Blind Faith
The wind howled and lightning flashed. Rain came pouring as if someone had ripped the skies apart. The curtains fluttered, the chilly wind caresses over Loki's sleeping form. He moaned and stirred beneath the covers.
He rolled over, his fingers reached out to find another solid body but found none. Thunder clapped.
"Thor…?" Loki groaned, forcing his heavy lids apart. Thor was gone.
At once, he shot up from the bed, his eyes sweep across the empty room till he saw that the door that led to the balcony was wide open. Rattling and slamming against the wall with every mighty gust of wind. It was still night, and it was pouring.
"Thor?" He called louder.
The Aesir couldn't have gone out in this weather could he? But Thor was not in the chamber; he was not in the bathroom, that Loki was certain. Leaving only the balcony.
He slips out of bed, letting the cover of soft satin slither off his naked body. He moves towards the door and at once he was looking at the Aesir's back.
The God of Thunder standing on the balcony, drenched wet to his bones. His golden locks stuck messily to his scalp and neck, water caressing down his form. His thin pajama was stuck to his skin like a second layer and it was transparent.
"Hey..." Loki whispered.
Thor did not respond, simply looked up towards the weeping sky.
"What is the matter? Come back in…come to bed"
Thor ignored Loki; his emotions stirred and tingled, the monster beneath his flesh wrenched at the chains that bind.
"Thor…"
A hand lid over his shoulder. He knows he is damn if he turns, he knows it, but yet…he still did. He turned to his side to regard Loki.
He is so tired, so exhausted of fighting a battle he is sure to lose. He wanted to give up, to let go… to listen and succumb finally to the monster in him. It would be so much easier…
Water trickled over both Thor and Loki's face.
"I'm so tired…" Thor whispered.
Loki stilled. The softness in Thor's voice frightened him more than any threats Thor could throw at him.
"If only I could give up…"
"Look at me" Loki hissed, taking Thor's face between the palms of his hand. "I promise you did I not?!" He demanded.
"…"
"I will not let you lose yourself. Do you not trust me?"
"Loki…You do not know what I want" Thor said sadly. "Whenever I look at you, there is this desire in me to chain you. To make you beg and to make you scream as I take you. I want to posses you at all times"
"…"
"Does it not appall you?"
"I've told you. You are a fool"
"…"
"Come to bed now" He released Thor.
"Thank you" Thor rasped.
"For what?"
"For being there for me when I needed the most"
"..."
"I..." Thor hesitated for a moment before wrapping his arms about Loki's waist and uncertainly pulls him close. He didn't really know what he was doing. It was confusing. There is a part of him that told him that he should stay away from Loki, least he hurt him, while there is another part that just felt right.
He didn't know what was between them… It was complicated at best.
Thor knew that one moment of intimacy, one moment of trust, one moment of vulnerability shared between them where Loki did not crush his heart into a thousand pieces did not change Loki's hatred for Aesir, perhaps for him even. But it did change something…It has to. By the Norns, after what happened a few hours ago, he prayed, he begged that things would be different, even if only slightly. Because he needed Loki, the intervals between the clarity of his mind had become shorter and shorter. And even when it is clear, there is always that poisonous whisper that lingers.
He did not know how long he could continue fighting an enemy that grew only stronger as he weakens.
Truly now… only Loki knows him. Knows the devil in him. Something he cannot risk anyone else finding out.
What would they think?
He is a King descending into madness with only a Jotun slowing him in that vicious spiral.
He prayed to the Norns, the trees, to anything that would listen, that he would hold long enough for Odin to awaken.
"Thank you" Thor brushed Loki's cheek with the back of his fingers.
"If you are so thankful, then why do you stand here?"
"The storm… it gives me peace. It helps me think"
"What about?"
"You" Thor murmured; lowering his forehead to rest against Loki's, his thumb caresses over Loki's jaw bone. "Everything…"
Loki's presence soothed him. He knows everything with Loki is a scheme, a trap, a way to further his plan. He is a pawn, he knows it. But as for now, hidden away from the eyes of the world, he wanted this. He wanted the peace only Loki could offer, even if just for a moment. It matters not if the emotions, the sympathy, the compassion beneath Loki's emerald gaze a few hours ago had been real or not. It matters not… because he needed them or he will go mad.
He knows that he had succumbed to Loki's grand scheme in that matter, but he will never regret being saved from that decadent place. He wanted to ask spitefully, are you happy now? Did you have what you want? You've won…I am yours to command with simply the caress of your hands, the whisper of your voice against my ears and the heat of your body against me...For without you, I am madness…
"What do you want Thor?" Loki asked quietly.
"I don't know" He admits. "But I wonder…if we had met in another circumstance…then perhaps…"
Loki tensed at the implication; drawing back. He stood with his back straight and proud. Fire flickering within the depths of his emerald eyes.
Thor lifted his gaze. Emerald meets cerulean. Loki hissed suddenly, shoving Thor back.
"Do not forget who I am" Loki warned.
He isn't some domesticated pet! He is not some tamed Jotun! He is Loki Laufeyjarson! The heir to the throne of Jotunheim!
"Don't you dare!" Loki snarled.
"I do not" Thor said.
"If you did, you'd be the biggest fool in all the nine realms"
Thor did not reply. He simply reached down to take Loki's hand and took a step towards him.
Loki looked upon him. His emerald eyes, on fire even as Thor laid a hand over the side of Loki's neck; his thumb traced the line of Loki's jawbone.
What are you doing? Loki's mind whispered. But more alarmingly, why was he letting Thor stand so close to him?
He has come to terms that he no longer loathed Thor, but this went beyond mere acceptance.
Thor was so close Loki could feel his breath caress against his lips, and yet, he did not move.
"You are Loki of Jotunheim. I have not forgotten" Thor said quietly.
He did not forget the man beneath this false visage. Till his last breath, he will not forget…the fearless strength Loki shown, when he blasted through the walls of Asgard and fought the warriors that came upon him. The fire in those scarlet eyes, the fierceness in his every strike and the grace of his move. Loki was prepared to fight and die right there that very day. And even when Loki was at the brink of death, his eyes had been steel, his resolve unbroken. A creature born from ice but with spirit like wildfire.
"There is no man like you" Thor closed his eyes; his lips brushed over Loki's cheek, trailing gently to touch those icy lips almost painfully.
He cannot have Loki; that he knows.
"It has gotten worst hasn't it…?" Loki asked.
Thor nodded. Yes… without Loki, without his presence, the beast stirs restlessly. Turning his thoughts, turning him, into a man that even he fears. Sadistic, violent, possessive, angry and selfish.
"For what it is worth…I will not let you lose yourself"
"Thank you"
"It's late" Loki said.
"Yes…Let's get back to bed. We have a long hunt ahead"
"Ah… the sports of savages"
Thor simply smile, guiding Loki back into the room. Loki lets him, watching him intently.
The Soul Forest was what the Aesir called the place. The ground was moist and the trees were thick. Monstrous trees towered all around them like great pillars. Mist and fog lingered in the air, curling, entwining between massive trunks, settling over them like a veil. It was hard to see far in the muted dimness that enveloped the place. But they are not real. This muted darkness, they are illusions cast by the very forest herself to trick the eyes of Aesir. An illusion of dusk that would last an eternity. It was the way the forest protects the beasts that run rampant on her lush plains.
But what was to be a disadvantage to the Aesir, Loki only thrives all the more.
On Jotunheim with nights and snowstorms that last a life time, hunting without the sense of sight is the norm. Thus, without a doubt Loki became the best hunter out of the entire hunting party much to the warrior's displeasure at being outmatched on their own realm. And to sooth their bruised pride, they mocked Loki's seid. Called him womanly to rely on such art; ergi and whore were their favorite words.
"Listen! Listen! I've made a wonderful song!" Loki stood up at dinner, garnering everyone's attention.
At once, Thor tensed.
For the pass few night Loki have been doing this presumably in retaliation to the warrior's insults, reciting poem and songs he'd compose with every verse throwing insults to warriors in turn.
"Loki" Thor hissed urgently, trying to drag him down but Loki simply dances out of his reached; skipping and laughing he leaped onto a box by the supply tent.
"A song! A wonderful song in tribute to this hunt! Sing with me if you can master the skill fellow friends!" He laughed and began.
It didn't take five lines before Thor recognize that it was yet another song of tease and insult. Thor dragged him down before he could even get to the second verse. Loki laughed.
"Join me! Join me friends!"
Thor hauled Loki to their tent, ignoring the murderous glares as Loki continued to sing the second and third verse loudly until finally Thor unzips their tent and thrust the trickster in.
"What's the matter with you?" Thor resisted the urge to shout. "Are you trying to provoke a fight?"
"A fight?" Loki said scandalously. "Well I am hurt. I thought singing and poems were part of merrymaking. I did not realize that such delicate things would incite fights. What moody bunches you lot are"
"Lo-"
"Well then, I better go make my amends. I've just thought of another song!"
"Stop it!" Thor grabbed the damn trickster by his wrist, wrenching him forth.
Loki smiled as he crashed against Thor's armored chest. He reached his free hand to cup Thor's warm features.
His touch was like electric, instantly stilling the rampant thoughts of Thor's mind; and there was peace for a moment.
"You are doing well" Loki said, pecking him on the lips.
"Aye"
Loki has been true to his words on that part. He hadn't let Thor lose his mind and he had been there for him all through the week. Being close enough for Thor to touch him, kiss him when Thor could no longer bare it. Or rather, sometimes Loki would act first before Thor could reach for him. But Thor had refused to have sex with Loki. There is a line he would still draw.
"Holding on to what little honor you could still master?" Loki had mocked and teased. Thor took no offence of it, for Loki is Loki.
"There's your kiss. Now unhand me" Loki hummed.
"That's not the point" Thor frowned, but loosened his hold.
At once, Loki slipped away, laughing.
"No more singing!" Thor roared.
"It was just a little fun" Loki winked, disappearing from the tent.
Thor groaned, wiping a hand down his face in mounting frustration.
By the end of the first week, everyone was on their last nerve, and truthfully, so was Thor. But for completely different reason.
He had ached for the Jotun. Held him tight in his embrace as he ignored the pleas of his treacherous body. Loki had teased, asking if Thor needed release in which he had refused. He isn't ready to give in into his baser desire like an animal. Not yet... But the prospect, it was starting to sound friendlier as nights pass.
It was the evening of the second week when thunders crashed and lighting streaking across the sky as rain threatened to pour.
Thor did not mean for it to happen. He did not. He was completely caught off guard when he saw Loki peck a kiss against Sif's cheek.
The beast had roared and wrenched at him so violently that for a moment it was as if he had lost his mind. Perhaps he had for a moment. He was already half way across the campsite when he caught himself. The entire camp was staring at him. Even Sif, and Loki, the brilliant bastard, had the audacity to look confuse.
Fear, terror, adrenaline had surged through Thor's blood and he had fled into his tent.
He crumbled onto the fur of Loki and his make-shift bed. His fingers clenched so tight till his knuckles were white as he took in deep steadying breath, willing, willing for the beast to calm.
He had done so well so far. He had been good; he had followed Loki's advice, letting his thought run rampant whenever he could no longer stand it. He had…
He was so lost in his thoughts that he did not notice someone entering his tent.
"Friend, you have it bad" A voice snapped Thor out of his peverse thoughts. It was Fandral.
"I beg you leave me in peace"
"Only when you have heard me out"
"I am not in the mood"
"I care not my King" Fandral strode over to Thor. "I will have words with you now"
Thor flashed a glare at Fandral in which the man ignored.
"You tread on dangerous grounds. I could have you for treason" Thor reluctantly stood to his feet. He has no desire to have his friend towering over him, speaking to him as if he were some child.
"Aye. You could" Fandral agreed. "But that's what friends are for. To knock some sense into you when you don't want it"
"…"
"Look, I've seen you moon over girls down at the brothels, I've seen you moon over server girls in the tavern and the daughters of nobles, even proclaiming that you would marry them when all knows that you are 'strongly' encouraged to marry into royalty"
"What's your point?"
"My point is that you are a damn fool. You've finally lost your head in love with the one being that you could actually say "I do" to, and all you do is sulk and mope and do nothing"
"I do not!"
"Oh? You do not desire him?" Fandral challenged. "Then why do I see hatred and jealousy whenever Loki is with Sif?"
"It's complicated"
"Norns help me" Fandral said. "Court him Thor, if you want him!"
"I cannot"
"Why not?"
"Because he is of Jotunheim and the Crown Prince!" Thor bellowed, in roaring anger. "All knows the ending of this tale!"
Fandral heaved a sigh. Thor has changed so much in the last couple of months since his awakening from the brink of death. He isn't the man he once was and Fandral could see that whatever that had happened in that decadent place between the living and the dead and perhaps is still happening, it was taking Thor apart piece by piece.
Every day, every second, it was as if the Thor he knows is dying a little, and in place, a stranger he did not recognize. There was no longer joy in those bright cerulean eyes. There was now always fear, exhaustion, anger and sometimes the chilling lust to kill. But in the brief moment he had seen Loki with him, it was those brief moments that the light would return to Thor's eyes.
And if Loki is the answer, then so be it. If truly all route will come to the same inevitable end...destruction... Then what did Thor have to lose by taking a chance?
"Look…Perhaps peace with Jotunheim is not so impossible; perhaps it is…I do not know the answer to that, for I am no wise lady in pristine white robes that weave the thread of fate" Fandral said. "But when have such a thing stop you? What happen to the Thor I know that bends for no one, no reason or logic?"
"He has grown" Thor sighed. "We are no longer boys that play with wooden swords. It is foolish to pursue fantasies. It is my head that I must follow if Asgard is to survive the coming war"
Fandral was silent for a moment as he looked upon Thor. There is nothing he could say to that.
"You are right" He admits at last. "We've grown, and you are a king now…I will not pretend to even understand the burden you must carry. But I tell you this. If you will not court him, if you will not admit that it is to a Jotun runt that you have given your heart at last, then let him go" Fandral said. "He does not deserve your anger or jealousy, and neither does Sif"
Thor closes his eyes. "Leave me my friend. You've said enough"
"You will apologize to Sif"
"Leave!"
Fandral looked at Thor for a moment, before placing a firm hand over Thor's shoulder. "I will leave…But remember this if nothing else my friend, my King, my shield-brother…it is not the end that matters, but the journey in which you take"
The atmosphere through dinner was so tense you could slice it with a knife. Loki kept his eyes on Thor who sat by his side. Loki knows that Thor is not himself anymore. Those cerulean eyes were utterly cold and vicious, predatory, as they spare glances at Loki. Loki ignored him.
When Thor finished his dinner, he stood to his feet and declared that he would retire. Loki followed him without a word. The moment they entered the tent, Thor spurned around and grabbed Loki by both his upper arm, wrenching him forth.
Loki gasped as he smacked against Thor's hard chest. He chuckled; reaching up to touch Thor's heated face.
There was no mercy in those fiery cerulean eyes that vowed to devour Loki. Loki licked his lips unconsciously.
"Have you been waiting all this time your Grace?" He teased.
Thor said nothing; his rough hands flew up to seize Loki by his raven locks.
Loki chuckled, a develish grin stretched over his thin lips. "So impatient..." He purred
"You are mine" Thor growled crushing their lips together in a heated kiss.
Loki moaned his lids flutter shut and he wraps his arms about Thor's neck as they deepened the kiss. Lips caresses against lips, pushing, feeding. Loki opened his mouth; letting Thor slipped his tongue into his waiting heating.
Oh… Thor's mouth was masculine and hot, dominating his.
It was at times like this that Loki would let himself go. Let himself be dominated by those sheering lips that sweep him into another world. A world of passion, pleasure and exotic fantasy. A world where his wretched body would be worshipped, as if it was perfect, as if it was beautiful. A would where he could strip away his mask of control and there would be another to catch him shall he fall.
"Thor…" Loki breathes as Thor pulls back.
Fire flickered within the depths of Thor's cerulean eyes.
Thor curled his fingers beneath Loki's chin tilting his face up. There was something infinitely gentle in that gesture, but his fingers are firm, commanding authority such that Loki could not look away.
"You will remember this night" Thor backed Loki up towards their fur of make shift bed. "You will remember who owns you" He shoved Loki down onto the fur and towered over him.
Predatory gaze roamed over Loki's lithe form.
Loki swallowed, his heart hammered in thrills of excitement and anticipation.
"Strip!" Quick and sharp the command was given. There is no desire in Thor's voice, no want, no longing. It was cold and vicious but Loki had never felt more arouse.
Loki removed his clothes and pants at once and he realized that his fingers were shaking.
Oh yes… that little trick with Sif was a neat one.
He knew Thor was watching and he knew just the thing to push the noble King over the edge.
"Spread your legs" Thor ordered without as much as a hint of desire in his voice.
Loki did, when he remembered something. He hadn't changed his sex yet.
Damn!
He reached his fingers between his legs when a rough hand flew to clench over his wrist.
"Th-"
"Leave it" Thor said. "Tonight you will do as I command. Do you understand?"
"Ye-yes"
Loki gasped and moaned; sweat slicked his entire body as electric pleasure hummed through his entire body in slow torturous pleasure. His abdomen clenched, the muscles of his thighs ached as sweat rolled down his inner thigh. Loki had been embarrassed at first, but he had lost all shame now and wasn't bothered about showing his desperation; he started to plead with Thor to take him, to let him come.
"Th-or!" Loki cried; but Thor was unyielding as he sat upon a chair in front of him.
The man hadn't even taken off a strip of his clothes since he'd worked Loki to take Mjolnir's entire length and commanded Loki to touch himself as Mjolnir purred deep in him.
"Not yet" Thor said. "If you cannot hold yourself, I will tie your base. Do you want that?" That rough uncaring voice sends ripples shuddering over Loki's body. As if the thought of denying him some more was a potent one.
"Please" Loki whispered.
He didn't even know what he was asking anymore. To be restrained some more or for Thor to release him. His fingers were already slick, pre-cum trickling off Mjolnir's hard surface beneath him.
"Do you want me?" Thor asked.
"Yes"
Thor stood up. Loki's breath caught in his throat as he watched Thor move to kneel before him.
Mjolnir hummed at once louder. White hot heat speared through him. Loki let out a muffled shout, his fingers clenched over his weeping length as his toes curled in pleasure.
Norns! He was ready to burst.
"Remove your hand" Thor commanded.
When Loki hesitated, Thor slapped him full in the face. Not hard, just enough to sting.
"Now" The word was abrupt, cutting and vicious.
Loki whimpered; reluctantly uncurl his fingers from his desperate cock that is on display for Thor to see. He almost came at the intensity of Thor's gaze looking at him. As of now, those cerulean eyes looked only at him…only him.
Loki knows he isn't beautiful. His body isn't ideal by either Aesir or Jotun standard. He was far too lean, too small, too pale and his cock was pitiful compare to Thor's. And surely if he was compared to the average Jotun, he was pathetic in all aspect, but Thor makes him feel perfect; he makes him feel beautiful in all his undoing. He makes him feel wanted as he is…
He shivered when Thor reached to cup his face, callous thumb stroked over his flushed cheek, caresses over his parted lips.
Loki gave a mischievous nip over Thor's thumb.
Dark fire flickered in the depths of Thor's eyes, but he said nothing, his large hand trailed lower.
Loki moaned. There is something so so thrilling to be to be controlled, to be utterly utterly at the mercy of another. As of now, only Thor can give him his pleasure, only Thor…
He let out a startled gasped when Thor caresses over his hardened nipple and still the hand trailed lower. Thor was doing nothing more than touching him, but his every nerve ending was on fire.
His blood hummed in thrills of excitement as he spread his legs wider. His cock is hot, aching and wanting between his shaking legs.
"Painful isn't it?" Thor took Loki's leaking length in his warm hand, giving it a stroke.
Pleasure sizzled. Loki gasped. "Ple-ase"
Thor looked upon him with cold detachment and sends another surge of electric through Mjolnir, making Loki cry out. And as soon as the pleasure came, it stopped.
"Thor!"
"Who do you want?"
"Wh-at?" Another surge of electric speared him; Loki let out a muffled cry. His toes curled tight, his muscles clamped; his head bowed in pleasure and his erection tightened to the one zenith point and suddenly it was gone.
"What are you doing?!" Loki screamed, snapping his desperate gaze at the damnable man.
"You will not come until I allow it" Thor said.
He will teach Loki a lesson. That Loki belonged only to him, that Loki's pleasure is his to command, his to give, to take and to deny. And he will deny Loki, hovering Loki just beyond reach of his completion.
"I don-" Loki chocked, as pleasure ripped though him in wild abandon.
Thor was true to his words, sending surges to electricity through Loki till he was about to burst, screaming with release and he would stop and start again once Loki had calmed. By the fourth time Loki couldn't take it anymore, his fingers reached between his legs but Thor caught his wrist before he could so much as touch his burning length, refusing him completely.
"Who grant you the permission to touch yourself?" Thor growled.
"Thor ple-"
Thor slapped him again, silencing him. "I've told you, not even you can touch this place. You will be punished"
Thor took a small strip of leather and bound it tightly over the base of Loki's cock. Loki wanted to weep, to scream as he looked between his legs. He was so close…so close!
"Do not weep for I am merciful. I will allow you to touch yourself all you want" Thor said and at once, sends a steady stream of current to Mjolnir.
Wave of sensation rocked Loki, shook him to the very core. His lower muscles clamped, mounting pleasure narrowed to one shimmering point and he screamed. A violent explosion rippled through his lower muscles, his cock throbbed, spasm but no seed burst forth. His balls tightened painfully with the buildup. But still, Thor ignored his desperate stroking and pleading, denying him over and over again.
"Who commands you?!" Thor demanded.
"You!"
By the next ten minutes, Loki was weeping. His raven locks in sweaty disarray; his pale face was flushed with heat and Mjolnir slick with his pre-cum.
"Who do you want?!"
"You Thor! You!" he pleaded over and over again as Mjolnir hummed insistently louder.
"Will you kiss Sif again?!"
"No!"
"Will you even look at her again?!"
"No! No! No!"
"Who owns you?!"
"You! You!"
"Hush now" Thor leans forth finally, capturing Loki in a kiss and at the same time, he lifted Loki off Mjolnir with a gentleness that is so at odd with his enormous strength.
"Please…please…enough…" Loki begged as Thor tossed him onto their make shift bed.
Thor kissed him over and over again, on his lips, his cheeks, his eyes and nose. Burning lips dragged over the column of Loki's neck and Thor kissed Loki over his shoulder, as Thor hastily removes his own clothes and pants.
"On your back this time. I want you to look upon my face as I take you, so that you will know who it is that gives you this pleasure" He rasped, running his hands down the side of Loki's flushed body.
Loki shivered, his raven locks sprawled over the fur beneath as Thor move to cover his body. His hands ran over Thor's rib cage, then sliding to press against that hard back and he spread his legs wide for Thor.
"The leather…please…" Loki pleaded.
"I will release you when you can take no more" Thor pressed a kiss against Loki's ear, his thumb caresses Loki's hip bone.
"I ca-"
"Hush. I will take care of you" With a move, Thor slipped into Loki's tight wondrous heat. Loki stifled a cry, his nails dug into Thor's back.
Loki lay on his front by Thor's side, his lean arms tucked beneath the pillow as his eyes drooped tiredly. That was intense. He had no doubt the entire camp heard him beg and scream but he couldn't give a damn.
Thor looked over at the Jotun. His mind as clear as it could ever be.
He had asked once as to why Loki always slept on his front and Loki had told him something along the lines of learned habit and his horns. Well, Thor supposed it would be uncomfortable to lie on your back if you have heavy appendages attached to the front of your skull.
"You alright?" Thor asked, stroking Loki's sweaty locks.
Loki hummed, a smile on his face.
"Sleep… I've worked you hard"
"Lay with me"
"I am"
"Not like that"
"You want to cuddle?"
"If you must call it that"
Thor smiles. The only time Loki would ever make request that hinted he was not all hard iron and fire was after sex. For reasons Thor could not even begin to understand, it always make him happy. Perhaps it was a sign to Thor that Loki had enjoyed whatever his clouded mind had compelled him to do, and that he had not hurt Loki.
Well, at least one of them enjoyed it…Thor thought.
Even after that drunken first night, Loki had wanted to 'cuddle' in what Thor deemed to be the Jotun sense of cuddle.
"Alright then" Thor shifted over to lie atop Loki's back and embrace him.
Loki shifted slightly, the hard weight of Thor on his back was comfortable. A Jotun thing. Then he smiles when he felt Thor kiss him gently over the back of his shoulder.
"Sleep Loki" Thor placed a kiss over the back of Loki's head.
Loki did not protest and fell asleep within the minute he shut his eyes. Thor waited for a few more minutes just to make sure, before moving off the Jotun to sit beside him.
Fandral's words played over and over again in his now clear mind. His gaze drifted to his side to watch the unguarded expression of Loki's face.
What is he to do? What can he do?
He cannot rid himself of this unnatural desire; he cannot rid himself of his unnatural want and possessiveness… The curse Loki placed within him had stripped him of all choice to choose. Truthfully, he is no more than a puppet on strings.
He did not believe that any of this desires and longing was his own, for how could he ever fall for a Jotun. A monster. Odin would be horrified he is sure.
There is nothing to be done…
But perhaps, he did have one choice of his choosing. He could choose to not fight the curse, and court Loki like a fool even when he knows the ending of their tale.
Perhaps Fandral is right…it is not the end that matters, but the journey in which he takes. He did not know. He just wanted it all to stop!
He is just so tired. So so tired at everything…The struggle in his every waking moment is wearing him thin, the constant struggle of thoughts and will, pushing him to the brink of sanity faster than the damnable curse was meant to.
Thor reached over to stroke Loki's raven locks.
Perhaps everything did not need to end in blood. Perhaps there could be peace even, if Loki would want him in return. He did not know. But what he did know is that, if he continues as he is, in constant struggle, in anger and in jealousy, it will all surely end in blood and he will go mad.
He made his decision then.
"A leap of faith…" Thor thought.
He will take a leap of faith and take his chance with Loki.
"Let's see if we can't rewrite the ending…" Thor smiled sadly. Leaning down he placed a kissed over Loki's cheek knowing that is the only choice Loki left him.
The dark elves came in hordes, their levitating ships the color of night, scattered across the wide skies as if swarms of locust.
Laufey stood firm by the gates of his icy fortress, Helblindi stood by his right and Byleistr on his left. His armies are not to be seen, but they are there, all lay waiting beneath the thin ice.
Laufey watched the hundreds of ships land on his territory, throwing up great masses of snow and ice. Should Malekith try anything, Laufey's armies will shatter the ice beneath their feet, sending Malekith's entire fleet of black iron ships and armies alike hurdling into the depths of Jotunheim.
Platforms descended from the hundreds of ships and Laufey watched, calculated their numbers, as legions of armies in suit of armor marched from their inky ships, coming to a halt upon his land. It was an impressive sight. A hundred thousand strong at least, Laufey thought.
There was a moment of silence where none move; then Malekith step forth, striding down the path towards Laufey. His snowy white braid whipped in the howling wind. He removes his ivory mask; his dark eyes looked upon the giant.
"Hello Laufey" Malekith bowed.
"Welcome"
"Ah…Am I really" The elf grinned; his teeth, all razor sharp.
Laufey ignored that comment and went on to introduce Helblindi and Byleistr but Malekith was uninterested. He did not even pretend to spare Laufey's children his attention. Though perhaps his eyes did linger for a split second longer on Byleistr. Then Malekith said, "Do not look so grim. I am not the enemy"
"That remains to be seen" Laufey said.
At that Malekith chuckled. "You should thank me. I've cast a veil over your realm so that even the Gatekeeper cannot spy on you"
"I do thank you…" Laufey nodded. "Now come. I have had rooms made for your armies but you must join us, for you are the guest of honor"
"How kind" Malekith followed Laufey in, while Helblindi and Byleistr went to direct Malekith's armies.
Laufey did not trust the elves one bit, for they are sly, cunning, deceitful creature by nature. They lust for power, for richness and they longed to plunge the world back into a time of darkness once more. Their desire is no secret.
As of now, only Asgard stands in the way of Malekith's entire troop and their desires. Laufey have no doubt as to the words Loki had whispered into Malekith ears.
Loki Loki…
Loki had taught Laufey that the closer you look, the less you will see. The more you focus on one thing, obsessed over one thing, putting your entire mind into one thing; that is the time when the sorcerer will play his hand behind your unsuspecting back.
Malekith is blinded by greed, Laufey knows, so blind that he would bring his entire army onto Jotunheim. A realm of ice and snow, where Laufey could so easily crush his entire troop with the power of winter he holds in his hands. If Malekith would miss something so obvious, he wondered how much more blind is he to the plans Loki had surely weaved.
Then again, Laufey have to remind himself to not fall into that same trap as Malekith seemed to have. He had to remind himself not to be blinded by his own ego that he could predict all. He must keep his eyes open to the cards in his hands, in Malekith's hands, in Byleistr's hands and those in Loki's hands.
"I did not realize we are having guest!" A chillingly familiar voice pierced Laufey's thought. He stilled at once, his every muscle tensed as he looked upon the face of his mate in front of him.
Laufey wanted to curse. Farbauti had out rightly defied his command to stay out of sight, not that he could command Farbauti to do anything. But…
Malekith grinned, sensing the tension between Laufey and Farbauti.
"Ah…Farbauti. A pleasure to finally meet you" Malekith bowed.
"Likewise" Farbauti smiled.
Laufey resisted the urge to snarl and drag Farbauti into the nearest room.
"Come, dine with us" Farbauti said, bidding Malekith to follow him.
Farbauti did not even spare Laufey a glance as he walked ahead.
"What's the matter? The Great King of Jotunheim cowed by his own mate?" Malekith whispered so that only Laufey would hear it.
Laufey stabbed a glare at him.
"That child...Byleistr was it? Quite the looker. I could guess where he got the looks from" Malekith smirked.
Laufey could kill.
The elf pretended not to notice as he followed Farbauti.
Laufey wanted to wring that little neck.
And what in Hel's name is Farbauti doing?! Getting back at Laufey for forbidding him to meet with Malekith?! He was just concern over Farbauti's safety! Was that so hard to understand?! Not that Farbauti was any less a warrior than him...
But Farbauti is with child. They'd just discovered that a few days ago. This is the first time Laufey is the sire. He'd think Farbauti would be more careful now that there was new life growing in him. But no. Farbauti was Hel bend on doing as he pleased. Laufey hissed in frustration.
Beneath the silver ray of the full moon, flowers of all colors and shapes were everywhere, trees of impossible height stood in every corner with their glowing leaves in the dark of night. Trees with glowing leaves of green, gold, blue, amethyst, white and the red of blood fluttered and shuddered beneath the soft breeze. They whistled too and their low hanging vines waved and stirred with the song of night.
Hundreds of small glowing insects flew and circled the forest night, going from shrub to shrub and flowers to flowers. They circled Loki, making him smile. He tried to capture one of the little glowing light, but they slip pass his fingers as if wind.
"It takes practice" Thor chuckled, moving closer towards Loki. His every step brought on a new surge of emerald light beneath his boots.
It was all so very surreal for Loki. He had never seen such beauty before. His eyes were wide and in awed at everything. He brushed his hand over a curtain of radiant amethyst vine and they whispered their song to him. Even in his Aesir form, he could feel that the forest is alive. He could feel a raw sense of magic that stirred within everything in it. He could feel a conscious in these trees and flowers, and the grass beneath his feet.
Soft laughter seemed to echo all around them.
Thor smiles when Loki turned to look at him. "Spirits of the forest" Thor said, coming to a halt before Loki. "Do you like it?"
"Yes"
"Is it worth it?" Thor asked.
"Hn" Loki nodded.
He is glad that he had entertained Thor's seemingly outrageous request to dine in the forest a few hours ago.
"Is there anything else you would like to show me?" Loki asked.
"If you are up to it"
"Show me"
Thor beamed. "Come! Come!"
He hurried towards their steeds and all up leap atop his mount. His steed snorted, shaking its great massive head. Loki followed him, and together, they raced deeper into the forest.
Icy wind caress their skin, blood pounded in their ears as their locks were swept back in the violent current that crashed against their faces. Lights sprang all about them, lighting up their way. The forest sings, the spirits laughed like chimes, their voices resonated through the entire place, whispers of songs carried in the wind.
Thor beamed as he looked over to see Loki by his side, laughing. Loki noticed Thor's staring.
"What?" Loki smiles, glancing over.
Thor shook his head and worked his mount harder. It did not take long before they reach the heart of the forest.
Loki's eyes widened when they finally burst through the trees. With a mighty pull, Thor brought his mount to a halt by the side of a crashing waterfall.
Loki gaped at the stunning beauty that took his every breath away. The massive fall glowed cerulean beneath the touch of the moon and it sparkled like shards of crystals where they crashed against silvery rocks. But it was not that that had mesmerized him.
No…
Just across the rushing river was a tree of impossible height and trunk of impossible width. Its roots were large and old, curling all over the ground. It's leafs were massive and the color of emerald stones. They shook with the wind and glittered beneath the moon.
"Look" Thor pointed towards the branches.
Loki looked, and saw apples of pure gold hanging in the thousands on its leafy branches.
"Iduun's apples" Thor said, dismounting his steed.
The plants about the massive tree sang the loudest. Their color, the most vibrant. Loki was speechless, his lips parted unconsciously. He had only ever read of them, he never thought he would ever see it before his eyes. The beauty described in books were pale in comparison to the real thing.
"Come…" Thor took Loki's hand, helping him down from his mount.
"Impressive…" Loki whispered.
"Aye" Thor agreed. But he was not done yet.
He held Loki's hand and took him across the river, leaping from rock to rocks until they were on the other side. There, there was a massive stag with head held high and proud with eyes like night and massive antlers of gold. It stared at them unyieldingly, trotting over to where they stood.
Loki stared back warily but Thor simply smiles, taking the chance to entwine their fingers together. Loki did not comment on it, but he did turn to regard Thor silently.
"Come" Thor encouraged.
As they approached the tree, the singing gradually became louder and louder until they seem more like words than the whistles of trees. Then, a hooded figure emerged from behind the massive trunk. Loki tensed.
"Do not be afraid. She will not hurt you" Thor soothed. "Watch her"
Loki did.
It took but a moment for Loki to realize that all the melody he had heard were her voice. Her songs, and sweet and sad were the sound of her voice that filled the entire place. When the figure lifted her head, Loki saw that her face was beautiful and slender, neither young nor old. She was clad in cloak of snowy white likened the high priestess and her long curly hair was the color of gold.
Without even acknowledging them, she lifted her eyes up towards the heavens. Her voice rose beautifully as her pale arm lifted to the heavens. Threads of light curled, twist all about her silken robes and slowly they rise, till it reached those fruits of gold. She lowered a golden apple and drifted it towards Thor's waiting hand.
"Thank you my lady" Thor bowed.
She did not seem to notice him as she did not when she appeared. And just as mysteriously as she appears, she disappears. Her voice became nothing more than the whistled of leaves that blow with the breeze once more.
"Here" Thor held it up to Loki. "I reckoned you've never had one"
Thor was right of course. No one but the highborn Aesir had ever touched the apple of Iduun, until now. It was the Aesir's pride and joy, the fruit of the Gods, the fruit of immortality. Even Thor would only ever take them once a year, or if he is greviously injured.
"You will only see her on a full moon" Thor said. "And it is the magic in her voice that make all these things glow"
Loki took the fruit between his hands, his thumb caress over the soothing smoothness of its texture.
He could guess why Thor was doing this. Thor was attempting to woo him...well, not by Thor's own will though, Loki is sure. A twinge of pain clutched his heart. Loki clenched his jaws, his fingers tightened.