The scene was grand…. Just as before. Thor, standing in the throne room.
People…. People standing as far as all could see, all of Asgard were here to bear witness. Thing just was, the people of Asgard thought they were here for one thing. Thor had something else in mind..
It was so familiar, he remembered the scene. So many people, the golden halls shining…
But this time… Thor was not smiling or winking of anyone, his face was serious.
He was wearing his royal garbs, as fine as could be, Loki had even helped him look his best this very morning.
Loki himself, was standing next to the Throne in his now black and red garbs which complimented his blue skin and red eyes perfectly. Everything about his outfit was elegant and regal and it complimented his skin tones, it even seemed to compliment his visible ridges making them look like deliberate works of art, he was quite an image. Looking tall and regal… And very very serious.
So did Frigga standing on the other side of the Throne, the throne which was empty.
The air among these three were very serious as Thor walked down through the lines of people, that serious look on his face, finally he stood in front of the throne.
In front of Loki and Frigga, he wasn't winking at either of them or sending them smiles. His eyes were steady, his posture serious as he stood.
"Thor." Frigga spoke. "My son… Odin is sadly unable to be with us here today in body though I know he is here in spirit, and he is indeed watching. Sadly though as he cannot speak, I as his wife, Queen of Asgard will do it in his stead. And so will my second son, Loki… Prince of Asgard. We will pass on that which also belongs to us."
Loki glanced down then he looked up, a look of determination on his face.
"Odin has spoken." Frigga informed. "He will not wake up from Odin sleep again, Asgard needs a new king."
"It is now several months ago that Odin made his choice public." Loki spoke. "Let it not be unknown, that at that time… I disagreed with his choice. Since then though, time has passed… Together Thor and I were on a journey, we faced desperate situations, we both were forced to make great sacrifices. How-ever, on this journey… I witnessed a new Thor emerge, a much different Thor. Someone… I would have no issue calling my king." he informed. "Let it be known, Thor in my eyes has proved himself worthy and thus I freely and willingly relinquish the crown unto him, and I shall follow him with loyalty. For he has earned that. I can only pride myself in being called his brother."
Frigga nodded. "In a hour of desperation, my two sons truly showed their true worth. As I spoke to Odin last, he said to me… He no longer feared Asgards future because he was certain that either son would be a great king. Still, a choice had to be made. Loki and Thor bless fully made the choice for us, by talking to each other and making the choice themselves, and I support them fully." she stated.
Thor stood still.
"Thor.." Loki spoke. "Kneel."
And Thor knelt down, bowing his head at them.
"Thor, Prince of Asgard." Loki spoke. "Do you swear to honor and protect this realm, to put Asgard before yourself and always serve its people?" he asked.
"I swear." Thor spoke.
"My son." Frigga spoke. "Do you swear to protect those whom are weaker than yourself, across all nine realms. To stand tall and always search for peace, but do what must be done to protect and serve those who look to you."
"I swear." Thor informed.
Then Loki and Frigga walked to the throne, upon which was sitting a crown, both picked it up and walked to the kneeling Thor, and together… They placed it on Thors head.
And then, for the first time… In spite of all the talk of Thor being the true king, this really was the first time. That he felt the weight of a crown on his head, weighing down his hair and his head, as well as the rest of his body.
Loki stepped back. "Now, rise." he asked. "Thor, King of Asgard." and he bowed for Thor as Thor stood up.
And a cheer erupted, from all across the halls. Thor looked in front f himself and the warrior three saluted, then they bowed. All the people gathered, they bowed.
Frigga and Loki were bowing in front of Thor and Thor swallowed… Loki.
Out of all of them, that single individual meant the most… Then, Thor stepped forward, and stood between Frigga and Loki whom stood up while everybody was laughing and cheering, yelling happily.
All except Thor, Loki and Frigga whom all stood straight and all seemed deadly serious.
Finally someone seemed to realize, Thor didn't look happy… None of them did, confusion started to spread as happy cheers started transformed into confused murmurs.
Thor, Loki and Frigga didn't move… They kept standing like that.
At last people quieted down, looking to Thor for an explanation.
And finally Thor opened his mouth. "May I ask for silence, we need to speak." he stated.
And just like that, there was absolute silence, everyone looking wide eyed, they all looked at Thor.
"Loki!" Thor spoke loudly. "If you would be so kind."
Loki nodded as he stepped forward. Wordlessly he reached up a hand, and then… a burst of magic. People gaped as they looked up, to see a crack in the wall above the throne room… The paintings of the history of Asgard, cracking and then… it started to fall down.
The pain, crumbling and falling, looking like it was withering away, smoldering, revealing an entirely different picture.
People gasped, then some started to scream, there was confusion, almost panic as all was falling down and finally… The red was left.
The wars, the blood, the image of Odin displayed so proudly… All of it.
And people were shouting, screaming then Thor roared.
"SILEEEENCE!"
It all stopped, in a nanosecond and they all looked at Thor with big fearful eyes.
"These are the original paintings!" Thor exclaimed. "The true rise of Odin! They were covered up! Eight thousand years ago! Long before my own birth. It is only one out of many lies Odin has told, my brother is just yet another proof that the all fathers words are not all true."
Loki glanced down.
"Our concern, is her!" Thor pointed up at the horned woman. "Hela the goddess of death! Odins first born!" he informed. "She committed countless crimes, slaughtered and murdered in her wake… And she's still alive. Only Odins seal is keeping her locked away. When he dies, she will be free and she will come! Come to take her revenge upon Asgard itself and all of its people! Which is why, the people of Asgard must hide until this threat has been dealt with! Go home, pack only what you need. Citizens are leaving this realm!"
And again a roar erupted, people shouting, people question.
"SILENCE!" Now it was Loki he yelled. "It has been Thors very first order as king! And it is an order given to protect you! Will you really go against his very first order?" he asked.
"WHY SHOULD WE LISTEN TO THE JOTNAR WHOM HAS WHISPERED POISONOUS WORDS TO PRINCE THOR HIS ENTIRE LIFE?!" A shout suddenly sounded.
Thors eyes widened, his body started to crack with static in sheer anger, his fist tightened… and then, it was Lokis calm hand Thors shoulder which made him calm down as Loki stepped forward.
"First of that's King Thor." Loki replied calmly. "Second.. Fine, you don't have to leave." Loki informed. "You can stay, just know it will bring your own death. Are you really willing to bet your own life, the life of your children and spouse? On the chance that this is indeed a ploy?" he asked. "The choice is simple, leave and be safe or stay here and die. Those are your only two option, now… Make a decision." he asked in a slight bow stepping back.
Only for a second there was quiet, then people started to scramble, nearly knocking each other over trying to get out. Thor and Loki just stood as the hall started to empty, people running around.
Then finally Thor and Loki glanced at each other and turned around to walk away together with Frigga.
"Sir!" An Einherjer came running after them.
"These are your instructions." Thor held out a hand with a parchment in it which the soldier grabbed. "Ships are being made ready at the port, make sure people are being shipped in a neat and orderly fashion. The first ships are going to leave tomorrow at noon. The ship will go to Midgard. I myself will use the bridge bifrost so I am there first, and will discuss terms with the Midgardians for our stay there. While I am gone, you will answer to Loki."
The soldiers eyes widened as Loki offered him a glance, his red .
"As Loki is currently the crown prince of Asgard, he is the one to go to when-ever I am not available. More than that, I trust his judgment and loyalty impeccable. We have both been raised for the role. Anyone whom will not follow Lokis orders as they would follow mine shall deal with me when I am back."
The Einherjar still looked a bit hesitant and Loki sighed. "I would have gone to Midgard to negotiate on Thors behalf how-ever two things lead the decision that Thor had to go. One, the Midgardians are not used to see anyone looking like I do, my appearance alone could cause complications. Two, Thor simply has a larger knowledge of Midgard than I do. That is why."
Finally the Einherjar nodded then bowed. "Forgive me my king, my prince." he nodded at them, then turned and ran with the parchment in his hands.
Loki inhaled deeply.
"You got this." Thor assured. "You handled yourself so well out there, I nearly blew."
"I know, I saw." Loki commented back.
Thor smirked amused. "Keep calm, or at least an appearance of being calm. They will look to you."
"I know." Loki groaned. "Look, the sooner you get to Midgard the sooner you can get back! Get out of here!" he demanded. "And hurry back! I have no real desire to deal with mass hysteria for longer than I have to!"
Thor nodded, then they quieted as they looked at it each other.
"I suppose… This is the time where normally you would say congratulations and hug?" Loki asked.
"The crown is not a price but a burden." Thor sighed deeply. "Sadly, someone needs to carry it."
Loki looked at him, then reached out a hand grabbing Thors shoulder. "You do not carry it alone." he assured.
Thor smiled then he leaned over and embraced Loki. "Thank you, my brother." he nodded and he let go. "I must go to Bifrost and head to Midgard."
Loki nodded as he gave Thor a slight bow. "My king."
Thor hesitated slightly but then nodded as he turned around and walked, behind him Frigga put a hand on Lokis shoulder and spoke a few soft words making Loki smile all though a little sadly.
Things were so real now… It was no game. Not in the slightest.
