"You're not so bad in combat," he said.
"Thank you," she said, not looking at him as she rode along the winding path.
"Can you really teleport so easily?" he asked softly. "Why can't you teleport us to Nidhogg right now?"
"I can only teleport short distances," she said candidly. "Otherwise, I would, yes. I'm currently trying to broaden that area of magic for myself."
"I never understood magic," he said.
Why wasn't that a surprise? Magic takes interest, patience, practice, and intelligence. He didn't have the traits necessary for the craft. Besides, he's a burly man with ridiculous strength. Why not use and develop the natural advantages? Everyone wasn't intelligent.
"I can tell," she said easily.
"You think you know everything about me, don't you?" he said.
"Yes, I do," she said simply.
She knew Thor. She knew Thor. And, she doubted he'd change one bit if ever. The humble pie wasn't an easy thing to swallow. It usually happens when one is beaten down and left with nothing. When has Thor ever experienced that. Never. He was a spoiled prince of an affluent kingdom. She knows how that works quite well.
"There are things you don't know about me," he said, looking affronted.
"Like what?" she said, humoring him.
This ought to be good. He's not the kind of man to hold secrets. His life is an open book, and he's sure to have a terrible poker face.
"Like… I… you don't know my favorite animal," he said, clearly fishing for it.
"Allow me to guess: dog," she said.
"How did- I mean that's a very lucky guess, maiden," he grumbled.
"Sure," she said in a forced light-hearted tone.
She wasn't wrong. Take Thor and men like him at face value. Scratch the surface and guess what you get: more surface.
"What about you then?" he questioned. "You're so secretive. You won't even give me your name. What have you got to hide?"
"Not everyone wears their heart on their sleeve. It's bad practice if one wants to protect oneself," she said simply. "And, I don't trust you."
"We fought side by side!" he said incredulously.
Really? Is he that simple minded. It's quite sad really. Ignorance is bliss. Sometimes, she could be protected by stupidity and a warrior's mindset. She wondered if he's ever been betrayed. She wondered if he could solve a problem without might. It seems like a simple way to live. That, she envied him of.
"Really? You think it's that simple to trust someone with personal information?" she said, avoiding his eyes.
His entire presence made her uncomfortable when it came to these subjects. She didn't want to get to him, and she certainly didn't want him to know her.
"I won't hurt you," he said, smirking at her in a way she's sure he's used to impress some ladies. She wasn't though.
She shook her head in disbelief. Then, she began laughing drily, humorlessly and incredulously. Ignorance truly is bliss.
Later that day, they were taking a break. They were saddle sore, and everyone needed a break. They were sitting by a creek, eating some of their rations. The horses were drinking from the creek while Havi sat in her lap.
"Careful not to touch the water," she said to Thor. "Sometimes, it's enchanted against humanoids. If you thought rock monsters were bad, you have no idea how hard is to defeat a water imp."
"It's deadly out here for godssakes," he said more to himself.
"Didn't your mother ever tell you not to play in the… oh, is that?" she trailed off in shock, standing immediately.
It was as if her truest nightmare was coming true. The rainbow bridge she dreaded appeared in front of her. Why? Why were they here? It wasn't a week yet. Had she miscalculated? She was so naïve to believe that they wouldn't find her. Of course, they'd find her. No, no, she wasn't ready to leave. She wanted to stay with her family, her realm.
"No," she breathed, shaking her head and trying not to burst into tears.
"The week isn't up," he said, standing as well.
"I know," she said softly.
"Are they here for me instead?" he said hopefully.
Several Asgardians came down on Vanaheim right in front of her. She was stiff as a board and ramrod straight. She was terrified of leaving.
"I'm not ready to go back," she said, shaking her head.
"Go back? Maiden, when were you in Asgard?" Thor questioned. "I surely would've remembered."
They came up to her, and she closed her eyes for a long moment, trying her best to steel herself. Her secrets were to be exposed. She held her new, strange pet closely. It purred softly, trying to comfort her. Then, she opened her eyes.
"Freyja," the guard said. "We're here to deliver to our Allfather. We are here early by his request, but the ceremony won't be held until the promised date."
"Freyja?!" Thor exclaimed. "How in all the nine realms are you Freyja?! You were hideous as a child!"
Now, she somewhat wanted to go to Asgard just to get out of the conversation. It was like an open wound being exposed to infection. She didn't want him to know, and she didn't want any of it. She wanted to live in peace on Vanaheim with her family and friends.
She ignored Thor and said to the guards tightly, "What happens if I don't go."
"The treaty breaks," he said. "Vanaheim will no longer be protected from Asgard. War is a possibility."
She swallowed. She couldn't do that to her friends and family. It seems she's the sacrificial lamb to keep the ones she loves safe. She'd do it. Reluctantly, she'd leave forever to be a broodmare and paraded around as the bride freak, and stick a fork in her hand every night to numb the pain. She couldn't run from this.
"I'll go," she said, feeling her eyes well up. "C-can I at least take my pet, Havi?"
"No," they said, not looking her in the eyes. "Outside animals are not allowed on Asgard."
"Of course," she said bitingly as a couple of tears slid down her face.
She turned towards Thor, seeing shock on his face still. And now, incredulity was written on his face. Yes, he's never seen her cry before. It wasn't a reaction she normally had. She's learned to put up walls long ago, but they've been decimated by her new future she didn't choose for herself.
"Thor," she said, looking him in the eyes. "I would be incredibly grateful if you took care of Havi for me."
He didn't say a word, and his expression hadn't changed.
"Please," she said softly.
"I… remember," he began. "I remember you. I remember what I did to you."
She closed her eyes, trying to repress the urge to lash out at him deservedly. She too remembered oh so well. And those memories he left imprinted in her are the exact reason she hated him so much. She hated Asgard for allowing it and sweeping it under the rug.
"Don't," she said with steely eyes. "And, if you want to start making it up to me, you will take care of Havi for me. Please."
She handed over her bird-mammal to him. He, hesitantly, took the small animal still looking floored. She gave him one last look before walking over the guards. She was cradling her arms around her torso, trying her hardest not to freak out.
The ride up the rainbow bridge was uneventful. She didn't have the heart to look at the beautiful colors as she was whisked away. Life as she knew it was over. She was to be a bride to the other brother. Granted, she liked the other brother, but she still didn't want to be married and forced into this.
"You're to be presented to the Allfather today after bathing and new dress," the guard said.
"Why the Allfather?" she asked. "I'm not to marry him."
"Actually, you are," he said.
"What?" she said incredulously.
He didn't answer her question, and she went along with it as she mounted her horse numbly. She rode in following down the rainbow bridge to the main city. She was bathed, groomed, and dressed uneventfully. She hardly cared anymore. Her life was over as she knew it.
"He's beyond the door," the guard said.
She closed her eyes as he began to open the door to the grand hall. She stepped through and opened her eyes. Shock overtook her easily who exactly was on the throne.
"Freyja?" he asked, a look of shock appeared on his face.
He was tall, slender, had a penchant for green. His hair was long, black, and slicked back. His facial features were soft and delicate. His eyes were blue and his lips thin. The familiarity wasn't lost on her. It's just…
"L-Loki?" she questioned softly as realization started to dawn on her.
When they both fully recognized each other, large smiles appeared on both their faces. She gasped in shock and happiness when he came over, picked her up, and hugged her tightly. He spun her around in elation. It shocked her that he could pick her up now. And was he?
"You're taller than me!" she exclaimed in shock with a large smile.
"I am," he said in realization as he let her back down on her feet.
"I haven't seen you in ages," she said happily, as she held his cheek gently.
"You either," he said.
She hugged him again happily. She hated Asgard, but there was one person she actually liked: Loki. He was one of the only mages aside from his mother. A ray of sunshine he is to this bleak, hateful place.
"The wedding is to be in less than a week, sire," the guard, "as scheduled by your father, the previous king."
"What?" he questioned, looking back and forth between him and Freyja.
"As you are aware, Thor is banished. Now, to keep the peace treaty you are to marry Lady Freyja."
Thor? They originally matched her with Thor! They were hardly compatible. And, it shocked her to her core that she'd be engaged to the crown prince. After all, Odin is an elitist. All rulers were to some extent. Like hell, he'd put an outsider on the throne. Did his wife influence the decision?
"We're to marry?" he asked incredulously.
"Yes, sire," he said.
"And where is the previous Allfather?" Freyja questioned.
Frigg and Loki looked instantly uncomfortable. She wondered, for a moment, if the old bastard finally croaked.
"He's in Odinsleep at the moment, Lady Freyja," the guard explained.
"Oh," she said softly and looked at Loki and Frigg apologetically.
If the Allfather is out of commission then Loki can do whatever he pleased for the time being. He could cancel the wedding and draw up new terms to foster peace between Vanaheim and Asgard. All Vanaheim truly wants is to be left alone.
She looked at him expectantly to protest this and…
…
Hours later, she was laying on her back in her bedchambers, staring at the ceiling. Why hasn't he done it? What could possibly be the motive? He didn't care for her like that. And surely, he didn't want marriage. He wasn't the type to be tied down to one thing. He was chaotic and mischievous. There must be something she's missing here.
Regardless, she longed for her tiny cabin; the breeze of the forest, and the smell of pine was glorious. She longed for the wilderness. Being trapped and domesticated like this was a crime against nature. It brought back old memories for her being here.
"Look at how gross she is!" he said angrily. "She might by my bride."
She was a child to grow up in Asgard, to learn the customs, and to marry one of the princes. And, she was absolutely heartbroken. She missed her mom. She missed her dad. She missed her brother. And now, she was being called ugly by her potential husband.
"And they call her a beauty goddess!" Fandral laughed. "I can't seem to find it. It's like a tragedy."
She wrapped her arms tighter around her legs and into her torso, burying her face into her knees. She had to endure. They were bigger and stronger; and surely she'd be punished for hurting the crown prince. Just block them out. They'll go away.
"Vanirians are such disgusting, weak, dirt crawlers. No wonder your people lost!" Volstagg chortled.
She felt a kick to her side, and she let out a muffled squeal of surprise and pain.
"Are you a fighter or not, ugly?!"
She whimpered as they continued to attack her from her fetal position. They'll give up eventually. Right?
Thump.
Thump!
THUMP!
She covered her ears with the pillows and closed her eyes, trying desperately to block out the memory desperately. She tried to reassure herself. She was an adult, and Thor was banished. Even though his horrible friends still frequented here. They wouldn't recognize her. She's beautiful now after all now.
And, somehow, somehow, they'll get what's coming to them. She knew it.
X
He was lying on his back, staring up at the tent. He was almost to Nidhogg and therefore Mjölnir. He tried to concentrate on that. But, something he rarely felt was this nagging at his brain.
Guilt.
He bullied Freyja when they were children. It all made sense now as to why she wouldn't tell him her name, hated him, and Asgard. He thought it was just and funny to severely bully and harass the Vanirian girl. She was an outsider after all. She was ugly, and he thought someone so unworthy would be his bride. He thought he deserved better. He and his Warrior's Three friends beat her up and made fun of her looks. Then, one day out of the blue she left to go back to Vanaheim.
But now, she was beautiful. He would wager she was the most gorgeous woman he'd ever seen. Simple puberty would not have made her this beautiful compared to how she used to look. Something didn't add up, but he didn't know what.
Either way, he ruined ever having anything meaningful with her. He could apologize, but he knew it would sound insincere. She wouldn't accept such a thing. He didn't know what to do.
Havi whimpered sadly as she curled up on top of his stomach. He put a hand on the little creature and pet it. He didn't really care for weird animals – he was a dog's one kind of guy – but it was kind of a sweet, cute thing.
Once he had Mjölnir, he would right the world. He clung to that hope. He knew he was worthy despite the self doubts.
Suddenly, he jumped in shock when he saw who exactly was standing in his tent.
"Loki?" he questioned in surprise, standing immediately. "What are you doing here?"
"I had to see you," he said simply. "Things have been…."
"What is it? Father? Jotunheim?" he questioned quickly. "I can—"
"Father is dead," Loki said simply.
Thor recoiled immediately. What? Freyja guessed correctly? How? How is his father dead? He's the strongest in all the nine realms. He can withstand anything despite his years. Surely!
"What?" he said incredulously with barely a voice.
"The burden of a possible war with Jotunheim and your banishment…," Loki trailed off. "The burden of the throne has fallen to me, and you're once intended for treaty here in Vanaheim, Freyja, will be upheld with me. Don't worry, I'll take care of her."
What? He was supposed to marry Freyja? Is that also why she hated him? She would never wish to marry him. And now, Loki, whom he remembered being friends with her, was going to marry her. He had an inkling she wouldn't be happy with that either.
"It was so cruel for father to put the hammer within reach knowing it was with such a deadly snake so you couldn't reach it," Loki continued.
"C-can I come home?" he questioned, pleadingly towards his brother.
"The new treaty with Jotunheim is contingent on you staying banished"
"Surely, we can find—"
"Mother forbids you from returning," he said. "I'm sorry. I wish things were different."
Tears spilled down his face unabashedly. It was all his fault. His father died because of him. His mother hated him. He couldn't come home. He was to stay in a realm that hates Asgard. Freyja was right about consequences. It seemed this was one mess his father couldn't clean up.
"No, I'm so sorry," Thor said. "Thank you for coming here.
Loki nodded before disappearing. He buried his head in his hands as he just continued to cry. Distantly, he felt Havi rubbing against his legs and purring. Surprisingly, it was comforting.
…
Loki, cloaked in magic, stood in front of the unsuspecting snake's nest before Mjölnir. He had to know. Was he worthy? He thought so. He was certainly more worthy than he's godforsaken brother.
He grasped the hammer's handle and began to pull. It wouldn't budge. Come on. He pulled harder and the damned thing still wouldn't lift for him. As two more attempts failed, he gave in. He resigned himself. It seemed he wasn't worthy either much to his chagrin. Giving it one more scathing look he disappeared.
X
It was a sleepless, restless night. Her chambermaids entered her bedchambers as she continued to stare at the ceiling with tear stained eyes, ignoring them.
"Is she dead?" one of them asked. "She's not moving."
"In shock," the other said.
"I don't understand why. I would be happy to marry a prince," she said passive aggressively.
Then, you do it and let me go home to people who love me, she thought bitingly. I have no desire to rule a place whom hates me.
If only, if only she could teleport long distances. That would be the dream.
She stood, letting them change the sheets. She dressed from her given nightgowns and put on some green thing they gave her. She heard whispers about her lineage and hair color. Apparently, redheads were still hated and made fun of around here. How evolved. They claim to be more advanced than her magically inclined, all living things focused people simply because they won the war so many years ago. There are more important things than war and might.
"Are we done?" Freyja said.
"Oh, so she does speak. Well, yes, we are done," she said.
"Then get out," she said.
They looked affronted before leaving.
Now with privacy, she began to cast a spell. She lifted a hair from Loki's shoulder yesterday. She was suspicious to say the least. She knew him. She doubted the trickster had changed much.
She used the hair conjure a vague image and sound of Loki and his surroundings. It would be better if she had her Beldoxian Eye instead of this ineffective piece of crystal she found in this chamber of hers. She'd have to make due.
Her brows creased in confusion at the blue backdrop he was standing in. It wasn't winter time. Where was he? Jotunheim? He shouldn't be, but the sudden sight of Laufey told her otherwise.
"… cloak with magic… kill Odin… and take the casket…," was the only thing that stupid crystal could get before it just fizzed out.
Good lord. Loki was going to kill the allfather with magic and the frost giants. Why? He had the throne. Why the throne interested him in general was confusing to her. He's chaotic. Ruling was about structure. Was he just interested in spiting his brother and father? It seemed so.
Even though a dark part of her rejoiced at the thought of Odin dying, she knew that wasn't the way to go. He's in Odinsleep. He's completely defenseless.
She had to tell someone, but… no one would believe her. She's an outsider, and she doesn't have physical evidence. But, she couldn't just do nothing.
She slipped on her shoes, and she left quickly. But, in her rush, she crashed into a guard.
"Lady Freyja, what are you doing?" he asked. "You're to meet the Allfather."
"I… okay," she said reluctantly.
She was standing in the throne room. Loki was sitting there with his horned helmet and ruling staff. She curtsied once more as everyone else bowed. This was quite awkward. She appreciated privacy and acting how she truly wishes to act instead of these stupid rituals that were intended to be respectful or whatever. All these royalty behaviors were so annoying. Not to mention, she knew of Loki's affairs, and she was certain he knew she knew.
He stood, leaving his ruling staff behind, and walked towards her. She straightened, and they stood in front of each other with hardly any space between them. She watched him remove his helmet and extend a hand to her. She blinked in confusion as she looked up into his eyes. What's the agenda today?
"It's a wedding rehearsal of sorts. I must teach you the dance we must do after the cermony. Would you care for a dance?" he asked, extending his hand to her.
She wasn't in a position to refuse, and she planned to pick a bone with him even if it was quieted. She lifted her hand and took his. He spun her into his body, surprising her a little. It was very forward for him.
She knew she wasn't a tall person. But, these damn Asgardians always did make her feel so short. She was eye level with his chest. She was hoping to be tall, but it seemed that wasn't in the cards for her. And dancing with him seemed to rub that in for her. An arm wrapped a hand around her waist, pulling her close. Her hand that wasn't holding his landed on his shoulder. It was awkward given there were guards not that far away from her. But, she didn't move away.
"I've missed you," he said softly.
"I've missed you too," she admitted.
She had to ask. She had to know this. She was beginning to grow a little bit desperate to change the tide. But, she needed to remain calm and not show the desperation. She'd have already lost if so.
"Do you really plan on keeping me as your wife?" she asked. "You can change this if you wish. Renegotiations are always an option."
"Why would I renegotiate if the terms are favorable enough?" he said and she could practically hear a smirk in his tone.
Well, it was worth a shot after all. But, why would he consider that favorable? Why does he even want the throne? If he truly didn't want to rule he could unbanish Thor and wait for the Allfather to reawaken after all. Something wasn't quite right here. What was she forgetting? What puzzle piece was she overlooking?
"You know my personality well," she said simply, peering up at him with a small smirk.
"And you know mine."
She did. He may be a trickster, but he wasn't an evil man. So what was his game? And why he did insist on involving her?
In a quieter tone he said, "I've missed my magic partner. No one else here besides my mother are skilled enough to constitute any merit."
Still true of Asgard, it seemed. She wondered idly if he tagged along with the Warriors Three, Thor's friends. How he hasn't smashed his head against the wall is beyond her. They're all quite so stupid and share nothing in common with them. Fighting was the only thing they're good for.
"Life here hasn't changed one bit," she grumbled softly.
"Hmm, you've gotten more cynical," he observed. "I like it."
"Quite a lot of things have happened since I've been away," she said.
She felt the side of his lips against her ear. It was an odd sensation being this intimately close to a childhood friend. She wasn't ready to process the prospect of nuptials yet.
"I'd like to know. I know your skills have improved in magic, haven't they?" he asked.
She stiffened momentarily, knowing where this conversation was going, but she put on her best poker face. She continued to dance with him while he lead them.
"Practice and discipline make perfect," she said casually.
"So much so that you can probably see through anything you set your mind too, correct?"
He knew. And she knew exactly what this meant, of course. It was a warning to stay away from his particular affairs and to not interfere. Normally, she was proxy to his strange tricks and deceptions simply because she didn't interfere or she found it funny. Patricide wasn't funny to her and neither was forced matrimony when he had the ability to change it.
"If I try," she whispered back.
He spun her around and brought her back into him again. She looked up into his eyes, and she could see a bit of mirth in them. Oh how things haven't changed. The man found amusement in his challenges and longed for a contender.
"You've has always made things fun around here for me," he began as he stepped backwards and let her go. And then said for everyone to hear, "Thank you for the dance."
She looked him in the eyes, matching the smirk. "Likewise," she replied.
It was a challenge, a threat to retaliate and to ruin his plans for her and Asgard. Was this bait? What could the consequence be? She already hated being here. He wouldn't dare touch Vanaheim then the wedding would be off, and he'd have two realms to contend with in war. Granted, Vanaheim and Jotunheim weren't on the best of terms, but 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend' is a phrase that rings so true. What would his move be? His hands are tied if she made a move. The thought thrilled her, replacing her misery with hope.
She left the grand hall and noticed someone pressed to the door, falling flat on his face. She raised an eyebrow in amusement.
"You and Thor are the nosiest people I've ever met," she said. "You're terrible at eavesdropping."
"You've met Thor?" the blond man with a long goatee said as he popped up.
"Of course, you idiot," she said walking along the hall and gesturing he follow her to which he did. "I suppose you don't recognize me. It doesn't matter anyway. The point is you want Thor back, and I want out of here."
They were hidden behind the corridor where eyes and ears weren't on them. He saw a look of confusion on his stupid face. She withheld the urge to hit him given what Fandral's done to her. But, she had bigger fish to fry. Loki will understand the consequences of taking choices away from her.
"What did you have in mind?"
"A coup," she said, smirking. "Isn't it obvious?"
