First Impressions

Settled in

Trunks all packed he anxiously paced the length of his cell as he awaits Freyja and Thor's arrival. Loki had been pleasantly surprised when she'd not only gifted him with some new books earlier in the day, but had also gifted him with a brief visit. Both of which were unexpected and happily received. Especially that kiss. Hmm, closing his eyes he could still taste her upon his lips. She tasted like heady magic and something spicy and exciting. For once this kiss wasn't brought about by a spike in desire in either of them for the other not like their many others had been. No, this one was different in every way. She'd come to him of her own free will without any urging on his part and had blessed him with something he'd wished and hoped for since the winter before last.

He wasn't stupid enough to think that one little fight with Rogers would drive her into his arms, but he would take this as a sign that perhaps Freyja was finally opening herself up to the possiblity of something real happening between them. Loki had ten months to show her the true depths of his feelings for her and he wasn't going to waste one second of it trying to put his rival down. That would only make himself look bad in the end. No, the good Captain was doing that all on his own without any assistance from him. He would continue to do as he has been for the last year and a half. Practice seidir with Freyja and do what he must to prove that he was a changed man.

In preparation for his departure, Loki had already made sure that his endeavor to help the less fortunate and displaced people of the Nine Realms had been taken over by a trusted friend of his mother's. His heart clenched at the thought of her and the fact that she wouldn't be here to see him off like every other time he'd left Asgard. Stiffening his spine Loki wouldn't allow himself to spiral down into those dark thoughts. It should be enough that one day if he redeemed himself he might see his mother again in Valhalla.

As he continued to pace he heard the distinctive cadence of his father's footsteps coming towards his cell. Taking these last few moments to compose himself Loki settled into place the bored expression of his courtly mask. Bowing with genuine respect he greets his adopted father warmly. "You've come to see me off. I'm grateful to be able to say my farewells before I go." Surprise flits over Odin's face at the mellow tone with which his usually antagonistic younger son spoke. "Come now, father, while we have often been at odds, you are the only parent I have left and I have no desire to leave on bad terms for a second time."

With the lifting of his hand Odin signals that he wanted a private moment with his son. Loki watches as the guards step back far enough to give it to them. "I want to remind you of what the consequences of your actions will be should you try to flee or cause any mayhem on Midgard." His father's one good eye scans the cell around him. "This will be your permanent place of residence for the rest of your days and the offer of Freyja's hand will be revoked. Even should she say yes to you."

He dips his head in acknowledgement, well aware of what was at stake. "I understand."

With a single nod Odin drops the barrier of Loki's cell to step inside. Reaching inside the breast pocket of his jacket he pulled out a small box and handed it to him. "This was your mother's. I think she would have wanted you to have it to remember her by or to give as a gift to a certain young woman."

Staring at the small wooden box painted with flowers Loki was hesitant to take it for a moment knowing what was inside. In the end he does because how could he not? Opening it he clenched his jaw and took a shallow breath to keep his emotions in check. Nestled on a bed of yellow silk was a delicate gold ring in the shape of a coiled snake. He'd given it to his mother many, many years ago when he was a boy. Loki remembered asking for his father's help to get it made for her in time for her birthday celebration and the look of utter pleasure on her beautiful face when he'd presented it to her for all of the court to see. Frigga had worn the small trinket with pride even up until just before she died he'd seen her wearing it. Roughly clearing his throat he looked up at his father. "Thank you for this. I will endeavor to make you both proud of me."