Annaleise's POV
They talked while she was driving opposite of Grindlewood's direction. She told him how she had a buyer for the car that they will visit sometime tomorrow. He wasn't chatty but she could tell he was excited. She turned on a dirt road, it was bumpy, and it went on for a while.
"I honestly still can't get over that you're a God. Not only are you a prince, you're an ice prince. And do you have ice powers?"
She gasped with excitement.
"Pardon?"
"You know, that's related to your frost giant side."
"Oh, I'm not entirely sure."
"Well that would be pretty cool."
"You know you're the most optimistic person I've ever met, a normal person would have thought me mad."
"Well a normal person doesn't have to deal with a crazy X-cure mutant serial killer and can talk to animals."
"Good point."
"It's refreshing to know that there are people out there with a life as complicated as mine."
"For once, I say out loud, I can agree with a mortal."
"By the way, it makes way more sense when you were looking down on me. You're a God no wonder you thought so highly of yourself compared to me. Not just by being royalty."
"Yes, about that… I do apologize for my rude behavior."
"What set you on a more understanding path?"
"You, when you told me why people probably wouldn't help me if I continued to behave the way I did. Even in my weakened state, I should have known that regardless of strength, it would be meaningless. I had no home of my own, the only way back home was destroyed. The life I knew was gone. Not only was I stranded on Midgard, it now must be my home. So, I figured if I am to be stuck here till I die then I must change my ways if I am to receive the help I aquire. Nobody knew of me or of my power, I could have easily taken over in some way. But… What point was there? I was a stranger to this planet and its rules. No home, no family, no friends to let me stay under a roof after a long battle for my life... It was either camp outside or die trying to find civilization… If I hadn't found you… I was able to heal myself once I regained my energy, thanks to you. You helped me even still, after everything I did to get you to leave me be. It inspired me to change…. I am not a prince anymore. I can't just snap my fingers and get what I want. I can woo people with my magic, but that could only get me so far. It would be a lonely path with no true loyalty, always looking over my shoulder whoever I'm with. I don't worry with you, you're faithful to those you have faith in. Besides, no future sounds as fun without you in it. So I changed, so I wouldn't have any reason to be abandoned by the kindest person in the universe."
"I can't be the kindest person in all the universe. There has to be one person more qualified than me."
"Not one, there are many kind souls, some more gullible and let people walk over them. Others do it for the intention of receiving something in return.. You don't, you are kind without reason and you don't let people choose your fate. You never give up on those who feel they should never deserve such treatment. You see the good in people when others find nothing there. A person, in all of the universe… I have been so lucky to meet."
"Are you sure you're talking about me?"
"Why wouldn't I be?"
"Honestly I think I might be dreaming?"
"What Is the meaning of this sudden change?"
"Sorry, it's just… I can't believe you just said you're glad you met me. That sounds like something the other Loki would never admit."
"You're right, I wouldn't have admitted that, were I still Loki of Asgard. Now I'm Loki of Earth, I need to make changes if I'm to survive here."
"True. Though if I'm being honest, I'm glad for both. You are a gift from the gods, fallen from the heavens. Whichever Loki you are, I'm glad to have you regardless."
He was silent after that. She looked over to see him stunned, only to give a faint smile in reply. He was smiling… but his eyes looked pained.
"That is very kind of you, Annaleise of Midgard."
"I wonder who I'd be if I was Annaleise of Asgard."
"You don't even have to wonder, I feel you would remain the same. Just less alone, you'd make many friends with the gods easily, and you'd be more safe at least."
"Hmmm, Maybe. Although, it does have a nice ring to it."
They pulled up to a clearing with lots of people walking around either walking a horse, carrying a hay bale, or buckets full of something.
With a large red barn and a fenced off grazing field. Coming around the field to pull in and parking in front of the barn.
"There are so many. How could we choose?"
"With a horse really it's them who picks you."
"You know that from experience?"
"In Asgard my father's horse was created by me. Sleipnir was his name, I made him the fastest horse in all of Asgard, just for Odin. Even though I created him he let no one but Odin ride him. He knew me, he let me feed him, and pet him but never once let me on his back."
That's not exactly how she remembered reading about it… she would probably want to avoid the topic. He might be sensitive about it or it's not true at all… what a pickle…
She didn't know whether to ask or not… Maybe not.
"I've never talked to a horse before."
"Really?"
"Yea I mean I've been around them but they get frightened of me. They must sense the predator I can turn into. They get spooked easily by my overwhelming ora, therefore think I'm dangerous. So usually they avoid me and I avoid them to keep from freaking them and other people out."
"Then finding you a horse might be tricky."
"Unfortunately so."
They get out of the car and they are greeted by a small woman with long blonde hair tied up in a ponytail. In a casual work suit for a farm.
"Hey y'all, whatchya here for?"
"Um we are actually here to purchase 2 horses."
"Alrighty! Right this way, my name is Megan. Let me know if any catch your eye."
They nodded as she turned towards the barn marching with a kick in her step. She could tell that Megan is in her environment, she was full of joy. She wondered if maybe she should quit the dinner and work here if she ends up enjoying taking care of her horse.
"So, this beauty over here is Darling she's very... well... Darling. This brute is Thunder, you can definitely hear when he's coming, his big feet gives him away."
That made her giggle as she watched her point to each horse. All of them avoiding eye contact with her or running to the exit on the other side of their stable. She listened as she pointed to each one naming them off and giving little details about them.
Loki stopped on a beautiful white mare. He looked so lost in thought as he stared at the magnificent beast. She was large and curious. Poking her head out and looking to be reaching for Loki to step closer so she can see him better.
"Her name is Star."
She was known for being fast, playful, and sweet, she loved playing chase while they attempted to saddle her. But nobody has yet to ride her, she was stubborn to not let anyone get too close.
She was the only one so far that didn't run, but was curious of Anna. Occasionally looking over at her acknowledging her presence but unafraid nonetheless. Mostly focused on Loki. So far, her and Loki were getting along quite well, they were definitely meant to be.
He bowed low to the horse, before lifting his hand to greet her. Once she sniffed his hand and sighed in assurance. He stood up once more. He grazed his hand on her head, only for Star to lean into his pet. He looked to happy to find his
"We might just have to change your name to something more fitting."
It was a cute sight to see.
"Never seen her quite so…. cutsie with someone."
Megan looked almost a little jealous, not only of the horse being nice to him. But she looked like she wanted to be that close to Loki…
She understood the woman…
He was so handsome…
He looked so sweet with the horse…
She couldn't help but desire he'd be sweet to her too…
What was she thinking?!
She must be losing her mind.
Why would a God want anything to do with someone like her?
She was lost in thought following Megan as she continued the tour of horses. Leaving Loki to bond with Star. Still in a daze barely listening to Megan, until she got to the end of the tour of horses.
"That's all of em. Feel free to meet each one. Though today they all seem in a bad mood so I'd be careful. I really don't know what's gotten into em, they were all fine till y'all got here… Anyway I will leave ya to it, I gotta go clean some stables."
"Okay, thank you."
"No problem, hun."
She waves to Megan and she waves back as she runs down the barn grabbing a wheelbarrow on the way.
Anna looks around to see no horses, they all must have flocked off somewhere to get away from her.
The few she did see and went up to, ran away before she could talk to them. With all the stables empty she had no choice but to explore around, she exits on the other end of the barn. The opposite direction from her car.
She reached the end, then was distracted by the horses running together watching some people on a couple of the horses. They were herding them around, into another grazing field. They were the horses she saw in all the stables, they must have been moving them to calm them down. She then had her attention ripped from the heard of horses, to the loud sound of one horse screaming bloody murder.
Whatever or whoever's horse it was, sounded furious. She came around to see a small circle of a fence with a dirt ground. In the center she could see people holding ropes trying to keep the horse steady.
It was a huge black stallion, he looked wild and ready to get as far away as he could from them. The men were shouting trying to get each other to hold him while others tried to calm him. They were trying to ride him from the looks of it.
One person climbed the fence as he attempted to jump on the horse, he succeeded, but soon came to regret it. The men in the back let go and got out of the way. Some held on, the ones that let go watched the others in front of them being knocked down as the horse charged forwards. The ones holding tight are drug on the ground. Bucking and charging trying to get the man off of his back. The man was holding on to the rope for dear life as he sat on the saddle on the stallion's back. Finally the horse had enough of this man's will to hold on and ran full speed towards the fence and stopped to a halt, throwing the man over his head as he bucked. The man was caught by the others as they backed away from the horse that screamed in their faces.
'FUCK OFF!'
The men raced away as they went to take a break from the horse, tending to the injured.
"That horse is crazy!"
"Completely unbreakable, I refuse to be the next one to try to break that horse."
Their voices were drowned by the distance as they got farther away. Before she knew it she was right in front of the fence. Finally the horse looked over in her direction, still pissed from the previous encounter.
'What do you want now?! These humans and their obsession with owning what isn't theirs to take. I'm getting really sick of this! My life isn't yours to control!'
He said stomping around, huffing hot air, steaming from their forced actions on him… He was a wild spirit… but he looked more like he was having a temper tantrum…
It reminded her of a certain someone…
That thought made her giggle.
"I'm sorry about the way they were treating you, that wasn't right."
'You're damn right it wasn't right- Wait a minute… Did you just speak to me?'
The horse stopped its pacing and looked like he finally acknowledged her presence.
"I did."
'You understand me?!'
"I do."
'Wha- How?! You are human aren't you? Wait, no you're something else. You have the smell of a predator on you. What even are you and why can you understand me?'
"I can turn into any animal, but only fully when I sleep. I don't have a choice on what. But I can talk to and understand animals whether I'm human or animal. I guess it's one of the perks of my mutation."
'Hmm… so you're one of those superhumans I heard about, at least you're more useful than the other ones. I've been dying to tell you humans what I need to say. How about you tell them humans to drop dead and leave me alone? They will never break me, the day will never come when I let them ride me and use me whenever or however they feel like it."
"I don't think it's that simple."
'And why not!?'
He said with a loud stomp on the ground from his hoof. The irritation appeared after his shock and anger.
"Because they would think I'm crazy. I mean, I am telling them a horse told me that. When I'm supposed to be as normal as them, and I'm not supposed to understand a word you're saying."
He seemed less irritated and more in defeat… drifting his head to the ground holding it in sadness.
'... good point… Shit... then you're just as useless as the other superhumans.'
"They aren't useless, they do a lot of good in the world."
'Well they are useless to me, the only useful ones are the ones that can fly and drive so they don't need me.'
"So, are you a wild horse?"
He raised his head to look at her, he seemed annoyed to have to answer. For maybe he wished the question was true…
'N-No, I was raised in the stable.'
"Then why do you act so wild then?"
'Because these humans can't understand the pain I go through everyday. I don't want to be a use of transportation, I want to have more of a purpose than that. I don't want to pull a cart or anything like it. I want to experience what it truly means to be a wild horse, but not completely. I want to have a stable to come back to. You know what I mean? I just don't want to see fences and walls for the rest of my life. I want to get out and be free…. Not be restricted by reins, told where to go, how fast to run, or be controlled by someone kicking me in my side. I want to see how fast I can really run…without these damned fences. So until I meet one person that can help me, I refuse to let anyone ride me. I just… want to be understood… I want someone to think about how I feel for once.'
He rose his head up high looking above the trees of the forest. The longing of freedom in his sheltered life, forced to live in fences. Only inches from being free to do whatever he wished…
if it weren't for the person holding the reins…
They can't understand that he just wants to be free to choose his own fate….
Because they can't hear him like she could…
"So you want a middle ground, where you can have your freedom and space while receiving the same care. In return you will let them ride you if your terms are met."
He looked to her full of excitement and gidded a little closer to her like a young playful fowl. He switched through emotions pretty quickly, was he bipolar?
'Exactly!'
"You know I can give you that."
'How?'
"I can talk to you, you can tell me how you feel and what you want. I hear you and I want to help you. I can do what nobody else can, I can understand you."
'W-Wait you CAN understand me! You're talking to me right now! Why didn't I notice this before!?'
"You got so caught up in the moment, I guess."
'This is so amazing, I can't believe my dream is coming true!'
He galloped around his fence full of joy. Bucking and rearing in excitement. Calming down as she spoke to listen to her.
"I'm glad you're happy."
'Happy? I'm ecstatic! I'm fantastic! I'm absolutely completely okay for once in my miserable life! All thanks to you- umm.'
"Anna."
"Anna… Wow, you're a gift. A true miracle…. So, you will take me with you? Are you helping me?... Am I free?"
"Only if you want to be. If you want to come with me, that is your choice."
'My choice… that… feels really good… I have a choice…'
His head lowered in thought. He seemed like he was overwhelmed with emotions.
She squeezed between the fence and met him.
"You look like you could use a good pet or maybe a hug."
'For once I don't mind a hug from a human.'
She did so, embracing her arms around his neck. Soon she started to hear some shouting coming from the direction the men went.
She paid them no mind as she asked.
"So um…"
"Zeus."
She smiled in her reply. What luck… another God…
'So, Zeus, would you do me the honor of being my companion and letting me be yours?'
"Wow, you considered me a companion rather than belittling me to a ride and you the rider. You're a very nice human. I like you. So of course, I would love to be your companion."
Zeus kneeling down allowing her to get on the saddle. Once she was on, he stood back up.
All the men finally reached her after shouting and screaming for her to run away, as they were booking it down the hill. They stopped and stood in awe as they looked at both Anna and Zues with their head held high. Fully in confidence she has found her horse and he his person.
"H-How...How did you… What just happened?!"
"I do believe we have found the one person able to ride this horse."
"Does that mean he's for sale now?"
"I believe so."
"I HOPE so, he has to be because she's the only one that has been able to ride him!"
"Then I believe we've also found our buyer."
The men were talking amongst each other, completely taken back by what they just witnessed.
She noticed Loki running towards her and Zeus.
"Annaleise!"
"Hey, Loki!"
She was excited but what she saw on Loki's face was fear and worry.
"Annaleise, get off that horse!"
"Why?"
"He's dangerous, get off of him now!"
'Do you know this man? He's such a jerk.'
"He didn't mean it, he's just worried for my safety."
'Oh so he's a jerk in love?'
"What?!"
What the hell does this horse know? Why would he think that? He would never be in love with a mortal. There's no way!
Is there?...
"Annaleise, I don't care what you're whispering to that horse but if you don't get off right now, I will make you!"
He sounded furious on the outside but she could see his concern for her. She couldn't be upset he was worried for her what's there to
"His name is Zeus."
"Then get off of Zeus!"
"Okay-Okay."
She does as he repeatedly shouted at her and walked over to him.
'Careful he might kiss you.'
"Shut up!"
She whispered loudly towards Zeus.
Her face was red, she could tell, it was hot.
She tried to not look Loki in the eye, in fear he might make it worse.
Because she couldn't see it, she was startled by Loki putting his grip on her and yanking her from the pin.
"Are you okay? Did he hurt you??"
He checked her over as he dragged her farther away from the men as they circled the horse still talking in astonishment. Her hot face cooled as she slapped his hands away, annoyed by his accusations.
"No! He didn't hurt me, I'm fine!"
"Good, but are you completely mad?!"
"Maybe I am, maybe I'm not. What's it to you? Why did you call Zeus dangerous?"
"That horse put multiple people out of commission, nearly killing most of them."
"He's not dangerous, just misunderstood."
"Misunderstood?! For putting people in, what you call, a hospital?!"
"He was tired of not being heard! He wanted to have more freedom, in exchange for being ridden."
"So you find that excusable for hurting people?"
"No! Just that you shouldn't call him dangerous for it. He didn't hurt me…"
She leaned in to whisper to him, as men walked by them back to the barn. Probably sharing the news to explain the shouting from before.
"We came to an understanding, we talked it over and he won't hurt anyone else again."
Loki was silent, he had a look like he was thinking it over.
He then whispered to her.
"If he hurts you, I won't hesitate to put him down."
"That's understandable but please refrain from doing it until you get the facts. It could be an accident."
"Fine... then we got a deal?"
"Yes."
They acted casual as Megan came running over with lots of people carrying first aids behind her.
"Is she alright?!"
"I'm fine."
Anna said with a smile which relieved a lot of people.
"I'm sorry miss but that Stallion is not for sale. He's too dangerous for public sales, he's un-rideable. He can't be tamed."
A man within the group stepped forward.
"Actually Megan, she was riding the horse. H-He was actually completely calm."
"Impossible, we have hired the best riders in the world to tame him and none could."
"I promise, we saw what we saw."
"So you're telling me Zeus let an inexperienced rider, a complete random stranger, ride him-"
Her question was interrupted to her as Zeus came up behind Anna and nudged her back. He poked his head out from the fence to reach them.
'Pet me. I let nobody touch me, it will be enough proof.'
She did as he asked and it left everyone speechless.
"I-I guess… the saying, the horse chooses its rider not the opposite… is true. This is living… undeniable proof."
Megan looked like she had trouble swallowing those words, let alone speaking them. She probably had a lot of doubt in Zeus.
"Don't get me wrong I'm glad, beyond glad. I'm really happy that Zeus doesn't have to be put down. I was beginning to worry."
"So he can be bought now?"
"Actually he's sold."
"To who?"
"To you. How does $500 sound?"
"For a horse?! What breed is he?"
"He's a purebred Andalusiann they typically range $3,000 to $6,000 around here, $10,000 if trained. With none being able to ride him, let alone touch him. He has had no training and hasn't been broken. You really would be doing us a favor, taking him would be better than putting him down. I really don't want that to be our last result, so your saving him. $500 is all I ask, is that okay?"
"Of course. Thank you so much!"
"We will take Frigga as well."
"Who?"
"Oh, I meant Star, my apologies."
"She is a pure breed Ardennes, an extremely rare white coat but that does not affect her cost. In fact, it makes it cheaper, because not a lot of people are interested in her uniqueness. She will be $2,500, so $3,000 in total, is that within your budget?"
"Yes it is."
"Is that all the horses you need?"
"Yes, that's it."
"Okay follow me, we will fill out the paperwork for you to sign. Make a certificate with Star's name change. Basically everything you will need. I will tell you the rest in the office."
They followed her as she walked in the direction that she assumed was to the office.
Loki's POV
They pulled into the barn at home, he felt no need to speak on their ride home. He was very disturbed with her putting herself at risk today.
He wasn't happy hearing the stories about that horse when he was separated from her. He shouldn't have been surprised that she did what she did, but he was. She should have thought about her actions before she did them. He didn't care that she was able to talk to him, he hated that she witnessed what he could do and yet did it anyway.
She should have been more cautious, instead of being so trusting and careless as she was. It definitely wasn't the smartest move. He could have tricked her for all she knew. If all he wanted was freedom he could be using her, the only person in the world that is able to talk to him and take advantage of her kindness.
But…. Could a horse be a trickster?
Do they hold honor?
Now they seem to have more personality since she can speak with them. They are more than just dumb animals now.
So how is he supposed to know if a horse can make a deal and break it the second he gets out of the 'trailer.
If that was the case, he could be wasting her time and her precious parents' money. She might forgive the horse but he won't.
He might keep it, he might not. He doesn't know earth horses, they could be worse than Asgardian ones. But he isn't afraid to end one if he had to.
No matter how beautiful of a beast he is…
He didn't realize she already left the car and was walking the horse in question into the barn. He immediately got out of the car and rushed to her. Enough to not startle the horse, though the horse didn't even flinch.
"Careful."
She looked to the horse as it neighed, she looked to be listening.
"What did he say?"
"Uhhhh… he thinks your too nosy. He might not like you being so pushy with me."
"He's the one that is not to be trusted with how many people he's hurt. I have a right to be 'nosy'. I'm trying to make sure you're safe. Tell him that."
"He can understand you…"
That's convenient…
She waited to listen again to the horse.
"He has no intention of harming me, he feels his deal can be met so he has no reason to be the way he once was… so please back off and drop it."
"What?! You stupid horse, don't you dare tell me what to do-"
"He didn't say that last part, Loki, I did!"
She said trying to put distance between them by picking up the packle, walking ahead of Loki. Noticing that the horse looked ready to kick him in the face.
"Why can't you guys just understand you both have my safety in mind? You both don't intend to hurt me, you just want what's best for me. He wants to keep me safe as his new companion and let me ride him in exchange for not treating him like all the other horses. You want me safe from getting hurt physically, and I'm assuming that you also don't want me to be taken advantage of. Is the air clearer now?"
They both stared intently but both accepted defeat by her words. At least by the looks of the horse's reaction, he dropped it for now.
"Fine…"
The horse puffed.
"What did he say?"
"That he agrees as well and that he's sorry."
The horse nudged her.
"It wasn't exactly put like that but that's how he feels."
"Fine, I apologize as well."
"See that wasn't so hard."
They finished setting everything up and let the horses free roam till sundown. She asked them not to wander too far and to try not to get lost. 'Frigga', who hasn't spoken to her since she got her, only nodded. While Zues seemed way too excited not to have to be put behind the fences. He was exploring everything in the area to get to know his surroundings, while Frigga laid down and relaxed under the sun. They both seemed rather happy with their new home.
Once the sun set, Loki followed Annaleise as they came back and made sure the horses were comfortable in their stables. After the sun was down and the moon rose in the sky.
Both horses having a room next to each other, got comfortable in the hay. They slept soundly under the light she set up in their rooms so they could still see.
She looked happy to see both horses look content here. As they left them to go to the comforts of her house.