Loki had been wondering around New York city for days now. One or two; he couldn't remember. He decided he didn't much care either. He just wanted to keep walking until he fell off the edge of Midgard. If that was even possible. Still shackled, and still muzzled. With his mouth sewn shut painfully underneath. But that pain was miniscule compared to what he felt in his chest. He'd failed in his endeavors again. Those disappointed looks that Thor and Odin had given him back in Asgard were a burned image in the back of his mind. They left a black hole in his heart. But he'd never admit anything they said or did would affect him. No he blamed the pain in his chest to his fight with Thor on Stark tower. Well more specifically because of that dreadful green beast.

Regardless here he was banished. Forced to find a way to atone for his sins, and earn forgiveness from the Midgardians. That was not an option he was going to take. Even by some star crossed chance he decided to try; he could not speak to them. Least not directly. He discover shortly after he arrived he could still communicate telepathically. But that only frightened them. He knew he had his strength still, and his cloaking abilities. But Odin had stripped him of all other magic. So here he was; aimlessly wondering, in pain, and alone.

He knew that he was unwanted. Why would they even given him a chance to return? They should have just killed him in Asgard. Or left him to rot in S.H.I.E.L.D. The thoughts had probably crossed Odin's mind. But of course Thor probably pleaded against them. Well Loki was sure of one thing. He was not going to let them enjoy watching his punishment. He had cloaked himself from even Heimdall's gaze. He would wander until he fell.

Said wandering brought him upon Central Park. It was night, and it seemed to be quieter than the brightly light and bustling streets of the city. The walkways were lined with lights, as where the areas with benches. Few people where in the park, and it felt more peaceful to him. He knew nothing of the devices and buildings he had passed, but he knew of trees and grass. He made his way over to a pond. The water was still as the ground. Reflecting the city lights off it's surface. One women was there already. She sat with her feet on the bench, legs stretched out, back against the arm rest. Idly reading a book by the light of the overhanging lamp. He was within ten feet of her when she glanced up at him. Loki froze instinctively, and then remembered his invisibility and relaxed. And that was when she smiled directly at him.

Shock was evident from his eyes. She held the smile a moment longer, shook her head, and returned to her book. That ticked Loki off a bit. How dare this mortal find his punishment humorous! Then curiosity gleamed in his eyes. She had seen him. That was not possible. But they were the only ones in the area. So he decided he would try and talk to her. Drawing closer he noticed something else unusual. Just slightly from arms reach he saw a light around her. It was different from the street lamp. It seemed purer in it's white glow, but also very faded. This close she flicked her eyes back to him and then scoffed.

"You dare to find my current predicament amusing mortal?" Loki demanded in a menacing voice. Expecting fear to come across her face at the intrusion in her thoughts. But she surprised him again by laughing out. "Oh I dare to find it hysterical!"

Loki attempted to reply, but found he could not. She blocked him! That was unheard of. He could manipulate and speak to someone's mind from Asgard to Midgard. He shot her a withering glare, which only made her fit of laughter longer.

"What's a matter? Cat got your tongue Asgardian." Loki's head turned in a questioning manner.

"That's Asgardian chains and armor you idiot. Hence you've got to be from Asgard." She offered by way of explanation. He continued to stare at her.

"That muzzle hurt?" She asked closing her book. Loki closed his eyes, offering no response by way of facial expression. He opened them again when he heard her stand. He almost took a step back before she said. "No. Hold still." For some reason he decided to obey. Noting her piercing blue eyes. She stood just a head shorter than himself. Hair as black as the night sky, flowing down her back. She reached towards his face. He flinched instinctively. But unwavering she placed her hands on the muzzle. As her fingers touched the metal, light came forth. It encroached upon the metal, traveling across it. It dissolved into the air, like snow in the wind. He expected pain to come from the exposed stitches. But that mysterious light reached them too. He tensed when they started to dissolve, feeling the puncture holes in his lips. The sting faded as he felt the holes repair themselves. The women drew her hands back to her side.

Loki opened his now free mouth. "How. . . why?"

"How. Magic. Why. I'm not fond of communicating telepathically, you've got a tongue for a reason."

"Your not one of these Midgardian are you?"

She flashed him another smile. "No I'm not." With that she started to walk off. Loki reached out instantly for her arm. He had so many questions. The sudden movement, limited as it was with the chains still on his wrists, caused pain to shoot through his rib cage. He hissed in pain as he fell onto the bench; hunched over in evident pain. She turned back to him.

"Your injured as well huh?" Emerald eyes flashed to ice blue ones. Portraying more than just physical pain. She sighed as she knelt in front of him.

"Let me see what I can do." She reached for the chains, their fate the same as the muzzle.

"I have a healing stone in-"

"Save it for a real emergency." She interrupted him. He watched in wonder as she extended her hands toward him, closing her eyes. That strange light enveloped his chest. He could feel his bones mending, his bruises fading. After a moment she removed her hands, but had yet to open her eyes. "Do we have a name Asgardian?" She asked through clenched teeth.

"I am Loki." He answered with none of the usual pride he announced himself with. He held his breath and looked at the women in front of him. With worry in his gaze. Waiting for the anger and disgust he expected from her. He felt he'd surely strike out at her if she did. And for once he couldn't decide if he wanted to. He didn't feel like himself right now. He felt nothing of the raging emotions he was used too. Adrift in a sea of unknown, without a direction to proceed. He needed time to ponder the past events.

She offered her hand to him, as if sensing his thoughts. Loki realized it was in a gesture to help her up. Once standing she finally opened her eyes to look down at him. The pale icy blue of her eyes a moment ago had vanished. They now possessed a new color. A golden orange that highlighted her black hair. They looked the color of the sun before it fell below the horizon. Loki could not tear his eyes away from hers. That almost living color of fire was captivating. He tried hard to find the name of the color, but found he could not.

"Saffron." Loki blinked from his thoughts for a moment at the sound of her voice.

"Yes." He replied confirming that was the name of the color he was searching for. She gave him a small smile.

"No that's my name."

"Oh." He felt foolish and the emotion caused a twitch of a smile to form on his lips. The first in what felt like a lifetime. It faltered in a moment as Saffron placed a hand to the side of her head, as if in pain. "Are you alright?"

She nodded her head slowly. "I'm fine. I just haven't had to use magic in quite awhile. It's a bit draining."

"I informed you to use the healing stone in my possession." Loki scolded in that cool mocking tone. She removed her hand from the side of her face, glaring down at him.

"And I informed you to save it for a time you really needed it." She echoed his tone perfectly. A sudden realization struck him at the exchange.

"Why did you help me? " He demanded from her.

"Because you needed it." She replied simply. As if it was common courtesy to help someone who had nearly destroyed the city.

He stood up to his full height, towering over her. "Didn't you hear my name? Do you not know what I've done?"

"I heard you. I've seen what you've done. Hell the cities still cleaning up the mess. But that doesn't mean I'm going to let you walk by with that kicked puppy dog look." Saffron pressed a finger against his chest, pushing him back. "You ungrateful idiot, most people say thank you instead of starting an inquisition."

Loki blinked at her for a few moments. Not expecting a response like that to a God. He then lifted her book from the bench. Bowing as he handed it to her. "My apologizes. Thank you Lady Saffron."

She snatched her book from him. "Your welcome. Now if you'll excuse me; it's late." Loki straightened back up. He turned slightly as he gestured with his right arm for her to pass. A smile in his eyes as if he was up to something. Saffron ignored it as she walked by him, and started for her direction of home. She closed her eyes to quell anger at the realization of Loki following her. At the edge of the park she whirled around to face him. "What are you doing?"

A smile plastered his face. "I am following you obviously."

"Why?" His smile grew wider. Like a comedian about to give away the punch line. He drew forward to stand beside her.

"Because you referred to me as a "kicked puppy" and "ungrateful." A stray dog will follow a person home when they are nice to it. I am in debt to you for helping me, so I'm trying to find a way to return the favor. Want me to carry that book?" He pointed to it in her hands. Saffron took a step away from him.

"Oh no, your not coming home with me."

"Why not? You tend my wounds. But refuse me shelter." He said with a chuckle. Those golden-orange eyes narrowed, searching his face.

"You sly devil trying to manipulate my conscious. No. I can see the trouble you'd cause now."

"I am the God of Mischief." Loki said with a flare of his hand. Saffron gave a growl of frustration as she turned away from him.

"My weekend has been shot." She mumbled as she started walking again, not looking back to see his smile of triumph. Loki followed her into the vibrant city. Like a moth drawn to a flame.