A/N

Based on the 1991 version :3

***

Once upon a time, in a faraway land, a young prince lived in a shining castle. Although he had everything his heart desired, the prince was spoiled, selfish, and unkind.

But then, one winter’s night, an old beggar woman came to the castle and offered him a single blue rose in return for shelter from the bitter cold. Repulsed by her haggard appearance, the prince sneered at the gift and turned the old woman away, but she warned him not to be deceived by appearances, for beauty is found within.

And when he dismissed her again, the old woman’s ugliness melted away to reveal a beautiful Enchantress. The prince tried to apologize, but it was too late, for she had seen that there was no love in his heart, and as punishment, she transformed him into a hideous beast, and placed a powerful spell on the castle, and all who lived there.

Ashamed of his monstrous form, the prince concealed himself inside his castle, with a magic cube as his only window to the outside world. The blue rose she had offered was truly an enchanted rose, which would bloom until his 21st year. If he could learn to love another, and earn her love in return by the time the last petal fell, then the spell would be broken. If not, he would be doomed to remain a beast for all time.

As the years passed, he fell into despair, and lost all hope.

For who could ever learn to love a beast?

***

It was early morning with the sun just having risen in the sky. From the little cottage on the near outskirts of the village, a young woman emerged from the front door. She wore a blue dress with a white apron on top with her reddish-brown hair tied up in a ponytail out of her face. She carried a small basket on her arm with a smile on her face as she crossed the small bridge that separated her home from the town.

"Little town, it’s a quiet village. Every day, like the one before. Little town, full of little people waking up to say…" the young woman, Olivia was her name, thought aloud.

"Bonjour!" One woman said, poking her head out from the window.

"Bonjour!" Another person greeted, followed by more and more people greeting the day with sunny dispositions.

"Bonjour!"

"Bonjour"

"Bonjour!"

"There goes the baker with his tray like always. The same old bread and rolls to sell. Every morning just the same since the morning that we came to this poor provincial town."

"Good morning, Olivia!" The baker greeted from the front of his shop.

"Morning, monsieur!" Olivia greeted.

"Where are you off to?"

"The bookshop! I just finished the most wonderful story, about a beanstalk and an ogre and…"

"That's nice." The baker cut her off, not really interested in the details. Olivia shrugged it off an continued on her way. "Marie! The baguettes! Hurry up!"

"Look there she goes, that girl is strange, no question. Dazed and distracted, can’t you tell?" The people seemed to whisper as Olivia went about her day.

"Never part of any crowd."

"Because her head's up on some cloud."

"No denying she's a funny girl, that Olivia."

Olivia continued her journey through the town, hitching a ride on the back of a cart. She could hear the various conversations going around the townsfolk.

"Bonjour!"

"Good day!"

"How is your family?"

"Bonjour!"

"Good day!"

"How is your wife?"

"I need six eggs."

"That's too expensive!"

"There must be more than this provinical life!" Olivia expressed as she arrived at her destination. She entered the quaint little bookshop with the jingle of the bell announcing her arrival.

"Ah, Olivia!" The shopkeep greeted.

"Good morning. I've come to return the book I borrowed." Olivia handed him the book as she started to browse the shelves.

"Finished already?"

"Oh, I couldn't put it down. Have you got anything new?"

"Not since yesterday." The shopkeep chuckled.

"That's alright. I'll borrow... This one." Olivia replied, snatching a book off the shelf.

"That one? But you've read it twice!"

"Oh, but it's my favorite!" Olivia said, sliding the ladder attached to the bookshelf across in a state of bliss. "Far off places, daring swordfights, magic spells, a prince in disguise!"

"Well, if you like it all that much, it's yours." The shopkeep said kindly, handing her the book.

"But sir!"

"I insist."

"Well, thank you! Thank you very much!" Olivia said, exiting the store and already burying her nose in the familiar words.

"Look there she goes, that girl is so peculiar! I wonder if she’s feeling well!" One man commented as he saw Olivia pass by.

"With a dreamy far off look."

"And her nose stuck in a book."

"What a puzzle to the rest of us is Olivia."

Olivia arrived at the fountain in the center of town and sat down on the edge amongst the sheep walking around it. She smiled at the book.

"Oh! Isn’t this amazing! It’s my favorite part because... you’ll see! Here’s where she meets Prince Charming… But she won’t discover that it’s him ‘til chapter 3!"

Even as she sat alone, the townspeople still talked about Olivia and her oddities.

"Now it’s no wonder that people know her beauty. Her looks have got no parallel!"

"But behind that fair facade I’m afraid she’s rather odd. Very different from the rest of us…"

"She’s nothing like the rest of us. Yes, different from the rest of us is Olivia."

Across town, a goose was shot out of the sky. Running to catch it was Clint Barton, who missed catching it with his sack. He shoved it inside before running back to his companion.

"Wow, you didn't miss a shot, Thor! You're the greatest hunter in the whole world!" He said.

"I know." Thor said, blowing the smoke away from the muzzle of his gun.

"No beast alive stands a chance against you. And no girl for that matter."

"It's true, Clint, and I've got my sights set on that one."

Thor pointed towards Olivia, still avidly reading her novel.

"The inventor's daughter?"

"She's the one! The lucky girl I'm gonna marry."

"But she's--"

"The most beautiful girl in town."

"I know but--"

"That makes her the best. And don't I deserve the best?"

"Well, of course, I mean, you do, but--"

"Right from the moment when I met her, saw her. I said she’s gorgeous and I fell. Here in town there’s only she, who is beautiful as me. So I’m making plans to woo and marry Olivia." Puffing up his chest, Thor started to go after Olivia, ignoring Clint's hesitation.

"Look there he goes, isn’t he dreamy? Monsieur Thor Odinson, oh he’s so cute! Be still my heart, I’m hardly breathing! He’s such a tall, dark, strong and handsome brute!" Three local village women were saying as Thor passed by. He was the envy of all the women in town, each one hoping he would choose to marry them. Well, aside from Olivia.

She continued to walk through the town with her book as more conversations hit her ears.

"Bonjour!"

"Pardon?"

"Good day!"

"Mais oui!"

"You call this bacon?"

"What lovely grapes!"

"Some cheese!"

"Ten yards!"

"One pound!"

"Excuse me!" Thor said, pushing through more people.

"I'll get the knife!"

"Please let me through!"

"This bread--"

"Those fish--"

"Is stale."

"They smell!"

"Madamé's mistaken!"

"Well, maybe so!"

"There must be more than this provincial life!" Olivia said aloud in a sea of people.

"Just watch, I'm going to make Olivia my wife!" Thor proclaimed.

"Look there she goes, that girl is strange but special! A most peculiar mademoiselle! It’s a pity and a sin. She doesn’t quite fit in! But she really is a funny girl. A beauty but a funny girl. She really is a funny girl! That Olivia!"

Olivia finally turned around at the mention of her name, finally tearing her eyes away from the book. The townspeople went back to their tasks and business as though nothing had happened. She shrugged and continued reading.

Thor suddenly appeared in front of her, flashing her his winning smile that would make many a girl swoon. Olivia just looked at him, annoyed.

"Hello, Olivia." He greeted.

"Bonjour, Thor." Olivia replied out of common courtesy. He snatched the book out of her hand and started flipping through it. "Thor, may I have my book back, please?"

"How can you read this? There's no pictures." Thor asked, baffled. Olivia rolled her eyes and folded her arms.

"Well, some people use their imaginations."

"Olivia, it’s about time you got your head out of those books and paid attention to more important things..." Thor tossed the book away into the mud. Even more annoyed, Olivia ran to retrieve it, cleaning the mud off with her apron. "Like me! The whole town's talking about it. It’s not right for a woman to read--soon she starts getting ideas… and thinking."

"Thor, you are positively primeval." Olivia snorted. Thor slung his arm around her shoulder and started to lead her down the street.

"Why thank you, Olivia. Hey, whaddya say you and me take a walk over to the tavern and have a look at my hunting trophies?"

"Maybe some other time." Thor ignored her, so Olivia kept her insistence. "Please, Thor. I can’t. I have to get home and help my father."

"Ha ha ha, that crazy old loon, he need all the help he can get!" Clint cut in, joining the conversation. He and Thor laughed heartily as Olivia looked at them, offended.

"Don't talk about my father that way!" She snapped.

"Yeah, don't talk about her father that way!" Thor snapped at Clint, hitting him on the back of the head.

"My father's not crazy, he's a genius!"

As if on cue, an explosion rang from Olivia's house. Thor and Clint burst out laughing as Olivia ran back home. She descended into the basement, waving away smoke and hacking.

"Father?" She called. Olivia looked around until she spotted her father in a twist of metal and wood.

"How on earth did that happen? Dog gonnit." He swore.

"Are you alright, Father?"

"I'm about ready to give up on this hunk of junk." Olivia's father kicked the machine once.

"You always say that." Olivia replied, chuckling.

"I mean it this time, I'll never get this boneheaded contraption to work."

"Yes, you will. And you'll win first prize at the fair tomorrow."

"Humph..."

"And become a world famous inventor."

"You really believe that?"

"I always have."

"Well, what are we waiting for? I’ll have this thing fixed in no time." Olivia's father slid underneath the machine. "Hand me that dog-legged clencher there… So, did you have a good time in town today?"

"I got a new book today." Olivia said, grabbing the tool. "Father... Do you think I'm odd?"

"My daughter? Odd? Where do you get an idea like that?"

"Oh, I don’t know. It’s just that I’m not sure I fit in here. There’s no one I can really talk to."

"What about that Thor? He’s a handsome fellow!"

"He’s handsome all right, and rude and conceited and… Oh, Father, he’s not for me!"

"Well, don’t you worry, cause this invention’s gonna be the start of a new life for us." Her father slid out from under the machine and dusted his hands off. "I think that’s done it. Now, let’s give it a try."

He pulled a lever and the machine whirred to life, expelling smoke and a loud whistle as a log of wood flew onto it's small platform. The axe descended and chopped the wood perfectly, launching the pieces onto a pile.

"It works!" Olivia said excitedly.

"It does? It does!"

"You did it! You really did it!"

"Hitch up Sleipnir, dear! I'm off to the fair!"

***

Hours after Olivia's father had left, she was sitting alone in the cottage and silently reading her book. There was an earnest knock at the door, which she begrudgingly approached. Peering through a viewing device, she could see Thor standing outside in a nice suit. She groaned and opened the door for him. She chose to ignore the large crowd of people behind him.

"Thor... What a pleasant surprise." She said through gritted teeth. Thor pushed into the house, Olivia shutting the door behind him.

"Isn’t it though? I’m just full of surprises. You know, Olivia. There’s not a girl in town who wouldn’t love to be in your shoes. This is the day…" Thor paused to check his teeth in the mirror. "This is the day your dreams come true!"

"What do you know about my dreams, Thor?"

"Plenty. Here, picture this." Thor plopped down in a chair, kicking his muddy boots up onto the table as he lay his feet on her open faced book. "A rustic hunting lodge, my latest kill roasting on the fire, and my little wife, massaging my feet, while the little ones play with the dogs. We'll have six or seven."

"Dogs?" Olivia asked, attempting to hide her utter disgust.

"No, Olivia! Strapping boys like me!"

"Imagine that." Olivia grabbed the book and slid it back on the shelf, trying to not gag.

"And do you know who that wife will be?"

"Let me think."

"You, Olivia!" Thor replied, cornering her.

"Thor... I'm speechless. I really don't know what to say." Olivia said, sliding out and heading for the door.

"Say you'll marry me."

"I'm very sorry, Thor, but... I just don't deserve you." Olivia said, opening the door and pushing Thor out and into a puddle of mud. She quickly closed the door again, locking it tight and leaning against it. Oh, how she despised that man. She barely dared to breathe until she heard everyone outside leave. She poked her head out just to be sure. "Is he gone? Can you imagine? He asked me to marry him! Me! The wife of that boorish... Brainless... Madame Odinson, can’t you just see it? Madame Odinson, his little wife. No, sir! Not me, I guarantee it. I want much more than this provincial life…"

Olivia wove through the animal pens and into a vast open field overlooking the mountains and a vast forest.

"I want adventure in the great wide somewhere, I want it more than I can tell. And for once it might be grand… To have someone understand… I want so much more than they’ve got planned..."

She blew on one of the fluffy dandelions and watched the seeds dance in the wind, contemplating the day's events. Barely a moment later, she heard a frantic neigh from over the ridge. Olivia turned to see their horse, Sleipnir, appear with an empty cart and her father nowhere to be seen.

"Sleipnir! What are you doing here? Where’s…? Where’s Father? Where is he, Sleipnir? What happened? Oh, we have to find him, you have to take me to him!"

Olivia unhitched the cart and grabbed an extra cloak before saddling up and urging Sleipnir on. They sped down into the forest, making many twits and turns in the misty trees. Soon, a path emerged that led to a large gate. Behind it was an extremely tall castle, jutting up into the sky.

"What is this place?" Olivia wondered. She gently dismounted and slipped into the gate. She noticed her father's hat on the ground underneath a couple leaves. "Father..."

Olivia broke for the front door of the castle, pushing the old wood doors open. Inside, the castle was dark and dusty, mostly empty.

"Hello? Is anyone here? Hello? Father? Father, are you here?" She called, her voice echoing through the halls. Deciding to keep looking, she began to ascend the stairs in the main foyer. There still wasn't a sign of her father, so she kept going, calling out for him. She went up more stairs, grabbing a torch off the wall. Suddenly she heard a door creak behind her. "Hello? Is someone here? I’m looking for my father!"

She went inside the door to find nothing.

"That’s funny, I’m sure there was someone… I-I-Is there anyone here?"

"Olivia?" She suddenly heard her father's voice echo. Olivia turned around to see her father in a dank cell inside the tower.

"Father!"

"How did you find me?"

"Oh, your hands are like ice. We have to get you out of here."

"Olivia, I want you to leave this place."

"Who's done this to you?"

"No time to explain! You must go, now!"

"I won't leave you!"

Something suddenly grabbed Olivia's shoulder and threw her aside, causing her to drop the torch into the water. She couldn't see her assailant in the dark of the room.

"What are you doing here?" A voice asked angrily.

"Run, Olivia!" Her father said.

"Who's there? Who are you?"

"The master of this castle." The voice replied in a low growl.

"I've come for my father! Please let him out! Can't you see that he's sick?"

"Then he shouldn’t have trespassed here."

"But he could die. Please, I’ll do anything!"

"There’s nothing you can do. He’s my prisoner."

"Oh, there must be some way I can…wait!" Olivia paused before she continued. "Take me, instead!"

"You? You would take his place?"

"Olivia, no! You don't know what you're doing!" Her father protested.

"If I did, would you let him go?"

"Yes. But you must promise that you will stay here forever."

Olivia considered the proposition, suddenly realizing that she was making a bargain with someone where she didn't know what they looked like.

"Come into the light." She requested.

For a moment, the silhouette of the figure didn't move. Then, it started to shift into the light. Olivia first saw the dark boots, then leather pants. As more and more of the figure came into view, the more appaled she became. It was a masculine figure, just over six feet tall. His long black hair fell over broad shoulders. But... His skin was blue with ridged patterns all over it. Long, curled horns protruded from his forehead that were a deeper blue color. Lastly, Olivia saw his eyes, black pupils in a complete sea of red. She gasped and fell over onto the floor in shock.

"No, Olivia, I won't let you do this!" Her father once again protested. She glanced back at her father, standing back up. Olivia then looked back at the man in front of her, if he was even a man at all.

"You have my word." She said.

"Done." The beastly man said, going to unlock the cell as Olivia collapsed onto her knees, holding her face in her hands.

"No, Olivia, listen to me! I'm old, I've lived my life--" Her father said, before being dragged away.

"Wait, wait!" She cried, but her father was already gone. Resigned to her fate, Olivia slid inside of the cell and peered out the window, watching her father be whisked away in a... Self moving Pallenquin? She started to lightly sob as she heard the beastly man come back for her. "You didn’t even let me say good bye. I’ll never see him again. I didn’t get to say good-bye."

He looked almost like he felt bad before replying.

"I'll show you to your room." He said.

"My room?" Olivia asked, confused. "But I thought--"

"Would you rather stay in the tower?"

"No."

"Then follow me."

The man lead Olivia down the stairs of the tower and into a massive hallway overlooking the foyer. Deciding to be brave, Olivia spoke up.

"What's your name?" She asked quietly.

"Loki." He replied before a pause. He knew her name; her father had mentioned it, but he still figured he would at least try to be polite. "What's yours?"

"Olivia."

As they continued, Olivia began to lag behind. She looked at the hideous sculptures on the walls and the light casting shadows on them. Frightened, she gasped and ran to catch up with Loki. He looked back at Olivia, and saw a tear form at the corner of her eye.

"I... I hope you like it here. The castle is your home now, so you can go anywhere you want... Except for the West Wing." Loki said, trying to stay polite.

"What's in the West Wing?" Olivia asked, intrigued.

"It's forbidden!" Loki snapped, whirling around with a harsh look. Olivia hid her fear as they continued. They finally reached a tall door, presumably her bedroom. Loki opened the door and light poured inside. Tenderly, he looked at her. "Now, if you need anything, my servants will attend to you... You... You will join me for dinner. That's not a request!"

The door slammed shut and Olivia gasped in fear. She felt her heartbeat quicken as she threw herself onto the large bed and finally let out her emotions. She sobbed into the covers as the snow blew harshly outside her window.

***

Hours seemed to pass and Olivia heard a gentle knock at the door.

"Who is it?" She croaked, wiping her tears away.

"Mrs. Parker, dear." A gentle female voice said. Olivia went over and opened the door. To her surprise, a teapot and teacup came inside the room... A living china set with a face... "I thought you might like a spot of tea."

"But... But you're a..." Olivia started, accidentally bumping into the wardrobe.

"Oops! Careful!" The wardrobe suddenly said, startling Olivia. She sank onto the bed, astounded.

"This is impossible..."

"I know it is, but here we are!"

The teacup hopped onto the bed with the teapot as milk and sugar were poured into its head from other sentient objects, these without faces.

"I told you she was pretty, Aunt May, didn't I?" The cup said enthusiastically.

"That'll do, Peter." The teapot-- Mrs. Parker-- said as the cup-- Peter-- went over to Olivia. "Slowly now, don't spill."

"Thank you..." Olivia said uncertainly, going to take a sip of the tea.

"That was a very brave thing you did, my dear." Mrs. Parker said.

"We all think so." The wardrobe agreed.

"But I've lost my father, my dreams, everything." Olivia said sadly.

"Cheer up, child, it'll all turn out right in the end. Oh, listen to me, jabbering on while there's supper to get on the table. Peter!"

"Bye!" Peter said as he and Mrs. Parker existed the room, leaving Olivia alone with the wardrobe.

"Well, now, what shall we dress you in for dinner? Let's see what I've got in my drawers." The wardrobe pulled out a pink dinner gown and showed it to Olivia. "Ah, there, you'll look ravishing in this one!"

"That's very kind of you, but I'm not going to dinner." Olivia said.

"Oh, but you must!"

"Ahem." A new voice said from the door. A... Clock was standing there, gesturing Olivia to the hall. "Dinner is served."

***

"What's taking so long? I told her to come down! Why isn't she here yet??" Loki griped, pacing back and forth in front of a large fire in the small dining room.

"Oh, try to be patient, sir. The girl has lost her father and her freedom all in one day." Mrs. Parker said.

"Uh... Sir, have you thought that this girl could be the one to break the spell?" The candelabra, Tony, asked.

"Of course I have! I'm not a fool!" Loki snarled.

"Good. You fall in love with her, she falls in love with you, and--Poof!--the spell is broken! We’ll be human again by midnight!"

"Oh, it’s not that easy, Tony. These things take time." Mrs. Parker said.

"But the rose has already begun to wilt!"

"It’s no use. She’s so beautiful, and I’m so…well, look at me!" Loki said, gesturing at himself harshly.

"Oh, you must help her see past all of that." Mrs. Parker said.

"I don't know how!"

"Well, you can start by making yourself more presentable. Straighten up, try to act like a gentleman."

"Ah yes, when she comes in, give her a dashing, debonair smile. Come, come. Show me the smile." Tony said. Loki forced out a rather terrifying grin.

"But don't frighten the poor girl."

"Impress her with your rapier wit!"

"But be gentle."

"Shower her with complements."

"But be sincere."

"And above all..."

"You must control your temper!" Both Tony and Mrs. Parker said. The door suddenly creaked open, indicating someone was arriving.

"Here she is." Tony said as Loki dropped the false grin. Though, instead of Olivia, Steve, the clock, entered.

"Where is she?" Loki asked, suddenly angry.

"Who? Oh, the girl. Yes, the girl. Well, actually, she’s in the process of, uh, um, circumstances being what they are, uh… she’s not coming..."

"What??" Loki roared, bursting out of the room and ran for Olivia's door, his servants trailing behind him while attempting to calm him down. Loki approached Olivia's door and banged harshly against it. "I thought I told you to come down for dinner!"

"I'm not hungry!" Olivia called back shortly.

"You'll come out or... Or... Or... I'll break down the door!!"

"Sir, I could be wrong, but that may not be the best way to win the girl’s affections." Tony interrupted.

"Please! Attempt to be a gentleman!" Steve added.

"But she's being so... Difficult!" Loki protested.

"Gently, gently." Mrs. Parker said. Loki sighed and tried again.

"Will you come down for dinner?" He asked calmly.

"No!" Olivia snapped. Loki looked at the others as if showing his point was proven.

"Suave... Genteel." Steve instructed. Loki rolled his eyes and gave an exaggerated bow in front of the door.

"It would give me great pleasure if you would join me for dinner."

"And we say 'please.''

"Please?"

"No thank you!" Olivia replied angrily.

"You can't stay in there forever!" Loki snarled at the door.

"Yes, I can!" Olivia replied, almost provokingly.

"Fine! Then go ahead and STARVE!!" Loki roared, turning to his servants. "If she doesn't eat with me, then she doesn't eat at all!"

He stalked off angrily, leaving the three companions alone outside the door.

"Oh, dear. That didn’t go very well at all, did it?" Mrs. Parker said.

"Tony, stand watch at the door and inform me at once if there is the slightest change." Steve told the candelabra.

"You can count on me, mon capitan!" Tony said, giving a salute. Steve turned to Mrs. Parker.

"Well, we might as well go downstairs and start cleaning up." He said.

***

Olivia was told to not enter the West Wing because that's where Loki's room was. He burst inside and slammed the door shut with a loud bang.

"I ask nicely, she refuses. What a... What does she want me to do, beg?" He bickered at no one. He stormed over to the small table on the balcony only housing two objects. One was a glass cover over a shining blue rose with a few petals on the table underneath it. The other was a glowing blue cube that seemed to hum. Loki picked up the cube. "Show me the girl."

The cube shimmered and inside of it, a clear image of Olivia appeared, her sitting on her bed talking to the wardrobe with her arms folded.

"But the master’s not so bad once you get to know him. Why don’t you give him a chance?" The wardrobe said calmly.

"I don’t want to get to know him. I don’t want to have anything to do with him!" Olivia insisted, an angry expression on her face. Hurt, Loki put the cube down and gripped the edge of the table. He sighed and looked down.

"I’m just fooling myself. She’ll never see me as anything but a monster. It's hopeless." He whispered to himself.

In front of him, another blue petal fell of the rose and gently hit the table with a small sparkle.

***

"Come on, Peter, into the cupboard." Mrs. Parker instructed calmly. The teacup yawned as he hoped inside.

"But I'm not sleepy..." He tiredly protested.

"Yes, you are."

"No, I'm not..." Peter then fell asleep as Mrs. Parker shut the cupboard door.

"I work and I slave all day, and for what? A culinary masterpiece gone to waste." The stovetop, Bruce, griped.

"Oh, stop your grousing. It’s been a long night for all of us." Mrs. Parker replied.

"Well, if you ask me, she was just being stubborn. After all, he did say ‘please.’" Steve said.

"But if the master doesn’t learn to control that temper, he’ll never break the--"

The door creaked open to reveal Olivia, looking around curiously at the others in the kitchen.

"Oh, splendid to see you out and about, miss!" Steve said to her. "I'm Steve--"

Tony suddenly cut in in front of the clock, flashing Olivia a smile.

"And this is Tony. Now, if there's anything we can do to make you feel more comfortable--"

"I am a little hungry." Olivia admitted.

"You are? Hear that? She’s hungry. Stoke the fire, break out the silver, wake the china." Mrs. Parker announced. The silverware and stove suddenly roared to life at the prospect of preparing a meal.

"Remember what the master said..." Steve whispered to Mrs. Parker, ever the stickler for the rules.

"Oh, pish tosh, I'm not going to let the poor girl go hungry."

"Oh, all right. Glass of water, crust of bread, and then--"

"Steve, I'm surprised at you!" Tony cut in. "She's not a prisoner, she's our guest! We must make her feel welcome here. Right this way, miss!"

"Well, keep it down. If the master finds out about this, it will be our necks!"

"Of course, but what is dinner without a little music?"

"Music??"

Tony led Olivia to a far larger dining room and sat her at the head of it in one of many high backed chairs. The candelabra got up onto the table where a spotlight suddenly appeared.

"Ma chere, mademoiselle. It is with deepest pleasure and greatest pride that I welcome you tonight. And now, we invite you to relax. Let us pull up a chair as the dining room proudly presents… your dinner." Tony greeted, grabbing a match. "Be... our... guest, be our guest, put our service to the test, tie your napkin ‘round your neck, cherie and we provide the rest!"

The chair suddenly tried to tie the napkin around Olivia's neck, who simply removed it and put it onto her lap, much to the chair's annoyance.

"Soup du jour, hot hors d’oeuvres! Why we only live to serve! Try the grey stuff, it’s delicious! Don’t believe me? Ask the dishes!" Tony offered Olivia a plate of small hors d'oeuvres, to which she tried the grey pasty sample and found it delightful. From the other end of the room, a cabinet opened to reveal several dishes that rolled expertly onto the table. "They can sing, they can dance! After all, miss, this is France! And a dinner here is never second best! Go on unfold your menu, take a glance and then you’ll be our guest, oui, our guest, be our guest! Beef ragout, cheese souffle, pie and pudding en flambe! We’ll prepare and serve with flair a culinary cabaret!"

Dishes began dancing in front of Olivia, which she tried to get a sample of each, but only managing to try a couple of things (Steve being stuck in one of them).

"You’re alone and you’re scared, but the banquet's all prepared! No one's gloomy or complaining, while the flatware's entertaining! We tell jokes, I do tricks with my fellow candlesticks..."

"Und it's all in perfect taste, that you can bet!" A row of German steins chorused from the shelf.

"Come on and lift your glass, you've won your own free pass to be our guest!" The entire company crowed.

"If you're stressed, it's fine dining we suggest!" Tony added.

"Be our guest, be our guest, be our guest!"

The atmosphere suddenly changed, the lighs going blue as Tony once again took center stage.

"Life is so unnerving, for a servant who's not serving! He’s not whole without a soul to wait upon..." Tony said, holding Steve back from fleeing. Snow began to seemingly fall, only for Olivia to realize it was the salt and pepper shakers. "Ah, those good old days when we were useful. Suddenly, those good old days are gone. Ten years we’ve been rusting, needing so much more than dusting, needing exercise, a chance to use our skills! Most days just lay around the castle, flabby fat and lazy, you walked in, and oops-a-daisie!"

"It’s a guest, it’s a guest! Sakes alive, well I’ll be blessed! Wine’s been poured and thank the Lord, I’ve had the napkins freshly pressed!" Mrs. Parker joined in. "With dessert, she’ll want tea, and my dear, that’s fine with me! While the cups do their soft shoeing, I’ll be bubbling, I’ll be brewing! I’ll get warm, piping hot-- Heaven’s sake, is that a spot? Clean it up, we want the company impressed! We’ve got a lot to do-- Is it one lump or two? For you our guest!"

"She's our guest!" The others crowed.

"She's our guest!"

"She's our guest! Be our guest! Be our guest! Our command is your request! It’s ten years since we had anybody here, and we're obsessed! With your meal, with your ease, yes indeed, we aim to please! While the candlelight’s still glowing, let us help you we'll keep going--"

"Course... by... course, one by one, ‘til you shout "Enough, I’m done!" Then we’ll sing you off to sleep as you digest! Tonight you’ll prop your feet up, but for let’s eat up! Be our guest! Be our guest! Be our guest! Please Be our guest!!!"

The entire company finished their number elaborately, forming centerpieces and champagne bottles exploding in a blaze of glory. Olivia applauded with a laugh.

"Bravo! That was wonderful!" She said excitedly.

"Thank you, thank you, mademoiselle. Yes, good show, wasn’t it? Everyone! Oh, my goodness, look at the time. Now, it’s off to bed, off to bed!" Steve said as the others went back into the kitchen.

"Oh, I couldn't possibly go to bed now! It's my first time in an enchanted castle."

"Enchanted? Who said anything about enchanted?" Steve turned to Tony. "It was you, wasn't it?"

"I... Figured it out for myself." Olivia replied with a small smirk. "I'd like to look around, if that's alright."

"Oh, would you like a tour?" Tony asked.

"I'm not sure if that's such a good idea. We don't want her poking around in... Certain places, if you know what I mean." Steve whispered to his companion.

"Perhaps you could show me around. I'm sure you know everything there is to know about this castle." Olivia said, playfully poking Steve.

"Well, actually, yes I do! Follow me!" Steve said.

***

"As you can see, the pseudo facade was stripped away to reveal a minimalist rococo design. Note the unusual inverted vaulted ceilings. This is yet another example of the neo-classic baroque period, and as I always say, if it’s not baroque, don’t fix it! Ha ha ha. Now then, where was I?" Steve was saying as he led Olivia and Tony down a hallway with several suits of armor. He laughed at his own joke. "Now, if I may draw your attention to the flying buttresses above the--uh, miss?"

Steve turned back to the group and sees Olivia is missing. He then notices her beginning to climb a grand staircase. He and Tony ran up to her and jump in front of her, blocking her progress upstairs.

"What's up there?" Olivia asked.

"Where? There? Oh, nothing. Absolutely nothing of interest at all in the West Wing. Dusty, dull, very boring." Steve said quickly. Tony just face palmed next to him.

"Ah, so that's the West Wing."

"Nice going." Tony said sarcastically.

"I wonder what he's hiding up there?"

"Hiding? The master is hiding nothing!"

"Then it wouldn't be forbidden." Olivia took another step up, but was again impeded.

"Perhaps the lady would like to see something else? We have exquisite tapestries dating all the way back to--" Steve said.

"Maybe some other time."

"Uh-- to the gardens? Or the library, perhaps?" Tony offered. That piqued Olivia's interest.

"You have a library?" She asked.

"Oh, yes, indeed!"

"Scads of books!" Tony added.

"Mountains of books!"

"Forests of books!"

"Cascades!"

"Cloudbursts!"

"Swamps of books!"

"More books than you’ll ever be able to read in a lifetime! Books on every subject ever studied, by every author who ever set pen to paper… Ha ha ha!"

The pair traveled down another hall, oblibious to the fact that Olivia wasn't following. She ascended the stairs and traveled down a few hallways. Her excitement begins to dwindle, though, when she entered the hallway leading to Loki's lair. As she walked down the hall, she stopped to look in a mirror that has been shattered into several pieces, each one reflecting her concerned look.

She reached the end of the hall and found a closed door with gargoyle handles. She took a deep breath, then reached out and opened the door. Olivia began to cautiously explore. She was truly shocked by everything she sees. She wandered around, looking, and knocked over a table, but caught it before it crashed to the floor.

Olivia then turned her head and saw a shredded picture on the wall. Curious, Olivia reached out and lifted the shreds of the picture to reveal a human face. Rather handsome, she couldn't lie. Angular features, dark hair, and beautiful green eyes. It looked so familiar yet so foreign to her.

Before she could investigate further, Olivia turned her head and saw a beautiful blue rose under a bell jar. She walked over to it, her eyes transfixed. She reached out then lifted off the jar, leaving the rose unprotected. She reached up, brushes back the strand of hair that had been repeatedly falling on her forehead, then reached out to touch the rose.

As she nears it, a shadow fell over her. Loki suddenly jumped into the room and slamed the jar back on the rose. He growled, turning his attention to Olivia.

"Why did you come here?" Loki snarled at her.

"I-I didn't mean any harm!" She protested.

"I warned you to never come here!"

"Do you realize what you could have done??" Loki roared, throwing furniture aside.

"Please, stop!"

"Get out! Get out!!!"

Olivia turned and fled the room. Loki calmed down once she left, then fell into despair, finally realizing that he may have destroyed his chances with Olivia. She reached the stairway and grabbed her cloak. She rushed down the stairs, wrapping the cloak around her and burst past a confused Tony and Steve.

"Where are you going?" Tony asked.

"Promise or no promise, I can't stay here another minute!" Olivia cried, running for the door.

"Wait, no! Please wait!"

Not listening, Olivia slammed the door behind her. She mounted a confused Sleipnir and rode into the snowy forest. Sleipnir then came to a stop. Olivia looked up and saw a large pack of snarling wolves. She gasped, then pulled the reins and began to flee. She ran from side to side, making the wolves hit the trees. Sleipnir ran out on a frozen pond, but his and Olivia’s weight collapsed the ice. The wolves chased them into the water. Some began to drown, but Sleipnir was able to get out of the water before anything serious could happen.

Sleipnir ran into a clearing, but became surrounded by wolves. He bucked, throwing Olivia off and wrapping the reins around a tree branch. The wolves began their attack on Sleipnir, but Olivia came to his rescue and beat them away with a stick. One wolf grabbed the stick in its mouth and broke it in half, leaving Olivia defenseless. Another leapt at her, grabbing the corner of her cloak and dragging her to the ground. She looked up and saw a wolf about to jump on top of her.

It leapt and was caught in mid-air by Loki. He threw the wolf away, then stood between them and Olivia. Loki and the wolves lunged at each other. One bit into Loki's shoulder, and the others focused their attack on that spot. Finally, Loki threw a wolf against a tree, knocking it out. The others turn and ran in fear.

Loki turned back to Olivia, looked at her despairingly before collapsing to the ground. Olivia, grateful to be alive, turned back to Sleipnir and began to get on. Her conscience took over, realizing that she couldn't just leave Loki there after he saved her life. She walked over to him and helped him onto Sleipnir. They began the trek back to the castle in the blistering snow.