Thor was not quite certain what to make of his friend's words. While there seemed to be some elements of truth woven into the tales based on what he had recently learned, the rest seemed so fantastical as to be pure whimsy. A seiðmadr powerful enough to be chosen by a Realm? From what his mother had said, some of them did seem to have some rudimentary sentience, but only the magical ones, which meant the other five did not. So how could they choose anyone, let alone a seiðmadr?
'Twas ridiculous, but then legends oft were, taking small elements of truth and spinning them off into impossible feats and mystical talents. 'Twas probably what had happened here. After all, if he did not know any better, he would have assumed even the part of a Realm having seiðr of its own as impossible, so starting with that, 'twas hardly surprising people had made up and added more fantastical elements to the tales. Skálds oft embellished stories to try and outdo each other and gain favor from kings or lords in order to be the ones to grace their halls with their presence.
"Thus, Loki thinks if he does not give the Casket back, Jötunheimr will die?" Fandral checked.
"Aye, and most of the High Council seem agreed with it," Thor added.
"I still do not like it," Volstagg growled.
"Nor do I," Thor admitted. "But 'tis this or war."
"I am not surprised Loki would choose to avoid battle," Lady Sif sneered, sitting down on the floor.
Thor's anger flared at her continued jabs at his brother who was not even here to defend himself. Had she always been thus and he simply had not noticed? Surely not.
Right?
A few remarks immediately came to mind, but so did laughter as the rest of them saw the humor in it. Though, now he thought of it, he could not recall his brother laughing. Instead, Loki had usually turned away or lashed out at them. They had clearly been said in jest, or so he had thought at the time, but his brother's reaction seemed to indicate otherwise.
The implications made Thor's stomach cramp unpleasantly, for if Loki had not seen it the same way as him, then his brother would have taken his laughter as approval of the torment.Thatleft him feeling ill and 'twas with a start Thor realized he could not instantly remember the last time he had seen Loki laugh, at least not that long genuine one of his. Nay, instead all he could think of was the short burst which was there and gone, like right before the coronation, and he winced as he thought of some of what he had said to his brother then.
"'Tis what Father wanted too," Thor finally replied, shoving the thought aside. "And my blind desire to seek out battle is why he called off the coronation and banished me."
"'Tis?" Fandral asked, in surprise.
"Aye, he said a king does not blindly seek out battle or war, but instead seeks to prevent them."
"But it will make us look weak to the other Realms!" Volstagg protested.
"Aye, 'twas my reaction as well. Father did not take it well."
"Thor," Lady Sif began, hesitantly. "Were you angry when you spoke?"
Thor winced. "Aye."
"Was this when you were banished?" Fandral asked quietly.
Thor merely nodded once.
"What did the All-Father want then?" Volstagg wondered.
"Peace, I assume," Thor shrugged. "So, in that, Loki is doing him proud."
"But Thor, returning the Casket of Ancient Winters?" Lady Sif questioned. "How do we know they will not simply be able to undo whatever restrictions we place upon it?"
"'Tis a concern of mine as well," Thor admitted. "But the rest of the High Council seem to be in agreement. Even General Týr is not violently opposed to it."
That seemed to surprise them, as Thor could well understand. When Loki and General Týr were in agreement, things tended to be going either very well or very ill, and no one was under any illusions as to which it was here.
The silence reminded Thor of why he was here and, much as he wanted to ignore it, he knew he could not. Even if Loki was still prissy and refused to talk to him, he knew his mother would question him on it after their heated conversation this morning.
"My friends, I must ask," Thor began, glancing at each cell in turn. "Why did you come to Miðgarðr?"
Fandral frowned. "We already told you; to bring you back."
"Aye, but why? You had a direct order to leave me be, and 'twas the All-Father who punished me in the first place, not Loki."
"Without knowing what would happen," Lady Sif stated. "He banished you while he was still awake and king."
"So?"
"So, clearly, he did not mean for Loki to end up on Hliðskjálf."
"My father was well aware of the approaching Óðinnsleep, Sif," Thor replied. "He had been putting it off for a while. He would have known that there was a possibility it would happen before I returned."
"But 'tis Loki!" Lady Sif protested.
"I believe what she is attempting to say, is that he has not been prepared and trained to rule as you have," Volstagg hastened to add.
"Mother assures me Father saw to it that he was," Thor stated.
"Your mother?" Fandral began, delicately. "Ah, she and Loki..."
"Are close, aye," Thor agreed. "But I had wondered the same thing and she said Father would not have left my brother without it, since he was in the line of succession."
"What is this about, Thor?" Hogun frowned.
"I was hoping to explain things to Loki and, mayhap, clear this up without a trial," Thor explained. "But for that, I need to knowwhyyou acted the way you did."
"We already told you," Lady Sif retorted. "You are the rightful heir and thus the rightful regent. Loki is not and his decision to leave you on Miðgarðr was made solely to jealously guard his newfound power."
"How many times do I have to tell you the rules of succession do not work the way you seem to think they do?" Thor demanded, his own anger spilling out. "Even if Loki had immediately allowed me to return, he would still be king!"
"Well he should not be!" Lady Sif shot right back.
"Are you saying Father was wrong to put him in the line of succession?"
Those words seemed to give her pause at least, Thor was happy to see. If she had been willing to outright question his father as she seemed willing to do with Loki, then he was not certain he could have taken it. Though he could completely understand his friends' worry about having his brother on Hliðskjálf and the possible consequences for Ásgarðr, they had acted without any proof of unsuitability on Loki's part. And even if there had been, this was a regency they were talking about, 'twas never meant to be permanent from the start.
Well, unless his father never recovered from his Óðinnsleep, a possibility Thor would honestly rather not even think about, much less consider. Nevertheless, his friends had not even mentioned that as a cause for acting the way they had, so he doubted they even knew of that particular aspect of Ásgarðrian succession law. It would have surprised him more if the past few days had not shown him how little of it they knew.
"Loki is not suited for such power," Volstagg declared stubbornly, drawing Thor's attention from Lady Sif. "Additionally, he does not command the loyalty of the warriors."
That at least was true, much as General Týr's current seeming support of his brother confused Thor. He knew well Loki was not particularly popular with their fellow warriors, but 'twas entirely his little brother's own fault. If only Loki would fight with a sword or axe and with honor, then he was certain things would not be thus, but ever the trickster used knives and seiðr instead, fighting from a distance and without honor or valor.
"We were thinking only of Ásgarðr," Fandral assured him.
"Of that I have no doubt, Fandral," Thor replied. "But the recording from Himinbjörg does not look good, nor would my testimony should Loki call me as a witness."
"What?" Lady Sif demanded, rising to her feet once more. "What are you speaking of?"
"As everyone knows you came looking for me, it would be well within reason for Loki to demand my account of what you came to Miðgarðr for."
"It would be seen as pure treason against Hliðskjálf," Hogun realized, his words ringing in the ensuing silence.
"Aye," Thor finally agreed after a few moments.
"You would do this?" Lady Sif asked.
Thor's temper flared to life once more. "What would you have me do?" he demanded. "Lie before court when I am to sit on Hliðskjálf one day and enforce justice within all of the Nine?"
A brief silence followed his words, and for that Thor was thankful. He still could not quite believe Lady Sif had needed it explained at all. Surely they had to realize the position he was in? Loki had.
The reminder of his brother made Thor flinch at the thought of all that both Loki and his friends had told him. How had he been so very blind? And if he had missed the way that Lady Sif and the Warriors Three had felt about his brother, did it mean that Loki was correct about how he was viewed by others? Thor had always dismissed it as his brother's negative thinking, but what if that had not been the case?
The thought made Thor feel vaguely ill. Could Loki truly be so disliked?
"Where does this leave us?" Fandral asked.
"Well, we hope Loki does not feel the need to ask for my words," Thor replied.
Volstagg frowned. "He might not?"
"I do not think he feels he will need to. Though he refused to promise me he would not."
"Of course not," Lady Sif muttered.
Thor scowled darkly at her. "If you would but tell mewhyyou acted the way you did, then I might be able to help!" he snapped.
"Wehavetold you!" Lady Sif shot back.
"Nay, all you have given is stuff I cannot use."
"What more do you want us to say?" Volstagg demanded.
"A valid reason for why you disobeyed a direct order from your king!"
"Loki is not our king," Lady Sif stated.
The words shook Thor. Loki was not their king? She would say that even now, after he had clarified the rules of succession for them?
"Loki is king by rule of law," Thor reiterated.
"He always was good at twisting words and laws to suit his needs," Lady Sif countered.
"How?"
"Laufey said there were traitors in the House of Óðinn," Hogun reminded him.
"You would use Heimdallr's argument?" Thor questioned in disbelief.
"'Tis one we had considered before we even spoke to him," Fandral explained.
"So you would use Laufey's words to defend yourselves? Need I remind you of what else he said of my father?"
"Nay, but Thor, it makes sense. They must have had help to break into the vault," Lady Sif argued.
"There was a portal between Ásgarðr and Jötunheimr which opened directly into the vault."
"Convenient."
"You have still not given me anything but vague words and suppositions," Thor pointed out. "And they do not even make sense. What are you claiming? That Loki allowed the jötnar in, then somehow manipulated me into going to Jötunheimr and made me start a battle - while acting to stop it I might add! - before manipulating Father into banishing me? And what of Father's collapse, was it also Loki's doing?"
Fandral, at least, had the good grace to look away while Volstagg and Lady Sif almost seemed to beconsideringwhether 'twas all possible! Thor could hardly believe it! Hogun, meanwhile, was as inscrutable as always.
"When you put it thus, it does sound rather farfetched," Fandral finally admitted.
Lady Sif scowled. "'TisLoki, when are his plans and manipulations evernotcomplex?"
"True, but they do not normally leave so much to chance," Fandral replied.
"Precisely," Thor stated. "Which means I am back to asking youwhyyou disobeyed a direct order from your king."
"I have already answered this," Lady Sif replied, turning her back to pace away from him in her cell.
"Your explanations seem to come down to your not liking having Loki on Hliðskjálf."
"So?"
"So, 'tis not a good enough reason for disobeying him!" Thor thundered.
The startled way his Einherjar guard looked over at him had Thor lowering his voice immediately. "It means you have no valid defense for your actions, making them treason."
"Thor!" Volstagg protested as they all paled dramatically. "We were only thinking of Ásgarðr!"
"Aye, but you had no reason to fear for her. Loki had done nothing to give you cause for concern as he had not yet done much at all when you acted."
"So we acted preemptively," Lady Sif argued. "What does it matter, we were doing our duty!"
"What? Like Heimdallr?"
"'Tis not the same! We were not going to harm Loki."
"Your argument would only work if Loki had done something bad since," Thor pointed out, a headache building along with his disappointment.
How could he have been so very wrong about his closest friends? He had been so certain when defending them from both his mother and brother. Surely he should have known them better than either of them, especially in light of all Loki had said about his interactions with Lady Sif and the Warriors Three.
"I assume it has all been fine then?" Fandral asked.
"Aye, occasionally different, but fine," Thor explained, still a little surprised himself. "The High Council has no concerns about his rule thus far."
Was it hypocrisy if he himself had entertained the same doubts of Loki's competency for Hliðskjálf? But nay, Thor knew 'twas different as he had not acted so rashly on those fears. Indeed, he had even resisted the urging of his friends to do so.
"In fact, people have even started putting up green standards despite the fact Loki is only a regent."
"Aye, we saw," Fandral said.
"We also saw furiously angry people," Lady Sif muttered, rubbing her jaw.
"That I do not know anything about," Thor replied. "I have been staying in Iðavöllr with my guard since I have not yet regained my strength."
"Why do you have guards?" Volstagg asked, looking in the direction the two Einherjar had gone, though Thor doubted his friend could see them from his position.
"Heimdallr," Thor responded, glaring at the traitor's cell.
"Are you certain 'tis all?" Lady Sif glowered.
Thor sighed. "Seeing as Mother, Uncle Vili and Loki are constantly watched as well, aye, I am."
"Then there is nothing we can do but wait?" Hogun demanded.
"Not unless you have a better reason for what you did which you have yet to tell me."
They did not.
Höðr's face was a most welcome one when the Bifröst deposited them back on Ásgarðr, and Loki nodded at his former guard.
The talks had dragged on until even Loki was exhausted of it all. But they had made progress at least and, while Laufey still did not like the idea of a restricted Casket of Ancient Winters, at least his birth father had not outright abandoned the talks yet, so Loki was hopeful Helblindi and Gunnlöð could keep them on course.
Loki made a mental note to inform Óðinn of his suspicions regarding Helblindi-Princex. If he was right, then it would provide some hope for the future. Well, if Thor could be reasoned with anyway. How ironic would it be if Jötunheimr's king turned peaceful only for Ásgarðr's to be more warlike?
It did sound like precisely the kind of thing which the Norns loved to saddle Loki with.
Not that it seemed like Óðinn would allow it, for all that his adoptive father had gone through his own bloodlust stage when he had first been king.
"King Loki," Höðr greeted with a little bow. "General Týr, Lords Ragnvaldr and Aðalgrímr."
"Höðr," Loki replied. "How fare the Nine?"
"Vanaheimr, Álfheimr and Svartálfaheimr are much as usual, though the first two are, mayhap, somewhat more nervous than normal," Höðr began.
'Twas only to be expected given they had been alerted to the possibility of a war they would not wish to see happen.
"Miðgarðr continues to remain concerned about Ásgarðr, or at least those aware of our existence do."
Hmm, Loki looked over at Lord Aðalgrímr. "We will need to remember to send a messenger back after the trial."
"Aye," Lord Aðalgrímr agreed. "I have also asked Lord Birgir to work on putting together some additional proposals based on what both he and Thor saw while on Miðgarðr. It may be time for us to officially alter our stance with the humans."
Loki was not certain what Óðinn would make of it, but he would see what Lord Birgir came up with. Besides, if his adoptive father disliked it, then 'twas Óðinn's own fault for banishing Thor there. Lord Birgir's information might also help Loki in preventing the Lady Jane from becoming host to the Aether.
"What of Niðavellir and Múspellsheimr?" General Týr asked.
"The initial festivities have ended on Niðavellir and the displays of the different tribes and their wares have commenced," Höðr replied. "As for Múspellsheimr, I am less certain. My sight there is more obscured."
Höðr frowned as he admitted it, but Loki did not think 'twas in affront as it had been with Heimdallr the first time the old gatekeeper had admitted as much to Óðinn. Nay, Höðr, Loki was certain, was more frustrated at being unable to do his job as well as he felt he should.
"Múspellsheimr has long been able to hide from the All-Sight," Loki informed them. "We believe 'tis something one of their seiðberandi discovered and passed on to all of those able to wield seiðr in the employ of the queen."
It had also been where Loki had learned the basics of this particular skill, though he had long since improved and perfected it.
"With your intel from Huginn, 'tis most concerning," General Týr stated.
Loki hummed in agreement. "I shall ask Huginn and Muninn to go back and see what they can learn. Thank you, Höðr."
As they stepped out of Himinbjörg onto the rainbow bridge, Loki smiled to see Lieutenant-General Yngvarr and the rest of his personal guard waiting.
"You are not returning to Iðavöllr right away?" Lord Ragnvaldr inquired.
"Nay, there is something I must do first," Loki responded as he handed the Casket of Ancient Winters to General Týr and took Gungnir and the ice fox pelt back in exchange. "I believe you will wish to witness this as well, if you have the time, Lord Ragnvaldr."
"Of course, Your Majesty."
"And before I forget, I would have words with you after the High Council meeting."
Loki could see the curiosity in the eyes of his father's advisor, but now was not the time or place to discuss the issue. Instead, he turned as one of the Einherjar had his horse brought over. He handed the man Gungnir, took a moment to stroke his mare's nose, before he swung himself onto the saddle and took the King's Spear back. The pelt he draped over the saddle before him.
"Lead the way, Lieutenant-General."
After the cold and dark of Niflheimr, the sun and late afternoon heat was a pleasant change, even if Loki did have to cast a quick spell to keep from overheating with his fur lined outfit. The hood and cloak at least could be thrown back and streamed behind him as they rode.
Since he was neither leading nor last, Loki was able to pay more attention to those around him than usual while riding, since his mare would follow the horses of the Einherjar. As they were not on the usual route from the Bifröst to Iðavöllr, people were not used to seeing him or a royal party passing, so their presence made more of an impact than usual.
Surprisingly, some people cheered, and Loki had to remind himself to smile or nod in return. In the past, he had occasionally waved at some of the children, but between Gungnir and the reins, he had his hands full. He had never before thought of how annoying it would be to carry a staff everywhere as his father had simply always had it with him, or at least almost always so. Loki half wished he felt secure enough in his position that he could just put it away in his pocket dimension, but with his precarious position he did require the physical reminder of his power to keep everything running smoothly.
The shift in wealth was obvious the further from the city center they rode, and Loki frowned at how downtrodden it became as they approached the eastern edge of the city. 'Twas an area he rarely visited, but he would never have expected for conditions to be this poor so close to Iðavöllr.
Then their pace slowed and Lieutenant-General Yngvarr dropped back to come up beside him.
"We are near the area from the application," Yngvarr told him.
"Is this the road?" Loki asked.
"Aye, but I believe it changes council boundary lines right about here."
At first 'twas not immediately obvious, but slowly it became more apparent as the cobbled stones became increasingly uneven and more than simply the occasional cobblestone was missing. The ruts from the paths the carts took were deeper and more furrowed than elsewhere and, when it coincided with missing or generally more uneven road, Loki could see why the Einherjar he had spoken to might not have felt carts could pass safely without axle damage. Even the horses had to slow even further in order to carefully pick their way, lest they suffer an injury.
Loki scowled as he took it all in. This was the kind of disrepair which could seriously impact trade and the livelihood of the residents, and it should never have been allowed to happen on Ásgarðr, let alone in the main city itself. A quick glance over at Lord Ragnvaldr told Loki his father's advisor, at least, had been unaware of the situation.
"How did this come to be?" Lord Ragnvaldr asked, looking to him.
Loki shrugged. "All I have is rumors and hearsay of inadequate flood damage repair funding eating into the local council's budget."
"I will look into the situation at once and let you know what I find," Lord Ragnvaldr promised. "How did you find out about it now?"
"They put in an application for the King's Funds."
"To pay for the labor, perhaps, but the supplies should come from the emergency funding. We have done so before, for other parts of Ásgarðr to keep the local economy running."
"Ah, excellent."
"You will fund the labor?"
"Nay," Loki replied, smiling as he caught the man's startled look out of the corner of his eye. "I have another plan for that."
By this point they had attracted quite a lot of attention and Loki could see people dressed in more official attire arriving. Clearly, news of his presence had spread. He signaled for the Einherjar to stop when he caught sight of an older woman in the dark purple robes of a city councillor. He motioned for her to approach even as he directed his mare more towards her.
"Your Majesty," she greeted, bowing low.
"Councillor Vör?" Loki hazarded a guess.
"Aye," she blinked in surprise, before realization dawned. "Our application."
Loki nodded once in confirmation. There were few enough female counselors for it to have been a pretty safe bet she was the one who had submitted the application.
"Is this representative of most of the road?" Loki inquired as he indicated some of the damage.
"Aye, my King," Councillor Vör confirmed.
"And the worst areas? How bad are those?"
"Significantly worse, unfortunately."
Completely unacceptable for the heart of Ásgarðr.
"How much further are those?" Loki asked.
"There is one right around the bend," Councillor Vör replied, indicating where the road wound out of view not too far ahead of them.
A quick glance around showed that, while they had attracted a crowd, his guard did not seem particularly on edge or worried, so Loki made a quick decision and dismounted. It would make things easier and he would be better able to inspect the damage. Lord Ragnvaldr followed suit, as did a few of the Einherjar, though most remained on their horses.
"Show me," Loki instructed after he had handed the reins of his mare to one of the guards.
"Of course."
"How did it get so bad?" Lord Ragnvaldr asked as they walked.
"We have had no money to repair the road for nearly a decade now," Councillor Vör responded. "Not since our budget was thrown off after the flooding which followed the fire seiðmadr's attack."
"'Tis said," Loki began, not wanting to drag this out if she was too shy to say it right to his face. "That you were inadequately compensated from the emergency funds for repairing the damage wrought during the attack and flooding."
The relief which crossed her face was almost palpable and Loki disguised a scowl. If Lord Ragnvaldr was unable to track down whomever was responsible, then he would after he had managed to hand Hliðskjálf back to Óðinn. He was all for chaos and mischief, but he hated corruption in the system, especially when 'twas by those who already had plenty. He himself had been sneered at by enough entitled idiots who fit some Ásgarðrian ideal to relish the chance to grind one into the dust. In that sense, he almost hoped Lord Ragnvaldr did not succeed, but the man was far too efficient for it to be likely.
"There were sections of our area which were not properly assessed," Councillor Vör hedged. "And others where the full extent of the damage was not immediately obvious."
"I will need access to all of your records from the time and since," Lord Ragnvaldr stated as they reached the bend in the road.
"Aye, of course," Councillor Vör immediately agreed. "I will make certain you have full access to it or have them sent over to Iðavöllr."
"Here will be good," Lord Ragnvaldr replied, looking at Loki.
They were agreed then, the easy cooperation being offered along with the relief would indicate the corruption was unlikely to be at this end of the process, though Loki knew his father's advisor well enough to know the man would comb over the records and ensure all was in order before following the trail back towards Iðavöllr and all of those involved in the initial emergency assessments.
"This is one of the worst areas, Your Majesty," Councillor Vör said once they rounded the bend and more of the road came into view.
There was absolutely no need to ask what she meant, as 'twas immediately obvious. Before them now was a section of road where the cobblestones were missing entirely, exposing not only the dirt below, but also some of the pipes which transported water all around the city. If the road deteriorated anymore right here, it would become a far bigger problem.
Loki's lips thinned as he pressed them tightly together, taking in the damage both there and along the next stretch of road which was now visible. He would see those responsible for this lose their jobs at the very least. He also definitely agreed with his guard. This road could not truly be called passable by cart. 'Twas even dangerous for horses.
"Councillor Vör, what is employment like in the area?" Loki asked.
"Employment? People have it, if 'tis what you mean, my King."
"Thus you would not immediately have a supply of labor to effect the necessary repairs?"
"Nay, but we had hoped once we had funding to attract those in need of a job."
"Your application did not pass," Loki replied, but hurried straight on not to worry her unnecessarily. "However, the cost of the supplies will come from the emergency funding, like it should originally have done."
The gratitude and relief which crossed her face was great, even though Loki could tell she was still worried.
"And the labor?" she inquired, softly.
Loki smiled wickedly. "It will be taken care of. You should hear more by the end of the week."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"Please start to draw up plans for the repairs," Lord Ragnvaldr instructed. "As the money will be coming from the emergency funding, we will require detailed reports to be filed on the project."
"Aye, of course. We will provide everything you require."
As Lord Ragnvaldr and Councillor Vör continued to discuss some of the specifics, Loki stepped away to assess the damage some more. This would be the perfect first project for Lady Sif and the Warriors Idiot. Not only was it something which was urgently needed, but 'twas in an area of the city that would irk the high and mighty traitors. Plus, it should gain enough exposure for others to hear of the scheme and to come forward with additional projects for Ásgarðr's new indentured servants to do after they had completed the work Loki had already found for them.
'Twas only because Loki was in full camouflage mode due to his position - and the fact he was acutely aware of the crowd watching him - that he did not jump when he felt a tug at his cloak. With the new paranoia of Lieutenant-General Yngvarr and the Einherjar at the moment, he had not expected anyone to be able to sneak up on him.
A quick glance back, and then down, informed Loki as to why his accoster had been allowed to approach him unhindered. He was no expert in young children, but she could not be any older than three hundred and fifty years, coming less than halfway up his thighs, her dark hair pulled into cornrows and her brown eyes wide as she looked up at him, almost as if she could not believe her own daring.
"Hello," Loki said as he turned around properly and crouched down to be on level with her. "And who are you?"
"Gróa, King Loki," she replied, looking down, suddenly shy.
"'Tis nice to meet you, Gróa," Loki responded, even while he quickly scanned the crowd, not seeing anyone who seemed to be with her. "Where are you parents?"
"Mama is in the store," Gróa pointed slightly behind them.
Well, they were within clear view of the entrance, so Loki figured Gróa would be quickly spotted when her mother realized she had slipped out.
"You snuck away, hmm?" Loki asked with a slight smile.
His own mother still readily complained of all the times he had done the same as a child. His near insatiable curiosity driving him on to wander away and explore whatever had caught his eye.
Gróa nodded, looking back up at him with an excited smile. "Mama says you use seiðr."
Loki's eyebrows rose in surprise, but he nodded. "Aye, I am a seiðmadr. Do you like seiðr?"
"Aye!" Gróa exclaimed, eyes lighting up even as she fairly vibrated with excitement, leaning closer to him. "I have seiðr too!"
"Gróa!"
Loki was only vaguely aware of the cry and merely glanced up long enough to ensure Gróa's mother had caught sight of them, before turning his attention back to Gróa herself. Her mother's wide eyes, caught between shock and horror, only faintly registered.
"You do?" Loki inquired, suddenly far more interested.
"Aye."
"Show me."
Gróa suddenly looked a little more subdued while she bit her lower lip, quickly looking over at her mother. "Mama says I should not, as 'tis naughty."
"Truly?" Loki replied, a wicked smile crossing his lips as she nodded, a familiar gleam of mischief in her eyes. "Show me anyway."
Loki could almost hear his mother's admonishing voice in the back of his mind, telling him not to encourage such behavior, but he could not help himself. He had been far too good lately and what harm could a little mischief cause?
Clearly Gróa agreed, as it took no further encouragement for her to raise a hand and twist her whole face into an adorable look of intense concentration. There was a burst of silver seiðr and then Loki felt it washing over him, clumsy and ham-handed, scrabbling at his form. He allowed it to seep into him and it concentrated on his hair, only just catching slightly before it fizzled out.
There were chortles and laughs from the crowd, along with what sounded suspiciously like a loud groan from Gróa's mother. Those alone would have informed Loki of Gróa's success, even if her delighted expression had not. Tipping his head forwards, he allowed his hair to swing into view and his smile grew as he caught sight of its new silver color. 'Twas by no means perfect, ranging from almost ivory to a more steel gray, but most of it was a shining silver and 'twas quite an accomplishment for a child of her age.
"Well done," Loki praised, making her giggle and all but bounce in place.
A quick scan revealed she was rather more gifted than the average seiðkona from Ásgarðr. It nearly made him frown, since seiðr studies were not exactly cheap here due to how most Ásgarðrians looked down on the art, and he would hate to see so much natural talent wasted.
A quick check of his pocket dimension proved his memory correct, and Loki called forth the first book on seiðr his mother had ever given him. He had long since outgrown it, but he had kept it in one of his few displays of sentimentality.
Gróa went very still at his little display, her brown eyes wide once more with his simple use of seiðr so very far beyond her level.
"This was my first book on seiðr," Loki said, holding it out to her.
"For me?" Gróa questioned in disbelief.
"Only if you promise to take good care of it and study it carefully."
Gróa was already nodding vigorously, even before he had finished speaking and Loki knew he had made the right decision. She took the book with both hands and clutched it tightly to her chest as if someone would try to steal it away at any moment. The thought gave Loki pause and he added a quick enchantment to ensure it came back to her if anyone did take it from her.
"Thank you," Gróa said.
"You are welcome," Loki replied, before he looked over at her mother who now seemed caught between mortification and uncertainty. "Now, I think we should go speak with your mother."
Almost as if he had released her from a spell, Gróa shot back to her mother, calling for her to look at her new book. Loki rose and followed at a more sedate and royal pace. He caught Lieutenant-General Yngvarr's amused glance as he did so and he merely shrugged when the man's eyes flashed up to his hair.
"Your Majesty," Gróa's mother began, bowing deeply. "I am so sorry!"
Loki waved it off immediately. "Nay, nay, I asked her to show me. 'Tis impressive seiðr for one so young."
"I... 'tis?"
"Oh, aye. Your daughter has quite a lot of potential."
"Mama, Mama!" Gróa exclaimed, pulling at her mother's skirt. "King Loki gave me a book on seiðr to learn more!"
"Aye, baby, I saw," her mother replied, before looking back to Loki. "I do not know what to say, Your Majesty."
"I would hate to see such potential wasted for lack of resources," Loki said. "This will allow her to learn more and see if she is truly interested in taking up seiðr seriously. Besides," he began with a wry smile, "it should also help with any uncontrolled seiðr outbursts she might be experiencing."
"Oh, thank the Norns!"
Loki laughed, well able to recall all of the purely unintended chaos he had caused as a small child before he had learned some basic control over his seiðr. And if he had used it as an excuse for a little longer than strictly necessary, well, only his mother knew the truth on that particular score.
"What do you say, Gróa?" her mother prompted.
"I did say thank you!" Gróa protested.
"She did," Loki confirmed. "Now, if you will excuse me."
"Of course," Gróa's mother replied, curtsying and stepping back.
Loki moved back to his horse, seeing Lord Ragnvaldr was finishing up with Councillor Vör. He nodded to acknowledge some of the bows he was receiving, but soon they were all ready to return to Iðavöllr.
Gróa and her mother were still present, though, and Loki simply could not help himself. He had been far too good for far too long.
"Gróa," Loki called out.
He waited until he had her attention before making an overly dramatic hand gesture, complete with green-gold sparks, turning her hair green. The crowd laughed, but it had nothing on Gróa's shriek of delight when her mother pulled out a pocket mirror for her to see.
