With a steady pace Canutes clan was growing in numbers, and with the added hands buildings were springing up.
When Canute had first arrived with the first Jotunns, they had been living in tents and the grottos they had uncovered. The only thing they had build in stone was the wall, choosing to focus on their defence which obviously had been a good choice.
Now though, houses were being build in stone. They had managed to capture some animals which would work for livestock, and fenced them in.
Different jobs were held by different people.
Right before his eyes. Thor had been watching the creation of a city. Starting with just those 56 Jotunns, now they were closer to five hundred! Lost Jotunns coming and begging to be let in and they were informed of the rules.
Work as hard as everyone else, swear loyalty to Canute and you're fine. And true enough they were.
Of course some brave Jotunns would outright challenge Canute for leadership. Canute faced each of them head on in a duel. Each one he won easily.
It could not be denied that Canute was a seasoned warrior, he had to be. And it sure shut the challengers up.
Beside the loyalty among the original Jotunns were so great it rubbed off on everyone else. They proudly told stories about how Canute had lead them through snowstorms to this very place.
He he had thought and slain the old Ursa which had beforehand slumbered at this place and how he had defeated both Skrymir and his army.
The stories did indeed impress and the word was spreading.
This evening Thor was talking with Canute, as always in private as Canute didn't want to be a place where people could hear him.
"There is talk of appointing a new Jotunn King." Thor informed.
"Not surprising." Canute commented.
"It is believed it is necessary. All the clans are fighting each other for power as there is no King to Answer to." Thor informed. "There is plans of gathering all the clan leaders and appoint a king among them."
Canute closed his eyes, his nostrils flaring slightly.
"Believe it or not, your name has indeed come up. Skrymir was well known among clan leaders. And you have now taken over his clan. But then there are others, they don't really want to fight more for the title of King then they have to. So they rather invite as few clan leaders as possible."
Canute smirked. "I am a little upstart still. With no claim to the Throne. Of course they don't want to take me seriously."
"They should." Thor stated. "I've seen what you can do, what you have done."
"Then what do you suggest I do?" Canute asked.
"I think you should demand entrance." Thor stated. "Even if you are not to be king yourself, you ought to have a say. You are a true clan leader now."
"Why get ourselves involved though?" Canute asked. "We'll be fine here. In our own corner. We're not bothering anyone."
"Yet even so. Skrymir came and tried to claim your land." Thor stated. "What if this new king is tyrannical? If you truly wish to protect your clan. I am afraid to inform you. You must become involved."
Canute groaned deeply as he threw back his head.
"Heh, you really don't want to go." Thor observed.
"Shut up Asgardian." Canute grumbled.
"Why not though?" Thor asked honestly confused.
"That's none of your business." Canute snapped.
"Oh… Okay." Thor blinked. "I'm sorry. I just, you know." he blushed. "I want to help, and I owe you."
"Owe me how?" Canute asked suspeciously.
"I have learned so much since I first talked to you." Thor admitted. "I feel like I have grown so much wiser. And I owe you for that."
Canute rolled his eyes. "You would have watched me whether I liked it or not. Pretty creepy if you ask me."
"Yeah that's a good argument… Sorry." Thor blushed.
"Are you watching me bathing to?" Canute asked in a smirk.
"What? NO!" Thor shouted and Canute laughed amused. Thor halted then he relaxed. "No I don't like you that way." he stated.
"Good." Canute stated. "Asgardians are so ugly. That pink colour of their skin? Don't get me started on that fur on the males chin. That's weird."
"You mean beards?" Thor asked.
"Yes. What is it even for?" Canute asked. "It looks so incredible weird."
"I think it looks good." Thor muttered touching his own shirt blond beard. "It makes a man look like a man!"
"It makes you look like an old dog." Canute replied and Thor chuckled amused.
"Hey you don't know that!" Thor exclaimed. "You don't even know what I look like."
"All Asgardians look pretty much the same." Canute shrugged. "At least their fur has slightly different colour from time to time."
"You're one to talk, you're all the same blue colour!" Thor exclaimed. "And have the same red eyes. How are you even supposed to tell you apart at a glance?"
Canute smiled amused then shook his head. Thor smiled as well as he chuckled. Was he actually getting somewhere with Canute? Could he make the Jotunn like him still? Just a little bit? Well, one could only hope.
"HAH!" Corvus shouted as he came jumping down with an Axe. It was blocked by a sceptre with a blue tip. Loki dodged and attacked in response, danced around in a series of move as Corvus responded.
Blows being exchanged and each one getting out of the way.
Loki was ones again dressed, though the clothes given to him was rather simple. Black slacks, black tunic and black boots.
No golden cuffs or even some silver buttons, no dash of green. Just plain black and moderate fabrics hanging loosely on Lokis body.
But they were clothes! They were clean, they were not rags, and they did the job clothes was supposed to do.
Finally Corvus and Loki stood in a deadlock. Corvus's Axe at Lokis throat and Lokis sceptre at Corvus's chest. The two glared at each other and then at the same time, they both removed their weapons and took a step back bowing for each other and Loki headed back to the rooms given to him, just in time for Ebony walking over to Corvus.
"So…" Ebony smiled. "What do you think?" he asked.
Corvus glanced up at Ebony. "His attacks are far more direct and far more aggressive, he is much less calculated. Yet on the same time less surprising, not pulling any surprising tricks." then he turned all the way so he stood with his front to Ebony. "You made him dumber."
Ebony smirked. "Easier to hold him in line that way no?"
"Boring." Corvus muttered. Then he grinned. "I wonder why you let him keep the sceptre. Is it perhaps you are afraid?" he asked.
Ebony lifted an eyebrow.
"He might not be completely under its control." Corvus suggested. "If he was away from it for to long, then who knows what could happen. He might just wake up."
"It is a work in progress." Ebony snorted. "Not that you would understand the fineries of the mind." he rolled his eyes. "Father wishes to test him a few times before the big reveal. He ought to be useful to you for a while."
"So you want me to be a bloody baby sitter?" Corvus asked in a sneer.
"It is fathers desire." Ebony smirked back. "Put him to the test. Take him with you as you punish those who would defy Thanos. See what he is truly made off. And if this isn't just a very well acted ruse on Lokis part."
That made Corvus blink and he looked up. "You think it could be."
"We are dealing with a god dear brother." Ebony reminded Corvus as he rested a finger on his lip. "That shouldn't be underestimated. That's why he needs testing. Where were you headed?" he asked. "One of those colonies if I am not mistaken."
Corvus grinned. "Oh yes. They will be wiped out, naturally." he cracked his neck. "Fine. Let little Princey Pooh get his hands dirty before the big deal. It's probably good for him anyway."
And Ebony grinned. "Good of you to see it my way dear Brother."