Others never reappeared. Numina never allowed herself to even draw close to the two minute mark, not willing to risk the danger it possessed. There was a reason those with magic were warned against playing with the realities, there was a reason assassins only used the skill sparingly.
She appeared from black smoke, her pale frame outlined by it as the darkness tried to cling to her arms and legs, tresses wrapping around her. Her sudden appearance startled a few of the maids walking in the hallway, causing one or two of them to drop the items they were carrying; and the guards jumped to attention reaching for their weapons in alarm. Numina paid no mind to them as she quickly threw open the door to her chambers, walking in without a sound.
How dare he! she fumed, lashing out with magic, tipping over a few chairs and tables. A vase fell from one, shattering as it hit the ground, sending flowers, water, and broken shards of glass scattering from the floor. Numina could not help but find it ironic that they were the flowers she had picked on her last trip to the gardens with Thor.
It was rare for Numina to become angry over things. In fact, she actively stove to avoid feeling anger in situations at all costs, but what Loki had said hurt her more than words ever had. She could handle ridicule and insults, but he was the one to say them, to accuse her of being some kind of whore with a loos skirt.
Numina found herself standing before the large mirror that hung from her wall, covering a great expanse from the floor to the vaulted ceiling. The skin around her eyes was red, and as she looked at herself in this vulnerable state, she could not help but think about Loki's words.
Loki was not wrong. Over the past few months, Numina had spent more time with Thor. She found the Golden Prince to be far better company after whatever change had occurred in him after her fall. Numina was able to converse with him and open up. Thor may have been loud and enthusiastic, but it had a certain charm to it. But Numina only thought of him as a friend and had rather rudely told him as much their first trip into the gardens.
Numina had been eyeing the flower for a while now, drinking in its sweet scent. The flower was yellow with trails of white stemming from the center outwards. She did not even notice how far forward she had been leaning until Thor placed a hand on her shoulder, tugging her backwards before reaching for the flower. He plucked it for her, taking care not to crush the stem or petals in under his touch. Numina was blushing fiercely has he handed her the flower.
"Thank you," she had all but whispered, taking the flower from his hand.
"A beautiful flower for a beautiful lady," Thor had said softly.
"You are too kind." Numina had avoided meeting his eyes. "I did not know we were able to pick flowers from the garden."
"You can, within reason," Thor smiled. "Though I recommend not taking them all."
Numina thumbed the petals of the flower softly, loving the feeling beneath her fingertips. Without really considering the words, she spoke. "You should know that I have no intention of letting you pluck my flower, Thor." Numina shocked herself with the boldness of her statement. Before she could rush to apologize for whatever had overcome her to make her say such bold statement, Thor interrupted her.
"I know," he said, voice remaining in the same gentle tone as previously. "And you should know that I no longer wish to. You deserve far better than I, and now I wish to for you only to become a good friend of mine." Thor's smile punctuated the kindness of his words. "If you will allow it, of course."
"I would…very much like that, Thor," Numina said, her own smile spreading on her lips. "To become a friend."
Thor's smile grew as he extended his arm to her, "Shall we continue, then?" he asked.
Numina nodded, looping her arm through his. With flower in hand, the two of them continued walking along the garden paths, admiring the pastel beauty.
The memory was soon abandoned as Numina forced herself to look at the mirror and its reflection. She despised what she saw, what her mother and the others saw: a weak willed girl so eager to please, worrying over every action; yet never standing up for herself, always taking what people threw at her. Numina wanted to be strong, she wanted to flaunt the power she could wield and the strength she did have hidden within her, but she was afraid of what that would make her. Power and strength corrupts. Her own mother had been a wonderful example.
Pale fingers wrapped around the twisted, elegant frame of the grand mirror. With a sharp yank, it was freed from the anchors that held it to the wall. Numina stepped to the side as it came crashing to the ground, shattering loudly upon contact with the marble floor. Shards of the mirror were sent scattering in various sizes. The doors to her chambers were suddenly thrown open at the abrasive sound of things breaking.
"Lady Numina!" her handmaiden called as she rushed into the room, panic lacing her words. Numina watched as the young woman's eyes widen at the mess she saw: furniture strewn about, broken vases, and finally the mirror. "My lady, what happened?!" she asked, voice registering the shock she felt.
There was a multitude of answers that Numina could have supplied. She was angry, hurt, confused, torn… the list could go on endlessly if she truly wanted to think on it. Numina looked from her handmaiden back to the broken mirror that lay in chunks of smooth reflection. "It…was looking at me funny," she finally said, speaking truth that only she would know.
The girl's mouth opened as if to speak, but she must have decided against it, closing it firmly. Numina did not bother to explain and lessen the girl's confusion. Instead adding, "Do not worry about cleaning the mess. I will take care of it when I return."
"Return from where, my lady?"
"Solitude," she replied cryptically before exiting the room.
The young handmaiden was left alone in the lady-in-waiting's chambers. When she entered to find the reason why it sounded like things were breaking in a scuffle, she never would have managed to find Lady Numina in the center of a sphere of carnage. The lady was always kind and sincere, never losing her composure for any reason. The young woman found it odd that she would react to whatever pain she was feeling outwardly or violently.
She sighed loudly, contemplating the best course of action when dealing with the mess and replacing the broken items. The handmaiden turned to leave, her destination being the Queen's chambers to inform her of Lady Numina's strange behavior, as she was tasked with in addition to serving the lady-in-waiting.
Perhaps Lady Numina would prefer a smaller mirror?
~~.O.~~
At one point it had been surprising how easily his mother was able to locate him, but many years had worn down the startling effect of her sudden appearance had on Loki. Though it was not like he was actively trying to avoid her, merely everyone else; and anyone that even knew him slightly was aware that if you ever needed to find him, he was most likely holed up in the library.
"I am glad I was able to find you, my son," Frigga said in a soothing voice, a warm smile coloring her expression. "I have heard that your lesson with Numina was cut short today."
Loki did not look up from the book he was reading. "It was becoming apparent that I was getting nowhere with her today." His words were cold and said blankly.
"Hmm…" the Queen hummed curiously. "I have also heard that Numina has not been seen since then." It was a half lie, the guards and maids were still whispering about her appearance out of thin air.
"And that is important how?" he scoffed, turning a page louder than necessary.
"Do you not care about where she has gone?" Frigga countered.
"I do not find it necessary to concern myself with what Lady Numina does in her spare time," he sighed condescendingly.
"Perhaps you should repeat that again Loki. You might be able to convince yourself the next time."
Loki looked up from his book and at his mother with a soft glare. "Is there something I can help you with, Mother," he said, carefully removing the sour tone that had been accenting his speech.
"You can tell me what you did," she said, stern words cracking against her motherly demeanor like a whip.
"I have done nothing," Loki replied, words laced with mocking offense and sarcasm.
"Hm." Frigga waved on of her hands, warm golden light glowing in her palm. The mirror dropped between them, though it did not shatter. The frame was still scratched from the initial impact, the shards remained the same. It was Numina's mirror. Loki narrowed his eyes questioningly. "Lady Numina's handmaiden ran into her chambers at the sounds of something breaking. Without a word of explanation, Numina left for 'solitude' shortly after." Frigga gave her son a cold gaze. "You have done nothing?"
Guilt was not a feeling Loki experienced very often, but it is what made him shift uneasily under his mother's gaze before he finally had to look away. "Find Thor," he said, his words slightly bitter. "I'm sure he would be able to calm her down far better than I."
Frigga finally understood. "Jealousy does not suit you, Loki," she said.
Loki scoffed at that. "What have I to be jealous about?"
"You tell me," the Queen rebutted. "Better yet, why don't you tell Numina." And with that as her closing sentence, Frigga retreated from the library, leaving Loki alone once more.
Silence encased the library as the doors closed behind her. Loki thought to ignore his mother's words, to ignore the thoughts that were drifting towards Numina. "You are just as shallow and selfish as all Asgardian men are…caring only for your wants and desires." Her words wrapped in pain echoed through him. Why had he treated her cruelly? Surely it was not only because she had taken to walking in the gardens with Thor every now and then? Loki looked back to the mirror his mother had left on the floor. The broken shards were seemingly reflecting the anguish that Numina felt, that he now felt as he deeply regretted his actions.
Loki set the book he had been reading down, rising to his feet slowly. He kneeled down next to some of the shards, not wanting to imagine the look on Numina's face as she had torn it from her wall. How much pain had his words truly caused her? He picked up on of the larger shards, the smooth reflective glass feeling cool to the touch. There was only one way for Loki to find out how much damage he had unintentionally caused. Loki began to mold the glass into the form of an apology.
~~.O.~~
The day was much brighter than the last time Numina had been there; the ocean, much calmer. Yet Numina avoided the cliff, sitting instead on the rocky shore. The waves seemed much friendlier than they had a few months ago, though she did not dare enter. Not out of fear, she would tell herself, but out of caution. Numina had seen the worst the gentle water could be, it would be foolish to chance a second act of drowning.
There was always a gentle breeze coming off the water, tainted with salt. Numina's hair flowed around her in small little wisps that were tugged loose by the wind. Occasionally one of the tresses of her starlight hair would be pulled across her face, tickling her skin. It was only at such an instance Numina would move from where she sat to tuck it behind her ear, although it would only stay there for a short while. Otherwise, Numina sat in silence, allowing the tranquility wash over her as the waves did the shore. Numina sat in solitude.
After what seemed like ages of peace locked in a trance brought by the lull of the ocean, Numina heard footsteps upon the rocks behind her. She could not help but smile cynically as she found herself able to recognize who they belonged to. Not many Asgardians bothered to walk with soft steps. Even fewer walked with steps that were seemingly placed intentionally, like words strung into sentences that meant the opposite of what they said.
Loki said nothing as he approached her, his silver tongue turning to lead. In fact, this whole situation was foreign to him. He did not feel guilty for things he had done, only regretting whatever punishment it might have gotten him. He did not care if his words or actions had hurt the person they were directed at. And he did not apologize above all else. But Numina was different. He was different because of her.
Loki took care not to disturb her as best he could as he sat beside her on the rocky shore. Words still had yet to form. His apology lay in the forefront of his mind, but he could not force himself to bring it up. He wanted to, but he couldn't find those words. "You're not planning on jumping in, are you?" He tried instead, voice light and joking.
The corners of Numina's mouth turned into an unbidden smile. "No," she said, her voice soft, musical, but betraying no emotions. "I'm not sure if you would jump in after me this time."
He winced at her last sentence. His words had been harsher on her than he realized. "Oh, I don't know. I always found swimming to be quite enjoyable."
Soft laughter trickled from her lips, though Numina shook her head lightly, as if to say that she shouldn't be finding his words humorous. But she knew she could not stop herself. She had honestly already forgiven him.
Numina looked at Loki for the first time since he had sat beside her. "Why did you find me, Loki?"
He sighed loudly, clearly hoping that he would be able to put it off longer. "I came to-to apologize for the way I acted earlier today." The words were rushed to get the awkwardness he was feeling over with.
"I have already forgiven you, your highness," Numina said curtly, returning to formality in attempt to distance herself from him. Her time alone had allowed her to ponder many things, though her thoughts often led her to criticizing herself for allowing herself to become close to Loki, imagining that he was returning the small amount of affection she shared with him.
Loki looked at her, eyes narrowed slightly, not believing her words entirely. The woman before him was much different than who he was used to seeing. Numina's shoulders were slumped, her eyes were hallow and unfocused, and she looked as though she was riddled with regret.
"Do you view our dance months ago as a mistake now?" Loki asked. That dance had marked the biggest change in the relationship between apprentice and master. They spoke more freely and honestly with one another, boundaries between each other did not seem to matter. It had been the closest they had ever been. It had been the point at which they had begun growing closer.
Numina smiled unconsciously at the memory, "No," she hummed quietly. "That was easily the happiest I have ever been."
And that is when Loki smiled to himself, seeing a chance at redeeming how Numina viewed him. Hastily, Loki pulled his boots and socks off of his feet, tossing them on the rocks. He rose to his feet and walked gingerly to the part of the shore where the waves met the sand and rocks. The cold water rushed around his feet, swallowing them up to his ankles.
A mischievous grin danced on Loki's lips, there was a spark of warm light in his emerald eyes. He bowed before her, waves splashing against his calves, extending a hand towards her. "Honor me with this dance, Numina?"
One of Numina's own smiles blossomed on her lips as she looked at the Dark Prince, sanding in the water, silly grin on his face, body relaxed. "There is no music," Numina pointed out playfully.
Loki raised his eyebrows in a mock question, "Is there not?" he asked, using his other hand to motion to the waves that crashed loudly against the rocks around them. The smile on Numina's face grew as she quickly kicked off her own boots. She could not contain the excitement as she rushed towards him, feet splashing water on him, everything momentarily forgotten. He caught her in his arms and dipped her romantically, the tips of her moonlight hair falling in the water. As he pulled her up, they both began to dance, though much less professionally than the first.
Their movements were over exaggerated, and just plain silly. Loki would make a point to dip her every time a large wave was rushing to the shore, putting her in its path so that it would crash into her. Numina would shriek quietly, playfully, as the cold water met her skin, squirming a little in his arms in a meek attempt to get away. To return the favor, Numina would make each of her steps a kick, throwing up water onto him. They would never dance in one certain style, adding in movements from an array of dances. It was improper and foolish, but it was also beautiful.
Loki would laugh each time Numina kicked up water at him, a tender smile always on his lips. Numina would struggle in his arms when Loki was about to dip her into another wave, but never with a fraction of strength required to break free. She was always laughing or giggling in joy. He would twirl her away from him, and she would spin effortlessly in the water, kicking it up a little bit. Loki would then pull her back into his arms as she turned with a small flare of grace.
Numina's back was flush against his chest and stomach, the proper distance between dancers shattered. Loki wrapped his arms around her, hands linger lower than her waist on her sides. Numina turned her head to look at him, icy eyes meeting his forest green. The smiles faded into something more intimate, more lustful.
His eyes were so full emotion, so warm, Numina found that she could not remove her own from him. He was beautiful, carefree, enjoying the moment, laughing, smiling, dancing… He was no longer acting more serious than he needed to be. He looked young and youthful, acting like his age instead of older… Numina turned, facing him. Loki's arms were still wrapped around her waist, hands provocatively lower than normal. Numina closed what little distance was between them, placing a hand on his chest while the other trailed its way to his neck. She pulled herself up to him, her eyes closing as their lips met.
It was soft and passionate. He could taste the salt from the water that had splashed across her face. Numina's lips were warm and gentle on his own. Loki pulled her in closer, one hand moving to her back, while the other moved lower. He leaned forward, chasing after her lips, craving them. As he dipped her further, he felt Numina wrap one of her legs around him, forcing herself closer to him.
Desire began to burn deep within Loki, and his tongue raced across her lips. With a startled gasp, Numina opened up to him, allowing him to deepen the passion they were sharing. He loved the way she felt in his arms, pressed firmly against his tautness. It was bliss, and Loki was selfish. He would not let her go, holding her against him, kissing her over and over, finding her taste more delicious than the most exquisite foods. What he enjoyed the most though, was the way she responded to him.
Numina would chase his tongue with her own, nipping his lips at ever passing chance. The leg she had wrapped around him for balance would move up and down against him seductively. And she would also writhe beneath him, ever so slightly, grinding against the depth of his lust.
It was only when a wave threatened to bowl them over the Loki finally let her go. Numina's cheeks were flushed red, and both of them were left panting from the experience. They looked at each other with expressions mixed with passion and confusion.
The water that soaked portions of her clothes and lingered on her skin mixed with the breeze that continued to sweep across the ocean began to make Numina shiver as the needles of cold pricked her skin. Loki saw this and ushered her out of the water, guiding he with a gentle hand on her arm that evaporated the water and warmed the air around her with his magic.
They seated themselves back to where they had been before their dance. "That was…" Loki started, frowning slightly at the words that refused to cooperate with him. "That was not my…intent when I sought you out to apologize."
"Was the dance?" Numina asked, her voice feathery as if she had lost her breath.
"No, I… it seemed right at the time." Loki answered.
"For me, or for you?" Numina was teasing him, subtly, seeing how far he would go, seeing if he viewed it as a mistake on his part.
"For us," he breathed.
Numina smiled softly, nodding her head. "For us," she echoed softly, agreeing. A silence permeated the space between them, the sound of the waves creating the only sound. "I enjoyed it," Numina mused. "I don't get to have that much fun often…or feel as close to someone as I did." Her smile grew. "That was certainly the best apology I have ever received.
Loki chuckled fondly at her words, his own smile matching hers. "I am glad to hear it." His words were full of mirth and happiness, as was his expression. Numina had never seen him so completely lost to pleasant emotions such as this. She loved seeing him like this. "Though there is still one more part to it," he added. Loki leaned forward, and with a wave of his hand, he summoned his apology.
It looked like a Midgardian rose, petals coiled snuggly around the center of the bloom. The stem was slender and thornless with two leaves curling at their edges. Loki did not present Numina with some simple flower however, this rose was made of flawless reflective glass. It was a shimmering mirror, reflecting the word around it in its own beauty. And it did not look like something that had been crafted from a mirror or melted into its form. The flower looked as if it had grown as it was now.
Numina looked at it with awe, marveling at the beauty. With delicate movements, she took it from Loki's hand, holding it between her slender fingers. "It is beautiful, Loki," she breathed.
"Do you recognize the mirror?" he asked quietly, his voice smooth like silk
She frowned slight, looking at the reflective rose. "How did you know about that?"
Loki ignored her question for a moment. "I've placed a subtle enchantment on it. If you concentrate on the center, it will reflect whatever memory you wish to see." He reached out to the flower with his own hands, resting his fingers on top of Numina's. "And you should know that your handmaiden works for my mother," he added, voice turning back into his normal mischievous tone.
"That does not explain how you came to know about it," she countered, turning to face him.
"Where do you think I learned all my tricks from?" Loki asked playfully. "From books?"
"One might even go so far as to say that your mother is a better trickster than you," Numina teased him.
Loki merely shrugged, smiling at the beauty before him. He dipped his head slightly. "I am sorry for the way I acted and for what I said earlier, Numina. I was wrong to do so. I was-"
"Jealous?"
Emerald eyes darkened slightly, "Yes," he admitted.
Numina shifted, forcing Loki to withdraw his hand from hers, and sat so that she was facing him. Her eyes melted into his, "Your jealousy is unfounded," she said melodically, cupping his cheek in her hand. Numina leaned forward and planted a soft kiss on his lips.
It was more tender than the ones they had shared while dancing in the ocean. There was no hint of lust. Only kindness, passion…love?
When Loki opened his eyes, he only saw a thin veil of smoke where Numina had once been. He could not help but smile. "Minx," he called her playfully, hoping she could hear him from wherever she had disappeared to.
~~.O.~~
Loki was different now. It was easier for him to laugh and joke when Numina was around. He smiled more and kind words were no longer a rarity for him. Whatever had stirred him into jealousy was gone even though Numina continued to spend an afternoon or two with Thor. Aside from the kiss however, nothing else of a similar passion had passed between them in the past week.
His chuckle sent Numina's heart racing. "That's not exactly what you're supposed to do," Loki called from behind her.
"Not exactly?" Numina questioned his word choice.
"Not at all," he hummed in amusement at the correction, coming to stand closer to her, a dazzling smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Try it again for me?" he asked. "I wasn't able to see what you were doing wrong." As he passed her, his hand trailed from her shoulder to her elbow. It was a small and subtle touch, but it sent shivers down Numina's spine none the less.
Pushing the thought of how good his hand had felt on her skin, Numina focused once more at the task in front of her, pooling her magic within her, channeling it in the way Loki had instructed her. She released the magic, but something didn't quite feel right and the energy went awry, not doing what she was supposed to accomplish.
"Hmm," Loki pondered for a second, narrowing his eyes slightly at the area where she had cast her magic. "Something is wrong with the timing," he finally said, drawing close to her once more. "You are releasing the entirety of the energy too early." Two of his fingers looped through the belt she wore as his thumb began to stroke her hip in small circles. It started to drive Numina mad. "Wait until the very last second for the release." Loki's thumb then hooked itself along the edge of her pants above her belt, making contact with her skin, drawing soft patters along her hip bone. It was all Numina could do to keep herself from gasping in shock and desire at his touch. "Try once more. Keep in mind that the timing is key. If you relax and focus, you should be able to do it correctly this time."
"How am I supposed to do either of those with you doing that?" Numina asked, frustrated at how easy his silver voice and touch could undo her composure.
The corners of Loki's mouth turned into a satisfied, mischievous grin, "I'm not quite sure what you are talking about," he teased, slipping a few of his fingers along the edge as well, allowing them to trail further down her skin than his thumb had.
"You know damn well what you're doing," Numina growled playfully, batting his hand away, though she desired the complete opposite.
"Do I?" There was laughter dancing in his emerald eyes and a sultry edge to his words. "Perhaps a demonstration is in order."
"Oh?" Numina said, her icy eyes melting into seductive pools, her voice becoming increasingly alluring. She took a step towards him, lessening the already limited space between them. "And what kind of demonstration would you desire, my Prince?"
Loki's breath hitched in his throat as Numina started to drag her knee lightly up his thigh towards the lust that was starting to burn within him. One of her hands then began to trail softly from his ribs towards his waist, skirting along the edge of his hips. Loki had to clear his throat. "My, my," his breath came out in a desire ridden growl, "not as innocent as you lead everyone to believe it seems."
Numina stood on her toes, tilting her head up towards him. Loki could feel the warmth emanating from her lips which she held a hairsbreadth away from his own, taunting him. "Innocent does not always mean naïve, my Prince." It was a whisper, yet Loki could feel every syllable she said as if she was tracing the words on his lips with her tongue. It was driving him mad, making the desire that throbbed even stronger in him.
There was a loud clamor by the doors as someone failed to twist the handle all the way so that it could open. Loki and Numina quickly withdrew from each other in a rush, breaths quick and nervous. Loki all but hissed in anger at whoever was struggling with the door, but he did not bother, instead providing a means for things to look as though nothing had been happening between them.
"Once more, Lady Numina," Loki said, voice blank. "You nearly had it."
Numina did not think she would be able to form words, much less string a sentence together with the nervousness and embarrassment at potentially being caught flowing through her, nodding in understanding instead before raising her hand and aiming at her target. She had become skilled enough where she did not need to incorporate movements unless they were particularly intricate forms she needed to weave her magic through to get the desired result. However, her focus and concentration were completely shattered at the moment.
Fandral burst through the door, managing to finally open it on his second try. The boom of it slamming against the wall fractured the already strained focus Numina had, and the release of her energy was far too early. Her magic detonated directly in front of her, blue energy racing like flames in all directions, including towards her. Thankfully, Loki was there, casting a thin veil of green before them. The runaway magic smashed against his barrier, dissipating across it.
Loki wheeled around angrily. "There is a reason you are warned against interrupting or startling someone when they are working with magic," he hissed, true frustration causing venom to drip from his words.
Fandral stopped in his tracks, mouth hung open. He looked from Loki, then to Numina. "I apologize, my dear," he said. "Are you alright?"
Numina shifted uncomfortably. "I am fine," she answered quietly, desiring for his eyes to be anywhere but on her.
Fandral frowned, "Darling, you look frazzled," he said, words dropping back into his playful nature. "Has Loki been making things hard for you?"
"If anything I have been making things hard for him," she said innocently, but Loki saw the mischievous gleam in her eyes meant only for him. "I'm afraid I'm not very good at this particular form of magic."
The warrior had no idea that it was a lie she had supplied him with and had no idea what the words in her first sentence truly meant. Instead he offered her a foolhardy smile. "Then perhaps you should take a break. I would be willing to draw your mind from such taxing matters and onto something more pleasant."
"If she doesn't master this technique now, there is a chance that it will continue to elude her," Loki replied.
"I think we should let Lady Numina decide," Fandral countered, animosity growing between them. "She may be your apprentice, but that doesn't mean you can keep her prisoner." Loki narrowed his eyes, a dangerous gleam flashing through the green of his irises.
"I would like to continue with my lesson," Numina announced quietly. "Another time?"
Fandral smirked at her. "I will hold you to that, my dear," he said, winking before turning back to Loki. "By the way, Thor wanted me to inform you that we will be traveling to Vanaheim this afternoon. There are reports of a group calling themselves The Marauders stirring up some trouble."
Loki glared at him coldly. "Then let Thor know-"
"You can inform him yourself," Fandral said with smug satisfaction. "After all, when I said 'we' I included you and Lady Numina as well." Numina tensed at his words. "If you have any arguing to do- which I'm sure you do- you can take it up with Thor at the bifrost." With an elaborate bow for Numina, Fandral turned and left, the door slamming behind him.
With a flick of his wrist, the metal handles on their side of the door melted and fused together, preventing anyone else from opening it. Loki closed the distance between himself and Numina, seizing her by the waist and pulling her into him. His lips crashed onto hers, rough and fervent.
Though his desire for her was not satisfied, Loki pulled away before things became more heated, looking at the beautiful woman he held in his arms. Her loose, starlight hair fell across her face, slightly obscuring her piercing artic blue eyes. Loki traced the outline of her form as he brought his hand to her face, tucking the loose strands behind her ears. "Have I told you that you are beautiful today?"
Numina smiled at him, the tension and nervousness at the prospect of traveling and fighting in Vanaheim melting away. "No," she said smoothly.
"Hmm. Well I assure you, nothing can compare to your beauty." The sincerity in his voice and luminous emerald eyes caused Numina's smile to broaden. "Come now," he continued. "Try once more. I know you will get it right this time."
Nodding, Numina pulled out of his grasp lightly, lamenting the loss of his touch. Regaining her stance, she took a few stabilizing breaths to build up her composure. With hardening ice holding her gaze firmly on her target, Numina reached for her magic once more.
~~.O.~~
Numina was wearing light leather armor that was snug on her body, accenting her lithe form. The long sleeves and leather itself were back, but she had accents of blue to bring color to the armor. Metal coated the vembraces she wore, shining as if it were made of malleable silver. There was also a metal pauldron on her left shoulder, her non dominant arm, and greaves that also shimmered as though it were a precious metal and not one of the most durable. Though it was not her first pick, preferring leather and cloth only so that it wouldn't restrict her movements, the thin sheets that coated portions of leather were surprisingly light, though she honestly wondered if it would do her any good in a fight.
Sif and Hogun were waiting at the entrance to the stables when Numina approached, both holding the reigns of their mounts. Sif had a beautiful white mare and Hogun had a feisty looking chestnut that kept testing Hogun's grip on the reigns. Both of them offered her a nod in greeting as she walked towards them.
"I am glad you are joining us today, Lady Numina," Sif said.
"I am happy to be here, Lady Sif," Numina lied, her quiet tone betraying nothing. "Though I think it would be beneficial to all parties if we simply went with names and not titles."
Sif smiled, chuckling lightly. "Agreed."
"It is good to see you, Numina," Hogun added in his eerily quiet tone, his Vanir accent giving him an exotic sound.
"And you as well," she replied politely. "Where are the others?"
"At the stables no doubt," Sif answered. "Though Loki and Volstagg now approach."
Numina turned to watch as the warrior and the trickster rode towards them. As they drew close, both dismounted, leading their horses the short distance remaining. Volstagg also had a chestnut, though his was much more mellow than Hogun's who was still yanking on his reigns. Loki had a beautifully black stallion whose coat glistened in the sunlight. The pair halted, although Loki's stallion did not wish to stop, plowing forward a short distance.
Before Loki could keep the horse in check, Numina reached for his bridal and stopped the over eager stallion. The horse jerked its head up in surprise, but she allowed it to sniff her hand. The stallion relaxed, lowering its head, going for her hair. Numina chuckled as she brushed his nose off of her, stroking his cheek and neck. "He is a handsome horse, my lord," she said to Loki.
"I did not take you to be one for horses," he said, masking his enjoyment at learning something knew about her.
She smiled. "They're dangerous at both ends, and crafty in the middle," she hummed softly in amusement. With a raised eyebrow she added, "What's not to love about that?"
"You have a fair point, Lady Numina," Volstagg admitted. "Although I fear my friend here," he shook the reigns a little, "is getting on in his years. Not as spry as he once was."
"Perhaps he has simply grown tired of carrying your enormous bulk around," Loki offered, shit-eating grin dancing on his lips.
Sif snickered, trying to contain her laughter, and Numina chuckled quietly. Volstagg was laughing the loudest of them, however. "That is a good possibility," he said, patting his large stomach to continue with the joke. "One I had not considered."
As the laughter died down, Hogun spoke up. "Where are Thor and Fandral?"
"They are still at the stables picking out an appropriate stead for Lady Numina," Loki answered.
Sif groaned. "How many men does it take to pick out a horse?"
"For the Queen's beautiful, but deadly lady-in-waiting?" Volstagg asked. "We could be waiting for hours."
At the mention of being deadly, Numina tensed up ever so slightly, a flicker of fear surging through her. She did not wish to be known as anything other than kind, deadly could turn into far worse adjectives used to describe her. With her uneasiness growing, Loki's stallion snorted, shaking his head at the change in her mood, drawing Numina back from her thoughts. She reached up to the horse's ears, scratching them to relax the animal once more.
"I have never seen him so relaxed," Loki commented offhandedly.
"When I was little, I used to sneak into the stables every chance I could," Numina admitted. "I used to know more about horses than people for a time."
"That's adorable," Sif cooed mockingly from behind her.
Before either Numina or Loki could retort to Sif's mocking tone, a clamor of hooves sounded on the stone behind them. Thor was in the lead, atop his white stallion. He was leading a fiery red mare behind him. Fandral was upon his own dapple-grey male, trailing behind the Prince.
When Thor dismounted, Numina approached. "This one will be yours for the day," he said, smiling widely at her. "I hope she is to your liking."
Gentle fingers grasped the reigns Thor held out to her, tracing them to the bridal. Numina allowed the mare to draw in her scent before grasping the leather by her face. The mare was beautiful, flaming red coat, with a white mane and tail and four matching socks. There was a white blaze that started off wide at the forehead before tapering down to a small point above her black nose. Dark blue eyes looked back at her. There was gentleness in them that all horses had, but Numina could see the spark of fierce spirit hiding beyond the deep and soothing blue.
"She's perfect," Numina said quietly. The knowing smirk Thor shot at Fandral was not missed, though. "What is her name?"
"The stable hands just call her Red," Fandral supplied.
"That's not very…imaginative," Numina mused, stroking the horses neck as she draped the reigns across her mane, preparing the ride her.
"Well if it were up to you, my dear, what name would you choose?" Fandral asked, a look of adoration falling across his expression.
Numina pondered this for a second, considering something that was worthy for the magnificent animal before her. "Fury," she finally decided. The horse's red coat looked like the flames of rage, and the gleam in the majestic animal's eyes could easily be the spark that ignites those flames.
"Seeing as you've named it," Thor said, laughing, "I suppose you have to keep it."
"That wouldn't be so terrible," Numina countered, placing a foot in the stirrup and swinging her leg over the saddles as she gracefully mounted Fury. The fiery horse tossed its head a bit at the weight of the new rider, shuffling forward a few steps, eager to get moving.
"You should be warned, darling," Fandral said, voice straining in effort as he climbed back onto his own horse, "the horse master said that mare was lively."
She smiled. "Lively just means fun. I wouldn't want a boring horse, now would I?" Fury began to sidestep since Numina kept the reigns in check, not allowing the horse to move forward easily.
The others also mounted their horses, Loki being the swiftest and nimblest of the others, climbing atop his stallion with grace similar to Numina's. When he noticed her watching, he offered her a small, sly smile and a wink. None of the other had seen. It had been meant only for her.
"Well, my friends," Thor said with a beaming smile. "To Vanaheim!" With the inflection of his voice, Thor kicked the sides of his horse, spurring it forward into an immediate gallop. Loki did the same, following his brother with the Warriors Three and Sif behind him. Numina kept to the back of the group, Volstagg by her side, as the rode for the bifrost. Fury did not make it easy to stay behind the others, however, often drawing too close to Sif's horse, making it nervous. Fury was much faster and more eager than she had anticipated.
Though she had used the bifrost on several occasions with her mother, Numina was still awestricken at the sight of it every time. Her favorite part was the bridge itself. The colors that swirled through the crystalline structure were magnificent, and the way it seemed to illuminate itself under the hooves of the horses was beautiful.
They dismounted as the bifrost itself had drawn near, passing the reigns to the guards stationed on either side of large columns meant to house the steads of those that rode in. As they neared the structure, Fandral lagged behind, his eyes tracing her form.
"Now, sweetheart," he said, drawing closer to her than she was comfortable with, "there is a certain…technique when it comes to using the bifrost." It took all her strength of will not to stab him as he laced his arm across her shoulder, especially with his breath stinking of stale mead. "I can teach you quickly if you like, or you can stay close to me and allow me to guide you through it."
It was difficult for Loki to contain the rage he was feeling. It was appalling the way Fandral was treating Numina and that he couldn't see how tense she was. It took all of his will to keep himself steady and not tear the womanizing warrior off of Numina.
"It is good to see you all," Heimdall greeted them, is deep voice echoing throughout the rotunda. Something about the Gate Guardian made Fandral uneasy. He removed his arm from Numina's shoulder. "Especially you, Lady Numina," his booming voice continued. "It has been many years since you last traveled off Asgard. I remember a time when you and Lady Falare used to travel to other worlds every week it seemed."
Numina smiled at Heimdall, grateful for what he was doing. "Indeed, but after many years of seemingly endless travel, it is good to say home." The kind guardian had subtly informed Fandral that he did not have a reason to be shamefully close to her to teach her something or for any other reason.
"Tell me brother," Loki said as they formed around the opening in the bifrost, "what is the plan when we get there?"
"We locate these Marauders and we beat them so viciously that they do not become a problem again," Thor chuckled, thinking it was a silly question.
"Ah yes," Loki, sarcastic tone giving his words a sharp edge, "a brilliant strategy. There is truly no equal when it comes to concocting plans to deal with a threat."
"And what would you do, Loki?" Thor asked, turning on his brother while straightening himself to be those couple of inches taller than Loki. "Ask them to politely stop raiding villages?"
"There are other methods of dealing with a threat then fighting them every time," Loki hissed. "I at least hope you have some sort of battle plan if you are going insist on making this messy."
"I do," Thor boasted, puffing out his chest in bride much like a child would.
Numina watched the exchange curiously. "Are they always like this?" she whispered to Heimdall. From where he stood beside her, she could see his small nod in an answer.
"The Warriors Three, Sif, you, and I will engage them as we usually do while Lady Numina keeps her distance," Thor continued. "I thought it would be best for her to observe how you fight in a battle and how you fight with seeing as she is one who wields magic as well."
Loki narrowed his eyes at Thor and Numina realized what Loki had done. He did not entirely care how they dealt with the Marauders, he had truly wanted to know what part she would be playing in Thor's strategy. Hearing that she would not be joining the fighting put allowed her to relax. Numina could also see that Loki had also was relieved that she would not be fighting by the absence of tension in his shoulders.
"The Marauders are currently making their way to a small village," Heimdall interrupted, placing his sword in the large housing that activated bifrost. "I will place you in their path," he added as the rotunda began to spin, threads of light flowing from his swords to various places in the rotunda. The opening before them began to glow with a myriad of colors.
Numina took in a deep breath before they were pulled through.
~~.O.~~
The light was always shocking when you used the bifrost if the world you were traveling to was still covered in daylight. It was blinding now as Numina landed on Vanaheim with the others ahead of her. She shook her head to shake off the fuzziness of her vision caused by the intensity of the sun. As her eyes adjusted, Numina saw that Heimdall had not been joking when he said he would be placing them in the Marauders' path. They were directly in front of the group, most of them wearing startled expressions, taken aback by the sudden appearance of the Asgardians.
Their leader, however was unfazed. He was a large man, broad with muscle and mass, who wielded a substantial axe. There was throaty laughter coming from him as he approached the newcomers. "Greetings," he bellowed, stopping a safe distance away. "It seems that your trajectory was a little off." The man pointed to the sky with his axe.
"No," Thor said, smirk plastered on his face. "We are exactly where we are supposed to be: between you and the village."
The leader laughed loudly, forcibly, rocking backwards for emphasis. "So Asgard sends its mightiest heroes to save a tiny Vanir village? How noble of them." The man grew serious. "Return to you little castle now, and we won't ruin your reputation as being the Mighty Thor." Thor made no movement, smirk remaining on his lips. "Have it your way then," he grumbled before calling over his shoulder. "First one to bring me the Asgardian Princes' heads gets first pick of the women!" Numina saw Sif snarl at them.
Both groups remained motionless for what seemed like ages wrapped into seconds. Finally, the leader lunged at Thor, roaring as he brought his axe downwards in a mighty blow, and thus the fighting began.
Numina stayed towards the back as Thor had said she would, avoiding the fighting. She was only there to observe.
Volstagg and Thor tended to fight side by side, taking on the bulk of the opponents with mighty blows from axe and hammer. Fandral fought on the right flank, beside Volstagg, his rapier flashing as he sliced and cleaved flesh with quick strikes. Hogun was on the right flank as well, on the other side of Fandral, fighting with his mace in a style that was a cross between those that wield swords and axes. Loki was on the left flank, fighting beside his brother with magic and daggers striking foes before they got to close. And Sif was on Loki's left, holding their flank as well, her dual blade swinging like a staff yet landing like a sword.
Together they created an inverse U for their enemies to crash around. As more of opponents rushed, they began to push forward themselves, increasing the distance between allies; though that did not cause a negative change. If anything, the increased distance allowed for each fighter to maximize the enemies they could take on.
Numina watched, eyes fixed mostly on Loki. It was an incredible sight. He would use his magic to distract, confuse, or kill his opponents; casting an illusion of where he was, creating illusions of himself, setting them on fire, and various other forms that he used in time with dagger strikes either thrown or slicing if an enemy managed to get close. What was more impressive was, that while he was fighting his own battle, Loki would also provide support for the others, magic striking an opponent that was about to land a successful blow or getting too close to a friend.
A large faction of the Marauders suddenly broke off from the main bulk of the group, heading in the direction of the village. The others had not seen them, those that broke off having been from the back. Numina thought of calling to them, but while their formation was effective, it also meant that they were completely surrounded by the enemy. Even if she warned them, they wouldn't be able to break away easily.
There was no choice. If the Marauders continued unchecked, the village would be destroyed and countless innocents would be injured or killed. Numina had no choice. With heavy heart, but cold determination, she summoned her daggers, the metal gleaming hungrily in the sunlight. Numina disappeared in a flash of black smoke, appearing directly in front of the faction that had disengaged itself from the fight.
~~.O.~~
Bodies littered the ground around him and Loki surveyed the area, looking specifically behind him. But he could not see her slender form, starlight hair, or winter blue eyes. He could not sense her magic either. Panic flickered within his heart. "Where is Lady Numina?" he asked, voice attempting to keep his growing worry hidden.
His question went unanswered as Fandral shouted, "What's that over there?"
A thin black fog hung around an area to the right of where the fighting took place, though it did nothing to hide the carnage that lay on the ground. Bodies and blood splashed against the ground. A single man stood motionless in the middle of it, but after a few seconds, he sunk to the ground. Revealing what was behind him.
Numina.
She stood rigidly, daggers held loosely in her hands. Upon seeing that the others were finished with their fighting as well, she began to approach them. Her daggers disappeared as did the blood that covered some of her clothing as she drew near.
Looks of shocks and confusion were all that she meant. Numina shuffled uneasily under their gaze. "They had broken off and were heading for the village," she supplied. "I had no choice but to intervene."
There were a few more seconds of silence. Fandral was the one to break it. He walked over to her clasping her lightly on the back, "It appears that our beautiful little assassin was at it again. If anything, we should have had her start out in the fray. She could have made quick work out of these fools." His smile and words were filled with nothing but humor, making light of the awkward moment. The others began to laugh at the way in which he said it.
Loki had keener eyes when it came to Numina, though. He liked to think it was because he knew her better than the others. Numina looked scared and had flinched when Fandral had called her an assassin. It was small, but Loki knew that such a title bothered her greatly. That she had used her skills to kill only meant that she thought herself a monster even more than she had previously. He was going to have to make sure to speak with her privately once more, if only to be there for her to talk. Perhaps he could also alleviate the strength of her fears more if possible.
As the others laughed and joked about, adrenaline fueling their good mood, Loki kept his eyes on Numina watching as she did her best to mask the inner conflict that waged war within her. Every now and then he would see a flash of some emotion in her frozen eyes or a small grimace at something the others said. But it was the way the smile she forced did not reach her eyes that Loki knew without a doubt that something was wrong. Loki found himself hoping that he could help put her mind at ease. Foolish he would have thought, had they not grown so close together in the many months they had shared since she saved Thor's life.
Odd how what once was viewed as a burden was now something he was beginning to treasure.
~~.O.~~
Author's Note:
I'm not sure how I feel about the last few sections of this chapter… :/ I am almost tempted to cut it, but I'll leave it in for now. Perhaps I will go back and revise it at a later date.
Oh, and because I am a COMPLETE nerd, I based Fury off of Epona from Ocarina of Time. She was my childhood favorite and all…
Also, please let me know if the timeline/time passing seems weird. I'm still worrying that dropping things like "months ago" or "week ago" aren't good/clear enough.
Anyways, please let me know what you think guys! I LOVE getting feedback. It makes my day reading what you have to say.
Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy!