Agent A: Displaced

Simpler Pleasures

The next morning Thor was showing off the range of Asgardian weapons he was planning on teaching her to use. Some of the axes and broadswords were almost as large as she was, but he assured her that smaller versions would be made so she could handle them comfortably.

"Mother," they heard Loki say behind them and Thor broke away from the weapons display to kiss Frigga gently on the cheek.

"My sons, how are you both this morning?" She asked. "I've come to rescue Lady Annalise from your endless ramblings about your favourite weapons," she smiled indulgently at Thor. "Come dear," she held out her hand for Annalise to take.

"Don't worry, Loki I will keep her perfectly safe and bring her back to you in one piece. But in the meantime, your father would like to see you both."

Loki kissed her gently on the temple as he walked by, heading to the throne room with Thor following close by.

"I have never seen my son care so deeply about another before. Your capabilities aside, you are a very special woman Annalise, I am very happy to have you as part of our family," She said as she lead her out into the gardens.

"You see me as part of your family?" She whispered, heart hammering in surprise.

"Of course. But I understand you may not quite feel at home in this realm, or within our family yet, but trust me, something soon may help change your mind."

"That sounds ominous."

Frigga laughed. "My dear, you must not alway be so distrustful. But this wasn't what I brought you here to discuss." She stopped in front of an old tree, its branches twisted and grey with dry half-dead leaves barely clinging to them.

"Our seidr is drawn from Asgard itself. It's unlimited and ever present. That gives you a ready source to draw from to prevent a repeat of what happened the other day."

Annalise looked away, still embarrassed at the memory of what she'd done to Loki.

"It also gives you more freedom, another option if you find yourself in need when Loki is not with you, or if you simply don't want him shadowing you constantly. I couldn't imagine spending every waking second with Odin," she winked playfully at her.

Before their eyes the leaves on half of the tree brightened to a lush green, dried edges unfurling, filled with renewed life. Small, dark pink flowers bloomed between the foliage.

Annalise smiled at the simple but intoxicating joy of watching the tree bloom before her.

"Now it's your turn. I left the other half for you." Frigga gestured to the tree.

She looked at the tree, unsure of where to start.

"Sit down," Frigga guided her. "You'll find it easier to make a connection if you put both of your hands to the ground."

Annalise combed her fingers through the fragile blades of grass, pressing her palms against the cool earth.

"Let your mind open up to what flows under the earth," Frigga's calming voice floated over to her as Annalise let her eyes close slowly. "Don't focus on drawing power into yourself, as you have done with Loki, instead send it to the tree."

She could feel it, a warm, welcoming sensation just below the surface, filled with potential. She allowed a small amount to flow into her, where it tickled as it mixed with the remains of the power she'd taken from Loki, before settling.

She could see the tree in her mind and she willed the leaves to turn green and the flowers to bloom, praying it was enough to encourage the seidr to co-operate.

"Open your eyes," Frigga whispered, her mouth close to Annalise's ear.

The tree was in full bloom, her half covered in large, dark blue flowers.

"Beautiful. I've never seen it bloom that colour before, it's looks lovely with the pink," Frigga said, coming to stand next to her. "You took to that very easily. You should be very proud of what you have mastered."

"Thank you. I didn't think it would be so easy."

"Your body instinctively knows what to do, what it was born to do. But sometimes you need a gentle push in the right direction. Don't ever be afraid to use the power you have been given. And don't forget the simpler pleasures it can bring." She waved her hand and a small table laden with teapots and cakes appeared, before helping Annalise to her feet.

They sat and enjoyed each other's company until the table was empty of tea and treats.

"Come, I should return you to Loki before he begins to fret that I has whisked you away for good."