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Chapter ten

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When Loki woke up he was utterly disoriented. A few minutes passed filled with blind searching of valid information in his brain. As the process was completed the young Prince scrambled out of his bed, tripping and uncaring for grace. He easily found out what day it was (for there was no idea on how long he was out). Relieved, the God of Mischief slunk down to the floor, thank Norns there were still six days left to the wedding.

The looking-worse-for-wear male breathed heavily, he had come to regret his swift and care-lacking movements. His body was aching all over, every muscle felt strained, every bone shattered and every nerve sizzled. His reckless actions had only sharpened the sensations from the backlash of the forbidden spell.

There was no use idling, he decided. It was pretty clear what the Lie God had to do (and to the Unnamed Realms with the damned fatigue): firstly, he'd need to emerge not looking like just out of the battlefield; secondly, gather whatever talks are flying in the Bright Home; thirdly, weave something convincing on what he'd been doing in Alfheim and what enchantments he had been analyzing in the past days; fourthly, meet his lover; and lastly, begin the Crimson Hawk masquerade...

Things were buzzing akin to a beehive but there was nothing strange about that. Everything was proceeding according to plan. Even the imposing frown that was etched on his father's face was anticipated. The Odinfather was not pleased by the odd message he had received from his troops, it was not something Asgard knew about though.

Lord Njord was more often at the Golden fortress and that was also perceived by the Godling. The friendship the two Rulers had the benefit of doubt, however it was obvious that the arrived information was conveyed to the fallen King. The God of Lies believed that the old Vanir God did not appreciate the fact that the man meant to marry his granddaughter was away and that danger might befall him. No one knew but that was already post-factum...

And so the mind of the God of Deceit took him to the routes of pondering about the forces of the Allfather. His older brother was well-liked amongst the warriors (he was on high regards of nearly everyone though). Despite both of the Heirs' young age, Thor was always viewed upon as an equal by the soldiers. Sometimes even idolized, while Loki was demonized (perhaps a word picked too strong but quite fitting nonetheless). It most possibly was not a thing tied with personality, but because he lacked the skills that were so valued in Realm Eternal. That wasn't completely accurate if anyone was really precise – the youngest royalty was adept in the art of battle, not that he was keen on showing that off. It was simply against his nature to fight 'fairly', he would always incorporate a trick or two – that was his style. The Master of Magic, the Trickster God – who ever appreciated that? At times it seemed that the answer was – no one.

Noatun – the land of seas was what the boy-prince was treading upon. The salty air did him no good, it only agitated his less than prim shape. His bones sang agonized odes about how much they loathed him right now. Whatever his body wanted to tell him was unimportant, since even that could be mended by tricking the overall attention to something much more... delectable.

He walked on without shrouding his presence, however the steep banks and sharp rocks were a nuisance in his path. Too bad it was only to his gain that most of the Vanir residing here were ignorant to such an unwanted intrusion. The owner of the lands and the grand estate was currently away.

It was peculiar on how he barely caught the rushing energy. The male's quick thinking told him that this was so because he had been expected and that was not anticipated.

Sigyn was swift and all smiles when she made her way to him in a speedy stroll-run. She had nearly managed to sneak up on him, if it weren't for her approach being straight in front of him. The bright hot-rose tint of her dress did the Goddess in, not that she was trying to hide.

Once she was but a few steps away he wanted to greet her vocally, although it was unsuccessful. The young woman hugged him tightly without a word – the action was not foreseen. Before he managed to return the heated, happy embrace, the God of Mischief had to conquer his bafflement. However he found it to be easily explained – the Lady had missed him also and with what had happened on Vanaheim (everything said and done before then too, but that was far too overshadowed by the aforementioned thought) – this kind of greeting was not all that bizarre. The man rested his chin atop her head, enjoying the close contact he closed his eyes.

"I missed you" the girl whispered. And here it was, confirmation – check.

"I missed you too, Sigyn"

She released him far too soon, he internally bawled for the loss of her warmth in his arms. The Vanir's expression was warm as she asked.

"Where have you been?"

"Now where would be the surprise in telling you?" with a wolfish grin he replied.

"That would indicate that it's connected to me in some way or that it would interest me"

"Clever girl" the second-born Prince said, his tone lacking seriousness.

She snorted, so very unladylike. But he liked it, her reactions entertained him greatly.

"Now that's an insult"

"Oh, but I was not being sarcastic, merely playful. And anyway, how have you been?"

"Bored and worried"

"For me?" the God of Deceit dragged the words out and finished with a gleeful smirk.

"Nope. For myself – it's like the days 'till my execution are being counted. Feels like I'm already treading on the scaffold"

The Goddess was honest, not that he found the truth to be hurtful, not at all. Even if it were to be unsightly, he'd still prefer it over a honey-sweet lie.

She'd skipped the part where she was supposed to inquire the same of him, but proper etiquette was something he would hate to share between them. The girl-woman's interest was directed to their current location.

"If you're going to stay here for a while, it would be better if we'd move elsewhere and not stand about. Plus, it isn't the wisest to be like this in the open. No matter how minuscule the chance of being seen is"

The God of Magic nodded in agreement.

"There's this secluded alcove in the gardens. It's close to the house" he noted how she did not refer to her living place as a 'palace' or any other similar word, despite the fact that the building was no mere abode "But no one goes there or well, more like I don't allow anyone there and grandfather has never pried into my garden space"

"Magic, I assume?"

"Of course. Be it any other way my sisters would definitely march in there, for whatever trifle reasons. And I've always found spells to be more effective than locks and chains, not like they'd serve a purpose out in the open" the Lady looked lost in her musings for a moment "Well except for fences, which I haven't thought about... Still enchanted barriers are way better"

Listening to her fluctuating tale he paid more attention to the emotions she emanated rather than the content of the voiced words.

"I'd love to see it"

She smiled at the comment.

The area was tucked away from the rest of the gardens. Hidden from sight by weeping willows and pale lilac colored wisterias. The barrier she had erected was quite impressive. He could see that it was of Vanir magic, it was easy to tell apart by its weaving. However he could have passed through or broken it.

The Godlings sat down on a large swing that hung down from one of the trees. There they spent a couple of hours talking. Oh, how he had missed Sigyn. She made the Princeling's fatigue melt away.

He let out a careless laugh and at that moment he did not notice how the Goddess's gaze started lingering on his hand. Without reserve she took it in hers and roughly pushed the sleeve out of the way. He felt the harshly moved fabric rub his irritated skin.

"What is this?"

He should have known that the girl would not miss it, she had a sharp sense when it came to things laced with magic.

"A concealment spell" the male replied as if avoiding the question altogether.

"I can see that" the female hissed angrily. "You're not hurt, are you?" she asked with worry tangible in the rushed inquiry.

"No" his answer left as curt as ever.

"What is beneath it?" she was not letting it go and it wasn't like he was so distrusting as to not tell her. Perhaps it was because the Lie God was not used to uncovering things concerning himself so easily to others, that made him so hesitant.

"Markings left from an enchantment"

"Show me" the girl-woman ordered and he was bound to comply. Although he had to repress a sigh, it wasn't that he was annoyed but it was simply difficult most of the time to be this open with someone. And so the Master Magician did as requested.

She gasped and uttered, while turning his arm in her hands to look at it closely.

"...Not hurt, yeah right. These, these are... It's as if they're inked onto your flesh, no it's more like the symbols are burned into it... I've never seen anything like this. What are they?"

The young God did not offer a retort at the mention of the scarred etchings, for denial would be a blatant lie.

"This particular spell required these symbols to be inland onto the ground, however that is very time consuming as well as not easily removed afterwards, so I modified it. Since it was quite a difficult one, it was not easy to redesign it so fundamentally"

"I've never heard of such a technique before" now her eyes shone with wonderment instead of scolding, as she inspected his wounded (but not visibly) arm.

"It is no surprise, really. It is a very rare practice and more than hazardous to even adept users"

"Did you cut them or whatever it is that you did, by yourself? Then that should've been quite a lengthy feat"

The young man shook his head.

"No, I had created the redone sigils by hand on parchment, then memorized them. When the magic-craft was in the making they appeared themselves"

"Was it painful and how about now?"

There was a slight pause before he said anything.

"Truth be told, it was unpleasant"

"Then that means that it hurt lots" she missed the fact that he had evaded to respond on what were the sensations now. But it was clear that she understood him well enough to see through his refined words.

The woman's gaze was drawn to the other hand that was resting in his lap.

"And that one?"

"Yes, the markings are engraved on both of my arms"

"How long will it take until they dissipate?"

"I honestly do not know. It depends on the spell, this one I have tried for the first time so I cannot be sure. If I had to estimate, I would give it a few more days"

"...So what was the spell?" the Lady inquired utterly engrossed in the topic.

"I would gladly tell you but I am afraid I will have to be leaving soon. It is no short theme of conversation either. It would be best to leave it for later, if you do not wish for me to skip any important details" there was far too much interference of Loki's silver tongue in the innocently-sounding answer.

The girl asked no more about it, nodding in defeat. It was obvious that she was saddened that the God of Lies would have to depart soon. He wasn't happy for the upcoming separation either.

Theoric appeared somewhere in the midst of Asgard. His walk was slightly hindered and he looked battle-worn. However he traveled quickly on foot, trying to reach the heart of the realm as soon as possible. The warrior had a mildly confused but resolved expression on his face.

At the entrance of the Golden Palace the Crimson Hawk was immediately recognized by the guards stationed there. They asked no questions and allowed him to pass. It was so because that was their position, they heeded their commands without resistance. To become a guard in the Asgardian fortress one had to be trustworthy and discreet, their serving was of uttermost importance. And more often than not, such honor of serving in security forces was determined by how much the Aesir could be relied upon, rather than their battle skill. The Allfather was that wise to foresee that no information would reach his people without his allowing.

Given the fact that Theoric seemed to be in a good enough condition, he was not lead to the infirmary first. Odin was already notified of the return, therefore the man was led to him without any detours. The soldier was guided to one of the King's many halls by one of the guards who did not serve in one of the guarding points, he was more of a messenger than anything else.

As the grand doors were opened the servant bowed to the seated Ruler and announced the arrival of the Hawk. With the Odinfather's gestured permission he excused himself and left the hall.

After the given recognition of the one that had entered, he approached the Allfather and placed his fist to chest as was the fitting greeting. Once again there was that unsaid order to cease the following of protocol.

Even to an untrained eye it was clear that the God of Wisdom was dissatisfied and it was clear why – he did not accept being left in the blind. Despite the state of the King, he still wore a calm and collected demeanor, which most possibly hid much greater emotions. He spoke without a dramatic pause, so expected of Rulers, but his tone was as imposing as ever.

"Where are your men? Tell me everything, as it all took place. Speak!" reserved but still vastly moved by this unaccounted for occurrence.

"I announce that the enemy has been dispatched, my King" the warrior said with a leveled tone.

The Allfather's gaze was narrowed, he wanted to press his soldier to go on and reveal the happenings quicker, but he stayed true to his image and waited until the younger God would begin retelling without any prompting. And so the standing man did.

"When we had reached the southern border, your Highness, we came to the sight of Trolls demolishing the wall"

He was immediately interrupted.

"What race of Trolls do you speak of? Had you brought any for questioning?"

That was where Theoric faltered.

"...I-I do not know, Allfather... No, we have left none alive"

Odin was beginning to anger further.

"W-we had slayed them for their crime against Asgard. It was a meager attempt at an invasion and it was quelled swiftly, it lacked any substance"

"And what was their motive behind it?"

"I do not know, my King..."

It was as the elder Aesir had expected. Gungnir was brought to the ground, the sound of collision was frighteningly loud in the empty chamber. The soldier visibly cringed at it.

"That is why you had to bring their leader or at least one of them for interrogation!"

The Crimson Hawk fell to one of his knees and his eyes did not stray from the ground. With a hint of fright in his voice, which was attempted to be masked with strength of sheer willpower, he said.

"I apologize for my failure, your Majesty. I will receive any punishment you deem fit for my incompetence"

"Tell me how it happened. Most possibly your decision, while foolish, was correct. But the safety of my people comes first, therefore I need to hear what has happened!"

"Yes, my King" he remained in his kneeling position as he continued talking, but with his eyes now uplifted to the Odinfather "The enemy was easily disposed of and when we were already retreating back when something odd happened... I... I don't even know what it was. I believe it to be connected with witchcraft of some sort. I have never seen anything like it... or felt – perhaps that would be a more accurate word. There was no new enemy in sight but something was in the wind and the horses were frightened. Before I managed to issue an order to the men and do anything, everything just... disappeared"

"Disappeared? What do you mean?" the Ruler of Asgard asked authoritatively with a frown marring his noble features.

"I do not know how to explain it, your Highness. It was as if I had blacked out... and, and when I came to myself, I was further away from the area and none of my men were in sight. Therefore I rushed back to the palace to report the happenings to you, my King"

The newly disclosed information did not ease the powerful God's discontent.

"I am not sure whether the decisions I've made are best, but I had only the realm's interest in mind. Reporting to you, your Majesty, seemed like the most important thing to do" Theoric continued with his speech "I understand the possible severity of the situation but from what I have seen, I do not think of this occurrence as an attack. Forgive my humble opinion, but it was as if some sort of power from the realm itself had manifested. For if it were otherwise, I would not be present here. I think that the others will also turn up soon, we had been scattered. I had not expected to be the first to arrive"

The Allfather did not voice his opinions on the story one of his Crimson Hawks had told. He could not disagree with the points said, nor agree with them. True, it was not impossible for strange phenomenons to occur. However it was something that had happened much more frequently in the days of his youth, when this world of Yggdrasill was just beginning its age as Odin's Realm Eternal.

The questioning went on for a lengthy hour. Although every answer the Leader of the Aesir received was void of anything truly useful, making the missing events after the battle hazy and mysterious. However no ill feelings were addressed to the returned soldier, for in reality he could not fault his decisions. No punishment would be issued since it was undeserved. For now all the Odinfather had to do, was be content with waiting and of course send out men to investigate the area, so that they could search for their missing weapon-brothers.

The Ruler ordered the nervous warrior to not disclose this happening to anyone and the serving God obeyed without complaint. He was dismissed but he still stood and so the Allfather inquired what was on his mind.

"If I may be so bold, my King, but about, about my wedding..."

The one-eyed God of Wisdom replied without letting Theoric continue, he was reminded of the upcoming celebration.

"For now nothing has occurred that would hinder it. Your wedding shall not be delayed" what Odin did not mention, however was that it was more of a strategic move than one meant for the good of the young man. If the wedding would be moved to a later date and without a valid reason, the court would obviously suspect something to be amiss. Gossip would be quick on its wings and in the end the Allfather would have to announce what had occurred in the south region of Asgard. That was unacceptable – causing panic without necessity, to warn the people about a threat that may or may not be present.

The warrior heatedly thanked his Highness and excused himself afterwards. The Crimson Hawk headed straight for his house, where he led a solitary life.