The battle was over, and though it was clear that New Asgard had suffered some damage, the full extent would not be revealed until the next day. Though many of the New Asgardians were already wending their way home, a few remained to guard the boundaries in case of a further assault, while others were helping the wounded. The God of Thunder called for a stop to the rain and then surveyed the battlefield. He was grateful that very few of his fellow warriors had fallen, but he frowned when he realised that there was no sign of Loki. He had not been too surprised to see his brother's magic in full force as they had fought to protect their home, but he did wonder if the Trickster had used the chaos of battle to escape. After all, it would have provided the perfect opportunity to slip away unnoticed.
Then again, Thor reminded himself, Loki had been rather well behaved over the past few months, and he could see no reason why the Trickster would want to escape right now, especially when there was still so much to keep him here. The Prince had excelled in his role recently, and Thor had been impressed at how smoothly things were running. It was clear to see why Asgard had prospered during Odin's absence, and he knew that the Trickster would probably be a good ruler, if it were not for all the chaos and mischief. Thor had toyed with the idea of leaving someone else in charge of New Asgard while he went elsewhere, and he had rather enjoyed his trip to Alfheim a few weeks ago, but he still was unsure if he could trust anyone else to keep everything running smoothly. It was also still very early days for New Asgard, and he was aware that he was the one who had lived on Midgard for far longer than any of the others here… Well, with the exception of Freya, but then she was a native.
"Has anyone seen Loki?" Thor asked as Valkyrie, Lady Sif, Heimdall, and Korg gathered to discuss their next steps. There were quite a few shaking heads, before Heimdall frowned.
"He's in the gardens." The all-seeing watchman stated.
"What was he…?" A confused King asked, for it was unlike the Prince to be so far from the fight.
"You may wish to hurry." Thor knew better than to question his friend, and so he headed straight for the palace gardens.
He had barely reached the entrance when he heard Loki's voice, and the God of Thunder sighed as he recognised the song. It was one that their mother had often sang when they were children, and Thor could hear the desperation in his brother's voice. Though he could not be entirely certain as to who was injured, he had a distinct idea, and he wondered why the Midgardian would be out here. After all, she was supposed to be looking after the most vulnerable, and yet for some reason she must have left them. Loki's song came to an end, and Thor wondered if that would be it, but then the next one began and he quickened his pace as he heard the desperation in his brother's voice. He knew that Loki would not be able to hold out for much longer, for he could hear him stumbling over the words and even though Thor was no sorcerer, even he was aware of how dangerous these spells could be. His brother had often used them when they had been injured during misadventures, and Loki had always suffered as a result.
"Oh brother…" Thor sighed as Loki fell silent. No more words came, and the God of Thunder sprinted to the centre of the gardens, for though the brothers often fought, Loki was the only family he had left, and he did care about him.
He quickly took in the scene before him, and he gave another sigh as his eyes landed on the fallen Prince. Loki was slumped against the fountain, his eyes closed and his skin paler than usual, but he appeared to be alive. A faint golden glow radiated from his hands, and Thor felt a pang of sorrow as he saw who had been injured. Freya lay in Loki's lap, her hair askew and her eyes closed, while a trickle of blood fell from the corner of her mouth. Thor realised then just why Loki had been singing so desperately.
"Oh Loki… What have you done?" He asked softly as he took in the state of their consultant. The girl was pale, and he gave another sigh as he saw the blood staining her dress. He reached for Loki's hand, but the Trickster's magic set off his own, and he was a little surprised as sparks came from his fingers. Thor paid it no mind, and yelled for help, for he knew that the pair desperately needed medical attention. Freya appeared to have suffered a mortal wound, while even he knew that healing spells could be dangerous for the person wielding them.
He looked around then, for he was curious as to why the pair would be so close to the palace, and Thor cursed as he saw the sceptre lying innocently in the gravel. He had no idea what it was doing out here, nor why Freya would have had it with her, but he knew that it had cost her dearly. Had she believed that Loki was responsible for the attack and thought that this would be the way to stop it? It would explain why she was so close to the palace… But then again, Freya had so firmly believed that the Trickster would only act in his people's interests, so why would she… Thor knew he probably would never find out, but he was aware that the artefact needed to be kept safe. He quickly retrieved it and tucked it into his belt, before he heard footsteps nearby.
Help arrived shortly thereafter, for a breathless Ragnar appeared with Eir and two of her companions just a moment after Thor had arrived at the scene. The Head of the Guilds looked truly guilty, and he sighed as he watched the healers do their work.
"I didn't… I tried to stop him… But…" Ragnar sighed, his eyes never once leaving Freya. "She got past me. If I'd gotten here sooner…"
"What happened?" Thor asked, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. Though Ragnar was a trained fighter, he had not really had much experience in battle, and it was clear that he was in shock. After all, he had grown to be quite close to Freya in recent weeks, and it was always tough to lose a friend. Thor looked to the Goddess of Healing, and she bowed her head before continuing her work. Knowing that the injured pair were in safe hands, the God of Thunder started to walk back towards the palace, and Ragnar followed him without question.
"I don't know for certain, but Hilda said that Freya had gone to look for something. I found her surrounded, and she was talking to one of them. She knew him apparently? But the hatred… I have never seen her look at anyone like that before…" Ragnar hesitated. "Then he threatened the children and…" He faltered.
"What did he want?"
"The translation." Ragnar explained, while Thor frowned. "I don't know what that thing does, and I intervened before she could give it, but then I... He got lucky. By the time I regained my senses, Freya had been shot." The weaver sighed. "Hilda is never going to forgive me for this…."
"I think she will." Thor assured him. "You should go and let them know that we won."
"I…" Ragnar went to object, but the look in the monarch's eyes silenced him.
"You did well today, Ragnar." Thor assured him. "Try and get some rest, and we can go through everything in the morning." The weaver bowed his head and turned down towards the temple, while Thor rubbed his forehead and sighed, for the next few days were not going to be easy.
Three rather long and trying days had passed since the first Battle of New Asgard, and the King was getting very fed up of all the questions. Members of SHIELD had arrived the morning after the attack and had instantly taken Loki into their custody. They had spoken to everyone a few times over, and the entire settlement had been searched with a fine toothcomb, for they were trying to work out just who was responsible for the devastation. Though it appeared that one group had claimed responsibility, there was still the belief that Loki could be behind it all. Although Thor had been more than happy to cooperate with their investigation, it was somewhat frustrating to not be able to go about his daily business without having to go through another round of questions about his brother and the attack.
It was apparent to him that Loki would not do such a thing now. He may have let the Jotuns come to Asgard that one time, but he had learned his lesson since. Besides, Thor was well aware that the Trickster had changed since Sakaar, even if Loki would not admit it. He was kept busy with all the minute details of ruling New Asgard in all but name, and Freya had been more than willing to distract him otherwise. Though things had changed between the pair recently, Thor had seen the stolen glances when they thought the other was not looking, and he knew that Loki had missed her presence. The God of Mischief had taken to annoying Thor again instead, but it was clear that his heart was not in it. Meanwhile Freya had made her case quite clear just a few days ago, but Thor knew that there was nothing he could do, for it was up to them to resolve their differences.
He sighed as he thought of the consultant. The woman had certainly suffered a lot of pain and heartache thanks to the sceptre, and Thor almost wished that he had not given it to her. He had been torn about it for quite some time, but he had believed that he could trust her with it. After all, it was clear that she had no motivations to bind Loki to her will, and yet… Yet he had found her with it, and Loki had evidently been pulled from the battle as a result. The image of the pair of them was clear in his mind, and he wondered how much of Loki's actions were his choice. Had Freya used it out of desperation when she realised she was dying? Or had it been to stop someone else from having control of the Trickster? He did not know, and it was truly bothering him.
Thankfully, after three days of not being able to go anywhere without there being numerous agents in the way, the news came that the investigation was at an end. Thor watched with relief as they packed up, but it did leave the question as to what would happen to his brother. Although he had been allowed to use his magic to protect New Asgard, he had technically broken the treaty by trying to heal Freya. It had not been in defence of the settlement, and it had been after the battle, so it was not allowed. Yet Thor was aware that Freya had played a key role since they had moved to Earth, and he could understand just why Loki would try to save her.
"Don't worry Thor. We will be out of your way very shortly." Violet stated. The young blonde woman had been leading the investigation, and she had proven to be a thorn in their sides ever since she had arrived.
"And my brother?"
"Do you trust him?" She asked as they walked towards the temporary base that had been set up near the battlefield.
"I trust that he would not harm his people." Thor pointed out, not quite answering the question. "You have no proof that he is behind the attack. He did not break the agreement and he did not run when he had the chance."
"He cannot escape his cell." Violet pointed out.
"He could." Thor stated, somewhat satisfied to see the smug expression disappear from the woman's face. "There is no prison that my brother could not escape, and I am afraid to say that your cell would have taken him all of a few minutes should he have wished to leave."
"Then why hasn't he?" She asked curiously.
"The same reason he broke the agreement." Thor stated. "He wishes to protect his people."
"The girl is not Asgardian."
"Yet she was accepted as one." The God of Thunder pointed out. "Look, he won't leave New Asgard. I will make sure of that."
"And the treaty?"
"I think he knows what he has risked." Thor paused as they reached the entrance to the cells. "And I don't believe he will do it again." Violet was silent, before she shook her head.
"Fine. He is released, but if he does even the slightest thing to break the rules, then he will be imprisoned for the rest of his days. Agreed?"
"Agreed." Thor smiled as he shook her hand, before he went to release his brother.
Loki sat with his back against the wall, somewhat fed up of being watched like a fish in a bowl. He had no clue as to how long he had been there, and his only respite had been the interrogations. The Avengers had eventually had enough of dealing with him, and he had then faced some of SHIELD's finest. Loki had answered all of their questions, but he still did not know of Freya's fate. He was no longer bound to her will, for he could not feel anyone else's wishes except for his own, and yet he could not completely accept that she was gone.
"Hello Loki." A voice came from the cell door, and the Prince groaned at the sight of his brother. It was becoming an almost too frequent occurrence now, and he had no wish to be dealing with the God of Thunder right now. It had been bad enough talking to his friends.
"What do you want?" Loki asked harshly, but Thor was undeterred as he opened the door.
"I am here to take you home, should you wish to."
"It is better than this cell, though it is still a prison."
"I can leave you here." Thor stated, but Loki bowed his head as the shackles were taken off. "But I think we both know you have suffered enough for your actions." The Prince frowned at the double meaning of those words, and he sighed as he looked at his brother. He knew that Thor was probably the only one who completely understood why he had risked the treaty, and he could only hope that he would be forgiven. It was only once they were completely alone that he let his guard down, and he looked at Thor with eyes full of sorrow. The King sighed, for he had not seen his brother look so vulnerable in a very long time, and he placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"Have I missed it?" Loki asked quietly.
"Missed what?"
"Her funeral…" Thor did not respond, instead helping his brother to his feet before heading out towards the exit.
"You will be pleased to hear that the damage was relatively minor and there were very few casualties. There were no losses on our side, and you are free to go. The Treaty still remains in place, though it did take a lot of persuasion on my part to keep it." Thor explained as they reached the edge of New Asgard. "I have no doubt that you will wish to retire to your room, but I would ask that you come with me first."
"Where are we going?" Thor did not respond, and Loki was growing a little frustrated at the lack of answers. However, the destination was quickly evident as they followed the path to the healer's quarters, and he instantly bristled, for he had no wish to go there. The healing centre consisted of the old Doctor's surgery and three of the houses next to it, and was still undergoing major work to get it up to Asgardian standards, although the location was rather pretty as it had a very good view of the seafront. Loki instantly tried to walk the other way, for he had no wish to be dealing with Eir considering he had already healed, but Thor tightened his grip on his shoulder.
"Just…Trust me on this." Thor said, and Loki had to admit he was a little curious. This only grew as they walked inside, and Eir gave them a knowing smile as she tilted her head towards one of the doors. Thor thanked her, before pushing Loki into that particular room and slamming the door shut.
"Whatever game you are playing brother…" The Trickster warned, seemingly oblivious to his surroundings.
"No game I assure you." Thor smiled as he looked through the window in the door.
"Then what on Earth are you…"
"You should probably turn around." A female voice stated, and Loki frowned as he recognised it.
"Hilda? What are you…?"
"Someone has to keep her company." The seamstress shrugged, and it took him a moment to comprehend what she said. He tilted his head and hesitated, while Hilda gave him a kindly smile. "I'll let you have a moment."
It was only once the seamstress had left that Loki turned around completely, and his eyes landed on the bed. There were various wires and tubes coming from it, while the rhythmic beeping of machinery filled the air, and he faltered for a moment as he saw who lay in it. He had spent the past few days coming to terms with the fact that she had died in his arms, and yet… Yet it seemed that she lived. He crossed the room in an instant, everything else forgotten, for he just needed to make sure that she was alright.
"I am so sorry Freya…" He apologised to the unconscious woman. She was still pale, and it was weird seeing her connected to so many machines, but he could at least take heart in the fact that she lived. He knew that humans were fragile, and he had been aware that Freya was mortal, but this was truly a painful reminder as to how easily their lives could be lost. Without a second thought, Loki gently took her hand in his and placed his other on the wound, before he began the last spell again. This time he did not falter, and though he felt woozy as he finished, he could not resist another one to aid in her recovery. Freya did not wake, and for that he was somewhat grateful, for he was unsure as to how she would react.
As he sat next to her though, his eyes landed on a small box by her bed, and he recognised the item within it instantly. The amulet that undid the binding lay innocently in it, and he wondered how recently she had used it. Certainly, it must have been one of the first thoughts she'd had when she woke. That begged the question then- why had she used the sceptre? He was determined to find out the answer, but that could wait, for right now he just needed her to get better.
"When do you think he will admit it?" Hilda asked as she watched them through the door.
"To Freya? Or to himself?" Thor replied, not surprised in the least at Loki's actions.
"Both."
"I think he knows now, but I cannot say if he will tell her." Thor paused. "What of Freya?"
"Oh she knows. She's been aware of her feelings for months now." Hilda sighed. "But she won't admit it to him."
"Because she doesn't trust him?"
"Because she doesn't want to hurt him." Hilda explained.
"Then they truly are well suited." Thor sighed, before they heard voices in the waiting area, and he felt a pang of regret for his next actions. Though he had no wish to disturb the tender reunion, Thor knew that Freya's parents would not take kindly to the Trickster's presence, and he did not want to cause any more arguments. He therefore headed inside and offered an apologetic expression as he knew what had to be done.
"When are you going to tell her Loki?" Thor asked as they headed back outside. He instantly regretted it, for Loki's guard went straight back up and he quickened his pace.
"There is nothing to be said." The Trickster stated, before stalking off towards the palace. Thor could only shake his head and hope that his brother would see sense soon.
