Hello everyone! Welcome to my next attempt at a marvel series! I haven't had much luck with these so…we shall have to see how this one goes. But I hope you like it!
Ravens crowed loudly as they flew up to the balcony, landing besides non other then the Allfather himself.
The aged king gazed over his kingdom in silence before turning back to face his ever radiant queen. She was currently facing a vanity, trying different earrings on to see which fit best with her formal attire.
"Do you think he's ready?" Odin voiced, breaking the silence that reside within their bedchamber. Frigga lifted her eyes, glancing back at him through her mirror.
"He thinks he is." Her lip quirked up slightly as she fixed another earring onto her ear, "he has his father's confidence." She added.
Odin however let out a breath glancing back out at the kingdom that soon would no longer be his responsibility.
"He'll need his father's wisdom." He informed pointedly. And Frigga let out a breath rising to her feet and turning to face him. She clasped her hands before her.
"And his humility?" At that Odin lets out a soft scoff that held no malice. Frigga let out a soft breath and went to a standing mirror to check herself over. "Thor won't be alone. Loki and Leonidas will be at his side to give him counsel." She spared a glance back at him as Odin gazed back at her. "Have faith in your sons and their keeper."
But Odin sighed, not seeming to share in her sentiment, "yes, but Thor is still a boy. He could be a great King…" he trailed off as his eyes fell to his hand. Only to find it trembling. His eyes widen a fraction though he is not surprised. Swallowing he closed his hand and gazed at it determined, eventually the shaking ceased.
But not before Frigga noticed, came over and covered his hand with her own.
"…if only we had more time." He remarked quietly, lifting his eyes to her.
She let out a soft breath, a small and sad smile on her face. "For once, our son needs something we cannot provide." But Odin shook his head.
"I can fight it a little longer…" he trailed, not as much confidence in his tone that he would've liked.
Frigga shook her head, "no. You've put it off too long!" She paused, and her eyes softened, voice dropping in volume. "I worry for you." She informed, and Odin let out a breath, gently reaching up and cupping her cheek, which she leaned into.
"I've destroyed, demons and monsters, devastated whole worlds. Laid waist to mighty kingdoms. And still you worry for me?" His tone was that of endearment, and he was graced with a soft and loving smile.
"Always." Odin let out a breath and shook his head, but smiled nonetheless.
"Not today. Now come kiss your king…while I'm still king." He instructed, and she smiled as he pulled her close, embracing her and kissing her.
When they did part, he affectionately brushed her hair behind her ear before pressing a kiss to the back of her hand and stepping back. "I best make sure everything is going smoothly." Odin informed, and Frigga nodded smiling softly.
"Yes of course."
With that, he stepped from the room and into the hall. And right where he expected him to be, Arne stood loyally by the door.
The tall, and fair haired man gazed to his king and raised an eyebrow slightly.
"You shouldn't downplay it in front of Frigga. She will always figure it out." He informed, or rather, chided a bit. Odin let out a breath.
"And worry her needlessly?" He let out a breath, "it is of no matter. I shall be able to sleep soon. So long as this coronation goes off without any issues." Arne nodded at that.
"It will." There was a beat of silence and Arne raised an eyebrow. "You seem anxious."
Odin let out a breath a rueful smile on his face, "you are as bad as Frigga sometimes, you know that?" He didn't wait for him to respond, "I just worry about him. About the three of them. They are all still so young." He paused and glanced up at Arne who waited for him to continue. "Do you believe that Leonidas is ready? To advise Thor? To take your role?" He questioned, and the man with golden eyes paused, glancing briefly to the side before returning his gaze to him.
"I believe he will become ready when he is needed." He informed, and Odin let out a breath.
"Well, I fear the day might be sooner then either of them are prepared for." With that he headed down the hall, and after a moment, Arne followed behind. Keeping every watchful eye of everything around him.
Fire flickered below them, stretching down the length of the extravagant hallway. Leonidas' ears twitched as they were confronted by the sound of the crowd just beyond the double doors that lie to their right.
His eyes flickered up to the tall and dark haired prince and couldn't help but purse his lips slightly in thought.
Ever since this morning, Loki had seemed…different. The coronation had been long since coming, preparations for it had stretched back months before. And the fair toned prince had been helpful all the way through. He and Leonidas constantly reminding and rehearsing with Thor what he was supposed to say and how he was supposed to say it when Odin prompted it. Loki had been insistent that they try and brush Thor up on the current politics of Asgard, but that was as fruitful as trying to talk him down from battle.
As in, practically impossible.
Leonidas had been around the two princes long enough to know when Loki was stewing on thoughts he'd rather not share aloud. Probably unvoiced doubts about Thor's maturity, and worries about his rather…gunshot temper.
And, Leonidas couldn't help but share in some of them.
"He will be a good king." The shorter man voiced, breaking the silence.
Loki's attention turned from staring into the ever moving flames and down at Leonidas.
"I certainly hope so." He muttered, eyes flickering to the doors. Likely thinking of what lie beyond them.
"Maturity will come with time." Leonidas continued, and Loki let out a breath.
"You have more faith in him then I do Rafr."
"I have faith in both of you." He corrected, gaining the attention of the prince, he offered up a bit of a smirk. "It's kind of my job." At that Loki let out a puff of air before glancing around the room, his golden helmet glinting in the firelight.
"I just wish there was a bit more time. That's all." He paused, his brow pinching slightly, "I just don't think he is yet ready for what it means to be king-"
He was cut off as the double doors at the other end of the hallway opened up, both lifted their attention only to find the man of the hour.
"Speak of the devil…" he muttered, and Loki smirked slightly at that.
"Another!" The soon to be king shouted as he tossed down a goblet that he had just drained. The attendant-Pilidus-next to him flinched as the flames surged when they came in contact with the alcohol.
Pilidus made brief eye contact with the Leonidas who could only offer a small apologetic smile. Thor however paid no mind and sauntered down the hall as Pilidus hurried off to get another drink.
When he drew closer, Loki stepped up and raised an eyebrow.
"Nervous brother?"
The fair haired prince scoffed, "have you ever known me to be nervous?" He asked, and Leonidas, the shortest of the three scoffed.
"Claims the prince who still refuses to tell his mother about what truly happened to her hairpins." He claimed, glancing up at the taller and substantially broader prince. Thor however just let out a puff averting his eyes.
"That is another matter entirely." But the Loki smirked at Leonidas.
"Plus there was that one time in Nornheim…" he trailed earning a grin from the auburn haired fellow.
"That wasn't even nerves!" Thor protested, puffing out his chest, "that was the rage of battle. How else could I have fought my way through a hundred warriors and pulled us out alive?" He demanded as Pilidus approached with another goblet of wine.
"As I recall, I was the one who veiled us in smoke to ease our escape." Loki corrected, and was followed by a grunt from Leonidas.
"And I had to haul your heavy *rses away." He grumbled, only for the blond to shake his head.
"Some do battle, others just do tricks." He then turned to Leonidas and clamped a hand on his shoulder, the man winced slightly as he buckled a bit under the weight. "And you should be proud Leonidas! Aiding Asgardian royalty in battle is of the highest honor amongst servants." He claimed, and Leonidas let out a breath biting back a remark.
"Yes. Of course sire." At that he was seemingly satisfied and let the smaller man go. Leonidas rubbed his shoulder and took a deep breath earning a small glance from Loki. But nothing more.
However, Pilidus had held up the tray for Thor to take the goblet of wine. Something he would soon come to regret as the once wine turned into eels and proceed to climb out of the goblet slithering out and all across Pilidus' hand. The asgardian proceeded to scream and throw the goblet to the ground. Loki let out a chuckle while Leonidas sighed and went to retrieve the tray and goblet, the moment his foot landed on one of the eels it evaporated back into wine. The illusion shattered.
"Loki…" Thor chided, and Leonidas couldn't help but glance back at both of them. So much for Loki's comment about Thor not being mature enough. "Now that was just a waste of good wine." The god of thunder continued as Leonidas handed the tray and goblet back to Pilidus who looked shaken up, but otherwise fine.
"Ah, that was just a bit of fun." Loki commented, and Leonidas glanced up at him only to receive a small wink making him pause a moment and wonder if the illusion was more meant for Thor then the attendant.
One could never be certain the motives of the trickster god.
Thor only shook his head in response as Pilidus made his escape and Leonidas came back over as Thor was putting on his winged helmet. Something Leonidas saw Loki notice with a smirk.
"Nice feathers." Thor scoffed a bit and glanced at him.
"You don't really want to start this again, do you, Cow?" Thor jabbed back, and Leonidas knew this was only going to lead in a bickering match.
"Why don't we put squabbles about helmet designs aside for now and enter the hall where everyone is waiting?" He suggested, but Loki turned to him.
"I was being sincere Rafr!" But Thor only scoffed.
"Not even Leonidas believes you are capable of sincerity." The fair haired prince remarked, and Leonidas couldn't help but frown.
"I never said that." And Loki nodded turning to Thor.
"Exactly, do not doubt me brother, I've looked forward to this day as long as you have. You are my brother and my friend. Sometimes I'm envious, but never doubt that I love you." He said, this time sincerely, and for a moment Thor was silent glancing between he and Leonidas, but settled on Loki's face before nodding and clapping a hand upon Loki's shoulder.
"Thank you." However his response made the shortest of the three frown.
That probably would've been a good moment to respond with a I love you brother in return.
But, both brothers had done a lot over the years to create rifts and anger between them.
Leonidas could easily recall a time when terms of endearment and brotherly affection was often said and claimed to one another.
Though as the years have drawn on, the brother's keeper couldn't help but notice the underlying tension between them. Enough that now Thor wasn't always certain of his brother's affections toward him. And Loki wasn't entirely sure that Thor didn't just see him as everyone else did. A bother, a irritant that just wouldn't go away.
Some of it was the fault of the trickster, instead of proving them wrong Loki often leaned into the role that had been set for him. Perhaps a little too much. Sometimes so much that even Leonidas had a hard time seeing what was genuine and what was just malice hidden behind tricks.
It was no secret to the keeper that Loki had a festering anger toward others, though it was mostly directed at his father and the clear favoritism that Odin often held for Thor.
This had caused the dark haired prince to drift closer to his mother, learn her ways of the trade.
And Leonidas, in a attempt to keep connection with both brothers did often request for Loki to share techniques in fighting that was more fit for his stature rather then the bulking Thor.
With Thor it had grown more difficult to keep connection to him.
When he wasn't off drinking with Sif and the warriors three, he would usually be training. Leonidas did go out there and train with them. But more often then not he would beaten by Thor and most of his companions. He could hold his own with the likes of Fandral if only for a little bit.
Though he would often be laughed off the field.
It was never really the most pleasant experience.
The only time he knew he could hold his own was in his other form. But that was a bit of overkill for training. So he dealt with the laughing and jeers. He knew and could easily sense from Thor that there wasn't malicious intent behind it.
Didn't mean it was the most fun to experience.
So more often then not, after he couldn't take the jeers and laughs anymore, he would make a excuse, usually playing up some injury he had sustained in the affair and go off to the library where he would often find Loki.
That was usually the more pleasant experience.
Though he did have to put up with the occasional tricks and illusions thrown his way.
Because of his bond with the brothers, illusions from Loki didn't really work on him, Leonidas could usually sense the action coming so when a fair maiden or a monster emerging from the shadows appeared.
Well it wasn't much of a surprise.
"Now give us a kiss." Loki's voice, filled with its usual sly tone brought Leonidas from his thoughts, only to watch as Thor shoved him back slightly.
"Stop." He said with a roll of his eyes, before proceeding to adjust his ceremonial wear a bit more. When he was seemingly satisfied he turned to look at Leonidas and Loki. "How do I look?"
"Like a king." The dark haired prince claimed, and Leonidas nodded in return. The ceremonial horn blared, and Leonidas' ears twitched as the crowd began to cheer.
"It's time." Leonidas remarked, and Thor nodded taking a breath as he turned to Loki.
"You go ahead." But that only earned him a wary look from Loki, "I'll be along, go on." He encouraged, and after a moment and a glance to Leonidas who also nodded, Loki went inside slipping through the doors quietly.
Once Loki was gone, Leonidas glanced up at the fair haired prince-or rather, soon to be king.
"You know…it's okay if you are nervous." He spoke quietly, but still it earned a look from Thor. The prince puffed out air.
"Leonidas, being king is my right, my inheritance. How can I be anxious about receiving something that has been long sense coming?" He questioned, and the shorter man paused, before opening his mouth but Thor cut him off before he could. "I can't expect you to understand. After all, how could you? All you have ever been expected to do is serve my brother and I." He then turned and clapped a hand on Leonidas' shoulder offering a smile. "You have been a good and loyal manservant, I shall not forget it." Leonidas offered up a bit of a smile, "but do not mistake my gratitude of your service as a invitation to a understanding between us. I am grateful, but one shan't forget their place." The smile fell and Leonidas swallowed a bit.
"Yes. Of course sire." He acknowledged, and satisfied, Thor nodded releasing his shoulder.
"Good, now go on, I shall make my entrance soon." With that, Leonidas nodded and slipped into the palace hall taking a deep breath.
Like with Loki's anger, it was no secret to him that he and Thor had grown…distant over the years. Not that there had been anything particularly strong to begin with. Leonidas always knew that Thor had seen him as more of a manservant then a companion.
Lucky for him, companionship could be found in Loki.
Leonidas wouldn't take offense to Thor's views. He…wasn't wrong after all. The man wasn't as strong as both brothers, and in battle he was only really useful in his other form.
He did often act as their servant, but he would be lying if he said he wished he could've been seen as something akin to a brother to the princes.
He would have thought after all these years, after all this time. Perhaps it was too much for him to think something like that, asking too much of his position.
Loki was better about it, didn't talk down to him as much as Thor did, and treated him more like a companion then a manservant. Though Leonidas couldn't help but wonder if some of that was because of Loki's lack of friends.
But, the man would take what he could get, and sometimes, he could pretend that he was their companion.
And sometimes, he could swear he felt brotherly affections from Loki's side of their bond.
Though, he could be mistaking his own feelings on the matter.
He saw them as his brothers, his obnoxious, and frequently troublesome brothers. But siblings all the same.
He just wasn't sure if the feeling was always reciprocated.
As he drew closer to the front, his eyes lifted and fell upon the fair haired man that stood next to Frigga on the steps.
He was of fair complexion, and had pure white hair, much to match his kingly ward.
Odin's keeper Arne.
He was Leonidas' superior in every way. Taller, stronger, and he could fly.
Plus, he seemed to have the respect of Odin, because wasn't that how it was supposed to be? Mutual respect between a keeper and their ward?
How come Leonidas had such difficulty holding onto that?
Perhaps it was because of his peculiar double bond. Something which no one could quite understand still. Even after nearly fifteen hundred years.
But alas, it wasn't time to dwell on such things. He had time, he had time to repair, fix and mend his relationship with both brothers, and hopefully their relationship with each other as well.
In his dwelling he had failed to take note of the warriors three and Sif taking up the side of the stairs opposite to he, Loki, Frigga and Arne.
All were donned in ceremonial garb, much like himself. He was never the biggest fan of it, heavy clad, with too many complicated bits and pieces that clanged together noisily every time he moved about.
"Where is he?" Volstagg's voice lifted above the murmuring of the crowd, but that was likely only because Leonidas knew it well.
Lifting his eyes, he found the rotund man gazing at him, knowing that even from across the space between them Leonidas would be able to hear him.
With a breath he motioned to the double doors that sat on the other end of the chamber.
"He said he'd be along." Loki mumbled from his right. Leonidas glanced at him and let out a breath. He wasn't sure if the trickster was hoping the warriors would read what he was trying to say, or more so speaking to himself.
"He wants to make a entrance." Sif muttered across from Leonidas, she was turned toward her fellow warriors, likely speaking only to them.
Loki, likely reading her lips sighed softly knowing that was the truth of the matter.
"Well if he doesn't show up soon, he shouldn't bother, Odin looks like he's ready to feed him to Arne." Fandral muttered glancing up to Odin who looked increasingly cross as the moments ticked on.
"They shouldn't be worrying." Loki claimed, drawing Leonidas' attention to him. But the prince just gazed on ahead. "Father will forgive him." The keeper's brows furrowed at the bitterness he felt coming from the prince. "He always does."
Leonidas wasn't sure who the statement was directed to, but all the same he turned to the prince. "Loki I'm sure-"
A boom echoed in the hall silencing everyone within. Leonidas felt Thor's presence before he saw or heard him. Whipping around the keeper let out a breath as Mjolnir shot into the hall, drawing attention to it just as Thor strode up the stairs with a air of aristocratic pride to him. Likely sensing his call, Mjolnir stopped mid-air before flying back toward Thor. The thunder god caught it behind his back before spinning it with flourish and lifting it into the air. The crowd erupted in cheers and there he stood basking in the glory of the moment.
Leonidas could feel the pride wafting off him in waves.
He walked down the hall as the crowd continued to cheer him on. And countering Thor's joy and pride was a creeping and festering feeling of frustration and annoyance that redirected the keepers attention to Loki.
However the prince seemed to have felt his gaze, glanced at him briefly and let out a breath, the feelings faded back into a dull sort of throb that itched at the back of Leonidas' head.
Again, he got that feeling that something was off with the trickster prince.
And after a moment, Leonidas' realized what it was, Loki was partially blocking him.
His brow furrowed at the thought and he was about to probe the prince, only for a deafening boom to echo in the hall.
All attention was drawn to none other then the king himself.
Odin stood, Gungnir in hand gazing over everyone with a silent and yet powerful authority.
Leonidas eyes fell to Thor who was kneeled before his father, and mother who stood next to Arne, both nearest to the throne.
"Gungnir. It's aim is true, it's power strong. With it I have defended Asgard and the lives of the innocent across the Nine Realms since the time of the Great Beginning. And though the day has come for a new king to wield his own weapon…that duty remains the same. Thor Odinson, my heir, my first-born." His eyes had fallen from the crowd and to his son, Leonidas let out a breath at the swell of feelings from both brothers.
Thor's were unsurprisingly that of pride and joy, but with a hidden layer of anxiety that festered under it all. Loki on the other hand was a bit more worrying. Despite the blocking, Leonidas could still feel festers of anger and bitterness, particularly flaring up at Odin's comment about Thor being the first born.
It was not terribly shocking, Loki had always been envious of Thor's position. But it was still worrying.
There was another feeling that Leonidas couldn't really identify, it felt familiar, like when Loki did his usual tricks, a strange feeling of satisfaction and empowerment.
But what tricks were happening here? He really hoped the prince wouldn't pull something today of all days…
"So long entrusted with this mighty hammer, Mjolnir. Forged in the heart of a dying star, from the scared metal of Urdu. Only one may lift it. Only one is worthy. Who wields this hammer commands the lightning and storm. Its power has no equal. As a weapon, to destroy or as a tool, to build. It is a fit companion for a King." The crowd was silent with anticipation, this was something so many had been waiting, preparing for. The moment was finally here.
Yet something felt…off. Perhaps it was Loki's odd partial blocking. Maybe it was odd rustling sounds that Leonidas was beginning to hear from below.
It could have been anything, a rowdy group of guards, servants getting a little too frisky. Anything.
Yet something felt wrong.
And it didn't help when he heard a scream.
Loki must've either sensed, or noticed him tensing because the prince glanced down at him. But Leonidas wasn't sure if he should say anything.
Was it really a scream? Was it just someone outside the walls? Should he really say anything?
Odin was speaking again, but Leonidas was straining his ears for other sounds. Sounds that would indicate that something was wrong, something below something in the vaul-
"Rafr, what's the matter?" The soft whisper of Loki made Leonidas jump slightly and look to him, he must've looked as alarmed as he felt because the prince's brow pinched.
Before Leonidas could either voice his worries or not, a sudden and unexplainable chill ran through the hall. Causing everyone to take note and rub their arms with slight shivers. There were soft murmurings amongst the crowd.
Leonidas opened his mouth to voice his now growing concerns about there truly being something going on, when his attention was pulled over to Thor and Odin as pride wafted from the soon to be king.
"Thor Odinson, do you swear to guard the Nine Realms?" Odin asked.
"I swear." Responded Thor with earnest, though the anxiousness and impatience that came from him said another story.
"Do you swear to preserve the peace?" Odin asked again.
"I swear."
"Do you swear to cast aside all selfish ambition and pledge yourself only to the good of all the Realms?" This question caused there to be a brief beat of silence, and Leonidas sighed as he felt the hesitance drift from Thor.
But his momentary disappointment and Thor's eventual response was drowned out as his attention drifted to a ominous crackling sound.
It made Leonidas tense up and glance around, wishing he had Arne's eyes to make out any discrepancies in the hall.
"Then on this day, I, Odin Allfather proclaim you-" Leonidas' attention snapped back to Odin as the Allfather stopped himself, his own brow furrowing.
Leonidas looked to Arne when Odin did, and the man's brow was furrowed low as he gaze about the room. The sharp eyed man turned to look at Odin and the Allfather stiffened up.
"Frost giants."
The words were soft, but it was enough to erupt the entire hall into chaos. Thor wasted not a moment before taking off down the hall and to the vault below. Sif and the warriors three were hot on his heels. Loki also sprung from where he stood to follow. Leonidas didn't hesitate for a second and felt the fur sprout up from all over him. His body shifted within seconds and mid jump he transformed from man to a quadrupod fox. And quickly following after.
Long strides from his legs caused him to pass up Loki, the warriors and finally catching up with Thor.
Air rushed through his fur and despite the situation he couldn't help but feel great. It had been a hot minute since transformation and it always felt freeing when he was in this form.
And it was satisfying to be bigger then everyone. His head even reached above Thor's which is something he didn't frequently enjoy.
Ducking down he entered the vault right behind the eldest Odinson.
His eyes surveyed the sight before him, the bodies of both Asgardian's and Frost giants before finally landing on the Destroyer with the Casket held in it's grasp.
Footsteps came up behind them and since the danger had passed, Leonidas allowed himself to fall back into his more frequent form.
Rising from his bent over position and shaking off the residual fur. He turned to look as the warriors and Loki entered.
"The Destroyer…" Sif trailed her eyes lifting to the largest being in the room.
"I thought it was but a legend…" Volstagg muttered in awe.
Then in stepped Odin, closely followed by Arne, who had shifted to bird form, only to then circle above them, shift back to his normal form and land on the grating crouched and with a soft thud.
He stood, taking his place at Odin's side.
Leonidas' attention was pulled back to the Destroyer as it set down the casket and returned to the wall of light, of which it was soon consumed. A cris cross grating appeared from the light giving the illusion that the destroyer was trapped behind it.
But everyone here knew it wasn't. Not truly.
"I've never been inside the Vault before." Fandral claimed glancing around with a pinched brow, but Leonidas watched as Odin slowly approached the Casket, Arne following close behind. "It's said the Tesseract was once held here." He continued, and that caught the attention of Volstagg.
"The Tesseract? I thought that was bud a legend too!" He claimed, only to get harshly shushed by Sif as Odin looked around the room.
"Arne, check the perimeter. Make sure this was all of them." The Allfather ordered, and with a nod and slight bow, Arne backed up.
"Of course." He turned and mid-step transformed into a white raven, flying up the stairs quickly and leaving the Vault.
Leonidas however had been gazing at Thor, as anger and battle rage wafted off him in waves.
"The Jotuns must pay for what they've done!" He cried, his grip tight on Mjolnir.
However the Allfather-who Leonidas couldn't help but note looked more and more exhausted as the days ticked on-let out a breath.
"They have paid with their lives. The Destroyer did it's job and the Casket is safe." He turned to Thor. "All is well."
Leonidas knew Thor disagreed even before he spoke, "all is well!? They broke into the weapons Vault!" He motioned around like this was information they didn't already know. The warriors had smartly decided to keep quiet. "If the Frost Giants had stolen even one of these Relics-"
"But they didn't." Odin interrupted, his full attention now on Thor who only was growing in anger and frustration.
"I want to know why they-"
"The Casket of Ancient Winters belonged to the Jotuns. They believe it's their birthright." Odin informed, calmly, but his grip on Gungnir had tightened considerably.
"And if you hadn't taken it from them they would have laid waste to all the Nine Realms!" Thor continued, his frustrations not swayed in the slightest.
"I have a truce with Laufey, the Jotun king." Odin informed calmly, but there was a tightness to his face now.
"He just broke your truce! We must act!" Thor countered, swinging out his arms, imploring Odin to understand.
However the Allfather instead turned to Sif and the warriors. "Leave us." He commanded, and without faltering a second, the four departed quietly. A few sparing glances back at Thor.
Leonidas wasn't sure if he would be dismissed, though it was unlikely, he had been witness too many family arguments over the years. He doubted this would be the exception.
Once the room was cleared, Odin turned to Thor. "And what action would you take?" He inquired, ever the patience of a father trying to teach their child a lesson.
Leonidas glanced briefly at Loki, who was observing the scene quietly.
"March into Jotunheim as you once did, teach them a lesson, break their spirits so they'll never are try to cross our borders again!" Thor announced, and there was a expectation within him, that his father would say yes.
But that was dashed as soon as the Allfather shook his head, "you're thinking only as a warrior!"
But Thor brandished out his arms, motioning to the room and scene around them, "this was a act of war!" He cried, but Odin didn't agree.
"It was the act of but a few, doomed to fail." He announced resolutely, the sound of wings flapping behind him caused Leonidas to turn and watch as Arne dropped to the ground with a soft thud as he transformed. He approached quietly only to fall into place next to Leonidas in wait. Swallowing, the younger keeper turned back to the scene feeling a lot tenser with his elder so close.
"They got this far!" Thor protested, and Odin shook his head again.
"Arne will find the breach in our defenses and it will be sealed." He announced, and in perfect timing, Arne approached.
"The breach was on the west wall. I have already sent workers to repair the damage done and seal the entrance." He announced smoothly, and Odin turned and motioned to him.
"See? All is well my son." But Thor shook his head with a hard breath.
"As King of Asgard, I would-"
"You are not King." Odin snapped, seeming fed up with Thor's antics. "Not yet."
With the foot metaphorically put down, Thor knew that he had lost this battle, but he said not a word, and instead stormed out. His anger near suffocating as he slammed the doors behind him.
Leonidas waits but a moment before moving to go after him, only for his arm to be caught and his attention pulled to Arne.
Golden eyes gazed down at him seriously, "keep a close eye on him. Do not let him do something he would regret." That was murmured low, and with a hard swallow, Leonidas nodded as his arm was released.
With a hard breath he shifted mid step and hurried up the stairs. Sniffing the air and ears twitching about as he went to find his ward. He sensed Loki following behind him.
When they did find Thor, they found him in the banquet hall, a overturned table with food and dinnerware scattered everywhere. Leonidas had transformed back, but was tempted to shift again lest Thor want to take out his anger on something other then a table.
Leonidas stood between the two brothers, but closer to neither of them. His eyes flickered between them uneasily. Thor was a mess of emotions, but Loki was still partially blocking him and had been awful quiet throughout the whole situation.
The warriors footsteps made themselves known before they did.
"Redecorating, are we?" Sif's voice drifted into the hall and the prince brothers took note of her and the warriors presence.
"What's this?!" Volstagg cried in despair, dropping to his knees before the piles of overthrown food.
"I told you they'd cancel it." Hogun claimed, his ever impassive face surveying the sight before him. Fandral let out a breath and kicked a discarded ham.
"We thought that was just you being your normal cheery self." He remarked with a breath, Volstagg however paid no mind to them and mourned over the food.
"All this food! So innocent! Cast to the ground, it breaks the heart!" He cried.
However, unlike how it usually was, Thor was not amused by his comrade's antics. Instead he stalked from the room, Leonidas following after, and Loki trailing behind as well.
However Leonidas did let Loki drift closer then he, not really wanting to be snapped at while Thor was so hostile.
"It us unwise to be in my company right now, brother." The god of thunder muttered, but Loki just raised an eyebrow while Leonidas clung to the shadows.
"Who said I was wise?" The trickster quipped, but it didn't earn a response from Thor.
"This was supposed to be my day of triumph." He claimed softly, despairingly.
"It will come. In time." Loki assured, but Leonidas couldn't help but frown slightly, eyes on the prince's back as he felt a peculiar shift in his emotions. "If it's any consolation, I think you're right." His words brought a feeling of unease over their keeper. "About the Frost Giants, about Laufey, everything." Thor turned to him surprised, and Leonidas took a step forward, "if a few of them could penetrate the defenses of Asgard once, who's to say they won't try again? Next time with a army?"
Silver tongue indeed, Leonidas came closer already getting a feeling as to where this was going.
"Yes, exactly!"
"But there's nothing we can do without defying fath-"
"No." At his snapped out word, both of them turned to their keeper who stood there and inhaled deeply. "I already know where this is going, and we are not doing this." He glanced between them, "we are not going to fight the Jotuns." He put as much authority in his voice as possible.
Loki looked slightly aghast, "I wasn't suggesting such a thing! Of course we shouldn't defy father." However the sentiment wasn't shared by Thor, who dropped his gaze from Leonidas to his hammer.
"It's the only way to ensure the safety of our boarders." He said firmly, but Leonidas let out a breath.
"Your father has a treaty with them, by going there we would be breaking that treaty, and preforming a act of war upon them. Is that really how you want to prove to your father that you are mature enough for the throne?" As soon as the words escaped his mouth, Leonidas regretted them.
Especially as Thor lifted his gaze to him, "mature enough for the throne? I hope you are jesting Leonidas. And that you are not questioning the authority of an asgardian prince." He said lowly, and Leonidas tensed, but held his ground.
"…and if I'm not? Manservant or not, keeper or not. I feel I have the right to question you before you fall into absolute madness as you are overtaken by your own pride!" He retorted, hands curling into fists even as he saw Thor's eyes darken.
He knew Thor didn't like to be questioned, especially by those he saw as below him.
But he wasn't going to let him go swinging off to Jotun without saying anything about it.
"Madness?" The voice of Volstagg made Leonidas tense up. He should've expected it, heard them approaching. But he had been too distracted.
"Nothing! Thor and Leonidas were making a jest!" Loki cut in, but Thor didn't look like he was jesting, as he gazed Leonidas dead in the eye.
"The safety of our Realm is no jest. Nor is it a mere matter of pride." He took a step closer, and it was motivated by a desire to intimidate, something Leonidas quickly felt. "And I shall not have my actions be dictated by a not only a servant, but a outsider to our realm." Leonidas flinched slightly but held his ground. "We are going to Jotunhiem." He announced, and Leonidas bristled.
"What? And get killed!?" The keeper took a step closer as well, even though he had to look up to his ward. "You are letting your arrogance and wounded pride blind you! Going to Jotunhiem is a act of war! A war that Asgard does not need to fight! You will make the situation so much worse by doing something like this!" He protested, and Thor scoffed.
"They made the first move, coming here trying to steal from Asgard." He retorted.
"And are you planning on going to war over any little thing!?" Leonidas demanded throwing out his hands, "if so I fear what kind of king you will turn out to be!" He shouted, heaving for breath.
There was a beat of silence. Leonidas had eyes locked with his ward, searching, doing his best to try and find some reasonable side of him to grasp upon.
"Get out."
The words were like a anvil drop, Leonidas blinked as he stepped back, brow furrowing. "What?"
"I said. Get out. I have tolerated your insurrections long enough. Do you think just because you have been raised along side us you have any right or authority over us? Lest you forget Vangr, you were assigned to serve. And I think due to our constant close proximity you have forgotten your place. You are not our brother, you are not a warrior like the rest of us. You are a servantLeonidas. Now leave my presence before I have guards remove you." He ordered stiffly, and Leonidas gazed up at him with a furrowed brow, ears flattened. His eyes flickered to the other faces of the room. The warriors were unsurprisingly not going to say anything in the matter. Though Volstagg looked like he just might. However Leonidas didn't have much faith in that.
His eyes then fell to Loki who looked troubled, when they briefly locked eyes, the prince let out a breath and stepped forward.
"Brother, Rafr was only doing his job. Remember first and foremost he is meant to protect us. Of course he would try and dissuade you from running headfirst into danger in defiance of father…and you know he cannot let us go on our own. It would go against his oath." He claimed, stepping over, and Thor paused a moment, considering his brothers words. Leonidas was tense, regardless of what Thor was going to say next, he was going to follow them. Like Loki had said, he didn't have much of a choice in the matter.
"Fine." The god of thunder stated, and Leonidas let out a breath he didn't know he had been holding. "He may come with us." His eyes flittered briefly to his keeper. "You don't know when we shall need a pack mule." Leonidas couldn't help but flinch slightly at that but kept it to himself.
Thor moved past him and the keeper couldn't help but shiver at the both literal and metaphorical cold shoulder he was getting from the prince.
"So, my friends, shall we? Venture out into the giants land to defend our very home?" He questioned, and each began to voice their unease.
But Leonidas didn't pay mind, he knew it wouldn't take much to convince those four to go into battle.
His mind was back to a few moments ago, Thor's cold and stormy eyes. He knew he and Thor had grown distant. But never did he think it was to the point that he saw him as nothing more then a servant, a pack mule. A ever loyal mutt who couldn't really say no if he wanted to.
"He didn't mean what he said, you know that." Loki voiced softly, and Leonidas jumped at his voice, he hadn't realized he had come up next to him.
Swallowing he dropped his eyes to the ground. "Y….you know he did." He took in a soft breath, "you know…I know he did." That was more so whispered, and the trickster let out a breath next to him.
"Even if he did. That's not the truth." A hand clapped on his shoulder, though not with as much force as Thor's. "You are our brother, even if he is too blind to see it." His hand gripped his shoulder a bit as Leonidas lifted his gaze to him. "One day he will come to realize it as well." Then he paused and whispered even softer, "and I do plan on informing a guard of our departure. All shall be well. Do not worry Rafr."
He sounded so confident that Leonidas almost believed him.
But he never got the chance to question him further.
And perhaps he should've.
This fic has longer chapters, but will overall be shorter. It will be covering the events of Thor, but mostly focused on Leonidas, so there will be scenes left out.