fiction

Halloween Special (Loki)

/ lunarianraven / Leave a comment

This is a “side” story that goes along with the original Halloween Special short I wrote last year. It follows Loki up until He gets locked in the pantry/closet.

“Let’s see, which house would be a good place to…” Loki talked aloud to Himself as He walked down the autumn-colored neighborhood street. It was mid-morning; the skies were blanketed in dark clouds. Tiny pockets would sometimes break and let a sliver of sunlight slip through. His pace was brisk as He made His way. He was searching for a particular house to throw a Halloween party for a good friend of His. A human He had met. Each house He came to was either still occupied or just didn’t click with Him. He stopped at the end of the sidewalk and pulled His phone from His pocket. He was dressed for the season. A black, candy corn print t-shirt with the phrase “Hallo-sweet baby” with a black and orange unzipped sweater and dark colored pants. He scrolled through His phone and finally tapped a name. There were a few rings then the voicemail played. He groaned “for real, Raven?” He put the phone away. A light breeze stirred and kicked up some brown leaves and that danced around His red and white sneakers. He looked to the sky and ran His hand through His ombre-flame locks. “I need to find a house, like right now or I won’t be doing anything for Birdie.” Loki found the human’s Halloween fun, entertaining. It was something that reminded Him of better days, long-lost better days. He especially loved the candy, tricks and of course the parties.  

    While admiring the autumn colors a large raven landed on a nearby stop sign and cawed directly at Loki. He smirked and walked over the bird. “So Grim, spying on Me again?” He asked as He teased the bird by gently tugging on its tail feathers. It made an annoyed croak and flapped its wings. “No, I’m not.” A low, cool voice said behind Loki. He whirled around and saw His brother standing there. “What the fuck…!” Odin stood with a pleased smirk across His lips. Arms folded behind His back and cloaked in clothes that were darker than midnight. His traveler hat shadowed part of His face. To hide His missing eye. “Ugh, why do You always have to skulk like that?” Odin remained silent. “So, when are You going to take My advice and dress to actually fit in? You know, You’re gonna cause problems for Birdie if You show up dressed like that! What happened to the whole disguise thing?” Odin found Loki’s rant amusing. “I only reveal Myself when she is alone.” Loki rolled His eyes “whatever.” and He took off to continue to look for a house to throw the party in. Odin followed Loki in silence. Without turning “so, do You really think Raven will like this party?” Loki asked Odin, hoping for a little insight. Odin spent more time with Raven than Loki could. “She has been talking about this holiday for weeks. I would say she would appreciate the effort You are putting in for her.” Loki stopped and turned to His fellow God “why can’t You just help Me out for once? And what do You mean by “effort”? She loves Halloween! I think she’d like a real party!” Odin chuckled. “Oh, wait…” Loki crossed His arms “is this because You’re in My debt now?” Odin’s grin faded and Loki continued “Are You mad because for once You owe Me and not the other way around? And I’m talking about just You, not the rest of Them… wherever They are…” Odin rushed Loki and loomed over Him, like a specter “I do indeed owe You. I will return the favor when I deem fit. This is but a trivial matter. There are more…” Odin was interrupted by Loki who pointed the lighted screen of His phone at Odin’s face “looks like Birdie is looking for You Grim.” Odin yanked the device from Loki’s hand and read the text.  

Raven: “Hey, Loki. Have You seen Odin today? I wanted to ask Him something, but He doesn’t seem to be around.” 

Odin passed the phone back to Loki. “I will go to her…” He turned to leave but hesitated then turned back to Loki “I think the Little Bird might enjoy the party more, if You were to include her friends. She is close to them, very close.” and at that Odin vanished. Loki scoffed “was it really that hard to just answer My question? Yeesh.” Loki shrugged and continued His search for a house. He turned down a street and walked a bit more then stopped. A few yards away He spotted what looked like the perfect house! He ran over to it and stopped at the edge of the property. It really was perfect! It looked just like a cliché haunted house! Victorian, abandoned, decrepit, and best of all, it gave off a very unsettling feeling. “Holy shit! This is perfect!” He screamed excitedly and pumped His fists in the air. He took out His phone to call Raven again but this time it went straight to voicemail. “Well, she’s probably with Grim.” He said quietly to Himself. He looked up at the house and in one of the second story windows He thought He saw a shadow pass. He rubbed His eyes “eh, might be a squatter. I better go have a look around really quick. Make sure there isn’t anyone in there.” He hopped the old wrought iron gate and made His way up to the old house. As He stepped on the first step it made the most unsettling creak He’d ever heard. He grinned wide “oh, this is gonna be so good.” He had a fun idea stirring in His brain. A little pre-Halloween prank. When He reached the door, just before He gripped the doorknob an odd sensation passed through Him. He looked around but saw nothing around. Just the street and the other houses. He shrugged and went inside the house. 

Though it was daytime, the cloud cover essentially prevented any light from entering the house. He dug around in His pocket and pulled out a small flashlight and clicked it on. He shined the flashlight around the room, and it revealed an extremely dilapidated interior. Peeling wallpaper, destroyed, damaged furniture and a plethora of cobwebs. He began to explore the first floor. He passed some stairs leading up to the second floor and a shadow skittered up them. He quickly turned around but saw nothing. He chuckled to Himself “wow, come on, what is wrong with Me.” He said nervously. He wandered around a while longer. He went from room to room. Two doors in the hallway seemed to be locked or maybe blocked. He found a large dining room complete with a dining set, though many of the chairs were damaged. He looked across the room and found two more doors. He tried the larger door, but something seemed to block it. He tried the second door and it opened, it appeared to be a closet or pantry. He shut it and went back to the house’s entrance. He shined His flashlight up the stairs, and He thought He saw something dart from the light. He decided to check it out. As He climbed the stairs, He felt a vibration in His pocket. He took His phone out. It was a text message from Raven.  

Raven: Sorry, I missed Your call Loki. Odin popped in. I know You probably sent Him. Thanks <3.”  

Loki rolled His eyes and put the phone away. “No use calling her now since He’s there.” He thought to Himself and put the phone away. He made it to the second floor and explored it. Most of the doors were locked or blocked. Except for two, a bathroom and a bedroom. He finished His exploration and sighed “well there isn’t anyone here, and no signs of a squatter either.” He shrugged and He headed back down. He thought of a fun little prank to pull on Raven. First, He’d draw a map how to get here basically “lure” here. What would be the excuse? Halloween of course! He reached the first floor and His foot kicked something hard and He looked down. It was an odd, shaped rock. He knelt and picked it up. He observed it for a moment, it felt familiar to Him but couldn’t explain it. He finally shrugged and tossed the rock away and left. 

He made HIs way back to the little apartment He shared with a gloomy, bitter roommate. He burst through the door and went right to His room. “Hey! I’m streaming the new Dusklight movie, can’t you be quieter!?” His roommate yelled. Loki popped His head out from His room “Quinn, aren’t you a little old to be watching to be watching tween werewolf movies?” Loki snapped back. Quinn was Loki’s roommate. He was a short lanky middle-aged man. He wore clothing that was too big for him, sandals and his long greasy-looking dirty blond hair in a low ponytail. They didn’t talk much to each other. Any attempt Loki made to socialize; Quinn would brush Him off. He was either busy trolling people on social media, streaming teen and tween movies or playing video games. Loki was grateful though, as Quinn never asked how He came up with His half of the rent and bills, but other than that Loki didn’t really care for His roommate. Quinn flipped Loki the bird and went back to his movie. Loki snickered and ducked into His room. He grabbed a stack of yellowed papers and fished a pen from a His nightstand and plopped down on His bed to draw. He drew out a map that would lead Raven to the house. When He was finished, He admired work. He made a chef’s kiss motion “ah! Truly worthy of the Louve!” He turned the “map” over and wrote “Follow me for a one-of-a-kind Halloween treat! Find the house with the lit jack o lantern.” He grinned “that ought to do it!” He said excitedly. “Wait till Birdie sees the surprise.” There was a knock on the door. “Hey, uh Russ pizza’s here, you want any?” Loki opened the door “are there any jalapenos?” He asked. Quinn raised an eyebrow “uh, why? You hate them or something?” Loki scoffed “no, it’s the only wait to eat pizza, that and pineapple.” Quinn recoiled “ugh, dude, pineapple really?” Loki snickered. Quinn shrugged off Loki’s snicker “No, pineapple, but there are plenty of ‘penos though.” Loki gave a thumbs up and joined His roommate for late lunch pizza.  

It was quiet till Quinn asked Loki “Hey, there was a girl named Raven that stopped by looking for some guy named Loki, do you know her? She was pretty hot; I should have gotten her number.” Loki nearly choked on His pizza “Raven!? She stopped by, when?” Quinn shrugged this morning I guess “I told her there was no Loki guy here. Loki is kinda a dumb name though. Who name’s their kid Loki?” Loki snorted “well it’s better than Quinn. Loki is a sexy as fuck name. I’d name My kid Loki.” Quinn shrugged “You know that Raven girl though? Dude, she is hot. Her tits were perfect too, and her thighs.” Loki chuckled darkly and shoved a piece of pizza in His mouth “yeah well, she already has someone.” He said with a mouthful. Quinn dropped his pizza “yeah, really? I bet the guy is just some cuck. I bet he treats her like shit anyways. Girls like her like the assholes.” Loki spat His pizza out in a fit of laughter “Oh, man. If only Grim were here to hear that.” He let His thought slip out and Quinn looked at Loki with annoyance “What kind of name is Grim? He sounds like one of those little emo bitch boys.” Loki laughed even harder, until tears formed in His eyes. Quinn stood up “hey just give me her number, you’re friends, right? I’ll let your half of the internet slide this month.” Loki wiped His face “not in million years. I’d rather give her number to Hairy Dave at the corner store than you. I mean you practically hate women, always calling them names and accusing them of ruining your life, even if you don’t know them. Which is fucking stupid, not gonna lie.” Quinn turned a deep red and screamed at Loki “you’re a fucking asshole! Do you know what women do to me!?” Loki leaned back in His chair and rolled His eyes. “Here we go again.” He thought to Himself. “They make fun of my hobbies! My D&D club! They even make fun of the way I look!” Loki tugged at His own red locks trying to distract Himself from getting up and punching him “Ok number one you stream movies and play video games all day. You quit your job to do that, and you barely make any money off your “livestreams”. I said use it as a side job, not your main. You collect little horse toys and half naked statues of girls, and some look really “wrong” and horribly written vampire and wizard books. Two, you literally gatekeep women from your D&D games! You make them jump through hoops and quizzes because you don’t think they know what they’re doing. Ok, yeah making fun of your looks is fucked up but maybe, I don’t know take a shower once in a while? And no, those idiots on that TipTop app are wrong, women don’t want your “musky stank” they like guys who don’t smell like a landfill. Change your shitty attitude and take a shower, then you might actually meet someone.” 

Loki stood up and stared down an angry and shaken Quinn. His biting truth rattled Quinn to his core. Loki finally had enough of Quinn’s shitty attitude and talking about Raven like she was just another “thing” sent Him over the edge. He left the quivering man standing alone and went to His room. He gathered up what little things He had, stuffed them all into His suitcase and left. Quinn ran to the front door “you know what! Fuck you and your slut friend.” Loki stopped and dropped His suitcase. He turned around slowly “you know Quinn, I was just going to walk away. Keep My promise to someone special. But you are just insufferable.” Loki snapped His fingers and from the tips a small streak of light shot out and whizzed past Quinn’s head There was a popping sound. The angry roommate turned around and saw his beloved computer and its set-up engulfed in flames. “Noooo!” he screamed. Loki picked up His suitcase and left. He found a nearby motel and checked in. He threw His suitcase on the bed and flopped down on. He pulled His phone out. No texts, no calls. He snorted and dropped His phone down. He laid there for a while before ordering some food. It was evening and He was bored. He flipped through the tv stations, nothing interesting. He scrolled through His social media, posted some memes and trolled a few jerks, watched videos. His food arrived and enjoyed His dinner of Indian food. The spicy curry hit the spot on the chilly October evening. It even seemed to lift His spirits and He decided to put His Halloween prank into motion a few days early. He changed out of His outfit and dawned a new Halloween print t-shirt and His favorite red zip hoodie. 

Loki took His homemade map and made His way to Raven’s home. “Let’s see, how should I give Birdie a good, fun scare?” He thought to Himself. “Maybe I’ll hide? Nah, too lame…pretend to be hurt?” He cringed at that one “eh, that might be too extreme, I want her to laugh not cry!” He stopped and snapped His fingers “I know! I’ll rig some cheesy ghost haunting! Birdie likes silly things like that, plus the house does have a major creep factor. She’ll definitely scream and laugh!” He practically exclaimed out loud. He looked around and saw someone walking their dog who gave Loki a concerned look. “Happy Halloween!” He said as He waved. The person picked up their dog and bolted. Loki laughed and continued His walk to Raven’s house. He finally made it and stopped at the edge of driveway and pulled out His phone “nine thirty. Great this should give her plenty of time to find the place and for Me to set up My little prank.”  He put His phone away and looked around to make sure no one was around. Clear. He shifted into a small brown sparrow and took flight. He flew into an open window on the second story and landed on a table inside. He sat there for a moment observing His surroundings then assumed His normal form. “Which one is Birdie’s room?” He thought to Himself. He had never actually been inside her home before. He heard talking come from a nearby door. He walked lightly and pressed His ear to the door; He heard two voices one male and one female. Not who He was looking for. He stepped away and headed to the other door, He lightly tapped the door but there was no response, so He tried the knob. He opened it and it was a bathroom. He closed the door and looked around “is there another room? There has to be.” He walked further down the hallway and turned a small corner and found another door. “This has to be Birdie’s.” He tapped the door lightly but no response. He reached for the doorknob. He then heard a voice and turned quickly. It was Hs brother “What are You doing here Loki?” He asked. Loki grinned “just wanted to give Birdie something.” Odin shook His head “she’s not here, but she should be here soon. She’s with her friend Crow.” Loki nodded “Ok, well I guess I’ll be leaving now.” He dropped the “map” and slid it under the door with His foot. “Well, see ya later Grim.” He said and shifted into the brown sparrow again and left. Odin looked at the door and smiled and shook His head. 

Loki flew to the old house and shifted once more. He walked into the house’s yard and clapped His hands together. “Ok, now I need a pumpkin.” He knelt and buried His hands into the dirt. “Let’s see how did Goldie do this?” He closed His eyes and sent a burst of His own will into the ground. A moment later He pulled His hands out and from the dirt came the most perfectly round, orange pumpkin. He sat the pumpkin down “now why did I choose to live like a human? Oh, right I made a promise to Her… and I’m having a hard time keeping it…” He said quietly. He took out a pocketknife and started to cut, gut and carve the pumpkin. When He was finished, He threw a small flame inside it and sat it on the banister. He took in His work and grinned confidently. “Now time to get to work. I don’t have much time though, gotta work fast.” He grabbed His flashlight and entered the house to get to work. He made His way through the house avoiding the debris and headed to the dining room. “I think I’ll start here.” He went over to the pantry and opened the door. He shined His light inside “I’ll make the ghost come out from here and go across the room.” He giggled deviously. As He approached the doorway something hard shoved Loki into the closet and He tumbled headfirst into a shelf and was knocked unconscious.  

Loki opened His eyes and sat up. “What the fuck?” He groaned. He felt around for His phone but didn’t feel it. He massaged the side of His head “oh man, that felt like someone shoved me.” He felt around for the flashlight and His hand hit something plastic and He heard it roll “shit!” He scrambled for the little torch and managed to grab it before it was lost. He clicked it on. He scanned the room and found His phone. It wasn’t very far from Him. He grabbed it and turned it over “oh, fuck. This is great.” The phone’s screen had spider-like cracks spread across the surface. He put the phone back into His pocket. He stood and turned to the door. When He tried the handle, it wouldn’t budge. “Are you fucking kidding Me!” He shouted. He pulled and yanked the doorknob, but it was stuck tight. “How the fuck..” He tried pounding on the door “hey anyone out there!? Birdie!?” He pounded and kicked at the door. “What the fuck is this made of? Iron?” He tried His hardest to break the door down, but nothing worked. Then He heard a voice “is that Birdie?” He knocked but there was no response. He knocked again and heard the voice speak out. Then He banged on the door; nothing. He shined the light around. It was a large pantry. He backed all the way up to the back of the pantry, put His flashlight away. He braced Himself and then ran at the door shoulder first. Just as He was going to make contact with it, it opened! His face was met with a flat, blunt object and He fell backwards to the ground with a dull thud. He opened His eyes and saw the frantic and worried expression of His friend. “Loki! Oh, my gods, Loki!” Raven exclaimed. Loki sat up “wow Birdie you have one hell of a swing.” He groaned. Raven sighed in relief “I’m glad You’re not hurt too badly, I’m sorry I got scared.” she said with downcast eyes. Loki simply chuckled “it’s alright, I should have waited for you to open the door instead… of running at it. Was trying to break it down.” Raven let out a small laugh “How did you end up in there? It looks like a closet.” Loki laughed “It’s a stupid story, don’t worry about it…” 

Love, Dreams, and Nightmares

/ lunarianraven / Leave a comment

…Raven could no longer hold what she desired in any longer. The scene which was laid out in front of her looked just like a dream. She could not decide if this was reality but if it was this was a truly strange one. On the bed, draped in obsidian silk lay the deity that held her heart in His very hand, that tugged on her life’s thread, that her soul belonged to. He beckoned to her to join Him, Odin. His bare body was partially covered in the silk hiding His lower half from view. His ocean eye fixed on her as He extended a hand. She was unsure what to do, she wanted to go to Him so badly that it physically ached, yet this felt so otherworldly that her anxiety made her hesitate.  

    The smile that graced His lips was her weakness, it made her heart skip a beat. She found herself unconsciously moving forward, towards the bed, towards Him. Her heart pounded in her chest; it was so loud that she was sure that He would hear it. She made it to the edge of the bed and stopped. She looked down at her white night dress and began to fiddle with a ribbon. She heard Him chuckle and looked up. A bright red blush spread across her nose and cheeks. She wanted to speak but her words were lodged in her throat. “My little bird. Come. Join Me in bed.” He spoke softly. His words, His voice made her anxieties fade away and she reached for His hand.  

    He gently took it and helped her climb in and settle next to Him. His skin was so smooth, so soft there were no imperfections to be found or so she had thought. She looked down and saw faint scars that wrapped around His wrist and trailed up His arms and across His chest. He caught her wandering ruby eyes and spoke “scars from battles, fought long ago.” She gently ran her hand over the ones on His arms. Her heart ached imagining Him being injured and covered in blood. Odin laid back, His head resting against a pillow, He motioned for her to lay next to Him. She joined His side and rested her head on His chest. She heard the steady rhythm of His heartbeat, and it gave her comfort. He rested His hand on her shoulder gently caressing it. 

    She finally gathered up the courage and confidence to speak “is, is this a dream?” she asked. Odin chuckled softly and smiled at her “does this feel like a dream to you?” She took a breath in and sighed shakily “I’m, I’m not sure, nothing has made sense since I met You.” The God found it amusing to watch her face bounce between bashfulness and thoughtfulness. She sat up “am I in love with You?” He was genuinely surprised at her question, she turned from him to hide her face “I do not know little bird, are you in love with Me?” He answered with a question of His own. He then sat up and took her hand, she jerked in surprised and turned to Him. “Every time I’m around You, I feel so strange.” Odin gently caressed her cheek, then took her chin and lifted it up. He was beautiful, youthful He was not what the stories made Him out to be. He did not look like a gaunt and elderly old man. He did not look like a grey bearded wandering wizard.  

    His face was smooth and devoid of imperfections, if she were to point out any kind of flaw it would be the closed eyelid that hid His missing eye. His intact eye was a beautiful ocean blue, it emanated a glow that was captivating, it looked like as if it were a star plucked from the night sky. Although He was youthful in appearance you could still tell that He had years of experience and wisdom stowed away. His hair was the color of mercury, long and had a beautiful shine to it, the way it fell around Him looked like shining rivers that flowed over His body. She could barely look at Him without losing her composure. “What does the strange feeling feel like?” He questioned. She struggled with His question, she was unsure how to answer or rather how to put the feelings into words. “Well, it feels as if everything will be ok. As if nothing can hurt me. My heart is at ease and my mind is quiet, and that yearning for home disappears.” she turned away from Him again. 

    Tears welled up in her eyes “I don’t want to be away from You. I want to be by Your side, always.” He gently took her by the waist and scooted her closer to Him. He rested His chin on her shoulder “It does indeed sound like love.” He said quietly, while He gently stroked circles around her belly button with His thumb. She shivered at the thought of falling in love. How could someone like her be in love? How could she be in love with Him? He was a divine being from a different world. He was a god and not just any god. He was a god of a savage and brutal people, a god of war and death. How could a deity like Him show kindness and compassion? These thoughts sped through her mind.  

    Odin felt her shivers “My little bird, why do you shake?” she shook her head, tears now streamed down her cheeks “how, how did this happen? How did I. How did I fall in love with You?” she tried pulling away from Him, but He gripped her tightly “I’m not. I’m not…” she trailed off and He tried to pick up after her “you’re not what?” “I’m not supposed to fall in love. I’m not meant to love or be loved!” She finally blurted out and was now sobbing deep mournful tears. Odin brought her into an embrace and held her, rocked her in His arms trying to provide comfort. His embrace felt so loving, so warm, so comforting that she cried harder. He began to hum a song; it was a low and soft melody it sounded comforting. She could feel herself calming down and the tears eventually stopped. She regained enough composure to finally speak “why, why do You show me such love and compassion, I don’t understand.” The god smiled sadly “why would I not? Do you expect cruelty?” 

    She was unsure how to answer that. She did not expect cruelty but did not expect this level of love and kindness from Him. Who was He exactly? He spoke once more “why are you not supposed to be loved? Why are you not supposed to fall in love?” Raven wanted to answer but the answer was complicated. She shook her head “I’m just not supposed to.” He raised an eyebrow “has someone told you that? Showed you that?” She was surprised at His response and lowered her head.  “My little bird, how about I show you, how love looks and feels?” She looked back to Him “how?” He smiled. “Why don’t we start here and now?” He laid down and pulled her down on top of Him. She rested her head on His chest, the couple laid there together for a while. The comfortable silence lulled them both to sleep.  

    She awoke to Him stirring, He was asleep, but wore a pained expression. She was sure He was dreaming, and she reached up and gently touched His cheek “Odin, Odin, wake up.” she whispered softly. His eye fluttered open and she caught a profound sorrow in His eye that made her heart ache. “Are You alright Odin?” she asked. A faint smile graced His lips “I am fine.” He replied. She knew He was lying. He hid so much from her, but she knew this time He was lying to her. She brought her face close to His and He grinned. She pressed her lips against His and He took over from there. He slid His tongue into her mouth, she sighed and let Him explore her mouth. She savored His taste, it lingered on her lips, in her mouth, on her tongue. The sweet taste of Him sent waves of joy through her body. It made her forget her own fears and worries.  

    They broke apart, panting “little bird, shall we continue?” He asked, His voice heavy with lust. “Yes!” she answered without a drop of hesitation. He removed the covers and revealed Himself erect. Without hesitation she climbed on top of Him. He moved her panty over and helped lower her on to Him. As she felt Him enter her, she sighed. She was straddling Him; He moved His hands to her hips and guided her in a soft grinding. She saw a euphoric expression take over His features, and it made her quicken her pace. His every feature was perfect. He was so filling, He felt so good. She wanted more of Him. He dug His fingers into her hips and the sensation brought her down to Him and she began to kiss Him, and He returned in kind. She broke away from Him, panting. Her grinding morphed into a light but aggressive bounce; Odin moved His hands to her thighs and gripped them. He breathlessly moaned her name. Her name. No one else’s, not her moniker, not her nickname but her true name “Erin” the sound of Him saying her name while making love sent the most euphoric sensation through her. She came down one last time and she tightened herself around Him. He dug His fingers into her thighs and released Himself inside her. 

    She sat on Him for a moment. She found herself admiring Him, His breathing labored, His hair clung to His face. She moved herself off Him and sat on His stomach, she leaned in to kiss Him, but this time she took charge, she led Him. She slid her tongue into His mouth, she dominated His mouth, forced Him to submit. She heard Him chuckle and He became just as aggressive. She broke the kissing and looked Him in His eye. “I, I need You, please don’t leave me.” she whispered. Odin smiled and reached for her cheek “My little bird, I shall remain at your side. Not even fate will take you from Me.” She held His hand against her cheek “do You promise? Promise me.” Odin nodded and cupped her face with both hands, He smiled “I promise.” He said gently. Tears welled up her eyes and began to fall. People have promised her before but when He made that promise, she felt as if she really could believe it. Believe that He would never abandon her. Then the realization hit that she made a god make a promise. A promise that He wouldn’t leave.  

    Odin noticed bewilderment clouded her features. He took His hands away from her cheeks and pulled her down to His chest “why don’t we rest together?” He spoke softly. She looked up to Him “this all feels like a dream to me.” He chuckled “oh? Does it now?” She hid her face in His chest out of embarrassment. This did feel like a dream to her. She was doing all she could to calm her racing mind and heart. Then the rise and fall of His chest, the feel of His skin, the sound of His heartbeat forced her to acknowledge that this was not a dream. She finally brought her face up to meet His. She was greeted with a heart-skipping smile. A blush so red spread across her cheeks and down her chest. She felt a throb between her thighs. She squeezed her eyes shut “please! Please d-don’t look at me!” she pleaded. Odin found this adorable, His little bird looked so innocent. 

    “Oh? Why can I not look at you?” He asked chuckling. She stumbled and stuttered over her words “I-I just c-can’t s-stand it when You smile like that!” He made sure to retain His smile “open your eyes little bird” He cooed gently. He stroked her chin softly, His touch sent shivers of excitement through her, and she opened her eyes, and she was looking right at Him. Odin flipped them over and now He was straddling her. He moved His hand up her nightdress and moved the center of her panty to the side. She gasped in surprise, and He stopped as if waiting for confirmation. She nodded and slid two fingers inside. 

    He first tickled and teased her bud. He would switch between light strokes and gentle squeezing, and she would gasp and sigh. He silenced her with a kiss and continued to massage her. She squirmed under Him, and He broke the kiss and chuckled. “Little bird, it is now my turn.” He said, His voice heavy with lust. She surrendered to Him, she let Him have her. He removed His fingers from her and moved between her thighs. He leaned down and whispered in her ear “you’re dripping, little bird.” Her heart sped up and she felt her whole body heat up. She put her palms on His chest to try and push Him away, but she could not bring herself to do so. He went from her ear and down to her neck. He began to kiss her; He would alternate between kissing and nibbling. She moaned and sighed as He traveled down her neck to the top of her breast. He came back up to face her “who’s dream would this be? Mine or yours?” He asked His voice low.  

    Raven panted out “m-mine.” She gripped His shoulders tightly, she wanted Him to start. She was done with His teasing. She bucked her hips to Him. He smiled “oh? Are we ready?” her response was wrapping her legs around His waist. He chuckled “very well.” He pressed Himself inside her and she sighed. He began a slow and steady thrust. Each thrust elicited a soft moan or sigh from her. Her whole body tingled with every thrust “ah Y-You f-feel so good” she managed to sigh in a shaky breath. He smiled and dove deeper inside her and put more force into each insertion. She dug her fingers into His skin and her sighs turned into panting. “M-more.” she panted out. Odin chuckled breathlessly and in between His own pants and moans “let my name fall from your lips.” “I want to hear it.” He gazed into her eyes, and she felt as if her heart were going to beat out of her chest. 

    His eye swallowed her whole. She was unable to look away from Him and He knew it and kept His gaze fixed on her. His pace quickened, and He applied more force. Her moaning and panting, louder and she dug her nails into His shoulders. “Ah-ah-oh! Oh-Od…!” she was so close. He wanted to hear His own name, He wanted her to scream His name. His thrusts became erratic as He was nearing climax. The last few thrusts had finally sent her over the edge, and she tightened around Him, and she cried out His name and at her cry He released Himself in her. Both were heaving. Raven still had her legs wrapped around Him. He chuckled breathlessly “little bird, mind releasing Me?” She did not realize that she was still wrapped around Him. She moved her legs and He pulled Himself from her. He laid next to her and brought her in close to Him. The couple embraced and eventually fell asleep together. 

    She awoke and was alone, wrapped in the silk covers. She sat up and looked around, Odin was nowhere to be seen. She wondered if it was all a dream. Did she dream making love to Odin? She felt frustration and sadness building up. She was alone once again, and that void began to engulf her. She brought her knees up to her chest and buried her face and began to sob. She wanted it to be real, she wanted it to have happened. She began to pine for Him. She missed His touch, His voice, His kiss, His feel. She wanted Him. Then she heard a soft humming coming from another room. She lifted her head and listened to the melody. It was familiar, she heard it before, and she recognized the voice. She quickly jumped from the bed, nearly tripping over the covers that dragged behind. She threw open the door and found herself in a corridor. It was dark and barely lit, only a few wall torches provided light. She was hesitant but the humming was the push of courage she needed. 

    She gathered up her courage and she took off running down the corridor. The corridor was unfamiliar, dark, and foreboding but she kept running. She ran towards the sound of the humming. Her heart pounded in her chest; she was eager to reach Him. She turned a corner and pushed through the first door she came to. She was met with a most bizarre sight. The scene was a grand ballroom! She was floored by what she saw. How did she end up here? She was just in His room, in His Hall, wasn’t she? Now she was standing the doorway watching a lavish party. The people were dressed in elegant attire and dancing to a ballroom band. She looked down at her hands and pinched herself. She felt the pinch, but she did not wake up. She jerked when she looked down to pinch herself, she was wearing a black dress. “What the!” “How, when?!” her thoughts raced.  

    She started to navigate through the crowd of revelers. She found a mirror and she was shocked by what she saw. Her long raven hair styled in an elegant updo with a flowing ponytail, and a braided crown; with white flowers woven throughout. The black dress she wore was long and swept the ground, and had black lace draped around the waist and the sleeves also flowy black lace. The neckline dipped but only enough to show a modest amount of cleavage. 

    She blushed and gasped at the sight in the mirror. She couldn’t believe what she was seeing. She thought herself beautiful. She never saw herself like this, it made her happy. She turned from the mirror and was met face to face with her beloved God. “Odin!” she blurted out happily. He looked so dashing in His white tuxedo accented with a deep red rose. She couldn’t manage any other words. He smiled and extended one hand “little bird, would you dance with Me?” Raven did not know how to react. She took His hand and He led her out to the dancefloor. Was this a dream? Was the lovemaking real or not? She couldn’t calm her racing thoughts. They danced among the other guests. The world seemed to melt away around them. She finally spoke up “Odin, where did You go? I woke up and You had vanished.” He said nothing but retained His smile. “Odin?” His silence was unnerving, and she was becoming uncomfortable. 

    She tried to break away from Him, but He wouldn’t let her go, His grip was tight. She began to struggle “let me go, what’s wrong with You!?” she pleaded. Odin would not let go; His demeanor remained unchanged. The music became distorted, and the other guests started to take on twisted versions of themselves and danced faster. The beautiful ballroom started to deteriorate and rot, the scene was nightmarish. Raven looked back to the man supposed to be Odin. She gasped when she saw him. His smile was twisted and cruel, his azure eye was replaced with a gaping void. She screamed and struggled to get away from it. Whatever this was it was not Him, it was a monster. “My little bird, why do you struggle?” its voice a cruel mockery of His. “No! Let me go!” she screamed at it. She finally struggled free from its grasp, and she ran from it. 

    She pushed past the other monstrous guests in her escape, some would fall over while others grasped at her. They tore at her dress in an attempt to hinder her escape. She looked back and saw the monster chasing her, its visage was terrifying now. In some ways it resembled Him, but it clearly was not Him. She finally made her way to a door and threw it open, and slammed it shut behind her and leaned against it. She looked down the corridor that she had found. Just like the other, it was barely lit. She was breathing heavy; she tried her best to calm herself. She was shaking, heaving, her heart pounded, her mind raced. Then there was pounding on the door, she began to sob. “My little bird, there is nothing to fear, it is I, your beloved.” it said mockingly. She swallowed hard, just as she was going to answer, she heard the humming again. It sounded closer and came from her right. The pounding on the door became louder and the monster on the other side laughed as it beat on the door. Raven counted to three and took off running towards the humming.  

    The door swung open, and the creature shambled out. She stopped a moment and saw it begin to shamble towards her. It was tall and lanky, long stringy hair and had twisted limbs. It lifted a claw-finger and pointed to her, it laughed. Its face was horrific, gaping voids for eyes and an inhumanly wide smile. Its laugh terrifying, she started to run again. The creature began its chase. She tried doors and turned corners looking for an escape or hiding spot, no longer following the faint melody. She sobbed as she ran, she knew this had to be a nightmare, there is no way this was real! She finally found a door that was unlocked and threw it open. She ran inside without a second thought and shut the door behind her. She slid down the door hysterically sobbing. The creature was pounding on the door “little bird, little bird, let me inside.” “Let me make love to you.” it croaked. She pulled her knees up to her chest and buried her face. “No! No! This is a nightmare! Go away!” she screamed. The pounding finally ceased, and she heard the creature’s footsteps become faint, as if it were leaving. 

    She lifted her head, she dared not to open the door behind her. She stood up on shaky legs and finally looked around the room she had run into. Except it was not a room, it was a garden. It was a beautiful verdant, blooming garden. She took a few steps then stopped suddenly, when she saw a woman hunched over a garden plot. The woman must have heard her, and she stood. The woman was kind looking, she had deep green eyes and chestnut hair that was styled into a updo. She wore a pink, sleeveless dress that tied up around her hips. She was barefoot and a little dirty from what Raven assumed was the gardening. She smiled at Raven “well what do we have here? Are you alright?” the woman asked kindly. All Raven could do was shake her head. The woman looked a little sad now “well you look pale, have you had a fright?” Raven nodded. The woman smiled again and extended her hand “My name is Nanna, who might you be?” Raven swallowed and tried to speak but all that came out were sobs. Nanna walked over to the sobbing girl and hugged her. The hug felt so kind, so warm, almost like a mother’s. She cradled Raven like a child and offered kind words. Nanna finally let go of Raven and offered her a cloth to wipe her tears. She accepted it and wiped her face and nose. 

    “Raven, my-my name is Raven.” she finally answered. Nanna smiled “Raven…you must be His.” she said. Raven raised an eyebrow “what do you mean by that?” She questioned suspiciously. Nanna laughed softly “With a name like that, and you being here, you are definitely His.” Raven was confused by what she meant. “Where am I? Where is Odin?” Nanna patted her hands on the sides of her dress “you have so many questions, don’t you?” Raven was unsure how to feel at this point. She needed answers; where was she, where did Odin go, what was that creature that chased her? Could she trust this woman called Nanna or would this turn out like the ballroom scene? She hugged herself tightly and tears began to well up in her eyes again. Nanna saw Raven’s reaction and reached out again but Raven took a few steps away “No…” she whimpered. Nanna was saddened by her reaction. “You can trust me I promise.” Nanna said gently. Raven shook her head “how can I!?” as she continued to cry. 

    “I promise you; I will not harm you.” “I know you are seeking Him, and I want to help you.” Nanna said kindly “please trust me, Raven.” Raven wanted to trust her but how could she when she couldn’t even trust her own senses here. Nanna was patient and waited for Raven to calm down. Raven did the best she could to calm herself. She took note of the flourishing garden that surrounded her and found herself focusing a vibrant rose bush. These roses were beautiful, she had never seen roses such a deep crimson before. Nanna caught her gaze and went over to the bush and in one swift motion she snipped it from its place and brought it over to Raven. “Here, you can have this.” she said with a kind smile. Raven took the rose “it’s beautiful, but why?” she asked. “It seemed to help ease you.” Nanna replied. Raven admired the rose. It reminded her of Him, the time He brought her a dozen roses, just like this one. 

    “Nanna, can you tell me where I am?” Raven finally asked. Nanna nodded “You are inside Yggdrasil.” Confusion spread across Raven’s face “what? How?” “Inside the tree?” Nanna nodded again “yes, inside the tree. But you are not here physically. Your mind is.” Raven took a moment to try and process what she had just heard. She was inside Yggdrasil, but just her mind but not her body. Nanna saw that Raven was trying to figure out was going on, so she further explained “somewhere your body is at rest and your mind is here. Either you are unconscious or perhaps meditating?” Raven thought for a moment “no I think I was asleep…” “I mean, I guess I’m asleep. I don’t remember how I even ended up here…” Raven went silent, trying to sort through her fractured memories. She was trying to recall how she apparently ended up inside the Tree. She was deep in thought when Nanna’s voice interrupted her “Raven, it will be alright. He’s here but it might take time to find Him.” she said. Raven sighed tiredly; Nanna saw the exhaustion on Raven’s face “come with me, you look like you could use some rest.” she motioned for Raven to follow. She followed Nanna through the garden.  

    She held the rose close to her chest. Without looking Nanna asked, “does that flower hold significance to you?” Raven nodded as she answered “it does, it reminds me of the time He gave me a dozen roses, just like this one. It was the first time I ever received flowers from anyone.” Nanna glanced and caught an innocent smile on Raven’s face as she spoke fondly of Odin. “You’re different, you know.” Nanna said suddenly, this caught Raven off guard, and she stopped. “What do you mean I’m different?” Nanna stopped and turned to Raven “He’s never brought a woman, let alone a human inside Yggdrasil.” “You must be incredibly special to Him.” Hearing that made her flush bright red. “Special? Me?” she thought to herself. Nanna giggled at the flush and Raven tried to hide her face behind the rose. “Come on, we’re almost there.” They continued walking. Raven admired the beauty of the garden and tried to take in as much as possible. “This garden is so gorgeous!” Nanna laughed “it is, isn’t it.” she said without turning around. “Did you plant all of this?” Nanna shook her head “No, well, I did plant some things. But this garden has been here.” They finally arrived at a large garden table. There was someone sitting at the head of the table reading a book.  

    “Baldr! I’ve brought a guest!” The man, Baldr looked up from his book and smiled. He put the book down and stood to greet Nanna. To Raven he looked and felt familiar, like she knew him somehow. He was as beautiful as the garden that surrounded them. His long hair looked like literal rays of sunshine. His eyes were looked almost a duplicate to His. In fact, Baldr almost looked as if he could be His sibling. “Welcome! You look tired, why don’t you join us for food and drink?” He asked merrily. Raven took a step back. “Ah, I’m sorry, where are my manners?” he extended a hand “My name is Baldr, and you are?” Raven took his hand, and she was taken aback by how warm and gentle his touch was that she withdrew her hand. Baldr was surprised but all he did was offer a kind and sympathetic smile. “You seem a little frazzled, are you alright?” he asked. Raven nodded, she tried to speak but it felt that she had a lump in her throat. Nanna placed a hand on her shoulder “it’s alright, Baldr is mostly harmless.” she said laughing softly. 

    “I’m sorry, my name is Raven.” she finally spoke up. Baldr’s face lit up “Raven! So, you are her!” Baldr exclaimed happily “It is nice to finally put a face to the name.” Both Nanna and Raven looked confused “You know of her already?” Nanna asked. “Yes, father speaks so fondly of a “Raven” and quite frequently too.” Raven’s eyes widened “father?” Nanna and Baldr both looked at one another and both gave a sigh. “So, He’s told you nothing?” Baldr asked. Raven shook her head “No, He never talks much about Himself.” she paused a moment “wait…does that mean You are a god too, and Nanna?” “Are You both siblings?” Raven had a dozen more questions, but Nanna quickly intervened “Well, yes, We are both god and goddess but we are not siblings, but We are married.” Baldr chuckled “well Raven, since you are feeling better, why not join us.” He said as He motioned to the table. 

    She had not noticed the table. It was an elegant spread, various sweets and fruits littered the table. It looked as if had come out of a bakery window. Small pastel-colored cakes decorated with bright berries looked the most delightful to her. She wondered what they would taste like, Baldr saw Raven admiring the table “well, would you like a piece?” He offered her a small plate with a slice of cake on it. She finally took a seat and Baldr placed the plate in front of Raven. Nanna took a seat near Baldr’s chair, and He joined His wife. Raven thanked the deity couple and picked up a fork, she brought a bite up to her nose and the aroma was sweet and fruity. She took a bite, the texture of the cake was so soft and springy, if you were to taste a cloud this is what it would taste like, feel like. It was sweet but not too sweet, she could taste notes of smooth vanilla and something floral, she was not sure what it was, but it was delicious! The light pink and purple frosting were perfect! It was smooth and buttery but not overly so, that it would coat your mouth, the fresh berries that accompanied it made the perfect tangy contrast to the sweetness of the frosting. The light lemon curd filling was a bright and fresh addition to the slightly sweet sponge cake. Raven let out an audible “mmm” as she savored each bite. Nanna’s face was beaming at Raven’s reaction.  

    “I guess you like it?” Baldr asked. Raven nodded and finished the bite and swallowed “yes! It’s delicious!” Baldr clapped His hands together “It’s a new recipe that Nanna has been working on!” He declared excitedly. “It really is perfect in every way!” Raven said happily adding to the excitement of the moment. Eating this amazing cake and both Nanna and Baldr’s presence made her feel like a child. It made her feel like she was experiencing something she never got to. A strange feeling began to well up inside, in the pit of her stomach and chest. It felt as if happiness and anxiety were fighting each other. Baldr saw the melancholy darken Raven’s face, He could see she was indeed fighting something. “Let that happiness come out! Let it come through! You are allowed to experience joy, without guilt.” He said, His voice loving. “You can experience love, and the joy of love without guilt. You have no reason to feel guilty about feeling that way.” Nanna added, Her tone equally as loving. Raven drooped her head and tears started to fall “why? Why are you both so kind?” she paused a moment, “I-I don’t understand. How…?” 

    Baldr stood from His seat and went over to her, He knelt and gently took her chin and lifted her face. “Do we need a reason to be kind to you?” He asked. Raven did not know how to answer. Baldr was indeed His son. Baldr had a kindness in His eyes that she had saw so many times in His. Odin’s kindness, now she knew is genuine. She heard Nanna’s voice “Yggdrasil is not a place for humans but not any human would be able to handle both the darkness that lurks and the light that shines here.” Raven’s tears continued to fall “what-what does that mean, I don’t understand.” she whispered in-between her tears. Using His other hand Baldr wiped away her tears “you are not what you seem. You. Are. More.” The kindness and warmth that radiated from Him felt so comforting, so safe. She pushed His hand away and threw herself into Him. Baldr was thrown off balance and He fell back on His rear, and she cried even harder. Nanna jumped from Her seat to check on them. Baldr was cradling Raven as she cried, feelings that she never had before spilled out. Nanna knelt to Raven and stroked her hair and then joined in the embrace. “Is-is this what a parent’s love feels like?” she wondered. 

    Baldr began to hum a soft melody, it sounded familiar. She looked up at Him “that’s the same one I heard Odin humming!” she exclaimed softly. Baldr smiled “yes, it’s a lullaby. My father used to hum it to My brother and I when We were children.” “It’s a lullaby?” she whispered. She then buried her head back in His chest and continued to cry. “I don’t understand, anything that is going on!” Baldr cradled Raven and let her cry, let her feelings spill out. Raven, Nanna, and Baldr sat together for a while longer until Raven finally gently pushed from Baldr. “Please, tell me. Tell me what is going on!” she wiped her tears “I was running from this horrid creature, and I’ve been looking for Odin.” Baldr smiled “How to best to explain the Tree.” Baldr thought for a moment “Yggdrasill isn’t what the humans have thought it to be.” Raven was confused. Baldr sighed “Yggdrasil, isn’t a literal tree, it is a doorway.” “It is a doorway to different realms.” Raven was now intrigued, she wanted to know more about “Yggdrasil” It was not a tree, yet it did not house any of the worlds. 

    Baldr continued “Yggdrasil really is a spiritual portal to other realms. Only the Gods and other magical beings are able to travel the Tree.” “With you being here, you are obviously not fully mortal.”  Raven listened intently to Baldr, trying to process everything that He explained. Her mind raced with so many thoughts. She began to question all her experiences up to now, things finally started to fall into place and make sense. She finally composed herself enough to speak up “so everything that has happened to me, has not been a coincidence, has it?” Baldr smiled “Fate follows everyone, no matter who they are.” Raven shook her head “I’m still confused about the Tree, but some things make sense to me now.” she said. Baldr patted her head “I’m sure you’ll catch on quickly.” There was a short pause then Raven spoke up again “I was chased by a creature here. At first it appeared as Odin but then…” the awful memory made Raven shiver. 

    “Yggdrasil while not only a portal, but it also digs deep into the hearts of the travelers and bring out the shadow or overwhelm them with light.” Baldr explained. “So, you will have to beware of the danger of the shadow of your own heart and make sure not to fall into the trap of something that seems too perfect.” Nanna continued. “How will I know if it’s a trap?” Raven asked. “You will know. If you truly know who you are, you will know.” Baldr said. Raven sighed all this talk of light and shadow, and balance was so confusing, but she had to make sure to pay attention to what the divine couple was explaining. She did not want to fall into a trap or get caught by that thing either. She desperately wanted to find Odin and leave this place. “I want to find Odin; how do I do that?” she asked. Nanna smiled “you will, all you need to do is keep moving forward.” Raven stood “I want to look for Him now.” Baldr nodded in agreement and went over to an elaborate wooden door that had seemingly appeared from nothing. “When you’re ready, use this door to exit.” He spoke. Raven walked over to the door just as she reached for the handle Nanna stopped her. “Wait! Don’t forget this!” Nanna was holding the rose she clipped for her “you might need this.” Nanna affixed the rose in Raven’s hair “there.” Raven smiled and thanked Her. “Be careful dear.” Nanna said. Raven nodded and opened the door. 

    She stepped out into another dimly lit corridor. The door shut behind her with a loud thud. She looked back and the door disappeared. She took a few steps forward and heard the humming again. She started to follow it. The melody was getting louder, so she started to jog. She continued to follow the humming until she came to a corridor lined with doors and the humming ceased. “No!” she shouted in frustration. She stood staring at the long hall of doors. She started to slowly walk the corridor. “Which door should I open.” she said to herself. She stopped at one door “well I guess I should just pick one then.” She reached for the handle and opened the door. She walked through it. “What the…?” she was confused by what she saw. “I’m home?” she was standing in front of her house. “How?” she looked around, was she truly home? It looked just like her street. She walked up the steps to the door and reached for the knob, just as she reached for the knob the door opened. “Oh Erin! You finally made it home!” 

    She was met by her father who was happy to see her “dad?” Her father hurried her inside the house. “Erin, I’m so glad you made it home in time!” Raven was confused by everything that was happening. “In time for what?” Her father looked surprised “your sister’s graduation party. You forgot, didn’t you?” Her father led Raven to their living room. She found her sister, Jessi seated on the couch. Her friends Crow and Racheal walked in from another room; she saw two young children sitting on the floor playing on a tablet, she recognized as Joanna’s nieces but had not seen Joanna anywhere. “Rave! We’ve been waiting forever!” Racheal exclaimed and ran over to hug her. Raven awkwardly returned the hug “uh, yeah sorry.” Crow approached Raven and also gave her a hug. Raven gently pushed Crow away “look, what is going on!?” she demanded. Everyone in the room looked to her in surprise. Her father speaking up first “Erin, are you alright? You look flustered, do you want some water?” Raven shook her head “No! Where’s Odin!” she yelled. She stopped when she realized what she just yelled. Her sister smiled “oh, and who is Odin?” her sister said in a teasing tone. Raven’s eyes widened “He’s…” Jessi giggled “you don’t have to say.” Raven’s father took her by the hand and led her upstairs to her room. 

    They sat together on the bed, her bed. The room looked exactly like hers. Raven was confused and terrified. She was just walking down dimly lit corridors and now she’s sitting on her bed speaking with her father. “Look Erin, I know you must be tired so why don’t you take a rest.” Raven shook her head “No, I can’t, I have to find Him.” Her father smiled sympathetically “You can look for whoever later, you need some rest.” Her father left the room closing the door behind him. Raven looked around the room, it really did look just like hers. A heavy tiredness began to weigh her down. “Maybe a small nap would be nice.” She smoothed the covers over and laid down “I’ll just lay here for a little while.” the last thing she saw was a framed picture of her mother on a shelf. 

    “Erin. Erin. Wake up sweetie!” Raven’s eyes fluttered open, and she was met with a truly shocking sight, her mother. Raven bolted upright in both terror and shock. “M-m-mom?” Her eyes were wide. Raven’s mother smiled and quickly sat next to her daughter “Erin, are you ok? You look like you’ve had a fright.” she reached over to touch Raven’s shoulder, but she jerked away. “H-how. How are you here!?” Raven shook her head “You shouldn’t be here! You’re dead!” There was a knock on the door and Raven’s father came in “what’s the matter Karla?” Karla smiled “Oh, nothing dear. Poor Erin here seems to have had a bad dream. She thought I was dead!” Erin’s father rushed to her side “it’s ok Erin, you just had a bad dream. Your mother is fine.” Raven shook her head again “NO! She died! I saw her in the hospital!” Raven’s father was quick to pull his daughter into an embrace and Raven struggled and began to cry. “NO!” Karla joined in with the hug, memories of Baldr and Nanna had come rushing back and she finally stopped struggling and gave in and accepted the hug.  

     The three pulled apart and Karla cupped Raven’s face in her hands “sweetie, I’m not going anywhere! I promise you were only having a bad dream.” Raven’s face was red and puffy from the hysterical sobbing “it was a nightmare? I was dreaming?” she said, her nose stuffy. “Yes, honey a nightmare.” her father chimed in. Raven thought to herself for a moment. Was she really dreaming? Had she just had a terrible nightmare that her mother had died? All the abuse from her uncle, the long nights of blaming herself, Yggdrasil, Baldr, Nanna, and Odin, and Loki. Was all that just some bizarre dream? She did not know what was real or not anymore, but she had her mother back! “Where is Joanna?” Raven asked, “I saw her nieces.” Raven’s father laughed “Joanna is fine, she’s working and we’re just babysitting, did not know you had such a concern for our neighbor.” “Neighbor? What?” Raven began to try and sift through her memories, but everything was so confusing, and she even doubted her own memories. “Erin, honey why don’t you take a nice warm bath and join us downstairs.” Raven nodded and her parents left the room. 

    She decided to take their advice and take a bath. She grabbed some fresh clothing and headed to the bathroom. Everything really was the same, was this really her house? She opened the door to the bathroom and felt a chilly gust blow through her, it made her shiver. “Is there a draft?” she asked herself. She shrugged and went inside and locked the door. She readied the bath water and sat on the side of the tub, running her hand through the warm water. “If this has all been a dream, then I guess I never really fell in love with Odin.” “I guess none of them were real anyway.” “Shame, Loki was a lot of fun.” she sighed “and Odin…He was truly the one.” she was not talking to anyone, just voicing her thoughts out loud. She removed the rose from her hair and undressed and climbed into the tub. The warm water felt so good on her achy joints. She sat there just taking in the feel of the water against her skin. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath in and submerged herself under the water. She was hoping to drown her thoughts in the water, but her mind still raced. 

    Then she heard a knock at the door, it was her sister Jessi “Hey Er, you have someone here to see you!” Raven resurfaced and wiped her eyes “I have what!?” she called out Jessi answered, “you have a guy here for you!” “A guy? What’s his name?” Raven asked. Jessi sighed “Ugh, something like Aiden or Alden.” “Alden!?” Raven’s heart skipped a beat “could it be Him!?” “Ok thanks Jess, I’ll be right out!” Raven rushed out of the tub and frantically dressed herself. She threw the door open and ran out of the bathroom. She hurried down the stairs and dashed to the front door. There in the doorway, He stood. Dressed in a nice navy suit, His hair in a long ponytail and styled to hide His missing eye. “Alden!” Raven cried and threw herself into His arms “Od…Alden! I-I-I missed You so much!” He looked down at her and smiled “little bird, whatever is the matter, I’ve only been gone a day.” She looked up at Him and that beautiful blue gem was staring back at her. She shook her head “no, no it feels like You have been gone forever!” she began to cry. He held her close to Him. Karla appeared and kindly asked “Alden, was it? Would you like to come inside?” He nodded and gently took Raven by the hand and entered the home. 

    Karla led the couple to the living room “I’ll leave you two alone.” and she left the room. Raven waited for her mother to leave and threw herself once more into His arms He staggered back and caught the handle of the couch to steady Himself. “Little bird, you seem frantic, what is wrong?” Raven buried her face in His chest and cried “Odin, I was trapped in Yggdrasil, and chased by this horrific monster that was mimicking You, and I thought You abandoned me…” Odin sat the both of them down on the couch and brought Raven onto His lap, “Little bird, Raven, I’d dare not leave you, you mean too much to me.” He touched His forehead to hers “I’ll be by your side until the very end, I promise.” still tears streaked her cheeks. “Odin, oh Odin, I…” Odin cut her off with a kiss and she closed her eyes and returned it. His lips were a welcome taste, they slid their tongues into each other’s mouths as the kiss deepened. Their sighs were heard by Jessi who entered the room by mistake. She looked up from her phone and turned beet red at the scene she was watching. Odin broke the kiss and chuckled softly “it seems we have a spectator.”  

    Raven turned “Jessi!” Jessi’s response was snapping a photo of her elder sister who was just as red as she was. “Wait till everyone see this.” Jessi giggled and dashed out of the room. Raven bolted from the couch after her sister “don’t you dare post that anywhere!” Raven chased her sister into the dining room and cornered her “if you post that I swear I’ll give Douglas your number!” Jessi gasped “You wouldn’t dare!” Karla walked into the dining room “what is all the commotion girls?” “Nothing momma!” Jessi answered. Odin entered the room with a sly smile on His face “it seems your girls are fighting over a photo.” He spoke. Karla walked over to them “let me see!” she said, her tone firm. Jessi handed her mother the phone and when she saw the photo she smiled sweetly “how cute! Send this to me, please. My little Erin finally has a boyfriend.” “Ugh, mom really?” Raven protested. “All right, what is all the racket going on!?” Raven’s father said as he entered the room. “Just Erin and her boyfriend making out.” Jessi said teasing. “Actually…” Odin spoke up “I would like to ask Raven something.” A tense quiet fell over the room. Raven turned to Odin, the fluttering in her stomach matched the fluttering in her chest. Odin walked over to her and produced a small black velvet box. “What are You doing?” she asked suspicious. He opened it and inside it, nestled in black silk was a beautiful sliver ring, in the center was a shining ruby that was surrounded by smaller diamonds. “My little bird, will you become my bride?” 

    She looked around the room and saw the shocked faces of her family, then back to Him. Did He just ask to marry her? King of the Aesir, God of War, wisdom and poetry, Who already has other wives, that are not human ask a simple human to marry Him. Was this really all real? It couldn’t be. “I-I don’t know what to say.” Odin retained His smile “say yes, little bird, Erin.” She really did not know what to do. “Did I not promise to stay with you?” She nodded and He took her hand and slid the ring on her finger. Her family cheered as she examined the ring “Alden I-I love You.” her voice broke. He pulled her in close and kissed her. “Oh, I must let everyone know about Erin’s engagement!” Karla exclaimed happily as she ran out of the room. Jessi jokingly made a vomiting gesture at her sister but smiled and mouthed the words “lucky ho” before exiting. Erin’s father patted Odin on the shoulder and asked to speak with Him. Odin waved to Raven before disappearing from the room. Raven stood alone now. None of this felt real to her. Was she really going to marry Him. She needed some time alone, away from here. She headed to the front door; she was stopped by her mother. “And where are you going?”  Raven desperately needed to clear her mind “I just want to go for a walk. I need some time to uh, process this.” Karla smiled “I understand dear, marriage is a big step in life. Take your time.” Raven nodded and headed out the door. 

    The streets looked the same, the sky, the people everything looked just like home, but something felt off. Everything was perfect. Perfect. It was all perfect. She was getting along with her father, her sister graduated from university, her mother was alive, and Odin asked to marry her. Who she was so desperately in love with and promised to stay with her. But something was missing, but what was it? She stopped at a park bench and sat down. She tried to figure out what was missing, it was someone but who? Who was she forgetting? Then a little red fox scampered out from the nearby bushes. It held a red rose in its mouth. They looked at each other and then a name flashed through her head “Loki” she said out loud “Loki!” It was the red-headed trickster and one of her best friends. She stood from the bench and shouted His name. “Loki! Loki where are You!”  The fox dropped the rose at Raven’s feet, and she picked it up. “Odin is here, so Loki isn’t too far behind.” she said to herself. She looked around but nothing. Loki would always come when she shouted for Him, no matter what the situation was He always came. “Loki! Loki! Please, I need You!” She started to feel panic well up inside her. Where was He? She decided to head home, Odin would know where Loki was. 

    When she arrived home, she found Odin waiting at the door for her. “Little bird, you look worried. Are you alright?” She shook her head “No, where is Loki?” Odin’s demeaner changed from calm to annoyed “what do you want with Loki?” She raised an eyebrow Loki has annoyed Odin but never has He ever been annoyed with her asking where the trickster was. She was usually answered with snark never annoyance. “I want to talk to Loki.” Odin came down the steps and placed His hands on her shoulders “You do not need to talk to Loki, He would only further confuse you.” She was adamant about speaking to Loki, she shook her head “No, Loki is one of my best friends, where is He?” Odin narrowed His eye at her and He squeezed her shoulders “I said. You. Do. Not. Need. Him.” His voice low and menacing. This did not feel like Odin. She struggled from His grip and pushed Him away, dropping the rose. “You are not Odin!” she yelled. The same little red fox from before scampered to her feet and pulled on her pant leg with its teeth. She looked down to it “huh?” it was trying to get her to follow it. Odin was furious and grabbed for her arm. “NO!” she yelled and shoved Him away and turned to run. The fox ran in front leading her and she followed. “Raven! Come back!” He shouted after her. She kept running without looking back. 

    She and the fox ran into some tall bushes in a park. She took some time to catch her breath while she did the fox pawed at her leg to get her attention. She knelt to pet the little creature and it let out a concerned yip “oh what’s wrong?” the fox started to tug at her sleeve “you want me to follow you still?” She stood “ok then, lead the way.” the fox trotted out of the bushes and Raven followed it. “Raven!” someone yelled she turned, and it was Odin, or at least it looked like Him. The fox started to bark and yowl, and she started to run, and Odin chased after them. “Raven! Stop, talk to Me!” She ignored His shouts and followed the fox. Then there was a burst of light and Raven stopped, from the light Odin appeared “little bird why do you run from Me?” she shook her head “because You’re not really Odin!” she took a few steps away from Him “I don’t know who or what you are, but you are not Him!” Odin’s expression darkened and He grabbed her arm “ah! Let me go!” she cried as she struggled to break His grip. “Little bird, this is a paradise made just for you. Why are you being so ungrateful?” She stopped struggling and looked at Him wide eyed “paradise?” 

    It was a paradise? Then she remembered Baldr’s explanation of the Tree, the balance between light and shadow. “No, this is not a true paradise! Not without Loki!” Odin’s grip tightened and He yanked her closer to Him “you belong to Me!” He had a vice grip on her and she was not able to break free. Fear was taking over and could not think clearly. Then she heard a familiar voice “hey jerk-face! She told you to let her go!” then the figure that was posing as Odin was struck in the face with a rock. She looked up and saw Loki. “Loki!” she shouted. “No worries, Birdie, I’ll get you outta here!” Odin touched where the rock struck him and felt the blood that had started to trickle. “Fool! I will make you regret that!” Loki scoffed “yeah, yeah whatever. Anyways hand her over or I’m pretty sure you’re gonna regret it!” Odin conjured up a mass of energy in his hand and sent it flying towards Loki. It took the shape of a spear and Loki laughed as He dodged the attack with ease. “Ha! Ya missed Me! You are nowhere near as strong as the real Odin.” He scoffed as He retaliated with His own attack. With the flick of Loki’s wrist, He sent three flaming darts hurling into Odin’s chest forcing him to release Raven. 

    He doubled over and fell to the ground. Raven took that opportunity to make a dash for freedom and ran straight to Loki, who greeted her with open arms. She flung her arms around Loki and sobbed loudly “Loki, Loki! I’m so glad You’re here!” Loki hugged Raven tightly “jeez Birdie, always in trouble.” He whispered teasingly. She buried her head in His chest “I didn’t mean to make You worry.” she said in muffled sobs. He smiled as He stroked her hair “so did you really mean that?” Raven brought her head up to look at Loki, His kind smile was comforting “mean what?” she asked confused “that it’s not a paradise without Me? She hugged Him tighter “of course I mean it! I can’t imagine my life without You in it.” He chuckled “you’re so completely hopeless, aren’t you?” They separated “Loki were You that little fox that tried to get me to follow it?” Loki’s only reply was a sly smile. Raven groaned in playful frustration and rolled her eyes “of course it was You.” 

    “Foolish.” Raven and Loki turned their attention to the voice. It was Odin, he stood and staggered over to the duo “you will stay here, with me! This carefully crafted world is for you!” Raven shook her head “no, this is not a world crafted for me. This world is a lie. I would rather face the truth than live a lie.” “As much as I would love to have a world where I have my mother back, a good relationship with my father, and marry the one man I have ever fell in love with, even if He were a God! I’d rather face my reality!” tears began to well up in her eyes “and I’d rather live in a reality where Loki is here with me!” Raven took the ring off and threw it at the imposter. The figure posing as Odin began to cackle “This world cannot exist as long as the World Breaker stays!” Loki laughed “well then, I suppose we just leave then right Birdie?” Raven nodded in agreement with Loki. Loki put an arm around Raven’s waist and snapped His fingers and they both vanished in smoke leaving an aggravated and thrashing silhouette of “Odin” behind. 

    The pair reappeared in a hallway. Raven broke away from Loki and crouched down near a wall and vomited. “Hey, uh Birdie…you, ok?” Loki asked concerned. He touched her back and she tensed but she was unable to turn as she vomited again. Loki stayed by her side and rubbed her back as she continued to vomit. When she finally finished and sat back on her rear “hey, you ok now?” Loki asked she looked up at and nodded. Loki produced a cloth and handed it to her, she took it from Him, and she wiped her mouth and face. “I think you should take a break for a bit.” She nodded in agreement. There was a short silence then Raven spoke “Loki this place, Yggdrasil, what is it exactly?” Loki sat down next Raven and sighed “well it’s a doorway, a spiritual doorway anyways.” “Like how we use the Bifrost to physically travel, Yggdrasil is spiritual travel.” He scratched His head “technically the only ones that can use it to travel are the Gods and other magical beings.” Raven nodded “that’s what Baldr was explaining to me.” Loki stuck out His tongue at hearing Baldr’s name. “Sometimes humans make it here but never last very long. They either get consumed by light, dragged down by the shadow or they never find their way back.” Raven thought for a moment then spoke up “so then what am I?”  

    Loki did not expect her question and tried to answer, “well I don’t know, what are you?” Raven lightly pushed Loki “You know what I mean, even Baldr said I wasn’t human. I’m not a god and I don’t think I’m anything magical.” There was a pause “well you did come here with Odin did you not?” Loki asked. Raven shrugged “I don’t remember how I got here. I woke up and He was gone.” Loki thought a bit “I guess we’ll have to find Odin then. He’s probably the one with the answers anyways.”  Raven smiled and nodded. Loki stood and helped Raven up and the duo started walking. “Do You know where You’re going?” Loki chuckled “Not a clue, but I have an idea where we might be able to find out where He’s at.” They continued walking until Loki stopped at a door. He reached for the handle and opened it; Raven was apprehensive, but Loki took her by the hand and smiled. She nodded and followed Loki through the door. 

    They were in a what looked like a small hut. Its earthy tones made it feel as if they were underground, inside a mountain or a tree. They entered through another door that opened into a much bigger room. There at the center was a woman sitting next to the hearth with a bowl in her hands. Even without announcing Himself the woman addressed Him without looking up “Loki, You better not be causing trouble!” Loki acted wounded “Oh Angie My love, Your words pierce Me!” Loki’s overdramatic antics made Raven giggle and the woman looked up at her “so I am assuming You are one of His?” Raven was confused by what she meant Loki interrupted “yes she is one of His, sorry Angie.” The woman put aside the bowl and stood. She approached Raven and looked her over then introduced herself “I am Angrboda of the Ironwoods.” Raven did a partial bow “nice to meet you Angrboda.” Angrboda crossed Her arms “so which one are you?” “One of the wolves or Valkyries?” She studied Raven’s features closely “or are you one of the ravens?” Loki stepped in “Raven doesn’t actually know…” and Loki’s voice went low. Raven tried to hear what was being said but couldn’t. “Hey! You know I’m right here right!” Raven said raising her voice a little. Loki turned “yes but this is not for you to hear, at least not yet.” Raven was growing annoyed at all the secrecy. 

    “Please just help me understand what is going on!” both Loki and Angrboda turned to Raven and Angrboda was the first to speak “Only that foolish One-Eye knows what is truly going on.” She put her hands on Her hips “and He’s such a pain for anyone He has ever met.” She sighed “But Loki says you are looking for Him for answers.” Raven went on to explain what happened. How she and Odin laid together, the party, the monster, Baldr and Nanna, and the so called “paradise”. Angrboda took a few moments to go over what She was told. She pulled Loki aside and in a low voice “she’s one of His, and it seems she is…” Loki cut Angrboda off “yes, she is, she’s Munin. Look Ange, I know it’s not Hel, or Fen or Jourm. I’m still looking…” Loki was cut off by Angrboda yanking on one of His braids and He yelped “that’s not why I’m concerned! If she is His, then He is likely looking for her and I don’t want Him here!” Angrboda let go of Loki’s hair and He rubbed His head “yeesh, sorry Angie.”  

    Raven touched Loki’s shoulder and He turned “please no more secrets! I need to know what is going on!” Her expression was a somber one, her eyes were filled with such sadness that Loki found it hard to ignore her. He audibly groaned “dang it, Birdie! I can’t when you make that face!” Raven looked away; He scratched the back of His head “we were hoping You would know where to find Odin.” Angrboda sighed and rubbed Her temples “You are lucky I love You. Give Me some time alone and I will see if I am able to track that fool down.” Angrboda disappeared into another room to work. “Is She going to help us?” Raven asked curiously Loki nodded “yeah, we just need to wait a while.” Raven walked around the small room examining anything that looked interesting to her. “You really don’t know anything do you?” Loki suddenly asked. Without looking at Him “no. Everyone has been keeping secrets from me.” she picked up a small stone from a table “I hear whispers, but I can’t prove anything. Nothing has made sense ever since I met Odin and You.” She rolled the smooth stone in her hands as she continued speaking “talks of trees and paradise and portals” her voice trailed off and she sighed.  

    Loki took Raven from behind and rested His chin on her head “look I know things have been crazy, but I promise things will make sense soon.” She put the stone back on the table “who is Munin?” Loki froze “well…” “Don’t lie, please Loki, don’t lie to me.” Raven pleaded in a soft tone. Loki let go of her “you, you are Munin.” Raven turned to Him; confusion was spread across her face. “Me? I don’t understand.” Loki guided Raven to a small chair and sat her down and rubbed His face roughly with one hand. “Ok, you are one of Odin’s ravens reincarnated into human form, that’s the short of it.” Raven stared at Loki in disbelief. “I’m a raven reincarnated?” She stopped to think about this revelation. Then spoke “what!?” “Do You know how insane that sounds?” Raven said. “Look, look I know it might be hard for you to believe but you really are Munin.” Raven stood up from the chair “but then why does He treat me like I’m His lover or something.” she was now exasperated. “Because the old fool most likely fell in love with you, that’s why.” Angrboda said as She walked into the room and crossed Her arms “He probably did not plan on you being a human woman let alone become so close to one.” She raised an eyebrow “but it also seems that the feelings are mutual.”  

    Raven blushed “I-I-I’m not sure yet, I think I’m in love with Him…” Angrboda chuckled “does not matter to Me, I found your old fool.” Raven’s face lit up “You did!?” Angrboda frowned “I have, I will open a portal for you to go to Him. Take Loki with you.” Raven rushed over and gave Angrboda a hug and this caught the witch off guard “wha-what, why?” She stuttered out “thank you!” Raven exclaimed. Angrboda pushed Raven off “yes well, you’re welcome.” She said looking away. Loki stood back and watched the whole exchange and was giggling. Angrboda pointed at the door and chanted something foreign that sounded familiar to Raven “there when you go through that door, you will be taken to Him.” Loki walked over to the door “well Birdie what are you waiting for?” Raven smiled at Angrboda and thanked Her again and rushed to Loki’s side. He opened the door and the pair stepped inside and disappeared. “That kind idiot, what am I to do with Him?” Angrboda said quietly to Herself as she smiled. 

    Raven and Loki found themselves in an elaborate hall. It was decorated lavishly with fancy modern furniture and golden accents. Loki scoffed then laughed at His surroundings “sheesh and everybody talks about Me, being gaudy and over the top.” Raven looked around in amazement. She had never seen anything like this before. The entire hall looked so beautiful to her “wow everything is so fancy!” she said admiring a beautiful statue of a nude person. “Yeah well, Grim must be bored or something, I mean who comes up with this ridiculousness?” Loki said annoyed as He kicked the leg of a nearby table. While the pair were exploring the hall a humming started to fill the hall. Raven froze, she knew who that was! She took off running in the direction of the melody. “Hey, hey Rave, where are you going!?” Loki called out but Raven did not hear Him. She pushed through the door at the end of the hall and was met by a wonderous sight. She stood at a cliff edge that overlooked the sea. The sky was a navy, and full of bright twinkling stars that surrounded the full moon like a glittering ocean. She looked around and found that the hall was surrounded by trees that had beautiful purple flowers hanging from their branches. She walked over to one of the trees and reached up and touched one of the hanging bunches “are these wisteria trees?” She had only seen them in books and on the internet and she had fallen in love with them. This was impossible it had to be. 

    She started to wander, and the humming picked up again she followed it and it led her to a wisteria tree lined path. There were lanterns burning that illuminated the path so that she could continue. She walked down the path following the melody that was getting louder. “Finally!” she thought to herself. She finally came to the end of the path and was now standing front of a beautiful flower adorned gazebo. From its roof more wisteria flowers hung, In the center of the gazebo on a white plush bench sat Odin. One leg over the other and book in His lap. “Odin is that You?” she asked as her voice quivered. He looked up from His book and smiled. She knew that smile there was no mistaking it, it really was Him! She rushed to Him and threw her arms around Him and cried “Odin, Odin I finally found You!” she buried her face in His chest. He said nothing and brought her on to His lap and held her. Loki finally caught up and saw the scene in the gazebo and He sighed “I guess I’ll leave them be.” before He left, He caught Odin’s eye and Odin mouthed something and Loki chuckled and rolled His eyes and vanished. 

    Odin stroked Raven’s hair as He held her after a few moments He spoke “little bird, you finally came, I’ve been waiting for you.” Raven looked to Him, her face soaked with tears “what, what do You mean, waiting?” she asked. He kept His smile “I wanted to see how you would fare handling Yggdrasil’s perils.” This sent a tinge of anger through her, and she shot up from His lap “perils!? Do You know what I went through!” “I do.” He said without His smile fading “and you did well My little bird.” Anger was starting to boil in her stomach “so You saw everything that happened!? You saw the monster, the false you!? I thought You abandoned me!” Tears began to swell up in her eyes again and fall “I-I-I can’t believe You would just watch!” Odin’s expression remained unchanged “that monster! It looked like You and that imposter! He asked me to marry him!” Raven became hysterical and started to shake as she remembered each scenario. “But you saw through both of them, did you not?” Odin asked. Raven was unable to answer a lump had formed in her throat and her shaking would not stop. Odin spoke again “I did not let danger befall you. I was the one Who made sure that you would open Baldr’s door. I sent Loki to watch you and retrieve you when the imposter went too far.” Odin stood and pulled her into a loving embrace. 

    “My little bird, I was still with you.” He began to stroke her hair “you need to learn to navigate Yggdrasil, this will become an important place for you soon.” Raven continued to cry and let herself fall and Odin fell with her. He rocked her as she let all her tears flow. She needed this release and He let her. He hummed that same melody that she had been following. She lifted her head “that-that melody that’s the one I’ve been following.” she went silent for a moment then spoke again “how far were You from me?” she gripped Odin tightly afraid to let go. “Never very far.” He said gently. She buried her face in His chest again. Thoughts rushed through her mind “He is real, right?” “He won’t turn into a monster, will He?” “I just want to be with Him, please just let me stay at His side.” “I want, to say…I want to say.” her thoughts were interrupted by Odin moving His hands from her hair down to her waist. “Little bird, Raven, My Raven. What do you want to say?” She looked up at Him and blushed “did, did He…can He hear…?” He smiled “Yes, I can hear what you are thinking.” He shifted His weight to a sitting position and brought Raven into His lap again. “This is not only My room, but yours as well.” He brushed some loose strands of hair from her face “this room reflects My mind and heart as it can reflect yours.”  

    “I don’t understand.” she said. Odin kissed her forehead “as you know, no human can explore Yggdrasil. Yggdrasil will use your mind and heart to consume you. Either destroy you or trap you. In the end you become a part of the Tree either way.” He continued to explain further “The only ones that are able to explore and use Yggdrasil’s rooms are Us gods, spirits, and other otherworldly beings. Humans, even powerful ones, the ones that are or claim Shaman or Witch fall victim to Yggdrasil, none have ever returned to their bodies.” Raven spoke up with a question “so what is the Tree’s purpose?” Odin retained His smile “It is a portal and place of respite for us. Our hearts and mind. We can even use Yggdrasil to visit other beings or even humans that want to communicate with us using mediation or other means of spiritual communication.” Raven spoke up again “wait, but You walk around all the time in the open, so does Loki, why use the Tree?” He chuckled “true, but We are both in disguise and no human knows it is us. We interact as if We are human as well.” He sighed “and not every human has a belief in Us. Asgard is no place for Us anymore, so many of my fellow Deities live among the humans until the cycle happens again.”  

    “Cycle? What do You mean by that?” she asked. Odin paused for a moment and Raven swore she saw hesitation; she had never seen Him hesitate before. He chuckled softly “Ragnarök, My little bird. The end of the gods.” Raven stared wide-eyed at Him “no, the end of You? The end of Loki too?” she said her voice quivered He nodded “yes, Our end, but not for good. It is a cycle that repeats itself. We are all reincarnated again…” He paused and softly stroked her chin “…but some are reborn without memories.” Raven could feel herself wanting to explode, all manner of emotion surged through her, she didn’t know if she wanted to yell, cry, scream or slap Him “why, why did You keep something like that from me? What else have You not told me?” “Do you wish to know Raven? What you really are?” She nodded “yes! I want to know; I need to know! I overheard Loki and Angrboda speaking but I couldn’t make out all of it.” Odin raised an eyebrow “Angrboda? Loki was with Her?” Raven was worried that Loki might get into trouble and tried to think of some other explanation to give. “Well sort of but…” she was interrupted “little bird do not lie to Me, I will not lie to you.” She cast her eyes downward and sighed “Loki asked Angrboda to help Him find You, because You wandered off. I promise that was all He did!” “I see, the cycle must be setting in motion again.” Odin sounded grim and His expression equally so. 

   “I still want to stay with You! I don’t care about a cycle or whatever I’m supposed to be, I just know I want to be with You. Odin I…” Odin cut her off with a kiss, a deep and passionate one. She was caught so off-guard by it that she just let Him take command. She simply followed Him. They broke apart and she forgot was she wanted to say. His eye was so hypnotic that she felt as if she would be swallowed by it. She tried to look away from Him but couldn’t “Odin, I’m in love with You and I…” Odin interrupted her again “little bird I think it is time for us to return to our physical bodies.” She jerked in surprise “um, ok. But I have more questions, I want answers.” Odin smiled “and you will have them just not now. I will answer whatever you want me to when we return.” He caressed her cheek softly and leaned into her ear and whispered something she wasn’t able to comprehend. The world around her became blurry and then darkness overtook her. 

    She awoke in her own bed. The room’s ceiling came into view, and she sat bolt upright and looked around the room. “Was it a dream or was I really with Him in Yggdrasil?” she got out of bed and went over to the window and looked out, the sun was setting over the autumn scenery. She saw an unusually large crow perch itself in the tree outside the window. She had an odd feeling and opened her window. The crow flew inside, and she ducked “little bird.” she heard a voice say, she turned quickly and saw Him standing in her room. “Odin!” she exclaimed and ran to Him and threw her arms around Him in a tight hug. “Please, tell me that it was all just some weird dream!?” Odin chuckled “I promised to answer your questions.” He paused “and I promised that I would never abandon you.” Her eyes went wide “so, it wasn’t a dream then?” He shook His head “no, it was not.” She let go of Him and when she did, He pulled her in close by her waist “how about we enjoy the night together? I will answer all your questions in the morning.” He led her to the bed and laid her down on it. He leaned over her, gazing into her wine-colored eyes, how He wanted so much to just take her away and keep her for Himself. Raven finally had enough “love me already, I can’t fight it anymore.” and she pulled Odin down on her. Their two bodies intertwined and turned into a passionate night between human and deity. 

The Christmas Pug

/ lunarianraven / 1 Comment

Loki dashed from the bar with a smug and gleeful grin spread across His face, as a mob of angry people chased Him into the street. The night was cold, and a light snow began to fall, Loki looked down at a small animal that had clung to His side. He picked it up without looking and held it close to Him. The creature’s coarse gray fur brushed against Loki’s arm making Him look down. He held a ratty and tired looking raccoon. “Hey, you!” a deep burly voice shouted making Loki look up “don’t you ever come back here, ya hear!” the voice belonged to a large, bearded man wearing a leather vest and dark colored jeans. He was very clearly angry as he launched an assault of foul language at Loki and the raccoon. A smaller and lanky, greasy looking man walked out from behind the large man, the front of his shirt was covered in blood, and he held his nose. “If I ever see you or that disease riddled thing again, I’ll kill ya both!” the big man shouted as he helped the smaller man back inside the bar, and the mob followed them back inside. 

    Loki shrugged and held up the raccoon “so, my little friend you hungry?” He asked the raccoon. The raccoon made a weak, agreeing chittering noise. Loki knelt and put the raccoon down and took the backpack He wore and placed on the ground and opened it. “Ok, uh…well you need a name.” Loki stroked His chin for a moment while studying His new friend. “Ah! Liam! You definitely look like a Liam to me!” The raccoon made a cheerful chittering noise and climbed into the backpack. “Good.” Loki said contently as He slid the backpack back over His shoulder. The night was cold, and the snowfall that had started, became heavier. The cold did not bother Loki much, but He was more worried about His new little friend, so He hurried on to find a safe place away from prying eyes so that He could return home. He eventually settled on a nearby public restroom. Loki darted inside and surveyed the small structure and finally slid into a stall and closed the door. Loki pulled the backpack around in front of Him and held it close to His chest “ok Liam, ready to meet your new family?” He said giddily. Loki and Liam disappeared in a puff of colorful smoke leaving behind a spray of glittery particles. 

    Loki and Liam arrived in Asgard, and Loki was greeted by the smiling face of one of His wives, Sigyn. She was beautifully dressed in a white and light pink dress, Her long dark hair was braided and set with a delicate white ribbon and Her bangs framed Her slender face just so, that it hid the sides of Her face. Her dark eyes glowed with both relief and concern. “Loki!” She exclaimed “You’ve finally returned, I was worried when You suddenly vanished without notice.” Loki smiled and walked over to Sigyn and planted a gentle kiss on Her forehead, that made the worried Goddess let out a happy sigh. “Sorry Siggy, I had some business on Midgard again, actually I still do.” Loki explained. Sigyn noticed the backpack and raised an eyebrow, She pointed to the pack and as She did two little black ears popped up. “Loki, You brought another animal home, didn’t You?” Loki’s expression was an exaggerated offended one. He grinned “maybe I did.” He answered. Sigyn crossed Her arms and Her smile faded “You know how He gets when You bring animals home from Midgard. Do you remember the llama incident?” Loki snickered “aw come on! Jessi is a good little llama. It’s Thor’s fault that those mushrooms weren’t better stored.” He retorted. 

    Sigyn rubbed Her temple with one hand and shook Her head “I’m just worried about how…” Loki interrupted Her “You mean old One Eye? Ah, don’t worry about Him. I’m taking Liam to Angie.” Loki set the backpack down and the raccoon climbed out of it and sat at Sigyn’s feet, looking up at Her with big innocent eyes. Sigyn smiled and knelt to pet the raccoon. “He is cute though. What is his story?” She asked. Loki knelt as well “found the little guy raiding a bin out back behind a bar. Some guy was going to hit him with a bat, so I stepped in.” He explained. Sigyn reached into a nearby basket and took a shiny red apple and handed it to the hungry little creature. The raccoon took it quickly and began to hastily chew on the fruit. The pair watched as Liam devoured the apple leaving only a small part of the core. Sigyn stood “so, You still have business in Midgard, You said.” She asked. Loki stood and nodded “yeah, it’s getting closer to the human’s holidays and said humans are asking for more favors, more prayers.” Sigyn walked over and embraced Her beloved “You always have to help those in need, don’t you?” She said softly “if only everyone could see the good You do.” Loki returned the embrace “eh, no need for anyone to have to see, I do because I want to.” He said quietly with a sad smile. 

    They broke the embrace and Liam scampered over to Loki and climbed up the God’s leg and made its way to Loki’s shoulder and perched itself there. Loki smiled and patted His companion’s head and Sigyn giggled. “I better get over to Angie’s and drop my new buddy off.” Loki said. A booming voice echoed around Them “Loki! You have returned at last!” The booming voice belonged to none other than The God of Thunder Himself: Thor. Liam screeched fearfully and jumped from Loki’s shoulder and into Sigyn’s arms. Thor approached Loki and slapped Him on the back roughly but playfully nearly knocking Loki over. “Loki! You still owe Me a few drinks! Come, come to the Hall with Me!” Thor was a very large and burly god. His autumn hair was cropped short and smoothed back, His long beard was braided and had golden beads woven throughout it. His bright blue eyes shined with pride and confidence. He noticed Sigyn standing nearby and greeted Her loudly and cheerfully “Lady Sigyn! How nice to see You!” Sigyn bowed Her head a bit with a small smile. Loki looked up to His friend with an annoyed smile. “Thor, yeah…those drinks are gonna have to wait I…” Loki was interrupted by Thor “nonsense!” He bellowed as He scooped up Loki and flung Loki over His shoulder. Sigyn waved and laughed softly as She watched Thor lumber off with Loki slung over His shoulder. Liam chittered sadly as Sigyn cradled the little raccoon in Her arms. 

   “Hey, big guy, I really appreciate You wanting to drink with Me and all, but I really need to get going.” Loki argued. Thor let out a deep jolly laugh “Jol is round the corner and the humans…” Loki cut Thor off midsentence “Exactly! Jol, Yule, and even Christmas! The humans have been needing more help this year than ever!” Thor stopped and set Loki down and crossed His arms “This isn’t You trying to get out of what You owe?” Thor said gruffly. Loki brushed Himself off “No it’s not, I promise.” Loki answered without looking at the large god. Thor pondered a bit then answered “Very well Loki. Go, do what You need to.” Loki looked up at Thor thoroughly surprised by His answer. It was not every day the Thunder God would let others walk away when there was mead involved. “Wow really!?” Loki said in shock. Thor waved His hand “You have a point Loki. The humans have been struggling more than usual this year. Go now.” Loki smiled and nodded “Thanks buddy. I owe You double.” Loki saluted Thor with one finger, and He vanished in a colorful puff of smoke leaving Thor standing alone. 

    Loki reappeared in the same city He picked Liam the raccoon up. Loki looked around the dark and lonely streets. The sidewalks were covered with a blanket of snow and a light breeze began to stir. Loki decided He needed to blend in with the season and weather. He snapped His fingers and was dressed in a heavy brown leather, wool lined coat, thick heavy pants and some black boots that came up to His knees. His long ombre flame hair was tied in a low ponytail, and He wore a bright red and green festive wool beanie hat. He looked down at His bare hands. “Probably should do something about that…” He muttered to Himself. He shook His hands and some dark gloves appeared on both hands. He stuffed His hands into His coat pockets and felt something in them “what the fu…” He moved His hand and a little brown head popped up and looked up at Him. It was a squirrel! “Dee! What are you doing in there!?” Dee the squirrel squeaked happily and climbed from His pocket and sat on His shoulder. The squirrel pawed at Loki’s face. He patted Dee’s head with one finger. “Well, you can hang for a while, but I’ll have to take you back ok.” Dee’s head bobbed in agreement. 

    Loki chuckled and started walking down the sidewalk. He grumbled in disappointment at the dark and not-very-festive buildings and homes. Loki had been all over the world and even some of the smallest and poorest towns had some kind of life, some sort of festivity, even during the worst of times, but this place was devoid of it. He wondered what had made this town just give up on the approaching holidays. Some cars had passed Him and He passed some people, who all had the look of sadness and anxiety darkening their faces. A homeless man sitting on a corner, dressed in dirty clothing had stopped Him asking for some change. Loki stopped and reached into His pocket and tapped His fingers together and made a ten-dollar bill appear in His hand. He pulled it out and handed it to the man. The homeless man exclaimed happily. Loki smiled and nodded and continued to walk. He felt a hand on His shoulder and turned quickly. It was the homeless man “my boy I have something else to ask of you.” the man held something wrapped in a tattered gray blanket, Dee scampered into one of the pockets and hid. Loki cocked His head to the side “what do you want to ask?” the god said. The man held the blanket out to Loki “son, please take this little dog. I can’t take care of it anymore.” Loki was confused and took the tattered blanket into His arms. He looked down at it and heard a snort. “Does it belong to you, old man?” Loki asked. The man shook his head “no, I found it a few days ago wandering around alone.” Loki shrugged and agreed to take the animal. The man looked happy and went back to his corner and waved to Loki. 

    Loki started walking again, He moved a part of the blanket and revealed a small pushed in face and big dark eyes staring back at Him. Dee had climbed from the pocket and was perched on Loki’s shoulder. “Well Dee, looks like we have a new member of the family now!” Loki said smiling. He stopped and knelt and placed the dog on the ground. The little black dog slowly shambled out of the blanket and turned and sat staring up at Loki. He recognized the pushed in face and smiled “well, it’s another pug!” He said happily. The little pug was pure black, and the tail curled but seemed a tad limp, its ears drooped as if it were sad. Loki gave the little pug some scratches behind its ears. He noticed a purple and white tie-dye collar around the pug’s neck, and from the collar hung a heart shaped tag. Loki looked closer at the tag and the name “Charlie” was engraved on it. He turned the tag over but there was nothing else engraved on it. No other information. “Charlie, huh. You obviously belong to someone. Wonder who though.” Loki said to Himself. The wind picked up and Charlie tried to snuggle around Loki’s legs for warmth. “Yeah, I think it’s time to head home, for now.” “I can’t finish what I need to do with you and Dee hanging around.” Loki looked around and seen no one, He picked up Charlie, stood and vanished. 

    Loki, Dee, and Charlie arrived in Asgard, the sun had set and there was no one around except for whatever nocturnal creatures were stalking the night. Loki decided to head to Angrboda’s home in the Ironwood. Loki and His companions vanished once more. They arrived in front of Angrboda’s home. Her home was nestled inside a huge tree trunk, that blended in with its surroundings. Loki approached the door and it opened before He could knock. There in the doorway stood Angrboda. She greeted Loki and His furry companions and let them inside. She closed the door be them. Loki sat Charlie down and Dee scampered away. “Ah, Angie! My favorite, beautiful sorceress!” Angrboda pointed at Loki “Don’t go and try to flatter Me!” She said sternly. Loki put His hands up in playful surrender “I’m not, I swear, You really are My favorite sorceress!” He exclaimed. Angrboda shook her head “You really must do something about all these animals!” She exclaimed and motioned to the plethora of animals wandering around them. Loki smiled and knelt to pet a small turtle. “Aw, Angie they have no place to go.” Angrboda crossed Her arms and sighed “I don’t mind looking after them, but I am running out of room!” Loki looked up at a frustrated sorceress, He stood and walked over to the hearth. He stared into the fire pondering a way to help Angrboda and the animals. Charlie began to explore her surroundings; she sniffed the turtle and it popped inside its shell. She left it alone and continued to explore.   

    Charlie wandered down a hallway and sniffed at a door that was slightly ajar. Another nose sniffed back at her, and this made Charlie stagger back and growl. Another dog walked from the opening. A very tired looking basset hound. It walked slowly to Charlie and sniffed her, and Charlie sniffed back. They began to sniff each other. “Ah, Marley there you are!” Loki said happily as He walked down the hall towards the dogs. Loki scooped up Marley in His arms and held her. The hound gave Loki a dozen face licks and even accidently sticking her tongue up His nose. Loki laughed and set Marley down and the dog walked back over to Charlie. Loki smiled down at the pair “Ha, Charlie looks like you found a new friend!” He said cheerfully. Charlie snorted and started to walk away, and Marley followed her. He heard a commotion in another room and went to investigate. He was met with a most ridiculous sight, His son Fenrir and Angrboda were chasing a bright pink flamingo around the room. The flamingo was making such a sound that even Loki cringed. The wolf tried to get on top of the bird to try and hold it down, but the bird would kick and bite at Him. Angrboda held a rope in Her hands trying to tie the creature down. Loki laughed until tears had streamed down His cheeks. Fenrir stopped and looked at His father and growled. 

    Loki stopped laughing “So, uh You two need help?” He offered still grinning. Fenrir stomped His front paws, and a black smoke surrounded the wolf. When the smoke dissipated a tall and well-built young man with long dark hair and bright green eyes dressed in a tattered dark green robe was standing in place of the black wolf. Fenrir pointed and angrily shouted at His father “do something with that thing or I eat it!” Loki chuckled and walked over to His son and patted Fenrir’s shoulder “I got it, don’t worry.” Angrboda handed Loki the rope and He shook His head “don’t need it.” “Janie! Oh Janie! Come here.” He cooed sweetly at the bird. Angrboda crossed Her arms and was angry at the mess in Her home. The flamingo looked up at Loki and walked over to Him and nuzzled Him under His chin. Loki grinned mischievously at His family “see didn’t need the rope.” Fenrir rolled His eyes and took a seat on a nearby stool. The bird followed Loki around the home. Angrboda sat in a chair and had a stern look on Her face. Charlie and Marley came trotting into the room and sat at Angrboda’s feet. She stared down at the little black pug and sighed “I suppose you are staying here with us then?” The pug snorted and laid down. Marley slowly walked over to Fenrir and plopped down at His feet. Loki took the flamingo into a back room and got the bird settled down. 

    He came out from the room and returned to His wife and son. Angrboda spoke first “Loki, I’m serious about the animals, I am out of room.” Loki sighed “I know I know; I just don’t know what to do yet.” He said sadly taking a seat on the floor. Charlie got up and walked over to Loki and made herself comfy in His lap. Loki petted her as He pondered what to do. Loki looked down at Charlie and sighed again. Fenrir noted the collar on the pug “well she belongs to someone.” Loki looked up to His son and Fenrir continued “don’t humans usually put collars on animals they own, especially dogs.” Loki nodded “they do, usually.” Loki paused a moment “Charlie, are you looking for your human?” The pug looked up at Loki and barked. “You want to go home, don’t you?” Loki asked and the pug stood up and began to pull on His pant leg. Fenrir nodded “yep looks like the dog wants to go home.” Angrboda smiled “Loki, why don’t you take her home?” Loki nodded “yeah, I could, if I knew who her humans were.” “What do you mean?” She asked, “Some old guy gave her to Me, and he said she wasn’t his.” Loki explained.  

    “So, somebody abandoned her?” Fenrir asked. Loki shrugged “I’m not sure.” “Well one thing is for sure Charlie has a home somewhere. Her humans probably miss her.” Angrboda said as She stood. Loki moved Charlie off His lap and stood up and scratched the back of His head “yeah, You’re probably right Angie.”. “Aren’t the human’s winter holidays coming up? Christmas or something? The humans are always busy this time of year.” Fenrir added. “Yeah, You’re right Fen. I bet her family is worried sick about her.” Loki said as He scooped little Charlie up “well I guess it is time to get you home.” The pug snorted happily in His arms. Loki and Charlie vanished in a puff of smoke. Angrboda and Fenrir looked at one another and both mother and son shook their heads. Loki and Charlie reappeared in the same gloomy town He found her. He dawned His winter clothing disguise and began to make His way back to the corner where He found the old man. When they reached there the old man was gone, all that was left was some litter. “Dang it.” Loki said. The sun was just rising and peeking past some buildings. Loki walked further until He reached a park. There were some people strolling around the park and some children playing in the snow. He approached an adult couple who were standing near a large tree “Hiya, do either of you know if anyone is missing a dog?” Loki asked them. The couple turned their attention to Loki, both men shrugged, Loki looked disappointed. Seeing this the shorter man, wearing a gold sweater spoke up “Eh, I haven’t seen any posters put up. Have you James?” The man he called James was taller of the two and was wearing a denim jacket and a white turtleneck and a red and gold scarf that hung loosely around his neck. “Nah, haven’t seen or heard anything. Sorry.” Loki sighed and started to walk away when the shorter man spoke “That dog though, was it with an old homeless dude?” Loki stopped and turned around quickly “Yes! He gave me Charlie because he was unable to take care of her.” 

    James snapped his fingers as if he remembered something “Oh, yeah! That’s old man Walter!” Loki was now full of hope “Old man Walter?” Loki asked. James nodded “yeah, Walter always hangs around the grocery on 10th street right Mark?” James said looking to his partner. Mark nodded “yeah, he’s usually down there around this time, the manager is one of the few kind people around here, she gives Walter whatever food they’re about to toss out.” Loki was excited about this new information; He thanked the couple for their help and dashed off looking for the grocer on 10th street. James looked at his partner “Uh, you think we should have given that guy directions?” he asked. Mark shrugged “he looked like he was in a hurry. I’m sure he’ll find it.” 

    Loki wandered around the small town looking for any sign that had “10th Street” on it and was getting hopelessly lost. He held Charlie close to Him as he continued to wander “Ugh, how is such a small town so big?” He asked looking down at Charlie, she snorted happily and tried to wiggle herself out of His arms. Loki stopped “hey! What are you doing Charlie!” He exclaimed. Charlie was eager to free herself. Loki figured maybe she just needed some exercise, so He put her on the ground and Charlie dashed off. This had caught Loki off guard, and He ran off after her. “Charlie! Come back!” Loki yelled after the excited pug. Charlie made a sudden stop and when Loki caught up to her, He nearly tripped over her. He followed Charlie’s gaze to what looked like a small grocery store. Loki looked up at the sign and it read “10th Street Greene Grocer” Loki picked up Charlie and hugged her “Charlie! You are an amazing little dog!” Charlie yipped and snorted happily and licked Loki’s face. Loki peered into the large, decorated window and spotted an old man talking to a younger man, who looked annoyed. 

    Loki decided to go inside. A bell rang as Loki entered the small store. The young man looked in Loki’s direction and scowled and pointed at Him “Oh no! No, out! Get out! No filthy dogs allowed!” the man shouted. Loki looked down at Charlie and shrugged “I’m just looking for a guy named Walter.” The young man shook his head I don’t care if you’re looking for the president, get that mangy thing out of here!” The young man worked there; he wore a light blue shirt under a white apron that had the shop’s name printed on front, blue pants and a white cap with the shop logo on it. “Oh, come now Ralphie, leave the boy alone.” The old man spoke up. Loki snickered “Ralphie?” “It’s Ralph!” he shouted. Other customers were now staring at the commotion surrounding Loki, Ralph, and Walter. Walter walked over to Loki and put his hand on the god’s shoulder. “Young man, what are you doing here?” Walter asked. As Loki began to answer a woman appeared from a nearby door, she looked angry. “Ralph! What did I tell you about harassing customers and Walter!?” “Get back to work!” Ralph went back to his duties grumbling. She was tall and slightly overweight. She had her dirty blond hair tied up into a bun that sat on top of her head, her light-colored button top had scant stains, and her dark jeans matched her sneakers. She walked with a limp and had a pair of crutches to help support her. She approached the trio as fast as she was able. 

    She smiled at Walter and Loki “I apologize for my employee’s behavior. Walter, you are welcome here anytime.” She looked to Loki and then to Charlie “And you are just here to speak to Walter?” she asked. Loki nodded “yes I just wanted to speak to him about this.” He said holding Charlie up. Charlie barked and the woman laughed. “Ah, yes I remember Charlie.” she said as she patted the pug’s head. “My name is Francine Greene, and I am owner of this small grocery.” She held out a hand to Loki, He shifted Charlie under His arm and shook Francine’s hand. Loki returned the smile “you can call me Red.” Francine nodded “so Red what do you need with Walter here?” she asked Loki turned to Walter “I just want to know where you found Charlie.” The old man scratched his beard pondering “Hmm, let’s see I believe I found her wandering around the old quarry.” Francine took a seat on some stacked up pallets nearby “say Walter if you found her near the quarry, maybe she was just dumped there.” she said frankly. Walter nodded in agreement “yes, yes you’re probably right Fanny.”  

   “Wait, you mean somebody abandoned her!” Loki exclaimed Francine spoke up “yes, that’s the most likely case. People in this town dump their unwanted pets and on some occasion children there.” “It is such a common occurrence that police check the quarry every day.” Loki’s mouth dropped “I mean ok, I know humans do a lot of messed up stuff. I see it all the time, but it’s that common here!?” Loki shook His head sadly. “Son, why are you back here with Charlie anyhow?” Walter asked Loki sighed “I can’t keep her, she wants her owners, so I’m looking for them.” Walter smiled “you’ve a good heart son, but she was at that quarry, chances are her owners no longer want her.” Francine stood up from the pallets “do you need any food for Charlie, Red?” she asked. Loki thought a moment and looked down at the happy face of His pug companion. “Well, I’m sure she’s hungry.” Francine called for Ralph, and he came over “Ralph, go tell Lenny to bring a small bag of kibble, would you please.”  Ralph grumbled as he went to go do as he was told. 

    Loki shoved His hand into His pocket and tapped His fingers together producing a few bills. As He went to pull out the money Francine stopped Him. “No, no, Red. The kibble is on the house.” Loki was caught off guard by her act of charity. Loki smiled “I had heard how you are one of the kindest people here.” Francine chuckled “well it is the Christmas season, and the world can do with more kindness.” Walter agreed. “Here ya are ma’am” a large man said from behind Francine. He stood there with a small bag of kibble in his hands. “Thank you, Lenny. You can give it over to our friend Red here.” she said motioning to Loki. Lenny brought the bag to Loki, and He took it and Lenny returned to his work. “Thanks again Francine, Walter. I’ll get Charlie here fed and then maybe check out the quarry.”  Loki said. “Well, alright, you be careful, ok hon.” Francine said smiling. Walter just nodded a wordless goodbye. Loki left the shop and went to look for a spot where He could feed Charlie. He walked past multiple shops, admiring the very few Christmas displays in the windows. He eventually found a small park with a single stone bench. It looked like a nice spot to stop and feed Charlie. He took a seat and sat Charlie down on the cold grass. He ripped open the bag of kibble and poured a small pile out for her. Charlie snorted happily as she started to gobble down the food. Loki was amused at the sounds she made while eating.  

    Loki looked around at His surroundings, for some reason this town gave off a strange vibe. Usually most human cities and towns were bustling with shoppers during this time of year. He knew many of His followers were celebrating either Christmas, Yule, Jol and even other holidays like Chanukah, or whatever else humans thought up. He had received so many prayers and cries for help and He would usually be able to pinpoint any followers or devotees, but there were none here. Charlie finished up her food and barked at Loki. Loki looked down at His companion and he smiled. “So, you’re finished huh?” Charlie ran in circles yelping and snorting happily. Loki got up from His seat and chased the pug around the small park. He was enjoying Himself, and Charlie seemed to be having fun too. 

    The two friends continued to play until a woman’s voice made Loki stop. “Excuse me, excuse me!” Loki turned His attention to the voice. A young woman dressed in a fancy looking pantsuit and holding an equally expensive purse. She dawned a white fur coat, she had long blonde hair that was tied in a high ponytail. She wore bright red lipstick. Her eyes were a cold ice blue. Loki answered her “do you need something?” The woman walked over to Loki and Charlie darted behind Loki’s legs and hid. “That dog you have there, she belongs to my husband.” Loki raised an eyebrow; He was highly suspicious of her. “Belongs to your husband?” He said with a hint doubt. The woman nodded “yes! We have been looking for Charlie all over!” she exclaimed excitedly. Loki looked down at Charlie who was still hiding behind His legs. “Where’s your husband?” The woman chuckled “I’m sorry I should have introduced myself first. My name is Anna Knightly, wife to Keith Knightly.” Loki shrugged “I have no idea who that is.” Loki said flatly. He could tell she was artificial, nothing about her was sincere. The woman gasped in shock “You do not know who Keith Knightly is!? He is the richest man in this town! His family built this town!” she exclaimed.  

    Loki shrugged “doesn’t look like the residents are so happy here.” He said flatly. Anna wrinkled her nose. “Well anyway, please hand over Charlie.” she said. Loki shook His head “yeah, I don’t think so. If your hubby were here, then I might consider handing her over.” Loki responded. Loki picked up Charlie. “Charlie, do you want to go home this Mrs. Knightly?” He asked the pug. Charlie growled and barked at Anna. Loki looked back to Anna and said “guess that’s a no.” “Surely you are joking. It’s a dog.” Anna said annoyed. Loki’s face darkened “she’s not an “it”. Her name is Charlie.” Anna was becoming angry now “listen, I don’t know what lowlife, nobody you are but you are speaking to someone with worth. Now give me the damn dog!” she ordered. “No…” Loki said sternly. Anna took out her cell phone and started to tap numbers. Faster that a flickering flame, Loki rushed past her and took her phone from her hand. Anna was dumbfounded at what just happened. Loki held up her phone “you’re not calling anyone.” He turned and threw her phone. Anna screamed as she ran for it. “I’ll sue you for this!” Loki chuckled as he watched the woman disappear. Loki had a bad feeling about her. He held Charlie close to Him and they vanished in a puff of smoke. 

    Loki and Charlie returned to Asgard. It seemed that even His fellow Gods were feeling festive. The buildings and many trees were dressed for the holiday. The Gods only started to adopt these more human traditions several hundred years ago. The humans that would arrive wanted to carry on the traditions they had in life. Loki smiled at all the décor as He made His way to the main Hall. There was the usual feast that would happen after all the warriors finished their fighting. Loki entered the Hall: Valhalla. He was looking for a fellow God He knew would be more than happy to watch over Charlie while He investigated the Knightlys. He navigated the raucous warriors and made His way to the main table where His brother sat. He seen that the seats on both sides of Him were empty. “Loki, what brings You to Valhalla?” A voice spoke, it belonged to Odin. The stern looking old man caught the sight of the little black pug in Loki’s arms. Odin chuckled and stroked His beard. “Bringing another pug to Asgard?” All-Father asked. Odin noticed something odd about the pug “this little one is still very much alive. Why have You violated our agreement?” He said in a low voice. “I assure You that she is not staying. I just need to speak to Freyr, where is He?” Odin narrowed His one eye at Loki. “This better had not be one of Your pranks.” He grumbled; Loki laughed “I promise. I’m looking for her owners and I just want Freyr to watch her while I do a little snooping.” Odin was still suspicious of Loki. Loki was only allowed to bring pugs that were deceased to the Hall that was built for them, Pughalla. No more live animals from Midgard as pets. 

    Of course, Odin was mostly unaware of the other animals that Loki had hid with Sigyn and Angrboda. If Odin did find out, surely there would be trouble. Not just for Him but the rest of His family. Odin nodded “hmm, very well. But Freyr is not here now.” He said stroking His beard. Loki raised an eyebrow “I believe He has gone to visit His kin in Vanaheim.” Odin continued. Loki sighed “great…” He looked down at Charlie. Odin spoke once more “Why not leave the little one in the care of Lady Sigyn? Surely, She would care for her.” Loki shrugged “I already ask enough of Her.” Loki said quietly. “What of Thor and Sif?” Odin suggested. Loki looked up at His brother “Thor? That giant oaf?” Loki scoffed. Odin frowned and crossed His arms. Loki chuckled “Ok, ok, Sif though. Thor is getting a little too drunk for me to trust Him.” Loki said pointing to a celebrating Thor, Odin nodded. “Very well, leave the dog in Sif’s care. You have two days to finish what You need to do.” Loki nodded and headed for the Hall’s exit. 

    Loki passed and even had to dodge some of the reveling warriors as He made His way to the exit. A part of Him wanted to stay and watch them make fools of themselves, Thor too but He had more important things to do. He left the Hall and went to find Sif. It was not too long after He came across Sif. She was perched up on a high wall, She was taking in the view Idun’s orchard. Loki shouted up to Sif “hey! Goldie!” Sif looked down at Loki in shock “Oh, Loki? What do You want?” She replied. Loki smiled “I need to ask a favor of You.” Sif nodded “Ok, but do You mind helping me down from here?” She asked. Loki sat Charlie down and the pug took a seat near the wall. Loki raised His arms “ok Goldie, jump!” He shouted. Sif nodded and hopped from the wall and down into Loki’s arms. Loki caught Her and held Her for a moment. Sif cleared Her throat “mind setting Me down Loki?” He grinned “that new hair really does look better on You?” Sif rolled Her eyes “Let Me down Loki, please.” She asked again. “Oh, fine then.” He said as He put Sif down. Sif fixed Her sky-blue dress and Her long golden locks. “What favor do You need, Loki?” Loki moved past Sif and picked up Charlie “I need You to look after Charlie for Me. Just for a day or so.”  

    Sif smiled and petted Charlie “Oh, another little pug!” She said happily “I bet Asbjorn, will be happy to have a friend!” Loki was so happy to hear Sif agree to watch Charlie for a while. He handed Charlie over to Sif and the pug made a sad whimper. Loki and Sif looked to each other, and Loki’s face was darkened with worry and a hint of sadness. He wouldn’t have His little companion with Him. Sif cradled the pug in Her arms “No worries, little one, you’ll have a friend to keep you company.” She cooed softly. Loki felt the worry melt away as He watched Charlie start to lick Sif’s face. “Looks like Charlie likes You.” He spoke. Sif giggled at the barrage of pug kisses. “I promise Loki, Charlie will be looked after. She and Asbjorn will get along fine.” Loki nodded and turned to walk away “give Asbjorn a kiss for Me.” He said as He left. “I’m glad Siggy, gave Asbjorn to Sif.” “I kind of miss him though, maybe I’ll pop in later to see him.” Loki was lost in thought when He bumped into someone. “Aw, shit. Sorr…” He looked up and saw that He had bumped into Njord. 

    “Loki! Just who I was looking for!” He exclaimed. Loki backed up “why would you be looking for Me?” Loki said with suspicion. Njord, clearly drunk exclaimed “I heard You keep an octopussss that has shpots!” Loki nodded “yeah…why?” Loki thought for a second then answered, “wait how did You know about the octopus?” “Thor told Me about how the two of You caught the octopusss, and You cried that it was so beautifuuuul, and You-You…” Njord paused for a short moment. “Kissed it!” Loki facepalmed. “Dammit Thor, You bozo! I knew I shouldn’t have gone fishing with Him.” Loki sighed “ok yes, I kissed the octopus. I need to get going.” Njord slurred again “I want to meet this octopus Loki!” Loki shook His head “I’ll introduce You to it when I get back.” He spoke. Loki pushed past Njord, but the god grabbed Him by the wrist “please, tell me, what is the creature’s name?” Loki did everything He could to keep from bursting with laughter “Jaime, the octopus’s name is Jaime.” Njord let go of Loki and had a melancholic look on His face “Jamie…” Njord whispered “Such a beautiful human name!” It came out slurred and Loki pulled His wrist away. Njord then collapsed face down on the grass. Loki burst out in laughter. “Oh, man. Wait till everyone hears about this,” He said to Himself laughing as He vanished. 

     Loki appeared again in the same town. He looked around “Where would the richest people live around here?” He wondered to Himself. He started off walking. The sun was just starting to set, and the snowfall was heavy. He did not see anyone around, He just walked. He had no idea where He was going. He came upon a small church, there was a woman standing outside pounding on the doors. “Please! Please! My son and I have nowhere to go!” Loki could see the woman was holding a bundle in her arms. Against the nagging in His head, He went over to see what was going on. “Hey, uh you, ok?” He said to the woman. The woman turned to Him with tears streaming down her cheeks “I have no home and my son needs a warm place and food.” she said franticly “please will you help me?” Loki was so saddened by how most humans treat other humans. Loki sighed and turned from the woman; He could hear her sobs. He snapped His fingers and produced a piece of paper with an address written on it. He turned to face the woman again and handed her the paper. “The person here will help you out, she’s a friend of mine. Tell her that “Red” sent you.” The woman looked at Loki in shock “She’ll honestly help me and my son?” Loki nodded “I know she will, she’s a good person.” The women thanked Loki and hurried away. 

    Loki heard someone clear their throat and He spun around. He was shocked to find His fellow God Tyr standing behind Him. He was dressed in modern clothing. Dawning a heavy denim jacket, dark snow pants and boots. He wore a hooded sweater under the jacket. “You know what Lord Odin has said about creating money…Loki” Loki grinned a wide toothy grin “Hey there T, what brings You here to Midgard?” He asked. Tyr narrowed His dark eyes “preforming my duties, what else would I be doing here.” Loki shrugged “I dunno, maybe You wanted a snack from the corner store?” Tyr sighed “You are such a fool. Someone here called out to Me for help.” Loki raised an eyebrow “there are people who worship Us here?” He asked. Tyr nodded “Yes, few. They keep quite out of fear.” Loki thought for a moment, then spoke. “Say T, mind helping Me with something?” Tyr grew suspicious “I promise its nothing bad. You’re good at finding out who is lying and who’s telling the truth, right? Tyr nodded. “So, I need Your help to find out if this Anna Knightly is telling the truth.” Tyr looked confused “Anna Knightly?” He asked. Loki laughed “Come on T, I’ll tell You everything.” As Loki took Tyr by the arm and led Him away. 

   Tyr broke free of Loki’s grip. Loki stopped and turned to Tyr, Who was now aggravated with Loki. “Tell me what is going on!?” Tyr demanded. Loki sighed “alight, fine…” Loki explained to Tyr about Charlie, Walter, and the woman named Anna Knightly. The god pondered as He stroked His chin. “Very well, I shall help You, but in exchange I would like Your assistance on another matter.” Tyr said. Loki chuckled “You, need my assistance?” Tyr grumbled “ok, ok, deal.” Loki agreed. “So where do We find Your Anna, Loki?” Tyr questioned. Loki looked around “actually I’m not entirely sure.” He answered. “You remarked that she was wealthy, and her husband’s family built this town, yes?” Loki nodded. “Well. This is a small city, perhaps on the highest hill, somewhere, they can look out over and down on others?” Tyr suggested. Loki looked at Tyr “right, like it’s going to be that easy.” Loki scoffed. Tyr pointed to a tall building nearby “why not get a better view from there?” Loki made a goofy face and, in a flash, darted up to the top of the building. He reached the building’s roof and surveyed the area. In the distance He spied a lavish mansion nestled on the top of a hill, that sat on the outskirts of the small city. “Well shit. Tyr, You’re right!” Loki exclaimed. Tyr shook His head. 

    Loki and Tyr arrived at the mansion gates. The lights were on, and They could see the silhouettes of many people. “Looks like a party.” Loki said quietly. Tyr stayed silent. Loki climbed the gate; He was on the other side when He lost His grip on the wet bars and fell with a thud. Tyr laughed at the ridiculous sight of Loki lying face down in the snow. Loki got up and brushed Himself off, while cursing at His divine companion. Tyr then climbed the gate and joined Loki. “Come on, Tyr.” Loki whispered as the two Gods headed for the doors. Tyr stopped Loki “just going in through the front door?” Tyr asked. “Why, not?” Loki said. “I doubt We’d be welcomed as We are.” Tyr said flatly. “Eh, I guess, You’re right.” The Gods heard footsteps approaching and darted into some nearby bushes. A few of drunken party goers passed by laughing and staggering. The group stopped a few feet from the bush. 

    Loki and Tyr overheard their conversation. “Hey, did…did, you hear how Ann and Keith lost that ugly dog?” one of them said. “Oh yeah, something about it being worth a ton of cash.” a second voice said. “You mean that ugly thing is worth money? ” a third voice a said. “Yeah, yeah, I heard it belonged to Keith’s uncle. He left his…whoooole fortune to it.” the first voice said. “Oh shit, that would piss me off.” the third voice said while laughing. “If, if, if I was them, I’d off the thing.” a fourth voice said. The group stumbled off together away from the bush. After they were out of sight Loki and Tyr slipped out from the bush. Both Gods were silent for a few moments and looked at each other. “Human greed.” Tyr said quietly. “I knew something was off. Charlie was terrified of her.” Loki said. “Should We split up?” Tyr nodded “Yes, but I have no doubts that this Anna has no good intentions for your dog.” The Gods split up. They both went looking for Anna.  

    Loki went around the house and saw an open window, not wanting to be seen He took the form of a red cardinal and flew to the window and sat on the windowsill. He witnessed a lavish Christmas party. People dressed fancy, music playing, tables of food and drink. Elaborate decorations adorned the walls and an exquisitely dressed Christmas tree stood in the center of the room. Loki watched from His perch, searching for any sign of Anna. Tyr had slipped in through a door around the back that was left open by one of the mansion’s help. Tyr was listening to the conversations around Him hoping to pick up on any information on Anna. Meanwhile Loki took the form of a fly and buzzed His way down to the party.   

      He flew past dancing couples and drunken revelers and landed on the head of a bartender serving drinks. Loki overheard two women chatting with each other “Did you hear? Mrs. Knightly has been on edge lately.” a woman in a red dress said. “Yes, over a dog or something.” said a woman in a white pantsuit. Loki listened closely to the women “Yes, a very prized pug, I heard” “I heard it was worth a fortune!” “I believe the dog was an inheritance.” “Yes, but the animal is the only one with the right to it.” “Oh my, how embarrassing it must be!” “I heard an odd rumor that the dog was found by an old man!” “Oh, no Anna told me that some degenerate with red hair stole the dog.” Loki had heard enough gossip and buzzed away. Tyr slipped into the kitchen and dawned a server’s disguise. He overheard a cook complaining about Anna’s fussiness. “Take this to Mrs. Knightly’s room!” a voice from behind made Tyr jolt. He turned and another cook shoved a covered platter into His hands “hurry now!” “Mrs. Knightly is in a mood tonight, don’t dally.” Tyr awkwardly took the platter and walked out of the kitchen. Loki spotted Tyr in His disguise and landed on Tyr’s shoulder. “Looking snazzy as a butler T.” Loki said snickering. Tyr grumbled “quiet You fool!” “Me? You’re the one talking to a fly.” Loki snickered again.  

    “So, uh Tyr, where are You going?” Loki asked, “to find Your Anna Knightly.” Tyr responded, “You know where she is!” Loki said bouncing on His little fly legs. “No, but I was told to take this to her.” Tyr said holding the platter up. A passing server stopped Tyr and asked, “you look a little lost?” Tyr nodded and answered them “yes, I am new here and have been told to take this to Mrs. Knightly.” The server smiled “ah, one of the new guys. Ok, her room is up those stairs, turn right and down the hallway and her private room is at the very end.” Tyr bowed His head and thanked the server. “Come on! Come on!” Loki said excitedly. Tyr followed the server’s instruction and went up the stairs and made His way to Anna’s private room. Loki buzzed erratically around Tyr’s head, which annoyed the God. Tyr knocked on the door, a woman’s voice called out “who is it?” “I’m here with your food ma’am.” He replied. “Oh, then come in.” Tyr pushed open the door and entered. Anna was sitting in a large chair scrolling through her phone. Frustration shadowed her face. “You can leave it there.” she said pointing to a small table next to her, without looking up from her phone. Tyr placed the platter on the table.  

    “Mrs. You look troubled, is there something I can help with?” Tyr offered in His most sympathetic voice. Loki buzzed even louder around Tyr’s head, and Tyr tried to swat Loki away. Anna looked up from her phone “if you can find that damned dog!” she shouted at Tyr. Loki landed back on Tyr’s shoulder. Tyr decided to try and get her to talk more. “Oh, I had heard you lost a pet.” Tyr said. “It must be terrible to lose a family pet.” Anna scoffed “that ugly little dog is not a pet.” Tyr cocked His head to the side “not, a pet?” Anna stood up and started to pace the room “no! That dog is worth millions!” “I need to find that damned dog before Keith comes home!” Tyr raised an eyebrow “Oh, right Mr. Knightly is away.” Anna stopped “if you happen to see that little thing bring it to me.” “I was supposed to have got rid of it, ma…” Tyr interrupted her “make it look natural?” “Make it seem as if the dog died of natural causes?” Anna looked at Tyr in shock “how…?” Loki appeared in a colorful puff of smoke. “You were gonna kill Charlie! So, you could get the money her owner left!” Loki exclaimed angrily. Anna screamed and fell to the floor. “What…what are you!” Tyr knelt to Anna and looked in her eyes. He spoke “You and your husband were going to kill the dog.” He stood “Normally I would not interfere, but this is an injustice, not only against the dog but the man who passed and left instructions, a will.” Loki was pleasantly surprised at Tyr.  

    “Loki, You may do as You wish with the dog, it is no longer theirs. So, I decree as a God of Justice.” Tyr said without looking at Loki. Anna was a crying mess on the floor. Tyr vanished in a flash of light. Loki walked over to Anna “my, it’s not everyday someone like you gets a visit from Tyr, in person!” He said looking down at her. “Well, I gotta go! Merry Christmas!” Loki said as He vanished leaving a hysterical Anna on the floor. Loki made it back to Asgard and the holiday was in full swing. Loki navigated the celebrating residents and made His way to Thor’s Hall. He found Sif sitting in the center with Charlie on Her lap. Charile saw Loki and hopped off Sif’s lap and bee lined to Loki. Loki knelt to greet the pug and she jumped into Loki’s arms. Charlie bombarded Him with face licks galore. Sif walked over to greet Loki. “Nice of You to return.” She said with a tease. Loki looked up at Sif and smiled. He put Charlie down and stood. “Yeah, took a little longer than expected.” He spoke. Sif nodded “So are you taking Charlie back to her owners?” She asked. Loki shook His head sadly “no, it turned out her owners are horrible people.” 

    Sif sighed sadly “now what?” “Will you watch Charlie a little longer for me?” He asked, Sif smiled sweetly “My pleasure, I like Charlie.” Loki patted Sif’s head “thanks Goldie.” She pushed His hand away “I’m not a child!” Loki smirked “I know, You’re just short!” and He vanished. Sif shook Her head “really?”. Loki appeared in front of Angrboda’s home. The door was open, which raised suspicions, so Loki hurried inside. “Angie?” “Hello?” Then Loki heard a voice call back to Him “We need Your help Loki!” It was Sigyn! Loki rushed in the direction of Her voice. When He reached it, He was met with a most entertaining sight. A drunken Njord was curled up on the floor in front of a large glass tank, bawling. Loki looked confused “What’s going on? Why is Njord here? Crying?” Angrboda gave the sea god a kick in the rear “He showed up here, saying You were going to show Him “Jamie the most beautiful octopus”?” Loki laughed “Oh! Yeah, but that was when I came back.” Loki knelt to the bawling god “Hey Njord, buddy. Get up, time to go.” Loki urged gently. “NO! I MUST SEE IT!” He cried out. Loki scratched the back of His head “Buddy, if You don’t leave, I’m not responsible for what Angie is about to do.” Njord lifted His head “then sh-sh-show Me that beautiful octopus!” He said sniffling.  

    Loki pointed at the glass tank “Jaime is in there but looks like they’re hiding right now.” Njord managed to sit up and looked at the tank. Disappointment washed over His drunken face “not there?” Two Jellyfish floated up to the glass. Njord staggered to His feet “Wait! These are even more beautiful than, than…” Njord pressed His face against the glass. The Jellyfish continued to float without moving from their spot. Loki pulled Njord away from the glass “Yes! Jessi and Teri are the most beautiful jellyfish, You have ever seen!” Loki said stifling a laugh. Loki began to walk Njord out of the room and the drunken god went on about the jellyfish. Angrboda followed them out. Loki and Njord reached the doorway of Angrboda’s home. The witch pointed at the door “out!” and a black and purple whirlpool of energy appeared where the door was. “Ok, buddy back to Your hall.” Loki said as He let go of Njord and He staggered drunkenly into the swirling whirlpool and vanished. 

    Sigyn walked into the room holding Liam the raccoon. “So, did You send Njord home?” She asked. Loki nodded. He turned to Angrboda and grinned goofily. The giantess crossed Her arms “So how did the search go?” She asked. Sigyn took a seat at a small table. Loki told the women all about Charlie’s owners, Tyr’s assistance, and His new plan. “So, I’m thinking of finding Charlie a new home!” Both women agreed “I think that’s for the best.” Sigyn said, petting Liam. “Where are you going to take Charlie?” Angrboda asked. Loki pondered for a moment, then snapped His fingers. “I know just who to leave Charlie with!” He exclaimed. He blew kisses to both His loves and vanished leaving the two wives shaking Their heads. Loki reappeared outside Thor’s Hall. He hurried in and found Sif and Her son Ullr caring for Charlie. “Such a strange animal, it looks like a cross between a dog and a pig!” Ullr said jollily Sif laughed as Charlie barked and pawed at Her son. Sif saw Loki approaching and stood. “Loki is everything alright?” the Goddess asked. “Yes, I am going to take Charlie and find her a new home.” He spoke. Ullr walked over to the pair holding Charlie in His arms. “This little thing has spunk! I like her!” He declared happily. Ullr handed Charlie over to Loki. Charlie was happy to be back with her savior and was happily snorting and grunting and wiggling in His arms. 

    “Ok, ok.” Loki said as He tried to calm her down. Sif and Ullr laughed at the pair. “Well, I’m going to take Charlie now, see You both later.” Loki left the hall. He was outside getting ready to leave when He heard a voice bellow from behind “Loki!” He knew who it was and sighed. “Loki! Have You finished Your errands on Midgard!?” Loki turned around to face Thor. “Not quite.” He said looking up at the Thunder God. Thor stared down at Loki and Charlie “Another little pug?” He asked. Loki nodded “Yes I’m taking her back now.” Thor chuckled heartily “very well. Hurry back though. We have feasting to do!” He said patting Loki’s shoulder and walking away. “Oh, good. I better scuttle outta here before I get stopped again.” and with that last thought Loki and Charlie vanished. The pair appeared in front of a small white house; it had a chain-link fence surrounding the property. The yard was mostly barren except for some weeds, and a withered tree that had not seen care in years. The little house had a few decorations, lights and some garland. He walked through the front yard and stood at the door. He looked down at Charlie “Well little one, there is someone here that could really use your help.” Charlie made a questioning grunting noise. Loki laughed “Don’t worry.” “You will get the love you need, the care too.” Loki put Charlie down and snapped His fingers. The purple tie-dye collar vanished and was replaced with a bright red one. Loki stroked His chin “somethings missing…ah!” He snapped His fingers again and produced a red ribbon. He knelt and tied the ribbon around Charlie’s new collar and made a big bow. “There, perfect!”.  

    Loki patted Charlie one last time. “Well, this is where we part ways, my friend.”. As Loki went to leave the door opened. Loki froze, a young man in a wheelchair was sitting at the doorway “I’m sorry did you need something?” he asked. “Shit!” “I took to damn long!” before Loki could answer Charlie barked and snorted happily at the young man. “Oh. Hey there! Where did you come from?” he asked picking her up. The young man turned his attention back to Loki, but the God was nowhere to be seen. “I could have sworn there was someone there.” he said. “Sweetie is there someone at the door?” a woman’s voice called to him. “No, mom just a little dog! A pug!” he exclaimed happily. Charlie was barking and licking her new companion. “Well, we can’t just leaver her out there, bring her in.” the man’s mother said. “This is my first Christmas without Winston…” the man said sadly. The mother intervened “yes, but now you have another pug who needs you. It won’t replace Winston but now you can give this little pug the love you gave Winston.” The man smiled up at his mother “you’re right. Instead of a Christmas angel…” he looked down at Charlie in his lap “a Christmas pug!” he said. Loki watched from atop a light pole in the form of a red cardinal. Charlie found a new loving home, with a human who would love and care for her. With that Loki vanished in a pop of colorful smoke.

So I want to say Happy Yule, Merry Christmas, God Jul! I hope you enjoyed this holiday story starring Loki. I know it’s not the greatest but I did promise Them I would get this done and posted before Christmas. I also want to thank some awesome people who lent me their names for some of the animals in this story! Thank you so much!

  • Jessica C. – Jessi the Jellyfish
  • Marlena A. – Marley the Basset Hound
  • Teri G. – Teri the Jellyfish
  • Janie A. – Janie the Flamingo
  • Jessi R. – Jessi the Llama
  • Liam B. – Liam the Raccoon
  • Dee. D – Dee the Squirrel
  • Jamie T. – Jaime the Octopus

Halloween Special

/ lunarianraven / 2 Comments

Raven followed the crudely drawn map that was scribbled on some old, tattered parchment. The only things that were legible were the poorly drawn landmarks. The cool October night should have been her comfortably nestled on the couch, in front of the television with a video game controller in hand, and a big mug of hot chocolate. But no, she was out at ten thirty at night following this poorly scribbled, barely legible map that was slid under her bedroom door earlier in the day. Raven’s life has been nothing but drama ever since she stumbled into some real-life gods. 

    Norse gods. She had somehow befriended two notorious ones; Loki the Trickster and Odin a god of wisdom and war. They both mean the world to her, but They can be quite a handful to deal with, but she didn’t mind; she loved them both. October is Raven’s favorite month and Halloween her holiday. She passed multiple houses that were all dressed for the holiday. Jack-o-lanterns, ghosts, skeletons, and witches decorated porches, windows, and lawns. She stopped for a moment to admire one house that had orange and purple lights all around its trim and windows.  

    She smiled and took in a deep breath of the cool October air. The neighborhood she lived in looked just like one of those cliché small town neighborhoods. Tree lined streets, white fences, and vintage light posts. Even though it was not her most favorite place to be, but she did adore the atmosphere during the autumn months. The only thing that made it bearable were her divine companions and her best friends Crow and Racheal. A chilly breeze whipped up and she shivered a little, she pulled her black jacket tighter around her and started walking again.  

    “This has Loki written all over it.” Raven mumbled to herself, as she continued to follow the map. “This better not be one of His pranks or so help me I’ll… I’ll never make Him another cinnamon roll for as long as I live!” She stopped at an old tree that stood in the center of a roundabout and leaned against it and sighed. “Come to think of it I haven’t seen Odin all day either, I wonder where He ran off to?” She felt a vibration in her pocket and reached for her phone, she pulled it out and read the message: 

Crow: Hey where r u? I’m at ur house. Ur dad said u went out. 

“Crow? What’s he doing there?” she replied to Crow’s message. 

Raven: Yeah, just taking a little walk. I’ll be back soon ok. 

Crow: o, ok. I just wanted to drop off ur book u left at my place 

Raven: Ok, thanks. I’ll be home soon. I’ll text you later. 

Crow: ‘k. b careful  

Raven: I will. 

    Raven sighed and put her phone away. “Ok. Now where to next?” She looked at the map “let’s see… I’m at the tree now, I go past the high school and…” she was interrupted by the sound of a caw and fluttering wings. Raven looked up from the map and saw an unusually large crow perched in the tree. She scoffed at it and turned her attention back to the map. Someone cleared their throat. Raven jumped and looked up. “Oh! It’s just You Odin. You, uh… You scared me.”  

    Odin, the Norse god of wisdom, war and death had appeared at Raven’s side. Youthful and slender, His figure was clad in dark medieval style clothing, complete with a white fur mantle and sweeping black cape.  A light breeze stirred, and a few strands of mercury-colored hair was sent fluttering in the breeze and revealed a closed eyelid. His wide brimmed traveler’s hat was the accessory that added mysterious flair to Odin’s already dignified aura. His deep ocean eye glowed as He fixed His gaze on Raven. 

    “Having fun, little bird?” He asked quietly. She sighed annoyed and stuffed the map into her jacket pocket and turned to Him “this has Loki’s name written all over it! I know it does!” Odin chuckled softly “if I am not mistaken, I recall you complained that you were bored.” Raven grumbled “yeah but not at…” she pulled her phone out “oh, shit eleven thirty at night!” She shoved the phone back into her pocket and pulled out the map. She read it over and crumpled it in frustration “ugh! How annoying!” and she marched in the direction of the high school and Odin followed her.  

    They reached the high school several moments later. They moved near some trees and bushes that lined the side of the school. Raven leaned against a fence that secured the school and uncrumpled the map “we’re almost there. There is supposed to be a house with a single lit jack-o-lantern on the porch.” she said to herself. Odin remained quiet. She turned to Him “You’ve been quiet this whole time… What gives?” “Do you know anything about this?” Odin shook His head and chuckled. “Not a clue, I am only following you.”  

    Raven narrowed her dark brows; she did not believe Him for a second “right…” Odin grabbed Raven around her waist and brought her in close. He smiled devilishly “it is a full moon tonight… I’ve heard you humans think creatures run rampant this time of year.” Raven felt herself becoming warm. She placed her hand on His chest trying to push Him away. “Uh, um, yeah. It’s October… and Halloween is this month and…” she was too distracted to finish her sentence. Odin brought His face in close to hers. Raven felt her heartbeat speed up “and… and… I should… try to…” Odin pressed His lips to hers, she shut her eyes and let Him take charge. She felt Him tighten His grip around her waist and at that she pressed her body into His and wrapped her arms around His neck.  

    Odin broke the kiss and smiled a sly smile “we can keep going if you like. There is no one out, only Mani…” Raven interrupted “no… no, it’s getting late, and I want to find out what Loki is up to.” He chuckled “very well My little bird.” Odin let go of her waist and she of Him. Raven dug around in her jacket pocket for the map, but her pocket was empty. “Shit!” she whispered, she searched her other pocket, she felt her phone and nothing else. She reached into her pants pockets, but it was not there either. Odin leaned against the fence with His arms crossed and an amused smile graced His lips. “Dammit!” Raven shouted, “did I drop it?” she searched the area around her, but the map was nowhere to be found. Odin chuckled “well, since you lost the map, I suppose it’s time to return home?” He asked. Raven groaned in frustration.  

    “I thought you were annoyed by this. But I sense you are enjoying yourself or am I wrong, little bird?” Raven bowed her head “a part of me kinda wanted to see what Loki was planning…” Odin pushed off the fence and pulled her into an embrace, Raven gasped at the sudden move. “Close your eyes little bird, I shall take you where you want to go.” Raven did as she was told and closed her eyes. A red and purple aura enveloped them both and they vanished. 

    “You can open your eyes now.” Odin whispered in her ear. Raven opened her eyes and looked up at Him and she was met with a smile, she turned her head to try and hide the blush that formed on her cheeks. When she did, she spied a lit jack-o-lantern and pulled away from Him. “You really brought me here?” she exclaimed as she walked to the edge of the property. Its lawn was surrounded by wrought iron fencing complete with a short iron gate. The yard was barren with only some patches of dried grass, weeds, and a large bare tree. The house looked like something out of a movie. It was an old Victorian house; it had fallen into disrepair and was left abandon for many years. It had missing shutters and boarded up windows, the paint had either faded or peeled away, it was hard to tell what color the house had once been. It had a large porch with an aged banister, complete with a few rickety steps. On the banister sat a single lit jack-o-lantern, with a smile carved for a face.  

    Raven opened the gate and stepped on to the lawn and gazed up at the old house. She sighed “really? How cliché can you get? The old LaFaye house?” Odin came up from behind and placed a hand on her shoulder “so you made it. Are you going inside?” Raven turned to Him and nodded. “Of course.” and she confidently marched through the lawn and up to the house. She made a face at the jack-o-lantern as she passed it and stood outside the door. She looked back to Odin “are you coming with me?” He grinned “why? Are you afraid?” “no” She scoffed. Odin chuckled quietly “very well, I will accompany My little bird.” Raven reached for the doorknob; the door groaned and squeaked as it opened.  

    Raven took a few steps inside. “ugh, it’s so dark!” She pulled out her phone and used the flashlight. The bright LED light lit up a good portion of the room. It revealed a severely dilapidated interior. Broken floorboards, damaged furniture, and peeling wallpaper. “Ok, I’m here Loki! You can come out now!” Raven shouted. Silence was the only thing that answered her. Odin chuckled “so Raven, what will you do now? Look for Loki?” she shrugged “I guess so.”  

    Raven and Odin explored the first room, the foyer. Every step they took produced a creak. Raven opened an overturned cabinet and screamed, Odin hurried over to her and found her on the ground. “I heard you scream, are you alright?” His voice filled with concern. Raven laughed embarrassed “I’m fine, it was just… a rat.” Odin smiled and offered her His hand and helped her up. She dusted her backside off “Let’s check the next room” she said, and Odin agreed. They headed down a hallway to the next room. They passed a staircase along the way “Oh, look there’s a staircase. Maybe I can check up there…” but she was interrupted by Odin “No.” He, said sternly. She was shocked by His stern reply “what? Why?” He looked serious “as you can see this place in unsafe.” He said as He glanced at a gaping hole in one of the walls and then motioned to the scattered debris. Raven nodded “Yeah, You’re right this place is a death-trap.”   

    Raven walked over to the hole and peered into it; she shined her light into it “hey! There looks like another room back there.” As Odin walked over to her there was a loud creaking groan coming from underneath Him, and He stopped immediately. Raven turned to hurry over to Him; worried something was amiss “Do not move!” He commanded. She stopped “w-what’s going on!?” she asked. “This floor might give way.” “What do we do?” she asked. A smug smile formed on Odin’s lips “I’ll use My magic of course.” Raven smiled “oh, that warping thing You use all the time?”  He chuckled “how adorable, little bird.”  

    Odin summoned His magic, an aura appeared but it fizzled and disappeared. His smug smile turned to a bewildered frown and Raven looked just as confused. “What’s wrong Odin?” He tried again and the aura fizzled again. Bewilderment turned to frustration, He tried a third time and it happened again, the aura fizzled and disappeared. “What is the meaning of this!” He shouted angrily. He watched Raven flinch at His shout and composed Himself. “I don’t understand, My magic has never failed…” Raven spoke up “This is weird maybe we should just leave.” In Raven’s stomach a swirling mass of dread had formed and threatened to turn into fear.  

    “Yes, this place has…” Odin was cut off by a violent shaking. The whole house shook, it groaned and creaked, debris was being tossed around. Raven had fallen against a wall and the floor underneath Odin gave way and He fell through. Raven scrambled to the edge of the hole “Odin! Odin!” she screamed. The shaking finally ended, and Raven shined her light into the hole. She saw Odin laying there, unmoving. Panic took over as she cried out to Him once more “Odin, Odin! Are You ok! Please answer me!” She heard groaning and saw He started to move around. He looked up to Raven, holding His head “I am alright, are you My little bird?” 

     Tears formed in her eyes, and she blinked them away “yeah I’m ok.” Odin stood and surveyed the area. “It is quite dark down here; I am unable to see much.” He said up to Raven. “Uh, hold on I think I have some matches.” she said as she searched her pockets “Ah!” she pulled out a small box “thank you Racheal! Odin! I have some matches. I’ll toss them down to You!”  

    She threw them down and He caught them. He opened the box and revealed nine matches. He smiled and laughed quietly to Himself at the ironic number. He took a match and struck it against the box igniting it. The light from the flame barely illuminated anything. He walked a few feet and found a small candle holder complete with candle. He lit the candle and took it. He walked back to the opening “Raven, I am going to look for an exit.” He paused a moment thinking to Himself “what is this I am sensing?” He swallowed the anxiety that was building “and perhaps the reason why I am unable to use my magic.” 

    Raven nodded “Ok, I’ll see if I can find that dork of a Trickster!” Odin looked up to Raven “Do you really think that Loki has anything to do with this?” “Would He put you in danger like this?” Raven sighed “I guess You’re right.” “Ok, I’ll look for a way out of this room then.”  Odin waved to Raven, and He disappeared into the darkness. Raven walked back to the room’s exit; it was partially blocked by a fallen board. “Great” she muttered She pushed the board and it fell with a loud thud. She stepped over it and into the hall. She shined her light down the hall and saw a shadow darted quickly to the left.  

    She stiffened for a moment and took a deep breath in, gathered up her courage and started down the hall. She watched her steps, to make sure she didn’t trip over the debris. She passed three doors in the hall. She checked each door, but they were either locked or something was blocking it. She made it to the end of the hall and shined her light around the room. It was a dining room.  

    A large table and chairs sat in the center, some chairs were damaged or overturned. There were paintings that hung on the wall, they were covered with dust and cobwebs, some were even damaged and a few laid on the floor. “Is anyone there?” Raven called out she heard a knocking and stiffened, the hairs on the back of her neck stood up. “O-Odin is… is that You?” she called out again. This time her call was met with a banging instead of a knocking. Raven yelped and shined the light in the direction of the sound. She slowly walked over to a door on her left and placed a hand on it and the banging happened again.  

    Someone or something was banging on it. “Is… is there someone there?” Raven asked her voiced cracked. The only response was more banging. Raven scanned the room and found a long piece of wood that laid across the table, she went over and grabbed it. She returned to the door and put her hand on the knob, she turned it slowly and opened it. Something ran at her; she dropped her phone and swung her weapon. It connected with something with a loud whap and the supposed assailant hit floor with a heavy thud. Shaken and breathing heavily she dropped the wood; she had to take a moment to calm her racing heart. She knelt to pick up her phone and she shined the light on the fallen victim. 

    “Loki! Oh, my gods! Loki!” Loki had been the poor victim. He was laid out flat on His back. His long flame-colored ombre locks splayed around Him and over His face. Raven rushed over to His side and knelt to Him. “Oh, Loki I’m so sorry! Please be ok!” Raven moved His hair from His face, and she gasped when she saw the small trickle of blood that rolled down the side of His cheek. Loki opened His eyes and smiled “wow you have one hell of a swing Birdie.” Loki sat up and held His head “ugh that really hurt.” He groaned. 

    Raven sighed in relief “I’m glad You’re not hurt too badly, I’m sorry I got scared.” she said with downcast eyes. Loki simply chuckled “it’s alright, I should have waited for you to open the door instead… of running at it. Was trying to break it down.” Raven let out a small laugh “How did you end up in there? It looks like a closet.” Loki laughed “It’s a stupid story…”  

    Raven stood and helped Loki up. He brushed His backside off and fixed His hair and untangled His braids. Of the two gods that Raven knew Loki was the unique one, He favored more “human” styles than the War God. His slender frame was decorated with more modern clothing. A festive Halloween print t-shirt, accented by a red zip hoodie and dark colored jeans complete with red and white sneakers. His sharp and youthful features were befitting that of a cunning, rebellious trickster deity and His small goatee and studded piercings added to His fiery personality. 

    “Loki, were you the one who slipped that terribly drawn map under my door earlier?” Raven asked. Loki’s green eyes flashed, and a mischievous grin spread across His lips “aw, you caught Me!” she crossed her arms and narrowed her brows “why here of all places?” Loki’s grin faded “I wanted to show you this place because I was hoping we could throw you a Halloween party here. I just wanted to make ya happy Birdie.” Raven smiled and hugged Loki around His waist “Why are You so nice to me?” Loki patted her head “I like you, and I just wanted to make you happy.”  

    Raven let Loki go “But this place is so dangerous, someone could get hurt.” she said. Loki sighed “yeah, but I’m gonna bring in some dwarves to help fix this place up. They’re whizzes when it comes to renovations.” Raven giggled “I guess that would be fun…” then a thought occurred to her. “Hey Loki, are You having issues using Your magic?” He raised an eyebrow “Why do you ask?” Raven shook her head “I came here with Odin. The house shook and the floor under His feet gave way and He fell; He couldn’t use that warping thing He uses.” Loki shrugged “I’m not sure, I can try using some magic.”  

    Loki snapped His fingers, only sparks appeared at His fingertips. He looked confused and tried again, and again just sparks. He raised an eyebrow “that’s a bit weird. I can’t light a flame.” Raven frowned “You too? There is something weird going on here.” Raven hugged herself and shuddered “I’m also worried about Odin; I hope He’s ok.” Loki laughed “aw Ol’ Grimmy, will be fine.” Loki looked around and tried snapping His fingers again, but nothing happened “but then again let’s find Grim, and get out of here, this place is starting to even give Me the creeps.” He said as He took Raven by the hand.  

    Raven and Loki tried going out the other door in the dining room, but it was either locked or blocked. So, they headed back down the hallway and went back to the main foyer. They stopped at the entrance way. The front door was blocked by fallen debris and there was now a large hole in the floor. Loki scoffed “well we’re not going that way.” Raven let go of Loki’s hand and walked to the edge of the gaping hole and peered into it. She kicked a nearby piece of wood into the hole, it hit multiple times then stopped.  

    Loki crossed His arms “That’s weird, it sounded like stairs or something.” “Birdie, point your light down there.” Raven pointed her phone at the hole, and it revealed some steps. “Well, isn’t that something.” Raven knelt “it looks like a cellar or basement maybe?” she said. “Yeah maybe.” Loki replied. Loki reached into His hoodie pocket and pulled out a small flashlight. “I’m gonna go check it out. Maybe see if there’s an exit.” 

    Raven gripped His wrist “What about me? I’ll go with You.” Loki shook His head “No I want you to stay here, it might be dangerous down there.” Raven let go of Him “fine then.” she agreed, grudgingly. Loki pointed the light down the hole and started down the steps, Raven watched as Loki disappeared into the darkness. Raven groaned “Ugh this is feeling way too much like a horror movie, I can’t stand it!”  

Raven looked around “there has to be another way out of here.” She turned and went back to the stairs that led to the second floor. Maybe there was a way to climb out through a window? 

    She looked the stairs over then started her climb. Debris littered the stairs, and she tried to be careful to avoid it. As she neared the landing, her foot caught something, and she lost her balance and fell backwards down the stairs. She landed with a dull thud and hit her head against the floor knocking her unconscious. Several moments later she awoke, she sat up and held her head and groaned “ugh, my head.” she touched the back of her head “ouch!” A small knot had formed. She got up and reached for her phone and proceeded up the stairs again. This time she made sure to pay extra attention to her footing. 
     

    She got to the landing and stopped. She peered out a small window only to see an empty and deserted street, then continued up the rest of the stairs and reached the second floor. The second floor did not seem as bad as the first. She shined the light around and took a left and followed a hallway all the way down to the end. The door that was at the end was missing its knob, she sighed and turned back. This time she took a right instead. She came to some doors; she tried one and it opened! 

     She shined the light inside; it turned out to be a bathroom. She shrugged and shut the door, she tried the other door and that one also opened. She shined her light inside and it looked like a bedroom. She saw a bed, and it looked like someone, or something was laying on it. She cautiously approached. As she got closer to the bed, she recognized the black cloak and white fur mantle, it was Odin! Raven hurried over to Him, He laid on His side, she touched His shoulder gently and turned Him on to His back. His was eye closed. She caressed His cheek and gently patted it and whispered “Odin, Odin, wake up!” Raven sat her phone down and tried to nudge Him awake. Panic started to set in, no matter what she did, she was unable to wake Him. Raven put an ear to His chest, she heard His heartbeat, but it sounded faint, and His chest barely moved.  

    She brought her head back up and felt her own chest tighten. She cupped His face with both hands “Odin, Odin please! Please wake up!” She pleaded louder this time. Raven started to tear up. 

“What is going on!” “Why, why won’t He wake up!” “There’s something wrong with Him!” “What do I do!?”  

    She sat on the side of the bed and touched her forehead to His, tears now streamed down her face. She whispered in quiet sobs “This isn’t fun anymore; this has to be a nightmare!” She lifted her head and noticed that His chest ceased its movement. Panic turned to terror; she could not fathom what happened. She stood but her legs shook so hard that she dropped to her knees. She held herself and sobbed hysterically. “What is going on!” During her sobbing she swore she heard a laugh and stopped. She looked up but saw no one there. She heard it again; it sounded like a woman’s laughter. She stood up, and she heard the laughter again, it was louder now. Raven covered her ears, squeezed her eyes shut and screamed.  

    She felt someone grip her shoulders. “Raven, Raven! Get a hold of yourself!” Raven kept her eyes shut and shook her head. “Little bird!” She heard that and stopped, she opened her eyes and saw that it was Odin that stared back at her with concern. Her eyes widened and she continued to sob as she threw herself into His arms. She embraced Him tightly and refused to let go. 

    Odin looked down at her and smiled kindly and whispered, “My dear little bird, it is alright. I am here now.” He stroked her hair and held her close, then guided her to the bed and sat her down. Raven finally composed herself enough to look at Him. “Odin! Odin, what, what happened!?” “I thought You. I thought… I…” she said as she gripped Him tightly and her voice cracked. He shook His head “I am not sure Myself. One moment I am searching the tunnels under this house and the next, I wake up to your screams and cries.” “There are tunnels under here?” Raven questioned through her tears. Odin nodded “Yes, it seems that this house holds… secrets.” “Did You ever find out why You weren’t able to use Your magic?” Raven asked. “Sadly, I did not. I admittedly do not remember much of the tunnels.” He said in a whisper. Raven caressed His cheek and brushed aside the hair that hung in His face. 

    He chuckled quietly and laid down on the bed, He gripped Raven’s wrist and pulled her down on top of Him, her head rested on His chest. She heard it now, His heart. It was beating but it didn’t sound faint like before. His steady rhythm gave her comfort. She closed her eyes and listened to Him. Odin smiled and ran His hand down her shoulder and rested it on her hip. They stayed like that for a while. Raven opened her eyes and pushed herself up to look at Him “I was… I was so scared that I lost You.” she said quietly “I didn’t know what to do… I…” Odin interrupted “My little bird, I shall go nowhere, we are fated. I promise you; I will remain here at your side until the cycle repeats itself.” Raven sat up and sighed “I wanna go home, I’m tired of this place.” She picked up her phone and looked at the time. “Great, its two thirty in the morning, I’m surprised my dad doesn’t have the police looking for me.” 

    She noticed that her phone’s battery was not going to last much longer as she stood from the bed “My phone is going to die soon. Its sitting at like ten percent.” Odin got up from the bed and took Raven from behind by her waist, He nuzzled the crook of her neck and she giggled. “Really Odin… Here in this place?” she sighed. He laughed softly “Hmm, why not? There is no one here to disturb us.” “But it’s just so weird.” she said. Odin began to kiss her neck and it gave Raven a pleasurable rush and she sighed with a smile. 

    Her phone fell to the floor and Odin turned Raven to face Him. He laid her down on the bed, His lips were dressed with a lustful smile. He climbed on top, straddling her and brought His lips to hers. He took the lead and dominated her lips, her tongue, she was savoring His taste, His feel. Odin broke the kiss, much to Raven’s dismay. The moonlight shone in from a nearby window and splashed across her face. It highlighted her delicate features, her almond-shaped wine-colored eyes, her petite nose and small lips. Her hair had the color and sheen of a raven’s feather.  

    Raven sat up to take off her jacket and Odin aided her. He laid her back down on the bed and continued to kiss her neck. Raven smiled and giggled as He nuzzled and nibbled. He brought His face back to hers, His eye glowed with a lustful desire. He removed her top, and then went to work on her bra, He released her bosoms from their confinement. Raven felt her face heat up and she tried to cover herself, but He stopped her “no need for that.” He said with a tease. Odin went back to her neck, His kissing trailed down to her breast, she sighed and moaned at His sensual assault. 

    He brought His face back up and His eye was locked on her “Little bird, you smell particularly delicious tonight. Perhaps I shall devour you.” The blush that had formed on Raven’s cheeks spread to her chest, she cupped His face in her hands and gently stroked His cheeks with her thumbs. Her heart began to beat faster as she gazed into His azure eye. “Odin… I.” Raven was interrupted “Your heartbeat has quickened; I can hear it.” He took a single finger and placed it at the base of her neck “your pulse… I feel it… your life…” He traced His finger down to the center of her chest “…here, perhaps I shall devour this.” He said darkly. 

    His words made Raven uneasy, and she released His face. Odin had never spoken to her like this. She tried to get up, but He pushed her back down. “No, no. My little bird, there is no running.” Raven gasped as Odin gripped her wrists and held her down. “Shall I taste you?” He said sensually while licking His lips. Raven noticed something odd, something about His mouth. He had caught her staring at His mouth, and He laughed “Little bird, it seems you have an eye for observation.” Raven’s eyes widened “are… are those… those fangs?” she stuttered out. He smiled a toothy smile and revealing that He did indeed have two unusually large fangs; they were sharp and glistened in the moonlight.  

    She could not believe what she saw, Odin had fangs! Raven laughed nervously and swallowed hard “so, uh is… this like a-a costume… right? You’re just…You…” her voice trailed off. Odin laughed “My dear little bird, how fast your heart beats. I could devour you quite easily.” He brought His lips down to her neck and lightly nibbled her. Raven tried to struggle but His grip was tight. He chuckled “did I not say that we were fated?” she heard Him say. He brought His face back to hers and she gasped. Odin’s beautiful ocean eye was now a deep crimson. Raven uttered out “You… You aren’t Odin.” He laughed “Oh, no I am indeed Odin. I am now truly eternal.” Raven shook her head “You can’t be! Odin would never do something like this!”  

    He smiled and leaned into her ear and whispered something that caused tears to well up in Raven’s eyes and she whimpered out His name. “No! This can’t be real. This is a-a nightmare! It must be!” He moved down to her neck. She felt His lips and tongue against her neck and braced herself for what was to come. She felt His fangs pierce her flesh, the pressure as He bit down, she moaned and gasped. She felt Odin lessen His grip. She felt her strength fading, her body and head felt light, her heart beat rapidly. He came up to face her again, streams of crimson blood dripped from His mouth and dribbled down His chin. He let Raven’s wrists go. Tears flowed from her eyes as she reached for His face with both hands.  

    He leaned down to meet her hands, He wore an unusually cruel and gluttonous smile. She cupped His face, her breathing labored and smiled “I… I’m glad that… that it was…You and not anyone else.” she whispered weakly, while she gently stroked His cheeks with her thumbs. Her arms became weak, and they fell. “Now I shall drink more deeply of you, My little bird.” He leaned in closer to her face “your heartbeats are slowing now, close your eyes little bird and sleep.” He whispered.  Raven’s eyelids felt heavy, and it became harder to breathe, her body felt cold and her limbs heavy. Odin leaned into her neck once more and bit down again. Her world began to fade, and darkness closed in. With the last bit of her strength, she embraced Odin as He drank the rest of her life from her. She smiled and closed her eyes and held Him until her arms fell away from Him. 

    Odin pulled away from Raven’s neck and stared down at her. She looked as if she were merely asleep. Her vitality dripped from His lips and down His chin, the red sap seeped into His silver hair. He watched with a sensual smile as the blood that He could not consume, pooled in a halo around her head. It seeped into her hair giving it a crimson shine. He gazed down at His little bird, she was so still, unmoving. He was transfixed on her body. In a moment of clarity His eye widened, He had realized what He had done. 

    He moved Himself off her body and stood over His little bird. He looked down at His hands, He began to shake. Not with rage but with horror. There was a laughter that filled the room, it belonged to a woman. Odin dropped to His knees “Raven… My little bird. What… have… I done?” He said in ragged breaths. “You did what You promised, dear boy.” The woman’s voice seemed to echo and come from every direction. Odin held His head in His hands mourning the loss of the one human that He loved. “Enough!” “You are a god are You not?!”  

    Odin lifted His head and stood, He scanned the room “Show yourself, witch!” The voice snickered “How ironic. The arrogant and selfish king mourns the mortal that He devoured?” Odin narrowed His brow “Witch, if you do not show yourself, I will hunt you down, and send you into the deepest pits of Niflheim!” He said His voice filled with anger. “Oh!? You’re angry that I gave You what You wanted? Eternity?!” The voice retorted. Odin growled “Not like this! Not her!” The voice cackled “that was the agreement! I give You eternal life and in return You give me a vessel, and You have done splendidly!”  

    Green smoke materialized and in the smoke two yellow cat like eyes appeared. Odin chanted something in His native tongue and the voice laughed “Your charms and spells have no power here, sorcerer!” Still Odin chanted. The eyes created a small twister of green smoke and vanished; her laugh lingered in the air. Odin stopped His spell and stood quietly in the room.  

“You old fool, what have You done? What have You become?” “Little bird… My little bird…” “I’ve lost her… again.” 

    He looked back to Raven’s body on the bed. The moonlight spread across her body gave it an ethereal glow. “Even if her death were fated… Why…?” Odin stroked His chin and felt the still wet blood, He looked at His hand and felt a surge of mixed emotions. Anger, hate, regret, sorrow. He walked back over to the bed and caressed Raven’s cheek; her skin was so cold. He’ll never see her smile again, never hold her, never hear her laughter or her singing. She was gone. 

    Odin took off His cloak and gently wrapped her body in it, He then scooped it up and held it close to Him. He left the room with the intent of finding the witch and destroying her. He would not allow something so disgusting, so vile taint the body of His little bird. He left the second floor and when He reached the first, He encountered Loki at the bottom of the stairs. Loki waved to greet Hs brother “Ah! Grim there ya are! Been looking for You and… Birdie.” Loki noticed His brother’s solemn expression, that wasn’t His usual. “What’s going on Grim? What’s wrong with Raven?”  

    Odin remained silent. He gripped Raven’s body tightly, Loki walked closer and observed her. “Odin…” Loki’s expression became a mix of confusion and fear, He laughed nervously “You guys must have gotten pretty wild… right? She’s just tired…” Loki knew, deep down He knew, but denial felt the more comfortable choice. “Loki, have You been in the tunnels?” Odin asked. He nodded “Yeah, found some interesting junk down there and a weird door I can’t get open. Came back up here looking for a tool I could use.” “Good. Take Me down there.” Odin said. “Yeah, sure I just need to find…” “I will not ask again. Take Me there now!” Odin commanded. Loki stiffened and nodded hesitantly “Ok, ok! Follow Me.” Loki led Odin to the hole that He and Raven found earlier “There.” Loki said as He pointed to the hole. “It leads down into the tunnels.”  

    Odin nodded and started down the steps. “Wait! What… What happened to her?” Loki asked. Odin stopped “I was unable to protect her…” He said quietly without turning then continued down the steps. Loki followed His brother down into the dark. “What do you mean You were unable to protect her!?” “Tell me what happened!” He demanded. Loki reached out to touch Odin’s shoulder. Odin turned and glared at Loki, His crimson eye flashed with hatred and anger. Loki froze. This uncharacteristic behavior frightened Him “Whoa, Grim… What’s going on with You?” Odin gripped Raven’s body tightly “I will find that witch! I will destroy her! Not even Yggdrasil will remember her!” Odin roared “I will rip away her soul, completely erase her, she will pay!” He continued. Odin turned and started down the tunnel again.  

    Loki, for the first time in a century, was at a loss for words. Something was off about His brother, but He couldn’t put His finger on it. “Hey, wait it’s dark down here. I’ve got a flashlight.” Loki fumbled around His pockets. Before He could get the little torch out Odin spoke with His back still turned. “I have no need for it.” Loki stopped confused “Well I need it…” He said quietly as He clicked it on. Odin stopped at a fork. The tunnels branched off into two different directions. “Which way Loki?” Loki caught up with Him. “Left.” He answered and Odin continued to walk. The tunnels were filled with countless cobwebs and random debris spread throughout. Rats and other vermin made these dark halls their home. 

    The brothers walked in silence for some time. Loki broke the quiet “Hey Odin, You wanna tell Me what the fuck, is going on here?” “You have been acting fucking strange ever since Raven…” Odin stopped. He spoke and interrupted Loki “This is Your fault Loki” Loki narrowed His eyes “My what?!” Loki said with suspicion. Odin spoke again “this is Your fault. You brought her here. You are the one responsible for her death.” “Whoa, whoa. Hang on a sec. I only wanted to show her the place. I just wanted to make her happy by giving her a party.” Loki said now irritated. “If You would have never lured her here… She would still be…” Odin said darkly.  

    A mass of dread had built itself up in the pit of Loki’s stomach. He knelt never taking His eyes off Odin and lifted His pant leg and revealed a dagger strapped to His calf. He removed it and held it tight. “You won’t be able to kill Me with that.” Odin spoke without so much as even a glance in Loki’s direction. Loki looked down at the ornate weapon “I don’t really wanna hurt You, I just don’t trust You. Just a little insurance.” Odin chuckled “is it steel or silver?” He questioned. Loki looked confused “why would that matter?” “Steel is useless…” Odin replied. 

    Loki’s dread bubbled as He inched His way to His brother “Look there is something seriously wrong with You, turn around. Look at Me Odin!” Loki demanded. Odin turned to Loki, and He saw the blood red eye. Odin grinned a toothy grin and revealed His fangs to Loki. Loki stopped and nearly dropped His weapon. The amount of confusion that whirled in Loki’s head made it pound. “Are You shitting Me!” “How! Of everyone here, how did this happen to You!” Loki exclaimed. Loki was dumbfounded at how of all people Odin, fell victim to a curse. He pointed the dagger at His brother. Odin took a few steps toward Loki; His expression was sinister. 

    Loki took some steps back “Oh come on!” He shouted. “She was delicious, brother.” “I drained the little bird of her vibrant life.” Odin stopped and looked down at Raven’s corpse He held. “You should have seen her brother, she looked so beautiful struggling for life.” His tone was cruel and biting. Loki’s bewildered expression turned to anger. “The sound of her heart fluttering as her life left, the feel of her pulse pounding against my lips, the taste of her blood. So sweet…” Loki refused to listen anymore and charged at Odin with His dagger.  

    Odin did not move and let Loki slice at Him with the blade. He laughed as the blade failed to injure Him; all it did was tear His sleeve. Loki stared bewildered at the unharmed god. “What the fuck…?” Loki whispered. “I told you brother; steel would not harm Me.” Loki jumped back and threw the dagger at Odin, and it struck Him in the shoulder lodging itself there. Odin laughed at His brother’s feeble attempt at an attack. “Dammit Odin! You’re stronger than this! There is no way You’d fall for some curse!” Loki shouted in desperation. 

     Odin placed Raven’s body down against the wall. He turned to face Loki again, Loki had brandished another dagger that He had hidden. Then Loki noticed the red door He had found earlier behind Odin “looks like we’re here now” He thought to Himself. “Did I not say Your weapons were useless?” Odin sneered as He pulled the dagger from His shoulder and tossed it aside. “Dammit Odin! Come to Your senses!” Loki pleaded. He pointed the weapon at His brother, He glimpsed Raven’s body and sorrow was added to His whirlwind of emotions. “I’m sorry brother, Birdie would hate to see this but…” Loki charged again with the dagger. Odin laughed and stood unmoving as Loki pushed the blade into Odin’s abdomen and paused a moment, He looked up at Odin Who smiled smugly. “You are a f…” before Odin could finish Loki shoved His brother into the door behind Them. Odin was caught off guard as the two gods crashed through the door. 

    They struggled with each other and began to exchange blows. Both gods threw punches and struck one another in various locations; face, chest, gut. “Damn it, Odin!” Loki yelled as He fought with His brother. Loki was finally able to overpower His brother and straddled Him. Both gods heaved, covered in sweat, dirt, and blood. There was a shift in the air and Loki saw a glimpse of clarity in Odin’s eye. His eye had returned to its normal hue and His face filled with confusion. “Loki, what is going on?” He asked.  

     Loki sighed in relief His brother was finally back to normal. “Well, I want to know that too, because I have no fucking clue.” Loki got off Odin and dusted Himself off and He chuckled “Well that was fun.” He said sarcastically as He turned to Odin and extended a hand. Odin sat up and looked to Loki, He smirked and took Loki’s hand. “So, You want to tell me what the fuck that was about!?” He asked confused. Odin turned His head; the shadows and His hat concealed His face; He whispered, “I’ve been quite the fool.” Loki cocked His head “I don’t get it.” A familiar cackling filled the air “A fool yes, but a useful one, nonetheless!” it was the witch!  

    The room was flooded with a bright light that blinded both gods. When the light vanished, the room was lit and they found Themselves in a lair, her lair. Countless candles littered the room; they ranged from red to white and black. They lined the walls in sconces, sat on tables and shelves and some were perched in high crevasses in the walls. Bones and other deceased vessels were scattered about the room. The old stone room had a horrible aura emanating from it. In the center was a large stone altar, it was surrounded by red candles and a large wooden bucket sat at one end.  

    Both Odin and Loki quickly scanned the room “show yourself witch!” Odin yelled. Loki squeezed Odin’s shoulder “Hey, chill. We’ll get her.” Loki reassured Him; the witch cackled again “Oh? You’re not going to tell Your brother the truth?” the witch said. Loki looked at Odin curiously. “What’s she talking about?” Odin averted His gaze away from Loki. The witch laughed again “I will have a new body again in just a few moments.” Odin looked up and on the stone altar Raven’s body laid there. “No! I will not let you have her!” He shouted and dashed to the altar but was halted when He bumped into something solid, yet there was no wall. “A barrier!” He exclaimed exasperated. He desperately pounded on the invisible wall with both fists.   

    “Woah. Ok witch, I’m gonna have to agree with My brother here. You are not touching Birdie!” Loki said as He approached Odin and the barrier. The witch cackled again “boy, Your brother traded her life for His own! He wanted to be eternal, untouched by time or fate!” Loki looked at Odin in bewilderment “tell Me that hag is lying!” Loki pounded on the barrier “You’re lying! Odin would never hurt her!” A green smoke materialized, and two yellow eyes appeared from it. It floated over to the altar and hovered above Raven’s body. It cackled again and spoke “dear boy, Your brother was so desperate to escape His own miserable fate that he jumped on my offer without a second thought!”  

    Odin shook His head “I did not know you would choose her!” He shouted. She laughed again “I’ve watched her for many years and had already decided that her body was the one I’d take!” Loki looked at His brother and smiled sadly “ah, knew there was more.” Loki knew that His brother would never harm Raven, unless He was not Himself, and Odin was indeed “not Himself” Loki and Odin had their differences, but Loki knew deep down that Odin was more compassionate than what He led on. He looked around the room and spotted a strange faintly glowing object made of bones and fabric, and had strange symbols adorning it, propped up in a corner of the room. Loki nudged Odin and subtly pointed it out to Him, He turned and partly glimpsed it. He nodded and whispered, “I’ll keep her distracted, find out what that is.” Loki grinned “You betcha.”  

   “Witch! Why don’t we play a game.” Odin challenged. The witch scoffed “I have no time for games.” “This body will wilt before long…” Odin interrupted her “I’ll make you a wager!” “Oh? And what would it be?” she asked cautiously. “a simple game of wits.” He spoke. “If I win, you give Me back My little bird and I banish you.” He continued. “And if I win?” asked the witch. Odin smiled “You’ll get your new vessel and two servants, My brother and I!” Loki froze “what the fuck Odin!” He internally screamed then quietly continued making His way to the object. 

    The witch laughed “very well then! A new vessel and two servants. And the both of You are gods!” Odin grinned “Yes! Think of the power you would command, with the combined powers of My brother and I!” “The King of Asgard and The Cunning Trickster!” This excited the witch and she gleefully accepted Odin’s challenge. Loki made it to the object, and He reached out to touch it but recoiled when He felt the searing pain burn His hand. “Ouch! Shit!” He whispered. “The Hel is this?” He wondered. He touched it again and again He was burned. He looked around for something to hit it with, He saw that Odin and the witch were engaged in their challenge. He ignored them for the time being and quietly searched for something He could use to destroy it. He kept low to the ground while He searched.  

    He came across a fallen candlestick; He grabbed it and quickly made His way back to the object. Loki swung the candlestick and struck the object shattering it. It hissed and fizzled, and the faint glow disappeared. A gust of wind blew through the chamber carrying the sound of ringing chimes. Odin paused for a moment and felt a surge of energy course through Him. Loki laughed triumphantly and pumped His fists in the air. “YES! MY MAGIC IS BACK BABY!” Loki loudly exclaimed. Odin smiled smugly; His arm outstretched He summoned His spear. The witch shrieked like a banshee and started to spin. 

    The green mist morphed into a twister and enveloped the altar and Raven’s body. “No! Damn it!” Odin cried. He tried to pierce the twister with His spear, but only struck the barrier. The twister became larger and picked up speed until it finally burst. After the mist had cleared  

Odin was met with a scene that made His heart skip a beat. On the stone altar Raven was sitting up, she held her head and looked around the chamber with a dazed expression. Odin hurried up to her and placed a hand on her head. “My little bird!” Raven looked up and smiled “Odin! I have the worst headache…” 

    Odin pulled her into an embrace, He was so happy that His little bird had returned to Him. “My little bird, will you forgive Me for hurting you so?” He asked solemnly. Loki dashed over to their side, happy to see His friend again. Raven shook her head and smiled “whatever do you mean?” Her wine-colored eyes were replaced with a bright shade of gold, and her once raven hair matched the hue of her new eyes. Odin pushed away from her, and she hopped down from the altar. Odin and Loki took a few steps away as Raven’s smile was sinister and she approached the two deities. 

   “What’s the matter lover boy? Don’t like my new look?” She said motioning to herself. Odin clenched His spear “what did… What did you do!” “Raven” snickered “Did you really think I trusted you?” “I know who you are.” “I took her body of course!” Loki stepped forward but Odin stopped Him and shook His head, Loki understood and backed away. “Who are you? Tell me!?” He demanded. “Oh, You don’t remember?” “The woman You cursed, the woman You imprisoned, the woman You punished because she was simply fulfilling a promise!” the resentment was evident in her voice. 

    Odin’s eye widened and He uttered the name “Brunhild” “But how?” She smiled and glanced to Loki “I made a deal with a certain forest dwelling witch to find what You cherish the most… and take it from You.” “Then in return she would help me regain a flesh and bone vessel.” Odin shook His head “how…” Loki stepped forward again “What are you yapping about!?” “Who is this witch?” Loki demanded agitated. Brunhild smiled “oh, you know her well.” She turned her attention back to Odin. “How did it feel to have what You loved the most, torn away from You!” 

    Loki interrupted again “No! There is no way Angie would be this cruel!”  Brunhild cackled “Do you have any idea what a mother’s grief feels like? To have your children torn from you? To have them forcefully taken away and to watch them be punished for nothing but existing? I think not.” her smile was cold and cruel as she taunted the Trickster. Loki growled “You’re wrong! I do know how it feels. I have grieved a thousand lifetimes over!” “Don’t you dare tell Me I don’t know how it feels!” Brunhild rolled her eyes and Loki summoned a knife and readied to throw it but stopped. “What’s the matter? Can’t hurt me, kill me? Is it because this is her body?” She taunted Loki. Odin cleared His throat “Loki, her issue is with Me, not You. Save Yourself the hurt.” Loki tossed the knife aside with an angry grunt.  

    Brunhild walked over to Odin and wrapped her arms around His neck and whispered in His ear “How did she taste? Was she sweet? Did her smell drive you mad?” She pressed her body close to His “You. Are. Mine.” she whispered in His ear. She let Him go, but Odin not finished gripped Brunhild’s waist, and she gasped “Oh my! How naughty!” she exclaimed seductively. Odin brought her close “How dare you defile her with your soul.” He said quietly. “I adore My little bird and I will not let you keep her.” Brunhild was suspicious and broke His grip. “Heh, what do you plan on doing then?” she asked.  

    Odin summoned a dagger and plunged it into her chest. “Brunhild, I am sorry…Truly” He said softly “Odin… Odin who is Brunhild?” a voice spoke softly. Odin looked down and saw the ruby eyes of His little bird staring back at Him. She glanced down at the dagger protruding from her chest. “Odin?” “What did…Why… What did I do?” Her eyes filled with fear, confusion and anguish. Odin’s eye widened in horror. “Raven! No!” He cried; His sorrowful cry made Loki rush over “What happened! Brunhild was just right here!” Raven looked over to Loki and smiled and she reached out to touch His face “Loki…Your eyes…why are they so sad?” her voice faded. Odin held her close; she looked up to Odin and smiled “I’m not mad… I’m just sad that I won’t see You again… Odin.” He shook His head “No, little bird, you must stay!” He pleaded.  

    She gave one last smiled and closed her eyes. Odin laid her body on the ground. Loki knelt and touched her shoulder “Raven, hey come on Birdie! Wake up!” He shook her, tears streamed down His face “Birdie…” He whispered mournfully. Loki stood “Brunhild! You coward! Show yourself!” He yelled. Odin caressed Raven’s cheek “My little bird. Twice was your death at my hands.” “Again, I’ve lost you and again I am powerless to stop it.” He leaned into Raven’s ear and whispered something that only He understood, and she would be the only one to hear. “Wake up, My little bird, open your eyes now.” “Wake up… little bir… no… mor….” 

    “Wake up little bird…” Raven sat up with a start, her heart pounded in her chest, and tears ran down her cheeks. She looked at Odin wide-eyed and threw her arms around His neck and nearly brought Him down on the bed. “Odin! Oh, Odin… I’m so glad… I’m glad You’re still here!” she said as she sobbed. Odin was bewildered at her sudden hysterical outburst. She hugged Him tightly not wanting to let Him go. He finally pried her off Him and sat next to her. “Raven are… you alright?” He asked concerned. She wiped away her tears and looked up to Him. His eye the same beautiful ocean blue it had always been. “I had a really strange and horrible nightmare and…” she hugged Him again Her head rested against His chest. She heard His heartbeat and closed her eyes and more tears streamed down her face. Odin did not know what to make of her fears or her tears, so He simply embraced her and comforted her. 

    They remained like that for a while until Raven broke the embrace and looked up again at Odin. Odin smiled down at His little bird “it was simply a nightmare, nothing more I promise.” He spoke gently. “But I dreamt that You had killed me and, and that You had fangs! Like a vampire and You were fighting with Loki and, and… and.” Odin stopped her “I would never harm you, Raven. Never!” “My precious little bird.” He cooed gently; He held her chin then brought her lips to His in a soft kiss. They parted, “Odin…Who is Brunhild?” Raven asked. Odin narrowed His brows “how do you know that name?” His tone stern “She was in the nightmare. In it you had traded my life for Your own… so You wouldn’t have to experience the cycle again…” she explained. Odin stood from the bed and crossed His arms “Forget that name, its nothing that should even concern you.” He spoke. Raven lowered her head; she noticed her phone on the bed and its battery very low. She picked it up and opened the messages. 

Crow: Hey rave, u ok? 

Crow: left u a vm call me back 

Crow: r u with Racheal? 

Crow: I called ur dad he said u haven’t come home 

Racheal: Raven Crow called and asked if you were with me 

Racheal: Where are you? 

Racheal: Your dad called call him back 

Dad: Erin where are you? Its 4:30am Are you ok? Please Answer your phone!  

Dad: Erin are you ok!? Are you with Racheal and Roy? 

Dad: Please call me! 

Joanna: Erin, sweetie are you ok? 

Joanna: Erin, we’re worried about you. 

    Raven sighed “wow so many missed calls and messages.” “I guess we should get going then?” She put the phone away and looked back to Odin. “What happened anyway? How’d I end up here?” She held her head “and I have such a headache.” Odin smiled “I was looking for you after I came back from the tunnels.” “I found you unconscious near the stairs and brought you here.” Raven felt confused “Where’s Loki, is He ok?” Odin chuckled “Loki is fine, He’s probably on His way up here.” and sure enough the sound of footsteps could be heard, and the door opened and in strolled Loki wearing His trademark smile. “I found an exit! There’s one in the cellar” He said cheerfully. He noticed Raven sitting up and walked over to her and patted her head “look who’s awake!” He said teasingly.  

    Raven swatted His hand “ouch! Don’t, my head is killing me!” Loki chuckled. “Ok so. I found another exit, it’s in the tunnels that leads to a cellar and there, another door that leads out.” He explained. Odin nodded “good, let us go, and get Raven home.” Loki agreed and motioned them to follow Him. Odin looked to Raven “are you fine to walk?” she nodded “Yes, I’ll be fine.” she said as she stood from the bed. Odin and Raven followed Loki to the tunnels. The trio walked together with Loki in the lead. Raven was quiet and Odin put His arm around her and pulled her close to Him. A part of her felt safer but then memories of the nightmare flooded her mind and she shivered. Odin felt her shaking and stopped, Raven looked to Him in curiosity. He smiled down at His little bird and gave her a reassuring squeeze. “In that nightmare You… You killed me twice.” she spoke softly. Odin recoiled in surprise “My little bird. Raven… I would do no such thing to you.” She looked down trying to hide the tears that were welled up in her eyes.  

    Odin took her chin and raised her face “I’d never trade your life for anything, not even My own.” Raven felt so horrible thinking that He would have then she spoke again “but I wasn’t angry or sad that You had, I was happy that it was You and no one else.” Odin was silent for a moment and spoke once more “the only way I would ever harm you is if I were not Myself.” Raven stiffened again and shook. She shook her head as she tried to empty the images of the nightmare that flashed through her mind again. She looked down trying to compose herself, but fear rose in her chest again when she noticed something horrifying. She stared wide-eyed at a strange structure made of bone and fabric that laid in pieces near the wall. Odin followed her gaze and quickly pulled her closer to Him and blocked the broken artifact from view. “An unsightly pile of trash.” He murmured. Raven looked up to Him “was that is the thing that was stopping You and Loki from using Your powers?” she asked. He sighed “yes, it was some sort of binding totem. Anyone stepping foot here would not be able to use magic.” He explained.  

    Raven clung to Odin’s side. He did His best to comfort her, but her knowledge of that totem had troubled Him. Other thoughts had also troubled Him. How did she know of Brunhild? Who built that magic blocking totem? There were more questions than answers. Odin noticed that an oppressive aura weighed down on the tunnels. He pushed His thoughts and the feeling aside and turned His attention back to Raven. “I assure you, My little bird, nothing will harm you while you are with Me. You have nothing to fret about.” She felt silly for being so afraid, after all it was only a bad dream and she had Odin and Loki with her. She looked to Odin “I’m sorry for acting so childish Odin.” she said quietly. “You have nothing to apologize for, you had quite the nightmare.” He replied gently. 

    Loki shouted back “Hey you guys! The exit is over here!” Raven smiled and Odin nudged her to walk again, and the couple caught up with Loki. They reached an open cellar door; day had broken, and birds could be heard singing. Tiny slivers of sunlight were beginning to peek through the trees. The trio left the cellar, and all breathed in the chilly morning air. “Well, I’ve gotta go. Got dates with some dwarves! See ya Birdie!” and Loki vanished. Odin sighed and let go of Raven, she walked over to a nearby tree and leaned against it, A light breeze began to stir, and its chilliness felt so good against her skin. The inside of the dilapidated home felt unusually warm to her, and the cool breeze was a welcome sensation. She smiled and closed her eyes. Odin walked over and took her by the waist and kissed her forehead. She opened her eyes and found His gaze so hypnotic, it seemed to put her at ease. Her eyelids felt heavy and her limbs weak. “Odin I…” and she fainted in His arms. Odin held her close and smiled as He stroked her hair. “Fear not My little bird no harm will come to you… I promise.” He scooped her up and vanished in a red and blue aura. 

    “Hey Raven, did you hear that someone trashed the old LaFaye house?” Crow said. Raven and her friend Crow were sitting outside at a café. Raven looked up from her float “they trashed the house?” “But that place was already a wreck.” Crow shrugged and showed her the article on his phone “well, they really fucked shit up more. Holes and crap just everywhere.” Raven went back to sipping her pumpkin spice ice-cream float, she knew full well that whatever caused the “trashing” was not even from the physical realm. Crow continued to scroll through his phone. “Hey Raven, I heard from Racheal that you have like a cousin or something staying here in town.” he said without looking up from his phone. Raven stared in confusion “I don’t…Why would she say that?” Crow looked up from his phone “Sounded like he just got here a few days ago.” Raven leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms “oh did he now?” “Racheal said she ran into him at that weird curio shop on 2nd street, and he started talking about you.” Crow continued.  

    “Hey Raaaaven!” She heard a voice call from behind she turned and saw Loki. He waved at the pair as He approached them. She could not believe her eyes. He walked over to the two friends and introduced Himself to Crow. He looked like He usually did for the exception that He was missing His braids and had more natural ginger locks. He was His usual cheerful self “You must be Crow, I’m Russell McKnight, Raven’s cousin. Nice to meet you.” He extended His hand to Crow, and they shook hands. Raven internally groaned “Russell McKnight? Really Loki?” She thought to herself.  

    “Yeah, cool to meet you too.” Crow replied. “Russell” patted Raven on her head and smiled “your friend Racheal said I’d find you here.” Crow laughed “Hey, Raven, I thought you said you didn’t have a cousin?” She rolled her eyes “Well, I kinda forgot about him. I haven’t seen him in so long, since he practically never comes around.” sarcasm dripped from her every word. Loki acted as if He had been wounded and dramatically held His chest “Oh, Raven, your words. They wound me so!” He declared with a teasingly solemn tone “Anyways came by to invite you to Raven’s Halloween party.” Loki said as He handed Crow a flyer. “What? A party?” Crow asked as he took the flyer from Loki.  

    Crow read the flyer over “The old LaFaye house?” “But that place got trashed a few days ago. How are you holding a party there?” he asked. Loki laughed “yeah, the place was a disaster. Took a day or so to fix it up. I know some great contractors and repair people.” he said winking at Raven, and she just smiled and shook her head. “Sounds cool, yeah, I’ll be there. So, Raven what made you throw a party?” Crow asked. “Technically not my party.” She spoke and Loki chimed in “its more for her rather than her throwing it.” Crow stood from his seat “well I gotta go, going to have to throw together a costume.” he said. “’kay see you later Crow.” Raven said, “Nice meeting you Crow.” Loki added. Crow waved as he walked away. 

    “Russell McKnight? Really Loki?” She chuckled “What!? It sounds cool!” He defended Himself. “So, how did the renovations go?” Raven asked. Loki folded His arms behind His head “great. It only took three nights.” He replied. She smiled “You know You didn’t have to go through all the trouble, just to throw me a party.” Loki stuck out His tongue “Yeah, well, I wanted to.” Raven’s phone notification chimed, and she pulled it out “oh looks like Racheal wants to go costume shopping.” Loki grinned wide “You should get something kinda showy.” Raven raised an eyebrow “why?”  “You’re kinda boring, honestly” Loki replied. Raven crossed her arms “I’m not that boring.” “Oh, I beg to differ. Racheal showed me your past costumes and let’s be real, they sucked” He snickered. Raven huffed “dammit Racheal.” she whispered. “Well, I gotta go, see ya later.” Loki said as He vanished.  

    Raven left her seat and started to walk to the seasonal costume shop that just opened a week ago. She would meet her friend Racheal there. The October afternoon was chilly, darkened clouds spotted the sky; beautiful autumn-colored leaves littered the ground everywhere she stepped. A light chilly breeze started to stir and whipped up some leaves, they danced and floated about. Raven smiled as she made her way to the small costume shop. “My little bird, there you are.” she heard a familiar voice speak from behind. She stopped and turned to see that it was Odin who stood there.  

    He looked a little different, instead of His normal cloak and fur He wore more modern clothing. He donned a black stylish suit and was without His hat. He wore His hair in a low ponytail and was styled to obscure His missing eye. Raven was shocked at His sudden modernization; she took a moment to admire this new look. He caught her gazing and offered her His hand “My little bird, might I accompany you on your errand?” Raven blushed a deep red “Odin… You-You look s-so…” her words came out stuttered. Odin smiled mischievously “Raven, you seem flustered.” Raven shook her head and took His hand. “I mean…You look so…good!” she finally blurted out. In truth He looked more than just “good” He was downright dashing in His black suit and styled hair. She realized she still held His hand and let it go. He chuckled and they began to walk together. Eventually Raven took hold of His arm as they walked, and Odin sighed contently. 

    They made it to the shop sometime later and Raven let go of Odin’s arm and turned to Him. “Um so, I’m gonna head inside…” she paused a moment “um do You want to come with me…? I mean if You’re…” Odin smiled and finished her thought. “I am not busy, and I do not mind accompanying you.” Raven flushed again. The couple entered the small shop. It had multiple racks of Halloween costumes for children, teens and adults. In the back of the shop there were some fitting booths that were unoccupied. The young cashier looked bored at their station as they flipped through a seasonal magazine. Quirky Halloween music played over the speakers giving the shop it’s seasonal atmosphere. 

    They were greeted by Raven’s friend Racheal “Raven! You must see this adore….” Racheal paused when she saw the man accompanying her friend. “Whoa, Raven! Who. Is. This!?” she asked. Raven looked to Odin unsure of what to say. He smiled and introduced Himself “My name is Alden Borrson. It is a pleasure to meet you.” Racheal smiled kindly and introduced herself “I’m Racheal, nice to meet you too.” Racheal took Raven by the hand “I’m gonna borrow Rave for sec.” Odin nodded, and Racheal led Raven behind a rack of costumes and crouched and whispered “Dang Raven, where did you find him! He’s so hot.” “So, details! Spill them!” Raven was trying to think of something to tell her friend but what? It’s not like she can just tell Racheal that He’s a Norse god, no one would believe her. “Um, he’s a friend from collage. We met while attending a Scandinavian exhibit at the museum and he happened to attend the same college.”  

    Raven held her breath and hoped Racheal would accept this incredibly dumb explanation. “You never told me you met a guy!” Racheal exclaimed. Odin heard Racheal’s exclamation and chuckled, He walked over to the rack and looked over “Do you need help with something?” He asked the girls. “Oh no, we’re just looking at these cute costumes!” Racheal said. Odin smiled at Raven, and she turned her head to hide the blush that formed on her cheeks. The girls started to browse the costumes, and Odin watched from a distance as He perused the racks Himself. Racheal pulled a sexy police officer uniform from one of the racks and held it up to herself “whatcha think Rave, you think this will get James’ attention?” Raven rolled her eyes “Oh, please you would have to dress up as a sexy drum kit to get his attention.” Racheal laughed “Oh Raven, don’t be so mean.” she said as she put the costume back.  

    Raven browsed the racks but did not find anything that felt right. She saw a witch costume and took it off the rack and held it to herself “ugh, how cliché.” she said. Racheal noticed the costume and booed her friend teasingly. “Come on Rave, pick something fun!” “How about this?” Racheal showed a sexy princess costume to Raven. Raven groaned in disgust “Yeah, no. I don’t think so.” “What is it with you and sexy costumes this year?” Raven asked “Well I feel good about myself and want to show off! I deserve it!” Racheal said proudly. “Well, I’m happy one of us feels good about themselves.” Raven said quietly as she put the costume back.  

    Racheal squealed as she ran over to another rack and yanked a costume off it. She held it up triumphantly. “This is it! This is your costume!” Raven went over to see what her friend found. Racheal held up an elegant “vampire queen” costume. It was red and black, with long lace sleeves and spider web designs. The corset sported blood red ribbons and a plunging neckline. The gown itself was flowy and seemed light as a feather. “Uh I don’t know…” Raven said. Odin interrupted the girls “My, who’s costume is that?” He asked, a mischievously sensual smile graced His lips. “Oh, good Alden. What do you think of this for Raven!?” Racheal asked excitedly as she showed Him the costume. Odin observed the costume for a moment “I think she would look beautiful in it.” He answered.  

     Racheal cheered and Raven shot him an annoyed look. “Yes! We’ll take it!” Racheal said happily. “I’m not paying for that!” Raven protested. Odin chuckled “That’s all right, I shall pay for it.” He offered. Racheal looked wide eyed at Him “whoa, really? Are you sure?” Odin nodded “I’d be happy to.” Raven grumbled as she headed for the shop’s exit. “Wow thanks Alden.” Racheal said. Odin nodded and went to the front to pay for the costume, but Racheal tugged at his sleeve “Hey uh Alden can I talk to you for a sec?” Racheal asked looking a little worried. He nodded and Racheal led Him to the fitting booths. “Thanks for getting the costume for Raven. Listen I don’t know how well you know her but please, please be patient and kind with her.” Racheal said sadly. Odin was curious now; He cocked His head to the side “of course. I will.” He spoke. Racheal smiled sadly “I hope so, she’s been through a lot, and she isn’t the same girl she used to be, she acts tough, but she scares easily now and…” Odin interrupted her “I promise I will always protect her; she can be difficult at times, but I will never hurt her.” Racheal smiled “good because if you do hurt her, no one will find your body.” she said with a calm smile and patted his arm. “Nice meeting you Alden, see you at the party.” she said and went back to browsing costumes. Odin chuckled to Himself; He found her threat amusing. 

     Raven was halfway down the street when Odin caught up to her. They walked in silence for some time. Odin was the one who broke the quiet “Your friend is quite the fiery one.” Raven stopped and turned to Him “Why did You buy the costume?” Odin held up two bags “Not one but two.” He smirked. Raven raised an eyebrow “two?” she asked. “Yes, two. One for you and one for Me.” Raven was stunned and took one bag from Him. She looked inside it and pulled it out. It was the one for Him. It was an elegant “vampire lord” costume. For a split second, she shuddered. She put it away and handed the bag back to Him. “You’re going to dress up?” she asked, a small smile spread across her lips. 

    Odin chuckled “yes. Your party is one where you dress up, is it not?” He asked handing her the bag with her costume in it. She nodded “yeah.” Raven moved her hair from her face “well I’m gonna go home and try on this costume.” Odin took Raven around the waist and brought her in close. He went to lean in for a kiss, but Raven pulled her head away, He looked both surprised and dismayed. Raven smiled and then pressed her lips to His and He smiled during the kiss. They broke apart “thank you for getting the costume for me.” She said quietly. “You’re welcome My little bird.” 

    The sun was setting, and the temperature dropped, she turned and looked at the sky. It was painted an array of colors, mimicking the autumn ones that decorated the trees. Raven took Odin’s hand “Well, “Alden” I’ll see You later then.” she said. He chuckled “but of course, My little bird.” Raven let go of His hand and started to walk away she stopped to turn to wave but Odin had already vanished. She smiled and continued to walk home.  

    She passed the old LaFaye house on her way and stopped. She stared at it; the horrible nightmare she had flashed through her mind, she shivered and held herself. She looked back up at the house and she thought she saw someone watching her from a window. She shook her head and started walking again, eager to get home. She finally made it home and was greeted by Joanna, her stepmother. “Hi Erin, how was your friend Roy?” Raven smiled “Crow was fine.” she said as she headed up to her room and Joanna followed Raven and stopped her outside her door. “Erin, sweetie did you get my message?” Raven looked confused “what message?” “I left you a voice mail asking to pick up a few things.” Joanna said annoyed.  

    Raven put the bag down and took out her phone. “I don’t see a voice mail.” Joanna crossed her arms “are you sure? You’re not lying to me, are you?” Raven rolled her eyes “I’m not ten, don’t treat me like it.” Joanna narrowed her brows “Listen, after what you put your father through a few nights ago, it seems I might have to!” Raven put her phone away and grabbed her bag and retreated to her room “I’ll be down for dinner later, bye” Raven said as she closed the door and locked it. She heard Joanna say something inaudible and march down the stairs.  

    Raven tossed the bag on her bed and then flopped down on it. “Ugh, I am so glad I am out of here come November.” she thought to herself. She laid there for a while and let her mind wander. A knock broke through her thoughts. “Erin, a man is here to see you!” she heard her stepmother’s voice from the other side. “Who is it?” Raven asked. “He says his name is Alden.” Raven sat up “Alden!?” She jumped up from her bed and unlocked the door. She rushed past Joanna and Joanna stopped her “who is Alden?” she asked. Raven wrinkled her nose “he’s a friend.” she answered annoyed. She continued towards the front door. She saw “Alden”, He stood in the doorway “what are you doing here?” Odin smiled “I wanted to bring you this.” He said holding up a small ornate black box.  

    She took the box “does this go with the costume?” she asked. “Open it.” He spoke. Raven opened the box and in it was a black choker. It had a bright red ruby fastened in the center and from that hung a small sliver pendant in the shape of a raven. “Odi… Alden this is beautiful! I love it!” she exclaimed. She took it out of the box and held it up. Joanna appeared behind Raven “what a nice little trinket” she commented “do you want to introduce me to your friend?” Raven turned “oh this is Alden, a friend from college.” she said. “Oh well it’s nice to meet you, I’m Erin’s mother, Joanna.”  

    Odin’s smile faded “mother? If I recall Raven had told me her mother had passed.” Raven spoke up “step-mother and yes my biological mother passed when I was a kid.” she said as she gave Joanna a sideways glare. “Well, I’ve been there for Erin ever since she and her sister were children and I have taken care of them as my own.”  Joanna added. “Alden, if you do not mind it’s late and I think you should be going now.” she said as she tried to urge “Alden” to leave. Odin’s smile returned “I suppose I should, goodnight My little bird.”  He said before leaving. Raven watched Him leave and Joanna closed the door. “Bringing home strange men now?” she asked sternly. Raven groaned “He isn’t strange I know him,” she walked past Joanna and went to her room. 

    It was the night of Halloween and the party, Raven pulled out her costume and began to dress. She struggled with some of the clasps on the corset but eventually she triumphed. She sighed and pulled on some black stockings and a pair of black high heeled boots. She went over to her jewelry box and pulled out the choker that Odin gave her. She put it around her neck and went to the large mirror that hung behind her door, she admired the choker and ran her fingers over the leather. The gem and pendant shined brilliantly whenever light would hit it. She smiled and went to sit at her vanity desk to put on her makeup and style her hair.  

    After she was finished, her phone rang. It was Crow, she answered and put the call on speaker. “What’s up Crow?” “Hey Rave, you done getting ready?” he asked. “I’m just finishing up now. What about you?” “I’m ready! Wait till you see what I am, you are gonna freak! Its way cool!” he said excitedly. Raven scoffed “yeah right. If you’re another lame pun, I’m gonna punch you.” she laughed. “Naw, no pun this year! Your cousin Russell helped me out.” Raven paused. “Oh gods, what did Loki do?” she thought to herself. “Hey, Rave you there?” “Oh yeah, I’m finishing up now. I’ll see you at the party.” She went silent for a moment “hey, you ok Rave? You sound kind of weird.” Crow asked. Raven laughed “Oh yeah, I’m fine. I’m just concentrating on my eye makeup is all.” “Well, if you’re ok, I’ll let you go then. See ya.” Crow said and then hung up.  

    Raven was ready and headed for the front door. She was just out the door when she heard her father call to her “Erin, where are you going?” he asked, “Uh going to the Halloween party.” Raven replied. Her father frowned “I was hoping to ask you for a favor.” Raven crossed her arms and eyed him suspiciously. Anytime he asked for a favor it always had to do with Joanna. “I was hoping you would take Joanna’s nieces trick or treating.” Raven shook her head “no, I can’t miss this party. Lo… Russell is throwing this for me. He put a lot of work into fixing up that old house.” “Erin, you can miss one party. There’s always next year.” he said, “I said no.” She stood her ground. She did not want to miss this party.  

    She could see the annoyance that had built up in her father’s expression. “Listen Erin, you haven’t been here in years, you could at least spend time with your family.” he said angrily. Raven was appalled “excuse me? Family? They’re not my family! You were the one that told me to not come back until I accepted Joanna as my “mother” I only came back because Jess wanted me to send her some of her things and you needed help with the house!” Her father was furious now and grabbed Raven’s arm and twisted it “Fuck! Dad, you’re hurting me! Let go!” she cried as she struggled to get free. “You listen to me! You are staying here, under my roof! You know damn well what I say goes!” A voice spoke from the front door, stern and cool. “Excuse me sir, but would you mind releasing your daughter?”  

    Raven’s father glanced behind her and saw a man dressed in an elegant vampire costume. “Who are you?” he asked. The man smiled “My name is Alden; I am here to escort Raven to her party.” He said smoothly. Her father let go and Raven hurried to Odin’s side. “You have her back by ten, you hear, or I call the police.” her father demanded. Odin looked down at Raven and His smile faded. Sadness and fear had darkened Raven’s face. “Raven is an adult, she will tell me when she wants to return home, if she decides to at all.” Raven looked to Odin and nodded. The couple left the doorway and started down the street. The door slammed and she could hear angry yelling coming from inside the home. 

    Once the house was out of view Odin pulled Raven into an embrace “close your eyes, little bird.” she did as she was told. An aura enveloped them, and they vanished. They appeared not far from the LaFaye house. The house’s exterior was fully decorated with jack-o-lanterns, ghosts, skeletons, and other various spooky décor. The house was filled with music, laughter, and screams. Raven smiled “it sounds like everyone is having fun.” she said quietly. “Indeed” He answered. She still clung to Odin’s side “I’m sorry You had to see that, pretty pathetic right?” Odin said nothing. “I guess we should go inside.” She let go of Odin and the couple walked to the house.  

    When they arrived, they were greeted by Loki or “Russell”. “Hey! You guys made it!” He saw Raven’s costume and His mouth hung open in astonishment “looking great Birdie! You should wear something like that more often, it fits you.” Raven rolled her eyes. He gave His brother a once over “damn bro, You’re lookin’ snazzy too.” “Loki are You drunk?” Raven asked. “Just a little.” He giggled. Raven laughed “So, Loki er, I mean Russell who are you supposed to be?” she asked. Loki was dressed in a red and yellow bodysuit with black accents and two toy daggers hung from His hips “Deadpond!” He exclaimed. “Deadpond?” Odin questioned. Raven laughed “I think he’s a popular comic book character or something.” “Well get in here you two, lets party!” Loki said happily and He ushered them inside. 

    Odin and Raven entered the house. It was crowded with revelers dancing, laughing and drinking. Music blasted over speakers, there were tables filled with Halloween goodies, food and drink. Raven spotted Crow and made her way over to him. He was wearing an exaggerated fantasy Viking costume, complete with a horned helmet and giant axe. Raven tapped him on the shoulder “hey Crow “nice” costume.” she said laughing Crow turned quickly “oh Raven hey, thanks Rus…” He looked Raven’s costume over with wide eyes. “Whoa, Rave. You… You look so…” Raven sighed “I know, it’s ridiculous right?” Crow shook his head “No! You look amazing!” he said. “Wait really?” Crow nodded “you really do!”  

    Racheal approached her friends, she wore a seductive, form fitting cat-girl costume. “Raven! See I told you, you would look freaking amazing!” she exclaimed. A man walked up behind Racheal, he sported a “bloodied” sports jersey and matching pants, and a goalie mask completed his costume. He put his arm around Racheal’s shoulders “Hey, how’s it going Rave. Damn, your boobs look great in that corset” he said and made a finger gun gesture with his hand. Raven smiled and rolled her eyes “yeah, thanks James.” Racheal elbowed him in the gut “don’t be rude, jerk” “Hey!” he shouted and then faked being in pain. “I’m going to go get some food, be right back.” James said as he left the group.  

    “That’s your date Rache?” Crow asked “Well, he’s cute and funny.” she laughed. Raven realized that Odin was nowhere to be seen “Where did He go, I wonder?” She looked around but did not see Him. “Hey where’s that guy you were with a few days ago, did he come with you?” Racheal asked, “We must have got separated.” Raven answered. “I’m gonna go see where He wandered off to. See you guys later.” she said. Racheal nodded and left the group to find her date. Crow continued to mingle with his fellow revelers. 

    Raven navigated the crowd of party goers as she searched for Odin. She noted that Loki had done an amazing job of getting the old house fixed up and decorated. Everything was so lively, it really felt like a real Halloween party. Everyone seemed to be having fun. After a while she started to feel out of place. The loud music and people were not exactly her thing, she was grateful that Loki wanted to make her happy, but this raucous gathering is not what she had in mind. She felt the hairs on her neck stand on end. It had felt as if a pair of unseen eyes were watching her every move.  She felt uncomfortable despite the lively atmosphere. Panic started to build in her chest, and she hurried to an unoccupied corner and leaned into it. She took a deep breath and tried to calm herself, but she could not shake the feeling of being “watched”. 

    Someone took a hold of her wrist, and she looked up. She saw Odin’s smirk looking back at her. The very sight of Him brought her instant relief, she felt safe again. “Odi.. Alden!” She exclaimed in relief. “Little bird you look flustered. Are you alright?” She shook her head “honestly no, I’m not. This feels like it’s too much.” Odin pulled her in close to Him “come with me.” she nodded, and Odin led her to the stairs. They made their way up to the second floor. They passed some kissing couples in the hall as they made their way to a door. “Um what if there are people in there?” she asked. “Worry not, only I can enter this room.” He said as He held up a golden key. He put the key into the lock and opened the door.  

    They went inside, Raven knew that this was the room she had the nightmare in. She shivered at the memory, but Odin’s touch was a reassuring reminder that she was awake. He closed the door behind them, then took Raven by the hand and led her to the bed. He sat her down on it. It felt cool and soft under her. She ran her hand over the top covers as she looked around the room. It looked the same but different from her nightmare. She started to shake. Odin saw her fear and sat down next to her, and He put an arm around her waist and pulled her close to Him. 

    She looked up at Him with fear filled eyes and this concerned Him. “Why the fear, My little bird?” He questioned gently “It’s just… That horrible nightmare I had.” she said quietly. He kissed the top of her head “Raven, as long as you are with me, you will be safe, I promise.” She buried her head in His chest “I know but it felt so real.” Odin felt another presence in the room, an intruding one. He held Raven close to Him. He whispered to her “stay silent Raven, someone else is here.” Raven stiffened and squeezed her eyes shut. Odin scanned the room and in the corner of the room was an odd shadow, He pointed to it and a small orb of light flew from His fingertip and illuminated the shadow. The shadow had a feminine silhouette, it recoiled as if in pain and darted out the window.  

    Odin frowned, the shadow’s presence was familiar somehow, like He knew it. “You may move now, Raven.” He spoke. She brought her face away from His chest and looked up at Him “what was wrong?” He smiled down at her “it was nothing more than a shadow, nothing for you to fret over.” she nodded and reached for His cheek and caressed it. His skin was so soft, she lightly stroked His cheek with her thumb. He leaned in to kiss her and she met Him halfway. He pushed her down on the bed to continue the passionate kissing. He broke away from her “My little bird, would you like a treat?” He said, lust dripped from His every word. She blushed and stuttered out “tr-treat?” He smiled mischievously “Yes, treat. Would you like your Halloween treat now My little bird?” She didn’t know how to respond so she nodded. “Good.” 

    He lifted her dress and began to remove her boots and then her stockings. Raven’s heart pounded like a drum; her whole body felt so warm. He made His way to her panty and started to pull it off and He tossed the undergarment aside. “You are sure to enjoy this, My little bird.” He brought His head down between her thighs, Raven realized what He was going to do and tried to stop Him, but she was too late. She felt His tongue touch her bud and she gasped. She tried to sit up, but the sensation brought her back down. He paused and came back up, “Would you like me to continue with the treat, My little bird?” All she was able to do was nod. He went back and continued to tickle and tease her.  

    The night was filled with a passionate lovemaking between a King and a Raven. A shadow glided across the window and watched the couple make love, then it darted away bouncing over multiple rooftops. Crow, who happened to be standing outside had witnessed the shadow fleeing. In the distance, a cackling could be heard. He looked up at the night sky and asked the person next to him if they also heard that to which they drunkenly responded “Dude, it’s Halloween, it was probably a witch.”