Chapter 25
Loki and Lady were inseparable. They went to many battles together and came back unconquerable. Not even Thor could match them. Loki was praised throughout the land. Loki always made sure Lady had credit too.
"If I didn't have Lady I wouldn't have made it out." Loki would say or something to that effect.
It irked Thor that his younger brother was getting all the glory with his horse. He had been there too and done most of the dirty work. He would come back bloody and victorious only to have people turn away from him and tell him to clean up; they pinched their noses in disgust.
Loki and Lady would come in without a scratch on them or even the enemy's blood stained on them. The crowd would cheer and have a feast for him. Half the time Loki didn't even show up until almost everyone was gone. He hated being in the spotlight when there were others who helped him. He wanted Volstagg, Fandral, Hogun, Sif, and Thor to be recognized as well. They had fought just as hard and long as he had.
"My friends enough! I am not the only one who has fought boldly and bravely. Thor, Sif, and the Warriors Three have fought just as valiantly. Therefore I believe it necessary to hail them and hold a celebration for their glorious deeds." Loki announced
The Asgardians seemed entranced by his words and nodded. Someone shouted "All Hail the young Prince Thor! Hail our Lady Sif and the Warriors Three!" Everyone became enthralled in the chant. It spread like wild fire. Loki smiled and snuck away with Lady. Her hooves didn't make a sound as she floated above the ground.
Once in the barn Loki bathed and brushed Lady. He rubbed her back with the lather letting his hands become totally covered in bubbles. He laid his head on Lady's neck and breathed in the smell of fresh hay. This was the way he calmed down after battle. He hated it and wished he could stay at home for it. But then everyone would call him a woman. He wasn't about to let that happen.
Thor came in and watched quietly. He looked down and smiled. He finally coughed to make his presence known. Loki looked up and gave a small closed smile while Lady pawed the ground at the interruption of their ritual after every battle.
"Are you alright Loki?" Thor asked
"I'm just tired and in need of a bath. I hate doing battle." Loki replied
Lady nodded her head and turned her head caressing it against Loki's cheek. She knew what he meant. She had seen too many wars herself when she was in her human form and with Gaius Julius Caesar. She had called herself Gallia instead of Gallana during that time. Now she was going by Lady. The Friesian mare wondered what other names she would go by in the future.
"Lady Gallia seems to understand you very well. Do you think you will get used to the wrath of war?" Thor observed
"No, I don't believe so. I will only fight when necessary." Loki sighed
"Your secret is safe with me." Thor said consolingly
"Thank you." Loki said
"Everyone is waiting for you they haven't forgotten who their hero is." Thor said
"I'm no hero; the only reason I get out of there alive and defeat those I am up against is because of Lady." Loki said
"But your tactics and leadership are magnificent!" Thor said
"I have help and I'm on Lady. The adversary flees when they see her charging at them. So many have heard about us; they surrender right when they see us." Loki said
"You are becoming widely known. I believe that is why the Frost Giants have not declared war upon us. They are too afraid of the mighty Loki and his gallant steed!" Thor said lifting his hand as he said the last few words.
"Don't, you know I don't like being viewed that way and put in the limelight." Loki scowled
"Fine, but everyone is waiting for you. They even made a place for Lady." Thor said
Loki smiled at this but had a deep foreboding feeling about Lady going into the great feast hall. Something didn't seem right about it. He looked at the mare and noticed her shifting as well. Loki knew this meant she felt it too. What could he do though? The people wanted to see them and set places at the table in hopes that both would show up.
"I don't know if Lady should come." Loki said
"Why, are you just now treating her as if she is just some dumb animal?" Thor asked
"No, and she isn't but I have a bad feeling about her being present at the feast." Loki said
"Do you think they will treat her poorly?" Thor asked
"No there's something else like a whisper in the air that she will be safer here." Loki said looking around warily.
"Everything will be fine. I promise. Lady doesn't have to stay the whole time; just long enough to get her gifts and fill of apples." Thor answered reassuringly
Loki and Lady looked at each other and then nodded to Thor. They followed him out and walked into the doors of Asgard's great hall. Both Lady and Loki looked behind them and thought they saw some glimpses of blue behind some trees as they turned to ice. Lady would definitely only be there to get her gifts and eat a few apples as she did so; then she would go back to the stables immediately.
"Father, I think I saw some Frost Giants as Lady and I came in. I think they have come for her." Loki whispered to Odin
"Where?" Odin asked
"Behind the two trees guarding the doors to come in here; they turned to ice when they were touched and it looked like tow blue people were trying to stay hidden." Loki answered
Odin nodded. The one thing he could count on Loki for was to see danger and be observant of the smallest peculiarities and details. It was to the point of meticulousness. Lady seemed to be the same way. Odin wondered what connection they had together.
"I will build a wall to keep all enemies out." Odin said
"I will bring you my drafts of it when you are ready for them." Loki said
Then Loki and Lady walked to the end of the enormous table. Loki sat down on the left side of the head of it. Lady sat on the giant pillow made for her at the head. She ate three apples before the children started bringing her gifts. They hooked them onto her chain and kissed her before they left. They would bow to Loki a few of them presenting gifts to him. When they were finished Loki turned to Lady; he gave her a smile but was still uneasy.
"My friends, thank you for the gifts you are very generous. It is time for Lady to go back to the stables now." Loki said
Everyone cried out but Loki's mind would not be changed. He opened a portal to the stables he made sure the doors were locked and it was safe for Lady to go in and then sent her in. He locked the door to the stall when she was in. She turned to him and stayed facing that way. When Loki had checked the stall and was sure she was safe he closed the portal. He checked the hay one last time and found poisoned spears and darts in it. Loki told Lady to stay on the hard ground for the night. Then he turned and started conversing with the citizens of Asgard.
Just then two Frost Giants entered the room. Loki stood up and readied one of his knives. He knew why they were here and they would have to go through him if they wanted his beloved Friesian. The Frost Giants just laughed and came towards Loki. Loki made a flame come out of his free hand. The Frost Giants backed away. This was not what they wanted.
"What do you want?" Loki growled
"You know what we want." One of the Frost Giants said
"You can't have Lady." Loki said
"Then Asgard will be destroyed. All we want is your horse if we have her we know we are safe." The second Frost Giant said
"Yes, and then you will be the greatest realm in all the land. I will not have it. She is my mare given to me by Gallana." Loki said
Everyone gasped. It was no wonder he took such good care of the Friesian mare and protected her from all. Loki and Gallana had been close and if Lady Gallia was a gift to Loki for her she was special indeed. They would never question Loki again about her.
"If you do not give the horse to us we will destroy you and all whom you love!" The Frost Giants shouted together
"No!" Loki yelled back and blasted them out of the great hall. He then made a portal to the stables and ran in closing it behind him so no one could follow him. He leapt over the door to Lady's stall and hugged her tightly. He burst into tears while Lady wrapped her neck around him. Loki didn't know what to do. He wished Gallana was there to comfort him and tell him what to do. Lady made him feel better though.
"They want you but I won't let them have you." Loki said looking into the mare's eyes
He went to the hay and took out all the harmful items and then brought in new hay to ensure it was still safe for Lady to lie down. Then he jumped over and became a Friesian stallion. He raced out charging the doors. They opened before him and he ran onto the bridge. He heard a neigh far behind him but kept galloping. If the Jotuns wanted a Friesian they would have one, but not his.
"Be careful!" He heard Gallana's voice whisper as he ran.
As the two Frost Giants were being taken away Loki jumped into the bifrost and went with them to Jotunheim. The Frost Giants grabbed hold of him as he ran in the air. They had a hard time keeping hold; Loki was running so fast.
"Brunhyde, keep hold!" One Frost Giant said to the other
"I'm trying Grulich!" Brunhyde said to him
They held onto the mane of the rampaging stallion thinking it was the mare they had come for. When they reached Jotunheim the horse slowed. He came to a full stop in front of Laufey. Loki looked straight at the king and tossed his head as he reared up. He wanted the Jotun's and their ruler to see how powerful he was and he would not fall without a fight. All but Laufey backed away.
"You're majesty we have brought the Friesian mare to you." Brunhyde said out of breath.
"This is not Lady Gallia; this is a stallion he has tricked you." Laufey
The two henchmen looked at one another and then at the horse realizing Laufey was right. They looked down ashamed that they hadn't noticed before. They would be the laughing stock of Jotunheim because they couldn't tell the difference between a mare and a stallion.
"My friends it is alright. He was running too fast for you to notice you had to hold on for dear life. Now let us see who this really is." Laufey said
The Frost Giant twisted his hand up and the stallion began to change. In its place Loki lay convulsing on the ground from the spell. He groaned from the pain of it all. His eyes were closed tight and opened wide from the shock of it all. It was quite excruciating for him. He wanted to get up and fight back but he couldn't; he was stunned on the ground.
"So, the young prince of Asgard has come to protect his beloved horse. That's a very nice trick you have learned. We did say we wanted a Friesian and now we have one!" Laufey said turning his hand again so Loki became a stallion again.
Loki lay on the ground too weak to get up. He had hoped to challenge Laufey; instead he was in his power and could do nothing to defend himself. The Frost Giants were laughing at him in his humiliation. Loki wished he had listened to Gallana and Lady. It was too late now.
"You will be known as Svaoilfari from henceforth. Only your one true love will be able to free you." Laufey said
The Jotuns cheered. They had their Friesian and secret weapon. A stallion was better than a mare. He was stronger and more powerful. Their stallion was also Loki which meant he was very powerful; and he was all theirs. Nothing could stop them except for Lady or Gallana herself. What they and Loki did not know was Lady and Gallana were one and the same.
"We will go to Asgard and say we will build the wall for them with Svaoilfari in seven days. If we complete the task in that time our payment will be Lady Gallia, and Freya, along with the Sun and Moon, and our beloved casket. My sons Helblindi and Byleistr desire Freya to be their wife. Gallana is not around to stop us from taking the Sun and Moon so it will be easy to take them. The casket is rightfully ours." Laufey said
His Frost Giants roared in reply. For once they would be the greatest realm of all the realms in the universe. It was a day of triumph for Jotunheim. They had a son of Asgard; the one who was the most cunning and wise. They had Loki at his lowest and most vulnerable point, and they knew there was nothing he could do about it. They taunted and teased him knowing he could only paw at them. Then they put Loki in a cage until they were ready to use him in their great plan. They knew they would succeed because the stallion was magical. They each gave low laughs as they left poor Loki to suffer.
"Heimdall, how fares Loki in Jotunheim?" Gallana asked coming to him in her true form.
"Not well I am afraid." Heimdall replied
"I will see." Gallana said
She watched as Loki put up a small fight before Laufey had his fun with him. Gallana felt the gut wrenching pain Loki was feeling and fell to the ground clutching her stomach her sides heaving. She watched as Loki crumbled to the ground in a tight ball. When she heard the accursed name Laufey gave him she wanted to go to Jotunheim to put the Frost Giant king in his place. Then she heard Laufey's plan; Gallana would have her revenge when Laufey brought forth his proposal to Odin. When she did it would be great and terrible. Until then Loki was on his own; Gallana watched as they put him in his broken stallion form into a cage. His soul was grieving and Gallana felt the pang.
"Stay strong my son." Gallana found herself saying.
She didn't know why but it sounded right and tasted sweet on her tongue and lips. She watched as Loki's head came up and looked around. She saw his realization that she was speaking to him again and it comforted him. Loki whinnied and lay his head down content knowing Gallana would rectify all that had been done. He wanted to be there when it happened; he wanted to see Laufey and the other Frost Giant's faces as she unleashed her fury on them.
Gallana changed back into her horse form. She then went around the back way so no one would see her in case anyone had seen Loki thinking it was her. She came to the stables just in time. Thor came in and went to her stall. When he came over Thor barged in and looked in the hay for Loki. Gallana was a bit peeved and snorted to show it. Thor looked up at the Friesian mare.
"I am sorry Lady Gallia; I am just worried about Loki. I thought he would be here with you. He wasn't in his room and this is the only other place he would come to." Thor said
"Loki isn't here he went to Jotunheim in the form of a Friesian stallion." Lady Gallia spoke.
Loki lay peacefully in his cage. He had hope after hearing Gallana's voice. The Frost Giants noticed and wondered what had come over him. They tried poking and prodding the stallion but he didn't even flinch or look their way.
"Perhaps Svaoilfari has accepted there is nothing he can do so he has given up." They murmured to each other.
Loki snickered when they all left. If only they knew what he was thinking or what was in store for them. They wouldn't dare to use Loki in their plan. He would humor them and let them think he had given up. Then he would strike when they were unaware. It would be when Gallana showed up; she would break the curse Laufey had put on Loki. Then all would be right again.
"You talk!" Thor exclaimed backing away
"Of course I talk. Don't you recognize my voice?" Lady asked
"Gallana?" Thor whispered
Suddenly every horse brought its head over it stall door looking in amazement. They all bowed their heads in respect to the Friesian. She gave a sharp neigh and looked at each of them. They immediately brought their heads up and backed away.
"What did you say to them?" Thor asked
"I told them not to bow to me when they know I don't like it." Gallana said
"Why are you here?" Thor questioned
"It was the only way to be with Loki without Odin knowing." Gallana said
"That makes sense. Now why did Loki go to Jotunheim?" Thor said
"He went to protect me but now he has been caught. They call him Svaoilfari and are bringing him to build the wall your father wants built. I will make sure they don't succeed. They will know my wrath." Gallana growled
"When will this happen?" Thor asked
"Soon, Laufey will not wait long at most it will be two or three weeks. He wants to build the wall and in return get me, Freya, the Sun and the Moon. I won't let that happen though." Gallana said
"What do I do?" Thor asked
"You make sure not to tell your father about this; the last thing we need is to have a war against each other when Laufey is planning to rule all." Gallana answered
"I will make sure Father does not find out." Thor said
Then he put his fist to his chest to say he would obey Gallana and left. He locked the door after he closed it just as Loki had left it. He wanted everything to be as his brother had left it. He also wanted to get him back and he knew Gallana could do this. This comforted him as he walked back to the palace.
It had been two weeks since Loki had heard from Gallana. He no longer believed she was going to come save him. The Jotuns taunted him every day and he could do nothing to stop them. He could only twitch and flinch. He was in despair; he wondered why he had put his trust in Gallana when she had broken her promise once before. He should have known he couldn't trust her to keep her word.
Loki looked up when he heard heavy footsteps come toward him. Laufey stood before him with an evil smile on his face. He grabbed Loki's chain and pulled on it. Loki had no choice but to follow. The icy cage broke and cut him; a few shards became stuck underneath his skin. He winced and tried to pull them out. Laufey pulled him away so he couldn't take care of his wounds.
"Today is the day we go to your home Svaoilfari. We are going to build the wall and finally get what we deserve." Laufey proclaimed
Loki just looked down pitifully. He was broken down and depressed. He wanted to die rather than go and be a part of the Frost Giants' plan. He was unkempt with tangles in his mane and tail; he was muddy and dirty with cuts and bruises all over. Some were infected and needed dressed. He was in pain and agony.
Laufey chortled at him with a look of triumph on his face. He had broken this young warrior. The greatest hero of Asgard; and he was miserable. This was more than Laufey could have wished for. He yanked the chain and dragged Loki over.
"You will change me into a peddler and we will go to Asgard." Laufey said
Loki put his ears back and bit Laufey. His eyes were wide with loathing for this man and Loki wanted to cause him as much pain as he could in his weakened state. When he saw Laufey reel back in pain he nickered and laughed. Then he saw spots and red as Laufey hit his skull with a club. Loki's head bled and he was turned into his human form again. His clothes were now tattered and his hair was still just as ratty as when he was a horse.
"If you value your life you won't do that again and you will do as I say." Laufey hissed
"What does my life matter when I am treated badly?" Loki challenged
"There's still some spirit in you. Good you will need it to carry all those stones and metals." Laufey said
"You'll have to kill me first." Loki said
"If I kill you I won't have anyone to build that wall for me." Laufey said "I need you alive. Now change me magician!"
Loki just stood there his eyes stone cold and his face unreadable. He gloated to himself as Laufey tried to read him and found nothing. He smiled and gave a low laugh; a snort at the beginning. He realized he was still stronger than he thought he was. This made him a bit haughty and arrogant. He didn't realize until halfway through he was going back to horse form. He half screamed half screeched as he transformed into a stallion again. He felt a sting on his back and then felt blood pour down his sides.
"You will do as I say and you will do it NOW!" Laufey yelled a whip in his hand.
Loki changed into himself willingly and then changed Laufey into a man. Then he changed back into a stallion. Loki groaned it hurt to change in his poor state. He cursed himself for deciding to take things into his own hands. Why hadn't he listened to Gallana when she warned him? Why hadn't he turned back when he heard Lady whinnying to him? Now he was stuck here and could do nothing unless he wanted abused.
"Good now let's go." Laufey said
Before he knew it Loki was back in Asgard. Laufey made it look like Loki was healthy and strong as they entered the throne room. Odin looked up to see the stranger walk in. He stood and his guards were ready to protect their king. Odin put a hand out for them to stand down and bade the stranger and his horse to come up.
Thor saw that the horse was a Friesian stallion and knew who it was. He saw through the spell Laufey had put on his brother and had to hold back the tears. He also saw past the spell on Laufey and became angry. He wanted to rush at the Jotun king but, he knew that would do no good because his father didn't see the trick.
"Loki." Thor whispered
Loki looked up at Thor with sad pitiful eyes. Then he looked down and followed Laufey so he wouldn't be tugged and dragged. He tried to get through to Odin but the man didn't seem to respond. Loki now had his head to the ground in despair. He didn't know where he would stay or if he'd ever be freed from this state of being. He wanted Gallana and to be with Lady. A tear rolled down his face and he nickered.
"Gallana." He cried
"I am here. Do not worry I will come for you." Gallana said
Thor heard the voice as well. A smile came to his face; Gallana was going to show herself and save Loki and Asgard. Everything she had said was coming true. She really was a wise woman. Thor winked at Loki to let him know he knew as well. Loki perked up and knew he could get through this trial. Laufey could not break him anymore.
"I will wait for you; no matter how much more pain I go through, I will wait for you!" Loki said
"I hope it is not much more. Either way Laufey will have more than he bargained for." Gallana said the anger rising in her voice.
Loki shuddered at it. He had only seen miniscule parts of her anger; but she sounded menacing when she said Laufey was going to get his cake and then some. Loki didn't even try to imagine what Gallana would do. He knew she was powerful enough to destroy Asgard; he didn't want to know what she had in store for Laufey. Gallana was dangerous when she wanted to be and Loki knew it. He didn't know if he wanted to be there or not when Laufey was given his punishment. Loki would just have to wait to see what happened later on.
"You must be the stonemason who will build the wall for me." Odin said
"I am Sire." Laufey said
"What are you called?" Odin asked
"It matters not only that I am a stonemason and in your service." Laufey said
"That is fine. What is your wager and when do you think you will be done?" Odin said
"I will have it done in seven days if not less with my horse Svaoilfari. In return I want The Sun, Moon, Freya, The Casket of Ancient Winters, and Lady Gallia. If I cannot finish by then you will get my beautiful black Friesian stallion." Laufey said
"That is a high price for such a high wager but it is just." Odin said
"Then we are in agreement?" Laufey asked
"Father that is Laufey and the stallion is Loki! Can you not see it?" Thor said
"Know your place Thor; I am sorry for my son." Odin said
"It is alright he is just tired." Laufey said giving Thor the evil eye.
Thor stared straight back at him anger and determination in his eyes. He wanted to prove that the stone mason was not who he said he was. He didn't know how his father could not see through the magic and trickery. He wondered if Gallana would help him. Then he stopped and smiled; of course she would help him she cared for Loki more than anyone else.
"When can you start?" Odin asked
"I will start today. You can count on Svaoilfari to pull twice as much as anyone else." Laufey said
"Good." Odin said and let Laufey and Loki leave.
As Laufey and Loki passed the stable there was a neigh. Loki looked over and saw Lady standing at the doorway of the stable. He nickered to her and tried to turn his head. Laufey jerked the chain making him look forward. Loki's ears went flat against his head he glanced and saw Lady's ears laid back as well.
"Don't you worry Svaoilfari soon we will have that mare and you can have your fun. I'll make sure of that. We will have Friesians to spare after we put you two together." Laufey said
Loki felt sick after hearing Laufey's plan for him and his beloved Lady. It would kill her and he would not make her mate with him just because Laufey wanted it to be so. He would have thrown up if he could but in horse form he couldn't. He knew Laufey wouldn't let him change into his human form to do so he pushed the thoughts away and went on his way.
Laufey put a harness on Loki and connected it to a sled. He then heaved huge rocks onto it and had Loki pull it. Loki struggled with the pull of the weight; but he made it to the end where the stones would be stacked atop each other. Loki went back to carry more stacks of stones. When he started tiring out Laufey would whip him violently to get him to go. It was relentless and repetitive Loki wanted it to end.
The wall was halfway finished on one side. Laufey smiled knowing it would be done in three days at this rate. He would reap his reward and take over finally getting his revenge on Odin and Asgard. He could taste the sweetness of it. He would have all he wanted and more. The dream was too good to be true. Yet, it was happening. Laufey let out a laugh of triumph and smacked Loki's hindquarters making the stallion jump.
Gallana and Thor watched from a distance not liking what they saw. Thor rippled his fingers around his hammer repeatedly wanting to throw it. Gallana put her head over his shoulder to keep him from doing so. She was just as angry and was happy Thor was in front of her or she would have run out and thrashed at Laufey. The two comrades looked at each other knowing they would have to take action soon. The wall was being built too quickly; it would be done within the next two days.
"What are we going to do?" Thor asked
"On the third day right before Loki starts to carry the heavy load of stones you will go over and break the harness with your hammer. I will run out and lure him away. Laufey won't know who to go after. This will give you time to run back to the palace to safety." Gallana said
"But Laufey said seven days that still gives him time to finish the wall." Thor said
"Let me take care of that part." Gallana said
Thor didn't know what Gallana had planned but he knew she would do as she said. He also knew her plans were fool proof. She had proven this by planning things with Loki. His hammer was proof of that when it had been hidden all those years ago. Thor laughed at the ingenuity of it now. He was beaming with pride knowing his great-great-great-great-great grandmother could do anything.
The second day passed and the wall was almost done. Loki had finished the second half of one side and the other half on the second side. Odin was becoming worried; he knew no one would be happy when it was finished including those who were in the bargain. He wished he had never banished Gallana so she could solve this problem. He would have asked Loki to help but Loki was nowhere to be found. He was worried about that; Loki always returned after going to the stables to see Lady Gallia. This time he didn't. Odin wondered if something had happened or if he had taken to living there and was just hiding.
The day had come. Thor and Gallana were hyped up on adrenaline. They waited for the dawn to come when Laufey would hitch Loki up to the huge sled and put the gigantic rocks on it. They saw Laufey walk out with the wretched looking horse behind him. It was time. Loki would finally be free and Laufey would be revealed for who he was.
When the stones were finally piled on Thor ran out and smashed his hammer on the chain link releasing Loki. He then ran as fast as he could back to the palace. Lady ran out and caught the stallion's attention; he ran alongside her and they galloped to the forest. Lady took the harness off of Loki and led him to a willow tree.
Laufey was infuriated the snobby little prince Thor had released his stallion and then the Friesian mare came and took him away. The Jotun king didn't know who to go after and now both perpetrators were gone. He cursed himself and pounded the ground. Both sides of the wall fell down and Laufey yelled out in rage. He had to build the wall by himself now. It would take days, months in fact without Loki to help. Laufey started building the stones ripping his muscles as he lifted and carried them.
"Loki run!" Gallana shouted
Loki ran after the mare and whinnied to her. She whinnied back in reply. The conversation was long and fulfilling for the both of them
"Why did you save me?" Loki asked
"Loki don't you recognize me?" Lady asked
"Gallana?" Loki asked
"Yes, I said I would come for you. I have been with you this whole time." Gallana said relieved she could finally be herself with Loki.
"Why didn't you say so before?" Loki queried
"I couldn't have Odin find out." Gallana said
"Good point; still you could have said something. Thor apparently knew." Loki said
"He wanted to get you out and was worried about you. Besides how else was I supposed to un-harness you? Odin would have found out." Gallana said
"Point taken again." Loki said
"Do you see the willow over to our right?" Gallana asked
"Yes." Loki said
"We're headed there. It is secluded and Laufey won't be able to see us." Gallana said
The two Friesians raced to the willow. They turned and could see everything that transpired around them. The laughed as they watched Laufey hauling the stones to rebuild the wall after he had toppled it over. Neither stopped until their sides ached; then they spent hours under the willow tree.
Loki and Gallana finally took human form. Gallana was in a beautiful white dress; Loki was in his balck and green apparel all tattered and torn. They lay against the willow tree happy to be together again. Loki held Gallana in his arms and smiled down at her; she was looking up smiling at him. Loki kissed his lifelong love on the forehead. He shifted and winced.
"Augh!" He said in pain
"You're hurt!" Gallana said
"It's just a few bruises." Loki grimaced
"No, you've been hurt badly and I should have taken care of it long ago. Let me see." Gallana said
"What?" Loki asked
"I need to see your wounds so I can dress them." Gallana said
"But that would require me to totally undress! I can't do that in front of you!" Loki said
"Loki I bathed you as a child and if Odin hadn't banned me I would get your towel ready for you and have your clothes set out for you. I would also take care of any wounds you received in battle or from anything else. Now do as I say." Gallana said
Loki hesitated and then did as he was told. He had deep cuts and gashes everywhere. Some were infected terribly. He still had the ice shards in his shoulders and the lashes on his back were puss filled. He had cuts on his arms and legs and all over his torso from spears and sharp sticks jabbing him. His head was matted and there were a few gashes there as well. If he hadn't been immortal Loki would be dead by now.
Gallana was overwhelmed with compassion and hurt as she saw what the Frost Giants had done to Loki. Tears came to her eyes as she pulled out the ice shards and brought out the infection. She used a spell to draw it out so there would be less pain. She sutured Loki's shoulders and moved on to his torso salving and mending the cuts and scratches there. Next were his legs which were mainly bruised. She wove and enchantment and the bruises were gone and his legs were relaxed. Gallana finally came to Loki's back; she chanted the same spell she had for his other infected injuries but Loki still screamed. Gallana started crying hearing him cry out in anguish but she steadied on. When all the infection was gone Gallana touched Loki's back and spoke strange ancient words closing the gashes.
"You may put your clothes back on now Loki." Gallana said turning away.
Loki grabbed Gallana and held her close letting her cry into his chest. She stayed there for fifteen minutes letting her soul cry out after seeing the cruelty of Laufey. Then she stood up and gave Loki his privacy planning what she would do to Laufey for treating her boy like that. It would not be easy or simple but, hard and even crueler than what the Jotun had done to the young prince. She would make sure of it. Loki broke Gallana from her trance when he touched her shoulder to let her know he was suitable enough for her to turn around.
She turned and saw he had mended his clothes. Gallana's eyes were puffy and red. A few tears ran down her cheeks. Loki wiped them away and smiled at Gallana. She turned away and Loki grabbed her chin with his fore finger and turned her to face him. Then he kissed her softly but firmly on the lips.
It was long and passionate yet, tender. Gallana had never been kissed in such a way; nor had she felt so strongly about anyone. She had been married before since she lived forever and her spouses were all human; only her first husband was immortal and that had come at a price. She had cursed him after finding out he had become immortal. None of them had made her feel the love Loki did.
This thought went through her mind and she started feeling guilty. She wasn't supposed to feel that way. She had a family with one of her late husbands; his name was Antiquis. She met him in Rome when she had been banished from Asgard. He was killed by his cousin who happened to be Gaius Julius Caesar; along with almost all her children. She mourned for Antiquis profusely but, now that didn't seem to matter to her. She was ready to cry again when Loki brought her closer to him and rubbed her back.
"Whatever it is that is troubling you let it wash away for a little while." Loki's voice echoed in Gallana's mind
Gallana relaxed and let herself succumb to her feelings. She felt safe and comforted by Loki. After what he had done for her she felt she was in his debt. If she could she would see if she could stay in Asgard. She could be with Loki and make sure he didn't go through pain for her ever again.
When they broke apart Gallana was breathless. Loki was star struck and started swaying. Gallana grabbed him and supported him as they walked back to the willow tree. Loki leaned against it while Gallana concentrated on breathing evenly. They knew they both had feelings for each other. Now they wondered how they would explain it to everyone.
"What are we going to do? We can't stay here for long and then I will be at Laufey's discretion. He is not kind." Loki said
"We left as Friesians and Laufey will think we will be here for days since you followed me." Gallana smiled coyly.
Loki smiled at her knowing what she was playing at. He had always been amazed at Gallana's intelligence; it was unmatched by anyone. He had always liked this about her because she had wit and wisdom, and was whimsical. He was the same way and wanted someone who he could relate to. Gallana was that and more to him.
"Why don't we make his thoughts true?" Loki said
"I had the same idea." Gallana said
Then the couple changed into Friesians again.
Laufey was sweating and feeling sick. It had been four days since he had seen his stallion. He cursed the mare for ruining his plans. He was barely halfway through the first half of the wall. It was almost dawn of the eighth day and the Friesians still hadn't come back. He looked out towards the meadow where the horses had gone. He saw two shadows coming up then he looked at the sky. There was still time.
Then the shadows stopped and stayed where they were. Laufey had a cold sweat if the Friesians didn't come back he wouldn't get the beloved casket back or the two horse. His sons would be disappointed and he would not have control of day and night. He had to get those horses back to the wall so he could finish it in time.
Laufey ran out to the field to the shadows. He stopped I his tracks when he saw who it was. His face paled and his eyes had fear in them. In front of him stood Loki and Gallana stony faced. He backed away as they walked towards him. He knew he was stuck in a rock and a hard place now. He couldn't get out of the mess he had made this time.
Gallana and Loki changed into their Friesian forms and kept walking towards Laufey. He gulped as they slowly encroached upon him. He turned and ran just in time to see the first rays of the sun. He cursed and ran to the wall. The Friesians cornered him and he put his hands in front of his face as if to guard himself.
The doors opened and Odin walked out with Frigga, Thor, Sif, and the Warriors Three towing in foot. Odin stopped in amazement looking at the two Friesians. He blinked and wiped his eyes to make sure he was seeing correctly. Then he looked at Laufey and his gaze darkened. Thor stood next to him and smiled.
"Do you see them all clearly now Father?" Thor asked
"Yes, and punishment must be given." Odin said
"If punishment is given it should be given to your bratty son for letting my stallion Loki…." Laufey said
"The spell is broken Laufey go home before you get in more trouble." Gallana said
She was back in her human form as was Loki. Laufey's disguise was gone as well. Laufey was angry at this once again this woman had meddled with his plans to rule the universe. He looked at her and raised his arm to slap her. Loki started getting in the way as it came down and stopped when he saw Gallana. Laufey's arm stopped short and he backed away.
"Are you sure you want to do that?" Gallana said one arm engulfed in flame.
She became all fire and approached Laufey slowly. The flames kept her form; except her hair which spouted every which way. Laufey started sweating under the heat. Gallana stood and raised her arm as if to strike. She didn't feel any mercy for the man that had hurt her love.
Loki looked worried and looked back at his father. Odin shook his head to say he had no answer. Loki realized he would have to get in the way to stop the woman who had taken care of him and watched over him his whole life thus far.
"Gallana." Loki whispered
"You know what I could do. One lick of this flame and you'll be a puddle Laufey. Or, I could use your own talent and turn you to ice. That or take my true form so you just disappear." Gallana said
She changed into a moving ice sculpture with angular features her hair now jutting icicles. She was a glittering prism of crystal ice. Then she became pure light. She was an eye blinding glowing white figure growing brighter by the minute.
Laufey and the rest except for Loki covered their eyes. Loki was somehow able to withstand the brightness and saw Gallana at her full glory. He looked around him as everyone shielded themselves. He saw Laufey whimpering as he crouched like a scared toddler on the ground. Loki felt sorrow and mercy for this man and wanted to set him free. Loki touched Gallana's shoulder so she turned towards him.
Loki saw that Gallana's eyes were even pure light. She still had the contours to make her face and body but, her eyes were the most detailed. When the light hit them they showed all the colors in them. He became fascinated with them and almost lost his train of thought.
"Gallana, he has done no harm and did not finish the wall in time. Just let Laufey go back to Jotunheim; he hasn't broken the truce." Loki said
Gallana smiled at Loki and changed into her human form. Loki sighed relieved that his words hit true. For once he was happy about his silver tongue. It had stopped the inevitable; Gallana had calmed down. There was no need to worry anymore. Loki didn't want to see Gallana get that angry again; it scared him a bit. He hadn't seen anyone get that angry ever and hoped never to again.
"Loki is right. You didn't finish the wall so you cannot take anything; but you may go home with your life, this time." Gallana said
Laufey nodded and ran to the portal to go back home. Loki watched him as Gallana walked away into the stables. Loki looked back when he noticed she was not there, and ran after her when he saw she was going to the stables. He waved back to the audience behind him as they looked quizzically at the odd couple. When Loki reached the stable he kept Sun and "Lady" in, he saw Gallana smiling as she fed Sun an apple.