The memories of Sylvie's past resurfaced in her dreams, transporting her back to a time long ago, when she was just a young girl. She found herself walking alongside her father in the gardens of the Asgardian palace, the vibrant colors of the flowers surrounding them. But there was a weariness in Sylvie's expression, a heaviness in her heart. Looking up at her father, she mustered up the courage to voice her concerns. "Papa, why must I go along with this arranged marriage? What if he doesn't even like me when we grow up?" Her father stopped in his tracks, his eyes filled with understanding. He knelt down before her, his voice gentle and reassuring. "My dear, any man would be a fool to reject my little girl, even the Asgardian prince. This has been planned for quite some time now, and it is time you learned of what awaits you in the future." Sylvie remained hesitant, but she didn't want to show it to her father. Her eyes avert upward towards a balcony, where she found the Queen and her ladies, overseeing the gardens. Cerulean hues avert back towards her father. She nodded, trying to convey agreement. Her father chuckled softly, his love evident in his eyes. "That's my girl. You make me the proudest papa in all of the realm. If only your mother were still with us. How she'd relish in the idea of planning a royal wedding for her daughter." But as the happy moment lingered, darkness began to seep in, gradually shrouding the scene in a thick fog. The surroundings started to disappear, and Sylvie's father vanished before her eyes. She grew weary, her heart pounding in her chest as she called out to him, panic lacing her voice. "Papa? Papa? Where are you, papa?" Suddenly, an orange glowing time portal materialized before her, crackling with energy. Intrigued, Sylvie's fear momentarily subsided as she watched it curiously. But her curiosity turned into terror as several TVA Minutemen emerged from the portal, charging towards her with urgency.
The little girl's screams echoed through the void, jolting Sylvie awake from the nightmare. She sat up abruptly, her heart racing and sweat beading on her forehead. The memory of her past haunted her once again, leaving her in a state of unease. Sylvie, still shaken from her nightmare, couldn't bear to stay in bed any longer. Daylight seeped through the windows, casting a warm glow in the room. She rose from her bed, her tousled curls framing her face as she made her way towards the door. As she descended the stairs, the sound of tiny paws scampering reached her ears. The two playful puppies were eagerly waiting for her at the bottom, their tails wagging with excitement. Sylvie whispered a soft hello to them, crouching down to give them gentle pats, momentarily finding solace in their presence. Taking a deep breath, Sylvie surveyed her surroundings. The quietness of the house made her voice sound even softer and sleepier as she called out to Loki. "Loki? Are you awake?" Silence greeted her, and Sylvie wondered if he was still resting.
As Sylvie was about to move further into the house, the front door creaked open, causing her to jump slightly. Loki stepped inside, his eyes widening in surprise as he saw her. "Sylvie! You're awake. Are you alright?" he asked, concern etched on his face. Sylvie shook off her initial startle, trying to compose herself. She waved off his worry with a dismissive gesture. "I'm fine, just still waking up. Nothing to worry about," she replied, her voice tinged with a touch of exhaustion. Curiosity sparked within her, and she couldn't help but ask the question that had been lingering in her mind. "How long have I been asleep? It feels like I've been out for ages." Loki's lips curved into a gentle smile, his voice filled with warmth. "You've been asleep for two days straight. I checked on you often, but you didn't even move in you're sleep. I didn't have the heart to wake you. You needed the rest." As Sylvie heard Loki's response, her eyes widened in shock. "Two days? I can't believe I slept for that long," she exclaimed, her voice filled with disbelief. Loki chuckled softly, finding amusement in her reaction. "Yes, two whole days. You must have needed the rest more than you realized," he reassured her, his voice warm and comforting. Sylvie stood there for a moment, speechless, trying to comprehend the fact that she had been asleep for such an extended period. She finally found her voice and managed to utter, "I... I had no idea. That's... rather unexpected."
Loki tilted his head slightly, concern flickering in his eyes. "Are you sure you're alright? Is there anything you need? Water, food, anything?" Sylvie shook her head, "No, I'm fine, thank you. I just need a little time to fully wake up and adjust to the day. But I appreciate your concern." Loki nodded understandingly, giving her a reassuring smile. "Take all the time you need, Sylvie." As Loki walked into the kitchen, Sylvie followed closely behind and seated herself on a bar stool by the island. He set aside the basket of freshly picked apples on the counter by the sink and turned to face her. Curiosity sparkled in Sylvie's eyes as she asked, "So, what farm tasks did you have to take care of this morning?" Loki smiled warmly at her, his gaze filled with affection. "Actually, I've already completed them. I woke up before dawn to ensure everything was done, so I could tend to you if you needed anything." Sylvie felt a strange flutter in her chest, a different feeling she hadn't experienced before. Uncertain of how to act on it, she dismissed it for now. Instead, she commented, "You seem to be adjusting to the farm life rather quickly." Loki chuckled softly, a hint of pride in his voice. "I've had my fair share of adapting to new environments. But I guess there's something about this place that feels right."
Sylvie hesitated for a moment, gathering her thoughts before asking Loki a more difficult question. Her lips slowly parting, "Do you ever miss the life you had in Asgard?" Loki paused, his expression thoughtful, before shaking his head gently. "No, Sylvie. I don't miss that life. The person I was then... I didn't like him. I was consumed by envy and a hunger for power. All I desired was to seize the throne, no matter the cost." A part of Sylvie wanted to believe his words, to trust in the sincerity of his transformation. But there was a small voice in the back of her mind, a lingering doubt that wondered if he would betray her for a chance at becoming a ruler once more. She pushed those thoughts aside for now, hoping that their shared experiences and newfound bond would be enough to keep him on the path of redemption. Sylvie dismissed those fleeting thoughts of doubt in Loki, determined to focus on the present. As she averted her eyes, she noticed Jewel was scratching at her heel, seeking her attention. Unable to resist, Sylvie leaned down and scooped up the playful pup into her arms. Loki's eyes followed the interaction, a small smile forming on his lips. "It seems Jewel has taken quite a fondness of you, Sylvie," he remarked, his voice filled with warmth.
Sylvie couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness as she held the puppy close, then her eyes avert back up, watching Loki began preparing a cup of coffee, appreciating the gesture of care and comfort. As the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, he turned to her, a gentle smile on his face. "Did you sleep well, Sylvie?"
Sylvie paused for a moment, her mind drifting back to the nightmarish visions that had plagued her sleep. The memories were still fresh, but she was determined not to burden Loki with the details. Instead, she offered a small smile in return and replied, "I got the sleep I desperately needed."
Loki nodded understandingly, his eyes filled with a mixture of concern and a desire to provide solace. He handed Sylvie the steaming cup of coffee, the warmth of the mug soothing against her palms. In that simple exchange, Sylvie found comfort, knowing that she wasn't alone in this journey and that Loki was there to support her, even without knowing the full extent of her inner turmoil.
Sylvie cradled Jewel in her arms, finding solace in the warmth of the puppy's presence. Sylvie then took another sip of the coffee, relishing the flavor. "You know, Loki, coffee wa s actually just recently introduced to me," Sylvie revealed, a wistful smile on her lips. "It was actually Pepper Potts who gave me my first cup the morning of your trial. Said it would perk me up a bit." Loki's brows furrowed in surprise and curiosity. "Pepper Potts? Stark's little minion?" he asked, his interest piqued.
Sylvie nodded, memories of that pivotal day flooding her mind. "Yes, her. A kind gesture, really. I suppose she could tell I was a complete mess." Loki's expression flickered with conflicting thoughts as Sylvie mentioned her encounter with Pepper Potts. Tony Stark, after all, had been an enemy of his, and the mere mention of his name stirred a mix of resentment and disdain within him. However, he quickly pushed those thoughts aside, reminding himself of the complexities of their shared history. Suppressing his initial reaction, Loki smiled warmly at Sylvie. "That's quite an interesting connection," he remarked, choosing to focus on the present rather than the past. "Tell you what, if you're up for it, once you're ready for the day, I could show you the exterior grounds of the farm. We could even take these fur balls join us." Sylvie's eyes brightened with excitement, mirroring the playful wagging of Jewel's tail. "That sounds delightful, actually," she replied, a genuine enthusiasm lacing her voice. "I'm sure these two could burn some of that energy that they possess."
Thirty minutes later, Loki found himself waiting on the porch of the farmhouse, his mind still consumed by thoughts of Sylvie and Pepper's interaction. The idea that it might have been an attempt to manipulate her, to turn her against him, gnawed at the back of his mind. Yet, he swiftly dismissed those suspicions, refusing to let paranoia cloud his judgment.
Just as he was about to lose himself in his own thoughts, the sound of the front door opening pulled him from his reverie. Sylvie stepped out, her presence instantly captivating. She wore a pair of perfectly fitting ripped jeans, accentuating her figure, with a white tank top peeking out from under a buffalo plaid flannel that remained unbuttoned. The sleeves of the flannel were rolled up slightly, revealing her forearms. Completing the ensemble were the combat boots she had arrived in, as they have become her favorite pair. As Sylvie approached him, she exuded a confident yet relaxed air. "Are you ready, Loki?" she asked, a playful glint in her eyes. Loki's gaze softened, a small smile playing on his lips. "Indeed, I am," he replied, standing up from the porch swing. "Shall we?" Together, they set off at a leisurely pace, their first destination being the pasture. Ahead of them, four magnificent horses grazed peacefully, their graceful forms moving with an effortless elegance. The gentle breeze carried the scent of hay and the distant sound of their hooves on the soft ground. Sylvie's eyes sparkled with delight as she observed the horses. "They're beautiful," she remarked, her voice filled with awe. "Such majestic creatures." Loki nodded, appreciating the tranquil scene before them. In this moment, surrounded by the serenity of nature, he felt a newfound sense of peace.
As Sylvie's eyes remained fixed on the horses, Loki couldn't help but steal a quick glance downward, his heart fluttering in his chest. The emotions he had developed for her had taken him by surprise, stirring a mixture of vulnerability and excitement within him. However, his reverie was interrupted when Sylvie glanced up and caught his gaze.
Perking a brow, she observed him curiously. "What is it, Loki?" she inquired, her voice laced with playful curiosity. Loki's mind snapped back to reality, his thoughts scattering like leaves in the wind. He quickly regained his composure, not wanting to reveal the true nature of his distraction. "Ah, I apologize," he replied, his voice laced with a hint of amusement. "I must have drifted off for a moment. The peace of this place tends to have that effect on me."
Sylvie's lips curled into a knowing smile, though she didn't press further. Instead, she simply nodded, her eyes once again fixed on the horses.
Loki leaned down, his voice a soft whisper in Sylvie's ear. "Would you like to get a bit closer to them?" he asked. Sylvie responded with a nod and a smile, her anticipation evident.
With a gentle guiding hand, Loki led Sylvie through the gates and into the pasture. As they approached one of the paint horses, its brown and white patches forming a distinct pattern, Sylvie's excitement grew. The horse raised its head, acknowledging their presence, its eyes curious and gentle.
Sylvie moved slowly, her hand outstretched, reaching towards the horse's muzzle. The horse, sensing her gentle intention, allowed her touch, leaning in slightly as her hand made contact. Sylvie's fingers traced the contours of the horse's face, her touch filled with watched the interaction, a warmth spreading through his chest. Seeing Sylvie connect with the horse, witnessing the gentleness and trust exchanged between them, reminded him of the beauty that could be found in moments of vulnerability and connection. As Sylvie continued to stroke the horse's muzzle, a sense of calm settled over them. It was a moment of quiet and unspoken understanding, where the boundaries between man and creature blurred, leaving only the pure exchange of affection and respect. In that moment, Loki realized that the journey they were embarking on together was not just about the grand adventures or the mysteries they sought to unravel. It was also about these simple, intimate moments of shared experiences that would shape their bond and forge a deeper connection between them.
A few moments later, Loki assisted Sylvie in navigating their way out of the pasture, their pace relaxed as they continued their journey towards the apple orchards. The wind danced through Sylvie's curled bob, gently tousling her hair as they walked. Loki found himself stealing glances down at Sylvie, captivated by her presence. The way the wind played with her hair, the way her eyes sparkled in the sunlight, it was all a testament to her natural beauty. He couldn't help but feel a magnetic pull towards her, his heart beating a little faster with each stolen , they reached the apple orchards, the air filled with the sweet and tangy scent of ripe apples. Sylvie's nose twitched as the fragrance tickled her senses, a smile gracing her lips. The sight of the trees laden with fruit brought a sense of tranquility and abundance to the surroundings. Loki and Sylvie strolled amidst the rows of apple trees, their leisurely pace allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the orchard. They reached out occasionally, their fingers brushing against the smooth skin of an apple, feeling the crispness and weight of the fruit. Just as Sylvie's eyes were drawn to a particularly perfect apple hanging from a nearby branch, Loki looked up and plucked it skillfully from its perch. With a playful smile, he extended the apple towards Sylvie, his voice laced with a touch of mischief. "For you, madam," he said, offering her the fruit as a token of his affection and admiration. Sylvie smirked, looking down at the apple before her eyes avert back up to him, "How charming you can be. Thought that charm only came with the princes in fairytales." A chuckle escaped from Loki's lips, as he admired Sylvie's quick wit, "Seems I also have a talent of charming fair maidens with apples as well."
A few moments later, Loki and Sylvie continued their leisurely stroll towards the green barn. The sunlight cast a warm glow on their surroundings, creating a tranquil atmosphere. As they walked, they couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment and ease in each other's presence. Halfway to their destination, two little bundles of energy bounded towards them, their tails wagging furiously. Jewel, the smaller of the two, found her way close to Sylvie's heel, eagerly seeking her attention. Meanwhile, Apollo, the mischievous troublemaker, kept darting in front of Loki, attempting to trip him up with each playful leap. Sylvie couldn't help but giggle at Apollo's antics, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Looks like Apollo is determined to challenge your walking skills, Loki," she remarked, her voice laced with humor. "Perhaps he thinks he can outmaneuver the God of Mischief." Loki chuckled, his eyes twinkling with a mixture of fondness and amusement. "Seems like he underestimates my ability to navigate even the most treacherous paths," he quipped, sidestepping Apollo's playful advances with ease. They continued their journey towards the green barn, the puppies weaving in and out between them, their boundless energy infectious. And as they approached the barn, laughter filled the air, intertwining with the rustling leaves and the joyful barks of the puppies. Loki pushed open the large barn doors, revealing a spacious interior bathed in a dim, golden light. The scent of hay and animals filled the air, creating a rustic and comforting atmosphere. Inside, a diverse array of livestock resided, including sheep peacefully grazing, a few chickens clucking softly, and a solid black donkey lazily munching on straw. As Sylvie knelt down, a sense of familiarity washed over her as she recognized the herding dog she had glimpsed earlier in the field, the day she arrived. The dog, now much closer, approached her with a gentle wag of its tail. Its wise and aged eyes held a sense of calm and understanding. Sylvie's smile widened as she scratched behind the dog's ears, feeling a connection with the loyal creature. She glanced up at Loki, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "Does this one have a name?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine curiosity.
Loki nodded, his gaze fixed on the dog. "His name is Axel," he replied, his voice carrying a hint of admiration. "He was already here when I arrived. Axel is quite the expert when it comes to herding the cattle. He gets the job done, that's for sure." Sylvie's smile deepened, appreciating the dog's dedication and skill. She continued to shower Axel with affection, relishing in the bond they were forming. Axel leaned into her touch, his eyes filled with gratitude. As Sylvie continued to scratch behind Axel's ears, a movement caught her attention. Looking up, she noticed a rather chunky orange cat peacefully curled up on a bale of hay, fast asleep. Its round belly rose and fell with each gentle breath, and a contented purr emanated from deep within. Sylvie couldn't help but be captivated by the sight of the dozing feline. Its vibrant orange fur glowed in the dim light, adding a touch of warmth to the rustic surroundings. Mesmerized by the cat's serene slumber, she couldn't resist the urge to approach it. Carefully, Sylvie tiptoed towards the hay bale, mindful not to disturb the cat's peaceful rest. She knelt down beside it, her hand extended in a tentative gesture. With a gentle touch, she brushed her fingers against the cat's soft fur, eliciting a sleepy purr in response. Loki observed Sylvie with a fond smile, appreciating her innate ability to connect with animals. He joined her by the hay bale, his presence a comforting and reassuring presence. The orange cat stirred slightly, its eyes fluttering open to reveal vibrant green irises. "Looks like you've found another little friend here," Loki remarked softly, his voice filled with warmth. "I believe this one goes by the name of Pumpkin. Quite fitting, don't you think?" Sylvie's lips curved into a gentle smile as she continued to stroke Pumpkin's fur. "Pumpkin," she whispered, testing the name on her tongue. "It suits you, my sleepy friend." Pumpkin, now fully awake, stretched lazily before settling back into a cozy position on the hay bale.
Sylvie gave Pumpkin one more gentle pet, her hand lingering on the orange cat's soft fur before she slowly rose to her feet, Loki following suit. As they stood there, surrounded by the comforting presence of the barn and its inhabitants, Loki turned to Sylvie with a curious expression. "So, what do you think of our new home so far?" he asked. He knew they had only just begun their journey here, but he was eager to hear Sylvie's thoughts. Sylvie paused, her gaze drifting across the barn and its peaceful occupants. She took a moment to reflect, her mind embracing the simplicity and warmth that surrounded them. Finally, she turned to Loki, a soft smile playing on her lips. "You know," she began, her voice filled with a mixture of contentment and determination, "this is the kind of life I've always dreamed of having. Simple. Nothing extravagant. Just a place like this, filled with animals, where we can find peace and purpose." Loki's eyes softened as he listened, understanding the sentiment behind her words. He knew Sylvie had always longed for a life away from the chaos and destruction they had known for so long. Yet, he couldn't help but feel a mischievous spark in his eyes. "But, Sylvie," he said with a playful grin, "let's not forget that it wouldn't be a life worth living without a bit of chaos, wouldn't you agree? We've already caused quite a stir, and I have a feeling there's more excitement to come."
Sylvie chuckled, her eyes twinkling with a mix of affection and anticipation. "You're right, Loki," she replied, her voice filled with a newfound sense of adventure. "A little chaos keeps things interesting."
Several hours had passed since Sylvie and Loki had taken their peaceful walk around their property. The sun had made its slow descent towards the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. Sylvie found herself drawn to the front porch of the farmhouse, captivated by the breathtaking view before her.
As she sat there, a gentle breeze rustled through the surrounding trees, carrying with it a sense of serenity. Sylvie took a deep breath, the crisp evening air filling her lungs. She closed her eyes, allowing the peacefulness of the moment to wash over her. Soon enough, Loki joined her on the porch, holding two glasses of sod wine that he had poured for them. He handed one to Sylvie, the cool glass meeting her fingertips. She smiled appreciatively, thanking him silently. They sat side by side, their gazes fixed on the ever-changing canvas of the sky. The world around them seemed to be in perfect harmony, the sounds of nature providing a gentle symphony in the background. The clinking of their glasses seemed to harmonize with the rustling leaves and distant chirping of birds. As Sylvie took another sip of the wine, Loki broke the peaceful silence with a gentle chuckle. "You know," he began, his voice carrying a hint of mischief, "this view is far more beautiful than the one we took in back in the void. This time, we don't have a large cloud coming after us to eliminate everything in its sight." Sylvie smiled, her eyes sparkling with fondness as she recalled that memory they had shared on the hill. It had been a pivotal moment for them, a turning point in their journey together. "Indeed," she replied, her voice tinged with amusement. "Perhaps this time when we need a blanket, it won't be as thin as that tablecloth you managed to conjure up." They both shared a soft laugh. The void had been a place of uncertainty and danger, but it had also brought them closer together, forging a bond that was unbreakable..
Loki leaned back, his arm brushing against Sylvie's, as they continued to watch the sun sink below the horizon. His slight touch sent shivers up her spine. her stomach felt as if butterflies were fluttering about. As the last remnants of daylight disappeared, leaving behind a blanket of stars, Sylvie leaned her head against Loki's shoulder. They sat in comfortable silence, their hearts filled with gratitude for the choice that they had made. Creating a life on the timeline, together. In the distance, the farmhouse stood as a symbol of their shared dreams and aspirations. It was a place they could call home, where they could create their own destiny away from the chaos of the universe. And as they sat there, watching the night unfold, Sylvie briefly glanced over at loki, leaning in to peck his cheek ever so softly. He was shocked, turning his head to face the goddess, "What was that for?" a soft smile slowly appeared across her lips, "For showing me, that I shouldn't always look at the negatives on choices we make. I'm starting to believe….that we made the right choice."