Hey y'all! You guys get a super crazy long chapter today to last you the entire weekend while I'm gone!
I didn't want to end this chapter on a happy note... plus I wanted to move us even closer to solving our mystery with Kaleria and Loki and get back to present day... so there's that.
Anyway, we reached over 300 views in one day for the last chapter which is awesome! I just wish more people were reviewing and saying hi.
To those who are, you rock. I love you guys. Keep the reviews coming!
Well, you know the drill.
Read, Review, and above all... Enjoy!
She was alone in the icy desert, snow falling gently as she walked forward hesitantly; her eyes trying to focus on any signs of life but found none as she took in whatever surroundings she could. Icy caverns casting shadows in the night leaving much to be desired. She wrapped her arms around herself, feeling the burning cold of the world she was in. Alone, cold and quiet, she needed a way out.
Kaleria noticed the bright brilliance of a rainbow ahead within an icy cavern ahead. Her immediate thought was Asgard and the Bifrost, so she chose to venture forth. She needed shelter from the cold, she needed a way out, and this was her only hope. She entered the cavern, escaping the snowfall, the cold still unbearable as she continued deeper within the cavern, following the rainbow light.
Along the walls of the cavern were rainbow streaks, similar to the Bifrost. Curious, Kaleria followed the streaks as they grew larger, leading her deeper in the cavern. As she walked, she began to feel the familiar floating sensation the Bifrost had given her before. She kept going, pressing on, she kept pushing forward to keep that familiar feeling.
The lights began to form around her, the familiar rainbow brilliance. Her body felt weightless as she was blinded by a bright light. The light faded quickly and soon she was able to recognize her surroundings. She was on Asgard again, she knew that for sure. She was in a room that held many different and strange object. A golden gauntlet, a table of life and time, and many others surrounded her as she walked closer to the back; a blue glow at the end catching her eye as she walked closer to the object.
She stood in front of the glowing blue object, recognizing it from the history book she had read a few weeks ago. "The Casket of Ancient Winters…" She muttered to no one in particular as she stared at the casket. She remembered reading about the Casket; the book stated that only a Frost Giant could use its power to unleash a terrible ice power.
She looked up from the Casket to see Loki standing on the opposite side now. He was staring down at it curiously. "Loki?" No answer. Kaleria watched in horror as he went to reach for the Casket. "Loki no, it will hurt you!" She panicked as Loki grabbed the Casket with both hands, holding it firmly. To her surprise, nothing happened to him. As Kaleria was about to speak, a noise came from behind them. Kaleria turned quickly to see three Frost Giants appear from where she had. "Loki, we have to run!" Kaleria said as she turned back to him only to stare wide eyed. Loki was now the same dark blue her nightmares had held before, and the same ruby eyes staring at her.
Kaleria's eyes shot open, she was disoriented at first but soon was back to normal as she stared across the dark room. She did not have to turn around to know she was alone in her bed, she could feel his absence behind her and it left her uneasy. It had been leaving her uneasy for the past few days. He had spent most of the night with her and once she drifted off to sleep he'd leave. She tried her hardest to fight sleep, tried her hardest to catch him leaving in hopes to make him stay. She never did. Now with the nightmares returning more prominent than ever, she needed him.
Last night was the exception. Even though she wanted him next to her, she was not allowed to have him there on the night before their wedding. A night she would have traded just to have him be at her side, just for this one night of comfort, even if it were a short while.
She slowly sat up, steadying herself as she stood up from the bed. Her heart was ready for her wedding but her mind kept screaming that something was wrong, yet, she did not know what.
It was still early in the morning, too early for anyone to be stirring just yet. She quickly dressed and left her room to go for a walk to clear her head.
She passed by a few Asgardian women who were decorating and preparing for the wedding. Kaleria forced smiles at the women as they congratulated her on her big day. She was out of it; Kaleria could not focus or force happiness. She was still concerned about her dreams, if they meant anything and why she was having them. She was worried for Loki and his distant behavior as of late, where he was running off to. She felt defeated and torn.
Kaleria found herself wandering towards the Bifrost, crossing the rainbow bridge and down towards Heimdall, her mind immediately remembering her first nightmare with Heimdall and Loki. She inhaled deeply as she walked into the golden room; Heimdall eyed her as though he knew she was coming. "A bride on her wedding day found wandering, how odd." His voice said with a hint of knowing.
"What am I missing, Heimdall?" Kaleria asked wearily. "I must be missing something."
"Maybe you are not missing anything." Heimdall said. "Maybe you are seeing everything clearly."
Kaleria played with a strand of her hair. "I worry for him. I worry for what I dream."
"Love can be blinding and love can help you see things more clearly." Heimdall nodded. "You must decide what it is doing for you."
Kaleria sighed as she narrowed her eyes with a smile. "Must you always speak in riddles?"
"It comes with the job." Heimdall joked, receiving a laugh from Kaleria.
"I am getting married today, Heimdall." She stated in wonder. "I left my home months ago, I learned to better control my powers, I found love in an unlikely companion, and now I am marrying him." She looked back at Asgard. "Life seems to be falling in place."
Heimdall nodded. "But you are unsure how your new husband will be."
"I worry for him lately."
"The Prince of Asgard will come around." Heimdall stated as a matter of fact.
"I hope today will open his eyes to a better future." Kaleria changed the subject all together. "Do you ever dream Heimdall?"
"I like to think when I see the souls of others that that is how I dream." Heimdall replied.
"Well, that is quite poetic." Kaleria smiled.
"You have somewhere to be, do you not?" Heimdall's lips curled slightly.
Kaleria stretched slightly as she looked back to Asgard. "I suppose I do."
"You do not want to be late for your own wedding."
Kaleria smiled. "Thank you, Heimdall."
"I am always here." He offered. Kaleria nodded in response as she turned and headed back down the rainbow bridge. The rest of Asgard was waking and she had a wedding to attend.
"Where have you been?" Sif asked with a disapproving glare, her arms folded. She was already dressed in a long red dress; her hair was down in loose curls. She looked beautiful, as she always though her big sister looked. "You know you are getting married today, correct?"
"I know." Kaleria said as her attention turned to her dress. "I am here now, does that not matter?"
Sif sighed. "Yes, you are here, you are late, but you are here."
"Is Loki here?" Kaleria asked.
"He was with Thor earlier." Sif could see right through Kaleria and her doubt. "He is ready, are you?"
Kaleria nodded with a confident smile, one she had not worn in a while. "I'm ready."
Sif smiled, bringing her sister in for a hug. "I am so proud of you and the woman you have become."
"I am eternally grateful for you taking me in." Kaleria said.
Sif pulled away from Kaleria, taking in the sight of her sister. "You are my sister; I would never turn you away." Sif's eyes began to water slightly. "And now you are getting married, what has happened?"
Kaleria laughed her voice shaky as her own tears began to form. "Sif, there's no crying on my wedding day."
"Yes, of course." Sif said as she wiped a quick tear that had fallen. "Now come, we must get you dressed."
Kaleria felt beautiful, for once she felt no comparison to her sister, and she felt only peace. Her white dress moved gracefully with her own movements as she stood outside the banquet hall, Sif standing beside her. This was it, she was marrying Loki, and everything was falling in to place. In Kaleria's mind, the wedding would help distract Loki the next few days, especially with the crowning ceremony approaching quickly. She was marrying the man that infuriated her so much and yet she was crazy about it. This was it.
"Ready?" Sif asked eagerly, causing Kaleria to swallow hard. Sif noticed the small hesitation with Kaleria, her smile fading. "Are you not ready?"
"No, no, no." Kaleria said, taking a deep breath. "I am ready, just nervous, but I am ready!" Sif's smile returned as she looked to the door.
"It's time."
Kaleria walked down the aisle after Sif, avoiding eye contact with anyone but Loki at the end of the aisle. She was afraid if she looked at any other face her confidence would leave her. There he was, standing confidently in his royal Asgardian armor, waiting for her. A sinking feeling took over as she looked at Loki. She wasn't sure exactly why but, something was wrong. He smiled at her, giving her her own smile on her lips as she finally reached Loki, nodded slightly at her before Odin forcefully brought down his staff to silence the room; he began speaking. "Today, we witness the joining of two souls." His voice reigned supreme over the grand hall. "Loki, of Asgard." He motioned to Loki. "And Kaleria, of Vanaheim." He motioned to Kaleria. "We join their souls as one, in holy matrimony set by the ways of our ancestors and a legacy to carry forth to our later generations." Odin paused. "The rings; symbolic in their nature; marriage is a whole, a circle, a bond that cannot be broken easily." Thor walked forward, handing two silver rings to Odin. "I, Odin, of Asgard, join your souls, Loki and Kaleria, with these rings; you will be wed, should you accept the responsibility. What say you, Loki?" Odin turned to Loki, whom smiled.
"I accept." His voice confident, Kaleria felt her heart begin to flutter as Odin turned to her.
"With these rings, you will be wed, should you accept the responsibility. What say you, Kaleria?" Odin's voice echoed through her ears as she inhaled deeply.
"I accept." She smiled.
Odin put a silver ring on Loki's ring finger, and one on Kaleria's. She looked down at it momentarily to admire it. It was a simple silver band that matched Loki's. "By the words of the All Father and by the witnesses here today, you are now one."
The crowd began to cheer as Loki closed the gap between Kaleria and himself, leaning down and kissing her lovingly. Kaleria, smiling into the kiss, returned the gesture. It has happened, the deed is done. She was married… nothing could go wrong… right?
The feast began almost as immediately as they were pronounced man and wife; this did not really shock Kaleria, Asgardians were known for their impeccable feasts and eating habits… and for their drinking. It felt as though Kaleria had been swept up in a whirlwind, she found herself standing in the middle of the room with Loki as many Asgardians came up to them to give their blessing. She hardly spoke; Loki did most of that for her. His arm securely wrapped around the small of her back, he held her close. "You seemed nervous today." He spoke softly. "I was afraid you would turn around and walk back out."
"I almost did." She admitted sheepishly.
"Nerves, my love?" Loki asked quickly before thanking another Asgardian for their well wishes.
"Uncertainty." Kaleria corrected.
"And what are you uncertain of this time?" Loki asked.
"I'm not even sure." Kaleria admitted as Loki gently turned her to face him.
"Things will be different, I promised you that." Loki said.
"I know." Kaleria admitted in defeat, there was no way should could explain the sinking feeling especially if she herself was unsure of it.
Loki leaned forward, kissing Kaleria on the forehead. "Now, now love." He said. "It's our wedding day, we cannot have a frown, now can we?"
Kaleria smiled slightly. "I guess not."
"Now come, it is customary that we sit at the head of the table with the All Father." Loki said, offering his arm. Kaleria graciously took it as they headed to the head of the table. She decided to push her concerns aside for now; it was, after all, her wedding day.
Kaleria found herself wandering out to the balcony; she needed the fresh air and a moment to get away from the constant 'congratulations' of others. She was also a little inebriated from the toasts. She put her back against the balcony railing and looked inside at the party, a half empty mug held in her hand lazily as she spectated.
Thor had noticed her from inside the banquet hall and had made his way out to the balcony. Kaleria smiled in recognition as he smiled back at her. "What's this?" He asked. "Should you not be inside celebrating?"
"I needed air." Kaleria admitted, taking a swig of her mead.
"I can see that." Thor chuckled as he stood next to Kaleria. "You bring joy to my brother's life, I hope you know that."
"And he brings joy to mine."
Thor grew somewhat serious. "I know things have been… rough lately for you two, for him." He said looking in at the party. "He is cold and distant to even me now after the decision."
"He truly believed he would be King." Kaleria said.
"He would have made a great King." Thor began. "I just wish he did not take that aggression out on me, or even you."
"He will come around, Thor." Who was she trying to convince? This was exactly her worry.
"I know your heart does not truly believe that." Thor smiled sympathetically as he looked to Kaleria. "You and I both fear that Loki may never get over this."
"He disappears often." Kaleria added. "I know not where he goes but, he leaves at strange hours and sometimes he does not return for long periods."
"He truly loves you, he has loved you from the moment he first met you." Thor added.
"And he loves you, you're his brother." Kaleria said. "Nothing can change that. It is not your fault."
"My new sister-in-law is wise beyond her years." Thor said.
"Not wise." Kaleria said taking another swig. "Just a little drunk." Thor laughed which in turn caused Kaleria to laugh with him, distracting both of them from their new visitor.
"And now you plan to take my wife?" He asked with a raised eyebrow and unamused tone.
"We were just talking." Kaleria said as her smile faded.
Loki looked at Kaleria, then to Thor. "Loki, I was just talking-"Thor began.
"Yes, yes, talking." Loki interrupted. "That's exactly what you do, isn't it?"
"What are you talking about?" Thor asked, concerned.
"Thor, I think I need to talk with my husband." Kaleria said sternly.
"Are you sure?" He asked, unsure if he really should leave Kaleria alone.
Kaleria looked at him. "Yes, we'll be right in."
Thor nodded, walking towards the banquet hall and stopping by Loki. "Brother, I-"Loki just brushed passed Thor and walked towards Kaleria, Thor's shoulders deflated slightly as he went inside.
Kaleria eyed Loki carefully, her eyes narrowing. "What are you doing?" She asked in disbelief.
"Shouldn't I be asking you that?" Loki's voice was cold, distant.
"We were just talking, Loki." Kaleria said defensively.
"About what?" Loki asked. "About how great he is and how lesser I am?"
"Why is there such competition between you two?" Kaleria asked. "Thor loves you, Thor worries for you." She felt her body begin to heat up. "I worry for you."
"Worrying is for the weak." Loki retorted. "I am fine."
"Clearly that is not the case." Kaleria rolled her eyes.
"Things will be different." Loki began.
"You keep saying that." Kaleria sighed in frustration; she was truly tired of this game. "We are married now, Loki. It is you and I, existing, remember?" She was desperately trying to reach out to him. "It feels like only I am the one existing." She walked closer to Loki, her body cooling down as she placed a hand on his arm. "King or not, you are the one I want to be with, you before all this. Come back to me."
Loki looked down at her. "Everything I do, I do for you, for us."
"I know, and you try so hard to achieve the unattainable." Kaleria spoke softer now.
"I achieved you, did I not?"
Kaleria smiled, she knew she was forgiving him and his actions too easily. "I was yours from the beginning."
"You lie."
"I learned from the best." Loki's lips curled as he pulled Kaleria close to him, kissing her softly. His lips were almost freezing compared to her warm ones. Kaleria was the first to pull away, reluctantly, but she knew she had to. "You are trouble, Odinson. I know it."
"You knew it from the start." He commented with his signature grin. "I cannot be held accountable now." Kaleria playfully rolled her eyes as Loki continued. "Let's go to my…" He smiled, correcting himself. "Our chambers."
"We are just going to leave our wedding party?" Kaleria asked.
"No one would notice; they're all in too high of spirits." Loki replied with a slight shrug.
"Again, you're trouble." Kaleria shook her head. "And now you're bringing me into it."
"As my wife, you are now obligated to join in the fun." Loki took her hand in his. "Shall we?"
Kaleria sighed with a smile. "We shall."
The room was quiet as Kaleria dressed in a more elegant green dress, a wedding present from Frigga. The dress had been made of star dust and dragon scales to help prevent any unnecessary burning. Precautions were always necessary. The air was stiff as she eyed Loki out of the corner of her eye. He was dressed in his Asgardian armor, his body still as he looked out the window of their now shared chambers.
They were married a full three days and everything was fine up until today. Kaleria had known he'd act distant today. It was Thor's coronation. She tried her best to tame her unruly red hair, sighing as that feat became too much for her, and walked over to Loki. She placed a loving hand on his forearm, causing him to jump slightly. "My love, I know today will be hard but, we will move forward from this."
Loki just nodded as he turned to face his wife fully now. "Let's not worry about this." Kaleria pursed her lips, she wanted to comfort him, she wanted him to open up and reveal his true thoughts on the situation. Yet, she knew that was a Pandora box even she did not want to open today. "You look beautiful today, my wife."
"You don't look half bad yourself." She forced a smile as she leaned up to kiss Loki softly on the lips. Even his kisses today were lackluster. "We should get going." Loki nodded, offering his arm hesitantly. Kaleria locked arms with Loki and headed out of their chambers and to the great hall.
"Kali, Loki!" Sif approached her sister and new brother-in-law.
Loki leaned down to Kaleria, speaking softly. "I have to go to the front, I will see you later." He kissed her cheek gently as he left Kaleria with her sister.
Sif looked to Kaleria questioningly as Loki left without another word. "He has to be with his family."
Sif nodded in understanding. "How is he today?"
"As well as he is to be expected." Kaleria shrugged.
"You look beautiful." Sif commented.
"Wedding present from Frigga." Kaleria smiled slightly as the women were joined by Fandral, Hogun, and Volstagg.
"My Ladies, you both look breathtaking, as always." Fandral bowed his head.
Sif and Kaleria rolled their eyes playfully, chuckling as they realized how similar they truly were. "Good morning warriors." Kaleria smiled.
"How is married life, Kali?" Fandral asked with a charming smile.
"Blissful." She laughed slightly.
"We should be heading to our seats." Hogun commented. "The ceremony will begin soon."
"Yes, the sooner we finish this ceremony, the sooner we can feast!" Volstagg said with a hearty laugh.
Fandral offered his arm to Kaleria. "May I escort you?"
"Fandral, I am a married woman now." Kaleria teased.
"Ah, yes. Shame really." Fandral motioned to Sif. "But this lovely lady is not."
"I will not be your second choice." Sif laughed. "Come Kali." Volstagg and Hogun laughed at Fandral's rejection from both sisters as the group headed to their appropriate seats.
The group found themselves towards the front of the ceremony, being loyal friends of Thor and now part of the family. "It's weird being so close." Kaleria commented.
"You'll have to get used to it, you're part of the royal family now." Fandral replied.
"That means first pickings at all feasts, you lucky lady." Volstagg swooned at the thought of food.
Kaleria laughed. "Always thinking of your stomach, Volstagg? I'll sneak you some early pickings to make up for it." Volstagg simply laughed in reply.
"You will become his favorite person if you do." Hogun said with a smile.
"Pity, I thought I already was." Kaleria added.
"Your time with Loki truly brings out your fun side." Fandral noted as the group agreed.
"She was wonderful before him." Sif commented with a smile to her sister.
Before Kaleria could reply, the room went quiet as Odin and Frigga entered the room. Everyone knelt down before the King and Queen as they walked to Odin's throne. They were followed by Loki whom walked with grace and nobility. Kaleria was slightly relieved at how regal he looked, unlike this morning. The mask he wore today was working, fooling everyone in the room. No one would be the wiser.
Loki stood a few steps down from Frigga, his hands clasped in front of him as he stood tall and proud. Kaleria felt a little more at ease watching him.
Her attention returned to the rest of the room as it erupted in cheers and applause as Thor entered, wielding Mjolnir and smiling at the crowd. He was showing off, tossing Mjolnir with ease, cheering with the crowd. Kaleria felt her heart sink as she thought of Loki, her attention immediately turning to him. His face was blank, no emotion what so ever.
"Oh please." She heard Sif muttered next to her, rolling her eyes playfully at Thor. "He's a show off." Kaleria just nodded as her attention remained on Loki.
Thor reached Odin, kneeling before him as Odin quieted the room by banging his spear to the floor. "Thor Odinson." His voice echoed. "My heir, my first born." He continued. Kaleria felt her attention come and go throughout Odin's speech. Her mind still set on Loki as she watched him carefully. He was remaining calm, cool, and collected on the outside… but she knew inside he was screaming. "It is a fit companion for a King." Kaleria knew Odin was getting closer to finishing his ceremony and crowning Thor. "Thor, Odinson, do you swear to guard to the Nine Realms?"
"I swear!" Thors voice echoed.
Kaleria felt a cold shiver travel up her body. She looked to Sif. "Do you feel that?" She whispered. Sif nodded slightly.
"I felt cold…" She agreed.
Fandral joined the conversation. "We all feel it…"
"Do you swear to preserve the peace?" Odin continued in the background.
"I swear!" Thor yelled eagerly.
Kaleria really began to feel the chill now, and not a pleasant coolness against her skin. This was a rough cold that she had felt before… oddly enough in a nightmare. "Something's wrong…" She whispered. Her eyes locked onto a banner above her, the bottom beginning to freeze slightly.
"Frost Giants…" Odin's voice was low in recognition as the faint sound of a battle below was heard.
Sif and the Warriors reached for their weapons quickly as Thor raced out of the room with Mjolnir. The room was in panic as warriors left to fight. "Stay here!" Sif ordered to Kaleria as she left with the Warriors Three.
Kaleria nodded as her main focus was to get to Loki. She ran to where she last saw him standing only to find him missing. She was greeted by the concerned face of Frigga. "He left a little after Thor ran out."
"I should go too." Kaleria said.
"We may need you here." Frigga commented. "Loki can handle himself." Kaleria nodded as her attention turned to the frozen banner once more. "You felt the cold, did you not?"
Kaleria turned her attention back to Frigga. "I did, it was harsh." Frigga noticed the recognition in her eyes.
"You've felt it before?"
"Once…" Kaleria admitted, looking away from Frigga. "In a nightmare…"
We made it to the first Thor timeline story thing! Huzzah! Leave me some nice reviews to come back to! Thanks for reading!