Chapter Ten

Jord walked a few paces into the moonlit meadow, then turned and looked at Thor. She looked at him with great tenderness in her eyes, and Thor suddenly felt anger towards her. He had wanted to meet this woman, but now that they were alone, a frenzy of questions rose up within him. Why had she given him up? And why had she re-appeared in his life fifteen years later, having never visited in the meantime? Dark clouds blanketed the clear night sky in response to his mood, and thunder rumbled. Jord looked upwards, unsurprised, before returning her intent gaze to Thor. She remained silent, waiting for her son to speak first.

"Why did you bring me here?" Thor's voice was angrier than he had intended- he wanted to sound impassive, but found he wasn't able to do so.

"Because I wanted to meet you."

"Why now? You have had fifteen years to make contact with me, after you gave me away!" Thor was nearly shouting. "You never attempted to see me in all that time, and I had no idea that my father's wife was not my true mother, until a few days ago. I was happy, believing that I was being raised by both my parents! Why..." Thor's anger faded as quickly as it had arisen, and he suddenly felt drained of energy, and utterly miserable. He stared at the floor. "Why did you never once come to see me?" The question was barely audible.

A look of compassion formed on Jord's beautiful face.

"Perhaps you will find this easier to accept if I tell you the whole story." Her voice was gentle.

Thor wasn't sure he wanted to know the whole story, but he met Jord's eyes and nodded anyway. Better to hear it all at once...

"Sixteen years ago, Odin came to Midgard. He had ruled for some time, with Frigga at his side, yet she had not been able to give him an heir, however much she longed for one. I believe Odin came here to spend some time away from duty, although the situation between him and his Queen was tense." Jord paused, looking at Thor to see how he was taking this. His eyes were shining with tears, but his face was stoic. She continued.

"I approached Odin, knowing of his concerns. I agreed to bear him a child that he and Frigga could raise in Asgard. I know she is a good woman, and that she loves you as her own. However, it was not my wish to lose all contact with you, and at first, I did not."

Thor looked up, now feeling confused. "Surely I would remeber if I had seen you..."

Jord shook her head, smiling sadly. "Memories from before the age of five are almost always forgotten, Thor."

"You were involved in my life while I was a child?"

"Yes. When Frigga had your infant brother to care for, Freyja often minded you. You were only a year old, and at that point, Freyja had no little ones to occupy her. I used to visit her, and thus spend time with you."

"So that's why your voice sounded familiar..." Thor frowned suddenly. "You said you did not lose all contact with me 'at first'. What happened?"

Jord's face darkened slightly. "Your father found out that I had been seeing you. He was not best pleased." She paused, trying to think of the kindest way to phrase this. "He said that Frigga was your mother, and I should not try and involve myself in your life, as it would only confuse you. At that point, I agreed, although it pained me. Frigga gave her word that you would be told the truth when you reached adulthood, and I departed. Since then, I have only been in Asgard twice, to greet Freyja's youngest daughters."

The bleak look on her face faded, to be replaced by puzzlement. "That is the one thing I do not understand. Why did Frigga bring you here now? She was unwilling to even speak of you to me a few days ago..."

Thor shifted his weight from foot to foot, feeling embarassed. "I, er...I actually overheard part of that conversation, and after that, the truth came out."

Jord's hand flew to her mouth, her eyes widening with shock. "I never intended you to find out like that...you must have been so angry."

"I was...and I wanted an explanation. Father merely said that I should focus on the life I had, and not wish for a different one."

"And I assume he has no idea that you came here?"

Thor shook his head. "He believes Mother took us to Vanaheim."

They remained silent for a few moments, before Jord spoke again. "Thor, I am well aware that Frigga is as much your mother as I am, if not more so, and that Asgard is your home, but I hope you know that you are always welcome on Midgard. It is your heritage, as much so as your father's realm." A smile suddenly spread over her face. "Would you like to see where you were born?" She extended her hand, offering to lead him. He took it hesitantly, returning the smile, and as they walked, the black clouds slowly dispersed from the sky.

Jord led him to an enormous glittering cave, plainly wrought by Asgardian arts. Thor looked around, enjoying the relaxing atmosphere of this beautiful place.

"All the places in which I bear children become sacred to me." Jord's voice echoed in the vastness of the cave. "If you ever require my aid, come to this cave and think of me. I will always answer you." Thor nodded, examining some of the runic engravings on the walls. They told the story of his birth, and had plainly been carved by his father. Being awake for half the night had tired him, and he leaned against one wall, fatigued. There was a carved stone shelf a short distance away, large enough to lie on, but he wasn't sure if he would seem rude if he went to sleep... He stifled a yawn, and Jord smiled tenderly, guiding him towards the makeshift bed. He lay down without protest as his eyes were heavy, and a blanket- where had that come from? he wondered sleepily- was placed over him. Jord's hand brushed some hair back from his forehead, and she began humming. the tune sounded familiar, and a hazy memory floated to the surface of his mind as sleep thretened to claim him. Freyja had hummed this to him once, lulling him to sleep, when he had been very young. No...not Freyja, Jord, he realised now.

"Goodnight, Mother..." He murmured drowsily.

Jord smiled, watching her son sleep for the remainder of that night.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- .-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- .-.-.

Frigga woke to Balder's wails. The sun was rising and the baby was hungry. she rose quickly, and nursed him. A worried frown appeared on her face as she remembered Thor disappearing with Jord the previous night. Had he returned? A quick look into his room as the other children began waking revealed that he had not. Frigga refused to acknowledge panic, and merely made her way downstairs carrying Balder, to see if there was any breakfast available. Loki, Sigyn and Sif joined her eventually, as she laid bowls of porridge on the table for them, Balder safely cradled against her hip.

"Where's Thor? He wasn't there when I woke." Loki's voice was more curious than concerned, but he and the girls loked at Frigga expectantly.

"I have not seen him this morning," well, that was technically true, "perhaps he awoke early and went exploring. No doubt he will return soon, demanding food." She managed a smile, ate quickly, then made her way outside.

She exhaled shakily with relief when Thor came running towards her, Jord several paces behind. He embraced her quickly, whispering a soft 'thank you' to her, before going inside to greet his brother and friends. Frigga's eyes were swimming with tears, but she managed to meet Jord's gaze as the goddess approached.

"I owe you thanks for bringing him to me." Jord smiled warmly.

"You would have done the same had our positions been reversed." Frigga braced herself. "What have you actually told him about what happened when he was a toddler?"

"I merely told him that Odin found out I was helping Freyja mind him, and that Odin persuaded me not to do so again. His faith in his father has been shaken enough. He does not need to know that Odin resorted to blackmail."

Frigga winced. "I know he was wrong to threaten Freyja's status at court if you did not agree to keep your distance from Thor...I could not dissuade him, I am sorry."

"It is in the past, and I never faulted you for Odin's choices. From what I have heard, my daughter has done spectacular damage to her reputation regardless."

Frigga was spared from responding to that, thankfully, as Balder began to fuss, wanting attention. Jord turned her sapphire-blue eyes to the baby, and smiled gently, reaching out and caressing his face. Her eyes suddenly grew unfocused. A look of sadness crossed her face for a split second, before she blinked, and recovered herself.

"What is it?" Frigga knew a vision when she saw one.

Jord met her eyes steadily. "This little one will be loved by many, and will give much love in return. Asgard will rise or fall with him in the future."

Frigga shifted the weight of Balder in her arms, not sure whether that was a promising foresight or not. Jord's face gave nothing away.

Thor's voice could be heard, presumably bringing the others outside, so the moment of tension was broken. Jord smiled once again.

"You have raised him well. I thank you again for bringing him here. I hope you do not face too much difficulty when you return home." She looked up at the sky. Frigga followed Jord's gaze and the blood drained from her face.

Jord made her over to Thor, placing an arm around his shoulders and leading him away from the others. She spoke softly, so no-one except Thor could hear her words. He nodded in agreement, then embraced her. She returned the hold for a long moment, before pressing a kiss to her son's forehead. She walked away swiftly, as if she was afraid to stay longer. Thor swiped a tear off his face as Jord left. Sif made her way over to him after a few minutes.

"Are you alright?" Her voice was soft, almost timid.

Thor nodded bravely. "I will be."

Loki (who had been following Frigga's gaze) shook his head. "I doubt that." He pointed upwards.

Hugin and Munin, Odin's ravens, his eyes and ears in the Nine Realms, were disappearing into the distance. Everyone watched with mounting dread until the birds were completely out of side. There would be trouble now. Odin would shortly know that he had been deceived.

Frigga made her way over to the children.

"Remember what I said, all of you. This was my decision, and none of you will be punished for it. Odin's wrath will fall on me alone."

"But Mother-"

"It is alright, Thor. I knew he would find out sooner or later, and bringing you here was the right thing to do, even if Odin disagrees. Now come along. We may as well return now, I wish to settle this as soon as I may."

She led her sons and their friends to the bifrost site, and immediately called to Heimdall. Frigga tried to stay calm as the bridge carried them back to Asgard. How angry would Odin be?

They materialzed inside the Observatory as usual. Heimdall stood there, his face impassive. Odin stood beside him, his face decidedly less so.

"Lady Sigyn, I think it would be best if you went home. Perhaps Sif could spend some time with you?" Odin's tone of voice made it clear that this was not a suggestion. Both girls bowed to the Allfather, and hurriedly made themselves scarce.

"Thor, I want you to return to the palace, and remain there until I send for you later. Go."

Again, this was plainly an order from the king, so Thor went, glancing back at Frigga once, concern written on his face. She smiled reassuringly at him, despite her nervousness. Loki had been half-concealed in the shadows at the back of the group, so Odin barely noticed his presence. He whirled on Frigga.

"What were you thinking?!" Odin's voice was thunderous.

"I did what I judged to be right." Frigga kept her head held high.

Loki tried to step between Odin and Frigga, afraid of what his father might do.

Odin practically snarled at him. "Loki, leave! This matter does not concern you. Get out of here!"

Loki gulped and fled, terrified of the expression on his father's face, ignoring the raised voices and the wailing of baby Balder, both of which grew less audible as he got nearer to the palace.

"It's all Thor's fault." He muttered. "Mother wouldn't be in trouble if he hadn't wanted to go to Midgard." He kicked at a clod of dirt in annoyance. Hearing female voices, he quickly cast the spell to make himself invisible- eavesdropping was always fun.

Sigyn and Sif walked into view, deep in conversation and smiling. Sigyn was blushing.

"...shouldn't complain about having two eligible men interested in you, Sigyn!" Sif teased.

"Oh, hush." Sigyn swatted at her. "Loki isn't really interested in me, the way he's always storming off, like he did on Midgard...and Theoric's too busy most of the time, with his guard duties. He is pleasant company, though, and he'll make someone a fine husband someday. Mother was right about that, at least."

Loki fumed silently.

Sigyn paused. "Sif...do you think Queen Frigga's alright? Odin looked very angry when we left..."

"I'm not sure." Sif's voice was uneasy. "But he wouldn't actually hurt her... and an argument never did permanent damage. I just hope Thor doesn't get into trouble as well. You know Frigga only arranged all this so he could meet Jord."

"Do you want to go and check on him?"

"If you wouldn't mind?"

Sigyn shook her head, and the two girls made their way to the palace.

Loki made himself visible again, scowling. "Why is everything and everyone else always more important than me?!" There was a strange rustle, and a soft thud as something slid from his tunic to the ground. He bent to pick it up, surprised. It was the scroll he'd found in that burned down house on Midgard. He could have sworn that it was secured in his pocket...oh well. It had unrolled as well, and now Loki could see that there were words on it, in some form of runes that he did not recognise.

He walked away, into a small, walled-off courtyard, where he could not easily be seen and sat down to examine the scroll more closely. Maybe he could decipher the runes... He stared at it for some time, but couldn't make sense of the foreign script. His hands grew cold as he sat there, which struck him as odd, because when he glanced up, he saw that the sun was high in the sky. He sighed heavily before looking back at the scroll.

Strange words came into his mind, as if the runes were telepathically translating themselves. The hair on his arms and the back of his neck stood up, but he began to speak the words anyway.

"Enamorath...Emorath..." The chill in his hands began spreading, and Loki began to feel afraid. The shadows in the corners of the courtyard were creeping closer to him...

Wait a minute. Loki glanced around. Shadows? The sun had been beaming down less than two minutes ago. He glanced around- nothing was really out of the ordinary, it was just getting dark, he was overreacting about nothing... He took a deep breath, pushed down his feelings of unease, and completed the short incantation.

"Ba-al Set Elianath!"

The shadows had been moving, Loki realised with horrified fascination, and now they were doing so again, coming close enough to touch. He felt like something was watching him, and he whirled around, dropping the scroll completely. There was nothing behind him...

A strange noise could be heard, similar to the sound made by the Bifrost, but somehow sounding older, less controlled. Loki's teeth were chattering. He knew somehow that this wasn't safe, he wasn't safe...

The shadows covered him and the courtyard completely now, and he couldn't see his hand in front of his own face. He fought the urge to shiver. A shape began to materialise in front of him. The surrounding area was still pitch-black, but the shape seemed to be forming out of reddish-black smoke. It turned its gaze on Loki.

He really wanted to run now, but felt too petrified to move. What was this creature?

"So it has summoned Me...and I appear. What is its desire?"

Loki was too frightened to even respond. This thing's voice was so full of cruelty and hate...and it's form kept changing...or else Loki's eyes were deceiving him. It was a fire giant, a Jotun, a huge hulking indescribable shape, Odin in a rage...it changed every split second, and everything Loki feared seemed to appear in this being's form.

The Being spoke again, its voice more speculative now. Somehow this frightened Loki still more.

"It is small...puny...overlooked. I can offer it recognition...its name will never be forgotten. It shall have all its desires."

Almost against his will, Loki loked into the creature's swirling form again. This time he thought he could see Sigyn standing in his arms, smiling...Odin showering him with praise, while Thor stood ignored... himself being crowned king of Asgard, while the entire city cheered for him...

Loki met the thing's coal-black fathomless eyes. Those visions were so tempting...why shouldn't he be the favoured one, the lucky one, for once? Thor always had everything...Now it would be Loki's turn.

"W-what do I h-have to do?" He cursed himself for stuttering.

"It must give me spoken permission to carry out these plans. Then all I have offered shall come to pass."

Loki stood up straight. "I give you permission to do what you have said you will, and no more." He knew that if he did not try and control this being, this could spin out of control.

A horrible, grating laugh echoed around the courtyard, and the smoke-based creature almost tripled in size. It rushed towards Loki, suddenly seeming utterly formless. This thing was composed of Nothing, utter Darkness, and he had just set it free! He was dimly aware of screaming, and still hearing the thing's laughter, before blackness overcame him.

Various Sighted beings in Asgard felt a change. Heimdall felt a shadow cloud part of his vision. Hugin and Munin began cawing and screeching frantically. Every animal in Asgard went through a fit of sheer terror, though none of their owners and handlers could explain what had spooked them. Loki sat upright, feeling tired and dazed. He remembered what had happened...but where had it gone?! He looked around quickly- the walls of the courtyard were seared black, as though they had been exposed to a furnace for days on end, and a huge hole had seemingly been melted through one of them but nothing else seemed to have happened. Maybe he could banish the creature again with the scroll... his eyes widened in disbelief.

The scroll was nowhere to be seen.

To be continued...

AN: The summoning spell used by Loki is taken from Marvel Comics. Anyone who recognises it should know what the 'creature' is.