Note: Rewrite of Loki Laufeyson, King of Jotunheim. The Jotunar are much more diverse in this story, Laufey is a prick, I made up some of the history and religion for Jotunheim and get most of my information from online sites, feel free to criticize or make suggestions, please don't be mean."Good for Jotunheim or not, I hate when I do not have clear vision through this white shit." he let go of the reigns with his left hand, made a wide 'V' across his chest and one line down the center of his stomach. "Ymir forgive me."
It was an intense blizzard. Koli felt as if his side was being pushed, his white robes flapped furiously, making the leather augmentations embedded on his joints more obvious, even his stag was having trouble just moving adjacent to it.
He gently patted his side, then checked if he still had the small vial of Sacred Water tucked away. "Almost there, Bjatr." he could barely make out a shape in the distance. "Almost there."
Slowly, but surely, the shape began to grow and transform into a collection of crystal-like pillars that was the size of a mountain; the Crystal Palace. Koli took note that the Comet Tower was glowing blue, one line of blue light went straight down. He had a slight smile, at least that was normal. Around the Crystal Palace were tall gates, also spiked that were impossible to climb without being noticed, a dozen guards were posted along the walls and ten at the visitor's tower alone. Koli pulled his reigns and stopped before the gates.
"WHO GOES?!" the guard boomed through an amplifier.
"Priest Koli Tryggrson of the East Temple, based in Hjal!" Koli boomed back.
"AND YOUR BUSINESS?"
"I am a Doctor and am here to oversee the birth of the heir!"
He left for a couple seconds and returned. "YOU MAY ENTER!"
The gates lowered into the ground. Bjatr rode in without a command, eager to escape the harsh wind. As soon as the gates slid back up, Koli felt the wind cease and the flapping silenced. He shook off the snow and took his stag to the stables, where white hay and dripping icicles were provided. He hopped off Bjatr and gave a loud yawn as he stretched his semi-tensed joints. He strolled across the silent, snow buried courtyard, the blizzard still howling above him.
"Ymir's blessings upon you." he mumbled to a couple passing servants as he walked by briskly. "Ymir's blessings upon you..."
He entered through the side wine cellar because there was a shortcut to the main floor (installed by Laufey's command). He passed the criss-crossing wine racks that were carved into the wall and to the spiral staircase. He noticed a figure walking down.
"Ymir's blessings-"
"Koli!"
He looked up. "Dagr!"
The pair laughed and gave each other bear hugs. Dagr was shorter than Koli but was broad with muscles he wasn't afraid to show. His face was roughly featured, his crooked nose from a full on tackle most apparent. Light green leather augmentations were on his joints, standing out from dark blue skin, white eyes and swirled marks.
"How are you?" Koli asked with a smile.
"I am well, how about you?" Dagr spoke.
"Fine fine." Koli laughed. "I have not heard from you in awhile, I almost went irrational."
"I just came back from a battle with the Aesir, Laufey decided to pull the Generals out for now." He lingered slightly on the last words. "But at least I get to be here when my child is born."
"Remember to contact me so I can help Lifa. Which reminds me, how is she?"
"Same old Lifa, strong as a bear, stubborn as an iceberg, still thinks she build even when she's about a month due."
Koli laughed. "Off home then?"
"No," Dagr spoke as he walked past him. "First I have to get Laufey some wine, then I have to send out some docu-"
"Wait, why are you fetching wine?"
Dagr didn't reply, just turned to Koli with a forced face of puzzlement.
"You are one of the Highest Ranking Generals in Jotunheim, you should not fetch wine like a servant." Koli took a couple steps up, then paused. "But if you are, mind fetching me a Fairy Brandy while you are down there, I am quite parched."
Dagr glared at him for a second before huffing and nodding. Koli laughed to himself as he continued upward and found himself in the main hall. It was wide, had bedrooms, libraries, bathrooms that branched out into other rooms. At the end were two grand double doors, on the left was a carving of Laufey, on the right was Farbauti. Koli put on a smile and walked forward.
"Ah, Priest Koli, so nice of you to finally arrive.
Koli stopped in his tracks and managed to keep his body from shaking. He turned with a slight bow, not making eye contact.
"My King..."
Even for a noble, Laufey was an intimidating figure. His face was sharp, his eyes a burning, glowing red, his stance was that of a mountain; strong, not easily swayed, and his voice was like crumbling ice. He scanned Koli, his brow raising, as if he was not pleased with something. Koli bit his tongue and made his bow lower. Laufey made a low hum and overtook Koli.
"Thank you for offering your charity and agreeing to help Farbauti in her labor." Laufey stated in a calm, controlled voice. "Just to make sure, I hired a couple of midwives to help along."
Koli inwardly groaned, he may not have the same experience as them, but he knew how to help the entire body not just the womb. To top it off his back was starting to hurt too. "Thank you."
"And another thing." Laufey practically twirled to face him. "Koli, I know you have military service." he took a couple steps towards him. "Have you thought about, perhaps, rejoining the army. I can reinstate you, or even better promote you." his smile grew, showing his dark teeth. "To a unit that will see battle right away."
"Your offer is generous, my King, but..."
"I'm not stupid, you blue balled bastard, that would be like diving head first into Asgardian metal." he thought.
"I would rather stay in the Temple, my father is aging and the war orphans have increased tremendously." Koli spoke, feeling as if his muscles were pulling on the nerves of his spine.
"That is a shame, but the offer will remain standing." Laufey spoke, a heavier tone clung to his voice. "If you need me or my son has arrived, I will be in my drawing room."
"Yes my King."
"You may rise."
Koli happily straightened his back and felt the blood run down through the veins of his back once more, as well as feeling the muscle's relief. He walked over to the doors, straightened his robes and knocked twice.
"Come in." A soft voice replied.
Koli opened the door and stepped in. The main bedroom was covered in carvings and paints of various things, most featuring Laufey and Farbauti, statues of previous Kings, Laufey's taxidermy hunting trophies, a small bookcase of Farbauti's things and a giant bed in the center of the farthest wall. Midwives and maids were in the room, fetching water, food, medicines and healing implements. Farbauti laid in the center, reading a book and rubbing her stomach with a smile.
Farbauti was a beautiful woman. Her head was thin and had rounded features, her hair was white and her icy blue eyes were a contrast to Laufey's, she even had lighter blue skin.
"Queen Farbauti." Koli gave a low bow.
Farbauti looked up from her book. "Koli." she laughed. "You have had a long journey, you don't need to do that."
"Thank you," Koli spoke as he rose. "I just had to bow for your husband for eons."
"That's my Laufey." she sighed lightly. "How are you? It's been awhile, my friend."
"I am well, thank you My Queen." Koli took a seat beside her on a white fur cushion. "And you?"
"Well, but in pain." she looked to her large, round stomach.
Koli held up his palm, which began to glow blue. "May I?"
"Of course." she giggled softly. "I would not have asked you to come if you could not."
Koli laughed as well and gently placed his hand on her stomach. He could sense the baby slowly moving towards the exit, the umbilical cord was disconnected and the baby's was head down.
"About you coming..." she stifled a chuckle.
"What?" Koli smiled.
She laughed a little. "Laufey was acting like he did not want you to help me." she rubbed her stomach and smiled up at him. "He had this big, dramatic speech but I stayed firm." She gave a light huff. "He can be silly sometimes."
Koli frowned a bit and turned his gaze downward, but refused to say anything. "I see..." Koli looked around for a second. "Other than that, everything looks perfect. The baby's-"
"It's a boy." she stated lightly. "We named him Loki."
"Loki Laufeyson, a strong name." Koli nodded. "Loki's progress is normal, you had no injuries or dangerous substances during pregnancy. I say you are in the clear and Loki will arrive in a couple hours." He managed a smile once again.
Suddenly the door opened. Njal, the tall, thin, elderly Master Recordkeeper, walked in with a stack of papers in hand.
"Good day, my Queen and Ymir's blessings upon you, Priest Koli." he bowed to both and walked over to Farbauti's side. "Just like you asked, the guards are clueless, they never notice me carry these documents even if they're clearly different than my usual."
Farbauti grinned and her eyes widened as she took them. "Thank you Njal, how recent are these?"
"It's from last week to last month."
"Excellent." Farbauti flipped it to the back, which showed the latest date.
From a quick glance, Koli could see the words "flanked", "predicted", "Destroyer" and numbers like "two-thousand" and "ten-thousand". Koli realized that he has seen and written documents like that before.
"War reports."
"From the front line." Njal spoke grimly. "I should head back, I will come when I hear or have news." He turned around and scurried out. "Good day."
Koli turned to Farbauti and felt a huge grin form. "I knew Laufey could not quell the curiosity of Farbauti Brimirdottir."
"Laufey was just worried for me, but as Queen I have a right to know." Farbauti said coolly.
Koli nodded along in delight and took out the icicle-shaped vial of Sacred Water from his pocket and placed it on the table side. "Just so I will not forget later." he stated assuredly. "Brought from the lake at the top Ymir's Crown, kissed by the auroras and caressed by the blizzards." He punctuated the last parts in a serious voice. "A little hard to get, but worth it for Farbauti's son... I mean the son of Queen Farbauti."
"It is fine Koli. I always hear 'my Queen' or 'Queen Farbauti' now, I only hear 'Farbauti' from Laufey. Even father always has to tack the Queen on." she gave a little grunt of displeasure. "By the way, Laufey requested me to ask you to tell the Messengers of my condition."
"I do not have to if you do not want to."
"It is fine, do not even dwell on it." she placed her hand on his for a second. "I will see you a little later then."
"Very well, whatever dear Farbauti, who also is the Queen but still is Farbauti, requests." he bowed then exited promptly.
He walked down the hall quickly, wanting to return as soon as possible. But a side door opening gave him pause, Dagr stepped out with an exasperated look on his face and holding a square green bottle.
"Oh Koli, I was just about to give you this." Dagr handed him the Fairy Brandy. "Do not get drunk."
"Thank you..." Koli examined him closer. He was slouching, his eyes looked tired and he was keeping the door shut with his weight. "What happened?"
"I brought the King six wine bottle, he downed the first one and somehow got drunk within five minutes. I think he had Circulation Powder." Circulation Powder was for medical uses, it increased blood-flow so medicine could be spread throughout the body faster.
"Did he not outlaw that for recreational use?"
"Not for himself, apparently." Dagr groaned with the roll of the eyes. "I will keep an eye on him."
"I have to see the Messengers." he walked forth with a snicker. "Good luck, may Ymir have mercy on your soul!" Koli bellowed dramatically.
"Thank you..."
Koli chuckled to himself and allowed himself only a sip of the sweet and tangy wine so he would not get dangerously drunk or even tipsy before he helped a woman in labor. He went down the stairs and into the Hall of Kings. It was elevated off the ground, just above the wallas and it was the grandest room in all of Jotunheim. It was so long that if a child sprinted straight through they would tire by the end. On the angled room were carvings of Kings and Queens with their achievements listed beneath and the one of direct Royal lineage holding a glowing Casket of Ancient Winters. On the sides were pillars carved with swirls, floors with markings similar to that on a Jotunar's skin and thin ice windows that could see the areas all around the Palace. At the end was a singular throne, carved in geometric designs and glowing blue because from the Casket's Tower, the power flowed down and through it before heading right into Jotunheim's core.
Koli would stop to admire it for longer, if not for the squawking Messengers in the chamber. They were flocked together, fidgety at the toes, dressed in sleek feathers. They were odd Jotunar, always seemed to want to be the first to report or even make up gossip sometimes.
"Excuse me!" Koli waved to them. "I am Priest Koli Tryggrson, and I am overseeing the heir's birth."
Koli found himself encircled by them, papers and quills seemed to appear from nowhere into their hands magically. Koli felt awkward, even a bit afraid but put on some semblance of an expression of contentment.
"How is she?"
"Can you tell the gender?"
"How long until the baby comes?"
"Um..." Koli gathered his thoughts. "Farbauti is well, I cannot tell the gender and perhaps a few hours?"
They wrote down every word he said with the squeak and scratch of the quill. While they were preoccupied, he managed to quickly sneak away back into the wine cellar, where he took another sip of his brandy as well as another bottle, and back to Bjatr. He placed both bottles of Brandy into Bjatr's bag, but pulled out another thing. It was in a large, wide tear drop shape, covered in shimmering ice scales and had a swirled stand. Koli gently touched the top and it opened like a flower. Icicles floated up from within and spun, lowering and ascending, creating a tune and then began to glow and project the colors of the aurora all around.
"I have to say Koli, you have quite outdone yourself with this craftsmanship." he beamed happily, but suddenly grew solemn. "Now now, I am a follower of Ymir and must stay humble..." He gave a loud laugh. "Who am I kidding, an enchanted music box is no small feat!" He touched the side, the colors stopped and the icicles lowered back in. "I hope they like it."
He quickly turned and strolled back into the wine cellar and resisted the temptation to nab another Fairy Brandy. He heard footsteps echoed in the spiral staircase. He turned to see a little girl rush over, tears streaking down her cheeks. As soon as she saw Koli, she screamed.
"What's wrong?"
"Priest Koli! The Queen is bleeding heavily and we can't see a baby's head!"
***
Impressively, Laufey downed four bottles in one sitting and fell asleep as soon as he placed the fourth bottle down. Dagr glowered as he watched the glorious King slouch and snore as loud as thunder. Soon drool began to pool in his mouth and drip down his cheek, which eventually pilled up to create perfect pinpricks of ice, which was equally disgusting and amusing. He wished Koli was there to make a quick carving to show his wife.
"Perhaps I could make one and show her..." Dagr carefully reached over and tightly gripped the longest one.
A shriek tore through the air, piercing Dagr's ears. Laufey woke up and whipped his head around, successfully breaking off the icicle, which Dagr carefully tucked away into his pocket.
"What was that?" he slurred.
Dagr peeked out and saw a little servant girl crying as she ran down the hall. Dagr stepped out and bent down to her eye level.
"What happened?"
"The-The Queen!" she cried out, stumbling onto him and trembling.
"What happened to my son?" Laufey boomed, suddenly regaining his sobriety.
"Su-suddenly blood and fluid gushed out, then she screamed..." Her breath was shaky. "The midwives are trying to help her..."
"Where is that useless deserter Koli?!" Laufey screamed as he stood.
Dagr choose to ignore the King and gently took the girl's hands. "Listen, go down to the main hall and yell for Koli, he will know what to do."
"I will." She sniffled before she ran.
"If my son dies, someone will pay-"
"My King, please do not be irrational!" Dagr spoke as began running to the end of the hall, Laufey stumbling behind him.
Dagr didn't know why he was running nor what he could do, but he was frantic. Not just for the baby, but Koli and Farbauti. Ymir knows what Laufey would do...
"Out of the way!" Koli warned as he sped down the hall past Laufey and Dagr.
Dagr pulled Laufey aside and let Koli through the door, which shut with a loud thud that resounded through the hall. Koli didn't have enough time to brace himself for the sight. Even after seeing so much as a Doctor in the field and in the hospital, nothing prepared you for seeing someone you knew hurt. The furs were covered in purple blood and other liquids, she was sobbing, wailing and writhing in pain and her stomach was deflated so much it was less than half its' original size. The midwives were comforting Farbauti, administering pain killer medication into her bloodstream and trying to find the baby.
"Ko-Koli!" she groaned out, tears streaking down her face,
"I am here, do not fret." Koli spoke quickly as he knelt at the foot of the bed. "Everything will be fine."
He was half-lying, things were not making sense. He frantically racked his brain for anything that could help or any symptoms that fit with this. Excessive amounts of blood and fluids? That wasn't normal. That was the answer. It wasn't normal.
"Farbauti, I have to give you a choice. You can either risk exhaustion from pushing or I have to make an incision to take the baby out." Koli stated as calmly as possible.
"I do not care what happens to me! Save my son! Save my Loki!"
Koli bit his lip and nodded. He created a thin, sharp blade and cut into her.
Things went blank for awhile, all Koli could remember was his hands covered in blood and he felt something he pulled out. When he regained his senses he was holding a crying, moving baby.
"It's a boy." Koli proclaimed as he cut the umbilical cord then turned to the stunned midwives. "Heal the cut, quickly." Thankfully, one complied swiftly. Koli took a cold, wet rag from a bowl and wiped the fluids from the crying baby.
"Koli... Let me see him..."
Koli took a deep breath and faced her. The babe fit into the palm of one hand, but there was no doubt he was Jotunar. Small, angular marks, light blue skin, moving normally, crying normally. His face, arms and legs were the regular chubbiness of usual babies in proportion to his size. Koli had delivered runts before, he was small, but normal and healthy.
Farbauti's eyes widened and her lips parted slightly in surprise. "Oh Koli..." her voice cracked a bit, but slowly she held out her arms. "He so beautiful..."
Koli felt an involuntary sigh of relief flow through him and walked over to her with a simple smile. As soon as the baby was placed in her arms, she curled them together to carefully cradle him. He quieted immediately, gently cooing when he recognized his mother's scent. She kissed him on his tiny lips and gently nuzzled her head against his.
"Where is my son? Let me see my son!"
Koli felt fear ignite in him again. Laufey was much different than Farbauti in belief. He threw a thin blanket over the baby and prepared for the worst.
"Wait!" he asked frantically.
Laufey pushed his way through the door, Dagr following, his eyes were tensed and his teeth were bared. He rushed straight for Koli and growled.
"I heard you helped and I suppose I am thankful, but I am your King and you will obey me." Laufey hissed as he nearly tossed Koli aside.
"Laufey, please..." Farbauti murmured, cradling her arms tighter.
"Worry not, my treasure, nothing will separate us from our son, our Loki." he reached over with a smile and pulled the blanket off. He recoiled instantaneously and almost fell on his back. His eyes lit on fire and his other fist clenched. "You!" he pointed to Farbauti. "What have you brought me!"
"Laufey, please, runts are practically no different from regular Jotunar-" Koli stammered as he tried to come between them.
"That is not my son, that is a disgrace!" Laufey screeched as he stomped towards them. "You no good filthy blooded whore!"
"My King no!" Dagr pleaded.
"Stop it!" Koli begged, trying his best to make himself look smaller. "Runtism is just a defect, one in a million, it can appear in families with no records of runtism!"
"She carried my child, she cursed my line!" he lifted his arm. "That runt has no right to live!"
Dagr gulped, but still kept on. "Laufey don't!"
Farbauti recoiled and slowly began to back away, clinging the baby closer to her chest and covering him. "Husband... Laufey..." Tears began to streak down her cheeks as she trembled. "Please... Do not hurt my baby..."
"Laufey! In the name of Ymir I demand you end this!" Koli seethed as he pushed him back. "If you kill Farbauti the people will not ignore it!"
"I care not about Farbauti, that runt is nothing! No one will suspect if a premature child died!"
Laufey snatched the baby out of her arms by the leg. He was squirming, sobbing from pain. Farbauti wailed as she tried to reach him, but was in too much pain to do so.
"Then let me take him!" Koli screamed as he fell to his knees before Laufey. "I will take him away! I raise him in the East Temple, he will not stand out among the dozens of orphans!" Koli panted, nearly hyperventilating. "He will hold no title, he will have to toil his whole life, Hel I will make sure he does not get within ten miles of you, but I beg of you as a mewling Priest; Do not kill him!"
Everything went quiet expect for the whistling of the blizzard and the crying of the baby. Koli glanced up and felt his eyes overflow with tears. His heart was filled with sorrow, but he could feel the burning hate in his soul. Laufey sputtered like a horse, before turning towards Farbauti and dropping Loki into her arms.
"Very well, I would not want the Temples against me." Laufey groaned slightly, he faced Farbauti. "I expect within the year a strong heir, woman." Then to Dagr. "Go tell the Messengers that the child was perfect; Deep marks, red eyes, perfect size, but he was born dead." He couldn't help but smirk down at Koli. "Get up, oh so holy Priest, and get ready to take that filth with you within a month."
Koli growled lowly. "Yes, my King."
Laufey walked around him, practically swaggering out the door before he paused. "And by the way, no one speak of this unless they want to die." He cleared his throat. "Now, I have more important things to tend to." Then he finally left.
Dagr didn't even look up before he left as well. After that, the midwives scurried out the door like scattering mice. Koli, Farbauti and the baby were alone. The room was messy, there were broken bowls, scratched floors and tossed rags all around. Koli sputtered slightly, just trying to gather his thoughts. He turned to catch sight of the vial of Sacred Water still sitting at the table. He picked up the tiny thing and unscrewed the top.
"Farbauti..." he spoke, barely above a whisper, can you please put a rag under his head?"
"You still want to...?" she squeaked.
"You asked me to come yes?" Koli resounded.
Farbauti slowly took a rag from her side and gently placed it behind his neck. He stopped crying, but he was in quite a bit of shock still. Farbauti gently hushed him and kissed his head.
Koli approached slowly and knelt down before him. "Farbauti... Do you want to change his name?"
"No, I helped pick Loki for my own reasons as well." she stated firmly.
"Very well." Koli nodded as he lifted the vial. He gently poured down the Sacred Water in a steady stream, Loki squirmed more, but did not cry. "Loki Farbautison, I, Koli Tryggrson, bless you in the name of Ymir." When the water emptied, Koli reached over and gently made the "Y" on the center of his forehead. "May Ymir guide your path, keep you safe, teach you well, have you prosper and may he let you know of those who love you..." Koli stood and bowed to both of them.
Farbauti smiled at her son as she lifted him. "You will be just fine my child."
Farbauti was surprised when she heard soft music and colors appear from nowhere. Koli had opened his music box before them. He didn't say anything, just held it out. As the colors danced across Loki's face he cooed loudly.
"If it's all the same to you... This is his present." Koli spoke softly.
"Even if things did not turn out well, I still have my son." she looked down into his glowing red eyes. "I still have my Loki."