Agent A: Displaced

Asgardian Wine

"My Lady, If you are joining Prince Thor for dinner, may I suggest heading back to the palace so you have time to get ready?"

She had been vaguely aware of two guards following at a close distance as she'd wandered through the streets and courtyards that clung to the edges of the palace, but this was the first time they had spoken to her.

"Oh, right." She stood and looked around. "Is it this way back?"

"Follow us, my Lady. We will take you back to your room."

When she entered the dining hall, the top table was empty. She paused, looking around the crowds for a friendly face. She spotted Thor, Sif and the Warriors Three sat at a table in the corner and made herself walk calmly towards them.

"Lady Annalise!" Sif cried out as she reached the head of the table. All four men leapt to their feet in greeting and Fandral pulled out a chair for her to sit down. "Thank you," she said shyly, watching wide-eyed as Hogun poured her a large chalice of thick, dark wine.

"Lady Annalise, how was your afternoon?" Thor asked.

'It was nice, thank you. I just went for a walk, got a bit lost, but the guards who were following me pointed me in the right direction to get back."

"Well, if you would like friendlier company I'd be happy to accompany you on a walk any time, day or night, my lady," Fandral interrupted, with a cheeky grin.

The table fell silent as all the warriors busied themselves with their tankards of ale. She sipped at her wine, letting the rich flavours wash over her tongue.

"Thor, have you seen Loki this afternoon?"

"I haven't."

"He overheard our conversation this morning, didn't he?"

He didn't reply.

"Thor?"

"He did."

She took another deep drink of wine, the warmth in her body spreading further. "I should go speak to him."

"Please, eat first. You need to keep your strength up if we are to train again tomorrow."

With a fresh glass of wine she walked softly down the corridor towards the double doors that guarded Loki's chambers. Taking a long sip and a deep breath, she raised her hand and knocked firmly.

"Come." The door opened by magic.

She stepped inside the room, eyes adjusting to the warm glow of the candlelight.

"Lady Annalise, how can I help you?" Loki's voice floated over to her, a cold edge to it.

"Loki?' She looked around, before spotting him reading on his bed. She walked towards him slowly, stopping when she was level with the foot of the bed. "I know you heard all of my conversation with Thor this morning."

"I did." He turned his attention back to his book, slowly flipping onto the next page. She took another gulp of wine.

"How much wine have you had?" He asked with narrowed eyes.

"Oh, this is my second glass."

"You're swaying slightly and your eyes are glassy. Maybe you should sit down. Asgardian wine is much stronger than the watered-down excuse for wine you have on Midgard."

She lowered herself to the floor with a thump. "Is that all you have to say about today?" She asked, draining the rest of her drink defiantly.

"I heard you say, very clearly, that you wanted some time alone. So here I am, giving you the space you have asked for."