"Normally," the man's eyes were narrowed, "This would be the prerogative of the eldest son."
Loki wasn't entirely sure where the balance point was, among the Eastern Vana, between normalcy and suspicion. 'Narrowed eyes' was hardly a distinguishing feature. Hogan would know. But, being one of the Eastern Vana, and considered a traitor by many of his people, he was not to be sent.
Loki smiled thinly. "Undoubtedly," he said, "However, these are hardly normal circumstances, are they Commander."
The man watched him a long, silent moment, during which neither face betrayed so much as the shadow of thought or emotion. Then the Vana Commander gave a sharp nod, barked some order to his men and turned on his heel. An uplifted arm bade Loki follow.
"And what would it be keeps the Prince, your brother, from his place?"
It was a diplomatic mission at a time when peace was hardly stable. Again. That alone made it a place unfit. Thor's notion of diplomacy was unorthodox at best. Thor would be at home, feasting, regaling the hall again and again with tales of his bravery and splendor. Of all the myriad foes he had slain.
To do as was his brother's responsibility, and only because the oaf was so unfit for it or for anything else beyond wreaking havoc, kept a savage heat in his belly. But Loki would show none of that. This was neither the place, nor the time, which thought – incidentally – was what set him apart as the one capable of the job at hand.
"My brother is out of sorts at this time," he said, smoothly, "I can only hope the Council understands."
"The Council speaks as it decides." The man answered. "Nothing more and nothing less. And none at all of what it does not hear. Tell me of these 'Peace Talks' you would have with our leaders. Has Asgard considered our proposals?"
A soft laugh that barely left his throat, "Has Vanaheim considered ours?"
"It is not my place to speak the decrees of our Council."
"And not mine to tell the decrees of my father to any save the Council, Commander. Lead on."
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"How go the Peace Talks'?" Frigga drew up beside him.
Odin glanced at her where she stood against the balcony, looking down at the night-lit city. He followed her gaze, "They go well. Loki does well. Better than I had expected of him."
Her hand slipped about his on the barrier. She smiled softly out at the city. "Does he know it?"
"He knows his skill."
She pressed his hand, "That's not what I asked."
"Why else would I continue to send him?"
"He is your son," she said, "He is bound to do as you bid him, and he shows some skill. Perhaps you send him only out of convenience."
"Such is not my way and you know this." Odin protested. "Why must you always turn the conversation?"
"I'm sorry, Darling," she smiled wearily at him. The light from the city below caressed her face and he swore she was as beautiful as that day all those centuries ago when she had first caught his eye. Fierce and strong in her own right, a proper mate for a king. He thought that Thor ought to pay more mind to the Lady in his company. Lady Sif. She paid plenty of mind to him.
Perhaps she could have some good effect on the fool boy. Norns knew he needed one to rule him whose rule he would not scorn.
"It's only that he's been much on my mind of late."
His mind had been wandering again. Odin was not sure for a moment of whom she spoke.
"Why is that?" he asked.
"He is unhappy," she said.
"And what shall I do about that, my queen?"
"I don't know," she bent her head, "He pushes me away." She looked out over the city. "We ought to tell him."
"When you believe already that he is unhappy? Such would not be wise."
"He is grown, Odin. We always said –"
"When he was ready, Frigga," he pressed her hand, "Not when he was grown."
"When shall he be ready?"
"Perhaps he won't."
"Odin,"
"How would knowledge of his true blood aid him?"
"There ought not be secrets in a family, Odin. How if I had hidden such things from you?"
"You are my wife," he countered, "and owe me disclosure. We owe no such to our sons. I will have no more talk of it."
"Odin," she drew back.
"I will talk no more of it!" he snapped.
Weariness plagued him. It itched at the back of his eyes like a dying wound. He pressed his brow with one hand.
He felt her fingers trace across the back of his shoulder.
"Are you well?"
"I am weary," he straightened, "Nothing more. Join the people, Frigga. I would rest a while."
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This was also written before the Hogan chapter. Again, I wanted to emphasize the differences between Thor and Loki, and show Loki as understanding himself as being resentful towards Thor. I also wanted to communicate that Odin's proud of him. Odin just doesn't communicate worth snot.
OOO. As far as the 'tremulous peace with Vanaheim' thing goes. Odin wigs out about war with Jotunheim in 'Thor' like they haven't seen war in millennia. Probably since the 'last great war with Jotunheim'. But, I think Thor and Loki have to have seen war. My theory - which I think I was unclear on earlier - is that Asgard offered aid to Vanaheim, but the realms were never officially at war with one another.
Interestingly, that gold crescent on Loki's chest looks an awful lot like a gorgot, which is a mark of some kind of martial officer. Very unclear on the details. Perhaps he did something in this war that won him that place?
Then again, it didn't have to be this war. It could be any war/skirmish, depending on who was paying attention.
Then again - again - it might just be that he was royal and it was a matter of course. But I like seeing him as a badass ;)
Also, it might have been nothing. Could have just been a neat touch the costume department added for kicks.
In character? Thoughts? Comments?