Author's Note: Translations: Fljotr - 'Swift', Sveimun - 'Soaring', Skina - 'Shine', Syna - 'Show'
Permission
Thor looked about himself, beside him stood Grundsol and Fandral and around them everything was made of reddish-brown or black rock - the arches, bridges and buildings - while lava flowed under the bridges and in channeled streams around them. The very air was heavy with steam and heat that obsured his vision to a blur after five feet.
They walked along one of the bridges towards the far off and high up, enormous black blur that was the volcanic palace of Muspelheim. Father had only reluctantly let them come here, only because it seemed that Surtr could indeed have knowledge of Loki's kidnapping.
Flashback
It was almost impossible to keep still and not fidget. Why ? Because while King Sol had given his approval to Grundsol earlier, he was anxious as he looked up because Father's only working eye his left, because Father's right was destroyed by Laufey, was currently emotionally blank.
The ravens, Huginn and Muninn or 'thought' and 'memory', flew in along the golden columned aisle from the right side of the room. Then they swept in to rest on Father's golden-armoured shoulders as Grundsol bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I was looking in my family's library for spells that could block magic from the seeing of itself. What I found is in this circumstance...potentially disturbing besides Asgard, Muspelheim is the only World capable of making illusions. They do so using a spell called Hyrraetla or 'fire-thinking' that if used by a strong enough eldjotun could block the orbs from seeing who kidnapped Loki. Does this not prove that Surtr might know something ?"
Father shifted and his spear Gungnir tapped the golden throne he sat on. Clenched his fists and refused the urge to shift or make some sort of sound to release his tension.
Very slowly a hand ran over the long, white-beard as Father thought it over, what seemed forever later, the answer came, "Long has thy father King Sol let us use his library when we knew not where else to turn and always it's information has proven correct, Prince Grundsol. Still, Surtr Forn is a very dangerous enemy even without being angered and if you anger him it could lead to war with Asgard and Alfheim."
That answer made him want to shout, 'I don't care if it makes Surtr angry, Father, I just want to find Loki !'
Father grimaced, his single blue-eye pained, but resigned as he continued, "Thor, I have already lost one son and I do not wish to lose you as well, but if it will help to find Loki then I cannot deny your request knowing that it may cost his life. For his sake, I pray that Surtr does in fact hold important information, or you will have wasted precious time on nothing. Now, begone from me, return swiftly and with great tidings."
His sigh of relief seemed to be especially loud in the silence of the gigantic, indoor throne room. Tried not to bow to quickly as he replied, "Thank thee, Allfather, for allowing this request. I swear that we will return as swiftly as Huginn does." Before he turned and started back along the dark-red carpet towards the exit.
When he and Grundsol had gotten into the torch-lit hallway, he heard Father's voice echo as the King of Asgard wondered to Huginn and Muninn, "Would this have happened had I listened to Loki and sent Olaf in his place ? For the matter why did I not go myself ? Why did I not let him take guards or at the least weapons ? Once again, your father has failed you, Loki."
The alf-prince had obviously pretended not to hear Father's questions as he asked, "Is Fandral waiting somewhere for us, Thor ?"
"Yes, he's waiting outside the stables, and though it would help us, we can't bring the horses with us to Muspelheim because the heat would kill them."
White-silver eyes glowed in relief, like Loki did, Grundsol had a soft spot for horses. All three of them had even ridden their first ponies together or he'd tried, it hadn't worked out that well.
Flashback
He yelped as Fljotr threw him off, he crashed into the dirt and glared at the pony. Not scared in the least, the white-furred pony pranced away from him. His pony walked over to Grundsol's roan, Skina, and sniffed her. While Sveimun and Loki who'd been behind Grundsol swerved sharply right to avoid ramming the alf and ponies.
Loki grabbed onto Fljotr's reins and led him back, a scolding, "You're not supposed to throw people, Fljotr, Mother says its very rude !"
Brown-furred Sveimun glared at Fljotr who whickered in seeming apology, before pushing his nose into Loki's face. Couldn't help that he burst into laughter at the face that Loki pulled as he pushed the pony away.
Again, he got on the white-pony and finally made it around the ring before being thrown off, again.
End Flashback
Slowly, he realized that he and Grundsol had entered the stables. Fljotr whinned and moved up to pressed against the stall-door. Meanwhile, Sveimun's ears flicked back and forth waiting like all the past week of the peace-accords for Loki to appear. So, in total it was about eight days since Sveimun had seen his master and today was the fourth day of Loki's kidnapping.
Fandral, who stood by his grey horse, asked, "Do we have permission ?"
Walked up to rub Sveimun's forelock as he replied, "Aye, we do."
As Grundsol climbed on Skina, Sveimun reared and his dark-eyes were distressed.
Reluctantly, he moved away before unlocking Fljotr's stall and getting on Fljotr as Fandral mounted Syna.
The lighter-blond Asgardian nodded, stating, "Well, let's go then, we can't waste time."
It took them mere minutes to reach Heimdall and the Bifrost, to dismount and walk inside the tunnel before they appeared in the red-brown haze of Muspelheim.
End Flashback
He stopped and Grundsol stopped, while Fandral did as well, but also fiddled with his foil as three eldjotnar approached them. His dream of Surtr and Loki came back as he eyed the seven-foot tall, orange-red skinned and emerald-eyed fire-giants, they wore onyx armour to attract more heat.
One of the eldjotnar, "What business doth a Prince of Asgard, the Prince of Alfheim and a servant have in Muspelheim ?"
It was himself who replied, "We wisheth to speak with His Majesty of a most important matter. Will thee alloweth us passage ?"
'It would be easier had it been I who was kidnapped instead as Loki is much better truly than I at making requests and pleasantries. If we even get that close to Surtr.'
Two emotions fought in his mind when they were being escorted to the palace's ruby and diamond encrusted onyx-doors - surprise and wariness - at the ease of it.