Author's Note:Well hello there :D Yes, it's been a while has it not? I apologize. But hey, this chapter will be covering all the little details and from the next one onwards, all the fun and games will begin.

So, I'm just going to let you read… go read. Shoo.

Replies to the reviews first though.

literaturelife7:I totally agree. I'm glad you liked that bit, I thought I over did it a bit lol ;D Here you have the next chapter! I hope you like it.

kykyxstandler:Your wait is over! Enjoyyy! :D

Queen Martha Pond:Well, this chapter is going to deal with all things Asgard ;) So... enjoy my darling! The library scene was lovely to write, it's a bit of a favourite for me too :3 Thanks so much for the last review!

acompletenerd:I think, my friend, all your curiousity will be sated in this chapter. Don't give up on the story though, we have a looong way to go haha ;)

Chapter 7

Louie POV

The party broke up for the night but I hung back, wanting to speak to Tony. The trip to Asgard was making me extremely nervous. Once everyone left, Pepper in the rear, Tony dropped into a chair and put his feet up.

"What's up, buttercup?" he asked kindly.

"Two things," I said slowly. I had thought long and hard about what I was going to ask him. He nodded for me to continue.

"I'm never going to be able to go back to my old life, am I?" Tony shook his head.

"Not unless we remove those special talents, sweetheart. And even then, Fury will probably hound you for the rest of your life." I sighed and rubbed my eyes.

"In that case, I should arrange to get a place to live that's closer to the Tower."

"Or you could move right in." I blinked.

"That wouldn't be right."

"Why not?" Tony asked, putting his hands behind his head. "I can afford it. I'm inviting you. You'd be safe. You really can't argue with me on this."

"But-"

"Louie," he spoke over me, "so far, the chances of you losing your powers are slim to none. You'll probably be seeing the inside of this tower constantly for a long time, so just move in. It would be best for all of us."

I closed my mouth, thinking. Okay, time for a new compromise.

"Okay," I said slowly, "But you've got to let me earn my keep." Tony raised his eyebrow.

"Are you always this difficult?" I nodded, keeping a straight face. He sighed.

"Fine," he said, "what would you like to do?"

"I could compile your notes for you."

"My research?"

"Yeah. I'm a fast typist. Or a writer. Whichever you want. Besides, your office needs the neatening up. Do you know your last report was written on paper napkins?" Tony rolled his eyes.

"Alright detective, I concur. You can write my notes for me." I nod.

"So what else was on your mind?" I picked at my sleeve.

"It's about Loki," I looked up at Tony. He was leaning forward now. "Do you really think he's the best shot I have at solving this situation?" Tony nodded.

"But why?" I asked a little desperately, "why Loki?" Tony drummed his fingers on the table.

"Because he knows the most about what we're dealing with here. Also, he's someone who is at your disposal - it's not like he has other things to do. He'd be able to concentrate solely on you, and he should because we're offering him a way out. It's either this or Asgardian prison."

"But if we take him back, won't we lose that chance?" I asked. Tony nodded, frowning.

"Unfortunately, he's not cooperating and I can't see a way around that. He'll probably be thrown in prison and we can't stop that from happening if he walks into his cell quietly. They'll be more than willing to take him back. Unless…"

I bite my lip. Here's what I was hoping for.

"Unless?"

"Unless we can give Odin a valid reason for keeping him." My insides clench in victory.

"In that case, I might have an idea."

Tony eyed me, worry creasing his eyes. The sun was just about to break through.
"I've told Steve what you're about to do. He's not happy, but he'll not interfere." I nodded.

"You think it'll work?" I whispered. Tony cocked his head.

"Strangely, yes. You have a special talent for convincing people. Good luck," he said giving me a quick hug, "and remember your plan is only a last resort." I stepped back, leaning against Thor's left. Darcy gave me a little wave from where she was standing. Jane gave me a quick hug.

"For what it's worth," she whispered, "it's a beautiful place, so enjoy your stay." I gave her a small smile, my insides twisting almost painfully. Thor placed a warm hand on my shoulder.

"Ready?" he asked. I nodded. There was a brilliant flash of light and the world I knew disappeared from sight.

Loki POV

Loki's feet barely hit the ground before the palace guards stepped forward. Silently, he held out his hands. Within seconds they were shackled, along with his feet. He supposed he was lucky they left off the muzzle this time. The walk to the palace was draining in itself. Loki found himself simply staring at the Captain and Louie, who seemed completely bowled over by the city.

"It was a rainbow bridge, Steve," he heard her hiss excitedly. Steve Rogers nodded, looking stupefied. The stares of the Asgardians didn't seem as bad when he kept his eyes focused on Louie. Her keen fascination in everything was almost entertaining to behold. The party walked steadily until the palace gates came into view. Immediately they slowed down and Loki blinked, wondering why.

He saw it almost immediately; it was only a few feet away, glittering in solid gold. She stood, hands flung out, defending the city she loved so, a determined expression on her face. Thor stopped in front of it and Loki knew it was for his benefit. He drank in the sight, trying so, so hard to see something, anything. He didn't even know what he was looking for. All he knew was that he wanted nothing more than the real version to be there. That he would give anything to see even a look of disappointment upon Frigga's face, rather than the golden expression her statue held.

Louie looked at Thor.

"Is this her?" she asked. Thor nodded and she reached out and touched the statue's face.
She glanced back, meeting Loki's eyes briefly. The moment passed and they were moving once more.

The hall was full of people; maidens, counselors, lords, ladies and guards. With every step the party took, the silence grew bigger and bigger. Loki refused to meet anyone's gaze, simply focusing on the long braid down Louie's back. It was only when the party divided into two and he was brought directly before the Allfather did he raise his eyes.

Odin seemed as tired as Thor had been two weeks ago. The loss of his wife had certainly taken its toll.

"So," he said staring down at him. "It seems that you gave once again escaped the jaws of death, Loki." Loki tilted his head, not speaking for fear of what will come out of his mouth. Odin's eye travelled slowly over him, Thor and the humans. He paused for a moment.

"Leave us," he said raising a hand. Quickly and quietly the hall emptied. Once it was so, the Allfather sat back and held a hand out to Louie.

"Come, child." Louie nervously stepped forward. As she passed Loki could feel her aura. It was trembling like a leaf.

Odin took her hand and closed his eye momentarily. After a second or two he frowned. Letting go, he opened his eye and Lorie immediately scuttled back to Thor's side.

"Child," he said slowly, "what happened to you?" Patiently Thor explained. Odin listened quietly and shook his head.

"I do not believe I can help you. I am sorry." Louie deflated, looking utterly dejected.
Odin's gaze travelled back to Loki.

"Father," said Thor quietly, "as a special request, would it be possible for Loki not to go through the courts once more?" Odin nodded slowly.

"Very well. Loki Laufeyson," he said formally, "you have been charged with the crimes of murder and treason. Do you deny these claims?" Loki shook his head.

"No."

"Under ordinary circumstances, the penalty for this would be death. However," he added, "Thor has brought to my notice the sacrifice you made in order to save us all. For that, leniency shall be given. Your punishment shall be eternal imprisonment -"

"Wait!" Loki's eyes widened. Nobody spoke over the Allfather. Nobody.

"Lady Louie," said Thor, upset.

"No wait, please," she moved forward. The guards flanking them shifted ready to pull her back. A small gesture from Odin stopped them. Loki could tell he was intrigued by the offending little thing. She looked straight at Odin, head held high, shoulders thrown back.

"I have an alternative."

"And what might that be, child?" Louie looked at Loki. To his shock, he could see her eyes glimmering with unshed tears.

"I could take responsibility for him. In return for his teachings." Odin cocked his head.

"You do not realise the gravity of your request, Louise Montgomery."

"Louie," said Thor worriedly.

"Please, Sir," she said quietly. "If you can't help me, he's my only chance. I would forever be in your debt." Odin steepled his hands. The seconds ticked by rapidly and Loki held his breath.

Louie was a mystery. Her magic was something none of them had ever seen and he was sure the Allfather too, felt the immense power surging within her. She was an invaluable asset to have on Odin's side, even with her skills at a nonexistent level. If they were honed and shaped however… she would be priceless.

"I need to speak with the Elders," he said finally and Loki groaned internally. That could take days and Loki would have to spend his days inside that cage. Odin waved his hand, indicating they were dismissed. Thor nodded and stepped forward, gently leading Louie away. At the doors they parted ways. The Elders were filing into the room once more.

"I will come see you as soon as I can," said Thor over the commotion.

"Bring the girl," Loki called back before the crowd swept them away, Thor and his guests towards the sleeping quarters and Loki towards the dungeons.

It was nearing sunset when Thor and the humans finally came. Loki was so relieved he almost cried. His prison was exactly the same as last time and staying in it was nearly driving him mad. They had all changed and, Loki assumed, settled in until the foreseeable future. Steve wasn't wearing his suit any longer, instead opting to wear some simple Midgardian clothes. Thor's tunic was different, the armour gone.

Louie was, Loki noted with some surprise, wearing an Asgardian dress. It was a pale cream in colour, and quite simple, but suited her. The curves of her body were accentuated well. Her hair was hanging in a waterfall down her back, by some miracle, tamed. A thin braid ran around her head, dotted with small flowers. She looked, Loki decided, quite nice. He blinked and shook his head. He was growing quite soft being around Thor.

"What news?" He asked his brother.

"I do not know yet," he replied. "Are you well?"

"I'm fine," Loki lied. Louie frowned.

"Why did you do that?" He asked her abruptly.

"Because I wanted to help," she replied. Loki wondered if she misread his question on purpose, "Odin seemed like the kind of person who would be interested in adding another tool to his belt. So I just handed one to him. You for me."

Louie POV

I bit my lip as I looked around. Jane was right. Asgard was beautiful. The place was beautiful and so were the people. Really, they made me feel quite insecure about myself. I mean, I'm not overly fat or overly skinny but I was no Natasha Romanoff. I did like their clothes though. The soft fabric was heavenly on the skin.

I leaned onto the balcony wall, enjoying the view. Steve came up beside me.

"Good morning," he said with a small smile.

"Morning," I smiled back. "Did you sleep well?" Steve shrugged.

"More or less."

He looked around before asking in a low voice, "Any word yet?" I shook my head.

"Thor said it won't be long now, though." Steve sighed in frustration.

"It's been four days since they've been cooped up in there. Why is it taking this long?"
I shrugged, my insides doing a flip flop again.

"I suppose handling Loki is a big deal." Steve folded his arms and sighed again.

"Is Thor taking us sightseeing again?"

"I doubt it," I replied, "he said he's visiting some friends today."

"What are you going to do all day?" I shrugged.

"Take a walk I guess. Clear my head."

"Want me to come with you?" I shook my head.

"I want to be alone for a bit, if that's okay," I said apologetically. Steve nodded.

"You'll be okay on your own?" I nodded again. With a quick pat on my shoulder, he left.
I hung around for a little while longer until it was too warm to stay outside. Then I headed for the halls. Wandering down the corridors I could barely keep track of where I was going. I didn't worry though, because there were people everywhere.

I tugged a lock of my hair shyly, and kept my head down. Because of this I almost walked past it. However, the room had a strange pull to it. Instinctively I turned around and went back a few steps.

The door was high and well made, the wood carved and highly polished. I looked left and right. The corridor was deserted. Hesitating for only a moment longer, I pushed it open and entered.

Immediately, I knew where I was. The emerald green curtains were pulled close, casting an eerie glow over the room. The general colour theme was around green, gold and silver. There were a few portraits on the wall, mainly of the royal family. It was richly furnished and of a far better standard than my own room in the palace, which was saying something. One wall was lined with shelves and shelves of books.

Fascinated, I drew close. The titles were all in a different language, the letters flowery and curved. Curiousity brimming, I reached out to pull one out.

There was a sharp jolt through my arm and with a yelp I fell back.

DON'T TOUCH THEM,an angry voice ripped through my mind. I nearly cried out again.

"I'm sorry," I squeaked, trembling.

LEAVE! LEAVE NOW!I didn't need to be told again. I stood and ran for it. Once outside, I leant against the door, breathing heavily. How had he known? Loki was down in the dungeons, awaiting a decision, so how had he known I was in his room?

My arm was tingling uncomfortably. I examined it and groaned, shocked. The tips of my fingers were a bluish-purple.

"Louie!" there came a shout from up the corridor. Quickly, I hid my arm in the folds of my dress. Steve jogged towards me.

"There you are," he said beckoning, "come on, they've asked for us."

Odin sat on his throne, many lords and ladies flanking him.

"The council has decided on your fate, Loki," he said his voice so loud it bounced off the walls. I bit my lip nervously. Oh, please. My only chance.

"We have taken into consideration your input, Thor and that of your friends," his eye turned to Loki, "Loki of Jotunheim, you have been charged with murder, trickery and treason. Do you deny any of these claims?"

"No," came the cool reply. I gulped.

"Under ordinary circumstances, the penalty would be death. However, due to your great sacrifice, leniency will be given. In addition to this, the friends of Midgard have made a special request." Odin paused, his eye meeting mine. I tried to keep my face as blank as possible.

"The Elders have decided," he continued slowly, "to agree to the requests made." Relief surged through me.

Thank you!

"But," Odin continued, "under certain conditions." Oh. Odin motioned with a hand and one of his lords rose. Clasping his hands in front of him, he began to speak.

"The conditions are as told forthwith. Loki the Trickster must always be under strict watch of the... Avengers," he paused and screwed up his nose at the unfamiliar word. "Asgard will cast a seal upon him, keeping his magical abilities at a bare minimum." I glanced at Loki. He looked very pale.

"Secondly, he will be placed under the immediate charge of Louise Montgomery." Thor frowned. Loki inhaled sharply besides him, eyes narrowing fractionally.

"If, for whatever reason, the prisoner escapes or causes harm to those around him, he will he brought immediately back to Asgard, where he will be marked an undesirable and banished from all realms until Ragnarok. The same applies," the elder glanced at Odin nervously, "to the keeper of Loki."

Oh, poor bastard, I thought to myself. I looked to Steve to exchange a sympathetic glance but found him gazing at me in horror.

Wait a minute.

Oh fuck.

I heaved the last of the boxes into my room for the next, well, however long I was going to be around. Since it was to become my personal living quarters, I decided it definitely needed to be more personalised. I made a mental note to go shopping. I know my mom would definitely tell me to keep my chin up and look on the bright side. It was difficult of course, knowing that if Loki put even one toe out of line, it would be the end for me as well. I hadn't spoken to him yet, since we'd gotten back. He was furious, I knew. Pity. He was just beginning to look on me with an expression that wasn't complete distaste.

Immediately my mind went to the soft dress hidden in the back of my wardrobe, and the gleam of approval that had lit his eyes when I'd worn it. My face heated up a little. Okay, now was definitely not the time to think about that. There was a knock on the door.

"Come in," I called, clearing a space on the bed. Clint entered, poker face in place.

"Settled in alright?" he asked.

"Yeah. I just have to put everything away." He jerked his head.

"Come down to the gym. Nat and Steve want to talk to you." I followed him out. Steve was in his t-shirt and gym shorts again, looking decidedly yummy. Natasha was wearing a catsuit and in the process of stripping off her boots. They both looked up as we entered. Steve spoke up first.

"Well, we're obviously not happy with Odin's decision," he said, "but it's not like we have a choice. Fury won't care about one of us taking one for the team and getting banished, if it meant the human race was protected from Loki. So we're going to put a new plan in place."

I liked that he said one of us.

"So," said Natasha walking over to one of the gym walls, "here's what we're going to do."
And on the space grey wall, she inked out a plan in white-out.

'DAILY', she wrote in capitals.

"You'll go through a trainee program, on a daily basis, with the exception of Sunday, which you can have free. Every day, you will run, stretch and learn self defence with Steve, basically from around six to nine in the mornings. In the afternoon from two until however long we want, Clint and I will teach you to fight on the offence, including the use of weapons. That leaves you with the rest of the day to practice with Loki, write notes for Tony and do what you please," She glanced at me, "is that okay?"

I nod immediately.

"Good," she said approvingly. Natasha jerked her head at the door.

"We're done here. Bruce wants me to do a physical checkup on you. Come with me."

She lead me to her room. I looked around surreptitiously, noting the bare walls and sparse furnishing. She turned and folded her arms.

"Strip."

"What?" I gaped. She frowned in her no nonsense manner. Blushing furiously I pulled off my tee and sweatpants, standing in front of her in only my bra and panties. Oh, I seriously regretted the Pop Tarts I had this morning. She circled me, tapping her chin and then entered something into her phone.

"Okay, put your clothes back on," she said, "you don't have any bruises or such that stand out as unusual. You're of a decent height and build which will make for good fighting once we've licked you into shape. As I guessed, you have potential. You're just unfit, but it's nothing that can't be fixed.

"You have a lovely figure by the way. I don't think a strict diet is necessary, only three balanced meals… Jarvis can handle that," she added then frowned. "What happened to your fingers?"

"Oh," I invented, looking at the bruised digits, "The door banged on them." Natasha nodded suspiciously.

"Get Bruce to take a look at them."

"Yes ma'am." She scribbled something on a piece of paper and handed it to me.

"Get Pepper to get you this stuff. The exact brands, the exact number of each. No more, no less. No arguments." I glanced at it. It was a shopping list for some vitamins and sports clothes, training bras, shoes, socks, the works, along with my measurements. I nodded again, head spinning a little at the sight of the brands required.

"Thank you," I said suddenly, looking straight at her. I really meant it.

"You're welcome," she replied with a small smile. Spinning me around, she pushed me out the door.

"Tomorrow at six, in the gym. Be there." With a soft click, the door closed behind me.
So that settled my daily routine for the next three hundred years. I had only one thing left to do.

I met Pepper on the way down to the kitchens and handed her the list.

"It'll be delivered to you by tonight," she promised.

"Thanks, Pepper," I beamed. Once she left I headed for the library, my beam dimming considerably. He was there, as I knew he would be. He'd taken quite the liking to Shakespeare and orange juice.

"What do you want?" he asked coolly. I folded my arms.

"I came to talk." He looked at me with slight impatience.

"Could we not talk some other time?" I shook my head.

"I'd rather talk now." He sighed and put Macbeth aside.

"Will you teach me?" I asked softly. He didn't answer at once.

"I tried, did I not?" he said loftily, "it is obvious you are utterly incompetent."

"I could be better if you help," I said, struggling to hold on to my temper. "Besides, you owe me."

"Owe you?" His eyes widened dramatically, "for what? This prison instead of one in Asgard? The curse that makes it physically painful for me to even teleport? The tracker on my ankle?" With every snarled question, he bore down on me, eyes blazing.

"I owe you nothing," he spat.

If it weren't for me he'd be rotting away in a cell, probably going insane. The arrogant, stuck up, pompous jackass. Suddenly I wasn't scared. I was mad. And when I was mad, my mind was pretty fucking clear. The orange juice hovered out of its glass.

"You owe me your life," I spat back.

Loki POV

Loki lay on his back, winded.

"Oh my God, shit, I'm sorry - oh God - I forgot you don't heal as fast anymore - oh my God-,"

He got up and blinked blearily. Something hot and wet trickled down his cheek. Louie kneeled beside him, eyes wide.

"I am so sorry," she whispered, her hand over her mouth. Loki glanced around. He was on the floor, his forearms covered with multiple, inch long cuts. Touching his face he winced. There was a fairly deep one on his face as well. They stung and, he realised, they smelled of orange juice. Which means... He gripped Louie's forearm tightly.

"Did you do this?" he asked urgently. She nodded, looking pained. He shook his head.

"Did you do this on purpose?"

"Yes, she whispered "I'm sorry, I just got so mad..." Loki examined the scars once more. They were all exactly the same length and depth. He began to chuckle. Louie looked on, confused and shocked.

"Here," he touched her face. Let me explain. She gasped.

"I knew you were telepathic!"

"I'm afraid Loki that jealousy is not something I can help you overcome. You will have to deal with it on your own." Thor turned to leave.

I am not jealous Thor," came the quiet reply. Thor halted. Loki ran his hands through his hair,frustrated.

"I am angry, yes, at her incompetence But not jealous."

"You know she can't help it, Loki."

"Yes, I do know. Which is why I try so hard to get a rise out of her." Thor frowned.

"What do you mean brother?" Loki smirked.

"Anger is a wonderful motivator, Thor. The good Doctor could tell you the same."Thor shook his head.

"You want to bully a reaction out of her. That's a terrible plan."Loki eyed him.

"You have a better one in mind?"

A/N: So I guess there was a method to Loki's madness.

Huh.
Who'd have thunk. *flips hair*
So, bridges are being mended, plans are being set. From here on out it will be a series of incidents that'll help build up the Loki-Louie love and their relationship with the Avengers. Stick around folks. The party's just getting started.

I'm sorry for not making the Asgard trip more exciting; I'll try to remedy that later on. Also, Odin is a right bastard is he not?:D I quite enjoyed bringing out the asshole in him.

Also, if any of you care to check it out, I posted my first ever Sherlock fanfic. If there are any fans here, go on, try it and see, and tell me in the review that Louie sent you there! :D
(Self promotion ftw)
Okay guys I'll see you next time. Leave a review if you want more. ;) Yes, this is blackmail, yes, I'm a horrible person. We established that when I made poor Louie risk getting exiled from all nine realms.

25/07/2015: BIG GRAMMAR EDIT

Until next time,

Much love,

xo