Author's Note: Whatever happened to Heimdall anyway?
Loki sat on the throne, his elbow on the arm rest and his mouth to his fist. He tapped one foot anxiously. He did not sleep well last night and he rose early in the morn before most of those residing in the palace. He had but one thing tormenting his mind: who the Hel was Volla?
"I know you far too well. And I know Odin far too well." It disconcerted him that he knew nothing of her in return.
He pictured his mother and met the familiar pang of sorrow. During his days as Odin he had been too preoccupied to mourn and for that he felt guilty. But he had to shift his focus once more and he tried to imagine the servants that were commonly by Frigga's side when she was alive. The woman with the gold head band did appear but her role was a mystery to him. She was neither warrior nor sage and yet she was always there - at banquets or at meetings. She didn't seem to do much other than carry Frigga's belongings for her, but they often spoke close to each other's ear as if sharing a most precious secret. In his memory he strolled past his mother's chambers as he bid her goodnight. Volla was indeed by her side then as he turned his head to see her properly she looked directly at him as if she, from another location in the palace, were sharing the memory with him.
Loki's mind snapped back to the present when he heard the echo of footsteps approaching. He quickly shifted to his Odin form and sat up straight. Heimdall approached the throne but he did not bow. Loki was not sure if Heimdall's omniscience could penetrate his illusions but it was clear that he suspected something wasn't quite right.
"You summoned me?" Heimdall said. He stood tall and still as if bracing himself.
"I was wondering," said Loki, doing his best Odin, "What you know of the maiden Volla?"
Heimdall's features creased slightly in surprise.
"Very little, your grace," he replied, "She was Frigga's servant but apart from that I did not pay much heed to her. If you seek her presence, she is currently in her bed chambers sleeping."
Loki was satisfied with that answer. Still, if Volla ever leaked the truth to anyone, Heimdall knowing would be the biggest threat to his position on the throne.
"Will that be all?" Heimdall added.
"No, just one more thing. " Loki said, an idea popping into his head just then, "You have been a great help to Asgard and its people but I regret to inform you that your services are no longer needed."
"Your grace?"
"You are dismissed of your post, Heimdall. You are now a civilian. I wish you the best of luck in your future endevours whatever they may be."
Heimdall hestitated, his intense gold eyes searching the Odin imposter as if attempting to see through his physical form.
"What is the meaning of this decision?" he said, his words lightly laced with anger.
"Staff rotation, nothing personal," Loki said, "After all the ugliness with the Dark Elves I thought I would shake up the ranks in Asgard a bit. It's time we saw meaningful change around here, don't you agree?"
Heimdall continued to stare, his expression a mixture of suspicion and vexation. Loki held his breath, reinforcing his magic spell in return. After a moment, Heimdall gave a curt nod of acquiescence and turned to leave.
"Happy retirement," Loki called after him releasing the breath he was holding.