Sprinting down the golden halls of the palace, the youngest Asgardian prince ran as fast as his legs could carry him. He nearly tripped twice but his determination to see his hero kept him on his feet. Loki wouldn't miss seeing Asgard's most fierce and decorated captain, Kara, leave for battle.
Out of the palace and down to the great rainbow bridge he went, completely out of breath by the time he arrived at his family's side. His father looked as regal as ever, golden light glancing off of his eye patch. Thor stood next to Odin, doing his best to stand tall just like the king. Loki slipped between his brother and the queen, Frigga, who looked down at him with an affectionate wink. He smiled back as she smoothed back his wind-blown hair "You almost missed them." She whispered.
"I know, but I didn't." He whispered back, grinning.
A horn sounded from the gates as a cavalry of Asgard's best warriors came riding down to the Bifrost, all in their shining armour and atop their prized steeds.
But what got the little prince's heart skipping beats was the woman riding at the front of the formation. Her long, silvery-white hair was unmistakable but it was the eyes that really grabbed his attention. Amber. Just like a wolf. Loki wasn't well versed in the beauty of women, but even at his age he knew that Kara was stunning. He froze as she and the other warriors passed, staring up at the one they called the She-Wolf like she was the only goddess in Asgard.
Her mind was quiet. That calm before the storm. She was ready for battle. Had prepared herself for the violence. The blood. The cries of dying men, who sought the comfort only a mother's embrace could give them.
Kara had seen it all before. Many times over. She never liked to see the suffering of those who had been forced to fight. But those that had chosen to, wished to, craved for the chance to use their skills against an opponent? That she would endure. But to hear the cries of the enemy, to hear them silenced was something Kara looked forward to.
She was the She-Wolf, after all.
Kara rode at the front of the formation, the others only a few paces behind. She noted the contrast of her armour against theirs; the other warriors wore gold, as was traditional for Asgard's warriors. Kara's was black, gold details outlined each plate of metal and glinted in the sun's rays.
She knew it was made for her to bring attention to her, to her features. Golden eyes and white hair didn't let her often pass by unnoticed. The King, who had the armour made, didn't seem to realise she couldn't care less about being noticed. In fact, Kara more often than not, noticed everyone else first. Like the royal family waiting to send off the army of Asgard. Many warriors would be sent for the last time.
The King and Queen stood with their sons between them. The two boys stood tall, heads held high, like their mother and father. Kara was happy to serve if these boys would one day rule as their mother did. She held less respect for the King's methods. There was a glance to the King first, as was customary and he simply nodded. The Queen was next, a woman whom Kara held in high regard. More than most. Frigga smiled up at the She-Wolf and lowered her head in a show of respect. It was far deeper than it needed to be - the Queen was making a point it seemed. To whom though, Kara wasn't sure.
Next was Thor. He beamed and cheered, wishing the warriors well. Kara fought not to chuckle at his enthusiasm.
Lastly, her wolf eyes fell on the youngest prince. Loki looked up at Kara with wide eyes, something like awe and shock skittered behind the green of them. When he had paused too long, his mother nudged him. The boy shook his head and gave a small bow.
When Loki looked up once more, Kara nodded to him in thanks - which was more than she had done for any of the others. She gave a small grin, flashing teeth when the Prince once again showed shock on his face.
Kara sobered quickly, her mind returning to the battle ahead. Returning her gaze to the front, the Bifrost drawing ever closer, she knew that today, there would be bloodshed as Asgard had never seen.