~ Rai's point of view ~

After saying goodbye to Loki and everyone on the Bifrost, I quickly made my way to see the All-Father. When I found him in the throne room, I got on one knee and placed my hand over my heart. "What brings you here my dear?" I could see he was looking a bit tired. I bit my lip in hesitation for a second but then spoke up. "All-Father… It is my duty to inform you that Thor has taken it upon himself to seek revenge on the Frost Giants. He has taken Loki, Sif, and the warriors three to Jotunheim." Odin quickly stood up from his throne and was now towering over me. "How long ago?!" His booming voice sent shivers down my spine. "About half an hour ago my king…" "What?! Why did you not inform me sooner?!" I was a little afraid to speak up. "Please, forgive me my king… Thor did not want me to say anything but I… I felt that if I did not tell you… they might not come home alive…" Odin quickly made his way out of the throne room and towards the Bifrost. 'I'm sorry Thor… but Loki was right… I pray you are all well…' I thought, watching as Odin jumped onto Sleipnir and rode down the rainbow bridge.

I then made my way to Queen Frigga's chambers. Her door was open so I shyly made my way inside her bedroom, knocking softly so she knew I was there. I saw one of her handmaidens brushing her beautiful, golden-brown hair. "What troubles you my dear?" She always knew when something was wrong. "My Queen… it is regarding the two guards that were slain today…" She dismissed her handmaiden and motioned for me to sit next to her. I took my seat on a nearby chair and she asked, "What of them?" I look down at my hands and fidgeted with my fingers. "… Um… you see… one of them was a dear friend of mine… I was hoping… we could have a proper burial for them?..." My gaze was still fixated on my hands but she placed her gentle hand on mine.

"Of course…." She sighed softly. "I am so sorry for your loss… I do not know how this could have happened…" I silently shook my head. "I believe the bodies are being prepared for the burial… why don't you go get ready for the funeral?" I stood up and bowed to her. "Thank you my queen." Before I left she spoke up once more. "Rien… do not blame yourself…" I didn't look back at her. I just headed to my bedroom.

Sitting on my bed, I looked out the window and could see the lake outside. I sighed heavily as memories of Einar rushed into my mind. All the good times we had together… all the laughs we used to share… I started feeling guilty… I knew he had always had feelings for me and I was always indifferent or just played it off as nothing. I started to feel as if perhaps I should have been nicer to him or something… I felt a painful knot in my throat and my face started to cringe in sadness… I didn't want to cry… but I felt if I didn't I'd be a bad person…

I walked into the bathroom and started to run a hot bath. As I undressed and turn off the water, I carefully slipped into the tub and let warmth take me. Again I started remembering little things here and there of Einar and me. The knot in my throat wouldn't go away. I close my eyes and started to remember bits and pieces of Loki and my childhood. Hopefully… that will help me forget…

~ Flash back sill in Rai's point of view ~

I had just finished up my maid duties for the day and I was exhausted! I was just ten years old at the time but I never neglected my duties. Though I have to admit, sometimes I wish I could hide and skip them like Loki and Thor did to with their princely duties. I headed out to the palace gardens with a book Loki gave me in hand. We had been meeting up every day in the late afternoon. We would read the book to each other under the shade of a cherry tree by the lake. I loved these moments we had together. I'd never admit it but I loved spending alone time with him.

He sat down and patted the seat next to him. I laid my head on his lap and closed my eyes. He started reading from where he left off last. His voice was always so smooth… so inviting… he could bring the book to life… I sighed gently and he stroked my hair. I never wanted this to end…

~ End flash back ~

"What would I do without you Loki…" A few moments later, I dress myself in a simple black sundress, a small black gothic style umbrella, much like Hellas', and some plain black shoes. My hair was loose and more wavy than curly. Carefully placing a white-pinkish Orchid pin in my hair, I made my way to the funeral site. It started to rain…

"Even the heavens weep…" Queen Frigga didn't look at me. Her gaze was fixated on the coffins that were getting ready to be buried. I nodded and watched as family members and friends placed flowers and various other items inside the coffins. "It is time… perhaps you would like to say your goodbyes my dear?" I didn't say anything. I just walked up to Einars' open casket.

It was painful seeing him there. I thought any second now he would jump and scare me… tell me it was all a cruel joke… I watched his chest hoping to see it move… I gazed at his eyes hoping to see them flutter open… I touched his hand praying I could feel the warmth of his blood… but nothing… all I felt was an icy touch…

I was no stranger to death. Hell… I had even seen children slaughtered before me in the battles I participated in with Thor and Loki. It always pained me to see someone die… enemy or not I had always wished there was another way. So much pain and suffering…

~ Flash back Rai's point of view 8 years ago ~

There was a small war going on between two of the neighboring villages. No one really knows how it started. King Odin figured this was a perfect way for his sons to experience the type of kingly duties they would have to get used to. After finally resolving the issue, Thor decided to have Loki stay in one village and help the wounded and he would be at the other. I stayed with Loki. Sif and the warriors three went with Thor.

All around me I could see children running around the village crying for their mothers… wives desperately searching for their husbands… dead bodies littered the street and rivers of blood at my feet. I look over at Loki who was speaking to, who I assumed to be, the leader of this village. A little boy tugged at my hand. Looking down at him I could see he was covered in dirt and dried blood.

"Miss miss please… tell me where is my mother?" I knelt down to meet his eye level and shook my head. "I'm sorry I do not know… why don't I help you find her yes?" He smiled and nodded. I took his little hand in mine, feeling it caked with dirt, blood and sweat. His hair was a dirty blond and was also covered in dirt and blood… I figured he had been running and hiding for some time now… suddenly he stopped. "What's the matter?" I asked him concerned. He pointed to a pile of dead bodies that were being readied to be burned by the guards.

"Mommy…" There was a blond woman amongst the pile of bodies. His mother… it was Einar who came up to us. He removed is helmet and placed a hand on the little boys head. "I'm sorry." Was all he said. The little boy remained silent, his eyes never leaving his mother's body.

"We shall bury them not burn them." I said looking at Einar. "That's not your call Rai…" "No, but I shall speak with Loki. Do not do anything with them until Loki himself says so ok?" He nodded and I pick up the little boy. He buried his face in my chest but refused to cry. "You are the strongest little boy I've ever seen you know…" Still he remained silent.

I waited for Loki to finish up with the village chief. Finally, as I watched the man leave, I approached Loki. "Who's that you got there?" Loki tried taking hold of the boys' hand but he jerked away and clung onto me tightly. I stroked his back lovingly and reassuringly. "Loki is a kind prince, he will not harm you." Still he clung to me. "Loki… his mother was killed… he is not the only one left an orphan due to this war… please do not burn the dead… let us give them a proper burial… these were innocent lives lost…"

The little boy looked up at Loki who smiled at him. "Of course." "Thank you Loki… little boy do not forget the merci Prince Loki has shown you… I told you he is a kind prince." The boy jumped down from my arms and hugged Loki's legs. "Thank you Prince Loki." I smiled and thanked him. Then, taking the little boys hand I lead him back to Einar and his dead mother.

Later that day, after the burial, we were getting ready to depart. I had brought some supplies with me for the people. Some medical supplies, food, water, that kind of stuff. As I was dispersing it amongst everyone, I looked to them and said, "Everyone, please do not forget what Prince Loki of Asgard has done for you today. Remember him as a merciful and generous prince. For if not for him, your dead would be burnt and you would not have the supplies and food you have now." All the people clapped and cheered for Loki. He was surprised but smiled and thanked them.

"What was all that about?" He asked me as we mounted our horses. "You somehow gained a bad reputation Loki… I was simply trying to boost your image amongst the people of Asgard. Perhaps that will improve your chances to receive the throne." He chuckled. "You always seem to find a way to take care of me don't you?" Sighing I replied, "Someone has to… besides… I care about you…"

~ End flash back ~

I set down some Orchids inside Einars casket. My eyes fixated on the cold floor, I make my way back to the Queen's side. I do not say a word. "I am sure he is in Valhalla." "One can only hope my queen…"

The rain started to subside and I noticed the sun was setting. Everyone had left hours ago but I stayed… I prayed for Einar and just sat down with him at his grave for a while. I kept thinking of Loki… the sun was setting and he was yet to arrive from Jotunheim. 'I better get back to the palace and see if he's here yet…' I thought.

I arrived at the palace gates only to see Sif and the warriors three arguing about something. "What's going on? Where are the princes?" Sif glares at me then looks over to the hallway leading into the palace. "Why don't you ask him." She said quite bitterly. The warriors three and she then make their way to the dining room. I look over to where Sif was looking previously and saw Loki calmly walk up to me.

I hug him tightly. "Oh Loki! You're alright!" He kissed my forehead and smiled down at me. "Where is Thor? Please don't tell me something happened to him…" His gaze seemed to darken. "And if it did?... Would it bother you that much?" I could hear the jealousy in his voice. "Loki, you know I love Thor dearly… he is like a brother to me… please tell me… what has happened?..." I furrowed my eyebrows at him in worry and confusion. I could feel my heart beating faster and the blood rush to my face as my emotions got the better of me.

"Thor has been banished." I felt my heart stop.