Chapter 28: Indistinct Opinions
Loki readied himself in his quarters, brushing a hand over his armour to polish it a little with magic. The vibrant green cloak around his shoulders looked quite fitting, and he smiled grimly his reflection. With a flick of his wrist the mirror disappeared and in his hand materialised the well known horned helmet. He ran a hand over its polished surface, allowing himself a small smile at how it looked far better than Thor's.
Thor.
The name of his brother sent waves of jealousy through him. Tonight, he would become king instead of Loki. The old hatred Lira had swept away with a merciful hand returned, tainted by a bitter resentment at his father. Loki recalled once in his childhood a proud Odin had declared that only one of the boys would rule Asgard, but both were born to be kings. He snorted derisively; Odin would sooner forfeit his grand reputation than allow Loki the throne. He couldn't help an inkling of regret enter him at terminating the deal with Laufey.
If Odin had realised how immature Thor would have been at the mention of Jotuns in Asgard, perhaps he'd reconsider allowing him to become king.
Loki had never desired the throne; he just wanted to be seen as equal in the eyes of his father. No one loved him now. He'd known that all along.
No one but Lira.
The thought of her calmed Loki and he tried with all his might to forget what had transpired. He loved her more than anything. Allowing Laufey to enter Asgard would ruin everything. Before he'd met her, Loki had done all within his power to stop Thor's coronation. And if that meant allowing Jotuns to ruin Thor's party so be it. What was done was done unfortunately, and Loki truly believed that he'd done the right thing. After all, there was nothing more Loki wanted now that he had Lira. Still… the thought of Thor's expression when he found out he was not going to get his beloved reign would have been priceless.
Loki shook his head violently. The throne meant nothing if he was to lose her. Laufey would have to suck it up. It matters not that Thor will have the throne. Losing Lira would be unthinkable now. A rush of pride at his decision engulfed Loki, and he reached up and placed the helm onto his head. Odin would be proud.
Lira fingered the satin fabric of her dress, feeling a wave of uncertainty encompass her. She'd been excited this morning, but as evening drew nearer she couldn't stop the feeling of danger warning her from its vague depths. Her time in the forest had been peaceful, but she hadn't been able to stop herself from wishing Loki was there with her. Every time he left her she felt more desolate than the time before.
This cannot be normal, this dependency.
Her emotions were unjust to her. It didn't make sense that she should feel so alone without him, and what was measurably worse was the sentiment that something bad was going to transpire tonight.
The door to the bathroom clicked open and Lira raised her head to meet a pair of excited blue eyes.
"Oh Lira, you look so pretty!" Nora gushed and ran over to stand beside her smaller friend, her red dress sparkling in the late afternoon light.
"Yes but you look like a princess."
"Really? I hope Herrus is pleased…"
"You work too hard to please him Nora." Lira laughed, "If what I've herd of him is correct, he will love you even if you came in old dishrags."
"You think so? Is it a crime to want to look his equal?"
Lira laid a hand on her friend's shoulder, "Not at all. But in my opinion it is he who should be working to be your equal."
"You are too kind."
"Not at all, the truth is just that. The truth."
Nora stared into Lira's hazel eyes, noticing the change in their cheerful depths. "You seem different…like…"
Lira removed her hand from her shoulder, turning to fix up the non existent crease in her dress. She'd been a fool to think Nora would notice nothing, but she was hiding so much from her already – would it do to keep yet another thing hidden? There was nothing more Lira wanted than to speak to her confidante, but her concern for her friend's safety always stopped her. Would telling her everything make things better of worse? You are going to have to tell her anyway. She will find out if you don't tell her, then things will be worse. She would tell her about the Mercy thing, but keep Loki a secret until after the coronation. Then at least she'd be in a good mood to forgive the lying.
Nora's eyes widened in concern as Lira turned solemnly to her, taking a steadying breath to calm the butterflies practicing gymnastics in her stomach.
"You are aware that I have always had a … certain talent when it comes to animals."
Nora nodded happily, unaware that what she was about to hear would either bring her closer or push her away. Lira felt the tension of guilt seep into her as she bit her lower lip.
"Nora, when I was out in the forest today something occurred which I find quite…extraordinary and rather unbelievable – but I assure you that it is true. See, I found out that my aptitude for understanding creatures and the ways of the earth relies heavily on the fact that I am actually Mercy."
She squeezed her eyes shut, waiting to hear the cry of terror followed by footsteps that would take her first friend away. She opened one eye when Nora cleared her throat, raising a perfect eyebrow.
"…So? What exactly is a Mercy?"
"Oh…" Lira licked her lips anxiously. It was even worse that she'd have to watch the betrayal on her friend's face become apparent as she explained what exactly made her such a freak.
"Well according to both the bird and leopard – "
"Leopard?"
"Yes the leopard I talked to in the forest – "
"You talked to?"
"Yes. I talked to a leopard. Yes she understood me. Yes I can converse with animals as well as transform into them." Might as well be out with it.
Nora nodded slowly, searching her friend's face for any signs that this whole conversation was a joke. All she found in those familiar hazel eyes was a sadness so dense that it shocked Nora to even consider the reason behind her friend's sorrow.
"Why do you look so sad about it? It's the most amazing thing I've ever heard! Imagine – I'm best friends with a girl who has the ability to talk to animals!"
Lira stepped back, surprised and slightly relieved at Nora's reaction. "You're not scared? At all? Nothing in your head is repeating that I'm a loony or a freak?"
Nora gaped at her friend, "What on earth would I do that for? I believe you of course, Asgard is full of people with unnatural abilities. The fact that you can turn into a creature only amazes me."
"What about the fact that I'm Mercy?"
"Mercy? Isn't that like…peace or something?"
"Yes, but I'm not actually human, see. I'm more like – "
"A Goddess? No wonder everyone always felt so happy around you! Now it makes sense!"
"Not a Goddess, I don't want to be any deity – I'm just – "
"Don't be so modest my friend! Is it any wonder why you're Mercy, so worried about other people that you care not for yourself? Did you honestly think I would run away? Most ridiculous, I am just happy that you trust me enough to let information like that out, you absolutely must show me everything after the coronation – Ooooh I wonder if you could turn into a little mouse? I've always wanted a – "
Lira stared at her friend in bewilderment. Was she not afraid at all? A smile made its way onto her frozen features, filling her heart with a warm glow. Nora stopped suddenly, eyes widening as the sight before her eyes refused to make sense.
"Lira – you're – you're glowing."
"What?!" Lira panicked, turning to the mirror so fast she was almost a blur. A soft glow had surrounded her, seemingly emanating from her core. Lira recognised the warm glow inside of her that she always used to get when she was unmeasurably happy, the glow that seemed to fill anyone she loved and touched with giddy peace.
Nora edged around the chair and smiled at her friend. "You look amazing…"
Just as fast as it had begun, the light vanished, leaving the room slightly cooler at its absence. Lira felt the warmth fold back into her as the happiness and relief of finding her friend so understanding left her. So it happens only in extreme situations, feeding off my emotions.
"Nora?"
"Yes?" her friend smiled cheerfully, collecting the bag she'd brought in from the bathroom and flicking back her blonde curls.
"Thank you for staying with me."
"Not a problem. Amazing experience I think, but we must hurry or we'll be late, and the shame of walking in during the ceremony I cannot stand."
Lira smiled at her friend in relief. I am glad I told her, it is one less thing to worry about. The click of Nora's heels sounded in the hallway as they made their way to the great hall, both in a good mood and ready for the ceremony. Lira tucked a strand of chestnut hair behind her ear, thoughts turning to Loki. I hope he'll be alright…the nagging suspicion that something bad was going to happen returned. She hoped that it was merely a suspicion, and would not take place.
Loki steadied himself with a deep breath before the gravelly voice of Odin rang out into the silence of the Great Hall.
"My youngest son, Loki Odinson."
The hall echoed with the applause of thousands of Asgardians, excitedly clapping their hearts out as Loki strode regally into the middle of the hall. His heart swelled at the admiration on the faces of many people. Clearly not all Asgardians are as infatuated with Thor as I first thought.
I told you people admired you. He maintained his composure at the unexpected voice in his head and barely cast anyone a nod or the slightest of smiles. Out of the corner of his eye he caught sight of a beautiful woman off to the side, clapping enthusiastically with a proud smile illuminating her perfect face. Now Loki turned his head and unconsciously gave Lira an answering smile, uncaring of the curious eyes turning to the suddenly significant girl in the corner.
You're getting the hang of telepathy. Most faces turned a sour grey as they spotted a most unremarkable servant girl standing proudly, and Loki could almost hear the wheels turning in their dull minds, adamantly trying to find anything special in the woman claiming so much of the younger prince's attention.
Thankyou, I had some practice.
I am glad I taught you it.
As am I… you look amazing…
Loki's heart was suddenly encased in a shell of warmth as her compliment gave him the extra courage to continue. He felt her draw away and grasped her conscience.
Stay with me. She complied, willing to distract him from the upcoming wound he was braced to receive. He stepped onto the podium, turning to face the crowd and allowing them a small smile. The cheering became louder, ecstatic at the amount of attention the normally subdued prince was giving them.
"Enough, my eldest son Thor Odinson." Loki shot a look of loathing to Odin as he silenced the crowd for no more than a split second before a roar so loud it shook the chandeliers filled the hall at Thor's entrance.
He merely wants to continue at a fast pace. Lira assured, managing to keep the God calm at the sound of her voice.
I am glad you are here. Loki ignored the cheering as Thor strutted down the middle of the crowd, waving his hammer victoriously in the air. Mjolnir was crackling with unsuppressed excitement, feeding off its master. Ladies blushed furiously as Thor winked and smiled his heart out, relishing the attention. He stopped in the center and threw his hands into the air. Loki rolled his eyes and clasped his hands behind his back.
Spoilt brat. The comment surprised Loki and he couldn't help a slight chuckle escape from pursed lips. His keen eyes caught Lira standing with her arms crossed, a look of utter disgust written on her pretty face. Her friend beside her was clapping enthusiastically, trying to capture the attention of his brother. He felt a little rush of pride at her reaction to his brother. She was his, and only his. How lucky I am…
You are becoming positively evil.
He deserves nothing more, and I learn from the best. She replied, and let an inkling of her love enter him. He felt a thrill run through his body at the emotion.
Do not distract me so…
Forgive me…
"Thor Odinson." The hall fell silent instantly as the Allfather began speaking.
"Thor Odinson," the Allfather began again, "My heir, my first born, long entrusted with the mighty hammer Mjolnir…"
Loki kept his eyes cast down, struggling to ignore the hurt and anger he felt at what was happening and concentrate instead on Lira. She was still connected to him, somehow managing to express the assurance she felt that it was all going to be alright. He flicked his eyes up and found her staring intently at him, watching his every move. Her confidence was conveyed in her eyes, which were now slightly greener than brown. Loki knew this usually meant she was undergoing extreme stress or concern and instantly felt responsible for it.
Don't you dare think that! I am merely concentrating, don't worry about me.
You are sure?
Of course silly, there is nothing wrong with me. The colour of my eyes should not worry you in the slightest…though I am flattered that you remember such things.
How could I not? Loki flicked his eyes to the kneeling Thor, who was opening his mouth to monotonically repeat another,
"I swear."
"Then on this day, I, Odin the Allfather, proclaim you – "
The sudden hitch in Odin's voice startled Loki, and he looked up to see the now cold blue eye focused on something elsewhere. He felt a chill invade the area, gripping the crowd with uncertain fear. Lira's brow creased as she tried to decipher the sudden drop in temperature, glancing at Loki with concern.
What is happening?
I do not understand…Loki was now talking to himself, unaware of or too focused on something else to answer Lira. She stayed with him, following the thoughts spinning inside his head. He seemed preoccupied and a little anxious at the sudden turn of events.
This cannot be…I ordered him to terminate it! Loki's thoughts spiralled out of control, and he hissed the words out a fraction faster than Odin.
"Frost giants."
Now the action comes in :)
