"Heimdall reports that The Chitauri are using their vessels to transport our enemies' armies to Asgard," Loki said. The Avengers, Sif and the Warrior's Three were all gathered around a table sporting a holographic map of Asgard in the throne room. Loki stood on the bottom step to the throne at the head of the table, and I sat on the table beside him, looking over the map curiously. "At the moment, we expect to be facing the Chitauri, Jotuns, residents of Nornheim and Fire Demons from Muspelheim, but there will likely be more once the realms learn that we are at war."
"Have we a strategy?" Thor inquired. Loki grimaced bitterly, exhaling audibly.
"Not exactly. It will depend on how our enemies arrange themselves. Ideally, we will send small teams whilst the battle rages to eliminate their leaderships, but we cannot really form any specific plans until we know what we are fighting against."
"Well, if that is the case, then we shall have to decide what areas of Asgard we should fortify," Sif suggested. Loki narrowed his eyes at the warrior woman and she stared back at him coolly.
"We must, of course, keep the treasure vault defended; it will not do to allow our enemies to gain access to further weaponry that could be used against us," Loki stated, pointing to one of the red spots on the holograph. "And the palace will be the most easily defended place in Asgard; though we cannot trust the loyalties of all the civilians. I am not the only trickster in the realm." Sif and the Warrior's Three made disbelieving scoffing sounds and Loki looked at them with a cold, sharp smirk and darkly amused green eyes. "I am the best; I am not the only," he purred unsettlingly. "I believe that we should make the grounds before the palace the battlefield. We will have places for archers and long-distance fighters on the balconies and other vantage points, and due to the landscape, we should be able to contain the damage reasonably well. I would propose that we send those who are not gifted in the arts of war or healing to the outskirts of the city and use concealment spells to hide them. Then we can attract our enemies' attention by positioning our army before the palace."
Loki sighed heavily, leaning on the edge of the table. "There is, however, another issue to consider. We shall be drastically outnumbered. I know our people can manage multiple attackers, but the odds are against us."
"We've still got some Shield people on hand, right?" I asked, looking over to Steve, who I knew would probably have the best knowledge on the subject.
"We do; yes," he confirmed.
"And if the legendary Captain America put out a call for aid, do you think we could haul 'em over here?" I inquired. Steve shifted awkwardly, but he nodded.
"Yes; I think I could get a few people out here…"
"Great; you should do that."
"What about that Ides place?" Tony asked me. I shook my head.
"The Ides put me in prison, Tony. I'm not exactly in their good books here," I denied.
"If we can get more people to fill in our armies, our chances may be improved," Loki hummed pensively.
"I'll head back to Earth and put the call out," Steve decided, looking at Loki seriously. Loki met his eyes and nodded.
"I would appreciate that," he agreed.
"So, where will we all be in this battle? What are our positions, Loki?" Natasha inquired. Loki quirked a brow in mild surprise.
"You would allow me to direct you? Do you not fear that I may try to have you eliminated?"
"I don't think anyone was really worried about that until you said it out loud and proved that you were thinking about it," I sighed exasperatedly, tilting my head back lazily and closing my eyes with a slight frown. Loki chuckled softly.
"Oh, you know I'm always thinking about that; I'm the trickster," Loki rumbled quietly, brushing his hand over my neck, which still bore his mark, and sliding my hair back. I swallowed nervously, looking at him uncertainly. Since our return to Asgard, he had been acting most strange, and I wasn't sure whether or not he meant to harm me now… "But it would not be beneficial, so you are in no danger from me," Loki continued smoothly, pulling his hand away from me and turning his attention back to the map. I slowly covered my throat with my hand, clearing it awkwardly and watching as Loki detailed his ideas to the others.
"Since they possess the skills for subtlety, I thought it would be wise to place the three assassins in guard of the civilians, along with a few of the palace guards. The Warriors Three should be placed in defence of the treasure room; we cannot have our enemies getting hold of any of the weapons contained within. Thor should take the command of the main army, and the Soldier should lead what fighters you may get from Midgard… The Hulk may fight where he will…" I ducked my head to hide my amused smile and Loki gave me a light, backhanded smack against my thigh without missing a beat, "and the man with the wings and the Man of Iron should do what they can to defend against aerial attack." I crossed my arms, listening thoughtfully.
"And where does that leave you?" Steve wondered.
"I will take a small group and make an attempt to take down the enemies' leadership. I believe that Sif should do the same." Sif nodded, apparently having no qualms with her placement. Loki started marking everyone's places on the map, leaning over the holograph, and I leaned in with him, subtly pressing my fingers into the side of his belly. His breathing hitched and he jammed the thumb of his free hand into my injured calf painfully, making me shift and pull back.
"And Ellie?" Sam asked.
"Miss Carter may be placed with the warriors providing cover from the palace." I quirked my brow at Loki.
"Okay, here's a question: Why?" I asked.
"Because you are small, injured and weak and I do not want you anywhere where you may prove to be a distraction," Loki told me in a clipped voice, looking at me with a stern expression.
"Hmm…" I hummed, narrowing my eyes at him.
"And what does that mean?" he huffed impatiently.
"It means we'll see," I replied cryptically. Loki snorted dismissively, straightening.
"That is all that I am able to report currently. I will inform you of any further developments. In the meantime; if you would return to Midgard and summon your forces, I think it would be wise, Captain," Loki announced, addressing first everyone, then Steve alone.
"Steve; can you make sure to bring back more guns and ammunitions, please? If there is to be a battle, I'll need as many of those as I can carry."
"Of course, El. I'll bring them to you myself," Steve confirmed obligingly.
"Thanks, Cap," I acknowledged, smiling at him gratefully.
"That is all for this meeting, unless anyone has any further questions or comments," Loki stated. I put my hand up and Loki lifted a brow at me quizzically.
"Can I braid your hair?" I asked cheerfully. Loki clicked his tongue in mild irritation and looked around at the others.
"Any serious questions or comments?" he invited. When no one said anything, he nodded and swiped his hand across the table. "Make your preparations."
"Actually, I do have a serious question," I said, making everyone pause.
"No; you may not braid my hair!" Loki snapped angrily, curling his lip up over his sharp teeth viciously and glowering at me sharply.
"While that is disappointing; it doesn't answer my question," I hummed; crossing my legs so my toes just nudged Loki's hip. He took a subtle step away from the touch and tilted his head inquisitively. "Why can't I go to destroy enemy command? I'm just as stealthy as you are, and probably more so than Sif; no offence intended," I added, holding my hand out to the warrior woman in placation. Sif shook her head, shrugging casually.
"None taken; you are correct," she replied. I nodded and looked back at Loki calmly, awaiting his response.
"You are injured; your abilities are limited," Loki retorted plainly.
"I think you and I need to speak privately," I told him smoothly. Loki narrowed his eyes at me, thinning his lips unhappily, but he inclined his head.
"As you wish."
"Kid, is there something you're not telling us? Because you know you can trust us, right?" Tony asked, walking over and putting his arm around my shoulders supportively.
"Oh, you know all there is to know about me," I assured him. "I'm a Hufflepuff; honesty comes with the territory," I added, shrugging.
"Then what are you hiding?" Steve wondered, looking over at Loki suspiciously. I smiled at the captain sweetly.
"I keep your secrets; what makes you think I'm going to tell you his?" I laughed pointedly.
"Are you in danger?" Thor asked, stepping closer to me and Loki.
"We're all in danger, Thor. But I'm not afraid of Loki; if that's what concerns you," I told him placidly. Thor glanced between me and Loki, scrutinising us both intently before he nodded, satisfied with his inspection, and left, followed by Sif and the Warriors Three. The Avengers were slower to leave, trailing out in a sluggish line until Tony was the last left. He gave me one last affectionate squeeze and let me go, leaving the room and closing the large doors behind himself. Before I had the chance to turn back to Loki, his fist was in my hair, pulling on the roots hard enough to hurt, but not hard enough to rip any out, and he tilted my head back, standing over me and glaring down his nose at me.
"What are you playing at, Mouse? Hurting me while we are in the middle of a battle plan? Are you trying to anger me? For if so; you are succeeding most strongly and you mayn't wish you had."
"I was making a point, Princeling!" I hissed in return, lashing out and running my nails down the side of his neck. He flinched, pulling back from me in surprise, and I broke his hold on me, stepping back and clenching my fists. Loki touched his fingers to his neck where I'd scratched him and I rolled my eyes, snorting. "You're not bleeding. Now, can we talk, or are you in one of your moods?" I asked lowly.
"I don't have 'moods,'" Loki scoffed, lowering his hand. I smirked at him knowingly.
"Yes you do," I disagreed, slowly stepping closer to him. "You're as tempestuous as I am," I said, stopping within arm's reach of him and looking up at him confidently. Loki looked at me from the corners of his eyes darkly for a moment before laughing softly; breaking the tension he had held.
"What did you want to talk about?" he asked softly, crossing his arms casually and putting most of his weight on one foot in a relaxed manner. I sighed, looking down and rubbing at my scalp. Defusing Loki's wrath was a challenge I was used to; this next one could be problematic.
"I want to talk about your condition," I said softly.
"My condition," Loki echoed expressionlessly.
"Your stomach problems," I elaborated. Loki growled in expression of his displeasure, but he didn't interrupt me. "I'm worried about you, Loki."
"You needn't be," he told me quietly, but with a slight edge to his tone.
"Then you needn't be concerned about me," I responded quickly, looking up at him. Loki shook his head, not moving from his casual position in spite of the now tense set of his shoulders.
"That's not the same," he rumbled lowly.
"How so?" I challenged, lifting a brow and crossing my arms.
"I have strength and magic that you do not possess," he reminded me firmly. "I will not be a distraction to anyone." I smiled bitterly at that, shaking my head.
"You really don't know me, do you?" I drawled. "Do you honestly think I'm going to be able to concentrate knowing that you're out there, risking your life behind enemy lines with a weakness that none of your allies are aware of, while I'm locked away; the princess in your tower?"
"Providing cover for your allies doesn't thrill you enough; is that it?" Loki asked, lifting a brow at me challengingly. I scowled, shaking my head.
"No; I'd much rather be watching your back myself. Put me in your squad, Loki. I'm a big girl- figuratively speaking- I can handle it."
"And what of your leg?"
"And what of your gut?" I retorted impatiently. "I can bind my leg and take some painkillers and all will be well enough," I continued. "What about you, Loki? How will you protect your soft, white underbelly?"
"I have managed well enough so far; no one else has noticed my weakness…"
"No one else cares the way I do," I interrupted sharply. Loki sighed, but he didn't deny me. "You need someone to look out for you, Princeling." Loki shook his head quickly, straightening his posture and lowering his arms.
"Don't tell the others," he ordered. I quirked a brow again, miffed.
"Loki, I already told you that your pride would be your death…" Loki shook his head in denial.
"No, it won't. If Thor finds out that I am not… wholly healed, he will worry and become distracted. He cannot know, Ellie. You can't tell the others…" Loki fell silent, staring down at me intensely as he waited for my response. Finally, I took a deep breath and sighed.
"So instead of your pride, you won't let your vulnerability be known to protect Thor?" I summarised. Loki nodded silently, watching me closely, trying to gauge my reaction. I clicked my tongue, pressing my fingers against my forehead and wincing. "You need help, Loki," I muttered. "You can't go out there by yourself."
"I'll have a team with me," Loki murmured, tucking my hair behind my ear and sliding his fingers under my jaw to tilt my face up.
"They won't know you like I do," I argued, dropping my hand and looking into Loki's blue-green eyes unswervingly. Loki hesitated for a moment and sighed.
"If I do not take you by my side, you will follow at my back, won't you?" I smiled slightly.
"Hm; perhaps you do know me after all," I purred. Loki huffed resignedly and nodded.
"Very well; I will take you on my team."
"Wonderful," I remarked smugly before lowering my head again and massaging the bridge of my nose and the edges of my eye sockets.
"What's wrong?" Loki demanded softly, taking my elbow in his hand and laying the other on my shoulder.
"Headache," I grumbled. "I'm still chasing off the last of this infection. I could probably use a nap."
"Come; I will escort you to your chambers," Loki told me, sliding his arm around my back and gently guiding me from the room and down the hallways. "It seems as though you may still have a slight fever," he commented quietly, laying his cool hand against my forehead. I sighed, pressing my face further into his palm.
"I think I'm still burning the last of the medication off, too," I hummed. Loki opened the door to my bedroom and led me over to the bed. I lay down on top of the blankets and Loki kindly shut the heavy velvet curtains to shut out the light for me before walking over to the door.
"Loki." Loki paused, turning his face to me with his hand on the doorknob. "Will you sit with me a while? I think you could use a break, too." Loki stared at me, running his tongue over his bottom lip absentmindedly as he thought before he closed the door and walked over to me, moving to the end and crawling up the bed to sit beside me against the bedhead, armour vanishing. My bed sank under his weight, making me slide towards him and I sighed, shifting awkwardly as I tried to find a comfortable position. Loki's arms twined under mine and he hefted me up so I was lying with my head cushioned against his chest and his arm curled around me to cradle my torso supportively. I smiled, looking up at Loki and he smiled faintly. I let my head fall again, shutting my eyes, and felt Loki's body chill suddenly against my warm skin. I cracked my eyes open as Loki started stroking my hair gently and found my sight blocked by his blue arm. I smiled again, stretching my arm across his abdomen and laying my hand over the line of scar tissue I could feel under his tunic. Loki sighed comfortably and started humming softly, sending me quickly into slumber as his voice vibrated against my ear.
A light tapping sound brought me to the edge of consciousness and Loki hissed, "Quiet! Miss Carter is sleeping!" There was a click and a creak as the door opened and I heard Steve's voice, low and warning.
"What are you doing with her?"
"After our conversation, Miss Carter expressed a desire to take a nap. I escorted her here, made sure she was comfortable, and I was going to leave, but she asked me to stay with her. What are you doing here?"
"You're not the only one who cares about Ellie," Steve growled, his voice sounding closer. "I came to check on her. What did you talk about?"
"Never you mind," Loki rumbled quietly, his thumb brushing over my cheek softly. His skin wasn't cold anymore. "What is said between Miss Carter and myself is none of your concern."
"It is, actually," Steve argued. "Ellie is one of us. She was my friend before she was yours, and if she has managed to convince you to allow her to take a place on the frontlines, I should know about it."
"Miss Carter will be joining my team and helping me to take down the enemies' command," Loki told Steve shortly, his arm tightening around my back, pulling me more firmly against his side. I squeaked softly, shifting and stretching. Loki hushed me, patting my side soothingly. "Sleep, Little Mouse," he whispered. I hummed, settling again. But I was listening.
"You're taking her into the danger," Steve growled at Loki accusingly. "Have you no heart at all? She's just a girl." I felt Loki shaking as he replied.
"I did not bring her here," Loki stated lowly, his deep voice menacing and cold. "I did not ask her to come; you brought Miss Carter here. I would have been perfectly happy for her to be kept safe and sound in her own realm, far away from here… If you had not brought her here; I would have left her alone."
"And what would you then?" I asked, my voice grating with sleep. I cleared my throat, stretching again, and rolled onto my back, blinking my eyes open to look at Loki with a sigh. Loki looked down at me blankly and I smiled slightly. "What would you have done if I had not come at Thor's call? What would have become of you?" Loki thinned his lips, flicking his eyes away from me.
"I imagine that I would either be trapped in Asgard's dungeons, or slain by your Avengers."
"And Asgard?" I prodded.
"Unprepared and undefended; Asgard would fall to the invaders." I nodded, satisfied, and turned my face to Steve, smiling sleepily.
"Hello, Steve. Was there something you needed?" I asked, slowly sitting up on the edge of my bed, stretching again. Steve shook his head.
"No; I just came to make sure you were well, and to tell you that I'm leaving for Earth now." I stood up immediately and wrapped my arms around his torso, smiling as his arms folded around my back automatically.
"Good luck, Steve," I murmured.
"I'll be back soon, El," he replied, scratching through my curls. I hummed contentedly, tilting my head so he scratched closer to my neck, making him chuckle. We disentangled ourselves from each other, and with a final smile, Steve was gone. I sighed, rubbing at my eyes, and Loki's hands rested gently on my shoulders.
"So it starts…" I mumbled, covering his fingers with my hands and squeezing softly.