Loki could almost feel his brother's eyes snapping towards him as soon as he swept into Glaðsheimr.

"Uh, Loki?" Thor asked, eyes darting up to his hair.

Loki looked over at his brother and forced himself to smile despite the anger he still felt over their last argument. This was neither the time nor the place to deal with the fallout from it.

"'Tis a gift from a budding young seiðkona I found in the eastern part of the city," Loki explained.

Rather than remove the spell as soon as they were out of Gróa's sight, Loki had decided to leave it on. Not only was it not terribly strong, but it should cause a fair bit of amusement, not to mention consternation for those more averse to seiðr. Besides, he had longed for Óðinn to give even the smallest of acknowledgements to his own seiðr use for far too long not to intimately understand how much even something so small could mean to Ásgarðr's few seiðkonur, and even the odd seiðmadr. He was also starting to realize he needed to do it for his own sanity as well. Besides, it would be long gone by the end of the High Council meeting.

"'Tis about time you had the... pleasure of being on this side of that particular trick," Uncle Vili laughed.

"Oh, she is enjoying the pleasure of green hair right now," Loki replied.

"How come you were in the eastern part of the city?" Uncle Vé inquired as they all took their seats.

"I had to check on an issue raised in one of the applications for the King's Funds," Loki replied, waving off the question. "Lord Ragnvaldr can explain later as he will be following up on it. We have other matters to discuss today which I fear may take quite some time."

"Did the negotiations not go well?" Lord Óðr asked with a frown.

"They went as well as could be expected given we informed Laufey-King of my ability to affect the Casket of Ancient Winters today."

Those not present on Niflheimr winced and Loki wanted to tell them they did not truly understand the half of it, but that would not be particularly helpful. "Lord Aðalgrímr, would you mind giving the others an overview of where we stand?"

The next part of the High Council meeting was starting to remind Loki of the negotiations since they spent over an hour debating the same items, trying to figure out if their plan was likely to succeed or if they required an alternative should Laufey come back tomorrow with a harsher stance. Loki was simply glad the days on Jötunheimr ran ahead of those on Ásgarðr at present, or it would be far later than it already was. Even if it meant he had to rise earlier and earlier to compensate.

"I still say that if Laufey will not accept even the most basic restraints on the Casket, then we need to call the negotiations off," General Týr stated. "We simply cannot give it back functioning normally."

"For what 'tis worth, I agree," Thor stated. "If they can travel freely and easily, we would be facing a real war, and not necessarily on Jötunheimr."

"Maybe, but I am not entirely convinced," Lord Aðalgrímr countered. "Laufey-King seems to have learned from his previous actions as he did give you the chance to walk away at first. That said, I too would not be in favor of giving him an unrestrained Casket, not when it seems like the jötnar's own internal checks on its use are not in place."

"Especially not if Laufey-King is most likely the one behind that particular situation being the case," Lord Ragnvaldr added.

"I believe we are all against the return of the Casket without any safeties," Uncle Vili said. "The question is how we convey that, as it could end the negotiations right then and there if done incorrectly."

Loki observed them all as they continued to debate, finally understanding why his father was oft so silent at this point during discussions. 'Twas easier to sit back and watch, than to actively participate. It allowed him to measure what everyone said against his own opinions and make a final decision rather than needing to focus on making certain his own opinion was heard.

"Loki?" Thor finally asked, when they all seemed to have said what they wished to.

"I completely agree that we cannot return the Casket of Ancient Winters without any restrictions," Loki began. "But Uncle Vili is correct in that we need to make that position without ending the negotiations early. I do not wish to know what would happen to the Yggdrasill should we lose Jötunheimr."

"Surely we already know this from Svartálfaheimr," Thor responded. "We survived that."

"'Tis not the same," Uncle Vé said. "Though Father destroyed the myrkálfar, Svartálfaheimr itself was not affected."

"Well, I would not go quite so far," Loki protested. "But Uncle Vé is right, the damage to Svartálfaheimr itself is minor. With Jötunheimr, 'tis the planet itself that is dying, a different matter altogether and we would lose the whole Realm."

"Shall I draw up a few different options based on what we have discussed, so we know how to proceed depending on Laufey-King's reaction tomorrow?" Lord Aðalgrímr asked.

"Hmm, please do so," Loki agreed.

"Are we past the point of Loki being able to lead Laufey-King along with an innocent act?" Uncle Vili inquired.

"I believe that time may have passed," Lord Ragnvaldr replied. "Though we will need to see since we have given more than Óðinn ever did, and Laufey did start the meeting with a personal gift."

"About that," Loki began. "Should we reciprocate, or leave it as is?"

"I have been thinking on it and I believe it best to reciprocate, even if they intended it as an apology and means with which to try to manipulate you," Lord Aðalgrímr said. "It would indicate we are serious and have put some thought into the negotiations beyond the mere cessation of war. 'Tis also a chance for us to remind them of all they have been unable to obtain while cut off from the rest of the Nine."

"Could that not simply serve to remind them of their suffering and make them blame us all the more?" Lord Óðr asked.

"I do not think so," Lord Aðalgrímr replied. "From everything they have said during the negotiations, 'tis clear they have not forgotten."

"It might be wise to give a gift to Helblindi-Princex too then," Lord Ragnvaldr stated. "Make it look like an exchange between royal families as it would be in any other situation."

"Which brings us to the question of what," Loki said. "Is this something which you can solve?" he asked, looking first at Lord Ragnvaldr and then at Lord Aðalgrímr. "I fear this is one area neither Thor nor I will be much help in, having never interacted with Laufey or the jötnar before recent events."

"I am certain we can find something fitting based on what used to interest Laufey-King in past trade with Ásgarðr," Lord Aðalgrímr promised.

"Good. If there is nothing else, then I suggest we end there. We can discuss other items tomorrow after the negotiations or after the trial the day after."

Thor, Loki noticed, flinched at his words, but not quite as badly as he would have expected. Perhaps his brother's visit down to the dungeons today had done some good after all. 'Twas not like Lady Sif and Warriors Three had any good reasons for their actions, only very similar ones to Heimdallr and he was certain Thor had already discussed those with Mother. Therefore, he did not fear them as Mother would have disabused Thor of their validity already.

"Loki, can we have words?" Thor asked, stepping close once everyone else rose.

"I need to speak with Lord Ragnvaldr first, but I will be attending the feast tonight afterwards," Loki replied, dreading another confrontation like the one from last night.

"A little more private, mayhap?" Thor pushed.

"Fine, in here, after Lord Ragnvaldr has left."

Thor nodded and moved towards the balcony as the others said their goodbyes and exited Glaðsheimr.

"You wished to see me, my King," Lord Ragnvaldr said.

"Aye," Loki motioned for him to move closer. "'Twas concerning what Laufey-King said to you today."

"I took no offence from it," Lord Ragnvaldr reassured him. "He was attempting to strike at me as I have caused him difficulties before."

Loki smiled. "Of that I have no doubt. But it did serve to make me realize I may have been remiss in how I have been treating you."

"Nonsense."

"I have not exactly been calling on you as oft as I know my father does."

"True, but neither have you been interfering with my duties, or acted like you did not think me capable of handling them. Besides, you have been focusing on a far more narrow set of issues than your father normally would, but with good reason given the circumstances. And in these issues you have sought out those most capable of aiding you."

"Heimdallr's trial, though, falls within your area," Loki pointed out.

"And you asked for me to organize it," Lord Ragnvaldr responded, immediately. "The only other part Óðinn normally would have sought my advice for would have been in regard to the punishment he planned to deliver. With Heimdallr, however, circumstances were far from normal due to his position and I cannot think of a solution other than the one you found. Nor would I have been able to aid you in devising it."

Loki studied the other man for a moment, trying to ascertain whether he was being entirely truthful with him. "It must be different though," he tried.

Lord Ragnvaldr smiled. "I would be worried if it were not. You are not Óðinn, nor should you be. Things inevitably change when a new king ascends to Hliðskjálf and, while we were not expecting for it to be you, a change in rulers was expected. I had known things would change from as soon as Óðinn first announced Thor's coronation date. I am your father's advisor, 'twas expected your brother would replace me sooner or later with one of his own choosing."

That made sense, but Loki frowned at the significant look Lord Ragnvaldr cast him. It reminded him of how many had always expected for it to be him. Ever since they were children and Thor had been officially chosen as heir - though Loki now knew it to have been inevitable - there had seemed to be the idea he would be his brother's closest advisor. Why, he had never known, as 'twas not like either Uncles Vili or Vé were his father's chief advisor, but it had been there. More fool he for believing it to be true.

Loki looked away. "Thor never made any indication of what you think," he informed the other.

"Thor had not approached you?" Lord Ragnvaldr frowned.

"Nay. He must have chosen another."

"Then he is a fool."

The words made Loki's head whip back around to look at the advisor in shock. "Lord Ragnvaldr!" he hissed, glancing quickly towards the balcony.

"I stand by what I said," Lord Ragnvaldr stated. "You compliment your brother well and have far more experience in several key areas of kingship which Thor seems to have overlooked."

"That may be, but if he will not deign to listen to me, then I would be useless as an advisor."

The man seemed to have no answer to that and Loki glanced away once more, still shocked at what Ragnvaldr had said. 'Twas not often he heard anyone criticizing Thor, much less so bluntly as his father's chief advisor had just done. Was this simply the result of the war Thor had dragged them into, or did people feel more able to speak about it with Óðinn asleep and his brother so powerless to act against any slight he might overhear?

"Might I enquire about the upcoming trial?" Lord Ragnvaldr asked a moment later. "Do you know what you intend to do with them?"

"I have an idea," Loki replied.

"Execution?"

Loki shook his head. "Though 'tis the traditional punishment and they may deserve it, I am not certain if it would be a good idea given my rather tenuous position at present."

"That might be true."

Loki was rather surprised at how hesitant Lord Ragnvaldr's answer was. He would have expected the old advisor to be more forthcoming with his opinion. He had seen the man do so with Óðinn oft enough to know Lord Ragnvaldr was perfectly capable of it and felt secure enough in his position to not fear doing so when necessary.

"I am not unaware of my lack of... popularity with the warriors," Loki stated, narrowing green eyes at Ragnvaldr.

"I believe you may underestimate your standing with them, my Liege. Or the fact you have saved many of their lives in the past on various excursions."

"With seiðr," Loki snorted.

"Ah, but 'tis far more acceptable for Ásgarðr's king than one of its princes, as I am certain you have noticed in the past."

Hmm, so he had not been the only one to note that particular double standard.

"Are you advising I execute four of the most accomplished and popular warriors Ásgarðr has?" Loki questioned.

"Maybe not quite as popular as you may think," Lord Ragnvaldr countered.

Wait, what?

"Oh?"

"You would see how they are treated when either yourself or Thor are present, both known to be companions of Lady Sif and the Warriors Three," Lord Ragnvaldr explained. "I have seen and heard some of what is said and done when neither of you are present. I believe there may be a certain amount of resentment and affront at the liberties they take with their positions in regard to the both of you, and the arrogance it has spawned within them."

That was... very interesting to say the least. Loki had to admit he had not had any inkling of it. Normally his forays into stealthy intelligence gathering had focused more on seeing how he was perceived or on obtaining information necessary for his next plot. He had oft tuned out news relating to his brother's friends, not wanting to hear more about their exploits or accolades for their deeds. Perhaps he had been remiss in doing so.

"Even so, I am not certain I wish to test how far they are willing to follow my rule," Loki admitted. "Nor am I at all certain of how Thor would react if I did so."

"Given all which has transpired, I can understand the sentiment, but I must advise you to also bear in mind that not sentencing any of the traitors to execution can have its own detrimental consequences."

Loki nodded. "Acknowledged. But I hope what I have in mind will not seem like a light sentence. Tell me, Lord Ragnvaldr, have you heard of the old practice of indentured servitude?"

"Indentured servitude?" Lord Ragnvaldr frowned, before he smiled. "Aye, I believe I do recall it. I assume this is what you meant when you said the labor for the repair works would come from an alternate source?"

"Indeed."

"And once 'tis done?"

"I have a few more projects in mind, all of which came in via applications for the King's Funds, but if you have any other suggestions, I am happy to add them to the list."

"I will think on it and see if my investigation into the lack of emergency funding uncovers any other areas of the city which were insufficiently compensated at the time and could have led to similar issues to what we saw today."

"Good. Thank you, Lord Ragnvaldr."

"My pleasure," Lord Ragnvaldr said, glancing about at the Einherjar quickly before lowering his voice and reaching out to place a hand over one of Loki's own. "And, Loki, I think you are doing an excellent job in very difficult circumstances. I have no doubt you are making your father very proud, though he cannot say so himself at present."

"I..." Loki began, not quite certain what to make of the unexpected compliment, especially with everything else he felt towards Óðinn at present.

'Twas all twisted up inside of him alongside the shredded and mutilated shards of his magical core. Loki knew he did not have the time to even attempt to untangle it all at present, but despite everything, Lord Ragnvaldr's words still managed to warm him. He had been striving to make Óðinn proud of him for so long they could not help but do anything else. Now, if only he could believe they were true. He had been here often before, thinking he had finally managed to achieve something which would make Óðinn proud, only to discover exactly how very wrong he was in that particular assessment.

Lord Ragnvaldr's encouragement helped Loki believe it a little more, but he knew better than to place too much hope on the words. After all, his mother had oft thought he had done something which his adoptive father would be proud of, only to be wrong in her assessment as well. Did he truly dare hope Óðinn's chief advisor knew his adoptive father better on that score than his mother did? Loki was not certain he could.

"Now, there is one more thing I would beg your attention on before I leave you to your brother," Lord Ragnvaldr said.

"Hmm?" Loki asked, pushing his emotions aside.

"Lord Óðr."

Loki made a face. "I have already had words with him about his actions as of late."

"I am aware, he came to me afterwards," Lord Ragnvaldr stated.

Anger flared to life within Loki, the nerve of the man! But, on some level, he was almost resigned to it. He had always known he could not carry the necessary authority to be king of Ásgarðr without being questioned at every turn. This, and everything else which had transpired, was merely proof of it.

Yet, at the same time, there was a small part of Loki which wished he had been able to witness the conversation Lord Ragnvaldr was alluding to, for he knew his father's advisor far too well to doubt how it had gone. Lord Ragnvaldr was a stickler for proper procedure and etiquette, and such disrespect towards Ásgarðr's king would not have been tolerated. If anything, Loki could not understand why Lord Óðr had not realized the same thing.

"Let me guess, he is displeased with how I have chosen to allocate the King's Funds," Loki replied.

"Aye. I have reminded him they are yours to dispense as you please and that his place is not to question it or you," Lord Ragnvaldr continued. "I merely wished for you to be aware of this."

"Thank you. I have already requested he return the official responses to me before they are sent out, supposedly so I can sign them."

"But you fear he might not do as you wish," Lord Ragnvaldr realized before he nodded. "I shall ensure someone keeps an eye on his work and lets you know if we do need to take any further action."

"Thank you, Lord Ragnvaldr."

"Your Majesty," Lord Ragnvaldr replied, bowing once he had risen to his feet.

Loki watched the man leave Glaðsheimr before he rubbed his face, taking a minute ere he forced himself to his feet and approached the balcony. Desperate for at least some small modicum of privacy, he gestured for his guards to remain where they were. It would not be true privacy, but at least there would be less chance that his and Thor's words would be overheard, which was the best he could hope for at present.

His brother was standing near the edge of the balcony when Loki stepped out, feet planted shoulder width apart, hands on the golden banister and head hung low. The sight made Loki pause for a moment, not used to seeing his brother look so defeated. Thor had always been almost larger than life and three times as irrepressible. While he had long wanted for his brother to learn some humility and to have to face the consequences of his own actions, he had never truly expected for it to actually happen.

Anger flashed through Loki at the knowledge that, after centuries of his trying to make Thor learn this particular lesson, it had taken a few humans a mere handful of days to do so. If he had ever needed proof Thor did not listen to him, this was it.

"Thor," Loki finally said, voice totally even and devoid of any of the turbulent emotions he currently felt.

Thor spun around. "Loki. Done with Lord Ragnvaldr then?"

"Hmm."

"Good, that is good," Thor began, before falling silent.

Loki sighed. "You wished to speak with me privately?"

Thor nodded but still did not speak and Loki raised his free hand to rub his face. He was exhausted, his core was a constant throbbing agony now, and he knew his sleep would likely be plagued by nightmares all evening. He truly did not need any added aggravation from his brother.

The rustling of clothes made Loki look up to find his brother standing much closer to him, a worried expression on his face.

"You look exhausted, Loki," Thor said, his hand coming up to clamp his neck.

Loki closed his eyes at the familiar gesture and had to fight the urge to lower his head on his brother's shoulder. He couldfeelthe difference in Thor and knew he could not rely on his brother's support while Thor was thus. Not to mention all which still stood between them, but most especially that which his brother knew nothing about.

"When I am king, I will hunt the monsters down and slay them all."

The haunting words came back to Loki and 'twas like receiving an electrical shock, as Thor had sometimes done in the past when they were still children. It served to jolt him enough he dislodged his brother's hand, and he used the opportunity to step aside, fear flooding through him.

Would Thor truly wish him dead or even harm should his brother learn the truth of what he was? Loki honestly was not certain, but his own thoughts on putting down one of the monsters sent another jolt of agony through him.

"Loki, Brother?" Thor asked.

"What did you wish to have words about?" Loki questioned rather than replying.

For a moment it looked like Thor might protest his evasion, but then his brother sighed and Loki was grateful for it. He was hungry and tired and not at all in the mood for another argument. 'Twas bad enough he had to attend the feast tonight as he truly just wanted to return to his chambers and relax.

"I... I wanted to apologize," Thor began, clearly ill at ease.

Loki could only stare at his brother, hardly believing what he had just heard.

Thorwanted to apologize?

"Brother?" Thor asked after a moment and Loki realized he was staring.

"Sorry," Loki said. "I was waiting for Ragnarök to start."

"Loki!"

"What? You never apologize!"

"I do!"

"Name one time you have apologized."

"I..."

Loki merely raised his eyebrow and Thor scowled at him.

"Simply because I cannot think of an example right now does not mean I do not apologize to you," his brother protested.

"Nay, of course not."

Thor smiled. "It merely means I normally do not have the need for it."

Or that he simply did not see the need for it. Loki was already well aware of his brother's utterly different opinion on what was and was not acceptable when it came to specific topics like seiðr, cunning or craftiness.

"What did you want to apologize for?" Loki inquired, stepping past his brother to stand at the golden banister.

There were more green flags than before, and a large part of Loki still could not believe it. He had gone either unseen or resented for so long 'twas difficult to believe anyone would wish to fly his color.

"For not believing you when you said Lady Sif and the Warriors Three were not your friends," Thor said.

Loki blinked in surprise. "Finally admit that, did they? I am surprised."

"Aye," Thor shifted uncomfortably beside him. "But... Volstagg said you had never truly been theirs either."

Of course he did.

"Thor," Loki began, turning to look at his brother. "Other than perhaps Fandral, I may never have considered them my friends, but I did try in the beginning."

"You did?"

"Hmm, of course. They were your friends."

His brother was peering closely at him, probably to see how truthful he was being and, for once, Loki was not either annoyed or exasperated with it. Thor had only recently discovered how deceitful his friends had been, so naturally his brother would be feeling rather uncertain at the moment. But Loki, at least, was being truthful this time. While he may not have particularly liked any of Thor's friends right away, he had not deliberately antagonized any of them until they had made the first remarks.

Thor finally nodded, muttering what sounded like a 'very well' as he did so.

"Shall we go for dinner now?" Loki asked, though part of him wanted to ask what else his brother had learned.

"Aye!" Thor exclaimed, throwing an arm over his shoulder. "Let us go feast!"

The trip from Glaðsheimr to the Great Hall was quick even with his escort and Thor's spirits seemed to lift more and more the closer they drew.

"I wonder if Mother will make an appearance tonight," Loki said as they neared the back door of the hall closest to the head table.

"She has not every evening?"

"Nay, she has spent almost all of her time with Father. But she did come three nights ago when I attended, if only briefly."

"Well, tonight you have me, Brother," Thor stated as they entered the hall.

It will not be the same, Loki thought, but some of his worries fled upon seeing both of his uncles and aunts seated at the head table, along with Balðr. Though he did not particularly like his cousin, 'twas better than having to spend dinner next to one of the more simpering courtiers whom he was certain would have loved to claim one of the best seats at the high table.

"Loki," Aunt Ilmr greeted as he took his seat.

"Aunt Ilmr," he replied with a smile. "How are you?"

The first part of the evening went quickly with the food and drink appearing, making conversation light and easy.

Loki limited how much mead he had, wanting to stay sharp for what was still to come. It did mean he had to stop Thor from having his glass refilled the whole time, but luckily his brother ceased rather quickly.

"Now, for the fun part," Thor said once their aunts and uncles had wandered off to speak with others.

"For you, perhaps," Loki replied.

He was actually rather surprised at how well Thor was behaving. Had it been his friends who had always made his brother so raucous at feasts? Or was Thor simply subdued due to the fact they currently languished in the dungeons?

"Come on, Brother, you simply need to relax a little more," Thor stated, waving his goblet around as if to demonstrate. "Look around you, there is food, drink, music and beautiful women!"

"I have no desire to spend time with any woman who merely seeks the prestige of my status."

Thor chuffed. "You have always worried so about that."

"With good reason. You should be more careful of it too, Brother."

"'Tis not so bad," Thor scoffed.

Loki sighed. "Lady Hnoss was all but begging to hang off my arm two nights ago."

"Lady Hnoss?" Thor repeated, shocked.

As well his brother might be. She had never made any attempts to disguise her clear preference for the elder prince. Not that Loki had particularly cared. He preferred for his lovers to have more fire and passion than she did, but it made his point fairly well.

"I..." Thor began, clearly confused.

Loki rolled his eyes. "You were crown prince and heir, Thor. I am now king and, as Mother put it, both young and eligible. For a small few, 'tis all they care about."

The way his brother's shoulders sagged made Loki feel a little guilty. He was challenging a lot of Thor's assumptions all at once. He had to be careful not to break his brother, even if he did not know how long he had before Thor stopped listening to him once more. Probably only as long as he was regent.

"But did I not hear you had been spending time with a mortal woman?" Loki asked.

"Aye!" Thor brightened, immediately. "Lady Jane and her friends, Lady Darcy and Lord Selvig."

"Were they the ones who found you?"

"Aye, Lady Jane was out, performing research. You would like her, Loki, she is very smart, and she is studying mortal science in the hopes of understanding the Bifröst."

"They knew of the Bifröst?"

"Nay, they have another name for it, but 'tis the same and she is doing rather well."

It had been a while since Loki's last trip to Miðgarðr, so he was uncertain how to take Thor's words. What did his brother mean when he said she was doing well? Surely she could not be even remotely close.

Yet, Loki did remember being greatly impressed at exactly how much progress the mortals had made between his last two visits, so he would have to reserve judgment for now.

"She sounds impressive," Loki said, before he had to suppress a frown. "Here come the ladies."