AN and Disclaimer: Yay! I finally had time to sit down and type up the next chapter! I hope you all like it. The song for this chapter is I Am A Rock by Simon and Garfunkel. As usual, I own nothing! Enjoy!
Prologue: Alone
Loki sat silently by the quiet pool, the soft whisper of a phantom breeze the only sound in the silence. A small book of poetry lay waiting by the thick roots of the great oak tree that sheltered him. His sad green eyes were riveted to the image of the young woman that filled the small reflecting pool. He had watched her through high school, waiting for her to call out to him, but she never had. The small red comb had remained in her hair, its potent magic never failing.
"Maybe you should have stayed." He turned at the slightly litter voice.
"Angrboda." He acknowledged as the giantess approached.
"You should have stayed." She said again.
"Why? So Odin could find a way to kill the rest of our children?"
"No." The giantess almost growled. "Because all you do here is read to Hel and watch that mortal."
He was silent for some time, his attention divided between the pool and the book. "Perhaps if I had spent more time reading to Hel she would still be here." He said softly.
"Don't be stupid." His second wife snapped. "Do you think reading a few bedtime stories would have saved my daughter?" He blinked at her harsh words. "You're an idiot, Utgard."
The Trickster frowned at her words. "That was cruel of you." He said coldly. "Leave."
"No." The woman refused. "Not until I've had my say."
"Had your say? Damn it, 'Boda, you have no say this time!" He yelled angrily.
"I have as much say as you or the boys!" She yelled back. "It's my daughter that's buried under that tree, you bastard. Or maybe we should call Spica for her opinion? Her son lies just as silent as my Hel."
"Don't bring them into this." He snarled.
"You and Odin dragged us into this!" Angrboda hissed. "Do you think a few bedtime stories would have saved our children from the All Father's poison? Do you think it might save that mortal? Then go, read her a few fairie stories! Or better, read them to your sons!"
He stood several seconds, too furious to speak. Suddenly the image in the reflecting pool laughed, the happy burble filling the painful silence. As quickly as it had come, the anger drained from the pair.
"Loki, I don't blame you for Hel's death, and I know Spica doesn't blame you either. Fenrir, Jormungand, we all know who orchestrated their deaths, and why. I've spoken to the Norns. This has to end. If you and Odin continue on the path you know how it will end." She said plainly.
"I do." Loki admitted. "And I'm sick of watching my children die. Why do you think I haven't left Helheim since we returned?"
The great woman nodded. "We hoped that was the case. You don't usually stay put for so long… But Loki, how much of this is about Odin, and how much of this is about her?"
He frowned. "This isn't about her."
"Yes it is." She insisted. "Did you think it would escape our notice that Helheim is the closest place in Asgard to Misgard?"
"No." He denied.
"Love, you send every moment listening for her prayers… Loki, you don't even give us that kind of attention."
Loki scowled at her words. "Don't be ridiculous. I love you."
"No. You are affectionate. We can't complain, but the only people who get the same level of dedication as that mortal girl are your children."
"Did you come here to chastise me?"
"I came here to make you confess, even if it's just to yourself." Angrboda sighed. "You love that mortal, and if you don't do something soon, Spica and I will."
"You will not." Loki commanded. "You will both leave the matter alone. Mayura Daidoji does not need forgotten gods meddling in her life."
"Which is why you spend every day staring in that pool." She shook her head. "Loki, we want you to be happy. Mourning for Hel and Nari and Vali while pinning for that girl will not make you happy."
Loki glanced back at the pool. "She's safe. Fenrir and Jormungand are free. As long as that's true, I'll stay in Helheim watching form a distance so Odin doesn't have a reason to change that."
The giantess pursed her lips. "So you won't acknowledge her?" She sighed. "Then I suppose Spica and I will have to force your hand."
"He glanced up, his dark green eyes as hard as emeralds. "As your husband, I order you not to interfere with her."
Her own eyes narrowed in anger. "Fine, as a good wife I have no choice. Am I to assume that goes for Spica as well?"
"Yes."
"Fine." She snapped. "But you will leave Helheim if I have to drag you back kicking and screaming." Before he could respond she had left. He sighed glancing back at the tree. "Hel, your mother is entirely not worth fighting with. Half the time I'm not sure who's the Trickster, me or her."
)()()(
A winter's day
In a deep and dark December
I am alone
Gazing from my window
To the streets below
On a freshly fallen silent shroud of snow
I am a rock
I am an island
I build walls
A fortress deep and mighty
That none may penetrate
I have no need of friendship
Friendship causes pain
It's laughter and it's loving I disdain
I am a rock
I am an island
Don't talk of love
Well I've heard the words before
It's sleeping in my memory
I won't disturb the slumber
Of feelings that have died
If I never loved I never would have cried
I am a rock
I am an island
I have my books
And my poetry to protect me
I am shielded in my armor
Hiding in my room
Safe within my womb
I touch no one
And no one touches me
I am a rock
I am an island
And a rock feels no pain
And an island never cries