As Loki and Thor dropped them at their rooms Rayeth came bustling up. "My Lady a message from Lord Volstagg." She curtsies to Loki. "Something about Midgardian dance and a dress? My lady there is no time!" Althia shushed the woman reading the note from Volstagg while Loki fought not to laugh at the flustered servants panic. "Rayeth I brought it with me!" Althia shouted over the panicked voice babbling at her. Rayeth calmed quickly "All I need are some slippers that will match something white, silver, or black and a cloak something medium weight that clasps all the way down the front. Rayeth nodded and fled to find the items. Jane watched Althia curiously the changes in her were definitive and profound she still saw the woman she'd escorted to Asgard but there was more to her now. Althia laughed and whispered in a hushed tone against Jane's cheek. The two grinned at each other and shared a slightly devilish laugh before they parted. "I've seen what Asgardian women wear and the outfit is definitely going to raise every man's blood pressure." She said pulling Loki into her room. "His request isn't for ballet." She was muffled as she rooted in the wardrobe. She came out with a box and a smirk "How much trouble to you feel like causing at Volstagg's little get together?" Loki went from mildly curious to delight as she pulled the pieces out of the box. "Is that all there is too your ensemble?" he asked and she grinning "Pretty much yeah that's why the cloak. Oh, I need to bring my music!" she palmed her forehead "I won't have any pockets!" Loki laughed till she threw pillow at him. He agreed to carry the device she required. She told him to go get changed and they could all meet in her room for a preview of the outfit. She went and changed into the multilayered outfit some of the pieces were difficult to get on and settled the way they were supposed to but she managed. He was sitting in a different outfit when she came out an hour later. A white shirt with green and gold embroidery with a long coat over it, tight black slack and knee high boots.
Rayeth dropped the cloak she was holding and swallowed "My lady, what are you wearing!" In a fit of pure devilment Loki turned on her iPod; she'd shown him how to use it several times and he hook it up to two small speakers. Jane had been sitting with Thor on the balcony both were ready and turned at the exclamation. Thor's jaw dropped open and Jane screamed in delight! It was obvious she hadn't warned him of the nature of Volstagg's request she dance at the party.
Althia heard the music and her hips popped sharply up and down in rhythm she inched across the floor to Jane. Head back she danced around Jane who clapped and cheered. Thor and Loki exchanged a look that said louder than words their opinion of the performance. Rayeth sat heavily on the floor watching. Jane didn't require much encouragement to pick up the playful spirit and writhe around, her hands over her head with pouting lips. Althia stopped at a pause in the music and her hands snapped to her sides with the drum beat. A dozen short, hollow, metal chimes tinkled as she moved. She pulled two up in a trick of fingering and handed one to Jane who grabbed it with wild abandon and a slip of sheer pulled loose from the belt at Althia's waist as she spun and gyrated away. They were both laughing out loud when they began weaving around each other with the two differing sheers flowing in and out. It was playful flirtatious and sensual watching them move with fluid grace. As the song ended Rayeth laughed and clapped "My word that was something. You were wonderful!" She was blushing but happy. She jumped up and grabbed an overdress of silver off the bed "this one will be perfect!" She held up a wrap that clasped at collar and folded over to a gather on one hip. The draping of the skirt left ripples in the fabric meant to expand over an underskirt. It was heavy enough that it hid the metal rods and muffled any sound they made when Althia wore it. "Perfect!" she shouted as she examined the look in the mirror. She let Rayeth strap her legs into the flat sandals that buckled up her calves.
The four left laughing, Althia's iPod and speakers in a pouch on Loki's hip. Jane and Althia had linked arms and left the men to follow. "How hard to you think it's going to be to get them away at the end of this event?" Loki asked his brother. Thor watched the two women "We may have to fight our way out. If that is what they plan on doing to entertain Volstagg's quests."
The two women were holding a whispered conversation until they entered the hall Volstagg was using to throw the party. Loki straightened his coat grinning with Thor. Too many centuries had passed since they had behaved so easily with each other. Tonight they were of like minds and both hadn't a decent thought to share. It was also a first in a century that Loki looked forward to a gathering of the warriors who called Volstagg friend.
Volstagg greeted them effusively and presented Althia to the group. She could see Sif and Hogun in a corner and Fandral had several women draped on him in a chair near the center of the room. All of them converged to greet the newly arrived guest of honor. It wasn't long before food was presented to everyone in attendance and the wine and mead started flowing. The men and women were laughing and beginning to sit heavily in their cups when Volstagg started pounding on a heavy table "Dance, dance, dance!" he thundered and it spread through the room. Jane found Althia and dragged her to the raise platform in front of the balcony. "When we get back you've got to do this again!" she said. "Quiet you buffoons." Volstagg bellowed and laughing everyone settled down. Loki had discretely moved to the edge of the stairs and Jane backed down to stand directly in front, near Loki's position, with Thor seated behind her. When the song started Althia writhed and swayed. She slowly slipped the clasps of the over dress off and she collapsed on the floor with it pooled around her.
Althia danced for Bruce she had chosen this song as a way to help her remember. The day had brought her only confusion and a shadow she couldn't define haunted her. Tonight she wanted to remember joy. She didn't see the crowd or hear the gasps as she moved she saw his smile and his gentle love for her. Jane was holding her phone up capturing the performance on video. She knew who Althia was thinking of and was determine he knew about it. She could see what was building with Loki but she held hope that he could steal her away. The changes that had occurred when Althia woke were profound, she was so intense now. More confident and her crippling fears seemed to have evaporated while she slept. The woman who danced now wasn't going to blush because the crowd stared in rapt attention at her movements; she'd revel in it. Jane tossed her phone to Thor when the song ended. This was a game they'd planned in quick whispers as they walked.
Althia danced down the stairs and ran back up to bend back and flip down the stairs to where Jane was standing. As she danced around Jane; Jane moved with her and Althia handed her a scarf before moving to another happily grinning woman. This one's eyes went wide and Althia took her hands and spun her up to stand between Althia and Jane. Althia and Jane danced around her twice before Althia gave her a scarf. The three moved to the grinning women near Fandral. The women still draped on him scattered except two who grinned in lascivious delight. They danced around Fandral his face and chest brushed by scarves from a variety of hands as the party roared in enjoyment. When six of the scarves were gone Althia moved her back to Fandral and the speed increases till Jane and the others subsided. They hadn't the training to keep up but cheered loudly. Althia moved through the crowd smiling but she avoided every touch that came near her. She circled the room once and stopped close to Loki.
The song changed again but not to one she'd picked. Althia unconsciously responded to Loki as her movements increased his fascination with her. Her eyes closed as she moved. Alcohol and the influence of another mind had her inches from him when she opened her eyes again. Shielding the surprise she felt she bent completely backwards till the room could see his eyes over the curve. He shrugged his mouth twisted in a predatory grin and she spun away sideways. She turned back her leg snapping up to her shoulder and she held it there. Focusing on her movements instead of the music. Slowly lowering her foot to his shoulder her knee still bent as the guests sat stunned she pushed Loki over and he gave way hands over his heart playing along with her to the roar of the crowd. Then she decided she had to cap the evening away from him. She rose and did another back bend before flipping completely over. She repeated this move until she came to a man who never seemed to say much.
Hogun was standing near three others quietly watching like every other pair of eyes. When she reached the group she stopped in a hand stand she nudged the unwanted guests aside with a foot and looked in his eyes through the layers of sheer skirt. A wicked gleam that made him grin behind his drink. She lifted one hand to him carefully adjusting her balance. It took him a moment under pressure from all the guests to accept her hand. He felt her weight shift and he automatically braced against the force. Bending her elbow she flipped holding his hand to stand up in a whirl of rainbow sheer and chimes she bowed to the crowd still holding his hand. Everyone applauded and he bowed to her. She rose gracefully and stole his drink chugging the cool thick mead to more cheers before winking and giving it back. Jane was there with the over dress and she slipped it on easily. She smiled kindly at Hogun and thanked him for playing along. He nodded and glanced with consternation at his empty flagon.
It was nearly dawn when Loki took Althia to her room. She was once again the giggling, tease and he was honestly astonished at the amount Volstagg's guests got her to drink. Loki admitted he was almost as gone with drink as she was though the quantity he'd consumed far surpassed hers. He opened the door to her room to a low fire in the fire place and steered her skipping stumbling form to a couch. The room was too warm for either of them as they laughed about the party. He slumped down beside her as they talked quietly till she stood and complaining about the heat dropped the over dress. He watched her slide and move in a graceful stupor to the balcony doors. Slinging one then the other open as a wind picked up the scarves of her dancing outfit. She stood framed in moonlight her head back he pulled out the iPod she had him carry and played a song he'd seen when he had been waiting for her to dress. Laying it on the table he watched the music take her. She danced for him the song easily fit the moment. She moved to him and he rose to pull her into his arms. They moved well together at any time and this was no exception. She laid her head back as they danced the line of her throat inviting, her lips parted slightly as she licked her lips. He leaned down and kissed her softly. They moved and the song carried them through a long slow kiss. Exploring the contours of her body he eased her into his arms and carried her to the bed. One at a time he removed the chimes. He kissed down her throat and watched the light burst in flowers. The part of him that always managed to keep him out of more trouble than he could handle was screaming in his head and he sighed against the soft skin of her throat.
Dropping his head to the soft flesh at her belly he knew this would break his word to Bruce and she cried out his frustration making his lax mind stare at her. She calmed as he did, her closed eyes gave him no clue to her thoughts. He took her sandals off and removed the belt of coins from her hips, his shirt, and boots before crawling on the bed and tucking her against his chest. She whimpered in frustration again echoing his own thoughts. They settled into sleep under the black eyes of a pair of large ravens.
He felt her stir and pulled her tight against his chest burying his face in her hair; enjoying the last moment before she came fully aware. She snuggled down and purred as his hand caressed the curve of her side. He grinned when the purr stopped and he let her bolt out of the bed. The bedding hiding him from the waist down so only his bare chest was exposed. "Oh, Gods! What did I do?" she cried and ran into the bathroom. Closing the door she yell "get dressed." He grinned at the door and laid back in her bed waiting. He counted to 10 before she came out. Her eyes narrowed "Are you naked in my bed?" he just grins harder. She looks around the room and seeing only his boots and shirt. "I didn't have nightmares?" she looked confused and he started laughing aloud at the look on her face. She slumps into a chair her rumpled outfit crinkled and folded exposing flashes of contrasting colors. "Get out, now!" She jumped up and grabbed his boots. Snatching the covers back she holds his boots out to him. He slowly sat up a soft grin still on his face. "After last night you are just going to kick me out?" he said in a heartbroken voice. She ran into her wardrobe and the last bits of her outfit came out one at a time pitched from the doorway. When she did come out she was wearing a long heavy robe cinched tight. She looked at him with something like panic on her face. She bolted from the room with his laughter fading behind her. She dashed down the hall and opened Jane's door a crack to slip in leaning her face against the wood cooling the heat in her cheeks.
"Lady Althia is all well?" Thor asked her back. She groaned "Please tell me you aren't standing there completely naked." She asked and he laughed "No you may turn." He wasn't completely naked just shirtless she could handle that. She went to a chair and sank into it "Can you please go drag your brother out of my room? You don't have to be gentle." she asked burying her head in her hands. "Did he interrupt your rest?" Thor asked concerned. She shook her head "We slept together." She whispered more to herself than the room. It was very quiet for a minute, "Please would you say that again I'm not sure I heard you correctly." Thor asked choking slightly. "I woke up in the same outfit from last night, minus the scarves with your brother's arms around me." She bent over till she was folded in half her arms crossed over her head. "We slept together. I'm hiding because he has been laughing since I woke." She glanced up at the shocked face. "Please go make him leave my room." She said ending with a frustrated sob. Thor started laughing and walked to the door. "I will see to it he is discrete in his departure." Thor said.
She sat there and it was so quiet that she jumped when Jane cleared her throat. She looked up guilt, shame, and embarrassment warring for control of her face. Jane held up a cup and waved it in her direction. "Coffee?" she looked sympathetic. With a deep sigh Althia went to the table and drank coffee with Jane. After the first cup Jane looked at her "So you guys didn't…?" she asked leaving a blank silence. "No, I don't think so." Althia replied. Both women focused on their coffee. "I'm surprised." Jane said and Althia's head snapped up "What?!" she gasped. Jane looked out the window wide eyed. "Loki has a reputation and it's pretty obvious you two are really attracted to each other." She fiddled with a fork on the table. They fell silent for a while both looking anywhere but at each other.
Thor was fighting the grin on his face when he entered Althia's room. One of Loki's boots was on the floor by the table. "I know you are here brother. Lady Althia is in Jane's room." He said casually to the room as he went to sit on the couch. Loki appeared in the chair. "And what news did the lady have to share?" he asked curiously a grin on his face. "Only that somehow this strange doppelganger of my brother slept in her bed but did not take advantage of the position." Thor brushed the fabric of the arm rest with his fingers as Loki finished dressing. "I come to see this strange apparition and low my brother sits before me. Also not the behavior of my brother. You haven't been caught in a ladies room in what 400 years of debauchery?" Thor finished watching his brother. "Tell me brother who do you think gave Althia the gold gown she wore to lunch?" Loki asked. Thor's eyes got very wide and he smiled then his eyes closed a second thought interrupting the first. "Father." Loki looked at his brother. "I will not do anything to cause her pain. Embarrassment perhaps but not pain. I gave my word if she comes to me it will be with her eyes open and not befuddled with drink or fear."
Althia heard Thor walk by talking with Loki. She sighed "I'm going to the training grounds for a while." She said to Jane a confused smile on her face. She got up and left going in her room she closed the door and leaned on it. This was all wrong. She was falling in love with Loki the God of Mischief the one who tried to conquer a planet and over threw his own father. 'The same man who keeps coming when you needed help.' She slumped against the door the thought barely registering as not her own. "Oh Hela, I need advice." She spoke out loud. 'Daughter of Life' Althia jumped and screamed. She moved away from the door she had heard that voice. It wasn't her mind but is was in her mind. She needed advice on Loki. Hela his daughter; but how? She started for the bathroom a bath then sometime in the training grounds. There was a knock at the door and she jump. "My lady?" Rayeth called quietly. "Come in!" Althia called. The door opened and the woman came in with a tray. 'Food first' she thought to herself and that made her think of Volstagg; she knew then who she could talk to. A man who knew how to keep his mouth shut. "Thank you Rayeth. I was wondering if you could get word to Lord Hogun for me?" she asked as she sat down. There was something in her chair. She waited "Yes my lady, what is it you wish?" Althia thought about how to say she wanted to see him without it sounding like she was seeking another man's attentions. "I need a sparring partner whose tactics I do not understand as I do Prince Loki. I don't know many warriors or the ways of the training fields." That should cover her butt pretty well it was the truth well part of it. Rayeth smiled "yes my lady I can see how a warrior would want to challenge themselves against someone they may not worry if they injure." Althia turned and stared at the woman who was smiling a little too much. "Rayeth what does the gold gown you put me in mean?" Althia sat and ate as Rayeth slowly explained; at a point she set her fork done carefully. She got up and closed the balcony doors. Then she check outside her bedroom door and saw a guard at the far end of the hall in each direction. She came back to Rayeth and lifted her wrists to show she still wore the silver bracelets. "Rayeth I am in love with a man on Midgard, one who has always been kind, gentle, and patient with me. Do you know how Loki lost the battle of NY on Midgard?" Rayeth nodded her head. "The man I love is a scientist like Jane Foster. He is also the one they call The Hulk." Rayeth's eyes got wide and her jaw dropped. "You bedded the prince last night!" Rayeth said in a whisper. "No Rayeth I was very drunk, Loki would not do such a thing to me." Althia assured the woman who burst out laughing. "My lady that is exactly the prince. The man you describe is not how Loki of Asgard behaves." Althia thought about the words and realized that yes Loki was a perverse bastard and if he desired something he would find a way to get it. What made her different? 'Did you know what happened…' she remembered the conversation. Something in her stomach was doing flips as her mind bent to grasp the complete picture. As she closed her eyes she felt something inside snap painfully. Loki was a tease a flirt nothing more. He always had been from the first day after she healed him. "I don't think I have anything to worry about regarding Prince Loki courting me." She whispered swallowing the lump in her throat. "He is amusing himself he will not both with…" she choked on it before she pulled herself together. "Please draw me a bath, and send word to lord Hogun. I feel the need of my sword."