ʙᴀᴄᴋ ғʀᴏᴍ ᴛʜᴇ ᴅᴇᴀᴅ || 𝘓𝘰𝘬𝘪

"Who's Amora?" || Chapter Twelve

"Where's Loki?" A lady's voice entered the hall in which we had gathered for breakfast.

"Amora... always a pleasure." Thors joyful banter was no where to be heard as his expression dropped. We had been spending a lot of time together while Banner and I have been staying in Asgard and yet I've never seen him so irritated by someone's simple presence.

"Where's Loki, Thor!?" Amora repeated. Thor kept quiet. "I came as soon as I heard what Odin did. So I'll only ask once more, where is Loki!?" She had long, flowing, golden hair and a stare that could kill. She was the true definition of beauty in her short, green, off the shoulder dress. I couldn't help but question her links with Loki.

"I will not allow you to see my brother. We all know you only want Asgard." The sneer to Thors tone was rather startling.

What did he mean?

Amora rolled her eyes, a gentle but mischievous smirk crept onto her lips, "I've put all that behind me. I now realise my love for Prince Loki."

Okay. I don't like her.

Thor scoffed, "You don't betray the ones you love."

"Like Loki did to you?"

This woman knew all too well how to get under the God of Thunders skin. It was slightly worrying.

"I recommend you stop now, Miss." I threatened gently.

Her gazed drifted to me. She didn't even try to hide or disguise the judgement, "and you are?"

I kept silent. Who was I? Or at least, who was I in terms she would understand? Lokis friend? Thors friend? Some midguardian?

I stood from my place at the table, bowing my head in respect before walking around and moving towards her as she stood in front of the door. "I recommend you stop now." My words came out much more assertive than I intended.

Without waiting for a reply, I made my way out of the hall. I told myself I would go see Loki and yet still hadn't so out of lack of better to do, I made my way down to the dungeons.

"Hello, darling." He grinned. Loki lay on a simple bed in their cell, staring up at the ceiling with one hand under his head and the other in the air, small sparkles surrounding it as their fingers moved delicately.

"Hey Loki..." I sighed, moving closer to him, "I'm sorry I haven't come to visit yet."

Without looking up, Loki replied, "My dear earth-ling, I am used to not getting visitors."

His words were an attempt at comfort but I couldn't help to feel even more guilty. "Still... I'm sorry." I watched them smile before continuing, "Could I ask you something?"

"Anything."

"Who's Amora?"

Instantly, the sparks stopped as his fist clenched rapidly. "Where have you heard that name?" Loki questioned, slowly rising from the mattress.

"I had the unpleasant experience of meeting her. She came storming into the palace requesting... demanding to see you." I scoffed.

"Typical. Why is it that the ones who betray you are always the ones who run back?" Loki slowly walked closer to me, "Amora is an ex-lover. Turned out she was more interested in my brother and the throne he came with rather than my dagger."

"Dagger?" I questioned.

"It's a metaphor, darling... nevermind." He scoffed.

I couldn't help but smile, crossing my arms gently infront of my chest, "No, come on! I wanna hear it."

They took a pause before elegantly explaining, "Love is a dagger." His hand twisted, a dagger appearing in between his fingers. "It's a weapon to be wielded far away or up close. You can see yourself in it." Their eyes wandered across fine details that delicately decorated the handle, "It's beautiful... until it makes you bleed. But ultimately, when you reach for it..." Suddenly, the dagger disappeared from his grasp. "It isn't truly real."

I stared blankly, "Love is an illusion of a dagger?"

I hear a scoff from inside the cell, "Forget the last part, I had something there!"

A cheesy smile spread across my face, "I think it's a beautiful metaphor... utterly glorious." We both laughed.

"Yes - glorious!" Loki joked with sarcasm.

The smile stayed plastered an my face, unmoving as I stared at Loki adoringly, "You know, love comes in many forms. Some of the daggers are real."

He glanced at me with furrowed eyebrows and a slightly titled head but a genuine, natural smile. We didn't say anything more, we didn't need to. We just stood in a comfortable silence, admiring each other and appreciating the company.

"LADY PAIGE!" Thors voice echoed down into the dungeons.

"I should go." I whispered, glancing up to the stairs, "I am meant to go to the stables with Thor."

Loki simply nodded as I turned and walked away but I felt his glare follow me. What was that about? Moments ago we were laughing and now a threatening stare stalked me as I walked away.

"LADY PAIGE!" Thor shouted again, making me pick up pace.

"I'm here!" I shouted down the corridor, continuing closer to him.

"Ah! Lady Paige! The stables are free!"

I grinned, "Lead the way."

~~~

When we entered the stables my eyes instantly landed on the most stunning horse I have ever seen. It was a pure, angelic white with a tidy, light golden mane that flowed perfectly at the side of its head. Freckles adorned its back which was mostly covered by heavy, gold armour. The poor thing.

I made my way towards the horse, only just realising the extra legs. "Does he have a name?"

"Ah yes, Slepnir. My fathers horse... a truly majestic creature." Thor explained.

"He is..."

As I continued to admire the horse, a small snake began to slither towards me. I quickly jumped backwards. "SNAKE!" I shouted yet for some reason, I wasn't afraid.

"As much as I adore snakes, I wouldn't touch that one if I were you." Thor warned, "That is Jormungandr... reminds me of my brother."

At the mention of Loki, the snakes head peaked upwards, it's tongue sticking out then back in. I could have sworn the creature was smiling.

"It's..." I squatted down to look at the snake better, "It's beautiful."

"Yes, and deadly." Thor warned again. "You should see him at full size, then you'd understand my worry."

"Full size?" I questioned, still gazing upon the snakes scales. Intricate markings slithered down its being, making the already beautiful snake look ten time more unique.

"Yes... a terrifying thing." Thor quickly cleared his throat. "For some reason he protects Slepnir."

I nodded, glancing around the rest of the stables. There were many horses, all neatly groomed and well kept. I recognised each horse from when Dr Banner and I first arrived as well as a few others I'd seen around.

We ended up spending the rest of that morning in the stables, feeding the horses and brushing their already perfect manes as we chatted about almost anything. Thor was easy to talk to. He was jovial, bright and constantly beaming. There was a comfort that he came with which could make anyone feel at ease from a simple smile. Although, a bit boring.

"I should go check on Bruce." I stated at last, "I gave him some books to go through and really should go assist." I began to make my way out of the stables.

"Of course!" Thor said.

"Thank you graciously for this morning, it's been a lovely experience." I bowed my head before exiting. I think Asgards proper way of life and speech has been rubbing off on me... perhaps that's not a bad thing.