Can you save me?

Part 10

Loki didn't seem to be impressed with her reply. Expressing tender emotions was not his favourite pastime and he had to admit that he felt a little uncomfortable. He didn't understand why, when he actually had done similar things for Thor, his beloved brother.

- May I get something to eat, please? I am damned hungry.

Syf took a light bow and pretended not to be touched by the sudden change of subject.

- Of course, Prince of Asgard. I hope my modest dinner of mushrooms and potatoes will satisfy your taste.

Loki smirked.

- I will give it a try. But where is your kitchen? Or are you going to cook by the fireplace?

The old woman pointed at the thick dark brown curtain opposite the fireplace, then she pulled it away a little. Behind the curtain a short corridor led to the kitchen where also a round table with four chairs could be found. Loki followed her and was watching her as she prepared the dinner, standing in front of him.

He liked her quick but gracious movements, the way she washed the mushrooms and peeled the potatoes, and he enjoyed the enticing scents of the dish. He wondered how old she was. She must have been much older than his mother, still she moved and worked in such a fresh way like a young girl.

Syf didn't care about Loki's attention and she didn't mind that he didn't ask more about her granddaughter and her family.

- I could provide you with some great books if you feel like reading while waiting for me.

Loki shook his head. He was sitting on the chair, leaning back comfortably, with his long legs apart. He had a strange feeling as if he had been at home but he didn't let it bother him long. Since he left the palace, peculiar emotions and frequent exhaustion caught him from time to time. He had no idea what it was because he had never felt like these before, no matter how many times he had been away.

- No, thank you, madam. I have always loved watching my mother preparing portions or some delicacies to eat for my brother and me. The way you prepare the dish reminds me of her.

Syf only smiled for this answer.

The silence lasted for another half an hour when the dinner was ready and they could start eating. Loki showed his most generous and polite side and he undertook the task of laying the table. For his hostess's surprise, he even conjured a bunch of wild flowers in a vase in the middle.

- That is so kind of you, Prince of Asgard. Thank you.

Loki took a deep bow, with a naughty smirk on his face.

- Please, accept it as a humble gratitude for the delicious dinner.

Syf was smiling while putting a big pile of potatoes and mushrooms on his plate.

- How do you know that it is delicious? You haven't even tasted it.

- I can just feel it. - he replied humbly.

During the dinner they were talking about the latest news of Asgard. Syf seemed to be really interested about it.

- You know as I live alone and far from everyone, I can't catch up with everything but it doesn't mean that I don't care. - she explained. – Sometimes I wish I lived closer to the castle, to be in the middle of the events, but still I prefer my loneliness here.

Loki was ready to give a detailed report about the short war against Jotunheim when the frost giants were punished because of entering Asgard, attacking Loki and for murdering Sjöfn. However, he told the shortened version how he and Thor had taken vengeance, killed a couple of giants and demolished some of their palaces, as the memories of that evening, when I had died for him, started to torture his mind again. He changed the subject quickly and talked about the new wing of the palace that Odin had planned for Thor and his would-be wife.

Syf couldn't hide her surprise with her eyes and her mouth wide open.

- Isn't it a little early? Or have I missed something? Has Thor got a fiancée again?

Loki smirked wildly.

- He doesn't but Father says it is better to start the construction now. I think he has some plans for a marriage.

Syf looked really interested but she didn't ask more as if she hadn't wanted to dig into the business of the royal family.

After the dinner, they decided to go to sleep immediately. It was late and Loki felt really tired again. He was sleepy and also disappointed because he knew that he came to a dead end. He didn't know where to continue the searching for me, as he confessed it to Syf. She was sorry for him but she couldn't give him any useful advice.

- Maybe a good night's sleep would bring you something useful.

Loki shrugged impatiently.

- If you know nothing about her and you can't help me, then I have done this journey for nothing.

Syf tried to sound optimistic.

- I am so sorry that I couldn't help but don't give up.

- Have you got any ideas who could help me?

- I don't know but I promise I will help you somehow. – however she felt that she shouldn't have made such a thoughtless promise.

Loki didn't reply, he just pressed his lips together hard. He thought there was no hope for him left.

Syf insisted on his occupying the bed again while she chose to sleep in her rocking chair.

- I have been sleeping in it for ages, it is more comfortable for me - she said with a lovely smile.

Loki suspected that she was lying and she tried to be polite only to soothe his anger and her pricks of conscience but he didn't object to. He threw himself on the bed lazily and let the old woman cover him with soft blankets.

They wished each other sweet dreams and soon both of them fell asleep.