One ring to rule them all, one ring to find them. One ring to bring them all, and in the darkness make them kneel!?
Loki Laufeyson fingered the gold band that seemed to hum with energy. He could see his reflection in it, the reflection that had changed so drastically over the course of a week. The hard lines had softened, his nose wasn't so pointy, and all in all, he seemed to have gotten sucked into a vortex (which had happened before) that took away years. Loki was getting younger. Hearing footsteps, the god of mischief concealed the ring in his pocket and stood to meet the one approaching.
"Hello,Thor."
"Loki."
While Loki seemed to be getting younger, the opposite was true for his elder brother. His face seemed strained, and the bags under his eyes revealed his lack of sleep.
"What seems to be the problem brother?"
Thor glared at Loki.
"You know what's wrong. You are changing."
"Is that such a bad thing? I kind of like it."
"What did you find on your so called 'vacation'?"
"Nothing of consequence."
"HA! Nothing of consequence. I do believe you are lying brother."
"Is that a surprise to you?" Loki smirked.
"Not in the least."
Loki deftly pulled the ring from his pocket, still keeping it concealed in his cupped hand.
"Only if you promise not to show mother." he bargained.
"Fine." A boyish grin spread across Thor's face. "Show me."
Loki smiled as he held up the gold ring between his forefinger and thumb. The ring beckoned to Thor, it begged him to take it. He reached out to snatch it from his brother's hand, but Loki had morphed into a cat that hissed at him, "My precious..."