The Doctor waved his hand to dismiss the notion. "Oh, there isn't a spell. She came wired with the ability to be seen or not."
Raising an eyebrow, the prince corrected himself. "I see that magic is inherent in its makeup. That is wonderful. I shall never tire of the wonders of your box." Loki turned from gazing at the TARDIS to bow his head to the Doctor. "Now, then, please receive my sincere apologies for not answering your question. What was it you wanted to know?"
"Oh. It's not very important. I just wanted to ask you a small favor."
"Name it, my friend, and I shall complete your request to the best of my ability. I do not know what I should find that would please you but I hope it satisfies you."
"No."
Loki looked up. "No?"
The Doctor shook his head and repeated. "No, I meant that I hope you walk away satisfied. Your father knows something he hasn't made public knowledge yet, but I wonder how he managed to get so busy that he hasn't informed you yet. I think it would benefit you if you sought—I mean, if you looked for the answers King Odin can give you. Sorry. Asgard's formality is catchy! River was right about that."
"Hm. This sounds important. What should I ask him about?" Loki held his forefinger just under his nose in thought. His eyes roved over the ground as he listened.
"That story he told the court yesterday. Ask for the uncensored version, since I cannot help but think it would do you good."
Loki looked at the floor, deep in thought. "What would the connection be between that triumph and me? I cannot think of a link."
"Ask him. It's hard for me to be quiet, but it's his job to tell you." The Magician rubbed his hand on the back of his neck.
"I understand. Then I will speak to him, since you brought this fact to my attention."
"Thank you, Loki. Hopefully, the king will be so agreeable."
Loki approached the throne room where the king sat during a lull before he received the next update—the Nine Realms' stability would be next. The councilman bearing that report would likely appear in the next ten to fifteen minutes. Loki swallowed and made the best of his time before Odin.
"Father, I only crave a minute of your time. Will you tell me of all that happened in the battle you spoke of yesterday?"
When Odin said, "No, not now, Loki," he persisted.
"Please. I've heard you tell of the fight countless times, but not what followed—how you carted the spoils home, the army's return, or the feast following the funerals. Or how quickly the spoils found a new home in our vault." The prince clapped his hands around his upper arms and rubbed away drops of sweat. It was warm in the room, almost stifling.
Odin studied Loki's face when he brought up the spoils of that war. His lips thinned. He sighed and shook his head. "Very well. You are never one for such tales, as Thor longs to hear little else. Still, it was of note since death and life met that day. Despite my victory, there were still a few uncowed Giants. I laid hold of my sheathed sword and they scattered.
"I soon learned of your birth after the battle had died down. When I first laid eyes on you, you were very small. I released the pommel then to grab hold of you. I marveled at the sight of you so clear after all the grey battle dust I had seen. I roughly cradled you in my arms until you quieted and grew somewhat warm again. I didn't know how to keep you calm for very long, so I brought you to your mother and she continually cared for your every need. The giants are no longer our concern, my son. Do not worry about them rising up against us for many years. Is that all you wished to know?"
Loki opened his mouth. No bright spark had lit the king's eye as he recited the past happenings. Surely the birth of a prince must have delighted him, though Odin gave no sign. Maybe this would be the last time he would tell the tale, for he looked begrudging as he gave the report.
Loki read the king's face before turning to the side. Truly, the non-answer didn't relieve his curiosity, even though it was ignited on the Doctor's behalf. He frowned lightly, unsatisfied. Odin's answers to him were terse, and without waiting for the answer, he looked past Loki to expect the next messenger.
His audience was over. Loki smiled grimly. He nodded and shoved back questions that sprang to mind. "Yes, that is all I needed. Thank you." He turned to leave, his smile disappearing as though it had never been.
Outside the throne room, the Magician waited for Loki. He perked up when he saw Loki come out.
"So, how'd it go? I understand if what he told you is a lot to take in."
"He said nothing of note; He even went so far as to refuse to give much more information than I knew already."
The Doctor struck his forehead with the heel of his hand. "No! That's a coward's way out. For a fighting king, that's no way to respond." Frowning, he looked at the prince's face. "Everything has gone the best way it could until now. I don't know how to help you know what you must know if he keeps mum, Loki. That was not the best way to answer you. I'm afraid all I can do is encourage you to keep up your curiosity. Perhaps he will come tell you what truly happened in due time, but even if he does not, you ought to focus on how to use your own magic and how best to enjoy your home. It is a lovely place, after all."
"Thank you for your help."
"That's what I do best: Help people. No matter what, even if you never do get a straight answer, remember that your family has taught you honor and respect by their affection for you. Thor even has his reckless moments, but your family loves you with all their hearts. You are a prince in my eyes. Never forget that. Trust me—I'm the Doctor."
"Are you leaving, Magician?"
"I am afraid so."
"Then I shall bid you and River a fond farewell. I confess I am sad to see you leave, but perhaps you can strive to assist others in your path. I do not have this chance very often, but it is a welcome one." He hugged the Doctor for a few seconds before releasing him.
River stepped up beside the Doctor. "I just had a lovely tea time with Queen Frigga. Are we leaving already?"
"Almost. Loki would say goodbye to us."
Loki walked backward until he stood in the sun's rays. He may've clapped his hands, or twisted them. It was hard to track such quick movements. Green light flashed in front of him. Loki now held a bouquet and dark ball in his hands. He approached River first, presenting the flowers with a bow.
"River Song, I wish that you would take these flowers as a token of my inordinate delight at meeting you and the Doctor."
She accepted the flowers gracefully, admired and smelt the blooms. "These look real enough. What kind are these? I am not a horticulturalist."
"Neither am I, but they look even better in your hands than in the gardens. They are white periwinkles, and an added cinnamon rose that faces you. Flowers, like most gifts, ought to be shared." He turned to the Doctor. "My magician, I have something for you too. A plum." Loki tossed it in the air. "A wild plum."
The Magician nodded and caught the fruit. "Thanks, Loki! I can always use a gift I can eat. Wait. Thor's treat taught me some things. It carries no ill effects?"
"I promise it is safe. Anyway, you are not nearly such a buffoon as he is." His easy smile covered any mark of irritation.
The Doctor leaned to the right to clearly see Thor out by a tree, craning his neck for signs of Loki. He hugged the young man again before stepping back from the prince. He fiddled with his bow tie, and a wry smile crossed his face. "Sorry. Saying goodbye always makes me itch to do something else before my nose starts dripping."
Thor headed inside through a doorway from across the room. "Loki, there you are. Come and help me chart a path to Nornheim. Doctor! Lady River! Are you departing?"
"Aye-ahem. Err, yes, we are, Thor. Thank you for rolling with our surprise visit. It has been most delightful."
Thor promptly opened his arms wide and embraced the couple. River demurely patted his arm while the Doctor wheezed for air.
"Thor..." Loki warned.
"Sorry!" He released them and both people felt immensely relieved to have no restriction as they breathed. "Farewell! May you have ever more enthralling ventures." Once they walked away, Thor again brought up the new excursion he desired.
Loki eyed him and sighed. "Oh, all right, but we ought to visit the library first to know our path. This time we should strike out from the west, not straight onto a cliff as before. Uff! You asked for my help, brother, and I did not ask for your elbow…"
A/N: My thanks to Alydia Rackham for introducing me to the Language of Flowers. The white periwinkle means 'Pleasant recollections,' a cinnamon rose holds the distinction of 'without pretension,' and the wild plum means 'independence.' Someone has fun where he goes!