Broken Remedy |L. Odinson|

Chapter Twenty-Three

Eir was getting better and better. It wasn't as surprising to see a smile on her face lately, even a little laugh pulled here and there if her companions did something right. Of course, some things didn't change—her cane remained by her side, a lifeless protection of hers—although she was trying to return to the person she used to be.

Loki had grown to have so much faith on her he ended up not being around her during her training with the warriors. He had never been fond of that scene, the only reason he had been present was to watch Eir as she fought in case she ever needed his help, but now he was confident she was feeling better, he didn't see a reason he should keep torturing himself that way. In the last few days, he had taken to staying in his room, usually curled up with a book at hand.

This morning was no exception. Loki sat, attention on his book, looking the picture of grace in his lavish green and gold robes, looking right at home among the riches of his room. He was quiet, and for a moment no sound was heard save for the turning of a page of his book. Until there was a knock on the door.

Loki allowed them entrance without looking to see who it was.

The door opened slightly and Eir peered inside, eyes that seemed to have stolen part of the clear sea around Asgard for once appearing tranquil. She looked around, a tiny smile blooming on her lips as she took notice of Loki sitting with a book at hand, looking every bit as handsome as he had always been in her eyes, completely at home in his room. While making as little noise as possible, Eir stepped inside and closed the door behind her.

She had just come back after training with Volstagg—and winning—that much anyone could tell by her attire, suited to a warrior and not the daughter of the most noble family in Asgard after the royal family. Her hair, too, seemed more unruly than it was acceptable for a lady, yet another sign that she had been up to activities women usually didn't seem to enjoy in Asgard. Eir took a few steps deeper in the room, left her cane beside the bed and with no hesitation walked over to Loki. He only looked up when he felt her sit down next to him.

"Now that's a surprise," he mused, gaze fond even though he attempted to mask it by lacing his voice with a tone of nonchalance, a brow slightly arched. Eir saw right through him, although she made no attempt to expose his fraud. "I thought you would still be training. To what do I owe the pleasure of your presence?"

"After winning there isn't that much interest in training," she replied with a slight smile, "I thought I should find you."

"I'm flattered you thought of me in your time of triumph." He marked the page where he had stopped reading his book, closed it and leaned forward to place it on the table nearby before he looked over at her once more. "Who did you win against today?"

"Volstagg," was her instant response, "I would have fought with Thor next but I suggested we rescheduled. I imagined you would have liked to witness your brother's loss."

Loki's lips curled into a smirk and for a moment, he couldn't help but compare the woman beside him to the one he had talked with a couple of months ago. The only thing he found they had in common was their appearance. He had to admit, he liked this Eir so much better. Lost in his thoughts, he didn't realise he had never replied, and Eir could only watch in slight confusion as his smirk slowly disappeared until his mischievous expression was replaced by a rather thoughtful one, the look in his eyes almost considered soft. She grew curious.

"What are you thinking about?"

"You," was his instant response, amusement dancing in his gaze as he noticed her slight bewilderment. "I think all this time you have spent in my company has started to affect your personality. You have started to talk and act more like me day by day."