The Nightmares were still just where they had left them. The best way to dispose of the bodies was to burn them, and so the two Asgardians built a fire to get them started. It was a long afternoon, and though it was a bit chilly, the heat and constant movement helped keep their blood warm.
By sunset, the field was rid of demonic remains. There was nothing left of them, as the creatures were merely made of flesh and cartilage.
They had to have burned at least a hundred of them.
"Do you suppose there's any of them left out there?" she asked Loki as they watched the fire die down.
"If so, I'm confident there can't be much more."
Dahlia crossed her arms, fighting back a shiver. "I don't know about you, but I'm starving, and I'm cold."
As they returned to the house, Dahlia was surprised to see a masculine figure standing in front of the house. Just as the car was pulling into the driveway, the man paused, as if he had been getting ready to leave.
"Damn," Loki muttered, sinking slightly in the passenger's seat. "What is he doing here?"
"My thoughts exactly," Dahlia murmured, parking the car before she would climb out. "Hey, Thor."
Thor offered a smile, even as he spotted his brother quietly exiting the vehicle as if he did not want to be seen. "I saw you called, and you didn't answer when I called back, so..."
"It's been a long day," Dahlia murmured. She hadn't realized until just then that she had left her phone at the house. Hopefully, no emergencies had come up.
"Brother," Thor now addressed Loki, who flinched slightly as he ceased his trek towards the porch. "Taxing day for you, as well?"
"Very," Loki said. "A horde of Nightmares has been disposed of, nonetheless. So, I consider this taxing day a successful one."
"Very well," Thor said, appearing clueless. "Then, you and I should go have some drinks. I'm sure Dahlia could use some rest."
Loki shared a brief glance with her before he would surrender to his brother's offering. She knew what Thor was doing: no doubt, he thought he was doing her a favor by relieving her of Loki, when in reality...
Once they had taken their leave, she retreated inside. She would grab herself a meal once she got the cats fed, and as she seated herself in the kitchen with a homemade sub, she ate in silence.
After getting herself cleaned up, she crawled into the bed and underneath the sheets, unable to keep her mind off of her lover. Her body screamed for attention, and though Loki wasn't here to provide it, there were other ways.
Her eyes closed, and with a deep breath, her hand brushed down her naked body.
The next day, she was back to focusing her attention on the remaining Nightmares. They were were beginning to become difficult to track - far and few between, which in a way was probably a good thing.
It wasn't until later that evening that she heard anything from anyone. Her phone rang from a number that was unfamiliar to her, though the voice that came from the other end of the line gave her great glee.
"Dahlia?" It was a woman's voice. One that she hadn't heard in a couple of months.
"Sam...?" she stuttered briefly. "Is that really you?"
"Yeah, I..." she heard her clear her throat. "How have you been?"
"Good, actually. Been busy cleaning up my mess, but... it's been interesting."
"I've heard," Samantha said. "Thor and I talked about you, and...I just wanted to let you know that I'm sorry."
Dahlia sat on the couch, staring at the ground. It felt amazing to hear her say that. "I'm the one who should be sorry. I put you in danger..."
"I wanted to go. I knew what I was getting into, I just... didn't know the extent of it. That wasn't your fault." For a few seconds, it was silent. Then, her friend continued.
"Jerry and I are going to a social event next Friday. Kind of one of those things that is more fun if you bring someone with you. Maybe you and Thor should come with. We'll carpool."
"A... social event?"
"It's formal. My old boss throws these sort of parties once a month. Exotic foods, orchestra, waltzes..."
Dahlia smiled faintly. "Sounds nice." Years ago in Asgard, when Frigga was still alive, she would occasionally throw similar parties. It had been a very long time since Dahlia had danced.
Sam wanted to pick her up and help her pick out a dress for the occasion. They would meet up the next day, have lunch, and do some looking around. It was like coming back home, being around the first, real friend she had since arriving in this strange world.
She must have tried on fifty dresses, but finally, come nighttime, they finally found a gown for Dahlia to sport. It was black, and though it was relatively simple in design, it was sultry and delicately draped in lace. It hugged at every curve until it spread out light a siren's tail at her legs.
Feeling accomplished, they both called it a night as Samantha dropped her off back at her house. She hugged her tightly, and for a moment, Dahlia thought she heard a sniffle. "I promise I won't leave you again, okay?"
"Okay." Dahlia smiled, resting her chin on her friend's shoulder. "Thank you for everything."