This never should have happened.
Now, I know that there are many who'd consider my bringing those frost giants into Asgard just to prevent my brother from taking the throne to be a horrible act. I am sorry that two guards died as a result, but it was the only thing I could think of to do. Thor is many things- charismatic, an unparalleled warrior, determined. But he is also rash, self-centered, and never thinks about the consequences of his actions.
We really are exact opposites, in some ways. I had this planned out, to the second. I knew where Thor would be, what to say to push him in the direction he'd already be leaning. Everything was perfect.
Until they walked in.
I don't care if his insufferable friends go to get themselves killed. But… Fandral had always been kind to me. He never joined in the others' teasing and even offered encouragement, reminding them that my spells were as valuable as their weapons.
No. He wasn't supposed to be there, he wasn't supposed to go to Jotunnheim. It was too dangerous. The second they walked in I knew that everything had changed.
I actually did try to convince Thor to leave. I gave my plan up entirely, cursed myself for not thinking about this. And it had worked. He turned to leave with us when that blasted frost giant taunted him. At least I have some vindication in knowing that he was the first to die.
The entire fight, I did my best to keep an eye on Fandral. I let him take care of himself, he can fight. But there was really no way to predict, or stop, the frost giant that impaled him. All I could do was kill the bastard and try, again, to make Thor see reason.
My plans really need to stop relying on that. Smashing the ground under our feet… That was a well thought out plan. No surprise it came from the only one of us who can fly.
No one was hurt beyond that. Well, Volstagg got frostbitten, and I'm rather disturbed that I didn't… They were able to heal him well enough, that's what matters. He'll be fine.
I knew, of course, that admitting I'd told the guard where we were going meant that I'd be opening myself up to attacks. Again… not from him. Sif looks like she's about to murder me, so I take my leave. Mostly.
Curiosity has always been one of my weaknesses, I can't help but want to hear the conversation. It bothers me that they can guess I was responsible. If they can, who knows who else will be able to figure it out. But then… he defends me. Fandral actually goes against his friends to defend me.
I have done many things in my life that would be considered bad. This is the first time I've ever regretted any of them. Only because I wish that he was justified. I wish I deserved that defense.