Chapter 11; Aftermath
Elaine couldn't remember much of what happened next, other than she had begged Loki not to go until she had been all patched up. And he had stayed, he had honoured her request and waited until she was sewn back together and wrapped up in bandages. He helped her down off the table and caught her when she nearly fell. She held tightly to his arm when he helped her along to her room to change out of her torn and bloody dress. After Elaine changed, they found Thor in his room, just as he was angrily overthrowing a table laden with the feast that they would not be eating now. Elaine stayed by the door for a moment, while Loki stepped up to sit beside his brother.
"It's unwise to be in my company now, brother. This was to be my day of triumph."
"It'll come. In time." Loki absently patted his brother's arm as Elaine walked over and sat down on the other side of Thor.
"If it's any consolation, I think you're right. About the Frost Giants, about Laufey, about everything. If they found a way to penetrate Asgard's defences once, who's to say they won't try again. Next time with an army."
Elaine looked at them and nodded.
"Exactly!"
"There's nothing you can do without defying father." Loki met his brother's eye for a moment.
"No! No, no, no, no, no! I know that look!" Loki cried as Thor stood up and turned to them.
"It's the only way to ensure the safety of our borders!"
"Thor, it's madness!"
"Madness? What sort of madness?" Thor whirled around to look as the warriors three and Sif walked in.
"We're going to Jotunheim."
"What?!" Fandral and Elaine cried at the same time.
"This isn't like a journey to earth, where you summon a little lightning and thunder; the mortals worship you as a God! This is Jotunheim." Fandral said, advancing on Thor.
"My father fought his way into Jotunheim. Defeated their armies and took their casket! We would just be looking for answers." Thor said, turning to all of them in turn.
"It is forbidden!" Sif cried, as Elaine stepped over to stand beside her.
"My friends, have you forgotten all that we have done together? Fandral, Hogun, who led you into the most glorious battles?" Thor said, turning to the men in question.
"You did." Hogun replied, after a moment of thought.
"And Volstagg, to delicacies so succulent you thought you'd died and gone to Valhalla?"
"You did." Volstagg admitted with a small smile.
"Elaine, you introduced you to the stars of the midgardian skies?"
"Technically Frigga gave you that book to give to me because you didn't have a clue what to give me for my birthday." Elaine said, causing Loki to snigger softly.
"Well yes, but I still gave it to you! And who proved wrong all who scoffed at the idea that a young maiden could be one of the fiercest warriors this realm has ever known?" Thor said, turning to Sif.
"I did!" The woman cried indignantly causing Elaine to smirk.
"True, but I supported you, Sif."
Thor turned to them all.
"My friends, we're going to Jotunheim."
Elaine couldn't believe this. Thor was being stupid, reckless and idiotic all at the same time. She hurried after them as they made their way down to the stables to saddle their horses.
"Thor, please! Brother listen to reason, it is forbidden and it is madness!" Elaine cried as she ran after the large blonde man, the other shortly after her.
"We are only going for answers Elaine." He shot back at her as they arrived at the stables.
"If you are only going for answers then why are you all carrying weapons?"
That made him stop and turn to look at her. He sighed then turned away.
"Elaine, you have to stay behind."
"You are foolish to think that I would let you order me around."
"I am your king!" Thor cried turning on her.
"You are not king yet!" She shouted back at him. "And do not presume that you have power of me when you are making rash decisions based upon your own selfish pride and lust for blood! This will end in a battle!" Elaine let out a shuddering sigh and Thor took a half step back realising a tear had escaped down her cheek. "I worry for you brother, let me come along, let me act as your diplomat, you know I can," Elaine pleaded with the man who sighed softly.
"If it comes to a battle, you run alright?" He said, finally turning back to look at her and placing a hand on her shoulder. Elaine nodded and allowed him to walk away. She turned back to the group, her deep ocean blue dress standing out against the backdrop of the golden city beyond them as they took in the pale blue burn that stood out against her neck, and the bandages hidden beneath her clothes. She had every right to be terrified of seeing another frost giant, but she insisted on going, insisted on protecting her brother and them. Loki was the first to step up to her.
"I will make sure nothing will happen to you." He promised softly, his hand clasping her for a moment. "You will ride with me; your injury will not heal any faster if you have to ride on your own." He said before releasing her hand.
"Thank-you Loki." She said, meeting his eye for a moment before he was gone. The others walked around her as they made their way into the stable to saddle their horses and prepare to leave.
Just a little short chapter for now, the next one will be longer, I promise . Anyways, I've decided to follow the first movie, for now, but there will be some little changes and thus far, I don't plan on ending it the same way as the movie. As always, sent me through a review and tell me whatcha think!