Title: Bold Disobedience
Summary: The supposedly uneventful trip to Alfheim becomes a struggle as a timid Loki tries to fit into the confusing world of Elves. Despite Freyr's assurance about their kindness, Loki finds out just how a graceful race can still be as unrestrained and unruly as an Aesir when a particularly disobedient Elf makes an impression that will change his life forever.
Warning: Psychological Insecurity, Anxiety, Violence, Physical Abuse, Gender Inequality, Racism, Mild Trauma, and Graphic Depictions of Death.
A/N: Elves in this story are inspired by Tolkien's LoTR/Hobbit, but are factual to Norse Mythology/Marvel.
PS: No Slash!
oOo
Chapter 1 – Excursion
"You did not consult me."
"Should I have?"
"I am your wife."
"So you are." He agreed. "Was it wise?"
"You are asking me that?" She grimaced. "I never did like some of your decisions."
"It is too late for that."
"Your temper rules you," Frigga commented as she stood by the balcony door. "Was it a punishment for that incident at court a week ago?"
"My dear wife," Odin smiled. "You are wrong if you think I am doing this because of that silly skirmish with goats and servants running across the hall covered in dry leaves and mud."
"Is that so?" She goaded.
"It was a welcome distraction," He amended. "The trade far up east of Vanaheim was going nowhere."
"It could have gone better."
"If it did not involve your loud eldest and his mischievous younger brother, it would have been easier to forgive and laugh at."
"Do not look at me." She sneered in jest. "They also came from you."
Odin lapsed into silence.
Frigga crept next to her husband and wrapped her hands around his arm in familiar comfort. She felt his disturbance as he lowered his gaze and reached for her hand. Unspoken regrets were between them, but Frigga was used to it.
"Was it wise?"
"You sent our youngest son to an unfamiliar land." Frigga expressed. "I think that is punishment in itself. It is up to you to think whether it was wise or not."
"It is not a punishment." Odin defended. "And Alfheim is hardly unfamiliar to him. I have brought him and Thor there countless times."
"Briefly," She stated.
"The boy must learn how to socialize." He grimaced. "He is too idle, timid and faint of heart. This trip will bring him out of hiding. Freyr will make sure he is safe."
"If you say so."
"Frigga, Loki is halfway past the borders of the mountain and will meet with the Elven patrol in a day or two. I will not recall them unless necessary. Let the boy explore. If he is lucky, he will see Dwarves along the mountain. You know how immersed he is with such tales and lore."
"And his escorts?" She argued.
"What of them?"
"You think it was wise that Thor, his friends, Tyr and a small portion of the army is suitable to accompany Loki past the mountains?"
"Asgard needed some peace and quiet."
"Liar," Frigga snorted.
"I wanted time alone with my Queen," Odin teased.
"You've thought of everything."
"That is why I am King."
Despite being assured that Loki was going to be fine, there was still a large amount of doubt weighing heavily in Frigga's chest. She had the gift of foresight, yet there was only so much that she could see. She only hoped it won't change her sweet and shy little child that she won't be able to recognize him when he returns.
oOo
He was not a child!
But he was being treated like one.
While all of Asgard enjoyed their peaceful days, Loki traveled on a horse and was subjected to ridicule from Thor and his infuriating friends. They regaled humorous tales of his fighting and knack for magic that it caught on with the other warriors. It was not a pleasant experience when one was all alone.
Loki was indeed having the worst week of his life.
"It was hilarious!"
"He was flailing about with his weapon!"
"Of course he was!" Thor joined. "He is too thin to carry a broadsword!"
"Njal nearly collapsed laughing at the scene!"
"Even Ludin could not hold it!"
"Meldun was not sure if he should pity Thor's brother or not."
"Poor Meldun."
"More like poor Loki!"
The warriors laughed hard at that.
They overlapped each other with tales of his fight with one of Tyr's men. Out of a dare, Meldun became his opponent. It was an embarrassing and unfair fight that it became one of the most amusing tales to regale during expeditions. Good thing Meldun was transferred to the Southern guard and away from Tyr's men. The poor man now became another amusement and he hated Loki for it.
"I remember how he nearly ran across the clearing."
"He also showered his opponent with flowers he conjured!"
"But he evaded it nicely."
"He did win that time."
"Aye," Thor laughed. "Only because his opponent was too shocked to strike!"
Everyone howled.
It made Loki want to retreat further into despair.
If only Thor knew how disagreeable his methods were at helping him gain confidence, things would be easier. In fact, it was bringing him closer to silence. He was meek and timid for a reason, but he wasn't invalid.
Only his confidence was battered and his parents thought a trip up the mountain to see Dwarves and Elves would help him. They also had the gall to suggest that Thor spend time with him, but Loki refused to accept it. It was either he goes alone or he wouldn't go at all.
"Nay."
"I am not allowing you without an escort." Odin argued. "My word is final."
"I am not saying I do not need one, Father." Loki claimed. "I am only saying I do not want Thor to join me. You said you wanted me to enjoy this trip."
"I do not understand why you are averse to your brother's presence."
"Do you want me to list the reasons?"
Odin had looked at him with irritation, but Loki knew he had won that argument.
His father had accepted his proposal but decided that Thor and his friends are the one to escort him instead. Loki wasn't amused but he knew as soon as he reached the Elven patrol, he would be free of his brother's presence.
"We stop here!" Tyr ordered.
Night was near.
Their horses were rested and the camp was set up.
Tyr had ordered several warriors to patrol the area. The Elven patrol would most likely meet with them at that intended area which meant Loki would be free of the warriors jesting soon. He sat beneath the tree and busied himself with exploring his handbag as he listened to the warriors jest.
"Kodran, when do you think we will meet the patrol?" Njal wondered as he poked the fire. "I could feel Tyr's irritation from here."
"They should have been here earlier."
"So they are late."
"Of course they are late, Njal." Kodran chuckled. "What did you expect, they are Elves. Here I thought they had more sense than to have us waiting and fooling with Tyr."
"Tyr never did like Elves." Ludin murmured. "Too graceful for his tastes."
"They are comely." Fandral smirked.
Loki grimaced.
He truly did not want to hear them start about Elven beauty in comparison to an Aesir, because as soon as they begin they would not stop. Loki was even sure that if they continued on as they are, they might even reach the topic about Dwarf women and maybe even add Vanir beauty and later on insult Jotnar looks.
He was lucky they did not follow up Fandral's jest.
"Mayhaps their patrol was attacked." Gilli stated. "I heard there were Elven maidens along the patrol. They probably dragged their men down."
Loki had to roll his eyes at that one.
"There are maidens on patrol!?" Njal chuckled. "You jest!"
"He does not." Thor smiled. "I have seen them before during Council in Alfheim."
"Oh, you are lucky!" Fandral smiled.
"I can vouch for their beauty."
"Tell us more."
Loki wanted to intervene into their conversation.
He wanted to tell Thor's warrior friends that his brother wasn't even paying attention to the Council meeting or anything about trade negotiations. Surely if asked, Thor will falter for his main focus was the beauty women had to offer.
Loki never understood that thought.
Sure he found women attractive, but not to the point he would ask for their hand. He would rather find a worthy company, and it did not fall short on women alone. Truth be told, man or woman, he'd be happy with either who has a brain and shared his love for mischief.
"I heard there are half of them in a patrol." Gilli grimaced. "Quite a thing to see."
"And some in this Elven patrol." Ludin nodded.
"I heard they are as tough as Lady Sif." Kodran grinned.
"Are they?" She smirked.
"I do not think anyone can be as tough as our Lady Sif," Thor defended. "Any who would oppose her would earn a battle in their hands."
Loki ignored them.
The way they spoke of matters that they know nothing about was irritating.
He had never interacted with Elves that much before. Loki had only ever been with Elves at arms-length when they offered him beverages or when they told him to meet at the dining area, or the meeting room in Alfheim. It was never a conversation with them, but Loki found them absolutely fascinating.
Who wouldn't?
The Ljósálfar or the Light Elves were known to be fairer than the sun, alluring in all ways, loved archery, dweller of trees and had as much stamina and agility as an Aesir. They also have an extensive library about Seidr.
But in Asgard, they were also known as weak and lowly people.
As often enough, Loki was insulted to be half an elf instead of pure Aesir. Even Thor joined in on the jest, but when it went too far, he defended Loki ten-fold which made Loki's heart swell.
"Do you wish for company?"
"Nay."
"Come now, Loki."
"Go away."
"What are you doing?" Thor plopped down next to him.
"Go back to your friends." Loki said as he took out a book from his handbag. "I am busy."
Thor was used to Loki's little habits.
Of course his brother brought a book! It was impossible for him not to. Loki was not much of an outdoor person when it came to adventures. Thor happily leaned towards his brother to irritate him, and Loki looked up to see Thor grinning with his bright blue eyes shining at him.
"Are you excited?"
"Nay," Loki lied.
"Good," He grinned. "Why Father and Mother insisted on you spending time with the Elves, I know not why. They are not at all exciting. Sure they are fair to look at, but there is not much to brag of their people."
"You should not say that."
"Why not?"
"We are near the borders of Alfheim up the mountain. You should not say such fool thoughts when you yourself have yet to see their prowess. You have also heard from Lord Freyr that the Elves have their own strengths."
"I have not heard anything promising."
"They have their own patrols along their borders." Loki grimaced. "And their women fight."
"So?"
"You are cruel," He hissed.
"I do not envy you. Brother." Thor chuckled. "I am glad I do not have to endure days with the Alfar and have them sing songs and dance around the fire. But I think you will fit well with them, given your— ah, structure…"
"You are not far from being a dwarf yourself." Loki mumbled.
"Tyr believes they will be here on the morrow."
"Good." Loki shut his book, unable to read. "Now go away."
"Suit yourself," Thor shrugged. "Sleep now."
Loki felt unhappy.
All of his excitement to see Dwarves or Elves was gone thanks to Thor and his friends' perception of them. He also wasn't happy with parting from Thor. His brother was his protector, his friend and brother. He had always been there for him and even if there were jests here and there, Thor never actually disappointed him to the point he would give up.
He was beginning to doubt this little trip will help him.
"Go to sleep, Loki." Thor insisted.
"Are you not going to sleep?" Loki whispered.
"In a while."
Thor noticed Loki's uneasiness and understood what it meant.
"I will be here." He assured.
Loki nodded and settled himself nicely on the ground and took out a sheet to cover himself with. He used his handbag as a pillow and closed his eyes.
The night went by quickly.
Yet Loki could not rest quietly.
He lay awake for hours until his exhaustion had taken him. It was only until he heard voices and the light blinding his eyes did he awaken groggily. Morning… He was still tired having slept so little, but the camp was still there and the other warriors were scattered about tending to their jobs.
He lay there and looked around to see Tyr speaking with someone.
His emerald eyes widened.
It was an Elf.
oOo
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