Hai There... :So there was only one review from last chapter, I know it was a weaker chapter but hey. Thanks to my one reviewer! You rock!
Anyway, we're getting closing to this part of the story, Kaleria's back story so... hang in there.
I apologize for my delay in postings, I've been having a really rough week or so now. Keep me smiling with reviews guys, I need some smiles!
Anyhoot, enough rambles! You know the drill!
Please Read, Review, and above all... Enjoy!
"Nervous?" Kaleria's attention finally turned to her sister whom had been talking to her for a few minutes now… yet she paid no attention. She was distracted as she stared at herself in the mirror. The long, white Asgardian gown was bizarre to her as she looked at herself.
Kaleria was still focused on her dress as she spoke to Sif. "It's still a few days away, I can't be nervous."
"Well, now that you see yourself in the wedding dress, how do you feel?" Sif crossed her arms as she eyed her sister. "You know you don't have to get married just yet."
"I want to." Kaleria said with slight hesitation.
"Something is holding you back." Sif commented as she walked around her sister, forcing Kaleria to look at her. "Tell me what's wrong."
Kaleria groaned. "It's Loki."
"What about Loki?" Sif raised an eyebrow as Kaleria turned away from her.
"He keeps disappearing." Kaleria admitted as she began pacing. "I thought we were supposed to be doing all this together?"
Sif smiled sympathetically as she placed a gentle hand on Kaleria's shoulder not just to be comforting but also to stop Kaleria's pacing. "Loki is probably busy."
"He leaves early in the morning and does not return until really late at night… sometimes not at all…" Kaleria was having concerns about her soon to be husband. He was a different man after being denied the throne, Kaleria could sense that. Yet, she was still hopeful of the situation that everything would turn out as it should.
"I remember a time when you wanted Loki to disappear forever, and now that he is not around you want him back." Sif joked, receiving a dirty look from Kaleria.
Kaleria's glare softened as she bit her lip nervously, she shuffled awkwardly from one foot to the other. She was getting nervous and above all, she was so unsure of everything right now. "He's becoming distant ever since the All Father denied him the crown…" Kaleria conjured a small fire ball, contouring it into different shapes as she tried distracting herself. "He's just… he took it hard. He doesn't want to talk about either. He just changes the subject when I try…"
"He's upset, it's understandable." Sif watched as Kaleria contoured the flame in her hand, the shapes changing at her very whim. "You're conjuring with much more confidence." She commented.
"All thanks to Loki, I suppose." Kaleria shrugged. "I'm marrying the man who I thought I understood… but now I feel like I hardly know him."
"It will get better." Sif said. "Give him time. You will have all your married lives to get it right." Kaleria groaned at the comment.
The conversation came to a halt when the door to Kaleria's chambers opened, startling both girls slightly as their attention turned to the door. Frigga had entered with a smile on her lips; she was graceful and elegant as she walked into the room, her eyes on Kaleria. "My dear, you look beautiful."
Kaleria blushed. "Thank you, My Lady." Kaleria quickly extinguished the fire on her hand, shaking her hand to try and cool it down faster.
"Sif, you must be so proud of your sister." Frigga began. "She has come a long way from not being able to control her gifts and has now won the heart of my son, Loki."
"I am, My Lady." Sif smiled warmly. "This has been a great experience for her."
"I should like to take a quick walk with Kaleria, if you have nothing planned." Frigga said as she eyed Kaleria. "We would need you to change however; no one should see the bride's dress before the wedding."
Kaleria smiled. "I think I'm all set for the day." She looked to Sif whom just nodded in confirmation. "I'll just change quickly."
"You can meet me in the gardens." Frigga's smile never left her lips as she turned, nodding to Sif one last time before exiting the room.
Kaleria felt her stomach swarm with nerves. "Did I do something wrong?"
Sif just smiled. "Doubtful." She simply replies as Kaleria turns away from Sif, revealing the corset back. Sif, without hesitating, helps untie the corset back of Kaleria's wedding dress.
Kaleria, after changing into her normal green Asgardian dress, headed straight to the gardens; not wanting to keep Frigga waiting too long. She was distracted, her mind racing a mile a minute as it wandered to thoughts of Loki, his disappearance, her wedding. Everything was happening, these past months feeling like a blur. Time moved differently here, and she felt like she was caught up in a whirlwind.
The gardens were beautiful, the midafternoon sun shining gently on the flowers. Kaleria loved the feeling of the cool breeze on her skin, it calmed her. Especially now, she needed the comfort.
Frigga sense Kaleria's distracted behavior; it was evident in the way she nervously played with her hair as she walked closer. Frigga smiled as Kaleria came closer, standing before the All Mother. "Kali." She began. "May I call you by your nickname?"
"No, please, call me Kali." She said. "I like the informality sometimes."
Frigga nodded. "We can talk informally here, I'd rather you comfortable talking to me. Come walk with me." She began to walk with a slower pace, Kaleria followed cautiously as they walked through the gardens. Silence overtook the two as they admired the scenery, Frigga making small talk as she commented on the different flowers. "You have trained well; you truly have blossomed from our initial meeting."
"Thank you." Kaleria smiled slightly. "I have your son to thank, even though he frustrated me greatly, he was very helpful."
Frigga smiled. "My son, he truly cares for you." She began. "I don't think either of you were prepared for such strong feelings so suddenly. Yet, as they say, love cannot be stopped, it can only be delayed."
"It seemed to just happen, I woke up one day and… my mind could only focus on him." Kaleria confessed with a small blush. "I suppose you're right in saying love cannot be stopped."
"He has not returned yet, has he?" Frigga's question caught Kaleria off guard. "I know my son has not been quite himself after Odin chose Thor for the crown. He has me worried, I know he will prevail, I know he will come around again." Frigga stopped walking, causing Kaleria to stop and look at Frigga. "I don't want you to feel neglected by his actions."
"I don't feel neglected." Kaleria began, sighing slightly as she tried to find the right words. "I wish I could help him through this. I also wish he was here to help prepare for the wedding." Kaleria looked down at her feet. "Everything is changing and I really need him with me."
Frigga placed a gentle finger under Kaleria's chin, lifting her head up to look at her. "You are strong enough to not need anyone's help. I understand it's hard to see a loved one feel not like themselves. He will come around." The two began walking again; silence overtook them once more before Frigga spoke. "Are you excited for the wedding?"
Kaleria's lips curled slightly. "A little bit."
"I pray that Loki does not let anything affect his happiness for the wedding. You two should have a wonderful day, filled with happiness." Frigga's eyes were soft as she spoke, as if she knew Loki would still be affected by the recent ruling. Kaleria responded with a simple 'Hm' as the two continued to walk through the gardens, talking about everything but the wedding and Loki.
Groaning as she trudged to her chambers, Kaleria was, putting it lightly, exhausted. She had had a full day trying on her dress with Sif, walking with Frigga in the gardens, meeting up with Sif afterwards only to fight over flowers, watching Volstagg knock over a vase of said flowers (which ended up in pieces). This caused another loud argument with Sif and Volstagg; Kaleria just sat down next to Fandral, who would hand her a mug of mead that she'd chug in only a few gulps. She was then asked whether the feast should include mutton stew or would she prefer a lamb bone stew. She could not find a reasonable answer, nor truly cared for what soup and had Volstagg eventually decide for her. All these questions and decisions to be made and here she was making them alone.
She was tired and she had had enough of this wedding already. "Only a few more days… and then it's over." She reminded herself as she opened her bedroom door, heading inside and closing it behind her. She rested her back against the cool door, closing her eyes and sighing with relief.
"Rough day, I assume?" She peered through one eye to see Loki lying on her bed with his back against the headboard. His arms resting lazily behind his head and his legs crossed at the ankles. Even sitting, his arrogant demeanor was evident.
Kaleria opened her eyes fully, narrowing them as she stepped away from the door. "It was, no help from you, of course." She didn't mean to sound so hostile.
Loki scoffed as he took his eyes of Kaleria. "I had matters to tend to."
"Where do you go?" Kaleria asked as she walked closer to the bed. "What are these matters?"
"You will see soon enough, love." The tone in which he used 'love' sent chills down Kaleria's spine. It was rough and made her uneasy.
She looked down at her feet. "I am just curious."
"I know." His voice was softer now. "I promise it will be all worthwhile."
The silence took over the room quickly, the tension was suffocating. "We're getting married soon; I'd like to know that you will be around for our marriage."
"I will be. You will have me all for yourself once we are married." Loki promised as she hesitantly walked closer, sitting on the edge of the bed by Loki's feet.
"Don't shut me out." She barely whispered.
Loki repositioned himself, he moved so that he was now next to Kaleria. "I am not trying to shut you out."
"But you are." She said simply. "I get that you are upset, talk to me about it."
Loki sighed, rubbing his temples. "There is nothing to talk about."
"I can't make you tell me." Kaleria sighed.
"Everything will be fine." Loki tried to reassure her but she only felt an empty promise. "How was your day?"
"It was fine." Kaleria said.
"Lying isn't a healthy trait." Loki replied.
Kaleria raised an eyebrow, looking at him through slightly narrowed eyes. "Says the God of Lies."
Loki smirked. "Tell me what happened."
"A lot, actually. I had to make a lot of decisions for our wedding, alone." She said defensively. "It would have been easier if I had you to help."
"I think I saved myself a headache." Loki chuckled. "You're a brave warrior."
Kaleria elbowed him as she stood up leaving Loki to rub his arm. "Can you please try to be around a little more?"
"I cannot make any promises." Loki said somewhat disinterested as he stood.
Kaleria, unsatisfied with his answer, walked over to the door and opened it. She pointed towards the hallway as she glared at Loki. "Then I cannot make any either."
Loki was slightly shocked at her bold behavior. He knew she was tired and he knew she was annoyed with him. The best and only option he had now was to leave her be. He walked towards the door, stopping in front of Kaleria to quickly kiss her on top of the forehead. "I will try to be around more." Kaleria said nothing as Loki sighed, leaving her chambers. She closed the door behind him and walked to her bed, collapsing down on it in frustration…and finally falling asleep.
Her new found confidence was still a shock to her in the morning. She sat through breakfast in silence as the time continued around her. She told Loki to leave last night, for once, she was in control of her situation and not falling in some spell he would put her under. She sighed silent at how ridiculous that sounded. Loki, putting her under a spell, it was laughable.
She sat at the banquet hall table, staring at her eggs that were now getting cold. She sighed slightly, not out of frustration, but more relaxation. She was alone, it was quiet, and she was able to get lost in her own thought.
Being lost in thought however, had its disadvantages; such as not being able to hear the door to the banquet hall open or the sound of someone coming closer. It was only until he sat down across from her did she notice. Her eyes narrowed as he sat across from her, grinning. "Good morning."
"What are you doing here?" She asked.
"You asked me to be around more." Loki replied, his face spelling mischief. "I thought we could have breakfast together."
"I already have breakfast." Kaleria said defensively.
"And it looks like you have hardly touched it, I can have mine brought out now and we can eat together."
"You're doing this to get a rise out of me." Kaleria accused him.
Loki placed a hand gently on his chest, with a clearly fake look of disbelief. "You believe I am doing this for a personal gain and not because I want to spend time with my soon to be wife?"
"Yes." Kaleria stated simply.
"You make me to be such a villain." Loki chuckled.
"No, not a villain; you just enjoy bothering me."
"You agreed to marry me." Loki reminded her. "Do not forget that."
"I highly doubt you'd let me." She replied as a frail woman came over to the table, placing down a plate of food for Loki. She left quickly when she noticed the looks Kaleria and Loki were giving each other.
Silence overtook the banquet hall as the two continued to stare at each other, neither one flinching. Loki was the first to look away as he took a fork full of eggs and eating them. Even the way he ate irked Kaleria in that very moment. She was annoyed with him, he knew it, and he played on that.
"You're not going to eat, darling?" That sent her over the edge.
She gritted her teeth and clenched her fists, her body temperature rising. "Why are you here again?"
"You asked me to be." Loki practically sang, his carefree and detached tone irking Kaleria to the point where she lit her own food on fire. She stared wide eyed as she quickly waved her hand, extinguishing the flame. Loki made a clicking noise with his mouth. "How are you going to eat now?" He asked, pestering her more. Kaleria narrowed her eyes, concentrating on Loki's plate and with one quick motion; his food was now on fire. She waved her hand, extinguishing that flame as Loki looked up from his now burnt eggs at her incredulously. "Well, that was uncalled for."
"You are infuriating." Kaleria growled.
"This is going to be a fun marriage, I can tell." Loki's lips curled.
"You'll be lucky if we make it to the ceremony." Kaleria tried to regain her composure as she stood up from the table. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have things to tend to." She didn't wait for his retaliation; she just turned and swiftly left the banquet hall, cursing under her breath as she did.
"You were upset that he was not around to help you, and now that he is you're upset that he won't go away?" Sif asked as they once more tried to decide on flowers this time without the help of clumsy Volstagg.
Kaleria groaned. "When you say it like that it sounds ridiculous."
"Because it is ridiculous…" Sif replied with a sigh as she watched Kaleria pace. "Can you at least take a moment from pacing and look at these flowers with me?"
"I'm too flustered now." Kaleria continued pacing.
"Well someone has to help me with these flowers, the wedding is swiftly approaching."
"I can be of service." Kaleria nearly fell over as Loki walked closer to the women, grinning. "My presence was requested by Lady Kaleria today, after all." If looks could kill, Loki would have been dead by now.
"You're really doing this to me?" Kaleria asked in defeat as she looked at Loki.
"You had asked me to be around for this and now I am." Loki replied. "I do not see an issue here."
"You're being facetious about it." Kaleria sighed in frustration before turning to Sif. "See what I mean?" Sif smiled sympathetically.
Loki turned to Sif with an apologetic smile, whether he actually meant it, Kaleria would debate for a long time. "I'm going to need some time with Kaleria; she really needs a break."
Kaleria looked at Sif with pleading eyes. "Please don't make me go with him."
"I think you two need some alone time." Sif reluctantly agreed with Loki. "You're getting married in a few days and this is how you're acting."
"That's not my fault." Kaleria defended.
"In marriage it no longer is one person but two." Sif continued. "So you're both at fault here."
Kaleria deflated in defeat as she looked at Loki. "Fine, let's spend quality time together." Loki snickered as he and Kaleria left together.
Kaleria walked much faster than Loki in attempts to lose him as they walked; he actually had trouble keeping up with her. "Can you slow down?" He called to her, finally turning his quick walk into a jog as he caught up to Kaleria, running in front of her to force her to stop all together. He could see the waterworks in her eyes, yet she was refusing to actually cry the tears that were waiting. His expression softened. "Kali…"
"How do you expect we make this work?" She asked, her voice shaking.
"We can and we will." Loki said reassuringly as he pulled Kaleria into his chest, kissing her forehead. They stood there in silence as Kaleria's body trembled. She would not cry, at least not willingly; no matter how many tears tried to break free. Loki sighed as he ran his hand through her fiery hair. "Kali, I know I have been acting different lately." He began, receiving a nod from Kaleria; causing him to smile. "And I am sorry, truly I am." He continued. "Give me time, things will change soon, I can assure you."
"I want to help." Kaleria added with frustration in her voice. "I know something is tearing at you and I want to help resolve it."
"I know." Loki sighed as he continued to stroke his hand through her hair. "It is something I need to resolve on my own." He continued. "Things will be different, I will change this, I promise."
Kaleria pulled away slightly to look up at Loki. "I really dislike you today."
Loki chuckled. "That's fine because I love you always."
Kaleria choked out a laugh as she wrapped her arms around her soon to be husband. "We need to stop irritating each other."
"Where's the fun in that?" Loki asked. "That's what brought us together in the first place."
"Yes but one of these days it's going to go too far." Kaleria commented as she pulled away from Loki completely and began walking again towards her chambers. Loki followed in step, matching hers to keep up.
"We have yet to go too far with our behavior." Kaleria raised an eyebrow in response as Loki chuckled. "Fine, we will never go far enough that we hate each other."
"We already do hate each other." Kaleria corrected.
"It's a love hate type of thing." Loki added forcing Kaleria to smile. "However, overall it's a love type of thing."
Kaleria and Loki stopped walking as soon as they reached Kaleria's chambers. "I think I need to lie down for a while."
"Is that something I may join you with, or do you still wish me gone?" Loki asked.
Kaleria rolled her eyes, a smile playing on her lips. "You may join me until I can't stand your presence anymore." Loki smirked in response as the two entered Kaleria's chambers for the afternoon.
Final Thoughts: I wonder if anyone is catching the little hints I've placed in the last few chapters... hmm.. Well, we'll find out shortly I suppose. Thanks for reading, and remember to review! The more reviews the faster the next chapter arrives!