Illusions | Loki & Jane

34. The Kursed

When she woke up the next morning, she eagerly anticipated exploring more of Thor's home. She walked past the courtyard and the beautiful palace gardens, which radiated tranquility. Not far into her exploration, she stumbled upon a group of children playing with what appeared to be a ball that was hovering in mid-air. "Can I take a closer look?" she asked, her curiosity piqued. As she studied it, she was astonished to realize it resembled a perpetual motion machine.

Just then, Thor appeared around the corner, searching for her. "This is incredible!" she exclaimed, her excitement bubbling over. "This thing is amazing, I mean the magnetic propulsion alone would advance our science by like decades."

"Jane."

"I'm definitely taking this apart."

"Jane."

"What?"

"You have them bored," he said playfully reproachfully, gesturing toward the children.

"Oh." she realized throwing the ball back to them.

"Do you want to see more?" he asked, setting off to show her the city. Thor radiated excitement as he led her through the stunning streets of Asgard.
The architecture truly was breathtaking, with soaring towers that kissed the sky and intricate carvings that adorned every surface. Vibrant banners fluttered in the gentle breeze, and the atmosphere buzzed with the sounds of laughter and lively conversation. Jane was captivated by the beauty surrounding her; it was a realm unlike anything she had ever experienced.

Thor pointed out various landmarks, sharing the rich history behind each one. "Over there is the Avenue of Heroes," he said, gesturing toward huge, magnificent sculptures of people. "It honors those who have fought bravely for Asgard." he stopped in front of an enormous sculpture of a man, ascending toward the sky. "This is Bor, my grandfather," he explained with pride.

As they strolled through the bustling streets, Jane felt as if being in a dream. She admired the lush gardens bursting with flowers she had never seen before and the lively markets brimming with exotic goods. She tried some food, discovering that while it tasted different, it was quite delicious. Nevertheless, the building she was most interested in was of course The Great Library of Asgard. It apparently contained the history and lore of the gods and the cosmos. She knew what she would be doing if she had more time in Asgard.

The people they encountered greeted Thor with deep respect, and Jane couldn't help but feel a bit Small and ordinary beside him. In this realm, he truly was a prince.

"Do you like it?" Thor asked, glancing at her with a bright, eager smile.

"I love it," Jane replied, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "It's absolutely incredible here."

They continued their exploration, with Thor sharing anecdotes from his childhood and the adventures that had shaped him into the man he is today. Each new sight filled Jane's heart with a mix of awe and appreciation for the extraordinary world Thor called home, but she also felt her affection for him growing deeper. The way he spoke, the joy in his eyes, and the warmth of his presence made her realize just how different he was from any man on Earth.

As they entered the palace once more, Thor guided her to the throne room. The hall was vast and imposing, with towering pillars lining both sides, leading to the majestic throne, Hlidskjalf, positioned at its center. Jane had heard that it offered a panoramic view of the nine realms, yet all she could see from her vantage point was the skyline of Asgard stretching out beyond the palace.

As they approached the throne, an uneasy tension filled her. Jane could sense that Odin was not welcoming of her presence; his formidable aura exuded authority that made her feel small and uncertain. The weight of his gaze seemed to linger, and she couldn't shake the feeling that she was intruding in a place where she didn't belong.