Agent A: Displaced

A New Lesson

"So, what's the lesson plan for today, teacher?" She asked after a long stretch of silence.

"There isn't one, we're going riding."

"Riding? As in horse riding? Oh, I'm definitely going to need lessons, I've never ridden a horse."

"Well then, I am happy to teach you that." He kissed her softly. "Shall we?"

She dressed in her jumpsuit, paired with soft leather boots that had appeared from somewhere.

He lead her to the stables where the sweet scent of horses and hay overtook her senses.

"This one's for you," he said, stopping outside one particular stable door. A grey horse stared back at her, its coat darkening to near-black around its mane and hooves.

"Hello," she whispered, slowly reaching her hand out as the horse approached. Its muzzle velvety soft under her palm.

"She likes you, I think you two will be firm friends," Loki said. "But she will need a name."

"A name? What should we call you then," she said to the horse, still stroking her. "Something pretty, something regal, fit for a queen." She thought for a moment, "Titania?"

"Queen of the fairies?" Loki asked.

"You know Shakespeare?"

"I do. I find his plays quite impressive. For a mortal."

She glared at him before turning back to Titania. "It's the perfect name for you, just ignore him" she cooed.

"Come on, let's get them saddled up, I don't want to spend the whole day in the stables." He opened the stable door and stood back to allow her and the mare to make their way out into the yard. He did the same with the next door and a haughty-looking horse strutted out, its black coat gleaming.

Two bridles appeared in his hand.

"Here," He handed one to her. "Now put your other hand under the metal bit. The part in your right hand goes over her ears, and the metal goes into her mouth. If you approach her, she should lower her head for you."

She did as he instructed, marvelling at the way Titania lowered her head to obediently accept the bridle.

"Now, fasten the buckle near her neck so you can get at least three fingers in-between the strap and her face. You don't want it too tight. Then the one just underneath her mouth doesn't need to be as loose, but make sure she has room to move freely." He turned to do the same to his own horse. Titania rubbed her head along her shoulder when she had secured the bridle, nearly knocking Annalise off her feet. She giggled and stroked her muzzle.

Loki appeared at her side with a saddle and placed it gently on Titania's back, smoothing out the deep purple blanket. He showed her how to fasten it around her and check the length of her stirrups. "Are you ready to get up there?" He asked.

She nodded, slightly nervous at how high the horse seemed. He lifted her up gently, positioning her feet in the stirrups so her legs lay right against the smooth leather before handing her the reins. "If you don't feel safe, or need a little more balance, grab hold of her, here." He held a fistful of her mane in his hand. "You won't hurt her."

Loki effortlessly mounted his own horse and walked over to her. "Are you ready? Squeeze your legs around her to let her know you're ready to move on, then pull the reins back smoothly to ask her to stop." He set off out of the yard and at her command, Titania followed.

It took a while to get used to the swaying motion of Titania's back but Loki's constant commentary about Asgardian life and details of the city helped her focus on the world passing by around her.

They skirted round the edge of a market as Annalise tried to ignore the curious glances and open stares of those they rode past.

Eventually he lead her into the forest and Annalise recognised the clearing they had teleported into when she had first arrived in Asgard. He helped lift her down from Titania's back, supporting her gently as her legs got used to taking her weight again. "I thought we could have a picnic." He said, magicking a blanket and picnic basket in front of them.

"Is there pizza in there?" She asked, trying to remember how long it had been since he had promised her that.

"No, pizza is more of an evening meal isn't it?"

She shrugged, "No, you can eat it at any time."

He raised her hand to its mouth for a gentle kiss. "Tonight, I promise."

She looked past him to see Titania disappearing beyond the trees. "Oh, shouldn't we have tied the horses up?"

"No, I can recall them when we're ready to head back."

"Can you? Is that a seidr thing or an Asgardian thing?"

He smirked. "Are you asking if it's something you may be able to learn?"

"Yes. Can I?"

"Yes. You will be able to forge a mental connection with any animal, or any being for that matter."

"How, will you teach me?"

Loki raised his eyebrow. "Later, Little One. You're still supposed to be resting."

"So, I'm not allowed to do any magic at all?"

"It's not that you're not allowed, but you will heal much faster if you don't. How is your arm looking?"

She pulled her sleeve up and held it out, The edges of the dark purple stain under her skin seemed to be breaking up, but only slightly. "At least is isn't getting worse," she shrugged.

"Indeed. Shall we eat?"

They sat and nibbled at the pies and pastries Loki had conjured in silence before he spoke again.

"Is this what you imagined when I first told you I was bringing you to Asgard?"

"What, that I would discover I was actually some sort of mythical magical being? No not really."

"No, of course you didn't. I meant how we were spending our time together."

She thought about it for a few moments. "I didn't really think there would be much time together at all."

"What do you mean?"

"I just -" she swallowed and took a deep breath, knowing it would be futile to lie to him. "I thought that when you got home you'd resume your life and I'd just be left here and picked up as and when you wanted to fuck."

Loki's eyebrows arched sharply and he looked angry for a brief moment. "But you knew how I felt," he growled.

"I did. But I never allowed myself to believe it would last, even though I felt the same." She blushed furiously.

"And now?" He demanded.

"I believe it," she whispered, tearing up as the weight of her words hit her. He took her face in his hands and kissed her gently before pulling her down on top of him. She kissed him back fiercely, shifting her body so she pressed firmer against his crotch. In response, he broke the kiss and gazed into her eyes. "But are you happy here?"

"I'm happy with you. I don't really know about here. If my life is destined to be lived out here, on Asgard, then I need a bit more time to get used to it."

He nodded. "You don't feel that you've been allowed to explore your new home."

"I've explored our room very thoroughly," she shrugged. "But I know why you've kept me in there. Can't have me burning down the palace," she giggled.

He smiled back. "Selfishly, I've enjoyed teaching you. It's probably why we hit your body's limit so quickly."

"How long do you think I'll take to heal?"

"Why, are you so desperate to start training again?"

"No, but the sooner I get the hang of this, the sooner I'll get to live a little, right?"

He sighed. "No Annalise, you should be living now, not waiting. I promise you will have more opportunities to explore and enjoy your freedom. Come, let's head back."