To Know You're Alive: Chapter 7

  Loki finished his lucious snack and tossed the stem over his shoulder. He had no idea where he was going but it didn't matter. He was usually accompanied by his brother, Sif, and the warriors three but after his return, their relationships had become awkward. Loki sighed slightly as memories of their many adventures flowed through his mind.
   Suddenly, the whole atmosphere changed as Loki's stead slid to a stop and reared, whinnying loudly. Loki held onto the stallion's mane and looked wearily around. Once the horse relaxed, he dismounted and drew a throwing knife. The sound of a struggle echoed briskly through the forest and Loki cautiously followed the sound, holding his knife loosely. As he approached the source of the sound, he hid behind a large boulder. Loki slowly looked around the corner and saw four men holding a young maiden down. She squrimed and kicked at the air but they quickly pinned her legs. A taller man leaned down over her and held out a knife. He lowered it to her cheek and pressed it against her skin. "Are you going to cooperate, or is this going to be excruciating ?" he asked the young girl. She replied by spitting blood at his face. Loki smirked. She had heart and he found it amusing but her attacker thought other wise. He wiped his face then raised his arm above his head and went to stab her but instead was knocked ont his side. The young waarrior looked over to see an unfamiliar man, holding a throwing knife in his hand as he glared at the remaining men.
"Well if this isn't an amusing sight, I don't know what is." he said with a smirk and a hit of mischief in his eyes as he walked forwards. "Now, if you want to keep all your appendages, I advise you to release the girl and leave now."
The men looked at each other, unsure of how to respond. One stood and drew his loaded bow, aiming it at the stranger but was stopped when a knife hit him square in between the eyes. The last two men stared at the warrior with pale faces and slowly backed away from the girl. Once they were at a safe distance, they turned and ran like mad men back to the city.
   Loki smiled as he watched them disappear then knelt at the girls side. "You okay?" he asked as he looked her up and down for injuries.
"Much better now that they are gone." she replied hoarsely as she sat up on her elbow.
Loki smiled then helped her up. "We better get you back."
"Wait, I must know the name of my rescuer."
Loki looked at her with a warm smirk. "But of course. I am Loki Odinson and it would please me to know the fair maiden's name."
The girl's eyes widened and she went pale. "My Lord." she said with a bow of the head and her arm across her chest. "I am sorry, I had no idea."
"Please, don't flatter yourself. I am nothing more than another Asgardian. Just call me Loki." Loki replied softly as he placed his hand on her shoulder.
The girl smiled and looked up at him. "If you insist. I am Astrild, a humble warrior. I thank you for saving me. Their numbers far exceded me."
Loki smiled then gently lifted picked her up like she weighed close to nothing.  "Astrild....I like it, very unique. You are welcome. I just like being in the right place at the right time."