I waited in the library after the sun had settled amongst the horizon. The pale light of the moon poured through the stained-glass window. Hues of bright yellows and blues painted the floor in long strokes.

No one was inside when I entered. My only companions were the sound of my foot falls and the aroma of old books that sat in the sun too long. I tugged at the sleeves on my plain white cotton tunic that was belted into the brown leather riding pants that hugged at every curve on my body. I was glad that I opted out of the matching leather vest.

The outfit Karnilla had her seamstress create for me was gorgeous. The leather was soft against my touch but thick and tough; the boots that perfectly slid up to my knees had the most comfortable insoles I had ever worn. It was all far too much for me so I had chosen to forgo the vest and gold plated wristlets. I really don't think they added much to anything other than fashion. As was usual I had my hair piled high into a near, twisted bun.

Footsteps sounded and I spun on my heel to see Loki entering the library. He was dressed in casual Asgardian clothing of a pale green tunic that brought out the color in his eyes. They flickered in the light like a cat's, searching in the dark until they rested upon me. My chest tightened and I felt the my head start to spin.

"I thought I would find you here," he quietly said though his voice reverberated through the empty room. I intertwined my fingers, uncertain of how to even start talking to him. He looked me up and down, his features knotted together. "Where are you-"

"Hayden!" I peered around Loki to see Karnilla waltzing into the library, her lips were pinker than her cheeks as she smiled on an exhale, "a warrior in looks if not in skill." Her laugh was soft, sounding almost fake.

Loki's lip curled into a sneer. "Karnilla."

She ignored Loki, her smile widening. "Are you ready?"

I opened my mouth to speak when Loki cut me off. "Ready?" He shifted his gaze between Karnilla and myself. "Ready for what?"

Again, I started to speak when Karnilla off-handedly answered, "I've promised to show Hayden the fairies."

Loki turned sharply on me, his brows buried deep into his forehead. "Hayden, I think that you and I should speak." He glanced at Karnilla who gave him a bored look. "Preferably alone."

"Loki-"

"My fair Lady Hayden!" Loki groaned as Fandral and Hogun charged into the library, passing by Karnilla without a second glance. "We hear word that you were going to Kjisaamier."

Both of my brows flung to the middle of my forehead. "The true name of the Rainbow River," Hogun supplied.

I thanked him with a smile and turned my attention to Fandral. "Yes, Karnilla and I were about to leave."

"It is settled then," he grinned wrapping his arm around my shoulder. "Hogun and I will accompany you."

"Don't you have some helpless wench to poison with your snake?" hissed Karnilla, her hands placed firmly on her small waist.

"If you're nice enough you can pet my snake later," he winked earning a scowl in disgust from Karnilla. "Shall we saddle the horses then?" he asked letting me go and walking toward the doors.

I stilled. "H-horses?"

Karnilla asked, "do you not ride?"

I shifted under her stare. "Well, uh, the last time I went riding it didn't end as I had hoped."

"Would you prefer we fly?"

"I-fly?" I stuttered unsure of what that exactly entailed.

Karnilla nodded, flipping her long amber braids over her slender shoulder. "I can summon the Vulghaer and we can sit upon their backs."

Somehow the idea of flying on a creature's back didn't seem any more appealing than the horse. "She can ride with me," stated Loki and all eyes fell to him. He shrugged, strutting pass Fandral and Hogun so that they quickly moved aside to make room for him.

"No," I heard myself saying. Loki lazily looked over his shoulder. "I'll ride by myself." I wasn't certain what I was doing but the last thing I wanted was to have Loki wrapping his arms around me and holding me close to him.

Several attempts and with help from Fandral I was finally saddled on the midnight black beast. It shifted under my weight and I tightened my thighs around its massive body. My hands gripped onto the leather reigns causing the horse to rear its head back and snort loudly. My stomach jumped into my throat and I pulled tighter, afraid I was going to fall as the animal stomped his foot hard against the dirt-packed ground.

"Loosen your grip," came Hogun's voice from beside me. He reached out and wrapped his gloved hands around my fingers, prying them open to mold them around the reigns the rightful way.

The beast beneath me relaxed. "Thank you," I gratefully told him.

Hogun nodded and trotted ahead. Karnilla and Fandral followed close by. I couldn't hear what they were saying but the strain in their voices to play nice was clear. Not wanting to be left behind I softly dug my heels into the horses flank. To my surprise it moved forward, following the others at an even pace. Loki trailed behind the group, his eyes bearing into the back of my neck.

I did want to talk to him but not about what he wanted to talk about. The last thing I needed on my mind was to think of that night. The bruises had faded into pale pink marks along my skin but the memory burned deep whenever my fingers brushed against them. Any apology he had could drown in the river for all I cared. Not that he would even bother with an apology. He most likely didn't think he did anything wrong.

The ride wasn't as bad as I had thought it would be. Bumpy and uncomfortable? Sure. But, at least I hadn't been thrown off or almost trampled on. That was a successful ride in my mind.

"How much longer until we get there?" I asked, my bottom numb from the constant bouncing.

"Not far," shouted Karnilla turning slightly in her saddle to look at me. Even riding a horse she moved with a grace that seemed impossible. "Right over this hill you should start to hear the-"

Whatever it was that Karnilla was about to say was completely washed out by a sudden humming that filled the night. The horses trotted to the top, mine continued forward as everyone stopped to appreciate the view, and despite how hard I tugged at the leather straps in my hands it wouldn't stop. Fandral rode over, grabbing the reigns from my hands and eased the horse into a slow halt. He offered me a smile followed by his trademark wink.

I blushed and looked away, ignoring his usual flirtatious advances. It didn't take much to distract me, however. The river flowed below with dark waters that looked as if a rainbow had fallen inside it. The moons above shined down, reflecting the colors along the sandy banks and onto our pale faces.

A flock of birds flew overhead, the humming faded as they passed by. I gasped in awe, swiveling in my saddle to watch the birds dive for fish that seemed to jump into their beaks. Breathless I smiled, wanting to get closer when I spotted little lights that lined the river bank. A melodious tune blew along with the warm breeze that brushed along my face. I leaned forward, my hands gripped tight onto the saddle as though it'd keep me from falling down below.

"It looks as though the fairies have gathered tonight," mused Fandral, urging his horse to walk down the hill.

"You are in for quiet the surprise," added Karnilla, chasing after Fandral.

I inhaled deeply and rode alongside Hogun. I could still feel Loki's stare and didn't need to turn in my saddle to know he was still there. Each step brought us closer to the humming. After seeing the light of the fairies I assumed the music came from them but I soon realized it wasn't a hum but an actual song. And it wasn't the fairies singing the unfamiliar words, it was the birds.

"It is all they can sing," informed Loki coming from behind me. His face was straight and his green eyes focused on the divine creatures that splayed into the illusion of colors. "Legends of old say that a young maiden used to come to the river, gathering its waters that were believed to be of a magical property."

Fandral's story about the spring in the words rang in my head. I mentioned it, watching the way Loki's jaw clenched tightly together. He nodded, refusing to meet my gaze.

"The spring in the woods is fabled to show you the truth of your hearts desire. The river you see now was said to heal the sick. The Maiden's lover was dying so every she would come to gather the water and sing this lullaby every night for months."

I couldn't help but smile at the tale. It was strange to hear Loki speak of lovers in such a casual tone. We stopped along the river banks to tie the horses to a nearby tree. Eagerly, Fandral slid out of his saddle with ease to assist me from my own.

"Thank you," I muttered, blushing more out of annoyance that I had already started to blush when his hands wrapped around my waist. I could feel Loki's gaze penetrate the back of my head that if he still had his magic I feared it would explode.

Fandral bowed dramatically. "But of course," he replied, placing a small kiss against my hand. His twisted goatee tickled at the skin and I quickly pulled away. He smiled, not at all offended, and left to join Karnilla and Hogun at the water's edge.

I started to join them when Loki grabbed onto my wrist and lead me a few feet away. His touch sent electricity through my entire body and I instantly wiggled free of his grasp. He brought his gaze down to my face, the water reflected a pale blue against his pallid complexion.

The birds began to sing again and to my surprise he joined them. His voice was deep but soothing and I found myself enraptured by the words that spilled from between his sharp tongue.

"When the suns set and the moons shine

I am left to wander the cold, dark night.

I pray unto thee, my savior be

Lift my love from his pain,

And so my soul you shall gain."

He cleared his throat and opened his eyes, avoiding my gaze. They briefly landed on Hogun, then shifted to Karnilla and Fandral-who was skipping rocks so they'd create ripples that looked like oil spills.

"One night a powerful sorceress came to her and granted the maiden her wish. With one drink from the river he was cured, alive and well to watch her fall before him. Her soul was lost to the underworld but every night since her death the birds sing to lead her to Valhalla."

I turned my gaze from him and looked to the birds. They were void of any color, only the shimmer of the water reflected onto their sleek, black wings. Their eyes were large and round, different colors depending on where they flew above the river. Their beautiful melody was now haunted.

"Why are you telling me this story?" I asked, wrapping my arms tightly around myself.

Loki considered for a moment, the blue hues bounced off his face as he turned to the river. "Some stories need to be told," was all he had said.

I frowned, annoyed with myself for even asking. I should have known he would have eluded the question with a vague answer that left me even more confused. My hands dropped to my side and I stepped closer to the river deciding to enjoy the night around me and just ignore Loki and his babble.

The fairies dances around our heads, collecting water and dripping it around us. I giggled as the small drops trickled down my cheeks and neck. I found myself wishing that I could see what they looked like underneath the light that shrouded them. They must have been magnificent.

Fandral sat down in the sand, the water spilled around his boots. He reached into his bag and produced a small, golden lute. He brought it to his lips, closing his eyes as the metal touched against his skin. A sharp note sounded in the night, matching the melody of the birds. I closed my eyes, feeling light like I could float away into the music.

I couldn't help the persistent need but to dance to the music. My arms spread out and I started to spin, laughing like I used to when I was small and my father would let me dance on his feet. I snapped my eyes open, still smiling despite feeling as though I could throw up. Everything around me blurred into one another like a giant puddle of reflected oil spills. When I slowed to catch my breath I noticed that the music had stopped and I was suddenly alone. The fairies, the birds and the Asgardians that I traveled with were no where to be seen.

Inhaling unevenly I called for them, my quivering voice wandered in the dark.

"Turn around."

I quickly spun on my heel, digging my boots into the sand. I had seen Loki as a warrior and I had seen him as a giant of the ice. I had seen him as a spoiled prince and I had seen him as a monster. There in the water, waist deep and-as far as I knew-naked stood Loki. It was the first time I had seen him as a god.

The moons high in the starry sky reflected the colored lights off of his pale skin creating hues of light blues and greens and indigo that smeared across his naked chest. His ravenesque hair hung neatly over his slender shoulders, smoothed back in his usual fashion. The green of his eyes burned bright under the moonlight. Despite the anger that still lingered inside me I couldn't deny the beauty that surrounded him.

"Come join me," he suggested lifting his hands from the water. Water trickled down his arm creating small ripples with each leap of faith they took rolling off his fingertips and back into the silent river.

I remained still, looking around to see if I could spot the others. "Where is everyone else?" I accused him, folding my arms across my chest. Whether or not he was the cause behind this was unknown but I wasn't stupid. I knew this was magic at work. "Did you do this?"

He lowered his arms, his long fingers splayed against the river's surface. His jaw tightened but his stare remained firmly on me. "I only wish to speak to you."

"What is this?" I snapped, unfolding my arms. "Where is everyone? Am I dreaming?"

I watched him intently. The way his fingers caressed the water sent images of those same fingers running through my hair and down my back. I shivered. Not now, Hayden.

"No, you are not dreaming. You are here. As am I."

I raised both brows, annoyed with his vagueness. "So where is everyone else?"

"Join me," he echoed, his voice almost a plea. He extended his hand forward, the water pooling around his elbow.

I hesitated. Part of me, the weak part that I felt myself growing to despise wanted to run into the river. But, the other part of me that was at times more sensible kept me back. I hadn't seen him in over a week, he made no contact whatsoever after his sudden disappearance. At a time I needed him most he was gone. One of the last times I saw him he almost forced me to-I closed my eyes willing myself not to cry. He did stop once he saw how scared I was. Did that really excuse his behavior though?

"Hayden-"

I blinked my eyes open.

"Hayden?"

I was standing on the edge of the river bank. The heat spread through my cheeks as I slowly turned to look over my shoulder. Fandral stood directly behind staring at me with thick, blond brows raised high. A few feet behind him sat Karnilla and Loki with similar expressions. The faint humming of the birds echoed in the distance and the fairies still danced along the edge of the river.

Swallowing hard I glanced to Loki once more. He stood close to Karnilla, his arms folded against his clothed chest. I looked back to the vacant water and frowned. "Sorry," I muttered. "Just lost in thought I guess."

I looked back to the trio. From the corner of my eye Karnilla smiled and I deepened my frown. "This place tends to do that to a person," she offered empathetic, her smile softer than before.

Nodding I stepped back so that I stood next to Fandral. He gently patted at my shoulder, though his grip was awkward and his touch was quick. Thinking I should say something I started to turn to him when a flower similar to a daisy floated by. A small smile flickered onto my lips and I knelt down reaching out to brush its golden petals. Just as my fingers stretched out another flower passed by. Then another. And another. There had to be at least fifty of them going downstream.

I moved my head to my left. Far off along the banks knelt Hogun releasing the flowers from satchel into the river. He would slowly bring each one up to his face and I couldn't tell if he was speaking to them or leaving a small kiss upon their petals.

I turned to Fandral, his expression somber. "What is he doing?"

Fandral gazed at me. "Every river in Asgard leads to the Underworld," he explained. "Lost and taken souls wander forever unable to find peace."

"Every year Hogun releases the flowers into the river in hope that his loved one would follow them back," added Karnilla joining Fandral and I on the sandy banks. "Some of us possess many great powers but bringing back those lost is not one of them."

I blinked suddenly reminded of what Loki had said to me when I begged him to save my father. In my anger and my pain I didn't see it then. But as my mind replayed through the scene like an over-the-top drama I saw something etched on Loki's face. It was almost a faint sense of helplessness, his eyes blurred with tears that would not fall as he told me that he wished there was more he could do. Did he actually wish to help me? Or were those empty words he promised to a grieving girl?

"I think it's a romantic motion rather than a literal one," I sadly replied looking back to Hogun. He stood up and hitched his empty satchel over his shoulder, staring at the flowers as they danced downstream. "He probably feels at peace when he does it."

"Don't be so quick to deny love a second chance," quipped Fandral.

I resisted the urge to look back at Loki over my shoulder. I could feel his gaze willing me turn. Clearing my throat I asked, "when did she-?"

"It was years ago," answered Fandral, his gaze now on the flowers that had long passed by us. "Long before the time of those you know."

"And he's never loved again?"

"Sometimes love can be so powerful that when it is taken from you it rips away a hole that nothing else will fill," answered Karnilla. I glanced at her, biting my lower lip at the melancholy tone in her voice.

I folded my hands reminded of the story Loki had told me about the birds. Was it a coincidence? Was his loved one the maiden who lost her soul?

"Come," whispered Fandral extending his gloved hand for me to take. "It is late, we should head back."

I nodded, declining his hand and followed after Karnilla. My gaze held firm, refusing to glance at Loki. From my peripheral I could see him watching me leave, his eyes glued to my every step. I continued forward until a lone fairy danced in front of me, spinning around my head until I turned to face the river.

Loki was in the water again, this time he laid on his back floating on the surface as if he weighed nothing. I looked around. Our companions were no where to be seen. Only the stars in the sky accompanied us in the still of the night.

"Is this some sort of..." I fumbled searching for the right words to use, "Loki...magic...mischievous trick thing?"

"You ask all the wrong questions, Hayden." He regarded me coolly, his green eyes alight with amusement.

"Is this real?" I asked growing tired of his games.

"It depends on your conception of what is real," he vaguely replied. I scowled. "Come now, Miss Waltham. That is hardly called for."

"Okay so let's pretend that this is real," I played along walking toward the river's edge. "What do you want Loki?"

He stopped swimming on his back and corrected himself so that the water came at his hips once more. We stood there, watching one another, completely silent. Of course he wouldn't indulge me.

"Quiet frankly you've been nothing but rude to me ever since we've met. You regard me as some insect that you can step on should you grow bored of watching me scurry under your feet." I sighed, telling myself over not to let the tears that clung at the corner of my eyes to fall. "What do you want Loki?"

Suddenly Loki was next to me, his hands on my shoulder and his lips on my neck. I stilled at his touch. His long fingers spread down my arm, trailing down my wrist and to my hand. I felt a lump form in my throat. It was hard to swallow down and I thought I might start choking.

I exhaled slowly through trembling lips at the touch of his lips trailing along my neck. The small hairs began to pricked and shiver at his touch. Loki's breath was hot and sticky on mg skin. He smelled of sun and water and the faint smell of spices that always lingered around him.

His lips moved up my jaw, nibbling at the tender skin until they reached my mouth. My body went rigid. "No!" I heard myself shout pulling away from his kiss. "Don't," I started to cry, "d-don't touch me like that." I swallowed past the lump and inhaled sharply. "Ever again."

I wiggled my wrist free of his grasp and wrapped my arms tightly around myself. Blinking the tears away I turned my gaze to my scuffed and sandy boots. "I'm sorry...I just-"

"Hayden," he breathed and I looked up at him. He gazed at me with a somber expression. His hand hovered near my fingers but he did not reach for my hand. "You have every means to be angry with me."

Air puffed out of my cheeks in surprise at the words that were coming out of his mouth. "I betrayed you. I..." he cast his gaze downward, "hurt you." He flicked his stare quickly back to me. "I left you when you needed me most."

My lungs began to burn. My head grew cloudy. I tried to cough but nothing came out.

"Loki?" I choked, grabbing at my chest.

He regarded me with a bored look in his eye. His eyebrow raised high. I tried to swallow but it only made the fire rising in my throat burn more. My racing heart started to slow in deep drum-like beats that pounded against my skull. My mind was a mess of incoherent thoughts and demands as I struggled to reach for Loki's hand.

Suddenly, I was just tired. My eyes were much too heavy to bother with keeping open. All I wanted was to fall asleep and drift down the river currents. When I woke up perhaps I would find Hogun's lost love and bring her back.