The door opened to reveal a group of young maidens with golden hair, not quite the same as Freyja had thought. They where dressed in cheerfully colored dresses with dark clothing hanging off their arms, clearly like Loki's.
"I asked you what you just called me!" He snapped looking at the young woman in front intensely with anger in his eyes and voice.
"Loki Odinson?" She repeated her voice shaking.
He looked at her for a moment not believing what she is calling him after all that just happened.
"How dare you call me that!" He shouted as he inched forward, making the maidens step back from fear of how Loki was treating them.
"No living soul should ever, ever call me that… EVER!"
The maidens cringed as they retreated. Finally, the head maiden gathered her courage and said, "I am so sorry Lord Loki, we are just here to hand you your clothes."
Loki looked at them like they were just the dirt on his boots or even more less.
"Fine, leave them."
"I apologize, Lord Loki, but the Lady Freyja gave us orders to dress you personally. If you do not mind…"
Loki smirked to himself with a dry chuckle.
"Well, unfortunately for you, I don't take request that easily. Unless it came from me ─ you and your pathetic virgins will do as I say. " He threatened.
"Now leave those clothes on the bed and leave!," he commanded as he turned his back on them.
The maidens looked at each other; giving up, just did what they where told and left the pieces of clothing on the bed leaving with any word.
Loki eyed the clothes laid out for him, stroking his long fingers on the soft black material.
"He's awake?" Freyr asked looking at his sister from his seat.
"Yes, brother. And he has a lot of questions,"
Freyr just nodded placing a hand under his chin.
"I really think this is a mistake Freyja," Freyr remarked, sounding as if he just made the biggest mistake of his life.
Freyja sighed and shook her head. "Brother, what else do you want to do? He has nowhere to go, no one to turn to, and even you don't want him. Can you be any more heartless?"
Freyr gave Freyja a look taken a back at what his sister just told him.
"Have you forgotten what father told us? Treat everyone with respect and friendship-"
"Sister, I don't think you get the idea of the word. It doesn't apply to all," Freyr cut her out before his sister; his beautiful sister even finished the sentence.
Freya took her eyes off her brother as she saw Loki descend the stairs in his new clothes, similar to his old ones. It was a robe of black and green satin within a light golden armor; a familiar armguard present, in which one shoulder is platted and strap hanging off. It was all fitted with the finest gold, metal and leather. But what make it more noticeable are not his clothes; one was the carved Royal Vanir scripture, second was the way Loki held himself.
He was a prince, still was. But most importantly, he was a god.
Loki examined his surroundings, staying sharp not exactly planning an escape or anything like that.
Freyja gave her brother a look and quickly smiled.
"How are you liking your new clothes? They look fitting on you…"
Freyr bit on his tongue from stopping himself from laughing. He just looked up, gave Loki a nod for old times sake and Loki returned the favor.
One of the many servants standing around rushed over to pull a chair for Loki in front of Freyja.
"How are you feeling?" Freyr asked trying his might to sound more concerned that he wanted to be.
Loki slid himself down on his chair looking at the king blankly. "Fine." Replied uncaring.
Freyja and Freyr gave each other looks just before they started eating. Loki, feeling comfortable, started to eat his meal as well. The food was consisting of the finest meat, vegetation of Vanaheim. Roast, steak, salads and the delicacies of wild fruits, which accompanied by Nectar; known to be the water of the gods and the finest Vanir mead, Angeli Lacrimis. It is sweet, but strong the real devil among its sisters, brothers of drinks. Words have passed over, short but better than none at all.
Full and a bit intoxicated, Freyr excused himself to rest.
"Now if you'll excuse me, sister…" Freyr said as he turned towards his sister, eyes full of concern.
"Go, brother. I'll be alright." Freyja replied. He gave a small smile and reached for her mead.
Freyr nodded then turns his attention to the god.
"…Loki,"
Loki just gave him a look and continued drinking his share of mead.
An unwanted pregnant pause, Freyr straightens his posture and finally bid his good nights. "...I shall retire now. You two continue and enjoy. Though I'd suggest you lay off of the mead…" the latter being said in almost whisper.
"Cautious, isn't he, your legolastic brother…" Loki said as he put down his chalice.
"He is but for a good reason."
"Aye, reasons which are hypocritical. Do you really know who I am?"
" I do. Though I cannot be sure anymore…"
Loki chuckled, malevolently. He stood up, placed his hands and leans and leered at her, saying, "You amuse, Lady Freyja. You are doubtful and pathetically remembering the past you hold of me, yet brave enough to believe.
"You are a fool." Loki leaned back, idly regarding Freyja.
A trickle of sweat has run down the side of Freyja's head. A shiver and a beating to her heart; she felt fear, after long years since her father's death. But she would not be dithered. Not yet.
So she slowly stood up, gathering her wits and bravery. She said,
"I maybe a fool for believing, but this belief is what I hold dear. It is what kept me going. It made me strong, strong enough to be the support of my brother and the kingdom.
"It is… It is also the hope…" Freyja's gave a heartfelt sigh and turn around, walking out to her chambers. Loki was left behind.
No good night and a toast have been made. Even the promise to give the truth has been forgotten. Well, until Loki reminded Freyja the promise that has been made through an embarrassing prank and glare to boot.
Freyja was out of the Virgo's Library. Freyr's laughter could be heard from the other side of the room. She was a bit disheveled, face flushed and panting from the events that has happened. Her brother is finding amusement out of it. It was a total embarrassment! Oh when she gets her hands on that trickster of a god…
"You should know better than to promised me words which you cannot keep in the right time, Lady Freyja." Loki purred, his back to her.
Startled, she quickly turn to face Loki; the said trickster.
"L-Loki. I... " back to the door, she took a deep breath and gather her wit while she compose herself. As she is looking calm and presentable, she said, "Living up to your reputations are you?"
Loki moved his head a bit to the side, just to regard her. His eyes gleaming he said, "Impressed?"
"I must say so, I am. Though as mortal say it, "ha! That was a good one. NOT."" Freyja said, laced with irony and sarcasm.
Loki hummed, lingered for a bit in the open balcony. The environment in Vanaheim is quite different from Asgard. The former being like sheer chiffon fabric to the feeling while the latter is humid and bright.
Loki paused on his musings, finally turning around to face the goddess. He walked up to her with purpose. Freyja stepped back as he got closer. Freyja, with her back against the library door, looks up at Loki. He places his right hand beside her head on the door, preventing her escape.
"I believe you still have questions to answer…"
Reluctantly, she looked at him in the eye. Loki gazed back at her, eyes glowing and in need of answers.
"What is it that you want to know?" Freyja whispered.
"Everything."