As night fell, Thor went to the library, searching through books for anyway that he could possibly get Loki out of this fate. After hours of searching through Asgardian law books, Thor soon came across a book on the magicians of Asgard. At first, he wasn't sure it would provide him with any help. However after some time, he came to give it a shot. One of these magicians could use magic to free his brother, though he highly doubted any would care to help. Every magician he found was either dead or imprisoned, therefore of no help to him. But at the very back of the book he found there was one that could help. Instead of being dead or imprisoned, she was living in the darker parts of Asgard, in a much more secluded part of the Realm. Gudrun Olafsdottir. Deciding she was his best bet, Thor set out to find her, mounting his horse and riding off in the direction of her home.
Dawn was only a few hours away and the palace would be suspicious if Thor was not there. Finally coming across the magician's home, Thor knocked on the door, awaiting an answer. Moments passed that feeled almost like minutes. After what seemed like hours, the door swung open, an old, crippled lady standing at the door.
"Are you Gudr-"
"Thor Odinson." The lady noted, staring at him for a few moments. Blinking, the Thunderer nodded.
"That is correct. I have come because I hear you are a powerful magician. I need to know if you have the power to save my brother from execution?" He asked, desperation quite clear in his tone. He was much taller in comparison to her, towering over the lady. Yet he had a somewhat respectful posture, not making himself seem bigger than he already was, looking at her as though she were his last hope. And she was.
"Loki Laufeyson, huh? Yes, I have the power to, however why should I help the man who caused such mahem?" She questioned Thor, watching him very carefully and awaiting his answer. Silent for a few moments, Thor took in her question. Why should she help him?
"Because no matter what he has done, he deserves a second chance. There is good in him, I have seen it. He faces regrets everyday and even when he was causing chaos, he was reluctant to do so. He is a better person than many percieve him to be and not many will understand that unless they know him as well as I do." He replied softly, watching Gudrun with a soft gaze. Nodding in response to his answer, the old lady opened her door, allowing him entrance into her home. Relieved somewhat, Thor followed her inside the home, being led to the furthest corner of the house. Sitting down, Gudrun urged Thor to do the same, the god doing exactly that.
"Your father is a fool. He is blind to see that this was provoked. The Allfather likes to squash anything that is a threat to his power. That is why I live in one of the poorer districts of Asgard." Gudrun explained. "Because of him, my power is limited. There is only so much I can do. I cannot alter the Allfather's decision, however there is a way to get around it. Tell me, Thor. How far are you willing to go to save your brother?" She asked, eyeing him carefully. Thor watched her, taking in what she said.
"I would give anything. My possessions, the throne, my life." He replied, watching her. The old lady grinned and nodded.
"Good. If that is the case, the only way to avoid your brother's execution is to convince the Allfather otherwise." She replied. Thor shook his head.
"I have already tried that. Mother and I both have. Please. Please tell me there is another way." He begged, still gripping onto hope with every fibre in his body.
"Well, there is one other way..." She said thoughtfully. "The only way you stop his execution is to swap places. He lives your life, the favoured son, heir to the throne. However you will take his place. You will of been the one who lived in the shadows his entire life. The one all believed corrupt. You will be the one who caused chaos on both Asgard and Midgard and you will be the one who will be executed." She said slowly, knowing it was a lot to take in. For once in his life, Thor was silent. He weighed his options very briefly, but he knew what he wanted and that was only for Loki's safety.
"Do it." He ordered, nodding. Slightly suprised that he had accepted her offer, Gudrun chuckled softly.
"You really do care for him. He should consider himself lucky to have such a protective brother as yourself." She said. Slowly standing from her seat, she walked to a table, grabbing several vials and pouring them into a bowl, mixing them slowly. Finally adding one of Idunn's, a bright golden light stretched through the room, illuminating every nook. Finally a dark beam shot up from the bowl, towering up before fingers of branches spread out from the base. A small tree was soon standing before them, golden apples gripping onto the branches. Picking one off, Gudrun gave it to Thor.
"One bite is all you need. But be warned. Loki is skilled in magic. He is powerful and while he may not have enough power to reverse the spell, he may still remember everything has happened." She explained. Thor watched her before looking at the apple, glowing in his hands. It pulsed slightly with ancient magic, a magic that had been deemed lost many years ago. Lifting the enchanted fruit to his lips, Thor took a bite, swallowing it.
Gudrun had disappeared, leaving the Thunderer alone in the house. He turned, walking out of the home and too his horse where several royal guards were waiting.
"Thor Odinson, you are under arrest by order of the Allfather for your crimes on Midgard and Asgard."