Unexpected

Chapter 9

Loki was somewhat startled by how comfortable Sif seemed. He freshened up at the sink while she took a shower behind fogged glass. Every now and then, he'd glance her way but tried to give her privacy. Sif on the other hand watched Loki all the while, mind still putting together the pieces of who he was. He pretended not to notice her casual observations, but his attention was peeled from her presence by three knocks at his bedroom door. He took the opportunity to finish his routine and left the bathroom.

The servants brought in their meals and set their place settings. A new thought crossed his mind: he wondered if the servants were curious of who had stayed the night with him as this was a pattern that they must be somewhat familiar with by now. He wasn't sure how Sif would feel about people knowing about their business, whether she'd be keen to hide it or okay with people being made aware. A wave embarrassment crossed his mind at the thought that she'd be ashamed to be associated with him in such a way. Loki shoved all anxieties from his mind instead trying to focus on what they may go do this afternoon. He walked out to the balcony and leaned against the ledge.

The shadow of the palace fell over the city. It was a gorgeous afternoon with tall clouds consuming most of the sky; a storm was brewing somewhere in the distance. The crisp silhouettes of clouds spotted the buildings and sea below littering the landscape with stark contrasting shades. A mild breeze lifted his hair as he peered over the railing, with it came the smell of grass and the sound of insects singing in the distance. His breath deepened and eyes fell closed soaking in as much as he could through his senses. It almost felt as though he'd dosed off, but the next thing he knew there was a pair of soft hands coming to rest at his waist.

His eyes lifted back toward the Bifrost, and a soft smile fell upon him. He soaked in the moment before turning in her grip to face her. Sif had left her hair down to dry and had chosen to wear the dress Loki had conjured for her. It was similar to the dresses she would wear in the evenings around the palace: light cream sheer fabric draped over her shoulders and sinched at her waist, brushing the tops of her feet, and of course embellished in green trim. "Well, this looks lovely on you." Loki said, bringing his hands to stroked up and down her side.

"Thank you, it was an easy choice, you have good taste." She smirked back at him, "Come, let's eat." Sif grabbed his hand and left them back to the bedroom. They spent the next hour eating and conversing, taking their time combing over the details of their night together and sharing thoughts on both of Loki's recent sparring matches. Time passed quickly and easily between them. Soon enough, they'd finished eating and made to leave for the afternoon.

"So, where is it that you plan on taking us?" Sif asked as she rose from the table.

"Well, originally, I'd planned to go out to the mountains and read; however, now that you're joining me, I think there's somewhere else we should go. I think you'll quite like it." He rose and held out his hand for her to take and in the blink of an eye they'd teleported from his chambers.

When Sif opened her eyes again, they were outside. A cool afternoon breeze swept down the slope of the hill they now stood on, tall grass reached up their legs with every gust. She could smell rain in the air and looked around where they stood trying to pin down their location. Far, far in the distance she could just see the glinting peak of the palace over many hills and tree lines. The sun was setting behind the hill they stood on, they stood for a moment listening to the song of crickets who had not yet realized their appearance.

With a squeeze of her hand, Loki guided them up the hill. And just beyond their view was what appeared to be a hot spring. Wildflowers and floral trees abound, shrouding the alcove in thousands of falling pedals. It was breathtaking and for a fleeting moment, Sif wondered if this was an illusion. It's beauty felt too perfect. The sun hung lower in the sky and Sif noticed that the trajectory of its path was going to send the light straight from the back of this space to the spring that laid before them. This brought her attention to a small stone statue that sat undisturbed at the far end of the plateau.