Magic and Mischief

The Magic

Asgard 1999 A.D.

"You're holding back," Liv said to Loki. Taking a hold of the ground beneath her, she steadied herself as she slid away from him.

"I don't recall you being able to fight," Loki huffed out of breath as he dropped to his knees and threw his head back, waves of obsidian falling from his face.

"Oh, Loki. You believe me to be a damsel in distress? I thought you wiser than that." Liv walked up to him and tucked a finger under his chin, making him meet her gaze. "Hm."

"What is it?" he looked at her, curiously, his brow raised.

The corner of her lip curved up in a smirk as she leaned in until she was close enough that Loki could smell the scent of roses emanating from her hair. "The god of mischief on his knees. Quite the sight, don't you think?"

Loki stood until he towered over her, taking a hold of her wrists and holding them behind her. "Now, now, my Liv," he smiled as he whispered in her ear. "Don't go thinking you've won, because this is far from over."

Liv's face flushed at the feeling of Loki's quieted breath on her neck. "Loki!" she exclaimed, stepping back from him.

Laughter rose from the two as he drew her into his embrace. Loki smiled and lifted a hand, brushing away the lock of hair framing her face. In this moment, he was content. The feeling of Liv's fingers interlacing with his drew Loki's gaze down to her hand, his smile faltering.

"What's wrong?" Liv asked, seeing his expression fall. Her gaze followed his, still fixed on her scarred fingers. "Loki," she sighed, taking his face in her hands. "We were children, you ought to forgive yourself by now. I have."

Loki closed his eyes and leaned in until his forehead gently met hers. He drew a breath to help soothe the ache of guilt he felt. "How could you have ever forgiven me for scarring you so?"

"Easily," she smiled. "Because while it may seem damaged, there is still beauty to be created by it." Liv flicked her wrist as she conjured up sparks in the image of a winged horse that danced around them and disappeared into the air as it flew.

Looking at the light it left behind, Loki was reminded of the first time Liv was able to cast her magic and how her wonder of her then growing skill never waned. "You know, that is still my favorite little trick of yours."

"Then allow me, your highness," she curtsied as he let out a laugh.

Soon, Loki was surrounded by a herd of blazing stallions flying around him. Peering through the inferno of wings he could see her eyes sparkle with that child-like wonder he saw when he first met her. Walking through the sparks unharmed he took her hands in his, her illusions fading into the night sky as darkness fell around them.

She tilted her head, watching Loki's soft expression and the calm settling in his eyes. He cupped her face in his hands, brushing a thumb across her cheek. "What is it?" Liv asked him.

"You are my favorite source of magic."