"Allfather, we wish to speak with you immediately."
The courageous three climbed up the steps of the throne room, ready to ask for Thor's release. They seemed shocked to find the silver-tongued son sitting on the golden chair.
"My friends." Loki mocked, allowing them inside.
"Where's Odin?"
"Father has fallen into the Odin-sleep. Mother fears he may never awaken again." His voice weakened a bit in his own show while Aswren sat obediently on the stone steps, her hands folded in her lap. The warriors look between he and the princess, struck by the way her irises were black as coal, rather than her typical icy blue.
"We wish to speak with her." Sif bellowed in what she could muster for a demand.
"She has refused to leave my father's bedside. You can bring your urgent matter to me." He assured, placing a hand over his heart, and standing heads above them. His hand waved for Aswren to leave, and she rose to her feet on command, pattering from the room without even a glance to Sif or her friends.
Reluctantly, each rose their fist to their heart, kneeling before him. "My king." Sif started. "We may ask that you end Thor's banishment."
He chuckled. "My first command cannot be to undo the All-Father's last. We are on the brink of war with Jotunheim, and the people need a feeling of continuity in order to feel safe in these difficult times. In fact, I intend to make my first act a joyous occasion. A ceremony fit for uplifting spirits—the royal wedding."
"What?" Sif said.
He paced slowly in front of them, suddenly anxious. "Yes. I intend to take Aswren as my wife and make a celebration of the affair. It's much more appealing than a 'Welcome Home' party for the brother fallen from grace. His time will come."
Sif stepped forward, itching to strike the man across his face, but Fandral held her swinging arm. "Yes, of course. Thank you for your consideration."
The warrior seethed in frustration, motioning for the others to join him when he made a dash for the exit. The lady warrior stayed back for a moment, glaring up at the self-proclaimed King. Aswren's eyes were haunting, and had struck Sif with a frightening realization that she could be under the influence of magic.
Could he really be that desperate?
The next few weeks to the common citizen were seamless, but the hierarchy inside the palace was tense and insecure. Diplomacy was handled with care, and the self-appointed King managed to be quite charming to each of his guests. Numerous officials came to Asgard to exchange formalities and discuss the possibility of a complete transition in leadership, which led to many busy dinners with hushed voices. But Sif and the Warriors Three knew to distrust the handsome smile of the Green Prince, and instead chose to watch his complacent lover with suspicious eyes.
Aswren was equally pleasant to all who came to congratulate the young couple, flashing a smile that seemed to the worried friends as if it was practiced in front of a mirror. Fandral used to look forward to the wee hours of the morning when he would rise with the dawn and leisurely condition his body on the courtyard's damp grass. He could always count on Aswren's presence to give him a hello when she crossed the grounds to the stables. She would be carrying fruit for the horses and often sit with him for a few minutes, sharing her apples and chatting with him as the sky changed color. Weeks have gone by since her last visit, and Fandral was bitterly adjusting to spending his mornings alone.
"It's sickening, isn't it?" Sif said.
Volstagg carefully sliced at an apple in his hands with a pearing knife, nodding sadly at her words. Fandral refused to sit still, and was pacing inside the courtyard in which they had gathered.
"What? How he parades her around like his own personal puppet, a living doll to say 'Yes, Sir' to whatever he wants? It's not sickening at all, rather, I've been thinking I might get myself one!" He spat, seething.
"It can't be anything but dangerous. What is his magic doing to her?" Jogunn asked.
"She's under some sort of spell, her eyes are blackened over." Lady Sif said.
"Why not go to Alfheim?" Volstagg offered quietly.
"What? Not this again, leaving the safety of Asgard is a bad idea in general." Fandral swore, stopping their speech with a motion of his hand.
"There are plenty of shaman right here that we can talk to." He said.
"And learn what? The Asgardians have never held magic in high regard. No one in their right mind would come forward to speak with three warriors from the royal court. Besides, half of all the books in the universe on magic would be written in Elfish. We have to go to the source." Volstagg said,
Fandral stayed silent, breathing heavily from his nose as he refused to be beaten.
"We have to save her." Volstagg insisted.
"... Fine. But we can't let Freyr know what we are up to. If he finds out that Loki has harmed his daughter, he'll start a war like none of us have ever seen."
The warriors rode to the BiFrost, unsure of the adventure that lay ahead of them. Alfheim was not known to be a hostile world, but the Elves were shadowy creatures, and their illusions could steal years from even a God. As children, they had heard stories of weary travelers becoming hypnotized by their song, as if by Sirens, and never returning from the Elves' Home.
They dismounted outside the BiFrost, reluctant to approach Heimdall for passage.
"Heimdall, we wish to go to Alfheim." Fandral piped up, trying his best to keep the nervousness out of his voice.
"To search for a cure for the Princess." Heimdall said.
"I saw the scene in its entirety a fortnight ago, and it's become apparent to me that Loki has imprisoned her soul. Folded it away and stuffed something else inside her head, a puppet that he created."
"Surely the Elves can fix her." Sif came closer to the gatekeeper with earnest.
"They can, but you must know where to look. The Elves surrounding the BiFrost are small, fairy-like, and of no use to you. You will have to travel far south, and find the Light Elves who resemble us. They can give you the cure you seek."
"Deep south. Big Elves. Got it." Fandral said.
"But be warned. We are all aware of the consequences if Freyr was to discover your presence. He has many scouts employed within the common people. Make your journey quick and avoid their wandering gaze."
"Yes, Heimdall. We'll try to return within a few days." Sif assured him.
"And warriors…" He bellowed over the sound of the BiFrost firing and roaring to life. "…Remember why you are there."