It had been a month since Odin had found out about his adopted son. Thor, he knew, was destined to become a warrior, the God of Thunder. Little did he know that Loki would be wielder of magic. It troubled him. What would the people think of the prince when they learned this? At only three the Allfather had realised that Loki was destined to become the God of Mischief. This had caused disruption in the court. Frequently he wondered if he should have ever taken the child from the temple, but his wife would scold him at the thought of sending him away. Odin heard a small cough from the floor.

Loki stood a few feet away from him, small head cocked to the side. "What are you thinking of, father?"

Odin knew that Loki would be broken if he told him that he was thinking about giving him away. "I was thinking about where Thor is. He always gets into trouble. I hope you don't grow up to be as much of a troublemaker as he!" Odin laughed.

Loki looked down. "Why are you lying to me?"

"What?"

"You're lying to me."

Odin clasped his hands behind his back nervously. How could the Allfather be so nervous, just from being in the presence of a five year old child? "I am not. Your brother is a warrior, but he needs to learn to control himself, as his reckless actions cause much disturbance-"

"You weren't thinking about Thor." Loki stated. He looked up and smiled, a forgiving look in his eyes. "But do you want to see something special?"

Odin was shocked. How could he know? He brushed it aside. Guess. Yet an accurate guess. "Go ahead." He motioned with his hand for Loki to continue.

The child sucked in a breath and the torches blew out. Odin gasped.

"That's-" he began.

"Shh! I'm concentrating!" Loki whispered. Odin would have to speak to him about how the King should be spoken to, but later. This was quality time that he should share with Loki. A rare time, and so Odin tried to make it as productive as possible.

He saw something to move in the dark. Out of the dim, a green light began, illuminating Loki's closed eyelids and his out-stretched hands. The light wavered for a second before forming a small snake, twisting around the child's hands. His child's hands. Odin felt a warm feeling inside, much like the one he got when Thor picked up his sword and fought against a guard. The snake hissed and reared up before vanishing.

The torches lit up once again. Loki was beaming before him. "Did you like it, father? Did you like it?"

For some reason, the Allfather felt the need to not immediately praise his child. If he praised him then he could become arrogant. Odin deliberated before speaking. "It was good, but not much use against your foes. How would you defeat Thor with your magic tricks?"

That hit Loki right at his heart. He wasn't violent. He didn't want to fight. He found his strength lay in magic and words. Being told that he was useless, that Thor was better than him, it just hurt. Loki knew Thor was the golden son. Even at his age, he understood that. But he loved Thor, regardless of how insignificant he looked next to him.

Loki sighed. "I'll try harder, father." he turned and walked out with a heavy heart, but determined to please his father. He could do it. It was possible.

It took all of his willpower not to call back to Loki as the boy left. He needed to learn about defeat. If you don't win the first time in battle, you come back the second time and your forces are doubled. Odin hoped Loki would understand.