010 -- Loki's Mysterious Upset

I dressed quickly the next morning and headed downstairs with Loki's kitten Frey still cuddled in my arms. I had met my roommate, Nessie, and told her about it. We hadn't gotten a chance to really get to know each other yet, but she seemed like a nice girl.

When I entered the room, I looked over and noticed Loki sitting in the window seat, looking morosely out the enchanted window, which, today, was streaked with rain.

When I saw him, Fraiser started wiggling and squirmed out of my arms to run over to his friend and master, his tail twitching and an instant purr in his throat.

"You have a very forgiving cat," I commented, pretending to scold, "I'd be pretty ticked off if I was forgotten in the Great Hall last night."

Loki tried to smile for me, but I noticed it had fallen flat, a little. He leaned down to pick up his cat. "Frey! Did you have a nice sleepover with Jordan?" he asked, cuddling the kitten close. Frey leaned over and bit his finger in response. Rubbing it, he looked back up at me.

"Sorry about that," he said, "I had a lot on my mind last night. I hope he didn't give you too much trouble."

"Not at all," I said, walking over and sitting down next to him, "It was nice to have him cuddle up to me, actually." I scrutinized the sad look on his face. "What could possibly have been on your mind last night, other than our food fight?" I asked him.

He looked down, quiet. He stroked Frey's fur and finally answered me. "Joellen called me Mr. Sulliman last night...and, well, it brought up some bad memories that I was hoping I could escape while I was here," he told me softly.

I was confused. "I know Joellen's annoying, but why would being called Mr. Sulliman bother you?"

He cringed, and I softened. "Do you not want to talk about it?" I asked him. "I won't say another word, if that's the case."

He shook his head. "I should tell you, but not here. Somewhere secluded." He hugged the kitten close.

More confused than ever, I nodded and sat back. "I don't know any secluded areas in the castle, " I conceded finally. "But I can go look! I'm sure they're around somewhere. Should we go eat first?"

He shook his head again. "No, that's fine, how about you go eat and then look? I'm going to sit here for a bit, I think."

I could tell he really did want to be alone, so I stood up, stretching. "Ok," I said softly, before wandering off.