Chapter Eight

"Loki is with Ellie then?" Odin asked.

"Yes. The guards confirmed that he followed her back to her chambers after he left the hall." Thor replied. "He never returned to his own."

"Excellent." Frigga said. "She is such a lovely young woman. I hope this works."

"Have faith my queen." Odin said.

…..

Ellie forced what looked like a grape into Loki's mouth. At this rate they would both starve if she didn't make him eat something. She had poured some water from a pitcher and he drank that greedily.

"What are we going to do today?" Ellie asked in between bites.

"I do not want to leave these chambers." Loki said while chewing on the fruit.

Ellie smirked at him while she sat between his legs, face to face, with her legs draped over his hips. "Sounds fine by me."

They ate in silence for a moment but Ellie thought this would be a good time to sit and learn more about one another.

"So what was it like to grow up in a palace?" she asked.

Loki laid back into the pillows and let out a big sigh. He was unsure if he wanted to delve into this subject. "It was wonderful. Our parents doted over us as we grew. Thor and I had many teachers that would see to our education. Our mother would try to drill etiquette into us, but Thor and I would always find a way to make fools of ourselves. Mother would scold us for our behavior, but would always be hiding a smile. And Father, well, he would teach us how to be men. All through growing up he would teach us what qualities we needed to be good men and what it meant to rule."

"Thor and I always had other ideas though. Whenever we could we would find some kind of mischief to get into. Many times we would have to be rescued as children when we would go out to practice our fighting skills on one poor unsuspecting creature or another. Mother would always worry over our injuries and Father would lecture us on being careless. But when Mother was not around he would teach us what we should have done differently. Being a child in this place was always an adventure."

Loki felt that was a harmless enough description. As he thought about it, it was actually the truth. His parents were never overbearing and they truly did raise them as equals. However, Thor was their biological son and older.

"What was it like to grow up on Earth?"

"Nothing as extravagant as this, but my mother enjoyed life and made everything fun. She would take me everywhere with her. She always said that you never knew when something good would happen, so do whatever you can and make the most of it." Ellie's eyes sparkled as she remembered her mother. "We would take short day trips to different places and she would always take pictures of us there. For my ninth birthday my mother drove us to California for the weekend. We spent two days on the beach just playing in the water and building sand castles. It was the best birthday I ever had. I used to have the scrapbook she made with all our trip pictures but, I forgot it when I moved to New York."

Ellie stopped talking and looked a little sad.

"How did your mother die?" Loki asked reaching for her hand.

"Shortly after that trip my mother started to feel ill. She was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer. The doctors told her she had six months to live, but she barely lasted six weeks. It spread so fast. Bill was beside himself. He had no idea what to do, so he started drinking." Ellie paused and shifted. "I heard my mother talking to him one night that he needed to stop and focus on me. That I was gonna need him to help me through this since he would be all that I had left. He promised her he would. Three days later she died at home in her bed with Bill by her side. I was at school and he had to tell me when I got home and we consoled each other. He was good until after the funeral and then the alcohol was the only thing that would help him cope."

"That must have been hard for you." Loki said as he slipped his fingers between hers.

"I didn't realize how hard it was. I learned to deal with things till I was about thirteen. Then I fell in with the wrong crowd." Ellie said, with a disgusted laugh. "I was easily influenced because I was just looking for someone to pay attention to me. I would get in trouble at school, nothing big to start, but as I got older my friends and I discovered drugs and we stopped caring about the important stuff."

"Drugs?" Loki interrupted.

"Oh, um, they are chemicals that people take to give them a buzz or make them feel like everything was okay. It's stuff people use to escape from what makes them feel bad."

"Oh. Is this good or bad?" Loki asked confused.

"It's bad. The stuff my friends and I started to do was bad. We would start to steal from people to get money to buy it. Cody, you remember him?"

"Yes." Loki obviously tensed and a hint of anger flared in his eyes when she said his name.

"Well, he was the ring leader of our group and one night he went and robbed someone's home. He came back to our meeting place. What he didn't know was the cops knew it was him and followed him. We all got arrested and thrown in jail. Bill came and got me out. That night when we got home, Bill just started screaming at me about all the trouble I had gotten into and that he didn't know why he had to get stuck with me. I think I started to wonder if he really was my dad. Who would say that to their child? He called me all sorts of names and when I started to argue with him, he…" Ellie stopped talking and brought her hand to her cheek.

"He struck you, didn't he?" Loki asked.

"Yes. That was the first time he hit me."

Loki felt absolutely no guilt for having struck Bill down where he stood. That man had not deserved the quick death he got in Loki's mind, but he was glad he had done it. This brought Cody back to the forefront. She had mentioned his name and he remembered something Cody had said that night.

"That night in the street, that man," Loki said with a growl, "said something to you that made you feel distressed. What happened?"

"After Bill started hitting me I would stay out as long as it would take him to pass out and I would sneak into the house. Then I would make sure I was up early enough before he would wake up. I never got much sleep and I was always tired. One night a group of us went out and had a bonfire in the desert. Cody brought his stash and someone else got their hands on a case of beer. We partied for a while and I got pretty drunk. I was tired and I felt Bill should have been passed out by then, so Cody said he would drive me home. I don't exactly remember the ride home, but when I awoke the next morning Bill was standing over me. My clothes were torn in spots. I just tried to remember what happened in the car. Bill started yelling at me, calling me names, saying that I was useless. We got into one of our usual arguments that ended in me with a black eye."

Loki sat silent. He was unsure of what to say or do. Did he comfort her? He did not know what to say to make her feel better. Yet she did not seem to be upset.

"Well, all of that stuff made me stop and realize I needed to choose another path and fast. So I stopped hanging out with Cody and my other so called friends and started to pay attention to my school work. I realized I was actually pretty smart and I liked science so all my grades got better and I made it into a good college. Unfortunately Bill's house was the only place I had to go home to until….." Ellie shut her mouth before she said too much. She was unsure of whether or not she should bring up what happened in New Mexico.

Loki looked at this little human and realized they had more in common than he could have imagined. There was more than just the deep physical attraction. Ellie was smart and funny. Most importantly, they were both lost souls.

Loki looked into Ellie's face and realized this was the time to get this conversation out of the way. "I know how it feels. I too, have lost control of who I was. My parents raised Thor and I the same, never treating one better than the other, but I lost sight of that. For me, Thor cast a large shadow that I never seemed to overcome. He did not do anything deliberately, but I felt I always came in second. As we grew, so did my jealousy. I tried to prove myself the better son, but I failed. Miserably. I only hurt the ones I love the most." Loki said as he raised his hand to her cheek. "Never in my life do I want to see again the pain on my families face or the suffering you experienced. I am now beginning to realize the man I wish to be. The man I wish I could have been all along. A man worthy to deserve you."

Ellie smiled up into Loki's face. "If things would have been done differently, we would never have met."

….

Loki and Ellie relocated out onto the balcony. She lay in the lounge chair wearing his shirt again. Loki had put on his pants and was telling an animated story about a time, as children, that he and Thor had gone out to fight some hideous creature she could not remember the name of. She watched his facial expressions as he moved around the balcony replaying the whole encounter. Ellie watched him intently and thought to herself how happy he seemed. Remembering old times seemed to bring out his inner child. Half the things he mentioned in the story were foreign words to her, but she got that they were around eleven or twelve and went out to fight this odd creature, but it backed them into a corner. Loki tried to use his magic, but it was still too new. Eventually their father came to their rescue.

Magic? Oh yes. Ellie almost forgot that Loki had magical powers. When Loki had finished with his story he walked over to the rail in front of her and grabbed his cup to take a drink.

"What magic can you do?" Ellie asked.

Loki looked down at her with a sly smile. She stared right back at him, but then felt arms wrap around her chest and lips kiss the back of her neck. Ellie flung herself out of the lounge and turned around to see Loki smiling at her. Loki? She turned again to see Loki standing behind her in his original spot. She looked back and forth a few times in complete confusion. Then the first one disappeared.

"What just happened?" Ellie asked, feeling like her head was spinning.

"I do not know how to explain it better than I can duplicate myself," he replied as he stepped back around her.

"So, you can be in multiple places at once?" she tried to understand as she sat back down.

"No. There is still only one of me, but I can project the image of myself into multiple places."

"Multiple places?" Ellie said sounding surprised.

"Would you like me to show you?" The sly smile returned to his lips.

"No!" she said quickly holding up her hands. "I mean no thanks. That first time was enough for me."

Loki laughed and sat down beside her. "There are many other things I can do. But we will leave that for another time."

Loki placed his hand at the nape of Ellie's neck and drew her in for another kiss when there was a knock at the door. He pulled away to look in her eyes. "I will get it." He stood and walked to the door.

Ellie followed him back inside. She figured someone was just leaving another tray of food. It had to be going on dinner time. They had spent the whole day in her chambers talking, laughing and loving each other. She was pleasantly sore and content to never let it end.

When Loki opened the door, his mother stood on the other side. He stepped back and looked down at himself. He was only wearing his pants. Like Ellie, he had only expected someone to have left them a tray.

"May I come in?" Frigga asked.

Loki stepped aside to let his mother pass. She gave him a knowing smile and stepped into the room. Ellie stood next to the bed wearing only Loki's shirt.

"I am sorry to disturb you. I wanted to make sure you were feeling well. We had not seen you all day." Frigga turned to Loki. "But I see my son is taking care of you."

Ellie blushed deeper than she ever thought possible and was at a loss for words.

"Dinner will be ready shortly." Frigga continued. "If you are feeling up to it, please join us. It will only be a small family affair this evening."

Frigga smiled at Ellie and turned to leave the room. Loki still stood by the door. She stopped and put her hand over his heart. Frigga kissed him on the cheek and left the room quietly closing the door behind her.

…..

Loki gathered his things to go back to his chambers and get ready for dinner. But before he left, he gathered Ellie into his arms and kissed her goodbye leaving her breathless. Once she was alone she went into the bathroom to start getting ready. She pulled his shirt off over her head, but could still smell him on her skin. Ellie loved that. Looking in the mirror she saw what a mess her hair had become, yet brushing it did not help. There were still kinks and it wanted to lay the wrong way, so she quickly jumped into the tub to wash it. Once in her robe, she walked out into her room towel drying her hair the best that she could and came face to face with Jane.

"Well I'm glad to see you are up and around today." Jane said.

"I'm feeling much better thanks." Ellie replied with a sarcastic tone.

"I would hope so." Jane smiled.

"What is that supposed to mean?" Ellie asked.

"Oh, come on Ellie. You are positively glowing. I watched Loki leave right after you last night and Thor couldn't find him all day."

"He just came to make sure I made it back to my room and that I was alright." Ellie said.

"Eeeelllliiiieeee. Talk to me." Jane pried.

"Yes. He came to check on me last night. I was a bit sad last night and he kept me company."

Jane looked at her.

"Alright! He spent the night with me!" Ellie finally burst.

"I knew it!" Jane said. "He was with you all day too?"

"Yes," Ellie groaned out loud.

"Oh Ellie, I am so happy for you!" Jane nearly burst. "This is wonderful!"

Jane walked over to Ellie and gave her a big hug. Ellie could tell something was up. She had a strange feeling about it for a while now. Between the way Jane and Frigga acted, she knew there had to be an ulterior motive.

"Jane. Why am I here?"

Jane was taken aback by the question. "Well, if you would have stayed on Earth, you would have died. Thor suggested bringing you here to try and save you," she stammered. "I would have done anything! So I had him bring you here and it seemed to have worked." Jane smiled.

"Yes. It obviously did. But are you sure there was no other reason to bring me here?"

Jane stayed silent. Ellie looked at her and knew she didn't want to say anything else.

"Jaaaaaaaane! I know there is more to this story. Please tell me." Ellie implored.

"There is no more to the story. We are all just glad to see you are better and now you seemed to have found a bit of happiness with…." Jane stopped.

That was it! "I know what he's done."

"How? Odin forbid…." Jane stopped again.

"Jane, tell me what the hell is going on!" Ellie practically screamed. "I have the right to know!"

"Alright. After the battle in New York, Loki was captured and Thor was taking him to a secure location via the hospital. You were being brought in at the same time, I guess, and Loki saw you. Thor said his demeanor changed completely. He said it was as though the light went out. Thor didn't understand the change because he didn't know it was you, and even if he did, he never would have thought Loki would know who you were." Jane sucked in a breath. "It wasn't until they were back in Asgard and Loki was locked away that the pieces started to fall together. Heimdall informed Odin on what had happened last year in New Mexico and how he had gone looking for you before he even continued with his plan in New York. Odin ordered that you be brought here."

"Why?"

"He is different with you Ellie. Even I can see that."

"Why was I brought here Jane?" Ellie asked starting to sound desperate.

"Odin and Frigga want to save their son. There is a connection between you and Loki. They can see it and the change in him." Jane added timidly. "Odin believes that you are the key to taming Loki's madness."

Ellie could not believe what just came out of Jane's mouth. She was brought here to calm Loki's demons. "Wait! What?!" she spit out. "I'm here to be used?"

"It's not like that. I was unsure about this at first when I finally learned all the facts. I just wanted you brought here to be saved. Then I got to know everyone," Jane paused, "including Loki."

"I can't believe this." Ellie said shaking her head. She sat down on the bed and put her head in her hands. Confusion could not even begin to describe how Ellie felt at that moment. Before the amazing night they had spent together, Ellie had been homesick and conflicted about her feelings toward Loki. For some reason she had looked past that. Being near him brought out a side of her she had never experienced before. Love. Now she finds out that his family is using her. What part does Loki have to play in this?

"Ellie…" Jane started.

"I need to be alone Jane."

"Just let me….." Jane tried again.

"Please, Jane." Ellie said bringing her fingers up to her temples.

"Alright then." Jane said and left the room.

Shortly after Jane left, Kara knocked on Ellie's door to help her dress. She debated whether or not she should go down for dinner. Now that she knew his families intentions, she did not want to face them. They all knew she had spent the night with Loki. Could she look Loki in the eye? Her mind reeled. Maybe this dinner would give her the opportunity to give them a piece of her mind for trying to use her. Then maybe she could go home. Ellie had just started to make a life for herself and she would not be taken from that for the purpose of someone else.

Trying not to be rude, she had Kara quickly help her dress. She felt that Loki would come back for her and if he got near she would most likely lose her focus. Once she was dressed, she took a quick look in the mirror. This time Kara had dressed her in green. A similar green to the one Loki wore. Ellie grumbled to herself.

"Is something wrong Ellie?" Kara asked.

"Nothing, it looks great," Ellie replied with more enthusiasm than she felt, not wanting to hurt her feelings.

Ellie did not have time to do her hair. It had finally dried so she quickly ran a brush through it and it lay down her back in long blond waves. Down would have to do. Ellie left her room and made her way down the stairs hoping dinner was in the same room.

Of course, it was not. She looked around for a few minutes when she ran into one of the men she had seen talking with Thor when that big robot thing came to her town.

"You look like you may be lost." The man said.

"Actually, I am." Ellie replied. "I am meeting everyone for dinner."

"Ah. I know the way. I am headed there myself. Shall I escort you?"

"That would be lovely. Thank you. By the way, my name is Ellie."

"It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Fandral. This way." He said as he put his arm out.

Ellie placed her arm in his and he turned her back in the direction she had come. They talked as they moved towards a big seating area outside. Ellie thought how charming Fandral was and that he must be a favorite of all the ladies.

Loki quickly cleaned himself up and changed for dinner. This was the happiest he had felt since as far back as he could remember. Ellie was changing him. He could feel it deep down into his soul. The way she had looked at him last night, how that made him feel, could not be explained in words. He felt like he could face anything if she was with him.

Loki put his coat back on and walked out of his chambers. He wanted to escort Ellie down to dinner. Have her on his arm as they walked into the room with his family. Is that not what people in love do? Loki made a detour to the garden. Flowers may be a nice touch, he thought to himself. He had seen men do this, but had always thought it a foolish tradition. When he finally reached her room she was not there. Why would she have gone down without him? He had thought she would wait for him. Feeling a little uneasy, Loki looked at the bed they had shared the night before. Had he said something to upset her? He could not think of a thing. So he took the flowers and laid them around on top of the bed and left.

When Loki arrived out on the veranda for dinner Ellie was not there yet. Frigga smiled at him and motioned for him to sit.

"Where is Ellie?" Jane asked.

"She was not in her room when I went to escort her down." Loki said sounding annoyed.

"Well, she might have lost her way." Frigga said. "Maybe someone should go look for her."

Loki stood and was about to step away from the table when Ellie walked outside. Anger rose in Loki's chest when he saw her arm on Fandral's. His magic began to tingle in his fingers.

"Look what I found lost in the palace." Fandral said.

Ellie blushed and said, "I suppose I shouldn't venture out on my own in such a large place."

She released Fandral's arm and moved down the opposite side of the table as Loki and sat down next to Jane. She knew exactly where he was sitting without even looking. Ellie could feel him.

"You look much better today, my dear." Frigga said.

"I feel much better, thank you." Ellie replied trying to avoid looking at Loki.

At that point the food was delivered to the table. Loki watched Ellie as people moved around placing big platters of food. She was avoiding his gaze. Why? People fell into conversation around him. Loki's good mood from a short time ago was quickly starting to turn into frustration.

Everyone talked, laughed and ate. However, Ellie remained quiet and so did Loki. She listened to the conversations around her and tried to avoid looking at Loki. Ellie would catch a glimpse of him out of the corner of her eye. She could see the intent look on his face that would rarely waiver from her direction. Her mind immediately remembered his touch and the way it felt to be in his arms.

"I was wondering," Ellie interrupted before she could stop herself, "now that I am feeling better, if someone could take me home."

The conversation came to a halt as everyone stopped to look at her. Loki nearly flew out of his chair to object, but Ellie continued.

"I have to get back to school and my job. There is so much going on back home right now that I have to finish."

No one said a word for a moment. Loki was speechless at this point. Ellie wanted to go home? After what happened just the night before. He was left dumbfounded.

"My dear, you are more than welcome to stay as long as you like." Frigga finally said.

"Thank you. I appreciate everything everyone has done to help me. I will never be able to pay back the kindness that you have shown me, but I really need to get home." Ellie said lowering her head.

"Ellie….." Jane started to say.

But Ellie didn't give her the chance to finish. "I can't be that person!" she said to Jane. Ellie finally looked at Loki. A tear came to her eye and she rushed away from the table, off the veranda and out into the adjoining garden.

Frigga stood to follow her, but Odin said, "Sit, my lady. Give her a moment to herself."

Loki stared after her and could not understand what just took place. She disappeared into the bushes. Ellie wanted to leave. But why? For once he was unsure of what to do. Then he stood from the table and followed her.

…..

Ellie ran away from the veranda before she could cry. After a few minutes of getting lost among the beautiful plants, she finally came upon a beautiful fountain. She sat on the edge and looked into the water. There was strange fish swimming that reminded her of Koi. They clustered around her looking for food she supposed.

The tears silently fell down her cheeks and into the water. She had told them. She got the words out of her mouth that she wanted to go home, but why did she feel so bad. Home was not as appealing as she made it sound because Loki would not be there. She loved him. She knew that. Yet she was not going to be used as a way to keep him in line. Could she even do that? Ellie knew all the horrors that Loki caused by his actions and that still put her on edge deep down. For all she knew he could continue down that path again. Going home was the only option.