Guardian (Loki x Original Character)

Chapter 2. Dinner and a Show

"My name is Astrid and your son has been a most gracious host. And so kind. You must be so proud of him, your majesties." Astrid smiled, earning a proud nod from Odin but she did notice that he was starting to suspect something suspicious about her.

"I hope that you come for the feast, I know Loki would enjoy your company as we saw before interupting you two." Frigga smiled brightly.

"I shouldn't intrude. It's a celebration for your other son, Thor. Am I right? It should be with friends and family. No stranger like me should intrude on such festivities." Astrid said in the most humble tone.

"Why not. Come to the feast, as my guest milady." Loki stated, looking over to her and bowing low.

The glint in his eye made her clench her jaw just such, but she smiled and nodded. Loki smiled and stood up and offered his arm to her once again to which she accepted and let him escort her to the banquet hall. Odin and Frigga watched the young couple and Odin couldn't help but shake the feeling that Astrid wasn't all that she is. But nonetheless, his son Thor was back and the feast was about to start. As Loki and Astrid walked through the gardens to head to the banquet, Loki transported them to a secluded balcony and turned to face her and place his hands on her semi-bare shoulders. She had a glare that could kill and only if it could.

"Why insist when your father has suspicions about who I am? Are you trying to get me killed?!" She hissed.

"What was it that you said earlier? About you making it more fun? I thought that since you like walking amongst us, then why not dine with us as well?" Loki mused with that same mischevious glint in his eyes.

Astrid rolled her eyes and looked away from his gaze, making him chuckle and this time press his lips onto her temple. She felt something bubbling in her stomach and chest, but took a steady breath and shook the feeling off. It's not normal for Asguardians and her kind to intermingle, but she had always been around humans and other species such as Xandadrian's also. But Asguardian's were close to celestials such as herself, but more social and emotinal or blood thirty than her kind. She didn't know how to respond, but she merely smiled and let Loki escort her to the banquet. The festivities were lod and joyous full of music, singing and full of laughter and food. Loki had found a rather peaceful place where Astrid wouldnt be bothered or pestered, but still enjoy the festivities to which she did.

But she kept an eye on Odin who would look over at her and size her up. She knew she couldn't stay too long but, she didn't want to just up and run. That would have gived Odin the sign that she wasn't just another Asguardian. As the festivities continued, Astrid began to look around the banquet hall for possible exits. Loki could see how observant she was and began to follow her gazes to possible exits. Shifting in his seat, he leaned over to her and whispered in her ear.

"If you ever want to leave, we can milady." Loki said softly, making her shoot a look at him and punch him in the arm which he winced and chuckled. "Not like that."

"Loki! I see you brought the lovely Astrid. May I have your hand for a dance, milady?" Thor asked as he made his way to his brother and Astrid.

His large hand extended out in a gracious manner that made Astrid look over to Loki who nodded. She sighed softly and nodded and accepted his offer for the dance. It didn't take long till both Astrid and Thor were gliding across the floor with others who were also enjoying the dance. Thor never left his eyes off her face as she would smile up at him, but then glance at Odin and then to Loki every so often.

"You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, Lady Astrid. Any man would be honored to court you." Thor began, catching Astrid completly off guard.

"Excuse me?" She blinked and internally began to panic.

"What I mean to say is... why would you want to be around Loki, God of Mischief when you can live happily as my own." Thor added, clearing his throat and taking a deep breath and stopping the dance.

As he was just about to open his mouth, he felt a tap on his shoulder. Thank the heavens Loki was there with a rather smug grin. Rain on Thor's parade, figuritavlly though. Astrid couldn't help but purse her lips to try and not laugh at the look Thor had that he was interupted.

"May I have this dance?" Loki asked and seeing Astrid relieved and happy that he was there.

Thor smiled and nodded before bowing and allowing Loki to dance with Astrid. As Thor excused himself, Loki swiftly wrapped an arm around her waist and began to dance with her. She actually relaxed and enjoyed the dance with him.

"Missed me much?" Loki teased.

"You have no idea." She jested and soon noticed that there were guards starting to show at the exits that Astrid had scoped out before the dance.

Loki glanced around and took notice of it along with his father standing and walking towards the two. The crowds parted till it led a path straight to Loki and Astrid. Both she and Loki stopped and stood there in surprise as Odin was now only a couple feet away. Odin raised a hand and pointed to Astrid in a threatening way.

"You have no right being here." Odin bellowed.

"Father please. You're making a mistake." Loki started.

"Silence." Odin barked.

"It's alright, this isn't the first time we have met." Astrid replied and walked away from Loki and had a blank expression on her face.

"You come to Asguard to reign havoc, don't you?" Odin accused.

"Only if you try to hunt me like an animal is when I start trouble, Odin." Astrid replied in a sharp tone.

The guards began to emerge from the crowds and circle aroud her. She raised her hands up in surrender and looked at Loki who was surprised that she was giving up so quickly. With a smirk, she looked back at Odin who's eye widen in shock.

"STOP HER!" He commanded.

But she was quick to summon her staff and cut a couple of the guards that were just close enough to get their calves cut across. The others began to try and pin her to the ground, but with a burst of white light, they flew into the air and landed hard onto the ground. As she straightened up, Astrid stared down Odin and was about to charge towards him only to have Thor's hammer fly right by her and making her dodge the attack. As the hammer came back to Thor he placed himself between Astrid and Odin. Astrid knew she couldn't harm the heir to the thrown. She glanced at Loki and flashed an apologetic smile and suddenly transformed into the White Stag. Large, majestic and proud, she snorted loudly and reared on her hind legs before galloping out of the banquet hall.

"Guards! Find her and bring her to me!" Thor commanded with a booming voice.

Loki couldn't help but chuckle and feel a bit uneasy that she had to leave with such theatrics.