Confused glances and murmurs filled the hall. Thor tightened his grip on Mjollnir subconsciously and took a step forward towards the mysterious intruder. A stand-off of a steady gaze held between the Thunderer and Urd until Odin raised one large palm and called with a voice that filled the tense space,
"Silence." the room fell deadly quiet, Aesir watching closely for the Allfather's next actions. "Sister Urd" he smiled and nodded once, with his arms extended "we meet again. I trust, you have surely heard of our imminent unsettling of the peace" his hands enclosed around her own pale ones, the seer mirroring his friendly smile.
"Hello Allfather." She bowed respectfully, emotionless glaze returning to her face "I have indeed, as you well know. Yet I come with business from within the walls of the house of Odinson itself." A ripple of chatter arose and quietened quickly. Thor relaxed his defensive position, Sif's hand on his arm pulling his back, away from the seemingly acquainted Allfather and the woman with dark midnight hair.
Odin's face didn't waver from its impartial expression "There is no unsettling within my walls for you to have involvement with Sister Urd. Speak plainly for why you have come at such an uncertain time."
The visitor drew herself to her full height, black travelling cape swashing behind her as she began to walk to the centre of the room, the focus point of the council.
"Brothers, sisters" she called as she went "This war you seem intent on meeting head on is sure to fail. Asgard will fall and millennia of peace within the realms will cease." an appalled gasp filled the chamber and even the Allfather's poker face slipped to that of deep-set worry.
"What is the meaning of this?" he yelled, red-faced. The intruder merely smiled, pacing back and forth before replying, hands clasped behind her back- a hundred Aesir faces trained on her own.
"It is as I said dear friend. You will fall and Asgard will crumble" she held up one finger, smirking and turning suddenly on the spot to look Odin squarely in the eyes "That is, unless you can gain usage to every advantage Asgard has in it's weaponry." she spoke to a bemused crowd. "And understand its every purpose."
"Asgard utilises it's every defence. Our army is the finest in all nine realms, its craftsmen use skills homed since the beginning of time!" Odin replied, quick to defend his reign as it was threatened so casually. Urd again smiled.
"You overlook your greatest weapon, as I said, my business is within the Odinson household. I have not travelled such distances to quarrel over the physical strength of this realm- I come with news, enlightenment. My business is with your second son Allfather. I have come for Loki." her words resonated in the silent hall, councillors and kings alike were stilled with shock.
"Loki? Why would the sister of fate have business with Loki? He is but a boy!" Odin questioned and Urd rolled her eyes.
"You see? I spoke the truth when I said you overlook your greatest weapon. How can you call a boy what anyone can plainly see as a man? How can you deem the skills- the magic- he possesses to be child's play? The Dwarves have great skills Allfather. Magic such as theirs is very rarely met on an even field in any of the worlds. Great fighters they are, yes, but Asgard's warriors are a fine match for any war. Where your downfall lies is within the craft of magic. Your crafter's of magic would never mach the Dwarves, your pure magic, your healing tricks and potions would help no one in combat but Loki is different. With Loki and his magic fighting your cause, you stand a chance." her wise, timeless voice fell on shocked ears to everyone present.
"Loki is fighting our cause." Odin spat through clenched teeth "how dare you question the loyalty of an Asgardian prince?"
Urd laughed humourlessly "You know as well as the members of your own council that Loki fights his own battles. He fights for the cause that benefits him and would as soon leave the field of battle if he saw Asgard would fall. I doubt not his allegiance to Asgard, but ask yourself this, do you think Loki prepared to die in order to save It?"
This time, her words caused cries of outrage throughout the halls, men that had slandered Loki's name only minutes before were shouting in their prince's defence. Doubt within the walls of Asgard was one thing, but for an outsider, a stranger to doubt the allegiance of their prince? That was another thing entirely. Gazes turned on the Allfather, expecting defence from their ruler for his second son but saw only an expression of doubt, of resignation. The air fell heavy as the cries died down. Odin sighed, looking much older than his thousands of years, weighed by the sudden revelations.
"Speak of the news you came for." he yielded finally, sitting again on his throne and the Aesir followed suit, sitting, intrigued and questioning towards the sister of fate.
Urd opened her mouth to speak but closed it again as the golden doors opened, and the very prince in questioned walked in, as of yet oblivious to the scene unfolding within. Smiling softly, he looked up to be greeted by a hundred pairs of questioning eyes. He stopped still, face falling and eyes darting around the room in confusion. A small haze of whispers just audible, many shifting in their seats to look at him.
Page break.
Loki had always been uncomfortable with large crowds of people looking at him, preferring to allow Thor to take the stage as the golden brother, and now, with gazes cast upon him he felt himself stir uneasily. He look at his father, whose gaze was returned with a questioning air of study.
"What's happened?" he asked worriedly, had something happened in his absence? Surely he had been gone not twenty minutes! Then he spotted the woman in the centre of the room and a cold shiver ran down her spine.
The sister of fate watched him with an air of chilling familiarity, it was as if she could see into his very soul. He knew he had no secrets to her eyes, she knew all.
"Prince Loki Odinson, just in time. As punctual as ever I see." he was confused- was she trying to joke with him? "I have business with Asgard, and with yourself in particular" her voice was cool and rang with authority when she spoke "listen now, for I have a tale and it is time it is told."
Loki's mind whirled. What did fate herself have business with him for? Surely this could not end good. He silenced his thoughts and forced an impartial expression onto his face, he nodded at her to continue- he refused to show any weariness. She was after all, the greatest bearer of knowledge and truth- he refused to be scared by the things he himself prized
"Then speak sister, for I am sure we have been kept waiting for too long already." Urd smiled in response before speaking. Loki took his place next to Thor and Sif, identical looks of confusion riddled their features.
What had happened before he had entered? Loki wondered, focusing solely on the sister of fate before him, blocking the gazes that fell on him out.
"Hundreds of years ago, news reached my ears of a baby. A second son to the house of Odin, an outsider he would become, a contrast in every way to that of his brother, yet I knew the true worth of this child. The child of magic, the cunning and quick witted boy would grow into a man of great intellect and skill, yet still would be regarded with nonchalance within these golden walls. He would be contented with the shadows, learn their ways, become a masterful lie smith." she paused and Loki felt cold trickle down his spine with unease, what did she know? Why was she suddenly pouring out his deepest secrets in front of his peers? Hs friends, family?
"That is, until the day where the fate of the realms would rest squarely on his shoulders. So used to the shadows and tricks would he become, that he would see no reason to lay down his life for the realm that had held him with little more than bare acceptance. He would not think twice before abandoning the battle where the Aesir fought for their very existence. This man would see their downfall, and turn his back on them. He would save himself over the race he had known from birth."
Her bleak tone rang in the deadly silence of the room, as eyes turned once again on the appalled prince. Had he just been accused of treason? He couldn't solidify his thoughts to think.
"Are you accusing me of turning my back on my own people?" his tone was harsh towards her.
Anger bubbled inside him when she merely smiled in return.
"How do any of us know what we would do when we are pushed to the edge of our tolerance? This forthcoming war will be unlike any ever known, know that prince of Asgard, and there will come a time where your life will be threatened in order to save this realm. Your magic is the only salvation to Asgard now." The truth to her words slowly sunk in to the silent room, the council, Odin and the two brothers looked at each other blankly.
Suddenly, laughter filled the air, and Loki was the sole noise in the hall, chuckling lightly. "Good, very good sister Urd. For this must be a joke if you are to say my magic will be the saviour of Asgard over its whole army!" Urd's face remained serious.
"Loki choose not to believe if you will, but whilst Asgard is a match for Nidavellir in arms, without the skill of a magic craftsman, their cause is doomed. Asgard needs every defence it has now, and if you are to be the weak link, they are sure to fall."
Realisation that the woman was serious his Loki like a brick. Him? The only hope for Asgard at war? The thought was almost laughable, yet Urd's face looked as serious as death. What strange twist of fate had caused this hand to be played?
"Now" her voice rang yet again "before I continue with my tale, there is another who plays a heavy part in this tale. I wish with my own eyes, to see Darcy Lewis."
Page break.
The brunette fidgeted self consciously as the ethereal lady's gaze regarded her closely, Loki's cool hand in her own stopped her from running from the room. Sat in the front row of the chamber was herself, Loki, Thor and even the Allfather himself- the eyes of every council member burning holes into her back.
Urd met Darcy's blue stare with her own all-seeing one, ten, twenty, thirty seconds passed before the lady's thin pale lips curved into a smile- seemingly pleased- and she clasped her hands together.
"Perfect!" Her almost girlish tone shocked everyone in attendance "It is exactly as foretold. Beautiful" she mused, running a near white finger down the brunette's flushed cheek "but smart." Urd pulled back her hand sharply "I can see it in your eyes Darcy Lewis. Yes. A keen mind ticks behind that smouldering stare and enchanting face, yet how could you be anything but what you are?- you were born to be so." Darcy supposed she should take the sister's words as a compliment, but her fear kept her back straight in her seat, channelling all of the nervous energy into holding Loki's hand tight so her face was a mask of self confidence before the fate-seer's eyes. The prince of mischief himself was even shocked at how good a front she was presenting, not many could hold Urd's stare without flinching from its power.
"Sister my patience grows thin. You have all of our attention, summoned both my son and Miss Lewis to this chamber, all to hear this prophecy which you say shall bring about the fall of Asgard. Forgive me, but I will not sit and wait like a child whilst my kingdom, and no doubt many others after it, falls." Odin's voice boomed through the high hall, Urd's face turning sharply to observe him with the same keen stare although Odin didn't show the slightest hint of discomfort. Slowly, Urd's eyes closed and her head bowed.
"Very well Allfather. I shall speak now." Her eyes opened again, this time to meet thoughtfully with that of the trickster's himself who quickly looked at the girl sat beside him, a dread welling up inside him. Whatever this was, it wouldn't be good he thought sourly, and no doubt this was all linked to him- otherwise why would he be summoned here so urgently? Gods, would Darcy feel differently towards him after she had heard what Urd had to say? Loki's heart sank at the thought. Of course she would, her eyes would cloud over with the same judgment as the rest of the Aesir's did, she would avoid his presence when the were alone, start withdrawing from him and sooner than he would think possible, they would be strangers again.
No. His subconscious fought back. Darcy was different to the rest, even after all he had told her, shown her, she still felt the same. She still loved him. Her eyes still met his now with an unwavering affirmation of his thoughts. No, they were a part of each other now. Whatever Urd's tale brought, they would have to face it together. Did that make him selfish? Loki had no time to answer that, because the sister began to speak and the council held its breath with anticipation.
"Decades ago, a prophesy was told, bringing the end to the realm eternal and all those who held allegiance with it. That is" she paused, one arm outstretched, grinning wickedly "If there was not one other who would lay down his life to save the world. Neither man nor Dwarf, this sacrifice would come of his own will and speak of ancient tongue. He, and only he would be able to bargain in the mother tongue with the king of the Dwarves; his life for theirs. Your savoir lives among you Aesir. Cast your eyes now, upon the one who is to be the life of you all." Her eyes finally fell onto Loki and the crowd stirred.
Loki didn't dare look at Darcy now, how could he when her face in his mind was bad enough? Instead he stood, shoulder's broad and towering over the fate-spinner herself, his voice raising over the loud outraged cries.
Again, the prince looked doubtful "Sister you must be mistaken, there are a thousand brave, noble warriors in this realm. I am without the strength to win a battle." Urd smiled and the room silenced.
"You have heart, young prince. That is strength enough. It is not with strength, but with that heart that you will fulfil your prophecy. Although it shall be on your shoulders when the time comes, and no other can stand beside you, it will be the love of others that will drive you forward. Your love for your brother, your friend, your constant companion will see you to that day. Your love for your kingdom, your family, your friends will carry you to that event. However, it is your love for another, of a different nature that will win you the war. When you offer your life up to save all others, it will be her face that carries you through. So it has been told, so it will be."
Loki was stunned. Her. Darcy. So he had been right to think that they were linked by a bond stronger than love. They truly were two halves of one whole. It would be through her that he saved Asgard. It would be through her, that he offers himself up to die. He ran cold. So they were to be another tragedy then. No great love story after all.
"You see now, how my tale is true?" she talked directly to Loki now, forgetting the hundreds of eyes watching her intently, and Loki blinked once, nodding. Still, he daren't look at the girl beside him. That beautiful, mystifying woman he loved with every fibre of his being- the only person he would gladly die for.
"When the prophecy was told, it was told so in two halves. The first of a prince, the second of a girl, a human for all intents and purposes. A human whose life and love would save a thousand other's." Her gaze fell on Darcy, who instinctively shied into Loki's side.
"Me?" her voice was barely more than a whisper. Of course Loki thought bitterly, only Darcy herself would be the last to work out who it was that he loved more than his own life, modest as she was.
"Child, you are perhaps the most important part of this war that is to come. When the first prophecy was told, that of a dark boy- a trickster, a spell smith who would use his life to win back others theirs, so was another told of a girl. Born from the death of two stars, this child would grow, learn, love until the time when she would meet the prince and would change him also. One's love for their sibling, their parents, their friends and kingdom would never be enough to sacrifice their life for. The savoir and his Star Child. It would be only through his love for her that he would have the strength to do what needs to be done. I believe the word Soulmates would be more familiar to you child? You, Darcy Lewis, the Star Child are the person spoken of in the second prophecy."
"No." Darcy whispered "I'm just some girl from New Mexico. The Star Child? What does that even mean? I have parents! I have-" she stopped, freezing as she met Urd's stare full on.
"You are adopted." Urd nodded "you know you are, despite you having a mother and a father who love you every bit as much as their own, you are not linked by blood. You are the Star Child and you know it. Think Darcy. Has there ever been another you've loved so instinctively as the man you stand by now?" Darcy blushed, suddenly becoming aware of all the people in the room looking at her. She hated crowds. Yet meeting Loki's eyes, and seeing there the same emotion that resonated within herself, she knew without even realising it.
"No, there has not." she agreed, not taking her eyes off Loki, their hands tightly bound. Her heart ripped as she took in his tortured expression. Give up his life for other's? Did that mean-? No. Surely no. Loki couldn't die. He couldn't. The thought alone crippled her with grief.
It had taken but days to fall in love with him, but even now, she knew that she could never again be without him. If he laid down his life, what would she do?
"You have confirmed everything I've said." Urd directed her words at Loki again, Darcy not hearing any words that were spoken now, yet the prince's mind had sharpened- he knew this was the way their fates would take them.
"I must leave now, my duty is done. You alone will know when the time comes what your course must be. Choose wisely my prince, there shall be only one opportunity to fulfil the events that are to come." Sister Urd lowered her head once in respect, looked from Loki to Darcy and turned as if to leave, speaking once more.
"Remember Allfather. Prophecies do not fulfil themselves. Your army must play their every hand before the time comes. This war will not be won without losses."
The Allfather looked troubled, worn by the afternoon's events, tired but he nodded, taking in Urd's words deeply, thinking about their true meaning.
"Thank you sister." His voice brought everyone in the hall back to reality, but when all eyes turned away from his, the sister of fate was gone, leaving only questions in her wake.
Wow, okay where to start? Probably with sorry- I'm sorry it's been so long for this chapter but I've been staying with my friend, catching up on my neglected social life for the past week, and this chapter has been soo hard to write!
Secondly- Thanks so so so much to everyone who has reviewed, they really are wonderful inspiration, please keep them coming! :D Also, I really hope I explained this chapter well enough, I had to re-write it so many times, I know it's confusing- please message me with any questions, hopefully I'll clear them up in the next few chapters :D Lastly, thank you so much for reading and sticking with me! I hope you're liking it, please review! Xx