Necessary Good, Unnecessary Evil | No rest For Wounded Souls [Bucky Barnes]

Where Were You, Tony?

"Man is not what he thinks he is. He is what he hides."
-Andre Malraux

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Nova's POV

Loki's hand pushes my chin up, closing my slack jaw.
I can't believe what just happened, and I'm pretty sure my brain is about to explode.
"Do you know how to ride, Lady Stark?" Thor wonders, walking to the horses waiting for us at the entrance of the Bifrost.
I stare at the majestic animal in front of me. "I don't even remember the last time I got this close to a horse," I say, gently resting my hand on its nose.
Asgard looks just like you would imagine a place from a fable to look like.
"Loki, help her on and take her to palace," Thor speaks, and I glance to my left, noticing Loki mounting the black horse.

He looks up, huffing. "Do I resemble a handmaiden, brother?" The black-haired God grumbles.
Thor glares daggers, getting back another frustrated sigh from his brother. "Don't be rude, brother. Lady Stark is our guest and friend. You two will be spending much time together, beginning with getting to know each other." He suggests while getting on his horse.
I frown, confused. "Wait, what?" I scoff, bouncing my gaze between the two of them.
Thor smiles, looking up at Loki. "My brother may not be the bravest warrior in Asgard, but he has learned his magic from our mother and uses it brilliantly." He says, a hint of pride leaking through his expression.

I look at the golden city in the distance. "Yeah, I remember him using it to trash New York." I taunt, glancing at Loki.
He ducks his head, clearing his throat. "That's water under the bridge now, shall we?" He sighs, moving his attention back to me.
"Since I doubt you got taxis here," I hum, walking towards Thor.
The white horse rears, getting on his hind legs, and a neigh echoes around us.
I step back, holding up my hands instinctively.

Thor bellows, getting his steed control back. "Sorry, Lady Stark, Sleipnir doesn't do well around strangers." He apologies, trotting a few feet from me.
"Luckily, Seidr is far tamer," Loki grins, stretching his hand forwards, offering to help me mount behind him.
I stare at him for a few seconds, hesitantly. "Try to push me off this shiny bridge, and I'll take you with me," I mumble, using his arm as a handhold as I climb on the back of the horse.
Loki gives me a couple of seconds before pulling on the reins. "You may want to hold on," he considers, straightening his back and leaning forward, bringing the horse to start moving.

I was expecting normal gaits, but both horses quickly start galloping, and from the laugh coming from the two brothers it's clear the two have engaged in a race.
My arms wrap tightly around Loki's firm torso. I already miss New York traffic.
The way from the Bifrost to the actual city takes a few minutes, and we finally get to Asgard's gates.
"I can't believe you put a snake in front of my horse, Loki!" Thor utters, stopping a few feet from us.
Loki chuckles, helping me to get down. "I don't know what you saw, brother, but I didn't see any reptile on our way here." He shrugs, putting on an innocent smile as he stares at me.
This is a whole different person from the mad God that tried to destroy New York.
I really wonder what changed, why he's suddenly trying to help? 

"Don't try to pull your tricks on me, Midgardian." He whispers, standing a few inches from me.
I widen my eyes, surprised that he caught me before I could even start using my powers.
"Mother!" Thor's voice catches our attention. I turn my head to see a woman walking towards us, followed by other women. One of them, a black-haired woman in armor, sends a death glare at Loki as she walks past him.
That must be the Queen, Thor, and Loki's mother, Frigga. Her face is framed by a few gold curls, her hair decoratively pinned on her head. "Lady Stark, It's a pleasure to meet you," she greets me, a warm smile on her face.

I attempt a curtsy, and I'm sure as hell I got it wrong, somehow. "The pleasure is mine," I say, fixing the bag on my shoulder.
Bringing a few things seemed a good idea, but now I realize this may be a problem. They are all going to watch me like I am an alien.
Well, I am. Kinda.
"Thank you for agreeing to join us helping the Nine Realms," Frigga states, carefully studying me as she speaks.
I'm not sure what they expect me to do or not do, but I know it won't be as easy I want it to be. "I hope my presence here will avoid avoid wasteful blood shed." I point out. One thing is sure, I know my priorities.