On a desert place in Jotünheim, Odin stood before the god of Wisdom and Foresight.
- You came to me with the most honourable request, Odin, son of Bor. But I can't considerate it positively without a gift of yours. As your wish is of a considerable value, I request from you an eye.
- My eye ?
- You heard me well Odin. But believe me, your sacrifice will worth it.
Odin took some time to make his mind. His eye was a big price. But he was not going to give up so close to the goal. he had to know. He had to foresee what will happen during the war.
- Take my eye, Mimir, and give me the future.
At those words, Mimir snatched Odin's left eye and directly dived his head into the fountain to give him the vision of the future.
It was a sunny afternoon in the gardens of the palace of Asgard. No one could have been happier than the king and the queen this day, because they were getting married. Near his nurse, the little prince, Thor, was watching his father unite his life to the beautiful woman on his side. Even though she wasn't her mother, he already loved her. She was so kind and nothing in this realm was softer than her kiss on her step-son's cheek. She was resplendent in her dress. Her veil was embroidered with golden wires and shining diamonds. And she was smiling. She didn't already loved the king, but she knew she would and this was enough for her.
Even though everything was fine in his marriage, the king Odin had to fight numerous times to keep the realm safe. The last battle had seen the end of war. This wasn't without losses and a lot of tears that he returned to his home. He also brought back a little package with him. He hid it well under his cape. And when he arrived in his chamber accompanied by his wife, he showed her the little boy he found on Jotünheim.
- What are you doing with a baby ? she said very surprised.
- He was abandoned when I found him. You know, I was letting him there but when he saw me, he smiled. I didn't had the courage to let him die. So I took him.
- But what are you gonna do with him now ?
- I think it wasn't just a coincidence that I found him. It was a sign. We should raise him like our child and see what he could do for us in the future.
- What do you mean ?
- Maybe he could be a reason for our two realms to really be at peace.
- I don't really understand your motivations, but I'm ready to raise this child as my own.
She took the baby in her arms and kissed his forehead.
- Thank you Frigga, the king said.
- I'm not doing it for you, know that. I don't know what special scheme you're planning for him. But I know that a baby, wherever he comes from, should be loved from its birth to its death by her mother. And I won't deny that to him. What's his name ?
- I gave to him the name of Loki.
She looked at the baby right in the eyes and said:
- Loki Odinson, I promise you, I will love you forever, from today until the end of time.
- Did you hear the news ? The queen is pregnant !
- Oh please, don't make me laugh ! The All-Father is always on the battlefield and I don't think the Queen Frigga is capable of cheating on him.
- I didn't say she did. And Odin is back for two months now.
- Hum... Who did tell you that anyway ?
- Her personal handmaid.
Frigga and Odin had done everything in their power (that meant a lot) to spread the news among the palace. Two weeks after, all Asgard knew the queen was expecting a baby. They took precautions to hide Loki in their private quarters under the supervision of their devoted handmaid. She didn't ask questions when they asked her to take care of the baby and that was all they needed.
- Is she gonna die ?
- No Thor, she will be just fine, answered his father. And stop wiggling like that !
They were in the large corridor in front of the royal bedroom, waiting for the nurse. They were expecting her one minute to another.
- Why can't we enter in the bedroom ?
- Stop asking questions, Thor.
The King was too nervous himself to handle his son too.
- Are you mad at me, Father ?
- No, Thor. Come, sit down next to me. I need to ask you something.
Thor who was standing in front of his father, took place on the bench were the king was sitting.
- Thor, from today until the day you die, you will have a little brother. You will be in charge for him. Do you understand ?
- You mean I'll have to take care of him ?
- Your mother and I will take care of him. But you will be his model and the person he will refer to. You need to be good to him. And be a good example.
- I will, Father. I swear.
- Remember, maybe one day you will be the last person he could count on, don't turn your back on him.
- I won't.
The doors opened at this moment and the handmaid called them:
- Please, my king, you can come and look at your child.
- Thor, come with me, he said standing up.
He held his hand to his son, but he was already running into the room. All the guards in the corridor wished to be in this room to see the face of the new prince of Asgard. What they didn't know, was that Loki was almost one year old and the queen didn't gave birth this day, neither did she a year ago.
- Mother ! Are you alright ?
- Yes, my son. Would you like to see your brother ?
- Yes. Where is he ?
- Here, in this little bed.
Frigga showed him where his new little brother was laying. He approached the little bed, and discovered the baby wrapped in the sheets.
- He's sleeping..., he said with disappointment.
- Yes, don't make to much noise. You wouldn't wake him up, would you ?
Odin entered the room and asked to the handmaid to let them.
- Frigga, I'm so glad to finally have this baby.
- What's his name ? asked Thor.
- We called him Loki, answered his mother.
- Loki, I don't know if you can hear me but I'm not gonna let you down. I won't give up on you whatever happens. I promise.
And at these words, the prince took the hand of his little brother and tightened it in his.
- What did you tell him ? the queen asked quietly to her husband.
- I told him that his brother will need him at some point of his life.
The queen looked at him intensely but didn't guess what he meant by that.
This is my first fic ever. Also english is not my mother tongue, so please be nice. :-)
Some explanations for the two first paragraphs:
- Mimir is known in the Norse Mythology for his knowledge and his wisdom. About what Odin saw in the fountain: you will know later !
- In the second scene, I tried to introduce the fact that Thor is not the son of Frigga (true in Norse Mythology and Marvel Universe)
And don't worry, following chapters will be longer.