Agent A: Displaced

A Healing Hand

His fingers raked through the silky lengths of Annalise's hair as she slept deeply, nestled into his shoulder. Her right hand rested lightly over his heart and he relished the warmth radiating from her.

Frigga crept into the room, smiling at the sight of them cuddled up in bed.

"How is she today?"

"She woke up briefly just before the dawn, but hasn't stirred since."

"I think that's to be expected. Although the poison has gone, its effects will probably last for some time, even after today. But I don't think the healers' beds were really designed for two people, especially when one of them still has a lot of healing to do," she raised her eyebrow with a smirk.

"If this is how she wants to sleep, I am happy to hold her until the end of time, even in a bed that's far too small."

Frigga smiled indulgently as she stepped up to the edge of the bed, placing two vials on the small table next to them.

"After you have performed the ritual to transfer some of your strength to her, you can move her back into your own chambers, at least then you will both be able to get some rest." She couldn't help noticing the dark circles that ringed Loki's eyes.

"Are you comfortable with what you need to do?"

"I am, I spent most of the night studying it while she slept."

"Good." She nodded at the bottles, "The darker one is to be given as you begin. She may need some persuading to drink it all as it's likely to be very bitter, but it's important she drinks every last drop. The clear one will taste better and will help her fall asleep straight after, so that it can take effect."

"Thank you mother. Do you think I am doing the right thing?"

"I think you are doing everything in your power to ease the suffering of the one you love, which is always an admirable course of action."

"There must be more I can do, though" Loki interrupted. "It's been weeks since the attack and she barely has the energy to move or speak."

"I know it's hard seeing her like this, but not all afflictions can be healed with a wave of your hand. Annalise has been through something very traumatic, as have you, and while she is very lucky that there appears to be no permanent damage, it will still take time to recover and we cannot rush her.

"But I have every confidence in your ability to see this through to the end, my son. And I do think this will help; the energy you give her will, hopefully, allow her to start to rebuild her strength and have more of a normal life. But I do worry about you; you must promise me you will rest once it's done."

"I promise. I will even happily drink one of your elixirs as if it were the finest Asgardian wine if that would put your mind at ease?"

She smiled. "In that case, I will go brew some fresh for you. I won't be too far away and there shouldn't be any pain for either of you, but if there is, or if you need me for anything, just call." She kissed his cheek before withdrawing quietly.

He sat and considered her advice before Annalise caught his attention as she twitched and whimpered in his arms, gripped by a nightmare. He stroked her back lightly, whispering soothing words into her ear as he tried to slowly wake her.

When her eyes flickered open they were filled with panic and pain. "It's ok, I'm here. It was just a nightmare," he whispered as she clung to him. "Were you dreaming about the attack again".

She nodded, gripping him tightly, unable to give voice to her fears. Loki cuddled her closer in response, trying to keep his temper down at the thought of the person who had harmed her still roaming free.

As her muscles began to unlock and she relaxed against him, Loki eased her up into a seated position. Holding her face gently in his hands he took in the signs of exhaustion written across her face.

"I know you want to go back to sleep, but we have something important we have to do today, something that will help you start to feel a lot better."

She looked up at him with a faint raise of her eyebrow, still unable to find the energy to speak.

"There's a small piece of magic that can help me transfer some of my energy to you, to help you get through this." Her eyes widened and her lips formed a small 'o' of surprise.

"Now, don't argue," he shushed her. "This is what is needed to help you get better, to give you the energy to leave the Healer's Hall and to walk with me in the gardens and eat pizza and all the other things you so enjoy doing."

She smiled weakly, looking hopeful.

He picked up the bottle of dark liquid Frigga had left him. "Now, to start, you have to drink this. I'm told it's not going to taste very nice, but it's important that you finish it." He raised it to her lips, letting her take a small, experimental sip. She spluttered a little bit as the bitterness filled her mouth but finished it determinedly.

"Good girl," he rubbed her shoulder encouragingly before easing her back down, avoiding the mass of bandages that covered her ribs.

His hand glowed green as he held hers and chanted the necessary words, the cloud of his seidr thickening as it worked to harvest part of his life-force. He felt its loss like a deep ache within his bones, clouding his vision as he struggled to direct it into her body.

His hand lingered over her heart as he waited for his own to stop hammering. She raised her own hand to his and softly stroked his wrist, a grateful smile tugging at the edges of her mouth.

"We're nearly done, then I promise you can rest," he whispered, kissing her forehead. "You just need to drink this. Hopefully it tastes better than the first."

He held her as her eyelids fluttered closed and after a few moments she was sleeping soundly. Lifting her into his arms, he stood and carried her out of the hall. Her slight weight tugged at the muscles in his arms and shoulders, reminding him of the effort it had taken to perform the spell.

He smiled as he noticed the large vial of elixir on his bedside table, grateful for Frigga's care. He drank it quickly before curling up in bed beside Annalise and waiting for its effects to take hold.