Chapter 9: A Choice

Skadi slid into her seat, terrified to hear what had happened, the whole story. Her father turned from her to resume his conversation with the Allfather. She could hear everyone whispering and gossiping about what had taken place last night. The only conversation she was really interested in was that of Thor's. She concentrated her hearing towards the end of the table where Thor and Loki were seated. She only picked up a few words and put them together to form a terrifying ordeal. Massacre, screams, blood, bodies, but the word that resonated within her and shook her to the core was the one word that defined all of her being. Wolf.

She stared at her plate of food not in the least bit hungry. She should have paid more attention to the cycle of the moon. But it was her father's intention to bring her here at exactly the right time, so she really had no control over it. She cursed herself for being who she was. She didn't want to hurt people, she never did. It was always her father that reassured her that she was doing what was right, for her people. She never felt pride in it. Immense grief flooded through her as she thought of all the people she might have harmed, killed even. At least Thor was not harmed, she thought. She reminded herself that he was the reason why she was brought here. She was to destroy the line of Odin, for good.

A movement at the corner of her eye woke her from her trance. The lady Sif walked from her table to Thor. She seemed to float on air, resonating charm and beauty. Sif smiled brilliantly at Thor, and the return of this gesture from Thor only confirmed the doubt Skadi had in her mind. He was completely smitten with Sif, and why wouldn't he be? Skadi thought herself a fool to even dream that Thor would care for her in any way. Skadi knew it wasn't right for her to feel anything for Thor. It was best for him if she kept her distance. Then why did it hurt so badly? She couldn't ignore the feeling lying deep beneath her chest where coldness always held its place.

Odin's voice startled her from her thoughts. He raised his hands to call attention to the room.

"My friends, it grieves me to have to befall some terrible news. Even in the company of our honored guests, the celebrations must be cut short until this threat has been taken care of. My sons Thor and Loki and their friends have valiantly offered their hand in capturing this beast once and for all."

No! No! Not Thor! Skadi couldn't help but stand up out of fear for Thor and his friends.

Her father shot her a menacing glance that told her to compose herself. What was she doing? King Svarthalf loathed his daughter, especially when she didn't follow orders. She was only supposed to kill the Odin family, was that too much to ask? She was giving herself away.

Skadi couldn't bear the thought of killing Thor, not now that she met him. Surely Thor, his brother, and his friends would be slaughtered by my own hands if they ventured off. Unless, she took matters in her own hands and defied her father. She started to shake out of nervousness under the table.

Odin continued. "My sons, the warriors three and the lady Sif leave this morning to search for the one we call the oracle." This seemed to shock all those in the room, immediately starting uproar of doubt and disbelief. Skadi couldn't understand what the fuss was about.

A gasp from across the room made everyone turn their heads. Frigga was standing obviously shocked at the news. Skadi wanted so badly to ask what the oracle was, but she could see Odin would soon explain. He calmed everyone with a gesture of his hands to reassure them.

"Please, please everyone, I know it is controversial, this decision, but I am sure that the help of the oracle is the only way to bring this nightmare to an end. I have spoken with my sons and they both agree." Odin seemed confident that this explanation was enough to reassure everyone, but Frigga could not be convinced.

Frigga said with such concern in her eyes that Skadi could not doubt how powerful this oracle must have been. "You would send our sons and their friends to certain death? To that woman that you banished all those years ago? You swore you would never consult her again after what she tried to do."

Frigga was by her husband's side now, pleading with her eyes. "You know she will take the chance again to destroy us all."

Skadi could hear all, and her curiosity almost got the better of her when Thor stood to reassure his mother. "Mother I have no doubt this oracle is very powerful, but there is no other way. She will help us track down this monster and inform us on the best way to destroy it, for good."

Thor tried to put on a strong front for his mother, but Skadi could see right through it. He is frightened, Skadi thought to herself. Thor stood proud and strong but on the inside he was still that little boy trying to please his family. Skadi knew what it was like to try and prove yourself to not only your family but for the realm your family was responsible for. He looked over the room to show his strength and confidence. Her heart sank.

"It is with great honor that Loki and I take this task for you father, and for all of Asgard." Thor seemed every bit a king in everyone's eyes.

Odin gripped his eldest son's arm and said in a pained voice, "Then go my son, the sooner you leave the sooner we will be rid of this evil."

Frigga looked distraught as she reached for Thor.

Something in Skadi tightened. The thought of someone thinking she was evil tore at her heart. Maybe I am, she thought grimly to herself. Maybe I deserve a painful death for all the wrong I have done. Something inside her was fighting these words. How could she be evil if she was never given the chance to prove herself?

She wasn't thinking when she stood up.

She wasn't thinking when she had volunteered to go with them.

She wasn't thinking when she offered her skills as an elf to aid in taking down the beast.

If she was thinking, she would have gone through with her father's plan, against her own conscience. She stood in shock of herself. But she couldn't help feeling pity for the way Frigga had reached out in worry to her son.

Everyone turned to her in amazement, probably more surprised that she could talk. Her father stood in front of her denying her offer her offer to help. She pushed her way towards the Allfather and Frigga pleading with her eyes.

"Please Allfather! It is my wish to assist your sons in their task. I have the skill and the knowledge to protect myself and your warriors."

She looked to Thor for some approval, but saw only a grim face. That would not stop her.

Her father came up behind her, trying to quite his daughter, but with no such luck," Please Odin she is just a girl she cannot…"

Skadi cut him short "What better way to strengthen your truce than to have Asgardian and Alfheim fight again, but side by side."

Thor saw his father contemplating this weird turn of events, not knowing if it was fate or that the girl had more to do with this like he thought. Her offer made him weary and skeptical.

Odin spoke to Skadi, "What powers do you speak of? I had no idea the elves still had power after I," he looked to king Svarthalf, eyeing him in confusion, "after I had stripped your people of their powers."

Oops, Skadi realized she just spilled the beans about the elves still retaining their power of foresight. Her father used her power to see if she would succeed in her missions. The drawback of their powers was that they could only foresee their own future.

She looked at Odin willing to explain, "Allfather, please understand it was kept from you to protect what is left of our race. We feared that the knowledge of our foresight would only start another war."

Seeing his father contemplating the girl's plea, Thor intervened talking only to Odin.

"Father, you must see reason. You cannot let this, this girl tag along with warriors. She would only slow us down. They've lied to us once, who's to say they aren't doing so now."

Ouch. That one hurt Skadi more than she'd like to admit, but Frigga smiled at Skadi and turned to her husband, "It is a valiant offer, one which I think we should accept and honor."

What just happened? Skadi could not believe that Frigga was actually on her side. She could have hugged and kissed Frigga for being so trusting.

Odin looked at his wife then at Thor for a moment. Everyone was waiting anxiously for his reply. All the while Loki and the King of elves were eyeing each plan was quickly falling apart. They were scrambling for some alternative. Damn her! Loki thought, this girl was beginning to give him more trouble than Sif ever did. And Sif looked annoyed, obviously threatened that she would have to fight for Thor's affections even out in the middle of the woods.

Skadi stood stalk still next to Odin. He turned to her and said, "My dear, are you sure you want to take this responsibility? It could mean your life."

That's more true then you know, she thought to herself feeling her impending doom by taking on this task. She reasoned with herself that if she accompanied Thor and his troop, that she could explain that she is a shape shifter, without her father being there. Out of her father's presence she would plea that she meant no harm. But looking at Thor now she realized just how hard it would be to convince him. There is no other way, she thought, this is my only chance.

She looked to Thor for some sort of comfort and approval, but only found the god of thunder glaring at her. This made her stand taller. She was not going to back down. For once in her life she was going to do something to prove she was not like her father. Who, she could feel with glaring eyes, breathing down her back. She was ruining his plans and she loved it.

"Yes Allfather, it is my greatest wish to assist you and your family in any way."

Odin looked like he had no choice, it was true this would strengthen allies, but would it come to that in the end? Odin knew he had to try, for the sake of Asgard.

"Then go my lady, ready yourself to depart with the others."

Skadi didn't hesitate to run to her chamber to pack her bag. Thor stood defeated as he watched Skadi exit the hall. He looked to his father, "She will get us killed! What are you thinking of letting her go?"

Loki stood and walked beside Thor, "She will surely impede our journey father, please do not let this happen." Loki looked away from his father to the elf king, looking completely defeated, he sat with his head in his hands. Loki knew his sorrow was not for his daughter, but the ruining of their plans.

Loki suspected that his daughter had more to do with his plan than the elf king led on. He knew a shape shifter when he saw one.

Odin sat down, the burdens of all that was happening were getting heavier on the old man's shoulders. He looked to his sons as he said, "You will need all the help you can get. I cannot deny her what is her right to protect the truce for her people. My only fear is that she will let her duties come before her own safety. I cannot ask you to look after her, but…" Odin glanced at Skadi's father, head with his head in his hands.

Odin couldn't continue, so Frigga seeing her husband's despair said, "Just treat her as one of your own warriors, look after each other. Remember she too has family."

Thor stormed off, obviously irritated that he would have an elf tag along. What nobody else could see, and what only Thor could feel, was his fear that she had other motives for coming along. Thor could feel, somewhere in his chest, a fire blazing. He tried to pass it off as rage, but deep inside he knew his feelings were more than he could understand.

Skadi realized she didn't have much to bring with her anyways. She threw on her burgundy cloak that was lined with grey fur, and put on her boots. She only packed a book, and a heavy blanket. She had no weapons or even knew how to use a weapon. Her weapon, she reminded herself, was the reason this task was appointed, why she was here. She trembled, feeling cold at the thought. She stole one last glance around the room which had served as her bedchamber for a small amount of time. She sighed as she grabbed her bag and hurried down the corridor.

Just a few doors down Loki was conversing with the elf king once again. Trying to figure out what to do with this change of plans.

"What is your daughter doing?! She's ruining everything!" Loki spat out of frustration.

The elf king just stood there with his fist to his chin, trying to rethink the whole thing.

"Are you deaf old man?! Are you liste…" Loki was cut short by the sudden grasp around his throat. The king had him in a choke hold and Loki for once in his life was surprised.

"Don't forget that without me you wouldn't even have had this opportunity." Svarthalf let Loki go, leaving him gasping for air.

Hunched over Loki said hoarsely, "And without me you would not have the gall to go through with this yourself. Or is that why you used your own little daughter to do your dirty work? What? Afraid to get your hands dirty?" Loki smiled although it hurt his throat a little.

"If you had walked a day in my shoes during that bloody war, you would understand the fear that drives me. Don't presume to know anything young prince. And besides, another full moon should happen any night now. It would only be a matter of time before you would have to watch your back." King Svarthalf grinned at the thought of her daughter taking a bite out of the god of mischief.

"Oh yes," replied Loki, "We wouldn't want your precious daughter to eat Jotun flesh now would we? No need to taint her pure form." Loki couldn't wait to get the brat out of the picture. "Why didn't you tell me she was a shape shifter?"

"You sensed it already, didn't you?"

"Yes, but you could have told me. I already don't fully trust you."

"She's not your problem. She will not harm you. Her prey is for someone less useful." The King eyed Loki.

Loki knew he meant Thor. The thought of his brother meeting his demise by the wrath of the elf shape shifter caused him to have mixed feelings. Brushing them aside he said, "Don't you worry, I will be watching her closely," continued Loki, "making sure she doesn't ruin our plans anymore than she already has."

They were both silent for some time, realizing they had no time to waste in thinking of another scheme.

Suddenly it hit Loki. Of course, why had he not thought of it before?! Loki remembered Thor and Skadi dancing together, laughing and obviously enjoying each other's company. He had seen Sif across the way, looking longingly at the golden boy and his new toy.

"I've got it." Loki said triumphantly.

The elf king merely turned to look at him, not expecting to be impressed.

Loki went on, "Your daughter seems to very smitten with my brother, and although he might try and conceal his feelings, I know him well. There is also another lady in our group that would clamor for Thor's undying attention. I think if I play my cards right, I can persuade both parties to play the game. Unknowingly of course. It's all a matter of he said she said, and I think I can easily persuade both ladies of some little white lies. Just to get the rivalry going, if you catch my drift? That is of course, unless your daughter decides to turn feral again. In that case I won't need to get things riled up."

"So you plan to kill two birds with one stone?"

"In a matter of speaking, yes." Loki was thrilled at the idea of finally getting rid of Sif. And of course this wolf girl had to be taken care of. It was just a matter of how this would affect Thor. He couldn't let that get in his way, so he pushed it aside for when the time came.

"What about the oracle? Surely you don't expect her to help. What will happen when you meet her?" King Svarthalf wasn't too thrilled about an all powerful sorceress getting in the mix of his plan to overrule Asgard.

"Don't worry about her, she's as good as dead. I've researched my books on oracles such as herself and I have a plan that might get rid of her once and for all." Loki smirked.

"A spell? What kind of spell could annihilate an oracle?" The elf King was skeptical bit equally intrigued on such a power.

"Don't worry. I shall save that for the grand finally."

King Svarthalf looked positively pleased. "My, my you are the mischievous one aren't you?"

Loki said immodestly, "You have no idea."

Thor was infuriated at his father's decision. How could he let Skadi come with them, it was too dangerous to let someone they didn't trust to come along. Its one thing to put yourself in danger, but it's quite another to have to worry about your friend's safety at the same time. He was pacing back and forth, and everyone noticed how aggravated he was. Sif took a step towards him to console him.

"Thor," she said, "do not worry yourself we can all take care of ourselves, she is not your responsibility. You said yourself they were not worthy t-"

"That was before!" Thor bellowed.

"Before what?" Volstagg asked earnestly.

Thor realized he was letting insignificant things cloud him. He glanced at Sif who looked at him curiously.

"Nothing…" he replied, "I just want this to be over. Where is my brother?! He should be here!"

Fandral answered, "I presume he his saying his goodbyes to your mother."

Damn it! Of all the things I could forget. "Where is my mother, I need to say my goodby-"

"I am here Thor, my darling." Frigga's voice was heard behind Thor.

He turned to see Loki escorting his mother down the steps hand in hand. She glided towards Thor and embraced him closely.

"Oh my dear boy, I can hardly wrap my arms around you anymore." She chuckled into his cheek.

She pulled away from him, and he could see the worry in her eyes.

"Do not worry mother, we will all come back safely." Thor reassured her.

Frigga smiled, "Thor, look after that girl. I fear for her." She looked at both Thor and Loki, "and be good boys."

She extended her arm to Loki and embraced her two sons at the same time. After giving both of them a kiss on each cheek, she let them go. She stood by Odin's side looking at her two sons, with an uneasy feeling in her heart.

Skadi ran through the corridors to meet the group she would be embarking with. They were waiting for her at the steps before the gate. She looked for her father but he wasn't there, not like she was surprised. Everyone had mounted their horses and was waiting for her.

As she passed Odin and Frigga she said, "Please tell my father…", but she couldn't think of anything. Was her heart so cold that she couldn't even find the last words to relay to her father? Even after all that he had put her through, she couldn't be like him. Still there was no emotion that could drive her to care for her father, even now.

Odin and Frigga smiled at her, thinking it was probably difficult for her to say goodbye. If they only knew.

"Don't worry my dear, we will tell him for you." Frigga reassured her. Skadi would have liked to have had a mother like Frigga, looking at her now she realized she was the only mother figure she had been around.

"Thank you." Replied Skadi, turning her horse to follow Thor, Loki, and the warriors.

She took one last look behind her at the palace gleaming in the sunlight. No crowd was formed for their departing, any parades, streamers, or smiling faces to see them off. It didn't last long, this happiness. She looked behind her at the palace and knew she would never return. She knew she was heading to her fate, whatever end that may be.

A/N: I know this story revolves around Thor, but I love writing Loki. It comes naturally writing for the mischievous trickster god. I don't know if that's a good thing…