Loki/ Einar
As I walked alongside Astrid, my gaze drifted to the book clutched in her hand. How did she acquire such a rare tome? Powerful texts like this were typically hidden away, accessible only to the most elite. Its pages held secrets of magic and, more importantly, the key to unlocking my true potential.
The thought sent a thrill through me. For too long, I'd been confined to mortal form, my godly powers suppressed. But with this book, I could reclaim my divine status.
My mind racing, I considered the possibilities. If my assumptions were correct, my powers were sealed under my true name, Loki. One page from the book, and I could craft a spell to awaken my abilities.
A memory resurfaced – a temple I'd stumbled upon, its contents never really piquing my interest. But now, it presented an opportunity. I didn't care about the temple's significance; I'd utilize it to get what I wanted, no matter the cost.
A plan began to form. I'd guide Astrid to the temple, using my charisma to keep her trusting. Once inside, I'd find a way to extract the information I needed. The temple's secrets would become my tools, and Astrid... well, she'd become a pawn in my game of divine reclaimation.
"This journey will take a while, pretty lady, so hold tight," I said, my gaze piercing as I tried to unravel the enigma before me. What secrets did this silver-haired, grey-eyed beauty conceal? Her reserved nature amused me, a tantalizing contrast to the fiery determination burning within.
Astrid walked ahead, her petite figure radiating an unwavering resolve. I quickened my pace to join her, intrigued by her silence. "Pretty lady, how old are you? You look like you just finished high school." I teased, hoping to provoke a reaction.
Her glare was swift, fueling my curiosity. "Why the silence and glares, pretty lady? You'll wrinkle early," I said, my voice laced with amusement, a smile dancing on my lips.
Astrid's response was measured, her light voice tinged with cold precision. "My name is Astrid. I don't know why you keep calling me pretty lady. And I finished high school a long time ago."
I chuckled, undeterred. "I see, so this is like a college project or something?" I probed, eager to test her patience.
Astrid's eyes flashed, her voice hinting at frustration, but her face remained calm, an enticing paradox. "I'm 24, and I work at four museums in Iceland. Still think I'm a high schooler?"
Her words dripped with subtle challenge, and I reveled in the spark of tension between us.
I leaned in, my whisper tickling Astrid's ear. "Are you an archeologist, or perhaps seeking proof that humans and gods once coexisted?" I teased, reveling in her reaction.
Astrid's gaze remained fixed ahead, her voice steady. "Einar, if you have the energy to talk, why not tell me about yourself?"
I chuckled, intrigued by her dismissive tone. "I have nothing to share, unless you'd like to know something specific."
As we walked, Astrid's slender figure halted, her expression fluctuating – conflicted, stoic, and then a fleeting glimpse of curiosity.
"Something's been on my mind since we met..." she began, her voice measured.
I grinned, anticipating her question. "You can ask anything. I don't bite... yet." My eyes sparkled with mischief, and Astrid's flicker of uncertainty was palpable.
Her gaze darted to mine, then away, her dark skin radiant in the sunlight.
Astrid's gaze locked onto mine, her grey eyes piercing. "How long have you been here, Einar?"
I smiled, amused by her directness. "Long enough to know the temple's secrets."
She narrowed her eyes. "That's not an answer. When did you come here?"
"Time works differently in this realm," I evaded, intrigued by her persistence.
Astrid's expression turned skeptical. "Why do you want just the Loki summoning page?"
My grin widened. "Let's just say it's... essential."
Her eyes sparkled with curiosity. "What's your true purpose here, Einar?"
My expression turned serious, my voice low and mysterious. "I seek something beyond mortals' understanding. Something only seen when looking hard enough."
Astrid's brow furrowed, intrigued despite herself. "What do you mean?"
I leaned in, my eyes glinting with mischief. "That would spoil the fun, pretty Astrid. Let's just say it's hidden in plain sight."
Astrid's gaze lingered on mine, searching for answers. I reveled in her curiosity.
Her puzzled expression made me chuckle. "You look like a baby fox in distress. That's cute." I said, resisting the urge to ruffle her hair. Her braids were a delightful mess, as if she'd rolled out of bed and shaken her hair without care, strands sticking out in every direction. Yet, she still managed to look poised and put together – a truly majestic sight.
"Ha ha, very funny. Can we move on and try to forget your poor, desperate attempt at a joke?" Astrid's voice was disdainful, her eyes flashing with urgency to end this conversation.
"We could stop here for the night," I suggested, dropping onto the black sand.
Astrid checked her watch and nodded slightly before walking a few steps away from me, as if I were a pesky insect. Setting up her tent seemed to be a struggle; she'd been at it for what felt like an hour. I considered helping, but decided against intruding on her privacy. Besides, she'd been handling things on her own since we arrived.
Muffled curses carried on the wind: "Agh, afhverju er ekkert að virka fyrir mig þetta kvöld!" (Why is nothing working for me tonight!) She kicked the sand, frustration etched on her face.
Finally, after an eternity, she secured the tent and sat outside, gazing up at the celestial canvas above. The stars twinkled like diamonds scattered across the velvet blackness, their gentle sparkle casting a magical glow. The moon, a silver crescent, illuminated the desert landscape.
As I watched, mesmerized, the wind danced with the loose strands of her braided hair, sending them flying. Astrid looked like a goddess, bathed in the celestial beauty of the stars and moonlight. My eyes drifted back to her every minute, drawn to her serene presence.
The wind whispered secrets through the rocks, its soft sighs and moans highlighting the desert's eeriness. The world shrank, leaving only the stars, moon, sand, Astrid, and the darkness. Our solitude was almost palpable.
"Good night, pretty lady," I said, closing my eyes to drift off to sleep with nature's majestic display surrounding me. The cold night air wouldn't deter me; I was accustomed to it.
"Are you going to sleep in the cold?" Astrid's gentle voice cut through the stillness, a melodious sound that could soothe even the most broken of hearts.
I opened one eye, laziness dripping from my tone. "Yeah, I've done this before, pretty lady. Don't fret." I flashed a charming smile. "Unless, of course, you have a spectacular offer? I'm always open to new proposals."
Astrid's voice was laced with disdain, but her eyes betrayed her. "Save your charm for someone else. I'm only asking because I don't want you to freeze to death on my watch."
I chuckled, amused by her feistiness. "I appreciate your concern, pretty lady."
Astrid's head popped out of her half-opened tent, her expression stern. "Anyway, I'm off to bed. See you tomorrow, if the cold doesn't claim you before I do."
I laughed, delighted by her boldness. "Ah, a threat from a lovely lady? How refreshing. I'm shaking in my boots, Astrid." My grin widened, intrigued by her spirit.