Stolen Relic ~ A Loki Fanfic

Chapter Twelve

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They trained for almost three hours before Loki started to feel Kenna's exhaustion through their connection. Had he not had the insight through the magic of the necklace however he would not have been able to tell. She refused to show even a hint of weakness. Even as her muscles trembled from exhaustion she stood proud and strong before him, the inky pools of her eyes narrowed in determination.

"Again," she snapped when he disarmed her for the hundredth time. Her keen eyes took in every movement he made. She sank into a crouch, certain this time she would have him.

"Kenna," Loki said stepping back to disengage from the fight. "It's late."

Determination glimmered in her eyes and he had to respect her resolve. Her strength however was not limitless. She was not Asgardian and he had to be careful not to hit her too hard or he could inadvertently injure the small elf. She made up for it however by being quick and clever. She was fast. Almost as fast as he was. With time and training she could be a formidable warrior. Time however was in short supply. At best they would be able to brush up on her past skills and hope. He did not want to think of what could happen to her against a well trained Asgardian warrior, let alone the immortal legions of Harokin.

Kenna relaxed her posture and nodded. The prince was right. Her muscles were trembling with exhaustion and she was starting to get sloppy. She twirled the daggers through her fingers as he had done earlier and held them out to him. He smirked down at her and she arched a brow impishly. He took them back, a flick of his wrist hiding them from sight. Whether it was a slight of hand or magic she didn't know.

Loki waved his hand and her clothes changed back into the one shoulder dress she normally wore.

"Thank you," she said, bowing her head respectfully. "I appreciate you taking the time to...help me," she finished. "Hopefully I won't need it, but..." she dragged off and she looked away, biting her lip nervously when she realized how intently the prince was staring at her. "Thank you," she said again, and this time her voice came out a little breathy.

"You were well trained," he complimented and he stepped back.

She smiled sadly. "By the best Alfheim had to offer," she agreed nodding. "I only wish I had been more dedicated in my studies, perhaps I would be of more use to you. I'm afraid I was an inattentive student when I was young..." she looked away as her memories surged.

Loki could read the sadness in her eyes and couldn't help touching their connection as his curiosity was peaked. When he opened it however he was nearly overcome and tears filled his eyes. The absolute desolation she felt over the loss of her species took his breath away.

He looked away so he wouldn't have to explain his reaction. "How old were you?" He asked, his voice gentle so she would know it was a request from a friend, not a command from a master to a slave.

"Barely a decade," she responded and she swallowed as tears threatened to form.

"Then I think perhaps you were plenty dedicated," he said gently. "And I won't for one moment believe you were wild," he teased lightly.

Kenna lifted her gaze to meet the prince's and she was shocked by the gentle understanding she could read in his eyes. The God of Mischief and Lies, the aloof, serious and most often stoic Prince of Asgard was also kind.