I know, I know! I have no excuse whatsoever for my lateness. Nonetheless I am sorry and have brought an update to offer in hopes of gaining the much craved forgiveness.
Enjoy.
If Loki had any regard for his creations, it vanished the moment they appeared before him like children waiting to be scolded. Grimacing, he favoured Hel with a stern glance. "What is it that you have done? Why do you come to me?"
Fenrir howled in protest and equal distress at their maker's words. It was abundantly clear that he did not agree with the blame being pinned on them. His whines were brought to an abrupt halt by Hel's fingers pulling on his fur in warning. Jörmungand's hiss followed the tug. Quieting down the beast licked its paw in surrender. He knew when the fight was lost.
"Our actions do not warrant such chastisement," Hel voiced coolly. "In fact we have come here to bring a warning."
The ruler's eyes snapped to hers. "A warning?" he repeated unconvinced. "Very well then, do tell me." Ruby orbs never left his creation's face. It might have been that the trio were amusing themselves but Loki could sense something else.
Concern touched Hel's expression. "Can you not feel it? Does your mind no longer recognise the old magic?" Fretful eyes searched Loki's face.
The implications had such a strong impact upon the king that for one long moment Loki stared at her seemingly uncomprehending. "Old magic?" he asked himself. A tremor moved his lips. "Old magic, you say? Why should that concern me?" Not may knew the old magic any longer, and those who did kept it a secret.
The Ancient ones, a far more powerful variant of the Frost Giants that had occupied the realm many eons back, were able to use a sort of magic inaccessible to their successor. No one really knew the reason of their demise only that they'd vanished without a trace, leaving behind a few complicated spells and some interestingly painted walls. A few of those said walls had been used in building the fortress. There were whispers that magic still lingered within them, yet nothing that had worried Loki. Perhaps he should not have been so unconcerned.
Unable to help himself Fenrir growled in an almost feral manner. His thick tail waved in the air. Hel glared at him but exposed the concerns of them all. "The Queen seems to be trapped behind a wall guarded by such magic. We've done our, yet we are not able to reach her."
All the blood drained from Loki's face. Blood red eyes shimmered, their cruel gleam a promise of pain. "What" he hissed. Blood-boiling anger coursed through him. "Who allowed her to even walk in the way of such danger?" His roar would have made the heavens crumble with its force. Not an answer was given to his question. "Take me to her."
Doing exactly as she'd been told, Hel touched Loki's hand gently. She then grabbed Fenrir's fur who in turn put a paw on the family's serpent.
Reaching the blasted wall, Loki promptly touched both his hands to it. Indeed, the ancient magic radiated off the stones in waves. Something was not as it should be, and someone would pay dearly for this. Loki's desire of revenge was quelled by the need to save Darcy and his son first first.
He would wrap them in his arms and never let go. But first of all he would give his wife a scalding set down for her stupidity. How could she endanger herself so? And their child too? Did the woman not have an ounce of intelligence in that head of hers? Loki was appalled at this. More than anything, he was bothered by the fact that ancient magic now had a feeding source. Unlike other types of magic that had been tamed and could be controlled, old magic was a carnivorous plant. It lured its victims into a net then proceeded to drain them of all life they possessed. All the energy of one individual could be sapped right out of them within a few hours.
"Have you tried pulverising it?" Loki asked. Though his face was a calm mask, the storm could be sensed by all.
"We did," Hel answered, pale face seeming to glow in the semi-darkness. "It had no effect over it whatsoever."
"Summon Angrboða," the King ordered simply then turned to face the wall. From that moment on he ignored all but the cold stones.
Loki concentrated on gathering as much magic as he could in his hands. The task had never been easy, nor did his worrying help him in any way whatsoever. He buried everything but his focus and called upon every bit of magic within him. Releasing the force collected in his palms, Loki watched it seep into the wall. It was greedily absorbed. A frown marred the trickster's face. His powers seemed to be accepted by whatever entity conjured the wall. They were compatible in a sense. Experimentally Loki pushed against the barrier. The stone structure remained rigid under his pressure. It was fascinating.
"Step away," Angrboða's sharp voice broke his concentration and whatever link he had established. "My King, it is dangerous."
"As all else," Loki countered unhurriedly. There was something that called out to him. "Can you take this down."
The shake of her head alarmed him. "I cannot do this alone," Angrboða clarified a moment later. She extended her hand to him. "It seems you shall have to be my partner one more time."
Nostalgia took over in the lingering silence. The fondness that had once been between them sparked to life feebly, only to be smothered by consciousness. Angrboða remembered exactly why the ties between them had been severed. The moment was broken by more pressing matters and the evident impatience rolling off of Loki in waves.
Taking her hand, the God of Mischief turned his burning eyes to the wall, with no small amount of hatred. Determination filled him rapidly. Whatever sort of test this was, he would pass it. He would not be bested. He refused to be bested and lose those dear to him.
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.
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Slumping against whatever could hold her up at the moment, Darcy kept a good grip on her son. Regardless of the many times the maid had assured her they were approaching an exit, she found it hard to believe. Fatigue had always made her less than pleasant and at that very instant she was feeling overwhelmed by it.
"Are you sure we're on the right path?" What a stupid thing it was to ask. There was only one path, and it seemed to lead nowhere.
Lottelise threw a look over her shoulder, straight into the never-ending darkness. "There is no need to worry." Plain words, spoken rather sensibly. Alas they did nothing for Darcy's nerves.
"Isn't there?" Darcy slew the silence. Scepticism had always been a favourite of hers. Irony of course was even sweeter, if any less practical. "I believe you are leading me on."
For a brave second Darcy had been ready to punch the other woman, until said woman smiled. It was that sort of grin that froze the blood in anyone's veins. And Darcy's blood temperature had been cool enough even before. She had been led on, hadn't she? Of course. Looking back, Darcy realised the best policy would have been to keep her distance. But she hadn't, despite knowing better. She only had herself to blame for this. It was disheartening, yet not untrue which only made it all so much bitterer. The frightening thing was that damned smile, so very unnatural.
"What would you do if I told you that you were right?" Lottelise lowered the light she was holding. Her eyes glowed red in the dark. A true predator if Darcy had ever seen one.
Panic, Darcy answered silently. The admission was there and sure enough alarm seeped into her every pore. "I would simply take delight in the fact that Loki will make sure not even a speck of dust remains one he's done with you."
Laughter hadn't been the anticipated reaction. Darcy was miffed. Leif whimpered but that was all the sound he let himself make. Somehow even the baby could feel the danger lurking about. This was far from an ideal situation. Tempted as she was to curse, Darcy held back, if only for the child's sake. That and the fact that she trusted what she'd said despite the blatant disbelieve Lottelise exhibited. In the event that something did happen to her, Darcy had not even a doubt that Loki would look after their son. He was a good person despite trying very hard to hide it.
"Only if he reaches you in time," the maid drawled. "It's already started, you know? The slight dizziness, the exhaustion. It's already started."
"What are you talking about?" Well and truly irritated Darcy yelled out her question. Another secretive smile made her stomach turn. "I demand to know what this is all about!"
"Adapting to the role of Queen are we?" Lottelise's taunted. "You certainly have something about you. It's rather novel. And entirely captivating. But I daresay it will wear off."
The thought struck Darcy like lighting. Very nearly so. Was this what she thought it was? "Are you in love with my husband?" She was going to break her neck, and feel good about it too. That she would.
"Love is an eminently human emotion. Is that what you feel for him? Love?" Again, Lottelise concentrated her teasing on being hurtful. "He'll only tire of you."
"By that time," Darcy spit back, "I'll have become so ingrained into his life that he won't even think of letting me go." She knew that Loki loved her. So why was she letting the words of a stranger get to her? No response came. Had she managed to finally obtain her opponent's silence?
Apparently not. Lottelise snickered softly. "You are overestimating his sense of duty. And grossly so. No matter how long you stay with a partner, there is no guarantee of forever."
Once more a fuse was lit within Darcy. Just who the hell was this woman? Was she a previous paramour of her husband's? "Maybe you don't know this, and because I am feeling gracious today, I am willing to tell it to you: if the partnership is a true one, if it really is a team, then nobody gets left behind." Satisfied with the comeback, Darcy sagged against the wall once more.
It seemed that Lottelise had no more to say. She simply towered over Darcy in a menacing way. Pursing her lips, the young mother turned her attention to her son. Leif regarded her with intelligent eyes. It was as if he knew not to make a fuss. And maybe he did. Between Loki and Darcy, he could not lack intelligence. Common sense was another matter all together and Darcy really hoped he was like his father when it was concerned. Not that Darcy lacked the ability to be logical; she would rather not use it when it came down to it. But Leif did not seem that opposed to being reasonable.
"I don't suppose there is any chance of you letting us go?" There wasn't, but Darcy could not give up without trying.
"Not really." Amusement tinted those words. Clearly her captor found their distress amusing. "I don't plan to, anyway."
"I thought that too." Good God, they were being a step removed from civil. It made Darcy sick. "Why are you being so polite?"
"You are going to die anyway. There's no reason to be anything but polite regarding the deceased." Lottelise smirked.
"Ah," Darcy concluded smartly. She was going to die, was she? Darcy rather thought not. She would very much like to live and see the girls chasing her son around and maybe have more children. But it was best not to share such information with the traitorous maid. "I see." Morbid curiosity or whatever else it could be called prompted Darcy to ask, "How much longer do I have?"
"Not very much," was the soothing reply. "A few hours, I'd say. But no more than a day."
"That's plenty of time," Darcy remarked softly. It wasn't, not really. Had Loki noticed that she was missing? Could he feel that she was in danger?
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What Loki did feel had no other name than frustration. He was so very close to annihilating every damned person in his vicinity. Starting with his useless creation and his long-ago partner. Could nothing be done about the wall blocking their path?
Genuinely distressed, Angrboða murmured an enchantment under her breath. The stones shook and even squeaked, but they did not part. There was no chink to be worked upon. She cursed.
"Why is it that you cannot find anything of help?" Loki's mood was only worsening. And rightly so. He needed to unleash some violence that lay dormant within him.
"We all have our limits," she pointed out slowly, as if trying to9 reason with him. That had never worked.
"And ours should be well beyond the average," he reprimanded. If anything, Loki would know his own limits. "The question is: do our limits stretch to destroying this wall?"
The trickster hoped they did. Otherwise he would not be held accountable for what was sure to follow. He could already envision the blood and the carnage. He hadn't lost his touch after all. Loki was glad for that. It was a comfort, even if a small one, that he could always count on his bloodlust when he ran out of other options. This particular old friend he knew too well to be deceived. Even now it simmered under his skin. Just beneath the surface, deep enough for him to hide it, but not deep enough to stay buried for long.
"I think they do," Angrboða told him. She motioned for the three creations to approach them. "I think they do."
"That," Loki enunciated, "Is not nearly good enough. You must be certain." Garnet orbs flashed dangerously.
"Are you?" There was no need for clarifications. Angrboða was not stupid enough to confuse his cam demeanour with relaxation. The King was ready to tear them all to pieces.
Eyes widened almost comically, Loki snapped forward, violently grabbing Angrboða's shoulders. "Wrong answer." His fingers pushed ruthlessly. Patience had left him long ago. In fact it had fled at the first sign of danger leaving behind crippling fury.
"Do it now," Angrboða whispered. "The spell I taught you on the night of the blood moon. Do it now." The potential of that enchantment was a great one, meant to be properly exploited. If not Loki, then who would do it? And it did provide a good chance at blowing the wall up.
Anger was a powerful stimulator. It certainly was powerful enough to make Loki shove the woman away and attack the wall ferociously. The incantation passed his lips in a jagged tone. Standing witness to his gloomy frame of mind were both the thick, uneven voice and the cruelly sparking eyes.
Hel flattened herself against Fenrir. Her furry sibling brushed her with his tail and growled softly, as if to put her at ease. She could very well sense the heaviness all around them. It was suffocating. Hel was no stranger to the occasional violence but this deliberate homicidal temper Loki displayed frightened her to the marrow. She felt vulnerable. It was never a good feeling, not a particularly safe one either. Emotional weakness was a danger in itself, not only for the person in possession of it, but for all others too. Hel hated feeling helpless. She clung to her brother for support.
For his part Fenrir tried his best to reassure his sister. She was a strong one, he knew from experience. Hel was not breakable, but from time to time she did like a show of support. They were not devoid of feelings, Loki creations. Even more so amongst themselves. One would be wrong to suspect them of lacking sentiments. And it was a terrifying thing to watch their creator so out of control. To any of them it was clear that the God of Mischief was more than ready to wreak havoc. Being a potential victim of that temper was even more frightening.
Jörmungand stretched, deceptively unperturbed. Still, his body came before those of his siblings. Not given to showing that he cared, the serpent most often hid his affection from his brother and sister. They knew he cared; they just didn't know to what extent. And Jörmungand liked that. It was safer to always be in control. He was perhaps the one who was most like Loki of the three. But even he was shaken by what was going on. Coiling and tensing his body to whatever level he could reach, Jörmungand looked within himself for power. Undoubtedly he would need it.
As far as she was concerned, Angrboða thought things were coming along marvellously. Of course with the potential harm to Lady Darcy and the child. Still it was an opportunity for Loki to test his force and limit. And his cunning nature could only flourish in such circumstances. Without doubt he would find a way to rescue his lover and the boy.
Less pleased than the witch was Loki himself. His rage hadn't abated any. It was actually steadily increasing and feeding the rising tide within him. Finally he reached the end of the long incantation needed to cast the spell. He could feel his very soul reaching out of him to pull the impediment apart. This time the structure gave a loud gnashing sound. The rocks made a racket as they were grinded into thin powder.
Had Loki expected an easy victory, he would have been disappointed at finding nothing. After all the effort put in, there was still no trace of Darcy. Indeed behind the wall there had been nothing more than a narrow road and emptiness. Yet Loki was hardly alarmed at the discovery. He had known it would not be effortless a task and he'd accepted the challenge. For what else could it be but a challenge?
"Fenrir, see if you can sense anything," Loki commanded to the wolf-like creature. "Hel, you too, search with your brother. One of your spells might be able to find Darcy." He deliberately left the last of his creations unoccupied. "Jörmungand, save your energy. You are to accompany me."
And that was it. Loki had no plans of giving his search up. His creations would assist him and if needed be, he would call upon the entire army. Silently, the god watched his creations go about his orders. They were bound to find something at one point. Loki preferred to think that it would be sooner rather than later.
Crossing his arms over his chest, Loki leaned against the wall. The cogs in his brain started turning at alarming speed. There were just so many possibilities to be taken into account. The trickster surveyed the scene with cold eyes. What had Darcy gotten herself into he could not tell, yet whatever it was nothing good could come out of it. A grimace touched his face fleetingly, followed by a sigh.
This uncanny ability of Darcy's to find trouble would have to be curtailed one way or another. He could not simply run off to her rescue every time she felt adventurous. Nor did he wish her harmed if it counted for anything. Keeping his stance, Loki turned his head to Jörmungand, if only for a quick check.
Well that was fun. For me. And hopefully for you too. Boy, do I love complications.