Though Jane wouldn't admit it, the palace was decidedly more empty without the dark Prince. She enjoyed his company, his conversation, and she felt his loss that day.

Frigga appeared to be worried about something...her brow was furrowed, her eyes distant. Jane noticed that the Queen also disappeared for a time right after breakfast.

"Is everything alright, Frigga? Jane asked as she sipped her wine and watched the sky turn rose.

"Fine, my dear. You must understand, it's unsettling, knowing your child almost perished in a fire..."

"Your children fight in wars quite often. I imagine that's something that your heart is intimately acquainted with."

Frigga looked at Jane steadily. "But when it is your own home, Jane. That is something altogether different."

Jane's eyes fell, and she took a deep breath, "The Prince told me that he knows little peace here. That he is adopted." She braced herself.

"He told you that?"

"Yes."

"I...well. Yes, Loki speaks the truth. Odin found him on Jutenheim as a babe, abandoned and alone. He was Laufey's son, and with the King slain, Loki was an orphan," she paused. "I suppose it's possible his mother lives still...we never discovered who she was. Though, I imagine, with his aptitude for magic, she was a sorceress."

Jane nodded. "And you say he is from Jutenheim?"

"Yes. Loki is, beneath his glamour, a Frost Giant."

"Wow."

Frigga laughed. "He never reveals that bit, Jane. And it was...more than difficult for him to come to terms with his heritage. He was angry and resentful for a very long time...he even disappeared for over a decade."

"A decade?"

Frigga nodded.

"Where did he go?"

"He spread war over parts of the realms...Jutenheim specifically. But, he came home, and Odin repaired the damage. Loki was imprisoned for a while...but I convinced Odin to release him..."

Jane looked out into the dying light of the garden. "He seems tortured."

"He is, Jane. Very much so."

Jane smiled. "Well...I should get to bed, then."

The Queen bade her a good sleep, and Jane went to her rooms.

She sat up for a while, thinking about Loki. How very sad, his story was. She did think that he wouldn't want her pity, that he was proud. And so she decided she wouldn't pity him. She would merely attempt to be a friend of sorts.

Jane despised pity as well. What a useless enterprise! Such a waste of emotion. She thought it better to be helpful, to listen to someone's troubles, perhaps offer advice, and move on. Yes...that's the best way to handle such a situation.

Jane went downstairs the next morning to find Loki alone at the table.

"Good morning, Loki."

"Hello, Jane. I trust you slept well."

Jane sat opposite him. She nodded. "I did, yes. Where's the Queen?"

"Frigga is tending to some things for a reception this evening. Thor and Odin will be back for a day or two...the fighting on Jutenheim has slowed, and the end is near...or so believes the King."

"A reception?"

"Of dignitaries," and Loki took a sip of drink.

"Oh...well..." Jane swallowed. She supposed that she could hide away in her room, perhaps write a bit.

"Do large gatherings make you nervous?" His eyes squinted a bit at her.

"No...I was merely thinking about how I could occupy my time away from the guests."

Loki leaned in a bit. "Why would you need to do such a thing?"

Jane's eyes fell. She played with a doughy roll she had been nibbling on. "Well...because I'm not going."

His eyes flew open in mock surprise. "Not going! How very presumptuous you are!" and his hand flew to his heart, his mouth curled a smile. "My dear mortal elf, you are certainly going."

"I am?"

"Indeed. You are. We Aesir are nothing if not hospitable," his hand fell, his eyes resumed their regular state, but his mouth widened its smile. "You shall not be confined to your rooms like a prisoner. In fact," at this, his voice lowered a touch. "It would be an honor if you would station yourself next to me during dinner."

Jane swallowed and smiled. "Shouldn't you be attending to the politicals?"

He sniggered. "And how very...impolitic..." his eyebrow cocked at his word play. "...for me to neglect my savior in favor of tiresome political banter. No...you shall be my special guest this evening, Jane," and he rose. "But first, before your pupils rise and ready for their studies, you and I shall have a round in the sparring circle."

Jane protested immediately. "No! No...I can't...Torben surely overstated my..."

"How very contrary you are," Loki interrupted. "Come," and he offered his hand.

Jane took a deep breath. She was going to kill Torben for this.

She took a practice blade and looked warily as Loki's own sword shimmered in the steadily growing light. It passed through the soft air quickly, and Jane shook a bit.

"Not to worry, Jane. I'll not harm you," and he laughed. "It is useful," and he took a step toward her. "When engaged in instructing another, to see how they are in their own teachings...if I have taught the young Torben well, he will have imparted the knowledge to you," and Loki was directly in front of her. "Ready?"

"No," she replied, with a hint of consternation.

Loki laughed. "Assume your stance," he said with authority.

"Oh my god," and Jane did the same.

Metal struck metal, and Jane was slightly taken aback at the force of the blow. She immediately returned it, saying "I thought that you were gonna take it easy on me!"

"I am," said he in a breath.

Jane danced around, constantly on the defense, but was quick enough to feel good about her fighting.

Before long, not more than ten minutes in, Jane found herself pinned against the far stone wall of the circle, panting, embarrassed, and angry. Loki's sword was against her chest, his knee against her leg, his left hand pressing on her right arm. "Shit," said Jane. And she looked up at him. His face was closer than she had thought.

His gaze was hot and steady...his breath heavy, blowing a bit of his inky hair which had come loose in their fight. Loki swallowed and immediately let her go.

The moment passed, and Jane cleared her throat. "How did I do?" and she turned to set the sword down, adjust her clothing.

"Well enough," his tone was clipped.

"Just well enough?"

Loki came toward her. "For a...novice..." he smirked. "You did well."

Jane nodded. "Well, I should go to the library. The children are likely there already."

He turned his back toward her. "I'll see you this evening, Lady Jane."

Jane was distracted that day, thinking about the banquet that evening and how she had nothing to wear. The three children noticed her distraction, and Torben called her on it.

"Lady Jane, what's wrong? You've been...not yourself all day."

"Oh! I'm sorry...i just, have something on my mind."

"What?" asked the young man.

"I'm...well," she cleared her throat and smiled. Why was she embarrassed? "I'm going to this...party tonight and I don't have anything to wear."

Seth laughed. "Sounds like a girl problem."

"I want to help you!" cried Adriel. "Can I, my lady?" and her hands clapped together.

"Ah..." Jane laughed. "Sure...but I need a dress..."

"Isn't it a meeting of leaders?" Torben asked.

"Yes," Jane replied, returning his gaze.

"Then you were specifically invited."

Very astute, Jane thought. "That's right."

"Did Queen Frigga invite you?"

"No," and Jane noted something alter in the squire's air. "Prince Loki did."

Torben's gaze fell, and he got up from the table.

Seth interjected after the older child left. "He's just jealous. He wants to go," he said, dismissively.

"Oh," Jane nodded. "Well, Seth...try your hand at these sums," and she resumed her charge, not seeing Torben for the rest of the afternoon.

"Oh, my lady! You look beautiful!" squealed Adriel.

Jane was wearing a blue dress. It wasn't terribly revealing, but clung to her torso nicely. It hit her ankles, and was soft, as it was silk. She felt like she was a princess. Her hair hung at her back, and she thought that she might just fall out of the silk dress...it was so slippery. It was kind of Frigga to offer her her wares. Jane hadn't known the Queen was such a seamstress.

She laughed. "Do I, Adriel?"

"You are beautiful, you know? Torben thinks so."

"He does?"

The girl nodded.

"Oh," that explained a lot. She would need to be mindful and delicate. "Well...I guess I'll head down.." she had heard the voices a while ago. She wondered just how many people would be there.

Jane descended the stairs, being careful not to trip on the long skirt of her gown. A dubious enterprise to be sure.

She entered the dining hall. About fifty people were there, though Jane thought that she should use the term "people" loosely. They were mostly alien looking creatures, speaking a language she didn't understand.

She scanned the place for someone she recognized. There, she saw Thor. He caught her eye and smiled, beckoning her over. "Lady Jane Foster! You look lovely!"

"Thanks," she blushed. "Who are all of these...ah...people?"

The thunderer laughed heartily. "Representatives from about five of the realms. Those who have particular interest in Jutenheim."

Jane nodded. "Oh," and she looked around for Loki. He was to be her dinner companion, after all. Or she his, she couldn't decide. "Where's your brother?"

"Loki?" Thor paused. "Oh yes, he told me that he had invited you...he's just there, speaking with Freyja." And he pointed.

Jane's breath hitched. Wow. Freyja was beyond beautiful. She had long, curly blonde hair, she was buxom and tall. Her eyes were large and deep blue. Her dress hugged her curves seductively, but the face on her was soft and kind.

Jane felt suddenly quite plain, and reprimanded herself for such a silly feeling.

"Well...I suppose..." she began.

"Here, have some wine, Jane. I imagine it's a bit strange being here, for a mortal girl."

There was much she took issue with in his statement, but she accepted the wine anyway, and reminded herself that Loki called her mortal. But he was playful in his manner, and never called her a "girl," he called her an elf. Jane supposed that was marginally better, for though it was slightly demeaning, he always appeared to be soft in the delivery. Thor was quick and dismissive.

She drank deeply and closed her eyes.

"Do you mean to rob me of my companion, Thor?"

Her eyes flew open.

"Nay, brother, I was merely attending to her, as you were otherwise engaged with Freyja."

Loki laughed. "She is something, is she not? I always forget of her beauty until she so graciously reminds me."

"You should stop toying with her, Loki."

"I'm doing nothing of the sort," and he took some wine for himself, and stood closer to Jane.

Thor shook his head and left the pair.

Jane smiled and finished her wine. "So..."

Loki looked at her obliquely. "So, Jane. Let us enjoy some more of this sweet wine and take to our seats."

Jane nodded and followed him to their seats.

And after dinner, Odin rose. "Well, my friends. We are here to discuss the impeding end of the war on Jutenheim and what should be done with her upon the denouement of battle."

Loki leaned in, close to Jane's ear. "Odin loves his theatrics."

Jane smiled but did not respond.

"How can you be sure?" asked one of the representatives.

"Many disbelieve the All-Father, to his dismay," Loki continued, his eyes directing Jane's gaze toward Odin.

"I am sure, because I have been there in battle, and their defenses are thinning."

"And he employs empirical evidence to sway the detractors," Loki continued, close to Jane's face. She was trying not to laugh.

"I have heard otherwise!" shouted someone from the back.

"But many aren't convinced by Odin's proclamation...perhaps they doubt what he sees, since he has but one eye," Loki finished.

At that, Jane giggled.

"Have you something to add, Loki?" Odin glared at his son to his left.

Loki stood. "I do."

"Well?" replied Odin.

Jane swallowed.

"There are but a few weeks remaining in the war on Jutenheim. I suggest you all take heed of the All-Father's words. He knows what he speaks of."

Someone, a scaly creature, tall and foreboding, stood. "And how would you know, sorcerer, the length of the war remaining?"

"Because, my friend, I have been in the heat of the battle, and I understand the nature and result of war. And," Loki continued. "I am a sorcerer, as you so aptly observed, and I know that the end is nigh." Loki sat.

Odin smiled, and continued.

Loki sat back and didn't say another word, rather, he drank deeply of the wine.

Jane fiddled with her dress, and drank as well.

The dinner concluded, the proclamations made. It was decided that the war would see its end within the month, as Loki and Odin said.

Jane found that she was once more all alone, the royals were speaking with the dignitaries, Loki with Freyja.

She ignored the small pang of jealousy. Silly, that. He was merely showing her some kindness after she had rescued him from the fire.

She thought that she should slip away...she was rather tired.

Jane left the hall, and began to make her way to the stairs.

"You are always so ready to abandon me, Jane," Loki was walking toward her. "You would leave, then, without bidding me a good night?"

"I'm sorry, Loki. I am tired."

"Tired."

Jane nodded.

Loki looked at his feet. "Too fatigued, say, to take a turn in the garden before you seek your respite?"

"A turn?"

"For air," and he chuckled.

Jane laughed. "Alright, then."

He extended his arm and she took it. Such an antiquated custom, but she smiled nevertheless.

They walked outside and Jane looked at the alien sky above her. She breathed deeply.

"You were in earnest then, when you claimed your need for air that night," observed Loki, dropping her hand from his arm. "You certainly breath it in with purpose."

"Yeah, well...I enjoy fresh air. I spent much of my childhood locked away in stale solitude."

"As have I," replied he, darkly.

Jane nodded. "Yes."

He turned from her, hands folded behind his back. "Yes...well, Jane. What is your opinion on Jutenheim?"

"My opinion?"

"Yes," and he turned back toward her.

"I...don't have one."

"No? I find that difficult to believe."

"I hardly know a thing about it."

"Cease your silly humility. You heard them speak. They are monsters, and Odin means to subjugate them," he was a bit frantic.

Jane thought this had to do with his heritage, so she tread lightly. "I don't believe that any race is wholly comprised of monsters. I think that anyone who would believe such a lie is foolish. And I don't know enough about this situation to offer an opinion on Odin's actions, so I'll leave it at that."

Loki stepped toward her. "You do not think that the Frost Giants are monsters?"

"No. I cannot think of a way to justify condemning an entire race for the unfortunate actions of a few."

His eyes were sad as they examined Jane's face. "You are a curious elf, Jane Foster."

"Am I?"

And he stepped so close that she felt his breath on her face. "You are," and he bent down, kissing her forehead.

Jane gulped, she stepped away. "Loki...I..."

His face fell, and he appeared to be embarrassed. "That was presumptuous, Jane. Please accept my apologies."

She took his hand to soothe him. "No need to apologize, Loki," she said, kissing his cheek. "Goodnight."

Jane left him there and went upstairs.

And Torben from the hallway, around a corner peeking, watched as Loki collected himself, and returned to the hall.