Chapter 38
38
Lila came running over, followed more slowly by Issa. The girl was ecstatic, babbling about how she’d shot two bullseyes in a row. She couldn’t wait to show her dad, she crowed. “Issa is as good a shot as Dad, Mom! I didn’t believe her at first, but she sure showed me!”
The goddess demurred, mumbling she was certain that wasn’t true. Surprising Laura, she did not appear very happy about the child’s excitement. “I only noticed her fault in aiming. Anyone fairly well trained could have shown her.”
“I think perhaps I should return to my room at the inn now,” Issa murmured. “I have taken enough of your family’s time. I do not wish to presume overmuch on your hospitality. I have enjoyed my time with you and your children; you have a lovely family and a beautiful, peaceful home.” The goddess had her face turned away from Laura and Cooper, again seeming to show her shy side.
“Oh! I had planned on you staying for dinner, at least,” the brunette startled before her answer. “But if you are uncomfortable, we will certainly take you back.” She smiled at the blonde woman, a hand on Issa’s arm. “Whenever you wish, but don’t feel like you have to go.”
The goddess did stay for dinner, even helping the children clear the table afterward. That was as far as Laura would allow, shooing her back out to the porch to watch the sunset, another iced tea by her side. When the cleanup was finished, she joined Issa with a sigh.
Turning to her guest, Laura smiled. “This is one of my favourite times of the day. All the work is done and I can just enjoy the sunset and relax. Do you have a favourite time?”
Issa sat silently for a moment, sipping her tea. “I believe I used to enjoy the night when I was younger, examining the heavens and all its myriad wonders. Now, having been alone for some time, I find it leaves one with too much time to contemplate. I rather anticipate the dawn and all the possibilities brought by the new day.”
“Ah. Yes, you being a teacher, I can see that. Your students must provide a lot of stimulating ideas...”
“More so that I stimulate them with new ideas and food for thought,” Issa laughed. “All those young minds, still trying to discover and understand their worlds. Fertile ground for one such as I. To try and make them understand the mistakes of the past and, hopefully, learn how to not repeat them.”
Laura nodded, agreeing. “I’ve always believed a good teacher to be undervalued. It sounds like you are one.”
“Thank you. It is a noble profession, no matter what the war... uh, majority of the world thinks. No advances would ever be made if people simply repeated what their forebears did.”
She turned back to the darkening sky. “I should probably ask your young man to return me to my rooms. I’m sure he has plans with his friends? I would not want to prevent him from whatever entertainment they enjoy.”
“You could certainly stay if you wish,” Laura mentioned. “We have plenty of room. And it’s the weekend, so the kids will be going to games tomorrow. I can drop you back then.”
The blonde smiled. “I appreciate the offer, I do. I am certain you have much to do without worrying about entertaining a guest. And I do have some work, phone calls and the like to do. Some are intercontinental, so timing is important.” Issa explained, when her host looked like she might protest.
“Oh, I see. Well. It's no problem. Cooper can take you back. I’ll just go call him.” Laura rose and headed inside. In only a few minutes, the eldest Barton child collected Issa and drove her to her hotel. Wishing her a good night, he said he hoped to see her again soon.
*
Loki stopped at the desk, checking to see if there were any messages. The Parisian hotel manager had indeed called back. His note said Madame Chiuri was awaiting Luka’s call to set up another showing, this time in Paris. She needed to speak to her perfect model as soon as possible. And he had provided a cell number for the designer, as well.
A week went by, Loki remaining hidden in his hotel. He’d spent most of that time in meditation, just clearing false memories and the healers’ spells from his mind. The god was still furious, but now he had calmed himself enough to where he could think toward his future and put plans of vengeance aside for a later time.
Loki also realised his erstwhile brother had really not wished him any further harm. Thor had done what he could, in his overly sentimental and non magical way, to preserve as much of his brother as he could manage. The big oaf probably didn’t even understand the damage done nor the danger he had put Loki in.
Unable to access those disturbing memories, Luka had no way of protecting herself. She had been visible to not only Heimdall, but more importantly, to the Mad One’s minions for far too long. Nornir hope they have been blinded by Eir’s change in me. Now that I have returned to myself, I pray I am well enough warded that I am still invisible. He certainly would not expect to find me here on Midgard.