Loki could hear the crackling fire as his awareness began to rise to the surface. There was a feminine voice humming, occasionally turning a page in a book. When his eyes opened and focused, he could see Natasha in a deep chair, her eyes on a novel (which he read as Mockingjay). He was in his own chambers, the windows shut against the cold outside. He was tucked under blankets and furs, like so many time when he had been ill in the past.
He coughed, both to get her attention and to clear his dry throat.
She set aside her novel and leaned forward a little, "You're awake."
"Obviously," he returned dryly. Licking his lips, he frowned, "What has happened?"
"You...you don't remember?" She raised an eyebrow. When he answered In the negative, she continued. "There was a consul member, Geiss who coordinated everything. He was the one that ordered the arrow that struck your arm ," She pointed to it, "which he had filled with poison. He thought if that didn't finish you off, then the creatures from the Nornheim would do so. Odin and Thor have been speaking to each soldier that was there at the tree decorating ceremony."
Loki's mouth went agape. He knew Geiss from law lessons that were taught when he and Thor were mere children. How could he turn on the royal family like that? Then again, it was hypocritical of him since he had done just that. Still, what possessed such a noble and dignified member of court to act in this manner?
"Do you remember lifting Mjolnir?"
"I-"Loki began, and then the foggy scene replayed itself in his mind. The attack that had begun and the Avengers beginning to fight. Then he had called for the great weapon to vanquish the enemy. How was that even possible? Part of him could not wonder if it had just been a dream.
"Have to admit, we were pretty surprised. No, most of us were floored; especially Odin and Frigga." Natasha shrugged.
Loki snorted at that; his mother would no doubt be delighted that he was now worthy of the weapon, but Odin on the other hand would be concerned at the power he could now wield.
"I'd better go get your mother. The doc-er-the healer told me that I needed to alert her when you woke up." She muttered and quietly excused herself.
Loki stared at his fingers, feeling magic pulsing from underneath his flesh. It was still weak, but could feel the power growing stronger. His eyes widen at the idea of being able to use his magic again, his heart leaping at this thought.
Within moments, there was a knock at the door, and both Frigga and a slightly wizened woman followed behind her that Loki recognized as Eir.
"Loki, I am so glad to see you've awakened." Frigga rushed to his side and took him up in an embrace. She placed her hand on his forehead, taking his temperature, and smiled with relief. "I am pleased that your fever seems to have abated. You've been very ill these last three days."
The Trickster's eyebrows knotted, "Ill?"
Her face took on a solemn appearance, "I believe Lady Natasha has told you of the circumstances of the attack?" He nodded, and she continued with, "the poison within your body made you violently ill. Thor and your friend Doctor Banner have been taking turns looking after you."
"Mother," Loki looked up, a mixture of pleading and sadness, "Is it true about Geiss? What-what does Odin intend to do with him?"
Frigga's lips thinned, "He is to be executed." Her brows knotted, "Do you know why he was so vindictive towards you?" with a shake of his head, she continued. "He knew full well what you were, and even spoke to your fath-to Odin about telling you of your true origins, always it fell on deaf ears. However, when Frost Giants were led into the palace, the guards were killed. One of them was his son. He was privy to the information of what occurred on the Bifrost and on Midgard, which only fueled his anger. "
Loki's heart sank. Had it been him just a few years ago, he would have had the same fate. But Geiss was a friend to him, a father figure that had actually seen him growing up. The council member had always took time to encourage and praise his studies and efforts with magic. He only meant to make mischief, not to have anyone killed. For the first time in many years, he felt the remorse build within ten fold.
"Mother," Loki spoke quickly even as Eir began to look him over, "Allow Thor and I to speak with Odin. You saved my life. Please let Thor and I to save Geiss. Please, Mother. I must right this wrong."
She looked concerned but nodded in agreement. Glancing to the healer, she asked, "Eir, how is he?"
Eir smiled kindly, "The poison has finally begun to leave his body." She addressed him next with a gentle smile, "You will need a few days more of bedrest and meals, but be assured that you will recover fully." She pulled the covers to his shoulders, "I suggest you begin now if you wish to have an audience."
"I agree," Frigga stood, "I will speak with Odin and with Thor before your audience. Get some sleep now." She kissed him on the forehead.
When he woke, he was blessedly alone. He had been resting for two days and found it tiresome. Rolling over on his side, Loki watched the flames flickering in the fireplace. Putting on his dressing gown, Loki went to the mirror, suddenly wondering if it had been better if they-no if he had stayed on Midgard; from this assasination plot to the whispers in the dining hall, he could sense that he was even more unwelcome now as he had been growing up. All of it had been his fault.
Feeling the magic pulsing more strongly within him, he decided to test it, forming a small likeness of Slyvester in his hands, that even meowed. Pleased for a moment, Loki dismissed it with a wave of his hand. Sighing, he felt his stomach grumble and decided that he would venture to the kitchens for something to eat. After all, they were common servants who always treated him with courtesy and ease despite his rank.
He dressed in his normal Asgardian garb, and prepared to step out the door when he was met by Iron Man. Not Tony Stark, Iron Man, who was obviously guarding his chambers.
The faceplate flipped up revealing a slightly weary looking Tony. "'Mornin. Feeling better?"
"I am...thank you." Loki answered with an awkward pause.
The inventor yawned, "You all don't have coffee, do you? Hard to stay awake without it."
"We don't have such a beverage here, but we have tea."
Tony's nose wrinkled, "Tea? No thanks, not my thing. Maybe I'll wait till it's the happy hour..."
Loki's did not know what he was talking about but merely nodded. "I was about to go to the kitchens. I am not in the mood to remain in my chambers."
The industrialist beamed, "Raiding a palace kitchen? Can't say that was ever on my bucket list but it sounds awesome; I'm hungry!"
He lead them down various corridors and back staircase. All the while, Loki was brooding when Tony finally spoke up. "I heard that you're going to try to save the guy who tried to kill you." Loki was silent, but Stark kept talking. "Can't say that I blame you."
At this Loki looked bewildered, and looking over to Stark, he could see a pained expression on his face. "I had a friend, Obadiah Stane. He worked with my dad and then with me. It turned out that he planned my attack and kidnapping when I was in Afghanistan, tried to take over my company, took out my arc reactor, and then tried to kill me himself. I ended up...well because he would have if I hadn't done anything." he trailed off.
"I see..." Loki muttered, but said no more.
Together they stepped into the open kitchen filled with savory smells that made Tony's mouth water. The staff all stopped what they were doing long enough to bow. He stepped to a young woman who looked about twenty five and plucked a pastry from a nearby dish.
"What are you making this morning, Aleo?"
"Asgardian Yule Log, my lord." The lady replied with a cheerful tone.
Nearly ten minutes later, they had a basket full of sweets, pastries and fruit that could be carried back with them, all the while munching on honey cookies.
To their surprise, the rest of the Avengers were waiting at the door of Loki's room.
"Loki!" Thor bellowed, taking him up in a crushing hug. "You are well again! Lady Natasha told me of your deed! To think that you can now wield Mjolnir!"
"Thor, let go!" Loki gasped, "You're crushing my ribs!"
The Thunderer finally pulled away from him, blushing slightly, but grinned as Loki smiled earnestly.
" 'Morning Loki." Steve said, trying to sound carefree, "Glad to see that you're feeling better." There was a stagnation in conversation before his tone became more serious.
"We have an audience with the King and Queen this afternoon. If you want, we can come along," he rubbed the back of his neck, "for support."
Loki was slightly agog, "We?"
"Of course." Bruce interjected, and added more gently, "If you'll allow us."
The next few hours were spent cloistered in Loki's rooms, eating the contents of the basket and discussing what could be done within the limits of Asgard's laws, with occasional trips to the huge palace library that made Bruce's mouth drop. They poured over books but much to their disappointment, could find nothing that would help in the argument to save that man.
In the afternoon, the group anxiously made their sojourn to the King's throne room. All of them knelt in front of both royals. Scanning the room, Loki felt his stomach twist to see Geiss in chains, the narrowed grey eyes making him feel uneasy. Again he had a sense of deja vous, though he had felt smug at what he had done, making this situation even worse in his eyes in retrospect. Around them were the members of council that were present as jury to the trial.
Pounding Gugnir, Odin spoke in a booming tone, "Loki of Asgard, do you have anything to say in these proceedings?"
"Father, All-Father. We wish to ask for clemency for Geiss." It was Thor who spoke first.
Odin's eyebrows rose with something akin to surprise, but he kept his voice level. "You know the gravity of these crimes, my sons?" His eyes glanced at both Asgardian princes, scanning their faces.
Lowering his eyes, Loki spoke up, "We do, your Majesty. But-" he weighed his next words carefully, "I-there is no laws to prevent you from-" He attempted to smile, "what you would have done for me had Queen Frigga not asked for clemency." The smirk faded as his tone became more serious. "I was just recently was told of the circumstances concerning the death of Geiss' son. I-I did not think of the consequences of my actions." He bowed his head towards Geiss. "I deeply regret my role in your son's death, Geiss, and those of the others. Nothing can excuse my behaviour. What I did was out of jealousy and spite. It was vanity and-"
"Save it!" Geiss snapped, interrupting his apology, face red. "You care not all for your actions, don't try to act penitent. You're just a-Jotun monster! I do not know why Asgard even took you into its folds! We were all fooled by your deviousness from the start!"
At this, Loki took several steps back, the Avengers all gaped, as did the entire council. Frigga placed a hand over her mouth, Odin's eye narrowed. The staff came down again, silencing the prisoner.
"That is enough." Odin bellowed, then looked to both Thor and Loki, "Do you still wish to save this man's life?"
"I-" Thor began then looked over to his brother, who was stalk still frozen in mid step, looking glassy eyed and pale. "Loki?" He rushed to his brother and put his hands on the younger Asgardian's shoulders. "Brother?"
Loki's eyes were distant, his stomach in knots. Monster. Yes, now everyone would see him for what he truly was. Would they allow him to return to Midgard now that they knew the truth? At Thor's strong hands on his shoulder, Loki returned to the present. "I-what?" He did not seem to have heard the All-Father's question.
"Loki, I think we should-"
Loki swept away the hand, "Geiss," he said in a shaking voice, "I-I have tried to make amends, on Midgard, with these people." He gestured to the Avengers, "and have learned as my brother has, about humility, of forgiveness...to an extent. Allow it for yourself. Revenge accomplishes nothing, I have discovered this the hard way."
He bowed to the King and Queen, then made his exit, Thor soon following after him while the Avengers trotted behind after paying their respects.
It was well after the Yule Feast when they had knocked at Loki's door. They had pleaded with Loki to open the door and join them earlier in the day, but he did not respond. They had gone to dinner, but none of them did not feel as though they could eat anything.
"Loki, please do not lock yourself away, allow us to come in." The Thunderer yelled. Silence reigned for a moment and then Thor spoke up again, "Do not make me use Mjolnir to smash down the door!"
The door finally swung open, though there was no one to greet them at it.
Stepping in, they regarded Loki, who was laying in bed, pale, while his eyes looked empty. In the one small flickering flame of candlelight, Thor could see remnants of tear tracks, though Loki had tried to wash it away.
"I want-to be alone, Thor." Loki managed to croak.
Thor shook his head. "No, Loki. This is a time when it is not permissible to be so, brother." He tried to smile and lit more lanterns so that the whole room was bathed in light. Behind them, the others were attempting to smile. Steve had a basket in his arms, and Natasha was carrying a bottle of wine, while Bruce had the dishes in his hands.
"I am not hungry," Loki muttered miserably.
"Come brother, it is the Yule! It is a time for joyous feasting!" He slapped Loki on the back, lurching him forward a few inches.
Natasha said kindly, "Since you didn't want to go to the feast, we brought it to you." She said, placing the kitchenware on a table and Steve spread the meal onto several plates.
"Trust me, having a holiday meal with people is worthwhile, take it from someone who spent a lot of them alone."
There were a few small nods of agreement while shadows of memories they would rather not remember seemed to echo on each of the Avengers' faces.
"You'll take a holiday meal-even with a-a monster?" Loki shuddered.
All of them seemed to stop in their tracks.
"Loki," Thor put both hands on the younger's shoulders, "you are NOT a monster, do you hear me? You are my brother, a prince of Asgard-" Loki snorted at this,
Then Steve finished the thought, "and our friend."
This took Loki slightly aback, "Friend? Even after all I have done. How can you not see all of it?"
Natasha shook her head, "I told you once that I had red in my ledger. I joined S.H.I.E.L.D. with the hope of well, wiping some of that clean. Not that it was any different but," she held out a mug of wine which he took, "I felt that I was finally going the right direction. You probably know why...because of Clint."
"Weapons manufacturer. I got a dose of my own medicine too." Tony spoke up with a raised hand.
"So you see, Loki, we're all trying to reform in our own ways. We're not perfect even now, but-" he shrugged "It is what it is. We can only continue down this path and hope to do only good with what we've been given."
Some of them (including Loki) looked surprised by these words. But after a pause, Tony piped up, "Enough philosophy, let's eat!"
"Tony!" They all grumbled at him while he merely shrugged.
The food and wine were passed out, some finding a seat on a chair or sofa and in Thor's case, sitting on the edge of the bed. They all talked of what had been spoken about at the feast. Of Fandral's second telling of his conquest, of how Lady Sif's hair really had become ebony and tales of Thor's youth.
"Odin's suppose to-" Clint spoke up, "fly around Asgard delivering presents to kids on that eight legged horse, what was his name?"
"Sleipnir. Poor thing, it is arduous for him each year." Loki remarked.
"Wait, Sleipnir isn't your-" Clint asked with a raised eyebrow.
"No no, that is just a myth created by you mortals." Thor answered, which made Loki snicker.
Clint grinned, jerking a thumb to the Thunderer, "Thor told us that that's where the legend of Santa Claus partially came from!" Which garnered a laugh from all of them.
While they ate a tense silence seemed to hang over the room, even as Loki put down his silverware and cleared his throat. "Thor?"
"Yes Brother?"
"I-I want to go back to Midgard." Loki finished quietly.
This got everyone's attention, they too, looked up from their meals.
Thor merely nodded. "We shall leave on the morrow, brother. If it is what you so wish."
As the sun rose over Asgard the next morning, a sleepy and somewhat solemn group made their way to the Observatory. To their surprise, Frigga appeared next to Heimdall, wearing a sky blue dress. She smiled sadly at their appearance. She stepped forth to kiss each of the Asgardian princes on the forehead.
"Mother, how did you arrive before us?" Thor managed to spout.
"I was told you were awake and readying to leave." Her expression darkened, "I was only slightly surprised that you want to return to Midgard, Loki." She addressed the younger brother now.
Loki ducked his head, "Mother, I am sorry, but I fear I can no longer stay. It puts all around me in danger. At present I am a malignant presence in the eyes of Asgard. Perhaps someday I shall return here..." He trailed off as her eyes began to fill with tears. Loki tried to smile when he spoke next, "Do not be sad, Mother. Perhaps you can come to the tower, Norns knows that Stark has the room for guests."
To which said inventor just shrugged in confirmation. "It'll be Christmas in a week and a half if you want to join us."
"I shall, thank you, Mister Stark." She replied cordially.
"I-I will miss you." Loki finally spoke up, sounding as though he were trying to keep his voice level.
She drew both Thor and Loki into her arms and hugged them tightly. "I as well, my boys." She returned weepily, and when she pulled away from their embrace, they could see tears in her eyes. "Never forget how proud I am of both of you."
She embraced each of the Avengers in turn (though it had to be admitted that it was slightly awkward) as Heimdall opened the Bifrost and they stepped through.
The week leading up to Christmas was more somber than they would have liked, as Loki spent much of it in his room or the library.
"What is he so upset about? He has his powers back, a place to live here, free I might add! And his mom can come see him any time!" Clint growled, but it was Bruce that spoke up.
"Loki's...origins were made public in front of the council, Clint. Would you want all your dirty laundry aired in front of everyone?" Bruce remarked. The group collectively shook their heads.
They did however, manage to drag Loki down for not only the traditional Christmas movies, but over a course of a few nights, a marathon of Disney Movies as well. They began with Sword and the Stone. Loki, Thor and even Steve burst into laughter at the scene where the owl named Archimedes cackled as Merlin's beard got stuck around a toy airplane and dropped like a rock into the moat. Loki seemed indifferent to Robin Hood, muttering that it was not like the story he had read. Bambi brought more shed tears to the Avengers' eyes than any of them wanted to admit, and Thor caught Loki humming "Chim Cheree" while getting ready for bed after having seen Mary Poppins. He smiled to himself, noting to mention to the other Avengers that Loki's mood seemed to have improved.
The Great Mouse Detective was Bruce's favorite, though Steve remarked that the burlesque dance was sort of inappropriate for a Disney Movie. From there they watched pretty much all of the Disney Renaissance era movies. Loki almost shed tears at Hunchback of Notre Dame as he felt so much like Quasimodo had in the movie. "The Emperor's New Groove" brought another resounding set of laughter at the oddly humorous story of an emperor turned llama. They then moved to Pixar films. Tony demanded that they watch "Nightmare before Christmas" on Christmas Eve as it was the "perfect" movie for the holidays, and Steve again shook his head at the slightly grotesque content, but followed it up by requesting to watch "The Santa Clause".
Just as they were going to watch said movie, they heard a crack of what sounded like lighting, and glanced over to Thor who merely shrugged.
"Sir, Queen Frigga asks permission to enter the premises. Shall I let her in?" JARVIS pipped.
"Of course! Hop Hop Jarv, or she may take off your head!" Tony snorted.
"Very funny, Sir." The A.I. remarked with as much sarcasm as it could manage. The elevator door slid open and stepped into the common room, with a canvas sack of considerable size at her shoulder. "I hope I haven't come at an inconvenient moment."
"Not at all, m'am." Steve set down the remote and stood, "We were just about to watch a movie."
She slid the bag off her shoulder, " 'Tis presents from the royal Asgardian family for your Yule, and also to thank you for helping to defend us."
"Thank you very much, M'am." Steve replied, pulling out the presents and placing them under the tree. He turned back to her and asked politely, "Would you like to watch a movie with us?"
She looked perplexed until Loki explained what it was, and what the movie was about. She happily sat between Thor and Loki and enjoyed the tale of a businessman becoming Santa Claus.
At the movie's end, they all got up to go to bed, Frigga pulled Thor aside.
"How is Loki, Thor?" She asked in a whisper, only catching his eyes. His smile caused her to relax. "He seems better, less melancholy. I think he feels more at home here."
"I see. One hopes that he shall always be looked upon as a friend and one who could be trusted."
From behind her, Tony spoke up, "Don't worry, Your Majesty, we have a cunning plan. No sleep for me tonight, things to do. 'Night!" And laughing, he went downstairs to the lab.
The next morning, Loki was woken by Thor by a shake of his shoulder. "Come brother, it is Christmas Day. Stark has a surprise for you."
Both of them dressed and were greeted by the team and their mother across the hall, standing in front of another door across from Thor's own.
"Merry Christmas my friends! Merry Christmas, Mother." Thor greeted them cheerfully. She gathered them into a hug and kissed each of them. Thor grinned and Loki's face reddened.
"We have a surprise for you," Tony said, pushing open the door and gestured for him to enter it.
Stepping in, Loki noticed that it looked very much like his own chambers on Asgard. The walls themselves looked like the oak wood that framed each wall. There was a huge black four poster bed with emerald colored bedding and yellow accents where Sylvester was already napping. Against another wall was a dark chestnut colored desk with his journal sitting on the surface, a set of green and yellow pens next to it, along with the electric tablet he'd been using for months. The wall opposite his bed had a small fireplace that was flickering around a black marble hearth. Above this was a Celtic symbol bore in metal. Above them was a brass chandelier that looked as though it had candles. On the floor was a large sheepskin rug. Finally, there was a sliding glass door that led out to a balcony that overlooked Central Park as well as much of the city.
"I know that you don't watch much T.V. but.." the inventor pressed a button on a small black remote, and the panel turned so that a TV was now mounted.
"Thank you...Anthony, thank you everyone, I do greatly appreciate it. 'Tis a wonderful Christmas gift."
Tony just waved it away casually. "Alright, one gift down! Let's get to the lounge and open the others!"
Amid the gifts that were given to Loki were a box of Oolong tea from Bruce. There was an odd figure of himself, Thor and the other Avengers which had huge heads and tiny bodies from Clint. Natasha had given him an antique copy of Ivanhoe. Tony had given him a card with $5000 dollars for him to spend as he wished. Thor handed him his gift with a smile. Opening, Loki found that it was an intricate porcelain figure of Sleipnir, it's mane braided with gold with a green blanket flanking its back.
"I love it, Thor. Thank you!"
His mother handed him a box with a large tome of magic he had never seen in all his years in Asgard. At his quizzical glance she said, "The Light Elves had it sent to me years ago. I thought I'd give it to you when I felt that you were ready. That time has come at last."
Steve stood up and said, "Loki, stand." Bemused, he did and Steve cleared his throat. "Loki of Asgard, I, Captain America, leader of the Avengers, do now make you an unofficial member of the Avengers. With all rights and privileges herein." He handed him a plastic card, a crimson bar with the team's name, underneath which was his name. "You've proven yourself by saving our lives, and that of Thor. You've come a long way, and have shown that we can start trusting you to fight alongside us." He patted Loki on the arm, "Welcome to the Avengers, Loki."
Loki stood still for a moment, as his eyes glassed. At last he could be seen, no longer just a tag along or lesser brother of the mighty Thor. He was now a warrior of his own power.
"Thank you," he whispered, his voice trembling, "Thank you all."
JARVIS suddenly began to play an old Viking Yule song that made the three Aesir's eyes light up. They all broke into song, their voices filling the room, so that the mix of Norse rang through the living space that Christmas morning.
TBC...
a/n: OMG I finally finished the chapter! I'm SO SO sorry it took so long but I had a hard time working out the confrontation between the assailant and Loki. That ending is not my favorite, it's really fluffy. So my question to you is would you like to see a chapter about spring or would you like a chapter with the hint of "shopping?"
Thanks for reading, and thanks for the subscribes and faves! Till next time!