*This is my first fanfic so please go easy on me - feel free to fav, follow me, leave reviews, comments and help/advice. I would really appreciate it.*

If you go down to the woods today

You're sure of a big surprise.

If you go down to the woods today

You'd better go in disguise.

The soft breeze brushed past Clara as she walked through the dense forest, slowly picking up flowers. The strong sun pierced through small parts of the trees as small animals hopped along the ground. The ground itself made up of rainbow leaves. Autumn had begun.

She heard horses hooves getting close as she reached for a flower on the edge of the river. Just as she was about to pick it she was shoved into the river. Water covered her blue dress and her loose hair was now a tangled mess.

"I'm so sorry, I couldn't control him" the unknown male voice said. A pale hand coming close to her face.

Her soaking wet hand reached up to take it. She looked up meeting bright emerald eyes staring intently into her grey eyes. A flick of concern in them. Letting go of his soft hand she noticed his dark armour, something she didn't recognise. He was thin too. His leather boots were covered in mud. Snapping back to look at his face, his black hair loose from the horse ride. High cheekbones framed his sculpted face. "I-It's ok, I should have moved out of your way when I heard the hooves.."

The pale man's face lifted slightly when he smiled. Pearly white straight teeth showing as his thin lips widened. "No don't worry, I just hope your ok?" His posh accent shining through.

"I'm fine, thanks" Clara replied. She hadn't noticed she was shaking until the man placed his green cloak over her shoulders "n-no-" she began but was interrupted.

"It's ok, you can give me it back another day..I'm Loki by the way" he whispered, extending his hand.

"Clara" she said softly, extending her own hand to meet his.

Loki made his excuses and left the young woman standing alone again. Riding into the sunset on his black horse like some cliche. She carefully picked up her flowers before walking back to her small cottage.

'Couldn't even have given me a lift!' she thought, reaching for the gate.

Clara's home was on the outskirts of Asgard. It was all the one floor with a thatched roof. The green garden surrounded by a small white fence. A black door standing bold against white walls. The inside was like any other cottage. White walls filled each room with a dark wooden floor. The ceiling was low and tea light candles sat on the small window seats of each room. Nothing special.

As Clara entered she placed the flowers on the table so she could put water in the vase. Once finished the flowers were able to stand tall on her kitchen table. Bright and colourful against the old wooden furniture.

Stripping off she made her way to the bathroom for a quick bath. She flung Loki's cloak on the bed. She wanted to get the smell of damp away from her as soon as possible.

'I will have to make this a regular routine' she thought. Closing her eyes as she let her body relax in the warmth of the fresh water. Her homemade candles moving in the water as she breathed. Loki's emerald eyes filling her thoughts.

A knock at her front door shook her from the bath. Lifting her white housecoat she made her way to the door. Water dripping from her hair. Wet footprints covering the floor.

Clara woke to an empty bed with no sign of her green eyed visitor. The sheet a tangled mess. Blood staining her inner thighs as she lifted herself up. The cloak folded neatly on the pillow to her right.

Three days later Clara entered the large iron gates of the palace. It stood tall like the top of a large Organ. The gold colour reflecting off everything in sight. It really was majestic.

She marched quickly to where the growing crowd of young women stood. The dark windowed doors wide open. The thin white curtains flowing in the wind as she entered the large hall. The black marble floor a stark contrast to the light gold walls. Candles neatly stacked in each corner. Her heels made a light tapping noise when she moved. Laughter filling every space as she made her way to the front.

Clara wasn't used to being summoned to the palace..or anywhere for that matter. She lived a quiet life in her cottage, normally surrounded by trees rather than people. Loki was actually the first person she had met in a while.

Everything went quiet when King Odin entered through the wooden doors. His two sons following close behind. The latches clicking as the guards closed them. Everyone bowed acknowledging the Royal family.

Clara didn't look up from her kneeling position near the front. "Please rise" Odin called out. His voice echoing around the large room. Clara still didn't lift her head when she stood. She didn't want to be here so she would make sure and act like it.

"I have called the females of Asgard here today for some job opportunities. I know some of you may say no or not get a place but it is good to have a chance, right?" Odin said. His voice deep and calm. "Please pick your chambermaids.." Pointing to where the young Prince's stood tall.

Prince Thor and Prince Loki looked out over the large crowd of females. A few quite beautiful women batting their long eyelashes at them. One in particular stood out the most. For doing the complete opposite.

A young woman stood near the front of the crowd, her eyes still firmly focused on the ground as she tried her best to look like the least interesting person there. She was pretty..in a weird way. Her brown hair loose and her cream dress a wrinkly mess on her thin body. Her pale skin glowing under the candlelight. She looks homeless. While Prince Thor continued to look at the crowd of women, Prince Loki continued staring at this one female.

'Where do I know her from' he thought as he took in her messy state. He strolled towards her. His head held high as he had found the one he wanted. His new green cape flowing behind him with each step. "You! Lift your eyes girl."

Clara didn't want to be anything. She wanted to just go home and continue her lonely life. Her cottage, her flowers, her trees. Simple. She saw a flash of green before black leather boots stopped in front of her, she began to shake.

When his velvet voice spoke though, something registered. That accent. Immediately lifting her head, emerald eyes meeting grey. "Loki?"

"Clara!" Suddenly it all clicked.