Light had begun to filter in through the window, bypassing the lazily drawn curtains to spray speckles of gold in a progressing stream growing in length across the cluttered floor. As the sun warmed her cheek, catching at the corner of her eye, Kari exhaled a worn out sigh of mixed regret and relief. Regret of failing to study harder and relief the sleepless night was finally over. The hours of staring at the ceiling carried the price of dark rings like such unwanted baggage under her eyes and a light buzzing in the back of her head pleading for unconsciousness. No time for dawdling, she needed a bath and to make her self look pretty for perhaps her last day on – well this was not earth but the thought still counted.
A groan of tight limbs and trepidation escaped her down turned lips as Kari found her legs lost under sheets for a moment before managing the shivering scuttle of morning displeasure towards the bathroom. A long bath, throw in some extra smelly stuff Fandral kept around like some sort of pre-mating musk and a thorough scrub until pink and quite clean. No point in living your life as if you have nine more waiting – she was hardly a griffin shaped puss-cat after all.
A fancy looking practical outfit was in need today; wooly leggings, that would keep her warm. Green tunic? No, she did not want to walk in looking like she was wearing one of Loki's snot coloured outfits; it was bad enough he sort of kind of owned her in a completely illegal for the twenty-first century kind of way. A vest and a v-neck plum jumper – it was cold outside and she really did not need to be dying chilly today; on another note, she probably needed to stop thinking so much about dying as well. A hat? No. Yes. Maybe. Actually, by the look of the grey clouds outside, definitely yes. There was still a grey wool one somewhere in her old clothes and some nice practical shoes.
She paused, horrified as a pair of uggs emerged from her suitcase and had to take a moment to squint and wonder why she ever brought such ugly things with her. To the corner of shame, where dirty underwear and toenail clippings vanish forever into an unwanted pit of disgrace. A pair of bright orange canvas shoes with a psychedelic green chameleon wrapped around the sides would do. They sort of matched the outfit, in a very obnoxious and contrasting manner. Oh well, they were comfy and that was all that really mattered, that and her make-up, oh and her sword. Where had that sharp pointy danger to asgardian guards gotten too now? That was it, think positive, she was going to stab some stranger to death in a ring of fire whilst Loki and Thor drank tea and talked about the weather. All right maybe that was a bit far into pep-talk imagination but she was really tired and had hardly slept after all.
Yawning, Kari frog marched out of her room ready for battle and appearing like a sleepy winter-prom-queen-Olympian – it was basically the look she was going for. Something made her pause however; muddy boots by the door accompanied by the stench of prolonged exposure to sweaty man feet. Fandral was back. Her grandfather was home, most likely sleeping in his room after returning at some point during the night. She stood, transfixed by the footwear, before unhurriedly bending down to pick up the left boot in order to examine it more carefully. These boots had seen a lot, adventure, danger and good times over the past month and so forth but he was home now. She felt saddened by the thought, a moment of excitement and a sense of almost relief at his return suddenly darkened by other realizations. What exactly could he do to help her with the predicament two princes had placed her in? If she went in there and woke him up now, no doubt, he would most likely be forced under some grandfatherly duty to come and watch her impending battle. She did not need the added stress of his audience, the knowledge he would watch her die like a weak embarrassment upon his lineage.
The boot dropped from her hands, a dulled 'thunk' from its connection with the ground followed by the click of a door opening and closing in swift succession. Kari sniffled, dabbing away a light stream of tears that threatened to make her mascara run – she could not have that happening and ruining her day.
"I had not expected to discover you conscious and collected." Who needed running mascara when you had Loki to come and ruin your day?
"Hoping to dress me yourself?" Her tone was snappish, muscles tight and agitated as she fought not to give him the satisfaction of eye contact.
"My input would surely have improved drastically upon your choices." He sighed melodramatically with an added 'tsk' of disapproval at her attire causing her to frown and flash the trickster a wounded gaze. "Come, a decent morning meal is required for the days activities."
"I can get my own." She squirmed out of his one armed clutch about her shoulders, fighting away from the direction of the hall he was trying to maneuver her towards, in order to stalk apathetically in the direction of the kitchens in protest.
He could stand there in the corridor on his own all he wanted. Shunned and- He really was the biggest ruiner of days known to the universe. Kari paused mid-step scowling over her shoulder at the empty space where Loki should have been standing looking hurt and put off at her antics. The bastard had just carried on nonplussed to go get his food as if she had never existed.
"Dick." She mouthed, distracted with an eye roll by her stomach growling for promised gastronomy.
How could anyone feel so alone whilst surrounded by such a crowd of noisy, occupied people occasionally nudging her as they passed. The kitchen was in full swing, cooks cooking, waitresses waiting and pink-faced maids trying to keep everything clean to no avail. She ate solemnly in a corner, legs drawn up to her chest as she tried to keep out of the way and chewed unexcitedly upon the discarded strips of chicken from whatever pristine platter was being presented to Loki in the hall. That summed up their relationship pretty well; master and dog, told to heel, sit and roll over on command then fed table scraps. If she survived today, a long rethinking about her life and the direction it was heading in was certainly in order. Who was she kidding, Karian Motter was hardly the career orientated type, serving others had always been what she was best at - just another gear in the mechanism.
Slinking out of the kitchen, irritated at finding she had no pockets to stick her hands in and look decidedly emo, Kari ventured forth through the palace doing something she really did not like doing – thinking. Indifferent guards marched around changing posts, a trio of court girls or prostitutes or something giggled past looking dreadfully excited about something and way too nice looking. Where did all these pretty asgardian girls come from? Why could she not have gotten some of those flawless skinned, smooth haired genes in the mix? A man's nose and her grandfathers blue eyes were hardly anything more than a booby prize in her opinion. Stupid genes, stupid grandfather, stupid attractive girls and stupid pocket less leggings.
Kari huffed leaning against a pillar and eyeing an equally stupid cat sun bathing on a bench. What a peaceful beast, big soft warm bundle of purrs that no longer frequented her bed. It really had been strange all this time without him and pillow cuddling hardly made up for the real thing. Well he was her feline husband after all; you never truly got over your first love.
Scampering across the garden path on her tiptoes, she snuck over to the sleeping cat barely giving a twitch of his whiskers at her approach and attacked his exposed belly with a spray of tickling fingers. Tawny eyes darted open, paws curving inward to halt the progression of digits amongst his fur as Griffin assessed the situation before a deep procession of purring issued from his chest. She giggled at the half lidded nature of the tabbies golden orbs, finding her hands now welcome to stroke and massage wherever she wished.
"Silly Griffin." She cooed, sliding onto the bench besides her fellow midgardian and scratching behind the dozing cats ears. "You've missed me right? Like I miss you?" She smiled at the continuing purrs, though the upturn of her lips was hardly at full mast. "Liar. You're like Loki really. Doing your own thing. You're hardly a loyal creature. I should have gotten one of those little handbag dogs. Hey! Where are you going?" She called after the retreating feline, scrambling to his feet and loping away into the bushes.
"How endearing a friend you become, truly." She should have known, the looming shadow above her more than enough evidence to whom was gloating towards her. "To affront your only comrade and master collectively. An achievement with quite the ramifications."
"Go to hell Loki." She stood, dusting the back of her leggings down to be rid of dirt and flippant insults.
"What possible use would that serve? I have already visited the realm recently."
"Then stay there? Enjoy a good burning session? A bit of torture might do you good."
"There is hardly much of such pleasures to enjoy in Hel." He was smirking with arms folded in a thoughtful manner - as if playing two sides of a coin. "You are anxious once more. I believed we had quelled such last night, we are prepared, failure is not accomplishable."
"Oh god, just shut up Loki!" The outburst, though building, had been unexpected as it left her lips and foot stamping combined; rushing waves of cascading anguish rising as red to her cheeks. "I really hate you right now. More than I normally do I mean! Why can't you just leave me out of your stupid grand plans and whatever? What have I done to deserve this? I don't want to go and fight some grizzly guard! He'll probably kill me in the first five seconds. No, no, he definitely will and it's all your fault!"
"Hush." He breathed besides her ear, pincer like arms wound tight around her body and pressing firm into an unyielding safety net.
"No…" She struggled uselessly, overpowered with every push back and forced to endure the hard nature of his armor against bare skin. "Get off…" It was a final waned angry plea before the relenting of her forehead drooping onto his chest with the added embarrassment of streaking tears. "Why are you such a dick?"
"I believed I was being kind to you now."
"It's all a lie." She gripped hold of his armour, fending off the tremble of fear snaking its way through her body as best she could. "I hardly think you know where the lies begin and end you just live inside a great big lying bubble of lies."
"Then I should remain far away from sharp objects in case, by chance, they may burst my bubble of lies."
"Don't make me laugh." She shook her head, chuckling at the mischief-makers straight-faced humour finding the arms cocooning her relaxed.
With a sigh, as if escaping a cage, Kari pushed away from her captives clutches in order to stare predatory green eyes down to her level. Instead, however, he caused her brow to knit in confusion, unable to read the mask of the trickster's features. What was he thinking about so severely? Probably the bout and his bet later today. Brotherly rivalry was worth other peoples lives apparently. Still, she found herself holding her breath in a mixture of shock and further bafflement, as his hands rose and fingers wiped away dark lines smudged under her eyes and across parts of her cheeks. Mascara really needed to come properly waterproof.
"Come, it is almost time." The depth of his voice reminded her to breathe.
What was that? And what was that coldness on her skin?
Squinting upwards, ignoring the trail of a departing hand running the length of her arm, Kari stared at the grey clouds disposing of pale coloured snowflakes in sparse abandonment. How pretty; the first sign of true winter the midgardian had ever seen in the golden realm of asgard but the tranquility was short lived. Fingers entwining with her own, the warmth between their palms held in a tight air bubble, as he led her from the gardens not unwillingly. This was it then. Suspense enough to kill almost over and then only the killing would remain. The blush in her cheeks, blood boiling to the surface of her skin from cold, dread, anticipation but also the touch of the prince, no, man leading her like a partner to the dance floor – though she would inevitably be left dancing with another. His footfalls were steady and clear, like a metronome balancing the internal struggle within her mind to a perfect equilibrium, her steps synchronizing to his example. What happened next was down to her now.
The training yard was eerily quiet as they entered; the horses stowed away with stable doors drawn to keep out the approaching snow. Kari looked up from her vigil of the ground surprised by what awaited. Fandral and Thor to the sides looking stern as if an argument had taken place and no clear winner was heralded. Balder was close behind, eyeing the two with suspicion and awaiting a need for his might to separate the friends. At the realization that eyes were suddenly focusing upon her Kari became acutely aware of herself and the hand locked with her own; breaking that contact with some determined speed. This was about to be humiliating enough without everyone thinking Loki and she were like a couple of seven-year-old lovebirds.
"Kari, my dear." Fandral was quick to react the second she was within range, pulling his granddaughter out of reach from the god of mischief and safely into his aura. "You should have come to me. This is downright madness!"
"It is hardly madness, my friend." Thor gave an aggravated and wholly unwelcome response.
"Should you still call me such when you intentionally endanger my daughters daughter?" How quick was her grandfather to push her to the side in order to better chest point with his frenemy.
"You are being unreasonable. How many times have we fought together and amongst ourselves. This is no different."
"You would not say such if I pitted your only child against a Bildshnipe unaided."
"You exaggerate the situation like a nursing mother."
"Woah, woah, woah!" Kari butted in, shocking the bickering couple into recalling her presence. "Did you just insinuate I'm a milk drinker? Really Thor?"
"I meant no-"
"No, no, no." She waved her hands in great sweeping circles to distract bimbo from his apology. "Your mouth was running but the drivers seat was empty. Big man with a hammer that thinks it's OK to make young inexperienced girls fight big guards is calling me the baby. Only in asgard!"
"I understand not your jibes." Thor scowled with an added huff of impatience. "Besides, why am I whole to blame for games that are both Loki and mine."
"Madness from Loki is as expectant as the sun shall shine, it is your folly that hails to the mountains of treachery." Fandral found his chance to leap back into the fray of words as Balder reached in between the two asgardians to retrieve the smaller, fragile, midgardian.
"Stay well clear of their disagreement." He coaxed her further back away from danger.
"You know it kind of involves me right?" Kari exhaled through her nose still rather caught up with the rush of adrenaline.
"Indeed you are right but I would not wish harm on you from either."
"I have to ask…" She rolled her eyes at the exhibit of manly hand gestures as Loki made the duo a trio of triangular debate. "Are they always this theatrical when arguing?"
"I know not of what you mean." Balder's gaze was that of one genuinely lost amongst her words.
"Urgh, never mind." Deflated, she leaned in against his side tugging his arm up and over to drape across her shoulder – not as if he would ever make the first move himself. "I'm glad you're here though."
"I cannot aid you in battle." He drew her in tighter though his eyes remained focused on the melodramatic antics ahead.
"Yup, I got that part. Maybe you could stow me in your helmet or something and get me out of the city though?"
"You wish for I to aid you in fleeing like a coward?" That got his undivided attention.
"Noooo, think of it like tactical retreating." She bit her lip with a pleading grin.
"You are always of amusement, Kari Fandralkin." Balder chuckled quietly returning to his vigil gaze.
"Uh, yeah, I hear that a lot for some reason." She rolled her eyes, sighing into a whisper. "Hmmm, even when I am being serious..."
"Your opponent arrives."
"Huh?"
Kari arced her neck around to get a better look at the heavily armoured guard traipsing across the yard. The goliath was fixated on the sky, tense and unsure of the progressing snowfall but soon collected as his great hulking boots brought him to a stand still in front of both princes and impassioned member of the warriors three. Actually, it was somewhat curious the rest of the trio were not here in support of Fandral but with the amount of drinking they often partook in, it was not unreasonable to think they would be hung-over somewhere this early in the morning. Wait a second, that guard was really familiar looking - especially when he gave her that indifferent look of displeasure. Where had she seen him before?
There was a lot of scowling going on between the two combatants even as they merely approached to greet one another. By the look of 'oh god not her again' written all over his face he definitely recognized her too. Wait! Oh no, it could not be. Could it?
"I know you!" She practically squealed, huge grin plastered across her face as the guard looked away ashamedly. "You used to babysit me back when I first arrived." The guard said nothing, merely continuing to admire something across the yard to their left. "As talkative as ever I see."
"Let us begin so we may return inside out of this repulsive cold." Thor boomed drawing his cloak around him as a shield against the onslaught of white flakes. "The winner shall be the first to draw blood or cause their opponent to forfeit, no death blows. Are these rules acceptable for you, brother?"
"If they are a must." Loki shrugged his agreement nonchalantly whilst Fandral shot both princes disapproving glares.
"Very well, begin when ready." Bimbo waved off the bias looking pair and retreated towards the palace wall for what little shelter it brought.
Well, this was going a lot better than she had hoped. Before the match had even begun, the murder rule had been ruled out; then again the look Loki was giving her, joined by his previous threats, losing might bring about a worse misfortune. The guard stalked off across the yard finding himself a place to stand ready within the training ring. A pat on her back, which she had half expected to be Loki's, jolted her out of the deep breathing reverie she was lost within. Fandral shot her a stern look, shaking her shoulder with a determined nod. She definitely needed to win, her grandfather's honour or whatever was not going down with her too.
Raking in a deep exhale and releasing it as mist in the air, Kari strolled out onto the battlefield pausing a safe distance from her opponent. The guard stared her down; intimidating her with his eyes alone as they both drew their weapons. As if on queue there was a shout in the distance that could only be her grandfather's issuing a demand for her to raise her elbow. Would he ever stop with that? She knew about her stupid elbow. Yelling about it all the time was not going to help in this situation especially when it distracted her-
"Woah!" Kari half tripped to her right as a blade came out of seemingly nowhere.
She had not expected the bout to start so soon, were they not supposed to be both ready for it? No use in crying about it now.
Grounding her feet, she lifted her elbow blocking the next two blows from her opponent. He was playing with her now, his attacks hardly more than half strength as if he were trying to prolong the match or test her defenses. Whatever he was doing, it gave her a chance to think for a moment as she moved backwards taking the guard in a chasing circle around the field. A stupid piece of debris got in the way, however, her retreating dance halted very suddenly as she squealed and tripped onto her back. Of course, the guard was quick to pounce, pace quickened and blade already hurtling downwards as he jumped forward to take advantage of her misfortune. Her eyes were wide, sword forgotten at her side as she stared up in terror at the impending failure approaching. The guard jolted, caught unaware as his blade connected with air and the image of Karian Motter vanished before his eyes.
He was on his guard now; weapon raised to the ready, as he turned rapidly around the arena seeing that nobody was there. Where had she gone? What trickery was this? Left, right, nothing, no one. He strained for sound, to hear approaching footsteps but the snowfall blanketed and confused his senses. A touch of mist in the air, light, almost unseen but an indication of a presence breathing to his right. Feigning ignorance, he continued to look around carefully at his surroundings but kept his other senses on high alert.
Heat, an imminent body at his back, the hair on his neck rising at the sensation as his arm flew out with the twist of his body and grabbed tight on something that squirmed and screamed. His weapon was already on route, following the momentum of his form as she rematerialized held awkwardly by her hair and unable to bring her sword up to defend his next attack. Instinct took over as he yanked her forward towards danger but instead of struggling she followed his lead, as ice grew thick around her free arm, just enough to repel his blade before shattering, and twirled on the spot knotting her hair in his grip to bring her sword back into play forcing him onto the defense. He released his grip, bending backwards to dodge her blow but even that could not prevent the gust of wind from knocking him off his feet.
Winded but still conscious, the guard moved to right himself but rapidly threw his weight back to the ground to block the in coming stab towards his jugular from his opponent. Kari was thrown clear by his responding strength, flipping terrifyingly in the air before landing with an uncomfortable 'oof' on her rear. Why could he not just go down and stay that way?
Whilst she was still yowling and hissing at the impact of frozen ground to butt cheeks a new collision forced her to think again about what hurt more throughout her body. Definitely the large asgardian pinning her thighs down.
Eyes taking a moment to gloat at his victory, Kari groaned out something that may or may not have been a pained 'fuck you' as he initiated his final move; pressing his blade to her chest. The part when the tip snapped off really made her laugh though. The guard gave a confused look at the strange colour of his weapon and made to stab his prisoner again making the sword shaped wax crumble further.
"Is that all you got?" She chortled at her enemy.
Probably not the best move, he was sitting on top of her after all and she being of the defenseless, own weapon out of reach to her right, kind of damsel in distress. The part when he tossed the useless wax-blade and motioned to give up and punch her in the face into submission made her very nervous. All that anxious build up was definitely going to hurt him a lot more than it hurt her however.
The wind suddenly picked up, the guard forced to pause to shield his eyes as snow pelted him in the face and the air itself tried to lift him up and off of his captive. What was this madness? Snow freezing into chunks of ice, gusts turning into raging winds until a blizzard blocked all from view. Someone was screaming and yelling, whether it was a man or woman was impossible to tell through the blanketing howl of the wind raging around the yard.
The spectators huddled together into a tighter band shocked and dismayed by the attacking nature of the weather around them. Cloaks lifted to fend off backlashes of ice managing to assault them through their casual shelter. Fandral on the other hand, being cloak less, tried his best to use Thor's larger form as a wind-guard. They were all very glad indeed when the storm started to die down; even Loki was looking rather put out by his apprentices over dramatic flare.
Shards of ice lessened into fluffy puffs of snow once again. Gales relaxing into gentle gusts as the blinding blanket cleared the scene into view. A dark shadow amongst the white loomed over another until seated on the floor. Fandral was the first to step forward, unsure but eager to learn the truth as the others joined his patrol towards the centre of the yard. Laughter joined the soft patter of flakes as Kari rolled her eyes up at the asgardians ignoring her obvious discomfort. The fixation of the bands humour being the hog-tied guard laying on his front held captive with a mixture of his own belts.
"You have won this round, brother." Bimbo gave his younger sibling an especially loud clap across the back causing his brother to rock on the spot.
"Was their truly any doubt I would fail?" Loki shrugged unapologetically before following blondies trail towards the palaces warmth.
Was that it? Seriously? Not even a thank you. Well, what had she expected from the god of lying scumbaggery. At least her grandfather was looking rather proud of his genes and helping her back onto her feet - though her ribs were really hurting now. The tussle during the white out had not been a pleasant one. Kari hissed angrily through her teeth as Fandral lifted her arm over his shoulder for support; Balder remaining behind as he tried his best to untie the unconscious guard from his rather embarrassing position.
A nice visit to the healers, a long bath and a few days lying around in bed not doing anything was certainly called for. Loki undoubtedly knew when to keep his distance or perhaps it was merely because he had no more use of her. Whatever the reasoning, the nuisance practically seemed to have vanished from her life completely as she spent a few days being lazy as all hell hanging out in her bedclothes and taking irresponsibly long naps. Being born a cat would have had some seriously good perks if this was what your life was like.
Well she did have to put her clothes on a few times, when the warrior's three came around to drink profusely into the night. Fandral was getting a rather enjoyable kick out of bragging and making up bits here and there about her fight. It was great having the drunks around again, especially when she got to here about the quests they had been on whilst away. Apparently the dragon they were chasing turned out just to be an over grown snake in the woods and the ale they were so keen to try tasted like dog piss – when they had tried actual dog piss was not an inquiry she was planning on making – but that had not stopped the legendary warriors picking a fight with a few rock trolls and rescuing maidens. Whether they were actually preventing trouble or causing it was a question best not ask but it positively sounded like they knew how to have some serious frat boy fun.
With the first night of the New Year celebrations approaching – before Odin and his select party took off on some sort of traditional hunt – it was nice to hear she had been invited as something other than a serving wench. Thor was apparently still in the doghouse with Fandral but the invitation being of a guilt converted kind was not going to deter her. Luxury cuisine, no work and getting to hang out with Balder for longer than a few minutes here and there was just the life-changing sort of thing she was keen for. Maybe Prue would be there to and could tell her how to convince an asgardian man to propose – though on second thought, being a house wife was not all that appealing; she would have to have babies and clean and stuff.
"Ewww." Kari shuddered at the thought heading back to Fandral's rooms with a plate full of prunes – losing a few pounds by the evening would up her confidence.
What to wear was still in question. Fandral would not let her out wearing a short-skirted number – the weird hypocritical prude. Her blue dress had been worn out way too often and besides, Loki liked it on her. That was definitely a cringe worthy thought, had she binned the garment already? Shorts again? No way, those were old news now.
Kari paused in the middle of the main room, brow tightening as she thought deeply about that which she had just seen. Just to confirm she twirled around and stared down at the bow trimmed box resting innocently on a chair. What was this and why was it here? Only one way to find out.
Placing down her plate of prunes, Kari snuck up on the package leaning over the back of the chair as if using it as a shield and reached for the note poking out from under ribbon. It was a pretty darn classy looking card covered in golden detailing of flowers entwined and two words written across the surface – 'Karian Motter'.
"For me?" She enquired of the voiceless box as if it might answer her back. "Seriously? I got a present?"
She could barely contain her giggling excitement, running around the chair to attack the gift full on. Why was ribbon always so hard to get off? Sliding it off the sides she threw off the lid and peeled back the folded layers of paper within. Fabric looked back at her, a square patch of purple when lifted unraveled down to the floor to reveal a gown etched with intricate patterning made from silver thread. Kari hiccoughed a high-pitched noise of adoration forcing the fabric against her body to check the fit. She practically wet herself when she noticed there was more inside the box, matching shoes, blue gemstones set in silver. It had to have been Balder; the whole outfit matched that hot bastard like a glove.
Prunes forgotten, Kari collected up her gifts and card and scurried away into her room. A bath needed to be had, curly hair tamed and a lot of preening – was six hours really enough time? It must have been a family trait, even Fandral liked to spend a couple of hours fixing his hair and staring into mirrors. The amount of time he spent brushing his moustache was practically criminal. Even so, they were both going to be the best looking at the party tonight.
"My dear, if you do not hurry I will leave without you." Fandral attempted to coax is granddaughter from her room.
"I'm doing my hair granddad!" She shouted back through the door over a lot of strange hissing sounds.
"It is fine the way it was this morning."
"You are not helping!"
"Is there some way I might so we may leave before dinner is over?"
"No. Go and trim your moustache."
"I have already seen to it." He instinctually reached up to preen at his whiskers.
"Is it still on your face?"
"Of course."
"Then you haven't seen to it properly."
"Your words wound me, my dear."
"And your moustache scares me." She paused as another round of strange noises began and swiftly ended. "I swear it is plotting against me."
"I am leaving now."
"Seriously?" She sounded skeptical. "Granddad?" She opened her bedroom door when there was no response only to find the room very empty. "I can't believe he just… urgh."
Making a girl go alone. What was that daft old man thinking now? It was only a little joke about his moustache, though in reality she really did not like the thing on his face. The way it twiddled and levitated above his lips like two hands on a clock. Shuddering at the thought she dashed back into her room pinning the last strand of her hair into place. Getting such a frizzy mess into a loose curled Grecian style up do was really quite a feat with just herself and asgardian technology. How could they live without straighteners and blow driers? Whatever, it was done now, and did this sort of style make her look like a proper lady? Or maybe it was just the dress and the shoes and the sexy amount of bling. Balder was so getting laid tonight even if she had to get him really drunk first.
A deep steadying breath and out the door she went practicing her walk with such a long dress. At least he had sent nice practical shoes with the outfit, heels really would not have worked with so much fabric close to her feet. How he had managed to find out her sizing was a mystery, though maybe he had help in that department. A seamstress, Prue, maybe even her grandfather? Forgetting about it, Kari smiled wide as she came towards the dining hall already filled near capacity by wandering guests mingling in loud and glorious fashion – asgard parties were never quiet affairs.
Entering on her own suddenly felt very awkward, however, by the rush of enquiring looks she was receiving. Even the odd woman gave her an eyebrow raise but that was to be expected when looking quite so fine. Maidens in a nice recess already surrounded Fandral, the rest of the warriors three close by. Walking further in amongst the gabble she spotted Loki with his attention firmly on a rather tall skinny sort of woman with an impeccable nose. If only they made those things to order. Good luck to her though, whoever she was, hopefully Loki would not do something mean spirited like break it. That would be a shame for the entire universe. Maybe she could get a picture of that nose and take it back to earth and see if a surgeon could do something about her own.
"What is this game you play?" Thor was hovering above her now, mesmerized by the strange way she held the tip of her nose with forefinger and thumb.
"Just uh, you know, wondering what my nose would look like if it was someone else's."
"Why would you wish for another's nose?"
"Hmmm, well, because I don't really like mine?" She shrugged.
"It suits you fine." He chuckled following her line of vision now over to the woman talking with Loki. "I shall leave you, Fandralkin."
"Yeah, you have another matter to take care of." She rolled her eyes at the bimbo's back, knowing all to well what games the two brothers were about to play with skeletor nice nose.
Whatever, she did not want to talk to the prince – either of them - anyway. Where was Balder? Or even Prue? Making her way deeper into the crowd, having to deal with the epiphany of just how small she was compared to the average male in this realm, she sort out someone worth chatting to that would not automatically try to grope her butt. Not that it stopped random warriors she knew not at all doing it as she passed them. Dogs, all of them.
Like a beacon at night, a mess of brown hair and shoulders covered in silver and purple emerged amongst the crowd as she fought to reach him. Why was everyone so lodged tight? Oh, wrestling. No wonder Balder was so engrossed staring at a blocked – to her – view of grunting sweaty men grappling each other to the floor. When she ultimately arrived at her destination, Kari was exhausted by the near death experience of walking and collapsed against her favourite warriors arm. He looked down briefly at his burden, before his gaze quickly shifted back to some inherently crowd-pleasing move from one of the wrestlers that had the crowd cheering and Balder with them. If only she were taller, or the crowd shorter or maybe even a box to stand on would do.
"What's happening?" She queried, bobbing her head left to right in an attempt to see through the crowd.
"Lortheim has thrown Arnbjorn clean over his back and toppled him to the ground." Balder did his best to reiterate the match taking place.
"Is he hurt?"
"His body will heal. That of his pride I know not how the bruises shall fair."
"What happened now?" She attempted to gain a little more height by standing on tippy toes and using Balder as an anchor to no avail as the crowd picked up in volume.
"Arnbjorn holds his opponent in a headlock. They are tussling for dominance."
"Who do you think is going to win?"
"Arnbjorn is older, stronger, but Lortheim is enduring and agile. The fight is fair and few apart."
"Fine, I bet you Lortheim will win."
"That is a bet I am afraid you shall lose."
"We'll see tough guy." Kari giggled, slapping him jovially on the arm. "Winner gets the other a drink."
"I accept your terms." They shook hands as best they could in such tight quarters. "Arnbjorn has lifted Lortheim for a finishing blow."
"I can see that!" She stared worriedly at the man suddenly come into view being held very high up indeed. "COME ON LORTHEIM! PULL HIS HAIR IF YOU HAVE TO!"
"That is not a part of the rules." He tried to correct her.
"I don't care." She shooed him off growing wide-eyed as her bet was thrown out of sight. "What's happening? What's happening?"
"Lortheim fell against another warrior and is preparing to charge his foe. Arnbjorn is readying." Balder was bobbing his own rather tall head in the excitement now. "He has lost his footing on spilled wine."
"Oh yes!" She could not believe how much she was getting into this. "COME ON TAKE HIM DOWN!"
"Lortheim has tackled Arnbjorn, but has been kicked off."
"No, no, no!"
"Lortheim has tackled him again, Arnbjorn is unable to pull him loose. They have both lost their footing on the spilled wine."
"This is starting to sound like some strange asgardian version of mud wrestling now."
"Arnbjorn has pinned Lortheim, but he still struggles."
"COME ON! GET UP!"
"Arnbjorn tires, Lortheim has reversed their positions."
"Yes!"
"He is braced firm against Arnbjorn's chest. He cannot move."
"Has he won? Has he won?" She tugged on his arm over excited as the crowds' cheering achieved an all time high.
"Indeed you have won our bet."
"Yes!" Kari fist pumped the air laughing at her companions equally excitably flushed face – that was really something; talk about adrenaline rush.
"I shall return with your spoils as promised." Balder nodded as he turned to escape into the dispersing crowd.
At least with the wrestling match now over, the make shift ring was being used once again for people to stand. A little more breathing room for everyone and some space to see your feet was a welcome privilege. Boy was it getting hot in the huge hall fast. You would think it were summer outside instead of winter.
Peering around she spotted Balder returning with two cups in his hands – no doubt filled with wine. Her smile rapidly faded as she noted the odd look he was giving the length of her dress however. Looking down she checked for stains, finding none but kept looking anyway until she spotted his boots ahead of her.
"You have come bearing my colours." His facial features screamed seriousness as he handed her a cup.
"Uh, yeah I guess?" She shrugged, taking another glimpse of herself just to be sure. "Is something wrong?"
"With your clothing."
"Wait, you didn't leave this dress for me?" OK, this was getting seriously weird. "I found it in my room with a card and my name printed on it."
"We are being made to be fools." Balder stared into the crowd at something or someone she could not see.
"Fools?"
"To come to such an event dressed thusly gives the appearance I have claimed you."
"Claimed me? Ok, look, I'm from London. Nobody claims nobody there and I have no idea what you are going on about. It's just some colours. We both happen to like the same colours you know. Not as if it's the first time I've wandered around in purple."
"I understand but the circumstances of this evening carry a weight of formality." He was staring across the room once more.
"Who are you even looking- forget it." She exhaled out the building rage, downing her cup of wine in two gulps before handing it back. "Fine, I'll go and change or something if it really makes you uncomfortable."
"That would be best." He nodded accepting her empty cup.
"Oh good." Could she have said that any more sarcastically without him getting she was annoyed?
Shaking her head, Kari stormed off through the crowd heading straight for the door at a faster pace than she would have originally thought possible in floor length evening gown. Angry really helped keep you on your toes at times. No way in hell was she going to give him the satisfaction of falling in front of everyone. Not that he would want her to fall. Balder was a nice guy right? Well apart from this fiasco dashing her confidence in one fell swoop. She had been looking smoking hot too, right up until she reached Fandral's rooms and made her mascara run all over a face that was. Stupid dress, stupid mascara and stupid, stupid Balder.
"Fuck!" She screamed as she made it to her bedroom door. "Fuck! Fuck! Shit! Balls! Fuck shit balls!" She kicked off her shoes, straight to the corner of shame with her ugg boots, jewellery following close behind with the dress only lagging due to having difficult to remove buttons. "I hate you, you stupid dress! Why are you even here? Who even sent yo-" She paused a second, realisation hitting her like a ton of bricks to the pancreas before pins were torn out of her hair causing angry cascades of loose curls to flow about her shoulders. "Fuck you Loki!"
Wiping furious at her face with her forearms, make up getting smudged everywhere, Kari moved from corner of shame to chest of draws and began filtering through. Jeans and a random old t-shirt was the best she could mentally calibrate worth wearing. She was not going back to the party now; it would be too embarrassing and lonely – especially as she did not want to see Balder or Loki at that moment. Screw it she did not want to even be in her own room right now either.
Running out of her bedroom, shoeless and trying to clean her face on the bottom of her top, Kari rushed out into the palace and turned into the corridor leading out towards the bi-frost. It was freezing as she made it outside, droplets of snow though sparse in nature, falling casually and landing in growing piles of white across the stair well down to the city. Her bare feet were chilled, making her hiss and scuttle along the balls of her feet to hang over the edge of the overlook and stare down at the drop to the lake below. Breathing in cold, she exhaled warmth that materialised as fog and watched the reliable shine of stars fixed into position above amongst dispersing grey clouds.
"You are upset with me."
"No." She bit her lip, the word was no but her tone was yes, how conniving of her vocal chords to be. "A little. Maybe." Rolling her eyes with a sigh, she began playing with dirt particles on the wall as Balder casually moved to stand besides her. "Before you ask, I'm not sure why. I just am."
"I understand." He eyed her and her refusal to look at him, arm raised but unsure though the shiver between her shoulder blades was enough request for him to touch and pull her closer into the warmth of his side. "My words were to protect your honour rather than my own."
"Yeah." She huddled closer, lip trembling as she frowned at the scenery. "You think it was Loki?"
"I have my suspicion."
"He's such a dick."
"His teasing has motive."
"Other than trying to be the biggest dick in all asgard?"
"That is as I believe."
"I don't care what his motives are. I wish he'd just leave me alone already."
"As do I."
"Aren't you sweet." Kari giggled, looking up at the warrior for the first time. "Can't you go and throw him off a tall building for me, pretty please?"
"The all father would not permit such."
"Oh well." She shrugged moving from one foot the other in quick succession. "Brr, my feet are going numb."
"Where are your shoes?" He stared down noting her bare feet.
"I didn't bring any. Hey, woah!" She grimaced and mildly panicked as her weight was so easily lifted into his arms but at least her feet weren't trying to stick to the floor anymore.
"I shall take you back to your room."
"No." She shook her head, balancing her upper body with arms wrapped about his shoulders as she leaned in and kissed him not ungratefully. "I don't want to go back to my room."
He stared at her, eyes locked but that heated look she was giving him was unmistakable in meaning. It was not as if it was the first time a woman had looked at him that way. Their lips met again, less gentle, no longer pensive but wholly entangled as it deepened into a mutual moan. Pupils dilated on either side, he readjusted her weight to something comfortable for them both – though her weight was as nothing to the natural strength of an asgardian male – and turning carrying her away from the cold night towards warmth and shelter.
Was this really happening? Had she somehow actually won over Balder to some kinky fun time games? Was getting laid an actual option. Oh god, it had been a while; two years to be exact. What if she could not recall how things were done? Well that was a stupid worry; of course she knew how it was done. Everyone over the age of nine could take a decent stab in the dark and guess how it was done. Why was she so nervous? Balder was a nice guy right, no scary surprises and no lack of calls after the morning. He probably made an amazing breakfast. Oh wow, was she going to get breakfast? Scrambled eggs and bacon sounded like a great idea. No, no, no, why was she thinking about breakfast when he was looking at her like a doting puppy?
Her cheeks were hot, she was blushing furiously as he placed her down once more to open his door and allow her entry. Timidly, nervous to the extreme, Kari strolled in looking around at the handcrafted furniture as if seeing it for the first time. Girl seriously needed to get her game face on and back into the groove. How would she have dealt with this back on Earth?
She chuckled to herself, turning on the spot as Balder made some sort of confused motion towards a jug offering them unvoiced drinks. A drink might calm him down, but screw it she needed to get going before she lost her mojo. Shaking her head, she bit her lower lip seductively, eyeing the warrior up and down. Perhaps he would have said something but who had time for words when a woman was undressing herself for you. He caught her t-shirt as it was thrown, Kari giggling at his focused attention on her as she began unbuttoning her jeans then turned removing them as she walked towards his bedroom and out of sight.
He gave chase, removing his boots and armour as fast as his fingers would allow. She was sitting on his bed, back to him when he entered trying to pry his belt buckled free. Loose curls pushed over her shoulder, Kari removed the straps of her bra one at a time before reaching behind to unclasp the bind. That particular item of her clothing landed quite accurately across his shoulder, when thrown, only distracting him long enough to make him pant, surprised at the mostly naked woman now lying across his bed so exposed. She was watching him, knees bent as she lifted her rear to slide her panties off and throw them at him too.
He looked about ready to cry, managing a tame curse at his own attire still trying to rid himself of chain mail and under clothes. The giggling issuing from his bodies desire was not helping his fragile nerves. As if in apology for his distracted mental state, she crawled across the sheets to him, leaning over the edge to help him detach his pants as he enjoyed the view between removing his shirt. Tripping free of his lowered pants, Balder tumbled into the bed half landing upon his startled but giggling bed mate getting a good handful of each other in the meanwhile.
"I've wanted you to do this too me since forever."
"Forever is a long time." He kissed her, righting himself on the bed as she pulled his head down to bury between her breasts.
He certainly was not saying no to her forward behaviour, spreading his lips along the length of her breastbone in adoration of the curving between her lady lumps. Her hands roamed, digging lightly into the skin on his back as his kisses trailed from left to right then downward in an approaching vector towards her stomach. It tickled making her giggle and squirm till he joined in with a chorus of his own amusement kissing her hard and fast with the added benefit of his tongue.
Everything felt hot, unbearably so, his weight pressing against her chest as they continued to taste one another, feel each other, skin against skin. Her hips instinctually bucked against him, unashamed of the growing mass felt along the reconnaissance mission. Oh god, did she need this, need him, especially inside her. It had been so long she felt like a virgin again. That was a worry; she had had the thought once before but what if she really was a virgin again because of this blue de-aging stuff? All right, she just needed to get wet enough and hope he knew what he was doing.
"Balder?" She breathed between roving kisses.
"Hmm?" Was all he could manage breathlessly.
"Oh god, take me."
When she prayed to him so nicely, how could he refuse? Sliding between her welcoming thighs, he leaned his forehead against hers, kissing her nose delicately. She could feel his erection, hard and prominent as he flexed the length back and forth across her clitoris. Her head rolled back, a longing moan escaping her lips as she squirmed, hips following his ministrations eagerly. He could not look away, eyes concentrating on her every exhilarated feature. What was he doing to her? Driving her out of her mind? If he were not careful, he would get a dose of crazy soon.
"Balder…" She whined, causing him to kiss her forehead and capture her roaming hands attempting to find the source of her torment and speed things along.
It was infuriating; he was infuriating, holding back on what she wanted with that teasing smile on his face. She was pouting now, his lips squelching her attempt at emotional blackmail as he held her wrists captive above her head. There was little he could do to prevent her hips circling his erection trying to find the best way to reach a mutual compromise, however. He was moaning now, her offence making some purchase and stimulating him quite nicely.
The relief between them was evident, coming off in great anticipating waves as she felt his alignment reach the optimum angle. Her skin was hot, breath ragged as he pushed his way inside filling her gradually with a purely satisfying sensation. The realm was blurring. Her vision confused and lust filled as they worked together finding a unison rhythm. To long, it had been too long but god did it feel so good and right.
She could feel his sweat mingling with her own but that hardly mattered a thing anymore. A building thrum between them, muscles inexcusably tight and exhilarated. Pain, pleasure, it was all the same now and glorious a sensation making her toes curl with every grunting thrust. His tongue was all over her body, she scarcely knew where he had not visited anymore and the scratches across his back were growing in some severity.
They could hardly breathe any longer, oxygen was scant, great gulps needing to feel their lungs and fuel them further and faster. The pace was brutal, her thighs showing signs of reddening where his fingers gripped tightly for purchase. The calls of pleasure between them building in length and volume until ear piercing and constant. She could hardly take it any more, something had to give.
Her grip tightened on his arms, her thrusts meeting his own in rapid succession as she peppered feverish kisses along the length of his neck. Legs twirling around his body, deepening the penetration was about all he needed to head full speed towards his peak. She screamed at the onslaught, muscles tightening throughout her body as she climaxed through the rocking motion of his own.
A moment was needed to reboot. Minds and bodies frayed into near delirious unconsciousness. They panted together as one, Balder slipping to the side and taking his companion with him as he collapsed onto his back. She lay against him, nonsensical for words but conveying everything she meant through loving kisses.
Wow was she still all kinds of hot and sweaty when morning rolled its head around. Groaning at the light assaulting her eyes, Kari flipped around on the bed burying her face into the nook of her lovers arm. He looked so peaceful when asleep, chest rising and lowering in great soothing waves that made her sigh. She kissed his shoulder, running her fingers across his stomach and stroking the line of hair that ran in a landing pad line ever downwards. How could a man smell so yummy? Why did she want to sniff him so much?
"What are you doing?" Balder enquired sleepily as he caught her nose deep in his armpit.
"Nothing." She shook her head, guilty as all hell and trying to play it off with a welcomed kiss. "Morning."
"Good morning." He leaned in kissing her forehead this time before shifting under the covers to escape from his bed.
"Where are you going?" As annoyed as she was with the lack of morning snuggling, watching a well-toned asgardian warrior strolling around the room naked was a sight worth the disappointment.
"I leave this day with Odin's hunting party."
"Oh." She sighed. "So… I won't be seeing you for a while I guess?"
"We shall return on the twelfth night of New Year to celebrate with the spoils of our hunt."
"So like, ten days?" She could not help the pout staining her expression and causing the noble warrior to hesitate. "I'll miss you."
"And I you." He smiled, receiving a returning gesture from the naked woman in his bed.
"Right well…" She got out of bed herself, grabbing up her underwear from the floor. "Uh, I need to get back before granddad starts freaking out."
"Fandral." Balder blanched at the other mans name. "I shall speak with him."
"Huh?"
"About our circumstance."
"Right…" Oh this was going to be very uncomfortable; at least they were all going away for a week and a half. "He'll probably bite my head off you know. Thinks I'm bad for you or something."
"I believe his first priority is your care."
"Yeah, you don't hear the conversations granddad and I have in private."
"Nor have you heard that which we speak as men."
"Touché." She went in search of missing jeans and t-shirt in the other room. "I don't think I want to hear them either. Though, if you could, I would really appreciate you trying to talk him out of that moustache."
"I would never come between a man and his beard."
"What a shame." She sighed feigning more hurt than she truly felt whilst reappearing fully dressed. "Well, I'll catch you before you go?"
"I would like that." He joined her in a parting kiss before she removed herself hurriedly from his room.
Getting home before Fandral woke up was a very good plan after what transpired last night and especially if Balder wanted to be the one to have a man to man with one of his best friends. How awkward was this? Shacking up with your grandfather's friend. Did this make her a redneck or a scalley now? Whatever, what was done was done and damn was it done well. Getting laid again sure put the twinkle back into her blood supply. Why had it taken so long? Waiting made it all the sweeter at least.
Great, granddad and his hussies. Feigning a puking motion, Kari tiptoed over the spray of naked bodies lining the main room with Fandral among the count. She hardly cared to cover his nudity up this time; what was the point? She had seen it so many times now it hardly offended her eyes any longer.
Making it to her room, she removed her clothing once again, making sure to take a second to sniff all the man scent rubbed off onto the fabric. It was making her horny again and there was going to be no release for it. Nothing for it, bath time and wash that man away – until next time. Grabbing a towel she skipped off into the bathroom in nothing but her underwear, not that the comatose post-party would see anything.
Leaning back into the warmth of the water, her thoughts were still glued to last night and Balder's performance. Images flashing through her mind, half remembered, unfocused lust filled kind of thoughts. The way he touched her; Balders rough hands on her naked body, making her skin tremble. His kisses up and down her neck; the way his tongue tasted and his green eyes-
"Holy shit balls!" Kari jumped, eyes darting open as water splashed over the sides from the momentum. "What the hell was that? Green eyes? He has blue eyes! Oh god…"
She was shivering despite the warmth of the water around her, hands clutched to her heart as she tried to figure out what she had just been imagining. Taking a deep steadying breath she shut her eyes again trying to think back to her previous memory. His lips on hers, tongue twisted and tangled with her own. Green eyes? Bookshelves? This was something else, somewhere else. Her head hurt, she remembered that. She told him he was beautiful.
"Oh…" She exhaled through her nose, rising out of the tub to find her towel and run away from the scene of the crime.
She hit her head weeks ago; that crazy concussion she got. Was that what happened when she could not remember? He took advantage of a concussed woman? Loki really was a dick. At least it was not anything more than a kiss session right? What a kiss though. What, no, no, no, not what a kiss, in that tone or any other tone that sentence might go with. Balder's kisses, they're nice and sweet and not as passionate and hard as Loki's.
"Fuck!" She was pulling her jeans on again but finding shoes and a warmer tunic to wear with them this time.
She had to get out; run for the hills or where ever she could go that would stop her thinking about boys and kisses. Hopping over bodies beginning to stir, Kari darted out of Fandral's rooms and out into the palace. Run, run, run, as fast as you can, she repeated on loop in her head as she ran through corridors trying to remember the way out of asgard again.
"Kari?" Her name spoken allowed was enough to halt her in the midst of a breathless run.
"Sif?" She responded back between gasps for oxygen.
"Where go you so promptly?" The raven-haired warrior made her way over to the confused looking midgardian.
"I… I don't know I just… have to get out of here."
"What has happened?"
"Nothing, no, nothing, just uh…"
"Come." Sif was taking no prisoners, well maybe one by the name of Karian Motter as she frog marched the babbling wreck into an empty room nearby. "Explain, you are besides yourself."
"Yeah I know I just… oh god… oh god…" She tried not to slap herself out of stunned crazy and fell into a chair besides a long cold fire instead. "I mean, Balder is so nice and… but then I remember Loki and the concussion and I'm like so… what am I supposed to think? I can't stop thinking about it."
"Slow down." Sif motioned her hands as if calming a spooked horse. "Speak again, I understand you not."
"It's just… I was just… I was just with Balder but then while I was thinking about Balder I remembered something that happened a few weeks ago when I hit my head and… I kissed Loki!"
"You hit your head you say?"
"Yeah."
"Then you are hardly to blame." Sif waved off the confession.
"Yes but… I think I liked it. I mean really liked it. And now all I can think is, I like it more than Balder but I hate Loki. How can I hate Loki but like the way he kisses me and love Balder but not like the way he kisses me as much as Loki? How does that make sense?"
"Have you hit your head recently?"
"No." Kari scowled trying to recall any such mishaps in the last few days. "Not that I remember."
"Then perhaps you are simply caught in the memory of something that was recently surfaced."
"Right, yeah, that makes sense I guess."
"Go and speak to Loki." Sif suggested. "You will soon realize your true feelings for the prince."
"That uh… yeah… remind myself what a huge dick he is you mean."
"I believe that would solve your current dilemma."
"Right, right. Thanks Sif." She nodded, standing up still looking somewhat dazed. "I'll go do that now and then… pfft." She shrugged as Sif patted her on the shoulder and followed her out.
With some resolve behind her and Sif's words of wisdom, Kari steadied her thoughts and began the walk towards the library. Where else would Loki be? Quiet and smelling of old wood and pages, she tried her best to focus on her surroundings as she walked the length of bookcases towards the centre. He was there of course, eyes following her movements across the polished floor to his casual resting spot against the window out looking the world beyond the palace.
"Karian Motter." Loki was all grin and predatory gaze as he slipped from his perch to meet his prey half way. "What do I owe the pleasure of such an unsolicited visit?" His brow furrowed at the erratic behaviour in front of him; eyes twitching left and right unfocused and apparently unhearing. "Is this about the evening last, perchance?"
"Last night?" She sounded dazed and confused.
"Yes. The New Year's celebrations?" He tried to coax her into the conversation with little effect. "The noble bore made quite the number of accusations in my direction pertaining to yourself and a dress?"
"Balder?"
"Are you well?"
"I…"
There was nothing for it; her mind would not stop flicking back and forth between now and then. Her hand jumped up on the attack, surprising the mischief-maker into curiosity as to the appendage attached to his collar but rapidly answered by the collision of lips forcing him into a kiss. He had to blink in the scene; it was becoming a common event between them. Perhaps it had something to do with all the books? Not wanting to waste an opportunity he dived in, an arm reeling her in closer by the waist as his other combed through her damp hair between lip biting, tongue tasting, mouth-to-mouth.
It was a long time coming, but over like a flash grenade. Kari pushed away, forcing their entanglement to part as she skittered back several steps with the shake of her head. No, it was wrong. It felt wrong, which was what made it feel good.
"I don't like you."
"What?" This certainly did not happen to him much.
"I don't like you." She chuckled.
"You came all this way, disturb my morning and force yourself upon me simply to tell me you like me not?"
"Yeah." She continued to smile nodding her head with agreement. "I was really worried there for a second but Sif was right."
"Sif has put you up to this folly?" Loki began calculating future revenge.
"No, not really." She tried to explain to a furious looking prince. "Look, I like Balder but then I remembered this crazy stuff when I was concussed that time. You remember that right?" His glaring told her he did. "I was just really confused for a moment there and Sif suggested I just go talk to you and remind myself I don't like you."
"Your insults are quite enough!" He snapped throwing her into a guarded posture. "It is your feeble mind that fails to comprehend my superiority to that noble bore!"
"Loki, look, Balder's apple pie and you're custard. It's great if you can find someone who is both apple pie and custard but that's like a one in a million sort of person and I just realized, I prefer apple pie to custard so…"
"You dim-witted, whimpering child." Things were getting nasty now. "You have no idea whom you speak of."
"You're taking this really well I see." She rolled her eyes with an added look of 'here we go again'. "By the way, that was you that sent that dress right?"
"If only to see you distanced from him."
"Well that didn't work." She had to laugh at that thought; had he really thought a dress would be enough to break up her and Balder? "What is your problem anyway? Do you really like me that much? I'm flattered really, but, I really do hate you a lot. You're not exactly the nicest guy in the world. You're a psychotic liar."
"There is worse than liars in this universe."
"Oh yeah, like what?" Arms folding she prepared herself for whatever he was about to dish out. "Balder? He's like the nicest guy ever."
"Is he now?"
"Don't be so god damn cryptic. Say what you have to say. Does he have herpes or something?" Her tone lowered to that of a schoolteacher addressing a pupil until he pried something into the open from around his neck. "What's that?"
"You remember this not?" Loki dangled the small snow globe from its chain letting it swing back and forth like a pendulum.
"No I…" She blinked, mesmerized and confused as a strange haze made her brain feel hot and fluffy. "Where did you…?"
"Would you like to hold it?" He reached forward, closing the gap between them.
"I don't think I should." But it was too late, her hands reflectively closing around the tiny globe.