The day had finally arrived, the day to which the two brothers eagerly awaited. They stood, side by side, adorned in their ceremonial gear and listening to the excited cries above them. The whole realm had turned out and squeezed into the grand hall that stood in the palace.

"Brother, are you nervous?" Thor asked as Loki stood, tensed and ready, staring ahead.

"Not really. I don't do fear." Loki replied, his body suddenly appearing to relax as he shot a smile at Thor and the red-clad brother laughed.

"What about that time in Nornheim when you veiled us in mist?" Thor asked with his usual cheer.

"If I hadn't you would have gotten us killed. Fleeing is not because nerves get to you, it's a strategic plan."

"I was in the rage of battle, I could have taken on a hundred men and not fallen!"

"You have your sword and I have my tricks," There was a hint of smugness in Loki's voice as he spoke and an attendant came up to them, a cup of mead on a dish for each of them. He bowed slightly to the two princes and Loki took the cups and handed one to his brother.

"That will be all," He informed the servant who backed away, bowing as he went. Thor lifted the drink to his lips and downed it all in one go. Loki was more cautious and took a smaller sip, watching his brother with a raised eyebrow.

"You drink like a fish," Loki commented when the blond head emerged and Thor grinned.

"It is good mead. Shall I finish it for you?" He asked, reaching for the cup, still with a grin that could match the Cheshire Cat. Loki pulled his cup away.

"How many have you had today?" He asked.

"I'd say a fair few."

"Feasting with Volstagg?"

"More drinking than feasting,"

"That was what I was worried about,"

"Do not fear, Loki, I, unlike you, can hold my ale." Loki gave a sigh and took another sip of the mead while Thor watched. Lowering the cup, he looked at Thor with raised eyebrows.

"Very well, you can finish it off." Loki said, handing the cup over which Thor took eagerly. A smirk appeared on Loki's face and he waved his hand. As Thor lifted the cup to his lips, an eel slide out and Loki gave a laugh as he waved the eel away and it disappeared. Thor meanwhile seemed to be rather shocked before he regained his composure.

"If it had been any other night," Thor warned and Loki dipped his head.

"You would have fought me and won?" He asked, calmly, straightening his horned helmet.

"You know me too well," Thor grinned, looking up at the horns as the moved with the slight rearrangement. "See you still dress as the cow,"

"And I see you're still a dainty little bird," Loki replied and the two brothers laughed, the insults and slight argument already forgotten.

"Thor, you know that you are my brother and friend," Loki said as the merriment died down and Thor's gaze became slightly melancholy. "No matter what, that will remain true."

"I know, brother." Thor said, looking up and meeting Loki's gaze, blue upon green. There was silence for a few more seconds as Thor's gaze fell to the floor as if there was some great weight on them.

"I wish you the very best, despite my heart, Loki. You will make a good king," Thor finally said, offering a faint smile which Loki returned with a pearly grin.

"And you will be a great adviser and protector, Thor. I know that I can count on you." He replied, lifting Thor's head to look into his eyes.

"Remember, no matter what," He said and Thor place a friendly hand against Loki's neck.

"No matter what." He repeated.

"It's time," Loki said as the cheers began to quieten at the blast of a ceremonial horn.

"Are you ready?" Thor questioned, concern entering his voice.

"I believe so," Loki replied, the only sign of his nerves being the fact that he checked his armour over very briefly.

"Go on ahead," Thor said and Loki gave him a pointed look. The raven haired brother knew how Thor felt and didn't want him to be left out.

"I'll be along, go on." He said, gesturing forwards. There was a pause and then Loki offered Thor a smile before walking ahead.

Blue eyes followed the retreating form, and they blinked as water started to fill them. This should have been his night of triumph. He had defeated the most enemies, he had proved himself over and over yet the emerald-clad god took the prize because he was crafty with words and magic. It didn't seem fair and Thor did not know how to deal with it. Volstagg had recommended drowning his sorrows in the sweet liquid but it had not changed his envy. Even Loki's honeyed words still left the jealousy in his heart. But there was nothing he could do and with a heavy sigh he walked on. There was a reason for this.

Striding into the hall, the cheers were drowned out as Loki walked along the long corridors, his eyes falling on Sif and the Warriors Three who took prime place on the stairs. They smiled at him but he could see their nervous glances moving towards an empty space where Thor should be. Sif cast him a questioning look and Loki gave him a shake of the head. His gaze moved along the line to fall on his mother - the woman who had taught him. She offered a comforting smile and Loki gave a small one, pressing his lips tightly together.

Stopping before of his father, Loki bent down on one knee and watched as Odin raised his spear and hit the ground with it. There was a resounding echo.

Squeaking filled the hall as Thor hurried into place, coming to a sudden stop. Green shoulders slumped slightly in relief. Loki had been worried that his brother would miss the ceremony, it would do nothing to help him.

"Loki Odinson, my heir," Loki's green eyes flickered towards Thor who's gaze hardened at these words.

"My first-born. One of the greatest magic-users this kingdom has ever seen. You have used your talents to protect the realm, whether with your magic as a weapon, or your words as a negotiator."

Loki could not help but notice the heavy gaze that his brother kept on him. The throne had been a contest between the two of them and he feared that his brother may bear him ill-will. If Thor had been drinking, then this day may yet turn around.

"Loki Odinson, do you swear to serve the Nine Realms?"

"I swear," Loki's voice was nervous as he replied, shaking slightly.

"Do you swear to preserve the peace?"

"I swear," In the empty hall, his voice seemed amplified and Loki hated how it made his fear more obvious and he swallowed.

"Do you swear to cast aside all selfish ambitions and pledge yourself only to the good of the nine realms?" There was a pause as Loki closed his eyes, quelling his rebelling emotions.

"I swear."

"Then I, Odin Allfather, proclaim you king." A great cheer went up and Loki watched as Thor turned and left, red cloak billowing out as he moved with haste. Frigga frowned and took a step towards Thor but stopped to look at Loki as he rose and bowed to his father, backing away and turning to look at his people. The sudden departure of Thor had left the raven haired god nervous - they had always supported each other and he had not wanted this to drive a rift between them.

Raising a hand, he calmed the cheering, bringing silence in seconds.

"Good Men and Fair Ladies of Asgard, it is an honour to be chosen, an honour and a burden. But I swear to you that I will uphold my oaths and strive to protect every man, woman and child of our glorious realm." There was a great cry of celebration and Loki smiled as he walked away from the cheering crowd and straight into the embrace of his mother.

"Well done, Loki. I'm so proud of you." She whispered into his ear as they broke apart.

"Thanks mother," Loki smiled, casting his gaze back to the empty spot that had once housed his brother.

"Later, you can't be seen leaving so early,"

With a nod, Loki went on to greet the other Lords as well as Sif and the Warriors Three. He could tell that they missed Thor; they preferred his work with weapons and did not hide their contempt for magic and certain users of the art.

The festivities went well on and into the night and Loki did not get a chance to leave until the moon was at it's zenith. Hurrying along the empty corridors, Loki made his way to his own chamber.

"My lord, do you require anything?" A servant asked who had followed him.

"I will need a pitcher of water, fast." Loki announced, candles springing to light as he entered the room and pulled out a scrying bowl. Hands traced the bowl, feeling the familiar feel of the stone beneath the palms of his hand. Closing his eyes, Loki centered himself.

"Your water, sire," A voice said, disrupting him and green eyes revealed themselves.

"Thank you, place it on the table and leave me." He ordered.

Keeping his eyes fixed on the bowl, Loki waited until he heard the pitcher being placed down on the wooden table and the footsteps retreated. Then he stepped towards the water and carefully took the pitcher, carrying it to the scrying bowl and gently pouring the liquid in. As soon as there was a mirrored layer, he returned the pitcher to the table and took up a hunched position over the bow, staring in at the liquid as he muttered a spell.

Searching the realm, Loki found no trace of his brother and concern filled him. There was no way to hide from his prying eyes and Loki considered going to Heimdall although he knew that the gatekeeper was not fond of either of them. Turning his attention to other realms, Loki felt the strain but suddenly it became clear to him that Thor had managed to get into Jotunneim. There was the image of his brother in the frozen wastelands. How did he even get there?

"Loki, what are you doing?" He was shaken out of his searching by a female voice and he looked over to the speaker. Sif stood there, the Warriors Three behind her and he looked between them.

"I was searching for Thor," He replied, waving a hand to end the enchantment on the scrying bowl.

"We must save him, he's gone to Jotunnheim."

"Jotunheim?" Volstagg asked, nervously.

"Surely you must be jesting. Thor could not be that brash." Fandral exclaimed.

"This time I'm not actually lying." Loki said, pacing. "We must rescue him."

"We cannot journey into Jotunheim alone." Fandral said.

"We will take a small guard. Our actions will be quick and with any luck, unnoticed. Thor has not yet attracted the attention of the Frost Giants, let us hope that it remains that way."

"This isn't like a journey into Midgard where you perform a little magic and the mortals worship you as a god." Fandral said and Loki gave a sigh.

"Do you wish my brother to die?" He asked.

"Of course not," Sif said hurriedly. "We just think you should get an army to go with you,"

"If we get an army we risk the lives of many. I do not wish to start a war."

Silence met these words as the four bowed their heads, accepting his wisdom.

"Lady Sif, Warriors Three, we are going to Jotunheim!"

Thor battled through the snow and ice. Getting Heimdall to let him pass had not been an easy feat. In his hand, the blonde haired god held the hammer Mjollnir which he had taken from the treasury. His attention was focused on the mission at hand. He would prove that he deserved to be king, he would take on these giants single handed and would win. Nothing could stop him.

"You've come a long way to die, Asgardian."