Author's Notes: Well, this will probably be the last chapter I am able to do before I go back to school. Once I go back, I will either be able to write a lot more or a lot less. Hopefully, it will work out well enough though.
Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters, worlds, things, etc. Too bad, that would be fun. :) But alas, 'tis not meant to be. :'(
"As if this wasn't going bad enough." One of the more short tempered warriors complained. He was quickly told to keep quiet by a couple more of the others, which hardly help to improve upon his mood.
Another warrior spoke up now, this one calmer than the first. "For what purpose do we find ourselves honored with the company of the sons of Odin?" Her words were courteous enough, but it was not difficutl to tell that she was far from pleased that they were here.
Loki tried to answer her, but Thor did not let him even get the first word out before he had stepped forward and took over. He hoped he at least would not start spouting off nonsense about looking for adventure.
"We have come to aide you on your quest."
The woman barked out a sharp laugh. "This is no quest, young prince. We are not but simple messengers. Perhaps your 'help' is best served elsewhere."
"Simple messengers?" Loki looked at the mess of blood on the ground all around them, at the armor which everyone but he wore, and most importantly at the ten dead frost giants. "Yes, I can see that."
One of the other men said, "Some messages are more dangerous than others." He smiled darkly, sending a chill up Loki's spine. Something told him this was a warrior he should be wary of.
"In which case, maybe you could use our assistance after all." Thor said, grinning as if he had already won the argument.
"Not likely." Thor's smile quickly faded as the woman spoke again. "It would be better if you return home now before you learn just how dangerous this could be."
Another of the warriors chimed in now. "Ya can't just tell 'em to go home now. We're a full days travel into Jotunheim. There's no tellin' what could 'come of 'em if we were ta send 'em back now."
The warrior woman frowned. "You make a valid point." She paused to think for a moment, then continued. "We shall have to split into two groups now. The first group will continue to deliver out message to King Laufey. The second group will escort the sons of Odin back to Asgard."
Thor wasn't happy about the warriors attempts to exclude him from the conversation concerning what was to be done with him. Why should anything be done at all? "Don't we get any say in this?"
The short tempered warrior was the one to answer. "Hardly. You ran away in the first place. It's not too hard to figure your opinion."
Tje warrior whom Loki found to be rather intimidating spoke in agreement with the last. "Not that we value that opinion regardless." A few of the warriors cast him glances warning him to be more mindful of what he said, but it he noticed he showed no sign.
Thor was angered by the way the warriors moved to dismiss him so. It was hardly appropriate or even tolerable. But before he oculd open his mouth to shout such things at them, Loki had caught his arm. He looked back at his little brother; the look in his eyes a warning to leave him be. A warning Loki was not interested in heeding obviously.
"Brother, perhaps they are right. We should not be here. Let us go home before things get out of hand here." Loki kept his voice low so that only Thor could here him. Likely the warriots knew what he would be saying anyway, but this way would at least keep Thor slightly calmer - only slightly.
Thor shoved him back. "Stay out of this. We've come too far to go back now. If you're not going to help me, don't get in my way either." Loki didn't say another word, and Thor turned back to the warriors. They had watched the short argument with a touch of amusement. This only served to anger Thor even further.
The warrior who said it was too dangerous to send them back piped up agian. "Calm down, the lot o' ya. It's foolishness ta be splittin' the comp'ny now. Nearly half the way to our destination an' yer talkin' 'bout wantin' to send half o' us back? If any o' us are ta make it home with our lives, we can't be droppin' our pwer by half. Why, it'd be suicide!" He waited for a moment to allow his words to sink in, then when nobody else spoke up he went on. "Seems to me, we've no choice but to take the boys with us."
"But if something should happen to them..." Started the woman.
"We'll just see to it nothin' happens to 'em. They seem ta be able ta handle 'emselves well enough. I think they'll manage. Bit o' adventure may do the lads some good."
"If you're wrong about this-"
"Hush now. If I'm wrong 'bout anythin', I take full responsibility for 'em. Of somethin' happens to either them boys, may the Allfather's wrath fall upon me."
"So be it." The woman turned away from them and turned her attention to repairing their small encampment. The other warriors began dispersing as well. Much of the night was lost, and they needed to get rest they could while there was still time.
So, it was decided. Loki and Thor were to continue on to see Laufey with the warriors. Despite the decision having been made with little input on his part, Thor was pleased enough with the results to let that go. Loki wished they had been sent home but would not complain too much. Besides, his curiosity had been awoken again. This adventure could prove to be some fun after all.