[She cannot undo centuries of conditioning in a week. Being close to someone like Loki means knowing when to back off and let him process. Wanda will challenge him when it's necessary, but she never wants to push him to the point of making him uncomfortable.
Besides, a trip to Alfheim sounds so lovely it's hard not to be swept away in the fantasy.]
...and it is best for me to learn as much as I can about different kinds of magic.
[Wanda's grin widens. They won't argue with that. After all, her powers don't quite match Asgardian sorcery, and after being confined to her rooms for so long, it wouldn't surprise them that she'd spent much of her time reading. How could anyone read the passages on the wonders of Alfheim and not want to see it for themselves?
Besides, with Loki's help Wanda's begun to develop a more fluid view of her powers. Just because they've always been turned to destructive means doesn't mean that's all she can do. The light elves are said to be skilled healers...perhaps there is something she can learn from them.
With all the trouble her friends attract, it's worth a try, at least. And if she gets to spend more alone time with Loki, so much the better.]
[ Grin for grin, he dips his head in approval and, finally, begins to eat his hand pie.
The following week finds them stepping out of the Bifrost's light and onto the cobblestone just outside Ljosalfgard, capital of Alfheim. News of a Midgardian with a hitherto unseen flavor of magic among their race piques the interest of the Light Elves, Queen Aelsa Featherwine of the Fay included, who has no qualms with sanctioning Wanda's visit.
An audience with royalty requires the appropriate mannerisms -- old hat to Loki, new to Wanda. As such, she's given a crash course in proper etiquette and general mannerisms to expect from the Light Elves that ought to serve her well enough through the formalities of introduction. A royal feast is held in welcome of the Midgardian, first of her kind to visit Alfheim, with her 'handmaiden' -- still Loki to her eyes -- sitting beside her. Aelsa is a woman who naturally commands attention, but as the champagne and wine flows, it becomes apparent that she's not without her mischievous side. Talk of Wanda's relation to Thor gives way to regaling tales of the Odinson brothers in their youth, and all the trouble they managed to get into (and out of -- usually) in the fay lands.
Thor attempting to sneak upon Aelsa to steal a lock of her hair and the resultant scorching... Catching Loki as a salmon hiding in the rivers in his attempt to evade punishment for reaping chaos in the palace kitchens...
Loki, Wanda's handmaiden, joins in the laughter. If anyone could pierce through his disguise, it would be the queen. For that reason, when offered the choice of lodging in the palace or outside of it, the pair choose the latter. The less exchanges Loki has with her, the better.
The Elves escort them on horseback to their temporary dwelling: a quaint, two-story cottage alongside the Chardonnay River may have well been plucked right out of a Midgardian fairy tale. The entrance is marked by a wooden trellis covered in passionflower, some of its flowers already bearing fruit. Bushes and trees in various states of bloom encircle the property, including an unkempt garden and an adjacent shelter for the horses -- their main method of transport for their stay. A stone path struggling to stay afloat of the moss and grass leads to a wooden door besides which hangs two lanterns, their candles collecting dust from disuse. Climbing hydrangeas decorate the exterior in a mindful manner as if taught to avoid the casement windows and planters hanging beneath them. A stone chimney rises to meet the tallest peak of the tightly sloped roof, its mouth inhabited by the nest of some bird or bird-like creature that peers down at the two visitors as if they were the uninvited guests.
The interior is the very definition of cozy. The space has clearly been tidied up recently, restocked for its new inhabitants with essentials (and a little extra.) A spiral staircase leads to the second floor which includes two bedrooms and a study that overlooks the short path to the river. As education is the primary reason for Wanda's visit, the study has already been stocked with several books and writing material for her to peruse. There is also a letter detailing information on tutoring from the elves themselves.
As for Loki, the first task of his once the elves depart is to weave a spell around the property that will alert him to the presence of another besides Wanda. The failure of his disguise is not something foreseen -- rather, he's quietly excited for the challenge to maintain it in a place so concentrated in magic as Alfheim -- but it doesn't hurt to cover one's bases. ]
[Wanda thought Asgard had been dreamlike in its beauty, but even it pales in comparison to Ljosalfgard. She's been delighted since their arrival - the light elves are warm and welcoming, being more inclined towards magic themselves, and Queen Aelsa put her at ease despite her unfamiliarity with such formalities. Imagine, Thor left beardless for two decades.
The cottage only continues to impress her, like they'd somehow brought her imaginings of Briar Rose's home to life. While Loki sets his own wards, Wanda hurries inside to explore and change out of her formal wear. To her delight, the closet's been stocked with elvish clothes for her to borrow in addition to what she'd brought, and she comes downstairs in what seems to be the most comfortable-looking dress on offer.
For a moment Wanda stands in the doorway, watching Loki warmly and taking in the surroundings. Maybe she really is dreaming now. Alfheim is so saturated in magic that it feels both more alive than anywhere else Wanda's been and incredibly surreal.]
You were right. The books could never describe how beautiful this place is.
[ His fingers trace the last of the runes onto the trellis, their glowing strokes vanishing seconds later. Stone remembers longer than wood and he is not interested in permanence.
At the sound of Wanda's voice, he looks over his shoulder and arches a brow, appraising -- her. The way she naturally fits in the doorway and wears the elvish robes, as if she has always lived in this place. There's a sense of serenity despite his caution; he finds himself relaxing, lips tugged upward, a leisurely warmth in his chest. ]
[Wanda's smile widens and she has to resist the urge to twirl. She hasn't felt this carefree in...years, probably, and while normally pastels aren't her thing, she's happy to make an exception. There's just something about this place...
But Wanda can already tell that nursing hidden affections here is going to be hard, even if this was clearly the superior choice for their lodging.]
Do you like it? They really thought of everything.
[She comes to stand beside him, inhaling the sweet scent of the flowers climbing the trellis. They look a little weird, but they smell so good that Wanda can't help but wonder what the fruit tastes like.]
They look delicious...please tell me they won't make me sick.
[Look, she learned her lesson in caution from her last visit to another realm. She'd really rather skip the food poisoning, thanks.]
Hospitality is a trait they pride themselves in. The elves have always been gracious with us despite our... blunders.
[ He plucks a fruit off, twisting it in his fingers. ]
They won't make you sick. [ Said with a lopsided smile. Summoning a dagger in his other hand, he starts to cut through the tough skin. ] Cause frustration, however -- they may do that.
[ He holds out one of the halves to Wanda. The fruit inside is a dark yellow with a plethora of black seeds, just a titch tart. ]
Pairs particularly well with chocolate if you can tolerate the seeds.
[She grins - it's highly unlikely, even given Loki's penchant for mischief, since they're trying to avoid drawing extra attention. Wanda and her unusual powers have already made quite a splash.]
What would I do without my guide? [Wanda laughs softly, watching with interest as Loki slices the fruit in half. She wasn't expecting the color of the fruit.] It does look a little...frustrating to eat.
[Is there a graceful way to bite into it? Should she just go for it? Wanda hesitates, then gingerly attempts to take a bite.
Except both fortunately and unfortunately for her, the fruits of Alfheim tend to be particularly juicy, much more so than Wanda was expecting. As soon as she feels the juices start to run down her chin, she leans forward, just barely managing to catch any drips and save her dress.
Smooth. She can feel her cheeks flushing from embarrassment as she glances up at Loki. Still, even now she's a far cry from the dour shadow of a girl who had first come to Asgard.]
[ Reflexively, he immediately takes a half step away when she leans forward to save her dress, but then they meet eyes and his shoulders shake with a breathy chuckle of amusement. ]
Most do.
[ But let's be real here, Loki offered her a fruit she didn't recognize knowing that she might bite into it then and there. Soulmate or not, he's still a little shit.
Without dwelling hard on it, he cups her chin and swipes off the remaining juice with his thumb. ]
How's it taste? [ he asks, before somewhat hastily catching the juice with his lips before it runs down his palm. ]
[Wanda huffs and rolls her eyes, the picture of fond exasperation.]
Loki...
[He's lucky he's a cute little shit, following it up with a charming stunt like that, and that Alfheim has her in such a good mood. In moments like this, Wanda can't help but think that he and Pietro might have gotten along scarily well...once Pietro got over the idea that he'd have to share her.]
Hmmm, I think I need another taste when I am not scared for my dress. [She grins and nudges him gently. She isn't thinking too hard about it either; it just feels natural to be close to Loki after all the time he's spent disguised as her handmaiden.] Come on, there should be spoons in the kitchen.
It's not impossible, you know, [ he says conversationally, thriving in her fond exasperation. He follows her into the cottage, sticky palm held several inches from his side. ] But it helps to commit.
[ Passing inside, he makes a mental note to light the lanterns before dark and then tugs the door shut with his pinky curled around its handle. While Wanda looks for spoons, Loki will maneuver around her to rinse off his hand in the kitchen basin. ]
[She raises an eyebrow.] It helps to be wearing black.
[It's like a dance of sorts - Loki gets up to mischief, Wanda plays at being annoyed, and they're both actually enjoying themselves.
Wanda flicks a finger to open the drawers all at once and floats one spoon to Loki and another to herself. She nudges one shut with her hip, while the others close in a flicker of scarlet.
...on second thought, better get a bowl just to be safe. Wanda goes back to searching again, this time flicking the cabinets open one by one.]
[ He makes a show of appearing taken aback, utensil and fruit held up in each hand. The dagger is nowhere to be seen. ]
Oh, now you're just asking for too much.
[ Some of the cabinets are probably stocked with several disgustingly sweet things, he thinks, but she can discover that for herself. Chocolate is definitely one of those things, though he can only hope they've included the bittersweet variety.
He leans against the edge of the wooden dining table, mindfully avoiding the cabinet doors as they open, and works on his half of the passion fruit. It's a genuine treat for him; they don't grow on Asgard and it's been at least a decade since he's last visited Alfheim. ]
You'll have quite a bit of fun in here, I imagine. [ He hopes, actually, since she enjoys cooking and this -- well. It's... cozier than the kitchens she used in Asgard. More her style. ]
[Clever little shit. He had a spoon the whole time, didn't he? A spoon that he surely would have lent her if only she'd asked (but of course, she didn't know one would be necessary).]
You're impossible. [But despite her words, the fondness in her voice is unmistakable. The extra spoon floats back to the counter to be put away later while she continues her search for chocolate.
Wanda has to admit, it's a very well-stocked kitchen and shows the same forethought their hosts had put into her wardrobe - she almost missed the chocolate completely. Much of the food looks familiar, but there are plenty of ingredients she can't quite place at first glance. Things to play with later, then.]
I have some ideas after the feast. You should tell me now if there are foods you hate so I don't make them.
[She takes one of the copper pots hanging over the fireplace and starts breaking off pieces of the chocolate into it. As if sensing her intention, the hearth sparks to life in brilliant golden flames.]
[ He pauses, resting the edge of the spoon against his bottom lip. ]
Well, I'm not overly fond of sugary things... [ Wanda might have noticed his avoidance of the majority of desserts offered at the feast -- namely those that looked capable of inducing cavities at the mere sight of them. Desserts that focus on their main ingredients rather than sweetness itself are more to his palate. ]
Mmm, then I will try not to make so many desserts.
[She's used to providing sweet things; even before the experiments Pietro had never met a dessert he didn't like. Wanda likes them well enough, but like Loki, she prefers them with some kind of actual flavor. Like this, actually. Wanda was able to taste enough of the fruit to be pretty sure that Loki's chocolate suggestion was a real one.]
It is just melted chocolate to pour over them, like you said. I'm not going to add any sugar.
[Simple? Loki? Never. Wanda laughs and gives the chocolate a lazy stir with a tendril of scarlet. Why dirty a spoon?]
That sounds nice. It looked so beautiful when we rode in. [She can't swim, but it might be fun to put her feet in the water for a while.] I think maybe they named a wine on Earth after it?
I suppose it's curious how certain elements make their way to Midgard, [ he murmurs, absently stirring the pulp of the passion fruit with his spoon. He nods toward her, brow arching. ]
[She laughs, still lazily stirring the chocolate.]
I never tried it. We could never have afforded it even when Sokovia was at peace. [She looks away, her smile turning bitter.] And even though Strucker tried to pretend he was our friend, you can't have alcohol with the 'medicine' he gave us.
[Her expression softens as she chances a glance back at him.]
[ His expression falls flat as she answers. Something cold inside him stirs, like a mist of -- disapproval, he wants to call it, but it's more than that. A possessive flavor of irritation on her behalf.
He reins it in before she finishes settling her glance upon him, expression smoothed over, and offers her another cocked brow, lips quirked in a lop-sided smile. ]
Like today? [ After a brief pause, he adds, ] The name isn't just for show.
[That smile is also cheating and Wanda can't hold his gaze for long before turning her attention back to the pot. It's just in time - the magical fire has melted the chocolate much faster than Wanda had anticipated, even if there wasn't much in the pot to begin with. Something to keep an eye on later so that she doesn't accidentally burn their dinner, then.
She'd probably never hear the end of it.
Wanda rescues the pot from the fire with her powers and sends it to rest on what appears to be a safe countertop. She's expecting this to taste good - Loki had sounded sincere and she knows well by now how picky he can be. She drizzles some chocolate onto the fruit, takes a bite...and closes her eyes at how delicious it is.]
[ Just then, watching Wanda savor the treat, something else stirs inside of him. There's a delay in response as he catches himself staring and shifts his weight to favor the window again. ]
It occurs more often than you think.
[ The words themselves are rooted in centuries of bitterness, but their actual delivery lacks any of it -- a mere throwaway response. ]
Of course. I have the best guide in the Nine Realms.
[Even if he's not looking at her, the smile's evident in her voice. Wanda lacks the context to fully understand any greater significance to his words. After all, their entire relationship has been built on a fragile initial trust, and she's always defaulted to believing Loki unless there was a good reason to suspect he was kidding.
He looks so pretty the way the light from the window hits him...now it's Wanda's turn to stare for a brief moment before snapping out of it.]
Thank you...for everything. [Suggesting this trip, coming with her...all of it.]
[ The expulsion of a breathy laugh follows her initial response. Best, well, even he might not be pompous enough to consider himself as such -- but he's not very far.
The shift in tone is subtle, but noticed. Loki looks over his shoulder, meeting her gaze, and the sincerity behind it. Always with that sincerity. He suddenly wonders if it will be his downfall.
If he needs to re-evaluate his definition of it.
He allows the smile that wants to form: a genuine, slight curve to his lips that holds for a moment before it turns into a lighthearted grin. With leisurely steps, he returns to her side. ]
Your gratitude comes so quickly. Are you sure you've given it enough thought?
[Oh, she is deeply in trouble. That grin...Wanda can feel her cheeks heating and she can't help but reach for Loki's hand. Seeing him like this, so relaxed and beautiful in the setting sunlight, she wants--more, but it's nothing she has the words to articulate. And so she continues to dance away from fully stepping up to that line, showing but not telling that something has shifted since her recovery.]
I had many weeks to think about it. You've been very kind to me.
[Thor sets a low bar of 'not putting her in mortal danger,' but still.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Besides, a trip to Alfheim sounds so lovely it's hard not to be swept away in the fantasy.]
...and it is best for me to learn as much as I can about different kinds of magic.
[Wanda's grin widens. They won't argue with that. After all, her powers don't quite match Asgardian sorcery, and after being confined to her rooms for so long, it wouldn't surprise them that she'd spent much of her time reading. How could anyone read the passages on the wonders of Alfheim and not want to see it for themselves?
Besides, with Loki's help Wanda's begun to develop a more fluid view of her powers. Just because they've always been turned to destructive means doesn't mean that's all she can do. The light elves are said to be skilled healers...perhaps there is something she can learn from them.
With all the trouble her friends attract, it's worth a try, at least. And if she gets to spend more alone time with Loki, so much the better.]
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The following week finds them stepping out of the Bifrost's light and onto the cobblestone just outside Ljosalfgard, capital of Alfheim. News of a Midgardian with a hitherto unseen flavor of magic among their race piques the interest of the Light Elves, Queen Aelsa Featherwine of the Fay included, who has no qualms with sanctioning Wanda's visit.
An audience with royalty requires the appropriate mannerisms -- old hat to Loki, new to Wanda. As such, she's given a crash course in proper etiquette and general mannerisms to expect from the Light Elves that ought to serve her well enough through the formalities of introduction. A royal feast is held in welcome of the Midgardian, first of her kind to visit Alfheim, with her 'handmaiden' -- still Loki to her eyes -- sitting beside her. Aelsa is a woman who naturally commands attention, but as the champagne and wine flows, it becomes apparent that she's not without her mischievous side. Talk of Wanda's relation to Thor gives way to regaling tales of the Odinson brothers in their youth, and all the trouble they managed to get into (and out of -- usually) in the fay lands.
Thor attempting to sneak upon Aelsa to steal a lock of her hair and the resultant scorching... Catching Loki as a salmon hiding in the rivers in his attempt to evade punishment for reaping chaos in the palace kitchens...
Loki, Wanda's handmaiden, joins in the laughter. If anyone could pierce through his disguise, it would be the queen. For that reason, when offered the choice of lodging in the palace or outside of it, the pair choose the latter. The less exchanges Loki has with her, the better.
The Elves escort them on horseback to their temporary dwelling: a quaint, two-story cottage alongside the Chardonnay River may have well been plucked right out of a Midgardian fairy tale. The entrance is marked by a wooden trellis covered in passionflower, some of its flowers already bearing fruit. Bushes and trees in various states of bloom encircle the property, including an unkempt garden and an adjacent shelter for the horses -- their main method of transport for their stay. A stone path struggling to stay afloat of the moss and grass leads to a wooden door besides which hangs two lanterns, their candles collecting dust from disuse. Climbing hydrangeas decorate the exterior in a mindful manner as if taught to avoid the casement windows and planters hanging beneath them. A stone chimney rises to meet the tallest peak of the tightly sloped roof, its mouth inhabited by the nest of some bird or bird-like creature that peers down at the two visitors as if they were the uninvited guests.
The interior is the very definition of cozy. The space has clearly been tidied up recently, restocked for its new inhabitants with essentials (and a little extra.) A spiral staircase leads to the second floor which includes two bedrooms and a study that overlooks the short path to the river. As education is the primary reason for Wanda's visit, the study has already been stocked with several books and writing material for her to peruse. There is also a letter detailing information on tutoring from the elves themselves.
As for Loki, the first task of his once the elves depart is to weave a spell around the property that will alert him to the presence of another besides Wanda. The failure of his disguise is not something foreseen -- rather, he's quietly excited for the challenge to maintain it in a place so concentrated in magic as Alfheim -- but it doesn't hurt to cover one's bases. ]
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The cottage only continues to impress her, like they'd somehow brought her imaginings of Briar Rose's home to life. While Loki sets his own wards, Wanda hurries inside to explore and change out of her formal wear. To her delight, the closet's been stocked with elvish clothes for her to borrow in addition to what she'd brought, and she comes downstairs in what seems to be the most comfortable-looking dress on offer.
For a moment Wanda stands in the doorway, watching Loki warmly and taking in the surroundings. Maybe she really is dreaming now. Alfheim is so saturated in magic that it feels both more alive than anywhere else Wanda's been and incredibly surreal.]
You were right. The books could never describe how beautiful this place is.
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At the sound of Wanda's voice, he looks over his shoulder and arches a brow, appraising -- her. The way she naturally fits in the doorway and wears the elvish robes, as if she has always lived in this place. There's a sense of serenity despite his caution; he finds himself relaxing, lips tugged upward, a leisurely warmth in his chest. ]
You fit right in.
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But Wanda can already tell that nursing hidden affections here is going to be hard, even if this was clearly the superior choice for their lodging.]
Do you like it? They really thought of everything.
[She comes to stand beside him, inhaling the sweet scent of the flowers climbing the trellis. They look a little weird, but they smell so good that Wanda can't help but wonder what the fruit tastes like.]
They look delicious...please tell me they won't make me sick.
[Look, she learned her lesson in caution from her last visit to another realm. She'd really rather skip the food poisoning, thanks.]
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[ He plucks a fruit off, twisting it in his fingers. ]
They won't make you sick. [ Said with a lopsided smile. Summoning a dagger in his other hand, he starts to cut through the tough skin. ] Cause frustration, however -- they may do that.
[ He holds out one of the halves to Wanda. The fruit inside is a dark yellow with a plethora of black seeds, just a titch tart. ]
Pairs particularly well with chocolate if you can tolerate the seeds.
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[She grins - it's highly unlikely, even given Loki's penchant for mischief, since they're trying to avoid drawing extra attention. Wanda and her unusual powers have already made quite a splash.]
What would I do without my guide? [Wanda laughs softly, watching with interest as Loki slices the fruit in half. She wasn't expecting the color of the fruit.] It does look a little...frustrating to eat.
[Is there a graceful way to bite into it? Should she just go for it? Wanda hesitates, then gingerly attempts to take a bite.
Except both fortunately and unfortunately for her, the fruits of Alfheim tend to be particularly juicy, much more so than Wanda was expecting. As soon as she feels the juices start to run down her chin, she leans forward, just barely managing to catch any drips and save her dress.
Smooth. She can feel her cheeks flushing from embarrassment as she glances up at Loki. Still, even now she's a far cry from the dour shadow of a girl who had first come to Asgard.]
...I should have waited for a spoon, yes?
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Most do.
[ But let's be real here, Loki offered her a fruit she didn't recognize knowing that she might bite into it then and there. Soulmate or not, he's still a little shit.
Without dwelling hard on it, he cups her chin and swipes off the remaining juice with his thumb. ]
How's it taste? [ he asks, before somewhat hastily catching the juice with his lips before it runs down his palm. ]
keywords super relevant
Loki...
[He's lucky he's a cute little shit, following it up with a charming stunt like that, and that Alfheim has her in such a good mood. In moments like this, Wanda can't help but think that he and Pietro might have gotten along scarily well...once Pietro got over the idea that he'd have to share her.]
Hmmm, I think I need another taste when I am not scared for my dress. [She grins and nudges him gently. She isn't thinking too hard about it either; it just feels natural to be close to Loki after all the time he's spent disguised as her handmaiden.] Come on, there should be spoons in the kitchen.
♥
[ Passing inside, he makes a mental note to light the lanterns before dark and then tugs the door shut with his pinky curled around its handle. While Wanda looks for spoons, Loki will maneuver around her to rinse off his hand in the kitchen basin. ]
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[It's like a dance of sorts - Loki gets up to mischief, Wanda plays at being annoyed, and they're both actually enjoying themselves.
Wanda flicks a finger to open the drawers all at once and floats one spoon to Loki and another to herself. She nudges one shut with her hip, while the others close in a flicker of scarlet.
...on second thought, better get a bowl just to be safe. Wanda goes back to searching again, this time flicking the cabinets open one by one.]
I wonder if they left us any chocolate...
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Oh, now you're just asking for too much.
[ Some of the cabinets are probably stocked with several disgustingly sweet things, he thinks, but she can discover that for herself. Chocolate is definitely one of those things, though he can only hope they've included the bittersweet variety.
He leans against the edge of the wooden dining table, mindfully avoiding the cabinet doors as they open, and works on his half of the passion fruit. It's a genuine treat for him; they don't grow on Asgard and it's been at least a decade since he's last visited Alfheim. ]
You'll have quite a bit of fun in here, I imagine. [ He hopes, actually, since she enjoys cooking and this -- well. It's... cozier than the kitchens she used in Asgard. More her style. ]
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You're impossible. [But despite her words, the fondness in her voice is unmistakable. The extra spoon floats back to the counter to be put away later while she continues her search for chocolate.
Wanda has to admit, it's a very well-stocked kitchen and shows the same forethought their hosts had put into her wardrobe - she almost missed the chocolate completely. Much of the food looks familiar, but there are plenty of ingredients she can't quite place at first glance. Things to play with later, then.]
I have some ideas after the feast. You should tell me now if there are foods you hate so I don't make them.
[She takes one of the copper pots hanging over the fireplace and starts breaking off pieces of the chocolate into it. As if sensing her intention, the hearth sparks to life in brilliant golden flames.]
Do you want some?
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Well, I'm not overly fond of sugary things... [ Wanda might have noticed his avoidance of the majority of desserts offered at the feast -- namely those that looked capable of inducing cavities at the mere sight of them. Desserts that focus on their main ingredients rather than sweetness itself are more to his palate. ]
What is it you intend to concoct?
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[She's used to providing sweet things; even before the experiments Pietro had never met a dessert he didn't like. Wanda likes them well enough, but like Loki, she prefers them with some kind of actual flavor. Like this, actually. Wanda was able to taste enough of the fruit to be pretty sure that Loki's chocolate suggestion was a real one.]
It is just melted chocolate to pour over them, like you said. I'm not going to add any sugar.
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[ The irony of saying such isn't lost on him, not by that twitch of his lips.
He scans the room once more, gaze settling on the window that faces the direction of the Chardonnay. ]
Would you like to visit the river after this? We've at least a few hours of light left.
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That sounds nice. It looked so beautiful when we rode in. [She can't swim, but it might be fun to put her feet in the water for a while.] I think maybe they named a wine on Earth after it?
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You'll have to let me know how the two compare.
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I never tried it. We could never have afforded it even when Sokovia was at peace. [She looks away, her smile turning bitter.] And even though Strucker tried to pretend he was our friend, you can't have alcohol with the 'medicine' he gave us.
[Her expression softens as she chances a glance back at him.]
Maybe we can try it together someday?
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He reins it in before she finishes settling her glance upon him, expression smoothed over, and offers her another cocked brow, lips quirked in a lop-sided smile. ]
Like today? [ After a brief pause, he adds, ] The name isn't just for show.
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[That smile is also cheating and Wanda can't hold his gaze for long before turning her attention back to the pot. It's just in time - the magical fire has melted the chocolate much faster than Wanda had anticipated, even if there wasn't much in the pot to begin with. Something to keep an eye on later so that she doesn't accidentally burn their dinner, then.
She'd probably never hear the end of it.
Wanda rescues the pot from the fire with her powers and sends it to rest on what appears to be a safe countertop. She's expecting this to taste good - Loki had sounded sincere and she knows well by now how picky he can be. She drizzles some chocolate onto the fruit, takes a bite...and closes her eyes at how delicious it is.]
Mmmmm...you were right. This is wonderful.
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It occurs more often than you think.
[ The words themselves are rooted in centuries of bitterness, but their actual delivery lacks any of it -- a mere throwaway response. ]
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[Even if he's not looking at her, the smile's evident in her voice. Wanda lacks the context to fully understand any greater significance to his words. After all, their entire relationship has been built on a fragile initial trust, and she's always defaulted to believing Loki unless there was a good reason to suspect he was kidding.
He looks so pretty the way the light from the window hits him...now it's Wanda's turn to stare for a brief moment before snapping out of it.]
Thank you...for everything. [Suggesting this trip, coming with her...all of it.]
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The shift in tone is subtle, but noticed. Loki looks over his shoulder, meeting her gaze, and the sincerity behind it. Always with that sincerity. He suddenly wonders if it will be his downfall.
If he needs to re-evaluate his definition of it.
He allows the smile that wants to form: a genuine, slight curve to his lips that holds for a moment before it turns into a lighthearted grin. With leisurely steps, he returns to her side. ]
Your gratitude comes so quickly. Are you sure you've given it enough thought?
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I had many weeks to think about it. You've been very kind to me.
[Thor sets a low bar of 'not putting her in mortal danger,' but still.]
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pity for anyone but himself? inconceivable
let her have her dreams
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I'm so sorry, I've either had migraine brain or soup for brains
no worries
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omg sorry!!!
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