It's been far too long. Finally chapter four is complete – I'm not completely satisfied, I think it's too rushed, but hey that's what comments/feedback are for!
4. Love understood as the desire of good for another, is in fact so unnatural
It was not clear who was the more eager to flee the feast. The palace courtiers on the receiving end of the tricksters sharp tongue lashings, or the sunken mass of his elder brother, cradling his head in his open palms. Thor was visibly mortified. He vowed to never, under any circumstance, allow Loki as much as a whiff of mead again, for all the good it would do him. Loki was hopelessly inebriated. Their Lady Mother was right, the thunderer soughed lightly. Mead was the most contemptible drink that turned even the most reserved into blathering wretches. Why had he not noticed it before now? Forget Loki, I'm never touching that vile liquid again!
Somehow Loki had retained composure over his most reputable faculty, his words were like steel, unslurred and direct. Few might have even realised the young princeling was wholly under the influence. Their former companions, the Lady Sif and Warriors Three had bid Thor a swift goodnight shortly after Loki let loose his verbal venom and Thor was profoundly glad for it. He almost wished he had gone with them. Loki rarely appreciated his ever protective reach.
With a stiff back, Thor raised his head and found his sight glittering over the fireplace. The brothers were at odds more and more often and it saddened Thor greatly. Gone was the Loki who would fight tooth and nail for his elder brother's attention, the small, timid Loki who would obediently followed Thor around, content only to be in his presence. It was easier to understand his little brother back then, easier to care for, easier to watch over. The image of his doe eyed little brother, glazing in awe at the first time Thor managed to wretch Mjolnir an inch from the ground, fluttered into his mind. Things were much more complicated these days. Thor subdued his frustration with a taut expression. He wanted his little Loki back.
As one more flustered noble bowed low before scampering away, Thor leant inwards and whispered into his brother's ear. "The hour is late. Perhaps it is time that we adjourn, Loki,"
A threatening light shone from the trickster's emerald eyes and a crooked smile darned his slender mouth. "My dear Thor, I've only just begun to enjoy myself. But you have my permission to leave if it pleases you," He elegantly tossed his cup over his narrow shoulder and demanded more mead.
Thor sighed but persisted. "Come along now Loki. Our feasting is done for this night and you've already had more than enough. Let's retired to our chambers,"
"Will you take me to bed, Thor?" Icy fingertips trickled against Thor's knee before he had time to comprehend what was said. The thunderer practically jumped out of his skin and he tried his best to ignore the nervous sound that came from his throat. His response did not seem to deter his brother, as a spindly hand moved across his inner thigh. Thor froze.
With his fair complexion, raven black tresses and enchanting green eyes, Loki was unlike any of the Aesir, not attractive per say, but there had always been something, something that in the right light, or at the right angle would cause the thunderer to hold his breath. It was there, in that mead-soaked moment. Thor chuckled softly as he broke their shared magnetic gaze. Loki was his brother. His. The wide smile played on his lips. My dear little brother, mine and always will be.
"Take me to bed, Thor," His soft touch had become a gentle squeeze. Strands of glossy hair tumbled across his eager face. "I'd like that very much,"
"Would you indeed?" Thor mused about teasing Loki as he would a young maiden, but that would only make him testy. Thor regained himself and offering Loki a hand to rise. Loki smirked, then paused and spoiled the mood. He flopped forward onto his brother's torso and wheezed deeply. "Oh brother, I don't feel so good!"
000
Thor had poorly commented that it would easier for them both if simply flung Loki over his ample shoulders and carried him much like a sack. A foolish mistake. Thor should have known better. In response, Loki had snarled and rancorously opposed the idea on the grounds that it would be most undignified. He was a prince after all, Loki reminded his brother as he might have a servant. Thor conceded and bit his tongue from mentioning the tricksters' prior unsavoury behaviour. It had been most unprincely. Given his current mood, Thor thought strongly against it. Instead he wondered what in the nine realms their Mother would make of that evening. He honestly couldn't envisage. Mother was sure to hold him responsible nevertheless. Thor grimaced. Being the elder sibling was certainly tiresome.
As they continued to stagger across a deserted corridor, Loki pressed more and more of his weight onto his steadier brother, who held firm, aware that he was quickly becoming all that propped the trickster upright. It wouldn't have taken much to sweep Loki of his dwindling toes and run off with him. Thor considered the prospective deeply before deciding against it. Loki would somehow summon the strength to oppose him.
"You sure are quite dainty aren't you? Sure you're not really a maiden?" Words spilled from his tongue before Thor had time to cage them.
Unexpectedly Loki darted and sank his razor-sharp teeth into Thor's soft ear with such malice that the thunderer very nearly dropped him. "What in the name of Hel? Damn it Loki! That was completely uncalled for! I had better not be bleeding!"
"Hmm, yes, you are. Forgive me Thor," Loki licked his narrow lips and his simmering green eyes seemed to magnify. "But I will make it up to you once we're alone," Those honey-laced words made Thor feel wonderfully light-headed and giddy. His resolve was weakening.
"Be it no concern, little brother. A minor wound I'm sure," Thor gave a large, foolhardy smile, the kind that would make even the most stoic maiden quiver. "I'm more than happy to be of assistance to you. In truth I rather like having you hanging off me," I like it when you need me. A low chuckle escaped Loki's unhinged mouth just as Thor realised how his words could be misconstrued. Furiously he shook his head and remembered to hold his tongue. It would serve him better.
Once securely tucked away in Loki's lavish chambers, the trickster unhooked himself from around his brother's waist and stumbled into a small pile of books scattered across the floor. He stumped his foot and yelled, then fell back into the dusty piles. Thor threw his hands into the air with desperation and finally declared enough. Thor lifted Loki (with very little effort) and manoeuvred into the secluded bedchamber. Loki gave no protest, less so when Thor swiftly began stripping him. Instead he giggled enthusiastically and wigged against Thor's gruff touch.
"Slower brother, slower," His bottom lip came out. "And not so rough, slower and more seductive,"
Beguiled, Thor shook his head. "I'm not trying to seduce you, Loki. I'm trying to prepare you for bed," He moved to unbutton his dark green silk shirt.
"No!" Loki whined and puffed out his chest. "Rip it off me, ravish me brother!
Thor chortled lightly. "What fantasies you must have little brother. I thought you wanted me to go slower, now you want to be ravished?" He paused momentarily when his eyes met the creamy white skin of his younger brother. It was a short pause but not one that when unnoticed. Loki's slender fingers slip through Thor's much larger hands and let them rest on his flat chest, only to then coerced them to move steadily down the porcelain surface. Thor found himself obedient to his brother's silent command. His fingertips worked in small caressing circles, gilding evenly. Loki was relaxed in his breathing. He smiled serenely at his brother and encouraged him to move lower. Thor almost swallowed his own breath as he realised Loki had somehow managed to worm out of his breeches and now lay naked beneath him. He gasped, unsure of his next action, than moved expediently forwards, allowing his lips to brush up against Loki's. Loki let out a giggle and protested "Your beard tickles,"
Their eyes met once more. Loki's nimble hands were rubbing against Thor's burly arms, clutching his muscles tightly, urging them to bend. Thor drew back. "I think that's enough for tonight,"
Loki whimpered. Thor pressed a kiss into his brother's temples. "You need to rest, brother." It was easy enough to wrap a loose sheet around the trickster's limp body. Loki seemed to succumb to sleep as soon as Thor departed. Thor paused in the doorway, the thought of returning enticed him, but once more he denied himself. He probably won't even remember in the morning…
000
Between the shadows a tall man slipped out into the pale shades of moonlight. His mood was dark. As he watched the great oaf exit, it darkened considerably. The unbearable thought of those filthy hands upon his beautiful mare, Svaðilfari bore his teeth and grunted in disgust.
Tenderly he drifted upon the slumbering princeling, lightly entangled within the thin bedding. Beneath lay milky skin and nothing more. Svaðilfari trembled and closed his eyes, preserving the moment, before leaving the sheets and settling beside his love. One wandering hand touched his inner tight and gilded gingerly. Loki purred and awoke, in the dim light his green eyes shimmered. Svaðilfari tightened his grip and Loki began to squirm, appearing visibly anxious. He attempted to move from the bed but was held firm by the stallion's might. Confused, Svaðilfari placed a soothing kiss upon Loki's quivering lips and urged him to speak.
"Please… don't be mad with me!" Loki cried at last. Tears cascaded.
We are connected; him and I. Svaðilfari sighed and dropped his head. I have allowed my feelings to dominate his. My anger, my envy, my hatred of the thunderer and it frightens him. I frighten him. The stallion relented and sharply coiled back his mind. One day we shall be as one, but not quite yet. For now you need never fear me, little one…
Moonlight lit the long silver mane of taller man, as he coaxed the smaller one into his open arms. "I'm not mad with you, little one." I should have been here to take care of your urges. You are my mare after all.
Loki absorbed all that was told him and sniffed. "You're really not mad with me?" He blinked innocently, spidery fingers engaged with Svaðilfari's hair.
"No, no, my love, but you must never allow another to touch you. Especially not him, you must forget about him," Svaðilfari purposefully refused to speak his name. "You are not his, you are mine. I am your stallion, you are my mare." He planted a sneaky kiss on the tip of Loki's dark head. "My beautiful mare,"
Loki nodded and repeated. "Yes, I'm your mare," All residual negative feelings had subsided.
"You know you sort of remind me of him," Loki spoke dreamily. "You're as broad as he is, you're hair is as fair and you're eyes as blue." Svaðilfari allowed Loki to study his human face with both eyes and fingertips as he firmly held the trickster waist. "You're so handsome, Svaðilfari. I didn't know you could change forms!"
"Would you have preferred to be taken by a stallion? I can't imagine that would be comfortable," You are so little…
"No, that would…" His small, cheeky grin embellished his impish face. "Are we going to mate now?"
"Yes," Svaðilfari confirmed. "We are,"
000
They coupled more roughly than Svaðilfari had intended. It had been too long. Far too long, he realised a little too late. Loki winced and grappled Svaðilfari by the shoulders. Yet the stallion was unable to restrain his deep-seated need, nor his desire, serving to be heightened by the trickster's lingering touches. At first the younger one had rolled onto his stomach, anticipating the traditional form of animal mating, Svaðilfari had swiftly tossed him onto his back. A bewildered Loki had looked adorable. Svaðilfari smiled and leant inwards to steal a kiss. Loki turned out to be exceptionally greedy, rejoicing in what was given and then demanding more. Svaðilfari was only too happy to oblige. Loki gasped, his porcelain neck arched forward, Svaðilfari seized his throat and caressed it with his sharp lips. The mare ruptured beneath the stallion in no time.
Exhausted, the pair collapsed into each others arms and remained silently intertwined until Loki suddenly sprang upright, his hands clutching at his smooth belly. "What is it, my love?" Svaðilfari let out a stiff yawn.
Loki beamed from ear to ear. "Do you think we've managed to sire a foal?"
The stallion barked a laugh. "I see no reason why not, dearest."
"I want to have lots of foals with you, Svaðilfari." Loki settled back down into his arms.
"And you will. We will have a large family one day. There is plenty of time for that later, little one." He kissed his mare on the forehead. "Now sleep."