"Don't get me wrong, Sugarcube," Applejack said. "I'm happy you're here. It's just..."
"It's okay," Twilight said with a smile. "I know where we are!"
"It's not that," Applejack said, her new wings twitching in agitation. "How do we get back?"
"Perhaps I can be of assistance?" a cultured voice said.
The two mares turned to see a tall human with long well-groomed hair and an impeccably tailored suit. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am–"
"Loki?" Twilight blurted.
Loke stopped mid-bow. "Yes," he said hesitantly, "Loki of Asgard, at your service. And I'm afraid you have me at a disadvantage?"
Twilight blushed slightly. "Sorry," she sputtered, "you just look–I mean the actor that plays you in another world looks remarkably like you."
Loki smiled. "I may have had a hand in that." He motioned at his face. "Vanity is a vice of mine."
Twilight just nodded before a nudge from Applejack brought her back. "Oh, right! I'm Twilight Sparkle, and this is Applejack." She blinked. "Of Equestria," she added.
Loki nodded. "It is truly a pleasure to meet you both," he said. "Now, am I correct in assuming that you would like to get home from here?"
"Yes," Twilight said with a nervous grin. "I managed to get myself here easily enough, but–"
"What's it going to cost?" Applejack interjected.
Loki feigned offense. "I beg your pardon?"
Applejack narrowed her eyes. "You remind me of someone, and he don't do nothing without getting something. So what's it going to cost?"
Loki smiled, though this was decidedly more predatory. "Very well then, Applejack of Equestria, soon-to-be crowned Princess of Honesty if I'm not mistaken." He allowed himself to revel in their shocked expressions for a moment. "In return for escorting the two of you back to the mortal realm from which you came, I ask only two favors.
"First, one of my patrons has also found himself in that world. He believes it to be uninhabited; I would like you to disavow him of that notion."
"Done," Applejack said before Twilight could ask her inevitable questions. "And the second?"
Loki leaned forward. "Tell Discord I haven't forgotten about our little wager."
"Done," Twilight said before Applejack could ask her inevitable questions.