Chapter 4
Everyone was gathered around the fire waiting for Gallia to tell her tale. The youngsters sat forward intently their eyes wide with expectation. The older ones stood with a dreamy look in their eyes to hear of the two lovers. Antiquis and Portia smiled knowing how well Gallia could tell the stories. It was as if they were memories to her that she just brought up on a whim; she would get a far off look in her eyes when she wove her web of fantasy and tragedy.
"Where was I the last time we left off?" Gallia asked
"You were at the part where Loki and Gallana hid Thor's hammer." Lucia said
Loki had been drinking some water and coughed on it when he heard who the story was about. Everyone turned to see if he was alright. Gallia was very concerned she had never known anyone to choke on their drink after the mention of her own and her loved ones name.
"Are you alright?" Antiquis asked
"Yes, I am fine; I just thought I was the last of my generation to know the old stories of Mother Nature and the young Asgardian Prince." Loki sputtered
"How old are you?" Portia asked
"I am very old." Loki rasped "I didn't think the story was passed down anymore."
"I am one of the last ones to have been told the stories and I believe they should keep being passed down; even if it is only through my family." Gallia said looking skeptically at Loki
"Of that I am glad." Loki said
"You can help tell the story with Mama." Cherrus said
"Yes, he can." Gallia said
"Then it is settled we shall hear the tale of the two star crossed lovers who can't seem to stay together from both Gallia and Lucius." Antiquis said
"Tell the story already." Portia said
"It was early in the morning when Loki and Gallana set out to hide the hammer. It was the only time Thor did not have his hammer; he had to learn about politics that day and was not allowed to take it. He would just smash the map and say he could make the other realms bow down to him with his might hammer Mjolnir. Thor was in quite a bad mood because of this and couldn't wait to get it back from out of his room. The hammer was hidden in a cupboard at his bedside." Gallia said
"It was Loki's idea to take the hammer, but he needed someone who was strong enough to lift it. He also knew there was need of magic and he was not skilled enough; nor did he have enough strength or power to get the hammer himself. He knew Gallana would be more than willing to help for she liked to be crafty every once in a while as well. When Loki told Gallana of the plan she was thrilled and agreed immediately. It took weeks to plan; first they had to look at the schedule on the calendar to find out when Thor would be gone and then find a place to hide it. They chose the cedar chest in Sif's room. Loki knew what was on top of and in the chest beforehand because he, Thor, and Sif and gathered there many times. Sif loved showing what she had to them because she knew the brothers would not make fun of her as Fandral, Volstagg, and Hogun would. They cleared the prank with Heimdall for he saw everything and was very fond of Sif because he was her God Father hence her guardian when her parents were away. Then and only then were they able to take Thor's hammer without anyone else knowing." Loki put in
"Once Loki and Gallana saw Thor leave for his lessons they ran to his room. They stood outside the door and chanted a few word opening the cupboard doors and bringing Mjolnir out. Gallana then brought out a cloth big enough to cover Mjolnir so there would be no handprints on the great hammer. The cloth would not leave any debris on the hammer for it was magical. Loki held the hammer in the air until he was sure he could lay it gently down in the cloth covering. When this was done Gallana covered Mjolnir under her cloak.
The two conspirators went swiftly to Sif's chambers once again standing outside the door." Gallia said
"They need not worry she was there. Sif always practiced her battle skills at the same time every morning. She wanted to prove she could fight with the best of them, and that being a woman did not mean you could not do what men did." Loki added
"Loki lifted the fine blanket and the few dolls Sif had off of the cedar chest and then lifted the lid. Then Gallana unwrapped Mjolnir carefully and placed it gently on Sif's baby blanket inside making sure not to disturb anything. Then the two trouble makers walked casually back to Loki's room as if they had been there ever since breakfast had ended." Gallia said
"When confronted by Odin and Thor Gallana and Loki had the perfect alibi. Loki had been working on a new weapons vault to keep all the weapons safe. He was showing Gallana his latest model to see how she liked it when Odin, Frigga, and Thor interrupted them. Odin and Thor suspected nothing and moved on from room to room until they came to Sif's room." Loki said
"I am sure you know how Sif felt when Thor started to tear up her room looking for his beloved hammer. She threw a fit claiming she did not have it, and even if she did she couldn't put it anywhere. Then all eyes turned to her cedar chest. Sif went to it because no one else was allowed to open it. Everyone gathered around; and to all but Gallana and Loki's astonishment Mjolnir was sitting in it. Thor was furious and started accusing Sif of being jealous. She defended herself by asking why she couldn't lift it." Gallia smiled
"Odin finally took the hammer and checked for magic and could find none. Loki and Gallana had snuck back into Loki's room laughing. The prank had been successful. This caused trouble though for now Odin would have to question every Asgardian about the mischievous deed. Gallana and Loki knew this; Loki would have kept the whole thing a secret if Gallana had not convinced him to tell the truth. They went to Heimdall who would be questioned to find out the truth." Loki stifled a laugh
"When Heimdall heard Gallana and Loki's plan to come out about their own prank he smiled. Although he was not one to keep secrets because he was the guardian of Asgard he let this one little misfortune slip his mind. When Odin, Thor, Frigga, and Sif came to Heimdall to ask about it he stepped aside as Loki and Gallana stepped forward keeping their laughs in." Gallia started laughing
"The king, queen, prince, and lady were astonished; they could not believe that a nanny and a small boy could do something so incredible. It had to be expertly planned; this could not be the misdeed of two simple people as themselves. Then Gallana and Loki pointed out the facts including the fact that Odin could not detect Gallana's magic. It seemed he could not detect Loki's either. Sif and Thor were seething with anger; Frigga was just disappointed and amazed. Odin said Loki's punishment was to build the new weapons vault by his self. It wasn't much of a punishment since this is what Loki was hoping he could do." Loki said
"No, the real punishment was the punishment Odin gave Gallana. He banished her from Asgard never to enter again. It broke her and Loki's hearts. Yet Gallana is not completely shut out; no, she still watches over Loki and they talk together still. They wait for the day when Gallana is able to return and they hope it to be soon if either of them can help it." Gallia said solemnly
"Where is Gallana now?" Atticus asked
"She is here on Earth; Midgard as Loki and the Asgardians call it. She is just waiting to go back and be reunited with her beloved Loki." Gallia answered dreamily.
"And Loki waits ever faithful for Gallana. They both know they will be together again; only time is in their way, and they have all the time in the world considering the fact they are immortal. Only time." Loki sighed
The story had ended. The little ones were yawning as they went to their beds. The older ones followed conversing about the story. The girls chattered about how romantic it was while the boys said if it had been them they would have fought for their right to stay together. Gallia, Antiquis, Portia, and Loki were the only ones left outside. They watched ten children go in.
Gallia held the Trista and Reyus who were only a year apart. She walked inside humming to them. Portia said goodbye and went back to Julius. Antiquis stayed outside with Loki.
"You seem to know much about Loki and Gallana, Lucius." Antiquis said
"It is an old story." Loki answered
"No, it's not. I know because Gallana is my wife; she only goes by Gallia to keep others from worshiping her. How do you know about her?" Antiquis said
"Then you know who she is. Do the children know?" Loki queried
"No, she doesn't want anyone else to know. Not even Portia knows. Seneca was the only other person who knew. Now, how do you know about her Lucius?" Antiquis asked again
"I know about her because I am Loki; I came back in time to stop something from happening to her. Do not ask what you will find out in good time." Loki answered
"How is that possible when you are still in Asgard and look to be nine years old when you are thousands of years old?" Antiquis asked
"I am powerful and have magic. Everything stays the same for now because my younger self knows nothing of this. It has taken me years to learn how to go back in time. In all reality you are right I shouldn't be here because it breaks code and could ultimately change the future. I want things to go right for everyone though; and this is how I am doing it." Loki said
"Then I will keep this a secret. You can trust me my friend. After all you and Gallana seem to be bound. I would not be surprised if later on down this journey you two get married. You both deserve it." Antiquis said
"Thank you." Loki said
The two men walked inside forever friends and brothers at heart. Loki wished he could have been this man's brother. Especially his kind words after hearing Loki out. Other men would have become jealous and threatened him. Antiquis was a valiant and noble man who would not hurt an ant. For this Loki was grateful. He had someone to turn to and be his confidant. He knew he could now help this man and his family which included their beloved.
Loki went to bed peacefully knowing all was well in his heart.
