In the End

by Natalie Rushman

This story is a series of loosely-strung vignettes that I hope charts out a convincing character arch for our favorite Asgardian princes and their companions. Some fan theories, some of my own pet head cannons. All with explanations and plenty of opportunity for argument ;) All pre-'Thor'. No slash, no smut. Lots of brotherly love and arguing.

26. Chapter 26

Pretty much from here on out, just picture them as slightly younger versions of the characters you see in the movies. I'm not good with ages, but I imagine them in the first movie to be in about the equivalent of their early twenties.

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"So," Loki turned lazily about to look at him, "how are you enjoying your inclusion into the inner sanctum of the crown prince?"

"I quite like him," Fandril answered.

Loki laughed.

"Though the Lady frightens me, and I fail entirely to understand Volstagg."

"I thought as much," Loki said, no doubt recalling the many arguments, "He is our cousin. He was a…Keeper, of sorts, to my brother and I when Mother had deemed us too old for a nurse."

"And now?"

Loki shrugged, "He's well-enough as company. And Thor's determined to keep him."

"So you don't like him?"

That gave the prince pause. "You know," he said after a moment, his mouth bent in that smile he gave sometimes, twisted at an odd angle, "to be honest, I'm not sure I truly like most people."

"Well," Fandril said, "you should communicate that better. It won't take long for your following to far outstrip your brother's."

Resting back, Loki laughed and Fandril smiled.

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Mainly, I wanted to show that Fandril is being more included. Thor likes him as much as Loki does. Thus far, it's not a problem for anyone.

I like the idea that Volstagg and Fandril did not always get along. The dry humor niche was already filled on Thor's team, not that I think Volstagg is territorial. I think their friendly banter started out with low-grade bickering that became friendly. Perhaps Volstagg doesn't trust Fandril's intent and his more-shady past, and feels like he has to protect his headstrong cousins – or friends, if you don't like the 'cousins' theory I coughed up. Volstagg – having a family – always struck me as being older than the others in their merry band. Maybe a protective instinct rearing its head?

And I like Fandril making fun of Loki for admitting his anti-social tendencies.

In character? Other thoughts?

Longer tomorrow. Promise.