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Kaleria walked uncomfortably as Sif spoke. "Are you even listening, Kali?"

Kaleria shook her head slightly. "I just don't understand why I have to go to this banquet too."

"See if you were listening…" Sif scolded. "It's to honor the stars and the gods of old who have since passed on."

"You mean it's an excuse to drink." Kaleria muttered.

Sif glared. "It's to honor the fallen heroes… and drink."

"See?" Kaleria replied, sticking her tongue out.

"You're becoming more and more like Loki; I'm going to have to separate you two." Sif commented.

Kaleria scoffed. "Please, I am nothing like that heathen."

"No, but you are taking a liking to him." Sif teased.

Kaleria glared. "I don't hate him anymore, if that's what you mean."

Sif just smiled, knowingly as the two continued to walk outside the main entrance. "Well, for not hating him, he truly seems to enjoy your company as well."

"We are stuck together until my training is complete. Don't take it anymore than that." Kaleria groaned.

"Loki will be at the banquet tonight." Sif grinned.

Kaleria rolled her eyes. "You're not giving me a reason to go."

"I figured you would enjoy knowing someone you don't hate will be there too." Sif joked.

"What about Thor?" Kaleria teased back.

"What about Thor?" Sif became defensive.

"You practically worship him, Sif."

"He is a good friend and ally to have." Sif defended herself as they walked.

"Well I like Thor." Kaleria said. "I think he's charming, he's very friendly, and you two would make a great pair."

Sif rolled her eyes. "Oh stop." Kaleria smiled innocently. "I'm glad to see you opening up more, truly I am. I may not approve of Loki but he really is helping."

Kaleria was quiet for a moment. "He's not that bad once you get to know him."

"After being tricked by him so many times, you learn to not trust him."

Kaleria changed the subject. "So what do I wear to this banquet?"

"It's formal; we need a nice dress for you." Sif said.

"But only my training clothes and this are fire proof." Kaleria said, looking down at her green dress.

"And that dress is pretty banged up. You will just have to be careful then." Sif joked.

"Easier said than done…" Kaleria commented.

"That reminds me, we should get you fitted for a dress. Come with me."

Kaleria picked at a piece of loose string on her dress, breaking it off from the dress and flicking it away from her. The dress fit perfectly to her form, different shades of green draping down from top to bottom where a small train ended in the back. Her wild red hair was pulled partially back to a half up half down look. Her dress matched Sif's dress in shape and style, the colors were different. Sif's dress was silver and red. Sif smiled at her sister. "You look beautiful."

Kaleria shuffled her feet. "You always look beautiful, Sif."

Sif just smiled. "Come, we should be heading to the banquet hall."

Sif and Kaleria walked into the banquet hall; there was music, laughter, and the smell of food filing the air. The grand hall was ginormous and Kaleria was most certain it would go on forever if it could. The hall was filled with Asgardians, some Kaleria had never seen before in her time here. Everyone was dressed in flowing dresses and their best armor. "Lady Sif, Lady Kaleria!" Volstagg's voice boomed over all the other noise in the room. Sif smiled and nodded to Kaleria, whom followed suit to the Warriors.

"My Ladies, you look beautiful tonight." Fandral was truly a smooth talker. "Not that you don't always look beautiful."

Kaleria blushed slightly as Sif just smiled. "Fandral, you have no shame."

Fandral simply winked. "Never."

"How is your training going, Lady Kaleria?" Hogun asked curiously.

"Oh, it's going fine I suppose." Kaleria said nervously. "I have not burned down another building yet…"

The group laughed, Volstagg snorting slightly as he handed a mug of mead to both women. "That is always good to hear, no accidents."

"She is doing brilliantly." Sif smiled.

"I'm sure she is." Fandral said. Before he was able to continue, the large doors to the banquet hall opened, revealing two of the guards.

Everyone stood at the sight of them, including Kaleria. The room was quiet as one of the guards introduced the Princes, Thor and Loki. Thor and Loki walked into the room, Thor was smiling and nodding at every familiar face, and Loki was very straight forward and headed towards the end of the room. He did turn his head when passing the Warriors, Sif, and Kaleria, smirking slightly when he made eye contact with Kaleria. This caused her to narrow her eyes out of habit at him, to which he simply chuckled.

Next the introduction for the All Father and All Mother, everyone bowed their heads in respect as Odin and Frigga walked through the room; Kaleria peeking up to see Odin, her first time getting a quick glimpse of the King.

Odin and Frigga stood at the end of the banquet hall with Loki and Thor by their side. Odin used his staff to create three loud bangs throughout the room before speaking. "Welcome to this night in which we remember our fallen heroes, honor the ever changing stars, and take up good company." His voice was commanding. "Let us take a moment to raise our cups to commemorate our fallen brothers." Everyone raised their mugs in response, the room silent. Finally, Odin spoke once more. "Please sit, eat, drink, and be merry!"

The crowd cheered as the sound of clashing mugs echoed throughout the hall as the music started back up again. Kaleria touched mugs with the Warriors and her sister before taking a sip. She peeked over the top of her cup as she drank, unable to spot Loki anymore from across the room.

"He's made his way to the balcony." Sif whispered.

Kaleria nearly choked on her drink as she moved the mug from her mouth. "I don't care where he is."

Sif just smiled. "Well, if you were interested."

Kaleria glared at her sister before sighing. "I'll at least be nice and say hello." Sif just laughed.

Kaleria made her way through the crowd of Asgardians who were drinking, laughing, and storytelling. She found her way to the balcony, taking note of a few other Asgardians, none the one she was looking for. Slightly disappointed, Kaleria walked further down the balcony, to a more secluded area, her attention on the stars and the Bifrost in the distance.

"It's beautiful." A familiar voice said behind her.

Startled, Kaleria turned around to see the smiling face of Thor. "Thor." Kaleria nodded her head. "You're not inside with the party?"

Thor shook his head slightly. "I wanted to talk to you first."

"Me?" Kaleria asked.

Thor walked over to Kaleria, standing next to her and leaning over the balcony. "My brother says you are really improving with your gifts. That's something to celebrate."

"Baby steps really." Kaleria was modest.

Thor smiled. "I feel as though we have not truly gotten to know each other, Lady Kaleria."

"Well I'm usually training." Kaleria joked.

"Your sister is very happy to have you here." Thor commented. "We all are glad to see you really improving."

"Well thank you, I suppose." Kaleria said.

"My brother, he's different." Thor began. "He isn't as forward as I am, or really into these sorts of things. But he knows what he wants and when he does he takes it. He's truly a mastermind in his skill."

"Thor I-"Kaleria was interrupted.

"He means well, even when it doesn't seem like it." Thor said. "He's a good person."

Kaleria sighed, looking to the Bifrost again. "He can be when he isn't annoying me."

Thor smiled. "Yes, well, he does have his moments."

"Thor… why are you talking to me about Loki, not that I mind the conversation with you." Kaleria asked.

"I just think he comes across as a bad person and needs someone to defend his position." Thor shrugged.

Kaleria smiled warmly. "I get it Thor, thank you."

"Don't stay out here too long okay? The party is only beginning." Thor said.

"I'll be in, don't worry. Go on." Kaleria motioned, Thor reciprocated her smile and went back to the party.

Kaleria turned her attention back to the Bifrost and she leaned over the railing of the balcony. "What were you and Thor talking about?"

Kaleria smirked, she knew that voice. "Oh, nothing."

Loki was then standing next to her; she could see his arm out of the corner of her eye. "Nothing…? I truly doubt that."

Kaleria looked at Loki, smirking. "It's my little secret."

"Secrets are no fun." Loki returned the smirk. "I see you're enjoying the party as much as I am."

"I came to offer peace for the night." Kaleria said. "This means no arguing, no bickering, nothing of the sort… okay?"

Loki chuckled. "Shame, I enjoy our little spats." He looked at Kaleria. "You look pretty."

"Am I pretty today or always?" Where was this teasing nature coming from? Kaleria was being so forward, it even shocked her.

"I suppose you look alright sometimes." Loki teased right back. "Will you tell me what you and Thor spoke of now?"

"I guess I could tell you a few things." Kaleria said. "He truly sees the good in you. He was hoping I did too."

"And do you?"

Kaleria looked away from Loki. "I'm not sure what I see yet." Loki was a little quiet with that comment. The stood in silence for a moment before Kaleria finally spoke. "But I know there's good." The awkward silence fell upon the two again.

"May I be forward in asking something?" Loki asked.

"I don't see how I can stop you." Kaleria joked.

"Why are we being so kind to one another?" Loki laughed. "We truly hate each other."

"No, we've reached extreme dislike." Kaleria corrected.

"Yes, right." Loki nodded with a laugh as the two turned to face each other fully now. "Are we still extreme dislike?"

Kaleria thought for a moment. "Okay, a more calmed distaste for you." Loki laughed. "It's a step forward."

"It is a step forward." Loki confirmed. "Maybe someday we will get to liking each other."

"I wouldn't go that far." Kaleria replied. Loki looked into the banquet hall, he watched as everyone seemed to be so caught up in the party. He smirked, taking note in something. "Oh no, that look. What?"

"Care to do some training now?" Loki dared.

"Here?" Kaleria asked. "It's not the best idea."

"It should be simple." Loki replied. "I promise."

Kaleria sighed. "What must I do?"

Loki motioned to the banquet hall. "Snuff all the candles lighting the room."

"You want me to what?" Kaleria asked in disbelief.

"It's a little mischief, I promise. Then you can light them again." Loki said.

"Loki, you're a bad influence." Kaleria added.

"I know." He grinned. "Just one small prank, that is all."

"I have to be closer." Kaleria said in somewhat agreement. Loki, giddy as ever, grabbed Kaleria's wrist gently and walked her into the banquet hall. She was warmer than normal people would feel, and Loki felt very cool to her touch, she kind-of liked it.

The two walked to the center of the room so that all candles that lit the room were in view. Loki looked to her. "Alright, snuff them."

Kaleria swallowed hard as she raised her hand, concentrating on all the candles in the room. With one quick swipe of her hand, all the candles went out.

The room sat in darkness, the music stopped, the loud talking went to quiet whispers of confusion. Loki leant over to Kaleria and whispered. "Alright, light them."

Kaleria waved her hand once more; the candles lit once more, first an intense flame from each, then to the normal sized flame. The confusion rustled throughout the banquet hall at what had just conspired. A few knowing glances ended up to Kaleria, followed by more. Once again she was center of attention and she did not like it.

Loki cleared his throat, taking the attention off her and to him. "I would like everyone to know that this was a training exercise for the Lady Kaleria, and she has done wonderfully with her control. Continue your party."

The music started up again, and most of the guests went back to business. Sif made her way over to Kaleria and Loki, looking slightly annoyed. "What was that?" She glared at Loki.

"Just a small prank to help her training, it was nothing more." Loki defended.

"Yes and it was dangerous, what if she couldn't control it?" Sif scolded.

"She did control it, and she was perfect." Loki said.

"You're putting her in danger." Sif argued.

"You cannot enjoy that she did this?" Loki said.

Kaleria listened to them argue more; finally she had enough and turned from the conversation. "Kali wait." Sif said.

"No. Neither of you follow me." She growled, walking away from the two and heading out to the balcony to cool down.

To say Kaleria was annoyed would be an understatement. She huffed and slouched as she stood by the balcony rail once more. "Well that was interesting." A female voice said behind her.

Kaleria turned to see Frigga smiling. Kaleria bowed her head. "My Lady, I'm sorry for the candles…" Kaleria began.

Frigga held up her hand. "My son put you up to it, I'm aware." Frigga said. "But you did wonderfully. The control you have is much better from when you started." Frigga walked over to Kaleria, standing next to her. "You should be proud."

"I am." Kaleria said with hesitation, her attention back to Sif and Loki arguing in the banquet hall. Frigga followed her attention.

"My son is smitten." Frigga commented.

"Pardon?" Kaleria looked to Frigga whom just smiled at her.

"He is smitten." She repeated. "He truly has taken a liking to you."

"Oh no, I doubt that." Kaleria defended. "We hate each other."

Frigga smiled. "Sometimes that's all you need." She touched Kaleria's hand gently, her hands smooth and slightly cold. "Do not be afraid of who you are and what you can do."

Kaleria nodded as Frigga rejoined the party, leaving her mind to wander.

Kaleria left the banquet hall and headed for an unlikely place. Instead of retreating to the library, where she often found herself, she went to the courtyard where she trained. She removed her sandals and walked on the cool grass with her bare feet. The sensation was mind numbing along with the cool breeze through her hair. After tonight's events she truly needed the relaxation.

She stood looking up at the night sky, the bright stars glistening in the sky. Kaleria was confused at what she was feeling. She was angry at Sif; she was angry that Sif saw her as dangerous even when it was a small prank. She was angry at Loki for convincing her to partake in the prank and use it as 'training'. She was also angry at herself, for trusting Loki and for being a disappointment to Sif. Kaleria was unsure who to focus her anger on first.

An hour had gone by and Kaleria was still alone in her thoughts. Her eyes closed as the breeze swept through her hair gently. She was completely relaxed. Yet, like every moment she has had to relax, the same person kept ruining it. "Is this your new place to hide?"

"I'm truly running out of places to get away from you." Kaleria groaned as she opened her eyes to see Loki standing in front of her.

"Your creativity for hiding places is a little impaired." Loki joked.

"I will find a great place to hide from you." Kaleria dared. "Mark my words."

"Consider them marked, though I highly doubt it." Loki's shoulders tensed before speaking again. "I want to apologize for earlier."

Kaleria simply sighed. "There is no need. I should have known better." Loki looked at Kaleria with a confused look. "You're the God of Mischief and Lies, and I was simply a pawn in that tonight."

Loki was a little insulted. "You were not a pawn in anything, Kaleria. I asked you if you wanted to join in on a little fun to which you said yes."

Kaleria crossed her arms. "I didn't think it would upset everyone so."

"Oh come now." Loki narrowed his eyes at Kaleria. "Take responsibility for your actions, I do for mine."

"No, I don't think you do." Kaleria tensed.

"And just what, exactly, have I been accountable for with no repercussion?"

"I believe others take the fall for your actions, not you." Kaleria defended her cause, turning away from Loki.

Loki closed the gap between them; angrily he turned Kaleria around to face him. "You do not know what I am capable of, Kali."

Kaleria narrowed her eyes. "Don't call me that."

"It is your nickname, is it not?" Loki dared.

"Yes, but not one I give you permission to use."

Loki relaxed his expression to a joking one. "When have I ever had your permission for anything?"

Kaleria felt her mouth twitch into an unwilling smile. "I truly despise you."

Loki chuckled. "Have we taken a step back?"

"Three, I'd say."

"Three steps backwards?" Loki replied, looking incredulously. "We might as well try to kill each other at this point."

"That's funny; I thought you already were trying to kill me."

"I wouldn't have to try." Loki winked.

"I could take you." Kaleria stated simply.

"Your gifts are an unfair advantage. I couldn't touch you if I tried." Loki was right; anyone that would attack Kaleria would suffer a major burn if her body temperature rose.

"Even without my powers, you're not so tough." Kaleria was unsure where the playful mood came from, but she couldn't help it.

Loki grinned. "Once again, you have no idea what I am capable of."

"And you underestimate me." Kaleria smirked slightly. "My sister is, after all, one of the most renowned warriors in all nine realms."

Loki chuckled. "Yes, but that doesn't mean you are."

"I've learned a trick or two…" Kaleria shuffled from one foot to the other awkwardly.

"Well then, let me see." Loki dared as he stepped back from Kaleria. "Fight me."

"You are always so ready to challenge me." Kaleria commented as she shook her head. "The answer is no."

"Oh come now, where is your sense in fun."

"Your sense of fun and my sense of fun are very different things." Kaleria laughed. "Besides, I may accidently use my gifts, then what?"

"Then I will be burned." Loki stated as a matter of fact.

Kaleria threw her arms in the arm. "You are just full of terrible ideas today."

Loki stepped forward again, closing the gap between them. "You really will not fight me?"

This was the closest Loki had been to her, and the first time she really noticed it. He was so much taller than her; he had to look down at her. "Really…" She breathed as she looked up at him.

Loki grinned in reply before gently placing his cold hand on Kaleria's warm cheek. The coolness of his body was electrifying to Kaleria, sending chills down her spine as she trembled slightly. "You are so warm…"

Kaleria nervously laughed. "It tends to happen when your gift is fire…"

"What do I feel like?" Loki asked curiously.

Kaleria closed her eyes for a moment, inhaling deeply. "You're so cold…" She began before opening her eyes to look at Loki. "But it's a nice cold…"

Loki took advantage of the moment, leaning in slowly, and his hand still on her cheek, wanting to take her lips as his. As he closed the gap, just mere centimeters before his lips touched hers; he quickly jolted back, shaking his hand. "Really?" He hissed as he cradled his hand.

Kaleria covered her mouth in shock at first before removing her hand to yell. "You were going to kiss me!"

"Yes, I was." Loki defended as he looked to his hand. "And you burned me for it?" He asked in disbelief.

"Of course I did!" Kaleria nearly shrieked.

"Why is that even your first reaction?" Loki growled as he examined his hand closer, no blistering. It was a minor burn.

"Why would you even think to kiss me?" Kaleria growled back.

"I thought it appropriate timing." Loki defended himself as he walked closer to her.

"Well it wasn't, nor would it ever be!" Kaleria waved her hands out in front of her. "I wouldn't." She said in reference to her body temperature.

"Is it that bad to kiss me?" Loki asked, his pride somewhat hurt.

"Yes." Kaleria said simply as her body cooled.

"And why is that?"

"We hate each other." Kaleria crossed her arms, looking away from Loki.

"I see no better reason then."

Kaleria snapped her head to look at Loki. "Do you kiss everyone you hate?"

"No." Loki said simply.

"Exactly, so then why would you even try?" Kaleria said.

"It's different."

"I don't see how there's a difference between others you hate and myself."

Loki sighed as he began walking passed Kaleria, muttering loud enough that she could hear. "Because they aren't you."

Kaleria turned to say something, to find something to say, anything. There was nothing, just Loki's back as he walked inside leaving her alone once more to her thoughts. "What just happened?" She whispered to the empty courtyard as she stood, dumbfounded.

Final Thoughts: Thanks for reading! Once again don't forget to review! Let's get at least 5 more reviews going!