Disclaimer: I do not own any Marvel or Thor Mythos characters. However, the plot is mine.
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BIRTHRIGHT
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Chapter Ten: We All Fall Down
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ASGARD
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Odin watched on in disbelief as the two warriors before him continued to act like pubescent Midgardians. He himself couldn't believe the narcissistic attitude of his eldest, nor the temperament of his guest. These two brats were beginning to give him a headache. "Enough!" He commanded their attention. "Thor, you may accompany Princess Ylva and Loki to Vanaheim." He raised his hand as Ylva was about to protest. "It is decided. The Warriors Three and the Lady Sif will travel to Midgard in your stead. Once Loki has been healed and released from care, the two of you will meet the others on Midgard."
Ylva frowned slightly at that. If Loki traveled to Midgard, she would have to make sure she traveled with them. Although, she did not particularly relish the thought of traversing with the mortals. Then a thought came to her. "I demand that Loki is informed of his parentage."
Odin's eye narrowed at her choice of wording. "You demand?"
However, Ylva did not back down. "If he still does not remember, then he must be informed of what has transpired before we get to Vanaheim. Otherwise, he will be most confused. And that may affect his treatment." She finished, but was met with only silence. Odin continued to stare at her unwavering. So she further pressed her point, "It is dangerous, keeping Loki in the dark, especially when we know there is a target on his back. Also, we know how he reacts when he finds out things have been purposefully withheld from him."
"Fine. You've made your point." Odin all but growled out. "I will speak to him," he said. "Now, if there's nothing else-"
"I would like for Lady Sif to accompany us to Vanaheim." Thor blurted out, garnering the surprised stares of the princess and his father. His mind had shifted to thoughts of his friend and her complicated feelings towards his brother. "More protection." He said simply. "Not to undermine your people's capabilities, my lady, but I'd feel better having a comrade in arms near to assist in keeping Loki safe."
Odin eyed his son, slightly irritated. Though he found no reason not to grant such a request. Also, it seemed to annoy the princess, so with a smile, he said, "Very well. Lady Sif shall accompany you. You will all travel to Vanaheim in two days' time. I will send the Warriors Three immediately. You are dismissed." The two bowed and then made their way towards the exit. Odin turned to one of his guards, "Summon the Warriors Three."
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"Will you never forgive me, friend? I thought that you would be pleased." The blond admonished, cradling his hammer in his hand as he looked on with puppy eyes, receiving on a glare in response.
"And you didn't think to check with me first, Friend?" The warrior goddess asked in return. They were in the sparring arena. It was well past dusk and they were the only ones there.
He placed down his hammer, and ran his fingers through his golden locks. "Come on Sif, do not be displeased with me. There wasn't much time to gain your approval." He pointed out. "Would you have preferred to have gone to Midgard with the others?" He asked, not understanding why she was so upset about this. "I thought with your concern for Loki tha-"
"My concern for Loki is no more than anyone else's. I do not require special treatment or special assignments. If Odin wished for me to accompany the others, then you should have left well enough alone, Thor." She smarted, arms crossed, staring him down.
Thor frowned at her reaction. "What does it matter?" He asked. "Do not think of this as special treatment, for it is not. My father would not have permitted it if it held no merit." He then turned serious. "Loki is in danger Sif."
She quieted at that. "I know." She then let out a long sigh. "I am not upset with you or with the idea of going to Vanaheim. I guess I just…"
He waited a moment to see if she would continue. When she did not, he volunteered, "Mother said that you had gone to see Loki the other morning." She said nothing. "Did something happen between the two of you?" he asked. Again, she said nothing. "Sif…"
"Drop it Thor. There is nothing of consequence here." She told him. "Loki is as impossible as he ever was, and that's just fact." She began walking away. "I'm going to go finish packing for the journey. I suggest you do the same."
Thor watched as she left, deeply troubled by her reaction towards Loki. There was something major that he was missing. Perhaps if he spoke to Loki about it? He cringed at the thought. Perhaps if he were subtle.
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Sif rushed down the halls eager to get to her private quarters. Her conversation with Thor left a bad taste in her mouth. And though she knew that her friend was only trying to look out for her, she wished he hadn't meddled. A couple of days ago, she would have been more than happy to travel with them to Vanaheim. But as the case was, after her little conversation with the younger prince, she wasn't sure she'd be able to survive it.
"You're in an awful hurry."
Sif stopped her tread the instance she heard the voice. It had startled her out of her reverie, mostly because she had not realized how unaware of her surroundings she was. She turned to the other occupant in the dark hallway. "Good evening Princess Ylva." She greeted politely.
"Lady Sif." Ylva nodded her head at the brunette in recognition. She looked over the woman's unkempt appearance. "You're dirty." She mentioned plainly. It was rude, she knew, but it was worth the look on Sif's face.
"I've been training." The lady warrior answered through tight lips.
"Clearly." Ylva replied. "I'm sure Odinson has informed you on our departure for tomorrow."
Sif nodded her head. "As a matter-of-fact, I was on my way to prepare for the journey."
Ylva turned her gaze away from Sif and made no notion as to whether or not she heard her. "You went to see Loki." She asked, although it was more of a statement. One which Sif did not bother to answer. "I am still barred from interacting with him." She said, still not making eye contact. "Giving the Allfather time to speak with him, of course. His memories of his birth having not resurfaced."
Sif didn't know why the Vanir princess was saying this to her. Honestly, she just wanted to get to her room, have a nice hot bath, pack and get some sleep. Though, she didn't particularly like this ice princess, she felt a little bad for her. She still hasn't spoken with Loki? "He's doing well." Sif supplied, although she did not know why. "Loki, he's well… he's like he was before Thor's coronation, as far as I can tell."
It was quiet for a long while before Ylva said anything. "You care for him." Her eyes found Sif's. "For Loki."
Sif didn't know how to respond to that, so she just said, "He is a friend."
Ylva eyed her a bit longer, digesting her answer. "You should get some rest. We leave at first light." She finally said, and turned and walked down the way Sif came.
Sif watched her leave, thinking the entire interaction strange. More and more she was becoming convinced of Loki's and Ylva's supposed relation. They were both mad.
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The large door opened swiftly, disturbing the tranquility of the room, which is usually exempt of such racket. Loki looked up from his perch on the chaise in his favorite corner of the room. "Odin?" He remarked in surprise, as he could see the king moving towards him.
"Loki!" Odin called out. "It is late son, you should be resting in bed." He then took notice of the book lodged in his son's hand. "You can have whatever reading materials you require taken to your room."
Loki slowly set the book down, sitting upright now that Odin was near. "I admit I prefer the stillness of the library. No one ever comes here." He said quietly, he was unnerved by the king's presence, but would not show his discomfort.
Odin nodded his head. "I can appreciate a need for escape." He looked around, almost abashedly. But not quite so. Such a look is not befitting a king. Loki noticed this, and immediately offered a seat for Odin to take. The older man smiled. "Thank you." He sat, and they looked upon each other.
Once Loki could take no more, he spoke. "Was there something you needed of me?" He asked, not knowing why the Allfather sought him out. He never had before.
Odin didn't know how to begin. "Can't a father simply seek the company of his son?" He asked in response with a small smile.
Loki was unconvinced. "You never have before." He responded, without thinking. His eyes widened at what he said. "Forgive me, I did not mean-"
Odin's smile turned into a sad one. "You have nothing to apologize for Loki. You are right." He stated. "I haven't been a very attentive father."
"Don't be too hard on yourself, you have been quite attentive towards Thor." Loki said, finding it difficult to still his tongue and hold back his thoughts.
Odin was genuinely surprised by his words. He wasn't sure what to expect from Loki, but this was not it. "Please, do not hold anything back." He said jokingly, hoping to lighten the air. When Loki said nothing, he continued, "I haven't been a very attentive father towards you."
Loki smiled at him then. "You do the best you can." Then as if instantly, his smile wavered and his gaze dropped, breaking any eye contact.
Odin grew concerned. Loki was hiding something. "What is it son? Why do you not look at me?"
The young man did not know how to answer that question. Ever since he had first awoken, everything seemed strange; even the relationships around him; even his very family. It was as though he were lifted from a fog, but there was still a hazy screen present, and he could not fully see through. "It is nothing."
"Look at me Loki." Odin demanded gently. He would not be the passive dismissive father Loki was expecting. Not anymore. He nearly smiled as Loki consented and did as told, with no back talk. How much he missed his son's trust in him. "Tell me son, what has you so concerned?"
Loki looked his father in the eyes, afraid to tell him the truth… or what he believed to be the truth. "I'm… you're not…" He tried, but he could not get it out. Maybe he shouldn't say it. Maybe he was wrong. But what if he was right? Instead, he decided to talk around his fearful conclusion. Maybe Odin would help steer him towards a different one; an answer he had not discovered. "I see flashes," he started, "They come to me in my dreams, and sometimes in my wake." Odin's all-seeing eye narrowed slightly, but other than that, there was no other movement from the older god. Loki continued, "Thor and I are fighting… trying to kill each other really," he admits, ashamed. "There is a cold and barren wasteland. Hateful blood red eyes. Mothe-," he subconsciously stopped himself before continuing, "Frigga's tears." Odin noticed the odd correction almost immediately. Why would he not wish to refer to Frigga as his mother, unless… "You…," Loki trailed off. It was moments before they both realized he would not continue.
Odin needed to know what these flashes were about. What did it all mean? Did he remember? No, perhaps not. But seeing glimpses of before was very dangerous. Loki is extremely smart; dangerously so even. He could easily put two and two together. But what about Odin, he needed to know. "What about me Loki?" he asked, needing him to continue no matter how painful. Loki turned to him with unguarded eyes. Odin could feel the breath leave his body at the look of hurt, distraught and utter despair that swam in the depths of his baby boy's eyes. More proof that he had failed as a father. Old memories of Loki as a boy floated to the forefront of his mind, and he mourned a little at the realization that he did this. He had failed his sweet, compassionate, gentle Loki. "What is it that you wish to say son?" He asked gentler. Whatever it was, Odin knew it would not be pleasant. But he would sit there and take it. He owed Loki that much.
"You… you had a look…" Loki tried to get the words out, but they eluded him; something very uncommon. "You stood before me and it was as though… I did not know you," he said solemnly. "There was so much hate… no, not hate. There was nothing. You looked at me with nothing in your eye. Because I was nothing," He said, before a voice penetrated his ears. …nothing but a stolen relic… Loki shook his head. What was that? It sounded like him, but what did it mean? He gripped his head tightly.
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Grunting could be heard, echoing throughout the arena. The soft glow of the starts lighting the training field. There was but one lone warrior combating the darkness. He jumped high into the air, raising his weapon against an unseen foe. Slamming the steel into the ground, creating a small crater as he landed. He remained crouched down for a bit. Regaining lost breath. Sweat dripped from his brow. Rubbing the back of his hand over his forehead, he rose, hammer in tow. He looked up in surprise to find that he had an audience. "Ylva," he said, startled. "I did not see you there."
The woman in question nodded her head in acknowledgement as she took steps closer to him. She watched as liquid glistened down his hard figure. Down his face. To his neck. Over his chest. Through a patch of hair and then… She broke away her gaze. "I am aware." She replied, before stopping an arm's length away. Her gaze was now looking into the distance, admiring the stars. Pushing rampant thoughts from her mind.
Thor did not know what to make of her sudden appearance, and she was not forthcoming of any answers. "Did you need something?" he asked.
"Lovely view." She said, before turning to him. "Almost as impressive as the view on Vanaheim."
Thor smirked, "I suppose I shall see soon enough." He would not let her bait him into an argument on scenery. Of course, none compared to Asgard; a fact he was certain she knew. His eyes narrowed a little. What was she doing here?
"You often train in the middle of the night?" she asked, meeting his eyes.
He chuckled. "It is not so late as you think it, Princess. Perhaps on Vanaheim it is form to retire at such an hour, but here on Asgard, it is when the most fun can be had."
She glanced over his appearance. Disheveled. Dirty. Sweaty… Hard... She quickly looked away, "Would you please cover yourself?" She asked him.
Thor was surprised by the request; that it bothered her at all. He looked down over his appearance. He looked no different than usual when sparring. "I apologize. I just finished a good sparring session."
Her nose crinkled in distaste. "Do you often find it necessary to disrobe while in the midst of combat?"
He chuckled at that, moving to grab his shirt. "In combat no, I-"
"Then how does doing so prepare you for the reality of battle?" She asked, turning to face him, only to immediately look away once more. "In case you had forgotten, the garment goes over your head, through your arms and down your torso," she said testily, annoyed that he was still standing half naked a mere few feet away from her.
Thor frowned at her words, his garment held tightly within in his fist. He had no intentions of donning it now. "No one invited you here Princess. If my appearance insults your delicate sensibilities so much, then might I suggest that you not go traipsing into training fields at what you deem to be an ungodly hour?"
She turned to Thor with a heated glare. "To speak to me in such a manner." She said, thoroughly surprised. "Who do you think you are?!" she demanded, eyes pure fire.
He took note of her offensive stance, but Thor was not one to back down. "I believe myself to be the crown prince of this realm of which, need I remind you, you are currently a guest, my lady," he answered through clenched teeth with barely restrained contempt.
Ylva felt her cheeks color at those words. As true as they were, they did not excuse his behavior towards her, a crown princess of Vanaheim. "Trust me Odinson, I have no wish to remain shackled within this place. I've only come for that which has been stolen." She told him hatefully. "Believe me when I say that I want nothing more than to leave the sight of this prison far behind with not a glance back."
His eyes narrowed at her words. "What have you against Asgard?" he questioned, needing to understand from where this hostility was coming. He could not tolerate such lack of respect.
"It's lands? Nothing," she answered him easily enough, before continuing. "It is the savage mindless beasts housed here that I find so deplorable."
Thor sucked in a breath. His chest was puffed out as though prepared to do battle. "Careful woman," he warned, "it is my kinsmen of which you speak." He looked at her crossly.
"Then you know I speak truth," she said, a single brow raised, as if to challenge him on the subject.
"You speak nothing of truth," he shot back fiercely. "The warriors of Asgard are gallant, brave, honorable men." He took a step nearer her. "For each one I would lay down my life."
She smirked at that. "Careful what you wish for Odinson. There are many within the nine realms and beyond who would see that wish fulfilled."
"Am I to presume there is one such person standing before me now?" he asked, suspicious of her words.
Ylva resisted a roll of her eyes. "You needn't fear such of me," she told him point blank. "You're hardly worth the effort."
Suspicion left his mind, and light amusement took its place. "You say that and yet it is you who has sought me out this night." He tried not to be too pleased with himself at the look of shock that overtook her features.
"I wished only to ensure that you had prepared for the journey ahead," she told him, taken off guard by his statement. "I'll not have you delaying it any further."
Thor eyed her disbelievingly. Did she really expect him to believe that? "You could have sent a messenger, or a guard. Anyone really." He pointed. "Yet, instead you decided to take it upon yourself to travel great lengths—and I know how far your lodgings are from this place—great lengths to seek me out, with naught but a simple instruction as to not be late? A rather mundane task for someone of your… stature." He crossed his muscled arms over his equally hard abs. "How very unlike you."
"You do not know me."
"I know enough."
"And there it is," she hissed, "that Aesir arrogance."
"Arrogance?" He was honestly surprised at her words. "You are not talking to me about arrogance," he said, clearly upset. "You want to see arrogance, you need only face a mirror, princess." He said quickly and continued leaving her no room to speak. "Why is it that you seek me out? Not too long ago you despised my very presence."
"I still do." She replied, not minding the change of topic.
However, Thor was becoming increasingly annoyed by her; beautiful as she was. He particularly despised how much more beautiful she was when incensed. Unconsciously, he began to close the already short distance between them. "Perhaps you were looking for a bit of exercise," he suggested, voice low. "Have you come to spar Ylva?"
Her eyes widened at the question. A foreign sensation ran over her as she heard what she believed to be a suggestive tone in his voice. His use of her name greatly upset her equilibrium. And… and when did he get so close?! "As if you and your little hammer would stand a chance against my elven blades." She answered him.
He smirked, "My hammer is the craftsmanship of the dwarves. There is none like it in comparison."
She growled, "You are nothing but a barbarian and… and…" She trailed off unable to concentrate. "For Gullveig's sake, put on your blasted shirt!"
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Odin was alarmed as Loki pulled at his hair. "Loki!" he shouted, rising from his seat and moving towards the prince. "Son, I-"
Loki quickly moved out of Odin's reach. His mind calmed and the voice left. "Don't," he told Odin, "I am just tired." He ran a hand through his now disheveled hair. He briefly wondered just how unkempt he looked and how Frigga would not be pleased. Pulling his hand away, he started staring at it, as though it were a foreign object. "There was a navy hand upon my arm," he continued his thoughts, unaware of the alarm now written across Odin's face. "It was cold but did not burn." He removed his gaze from his hand and back to Odin. "I don't know why that's so important. That it didn't burn. It was but a glimpse… a dream… a memory?… It did not burn but for some reason it was expected. I had expected it," Loki finished, confusion written across his face.
Odin knew he had to do something, say something. "Loki, there's something I must tell you-"
"Then my arm… my hand turned blue," Loki continued, not hearing him. He had read somewhere about skin so cobalt and eyes so crimson. Of a frozen wasteland. Myths, stories to frighten young children into behaving. Stories of monsters. Only, Loki did not believe them to be just stories. Not anymore. Something happened while he was asleep. Possibly even before. And everyone knew. "These are not imaginations," he told Odin, looking him dead in the eye. "They are memories," he decided, daring Odin to refute and slightly disappointed when he didn't. Then it was true. All of it. Even his hand. "Am I cursed?"
Odin openly flinched at those words, a distinct feeling of déjà vu coming over him. "No." He answered as simply as he had before.
"What am I?"
Odin couldn't believe that he was being forced to relive this moment, the moment that everything fell away. "You are my son," he stated as firmly as he had the first time.
"What more than that?"
That question again. Odin feared what was coming. How could it be so similar? What could he do to deviate from this path? How does he prevent that ending from so long ago? He was suddenly weary. Would the Odinsleep claim him once more? Is this Loki's destiny? Their destiny? No. Odin would not have it. He knew what was to come. He was stronger now. He would not leave his son at a time when he needed him the most. Not again. Not ever again. And so, Odin spoke; before Loki could draw his own conclusions, Odin spoke, "I found you long ago in the aftermath of a fierce battle. A baby crying. New life. An odd and refreshing sound after the cries of death and war. You were suffering and I thought you abandoned, left to die." He paused slightly before continuing, "You see you were quite small for a giant's offspring."
Loki felt the breath leave his body. Offspring… Giant… "I… this was the battle of Jotenheim?" He asked desperately, although he knew it in his heart to be true. He looked at Odin in horror. Breathing heavily, he said, "I'm a monster."
"No!" Odin told him firmly. "You are not!"
…stolen relic…
"Why?" Loki tried to shut his mind from the voice in his head. His voice. "You were knee-deep in Jotun blood. Why would you take me?" he asked, suddenly suspicious.
No, they were not having this discussion again. He knew this time he had to start with the absolute truth. "Loki… please understand I had many reasons. You were an innocent child." He held his hand up when Loki was about to protest, as he knew he would. "However, there was another factor that swayed by decision." When he saw that he would not be interrupted, he continued, "I thought we could unite our kingdoms one day, bring about an alliance, bring about a permanent peace…through you." He admitted, "But I threw out those plans long ago."
…stolen relic…
Loki's head was beginning to hurt. He pinched his brow. "Why would I help unite Asgard with Jotenheim? I was some orphan. Some apparently tiny orphan left to di-" His eyes widened in realization.
Odin knew he figured it out. His son was always brilliant he knew with pride; sometimes too smart for his own good. "Loki-"
"I am his son, aren't I?" He said, almost defeated. "Laufey's."
"No." Odin felt a stab of jealousy enter his heart. "You are my son." He declared. He was so very tired of people trying lay claim on Loki. The bitterness he's felt ever since Olaf had entered the picture filled him and he neglected to correct Loki; that Laufey was not his father.
"Another stolen relic," he echoed what had been repeating in his mind. "Locked up here until you might have use of me," he said heart breaking. A sensation that felt familiar, but shouldn't have. Or should it?
"Do not twist my words." Odin ordered, "Loki, please just listen t-"
"You could have told me!" He suddenly shouted. "You could have… why didn't you?" He deflated instantly. "Why would you keep this from me?" he asked, betrayed.
Odin reached for him, but he pulled away. This was going horribly wrong. Why had he not brought Frigga with him? "You are my son," he repeated, "My blood. I wanted only to protect you." He pleaded, knowing sadly that his words would not reach Loki's ears.
His words. Loki has heard them before. He turned from Odin as more flashes appeared before his eyes. "I am the monster parents tell their children about at night."
"Don't-"
"You told us those stories. Thor said he'd kill one if he ever laid eyes on them." He said, voice small as flashes of Thor trying to kill him filled his mind. At the mention of Thor, his heart darkened further. "That's why you've favored him."
"I favor you both." Odin said. "Listen-"
You were born to be king; the both of you. "You couldn't have me on a throne. Not a frostgiant. Not Laufey's son." Loki was on a rant now, nothing Odin said could get through to him now. He was becoming light-headed. All because Loki wanted a throne. He began fiercely rubbing his forehead. It is my birthright! He had to grab the back of a chair to steady himself, completely oblivious to the calls coming from Odin. Your birthright was to die! He fell to his knees.
"Loki!" Odin rushed to his side. "What is it?"
Only Loki let out a strangled cry. His mind was being overloaded with images with memories and the emotions attached to them. He saw himself and his father having a similar conversation in the vault. He saw his father fall. He saw Thor's banishment. He saw them fighting on the bifrost. Being thrown from the bifrost. Their father's disappointed face. Thor's father's angry glare wishing death. A green monster. A blue monster. Blood red eyes. His mouth… clamped shut. Sif with him underneath a bed of stars. A green ribbon. Frigga's tears. Another monster, magenta… then darkness. The void.
Loki fell slack against Odin has he held him in his arms. "Guards!" he called out hysterically. "Guards!" Not once noticing the tears sliding down his face. A sad sight of a king indeed.
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Thor pulled his shirt over his head in slight amusement at her reaction. "Do not the warriors spar shirtless on Vanaheim?" he questioned, recognizing a bit of pink in her face. "Surely, they do not continue on fully clothed in hot seasons?" he added, knowing from Hogun just how hot Vanaheim could get for a time.
"I suppose they might," she reluctantly agreed.
"You suppose?" he asked with a raise of his brow as he repositioned his armor.
"I train alone," she admitted. "My fighting style is not one of the Vanir."
He noted that she seemed uneased about the topic, so he tried to lighten the atmosphere a bit. "Aww… well, how about on Alfheim? Do not tell me the light elves do no sweat." He chuckled.
"Alfheim… is a much cooler realm than Vanaheim or Asgard. I would not imagine the need to train in a state of undress," she replied coolly, not seeing the purpose of this line of questioning.
"You do not imagine," he repeated. "You mean that you do not know?" He was surprised by that. Wait a second… "Is your style not of the light elves either?"
She bristled a little at that, but answered regardless. "It is a bit of both." She was becoming increasingly uncomfortable with this line of questioning. "A combination of Vanaheim and Alfheim; though, perhaps more dominant with Alfheim."
Thor nodded his head at that. It made sense, he supposed. She was a child of both realms; and not just any child, a monarch representing two people. Difficult considering how different she must feel when in either land. Suddenly, thoughts of Loki invaded his mind. His brother had often preferred to study and train on his own; always distancing himself. Perhaps it was a family trait. "And when you are on Alfheim, I'm guessing you train alone there as well."
"I prefer it that way," she remarked defensively. She turned her gaze to the side.
In that moment, he could clearly see the resemblance she held with his… their brother. And because of that, he knew better than to believe her words. Thor felt a sense of protectiveness come over him. He knows how badly his and his family's past actions have damaged Loki; the weight that he was forced to carry. It caused him to wonder if she was carrying a weight herself; and who was responsible for placing it upon her shoulders. He decided that no matter their grievances with one another, he would do his best to watch over her and protect her. For Loki. And, if he were being completely honest, for himself too. She was a puzzle, a mystery… "Is it your goal to sound so enigmatic as to entice my curiosity?" he asked her, knowing that now that his interest had been peeked, it would not likely leave him anytime soon. "If so, know that you have attained it. I shall not rest, not until I have tested my metal against yours." He could feel the thrill of battle fill his spirit.
Ylva eyed him unimpressed. "Such confidence. You must get your way quite often."
He smiled cheekily. "Almost always." He watched as her eyes lit up in deviance. His smile widened, he loved a challenge. He awaited her response, not realizing just how long he'd actually have to wait. For in that moment, they were abruptly interrupted by a guard's voice as he called out to them. He had been running down the hill and steps, and then finally into the courtyard. Once he was close enough, Thor demanded, "What is it?"
"It is Prince Loki, my lord," he stated gasping for breath. "The Allfather is requesting your presence immediately," he said with most urgency, while taking a quick glance of Ylva, "the both of you."
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"Father, what has happened?" Thor asked as soon as he and Ylva entered the hall. They quickly noticed Sif already present.
"Where is Loki?" Ylva asked when they saw no sign of him.
Odin looked down at the two with tired eyes. "Eir is tending to him. She is preparing him for transport," he told them quietly. "You will all leave for Vanaheim tonight."
Thor was alarmed at the sudden change of plans. "What happened?"
The Allfather was silent at first, not willing to replay his last moments with his youngest in his mind. "Loki had a… setback," he finally stated.
"A setback?" Thor asked.
"His mind," Odin began, "there's so much of which he's dealing."
"You told him the truth?" Ylva asked.
"No," Odin voiced, "I did not make it that far. Memories are beginning to resurface. Not all… but the ones that have…" He trailed off unsure as how to continue. They all took in those words. Letting them soak in.
Ylva understood the king's actions now. "It is good that we leave tonight. His seidr is still unrecovered, which has left him extremely vulnerable," she commented. "How soon do we depart?"
Odin looked upon them all gravely. "Within the hour."
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AN: My bad guys, I completely forgot that I had already finished this chapter. I've been so busy with work, final projects and papers, babysitting nine children – five of them babies (NEVER doing that again), and getting ready for a trip out of town. Honestly, I am exhausted. I just saw the Jaguar commercial TH is in and an article regarding upcoming films and interest in Bond (which would be totally awesome). So this of course jogged my memory. "Wasn't there something I was supposed to do? … Upload something….?" And then it finally came to me. LOL. I really hope that everyone enjoyed this chapter.
So… Odin and Loki finally spoke. But of course things are never so simple. Perhaps Odin waited too late… again. Perhaps he will get another chance. But then he may be too late. It was probably too late already. Guess you'll have to stay tuned to find out. I am curious what you all thought of this chapter though.
And of course, SUPER DUPER SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL MY REVIEWERS:
THEPHOENIXANDTHEDRAGON4EVER: Yeah, it's sad what happened to their relationship. My thinking is that they live for centuries. Their relationship is kept secret, this was actually Loki's choice, mainly because he feared her being taken from him. He has his insecurities because of how Thor is always favored above him. These insecurities injures their relationship. Loki ends it because he thinks she doesn't understand him and will eventually leave him. He wanted to beat her to the punch. So, it's basically self-preservation. A few more centuries go by and there begins talk of Thor and Sif's betrothal. Even though he feared this day, he didn't really think it would come. That's why he feels betrayed that she accepted. But Sif really did no wrong. As she pointed out to him, he ended things between them. (And it had been awhile, though I was purposefully vague about the timeline.) Also, she felt she could not deny her king's wish, which is not surprising as loyal as a warrior as she is. She ends up further losing Loki's friendship and a little of his respect, because he now sees her as a blind sheep, unable to make up her own mind. Plus, with his growing envy of Thor, it's natural for him to think that she would choose him. Sif never really accepted their breakup, even after his marriage. She's pushed her feelings back though out of fear. It was his fall that woke her up. Thinking maybe what was once broken could be mended. Wow, that was a mouthful lol. But you said it right, Loki and Sif are just tragic. Loki and Ylva were originally supposed to meet before leaving for Vanaheim, but like I've said before, these stories take on a life of their own. Oh, and Frigga was already gone from Vanaheim by then. They wouldn't have included her in on it as she was now loyal to Odin. Thanks for the review.
VICTORIASAINTCLAIRE: You know, if she would but embrace her war side. I think that, in the movies, maybe that's where her animosity is derived from, and those looks they share. Loki is probably always tempting her to enjoy that side of herself. She probably likes it, but is too stubborn trying to stick to the rules. He knows this about her and it annoys her. It's a secret they share. And the chemistry is great, no matter how small their interactions are, or the scene is. Thanks for reviewing.
ANASTACIANOTT: Yeah, I had to laugh a little at that. I know Odin was like, WTF Thor. I don't know why I write Thor like that sometimes. Lol I don't thinks he's an idiot at all. Just low on common sense, maybe some street smarts, and definitely out of touch with reality. But he's learning. Yeah, the Sifki experience is definitely a roller-coaster. (SEE response for THEPHOENIXANDTHEDRAGON4EVER above). Also, her words were spoken through her own pain and at this point she felt Loki cold and uncaring; even possibly for the woman he was about to marry. After everything that had happened, she went to comfort him, but that was it. After that point, she treated him as a friend and nothing more, out of respect to what he had lost. It wasn't until they thought him dead that she realized she still had deep feelings for him. And of course everything is still hazy as to how the shilombish affected him. But we'll get to that. I promise! Thanks for the review.
KEKEH: Ah yes Odin… He will definitely never be winning any father of the year awards. I also hope we see him being a better father. We will see him trying though. He is unsure how to continue. The only parenting skills he has has been an utter failure, and now he is toppled with this fear of failing again. I really do believe that Odin loves Loki. I even think he is harder on him because he has always seen himself in Loki and that's why he fears what he could do, what he could become. Because Odin is not a good man and he knows this. Thor is like Frigga. Thor is nonthreatening. Loki could do great things. But Loki's curiosity could also get the best of him. The problem is Odin did not know how to nurture Loki properly. And he let his own fears dictate his actions, almost subconsciously. Thanks bunches!
Thanks again everyone.
Hope you liked this one. Working on the next.
And AS ALWAYS… … … … … … … … PLEASE REVIEW!