Loki walks with about as much grace as he's ever had, sliding past Heimdall without so much as a past-haunted glance, his chin held up high despite the muzzle pulling it down, and Thor's grip on his arm is like acid on his skin. The palace of Asgard reflects the light and its glory nearly blinds him, disgust written in his eyes as he refuses to squint, to give anyone who watches the satisfaction of seeing him uncomfortable.

The rainbow bridge shines up at him, brilliant colors reflecting on his face as they did when he was a boy, bringing a wave of nostalgia with them, and he makes a disagreeing sound in the back of his throat, desperate to keep the memories at bay. The people watch him, their gazes like knives in his back, and he looks straight ahead as Thor swallows nervously, passing through the gates of the palace like he's done so many times before.

They turn down familiar halls, where boys once laughed and played, and he hears the echo of a life once his far in the recesses of his mind, slithering through the corridor as he passes, but he pretends like he doesn't hear a thing, his emerald eyes stoic.

The golden doors at the end of the hall are enormous, sparkling with ancient symbols and magical runes that make Loki's heart ache with memories, and Thor pushes them open to reveal the biggest crowd of people he perhaps as ever seen, hundreds of Asgardians huddled together to witness his fate.

Odin stands tall and proud, as unmovable as any oak, and Frigga stands by his side, her eyes glinting with worry and shock.

The court is filled to the brim with the echoes of hushed murmurs told from trembling lips and he resists the urge to roll his eyes; he will show nothing. Odin looks down at him, his greying eye heavy with something Loki can't quite place, and the staff comes down upon the floor, a wave of silence permeating the air.

The god of mischief stands straighter, prepared for whatever may come on this day of judgment, until a sharp whirring sound pierces the atmosphere, coming from just above the palace.

Loki looks up, then, and, even though none can see, he smiles behind his muzzle.

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