The Girl With Bad Luck

Asters

Loki and Persephone set out for an afternoon stroll after they had dined together that evening. It was still light out, and the sun was just beginning to set. Persephone perched on his shoulder with practiced balance, ready to duck under his shirt collar should they pass anyone. His long curtain of hair would also provide a sufficient retreat. He kept his gait smooth since Persephone had let it slip out the day before that it made her nauseous when he kept a fast pace. They were on their way outside to walk in the royal gardens, Loki wanted to show Persephone a part of his mother.

Frigga had loved the gardens and often came here to take care of the plants herself. The royal gardeners would tell her they had it under control and her help was not needed, yet, Frigga always graciously declined their assistance and continued her work. She rarely used magic to grow the plants and often said that in order for them to blossom beautifully they needed to have true care and attention. When Frigga died, Loki found himself in the gardens much more often almost expecting his adopted mother to be kneeling in the grass tenderly caring for a flower. Bringing Persephone out here lessened that pain in his heart.

Upon walking outside he felt a cool breeze pass by. It felt good on his face, seeming to also calm his emotions. That is until he felt Persephone huddle into the crook of his neck.

"Are you cold little one?"

He remembered that she wore a sky blue silky gown like the ladies of Asgard donned daily. He was able to conjure it for her when he had noticed that her clothes were becoming a bit ratty. She had been on Asgard for a week and was ready for a change of clothes. It was sleeveless, meant for warm weather like such. He had forgotten that she was more sensitive to the elements than his kind. He conjured a shawl for her tiny frame and held it to her between a finger and thumb. He felt her shifting, trying to test it out around her dainty shoulders her movements tickling his neck. Hearing a tiny sigh of relief he continued to walk.

He came to a small oval pond with glistening blue water. A waterfall filled the pool. Around the pond was a mix of violet, pink, and yellow flowers that swished in the gentle wind.

"It's beautiful Loki." Persephone breathlessly whispered.

Loki nodded his head slightly and a smile graced his lips. Coming up with an idea he placed a gentle hand over Persephone to keep her in place as he bent over to pick a violet flower. He remembered that his mother had called it an Aster. In a circle, purple petals fanned out, the yellow center holding it all together. Frigga had picked the same flower for him one time when he was a child.

"Do you see this flower here Loki?" Frigga knelt holding a flower between the two of them.

Loki nodded and took the stem of the flower delicately between his fingers when his mother gave it to him.

"This is called an Aster flower, it's named after the Greek word for "star".

Loki remembered reading that in a book a few weeks ago in his studies.

"It represents wisdom, love, and faith," Frigga said.

Loki looked up at his mother with bright green eyes as she said, "You my dear are so loved and so clever. Promise me you will use that mind for goodness in this world?"

Loki nodded, his mouth bone dry from the words of his mother.

"Even if you do come off the path of goodness I have faith that you will always find your way back."

"But how do you know that?" Loki questioned.

"Because no matter what you do I will always love you my little Loki. My mischievous, talented son."