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It took them nearly an hour before they reached the cliffs that bordered Asgard. Loki had never been to this part of the black sea before. Truthfully he had never had a reason. This part of the sea was difficult to navigate with hidden reefs and large, dangerous rocks sitting just below the surface of the churning waters. Following the map and Kenna's quiet direction he stopped the boat at the base of the cliff face that ran straight up five hundred feet.

He frowned up at the solid rock face wondering what was to come next. Kenna took a loop of rope and secured the small boat to the rocks. She only prayed a storm did not suddenly rise while they were gone. The small boat could easily be destroyed if it were smashed against the rocks.

Loki leapt out of the boat first, landing lightly on the slippery, uneven rocks. He turned back to offer Kenna his hand once more to help her but she was already leaping past him. She landed lightly on her feet, her muscles already coiled as though she was ready to pounce. When he turned around to look at her she flashed him a cheeky smile.

"By more graceful did you mean like that?" she asked glibly.

He smirked and nodded. "Something like that," he agreed.

Kenna then turned and looked up at the cliff face thoughtfully. There were enough handholds to climb it, but it was going to take time. The sky was starting to lighten to the east. She stepped up and reached for the first outcropping of rock.

Loki reached out to stop her. "What are you doing?" he asked.

She arched a brow and stepped back, pointing up to a small opening nearly one hundred feet up. "Do you see that?" she asked.

Loki nodded.

"That's where we have to go," she said turning back. She wished she were not still wearing her dress. Pants and boots would make the climb much easier. Glancing back at the prince she thought it might be a good idea to let him go first.

Loki held his hand out to her. She frowned at him, not understanding what he wanted. Rolling his eyes he snatched up her hand. As soon as their skin touched Kenna felt a strange tingling sensation run over her entire body. There was a heavy pressure for half a second and she closed her eyes against the sensations. When she opened them again she was surprised to find herself standing in a cave with Loki beside her. He released her hand. She whirled around to see the mouth of the cave behind them, with nothing but open sky visible. She walked towards it cautiously.

"Be careful," Loki advised wryly. "The wind sheer this high up will be vicious."

He was right. Her dress swirled around her, billowing away and then flattening tightly against her body. She neared the edge to gaze down at their small boat one hundred feet below them. She turned around to face the prince in shock.

"You can teleport," she said slowly in disbelief. Very few magic users ever mastered the craft and most didn't survive the very steep and dangerous learning curve that accompanied the pursuit.

Loki nodded.

"But-" she started to say and then stopped herself. Curiosity burned through her, but it wasn't her business. She was a slave, she reminded herself. She needed to keep her head down and her mouth shut. Slaves who stuck their noses where they didn't belong did not fair well. Unconsciously she reached up to touch the skin where the collar once sat.

"It is not commonly known," Loki said, watching her movements closely. It was as though two separate people were blending into one before his eyes. He wondered again whether that collar had suppressed more than just her memories. He wanted to ask but didn't know how. It seems somehow incredibly personal. He cleared his throat. "I would prefer if it was something we could keep between us."

His words seemed to tear her from whatever dark thoughts had clouded her expression. She seemed surprised by his request but nodded slowly.

"Most Asgardians are not overly accepting of the use of magic. I prefer to keep much of what I can do to myself as it is also my greatest defense."

Kenna nodded, feeling as though another piece of the puzzle that was Prince Loki fell into place. He was treated differently, though Kenna had never realized it was because of his magic. It made sense though, even before she had been taken to Asgard she had known the Asgardians valued strength of arms and what they considered bravery in battle. It was antiquated and her parents had raised her to value knowledge, resourcefulness and to respect life.

"This way," she said and she turned and set off into the dark cave.

They walked in silence for several minutes before Kenna's curiosity finally got the best of her. "So why the boat?" she asked, wondering at the extent of his ability. Was distance a factor? Was it more draining to travel with two? How did that relate to distance? Was the fact that he was maintaining another spell a factor? Or did he simply not trust her enough to show her all he could do? All seemed plausible and equally as likely.

He glanced back at her as though he were surprised she would be interested in asking questions about what he could do. He and his mother often discussed magic, but she had taught him and was a magic user herself. Every one else that knew of his capabilities had always treated him as somehow less for using them. Kenna didn't sound judgmental however, she simply seemed curious.

"Ah, I have to have a connection, be able to see or envision where I am going," he said, walking half a step behind her. "Teleporting blindly is a great way to get oneself quite dead," he added flippantly.

Kenna didn't smile however, she just nodded thoughtfully as though she were thinking very hard on the topic. They turned a corner and the light was nearly gone. Kenna had nearly perfect night-sight, but the deeper they descended the blacker it became. Behind her she heard the prince trip and curse softly under his breath.

Kenna snickered and turned to face him. In the black she could only make out his outline but she had a feeling he was glaring at her. "Having trouble Prince Loki?" She asked flippantly. Being away from the castle and her place there helped to remind her who she was as much as the removal of that blasted collar. She was not the submissive girl who only did as she was told and lived in fear of being punished or sent away. Out here she could breathe.

Loki snorted at her words. Though he couldn't see her at all, he could hear the pleased tone in her voice and it made him smile. The further they went the more confident and comfortable she became. As hard as he tried not to be, she fascinated him. This was not the same shy elf who tended his mother's rose bushes. "I didn't realize elves could see in the dark," he commented in a bored tone.

In front of him Kenna giggled. "Not full dark, but closer than you Asgardian," she teased. Her laughter was cut off as she felt the air in front of her shift.

Loki heard the change in her voice and felt the air pressure change. He immediately stepped forward drawing a dagger. He snaked an arm out and drew Kenna behind him.

Kenna gasped as she felt a strong arm wrap around her waist. Loki swung her around behind him, placing himself between her and whatever was in front of them, despite the fact that he was nearly blind.

Kenna grabbed his arm, stopping him. "It's okay," she promised, surprised he had been so willing to place himself between her and danger. "It's the gateway," she explained. "It may be uncomfortable to pass through," she said simply and she reached down in the dark and took his hand.

Loki nearly flinched when Kenna touched him and he quickly put the dagger away so he could hold her small hand in his larger one. She started walking forward as fast as she could, even he had to stride to keep up.

"What?" He started to ask but the pressure grew and grew until it was oppressive and he was sure his entire body was going to be crushed.

All sound ceased and they were truly in a void. There was no light, no sound, nothing but the warm grip of Kenna's hand in his. Still she pressed on, how she fought against the weight of it he didn't know. She was so small and seemed so fragile surely this much pressure would kill her.

And then it was gone. It happened so suddenly they were both thrown to the ground.

Kenna gasped, exclaiming in pain as she collapsed. She fell to her side and pulled away from Loki. Loki dropped to his knees. Years of training himself not to react to pain kicked in and he only grunted quietly. They both stayed where they lay, gasping for breath.

There was more light here though it still appeared they were deep within a cave system. This side must have had vents to the surface which allowed for enough light for even Loki to see fairly well.

After a few long minutes Loki was finally able to speak. "Uncomfortable?" He asked sardonically as he continued to pant.

Kenna turned to face him and frowned at the grimace still on his face. "Are you okay?" She asked in concern.

Loki was taken aback by her simple question. Frigga of course fawned over both him and Thor but no one else had even shown such genuine concern for him. Most especially not a woman he was responsible for, one significantly less sturdy than an Asgardian. But there she was, still fighting to get her own breath back and watching him for any signs of injury.

He was at first touched and then paused to wonder if she was assuming him weak. It wouldn't be the first time in his life, perhaps she just chose to be more subtle about it than the others had been. Scowling he shoved himself to his feet. He was a prince of Asgard and he wouldn't have a tiny elf slave demean him in such a way.

"I'm fine," he responded gruffly.

Kenna frowned at the sudden change in Loki's voice and his demeanor. She wondered if he had somehow been injured passing through. She had never heard of anyone who was not an elf using the passages and she didn't know what it would do to them. Perhaps she should have warned the prince.

Loki dusted himself off and looked ahead towards the next cavern. "Is it this way?" He asked in a tight tone. His eyes were hard and his face was once more devoid of emotion. It reminded her of the day she first met him. It was the face he wore at court. She hadn't realized how far they had come until he reverted back to the stoic prince.

Kenna nodded, pushing herself to her feet. She straightened her dress and walked forward with her head held high. If he wished to close himself off and draw the line firmly between them as servant and master she would not protest nor give him the satisfaction of reacting. She stepped neatly around him and led the way.

The closer they came to the surface the louder the wind whipped through the caverns. It moaned and howled as though it were a living thing. Perhaps the only living thing left in her realm. The rocks became younger, more jagged as well and when the sand beneath their feet gave way to ash she knew they were nearly there. The volcanic eruptions that had destroyed what little remained following the dark elves initial attack left a jagged maze of razor sharp rock and thick powdery ash.

Kenna led the way around the final bend and sucked in a breath as they came to the cave opening. Above, the twin suns were setting, it was nearly night in Alfheim. She glanced back over her shoulder at Loki. The proud, stoic expression he had worn slowly gave way to wonder as he gazed out at the wasteland that was all that remained of the once great forest cities of Alfheim.

"I have been here," he said in a low voice as the two of them stepped out of the cave into an open plateau. "But it was a long time ago. I was a boy," he said quietly, almost to himself. When he turned he saw Kenna, standing behind a large formation of rocks, looking out over the plains that stretched out below them.

Miles away in the dimming light they watched as fires lit. Loki sucked in a breath. That was likely Harokin's army. He was going to have to get closer for a better look, but even from this distance he could see it was a considerable force. He glanced over at Kenna once more. She was staring down across the plains with clear displeasure written across her face.

He cleared his throat. "You should be safe enough in the caves," he said drawing one of his daggers and handing it to her.

Kenna took the dagger, wrapping her fist tightly around the worn leather grip. She had been trained when she was young with a bow and a short sword. All elves were trained to fight starting at a very young age. Unlike Asgard, male and female elves fought side by side. So while in Asgard the Lady Sif had fought to prove herself and earn her place every step of the way. Kenna had been given her first sword from the time she was strong enough to swing one. It had been centuries however since she had last been permitted to touch a weapon and with the loss of her memories her body had forgotten as well. Loki's dagger was finely crafted, light, and perfectly balanced in her hand. She had never seen the prince fight but it seemed to suit him.

"I will return as swiftly as possible," Loki continued.

Kenna startled out of her thoughts at the prince's words. He was planning on leaving her here.

"No," she said stepping up, then suddenly remembering herself she froze, wishing she could snatch the words back. It did not matter who she once had been. She was a slave now, even here, and a slave did not say no to a prince.

Loki turned to look at the small elf in surprise at her decisive tone. His face was an amused mask as he arched an eyebrow inviting her to continue.

Her eyes stayed wide for several minutes before she was able to calm herself down. When the prince didn't say anything and instead seemed to be waiting for her to speak, she finally relented. "I won't leave you to go alone."

Her words grated on Loki's pride. "I assure you I can handle myself just fine," he replied tightly.

Kenna frowned, not understanding the look of irritation that crossed the prince's face. "I have no doubt of that," she assured him. "But I came here as your guide, I'll not leave you to finish this on your own."

"It will be dangerous," Loki warned palming two more of his daggers.

Kenna blinked up at him, letting him see the resolve burning in her eyes. "I am not afraid," she promised him.

Loki stared hard at the slave, wondering if he was making a mistake bringing her. But he could see in her eyes that she was determined to accompany him and so he finally nodded in agreement before the two set off into the growing darkness side by side.

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It took them several hours to cross the plains. Neither spoke, for fear of drawing the attention of their enemies who might have unseen scouts or sentries. Once they were close enough to hear the quiet chatter of the men at camp Loki slowed. He grasped Kenna's arm and drew her down behind a massive boulder. With a gesture of his hand he told her to wait. Loki moved to the edge and stayed crouched in the darkness.

When the sentry came by he let the man pass as he studied him carefully. He appeared indeed to be Asgardian. It was another half an hour before the man passed again. This time Loki struck, he stepped out behind the man, drawing his dagger across the man's throat before he could draw a breath to scream. Loki tossed the body away from him before the man's blood soaked him. It landed with a quiet thud at Loki's feet. It was far from the first man Loki had killed, but he felt every one. Loki took a deep breath and focused on the details of the man's face. With a faint shimmer of green light Loki assumed the man's appearance.

He turned back to Kenna, uncertain what she would make of the events. Would she draw away in fear? He had just killed a man in front of her.

Kenna's eyes however were hard with steely determination. She crept close to him and leaned in so her lips were near his ear. "I shall wait here then?" she asked, already following Loki's plan. The face of the sentry would allow him to circle the camp and get a count of how many Asgardian's were here.

Loki tried not to notice the warm fall of her breath on his neck as he reminded himself that she was slave and far beneath him. He nodded. "I'll return shortly," he promised. "You have the dagger?" he asked unnecessarily. She had been gripping his dagger in her hand like a lifeline since he had given it to her. Slaves were not permitted to touch weapons but he wouldn't have her out here unprotected. Not when she was risking everything for the very people who held her captive.

She nodded. "Be safe," she called after him in a whisper.

He jerked his chin down once and assumed the sentries path. He wasn't able to get a perfect count, but the sheer number of fires and tents was astounding. How could all this be hidden from Heimdall? Even the spell he was using to hide just him and Kenna was draining him. There had to be thousands here. His curiosity was peeked at what kind of being could possess such power? And how had they managed to harness it yet direct it so precisely. What would it take to conceal all of the men and yet reveal only Harokin? It was surely a trap, no doubt about it, but a trap for whom?

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Kenna stayed crouched where Loki had left her. A few feet from her, lay the body of the sentry. She was not normally one to be jumpy nor squeamish but there was something about the body that was unsettling. She glanced over at it and frowned. Loki had slit the man's throat, but there was not much blood...not enough blood by half. Odd.

She moved closer.

There was a rattling woosh of air and she froze, staring in fascinated horror as the man's chest rose and fell. She gripped Loki's dagger tighter and took another hesitant step closer. Her sharp hearing caught the sound once more of strangled air moving and she narrowed her eyes as the chest rose once more. He was dead, she saw him die. Loki had killed him.

Every instinct in her screamed at her to get out of there. To run. But she had to know. Taking one more step she was able to see the man more clearly. He lay like a broken doll with his limbs in strange positions and odd angles. His head was still tilted awkwardly to the side his neck looking strained.

A chill went down her spine. His neck, the skin of which was now perfectly intact. She sucked in a breath as his chest rose and fell once more. She stumbled back a step and glanced over her shoulder in the direction Loki had gone. She didn't know how long he had been gone. When she looked back the body was no longer there.

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Loki had nearly completed his circuit and was nearing the large boulder where he had left Kenna when he heard her muffled cry. He broke into a run and skidded around the side to see Kenna pinned to the ground beneath the man he had killed, the man who's face he wore. He hesitated for only a second as his brain tried to figure out how the man could still be alive. It was impossible.

The man had her pinned with his body weight and his hands wrapped around Kenna's throat. Kenna gasped for breath as black spots began dancing in front of her eyes. Belatedly she remembered the dagger in her hand. She brought it up between them. The angry man with the unseeing feral eyes was too focused on killing her to notice her struggles anymore. He was larger and stronger and was pining her with little effort. Summoning the last of her strength before she passed out she sank the dagger into the side of the man's neck at exactly the same moment the man was jerked back from her.

Loki snapped the man's neck, and this time he made sure to hear the crunch before dropping the body away from him.

Kenna gasped desperately as her lungs burned from lack of oxygen. She didn't know how long she lay there, it could have been seconds or hours, but her body continued to scream at her as pain pounded in her temples. Just as suddenly as he had disappeared the man was back, leaning over her. Unwilling to allow the much stronger man to get a hold of her again she swung awkwardly with the dagger. Belatedly she recognized his voice over the sound of her blood pounding in her ears.

"Kenna! Kenna! It's me!" Loki grabbed both of her wrists, stopping her blind attack. Remembering he still wore the illusion of the man she had fought he let the magic slide off of him in a shimmer of green power.

Kenna froze when she recognized the emerald eyes and pale skin of Prince Loki holding her. It took her a moment to realize first that it was him and secondly that he wasn't hurting her. He held her wrists in cool, gentle hands that were restraining but causing her no pain. She eyes went from him to the crumpled body of the man laying at her feet.

"He-" she started to stammer but her breath was coming in pants and she couldn't get the words out.

Loki could feel her trembling beneath his grip, but she seemed to be holding herself together fairly well considering. He didn't know how to make her feel better. After a few seconds she attempted to pull gently out of his grip and he reluctantly let her go.

"He was dead," Kenna finally managed to gasp out.

Loki followed her towards the body and frowned down at it. The sentry was certainly dead now. He scratched at his head thoughtfully. "What happened?"

"He was laying there dead, just as you left him, and I heard him start to breathe again, when I looked back his throat was completely healed. I turned away for a second and he attacked me..."

Kenna was still a little shaky but her voice was getting stronger as she explained what happened.

"Well..."Loki said thoughtfully as he toed the body, "his neck is definitely broken..." he squatted over the body and pulled his dagger out of the man's neck. "Well done," he said, wiping the blade clean and offering it back to Kenna. "I didn't even think to ask if you had any experience."

Kenna stepped forward and took the cool handle of the dagger, a little surprised Loki was giving it back to her. "Not since I was very young," she confessed.

Loki nodded, thinking he should show Kenna a trick or two. She was small and fast, she would be a natural with the daggers. She should really be able to protect herself better than this. He sighed, as he reminded himself she was a slave and he needed to focus on the task at hand and keep his mind off the elf standing over his right shoulder.

He turned the man's head and it flopped bonelessly to the side. Definitely broken. There was a quiet clatter of a chain and he frowned down to see a talisman hanging around the man's neck. The silver shimmered and the man's chest rose once. Loki scowled. He reached down and grabbed the talisman. Foreign magic surged into him so fast it made his whole arm numb. He dropped the talisman with a hiss and the man's chest rose and fell once more.

"Loki..." Kenna said in a warning voice. She adjusted the grip on the dagger, determined to fight to protect them if necessary.

The man shifted, his hands twitched. Loki planted a knee on the man's chest, holding him down. The neck was still tilted at the wrong angle but he watched as the wound on the side of it was healed quickly. The talisman began to glow brighter and Loki snatched it up, ripping it off the man's neck and tossing it away before the magic burned him.

The body dropped, like a puppet with it's strings cut and lay still once more.

Loki looked up at Kenna with widened eyes. "We need to get back to Asgard, now."

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I hope you are enjoying the story! Thank you so much for the votes and comments! I can't tell you how much I appreciate them!