The library was quiet as Loki hid between the shelves, sitting near the southernmost wall where their books from Asgard were being kept. He hadn't budged from isolation since Thor left the day before. The books were his comfort, helping him to dissipate the anger he felt upon his brother's sudden departure. He was glad of the sun that shone through the windows. Not everything had to be gloomy.
Something in him wished he could have convinced Thor to stay. He was currently holding a grudge, but to have kept Thor from listening to Odin would have meant the world. Alfheim was not a cruel realm to be stuck on, but time was running out, severely. To stay behind and wait felt like a nightmare. It was a nightmare. Jennica didn't have that kind of time and neither did the rest of the Nine Realms.
Loki heaved a sigh and pushed his hair out of his face. His thoughts mangled him. Was he truly caring about the Nine Realms? Was he worried about the lives of others and not his own? Yes, he was. For the first time in a long time, he began to remember what empathy was; he was pained to imagine the suffering of others that would be caused by whoever was after the fractals. Would they be more evil than who he knew was after the stones? If Thanos was still on his quest as he was before, how far had he come since the attack on New York? Dare he think, was Thanos the one after the fractals as well?
Shuddering at the memories, Loki tried to distract himself. He hated remembering when he worked with the Mad Titan, how he gave up his mind just to prove something, just to be something. It was evil, and that was beginning to disgust him. There had been no room left for nuance. Picking up one of the books from Asgard's library, he mindlessly flipped through the pages, finding the one that had awakened with magic back on earth. He traced the runes with his fingertips, gently, finding that nothing more came to life. The magic in the page was gone, dissolved back into the atmosphere.
Straining, he tried to see if there was any hold he still had on his magic abilities, even though he was banished. He tried to reach into the depths of his mind and pull out the skills Frigga had taught him, tried to feel the binding energy of the surrounding realm. Nothing bent to his will, nothing treated him like the being he was. He was mortal. He was weak. Having no access to magic made him realize just how weak he was without it, just how little it made him feel. It aggravated him. He felt so numb compared to how alive he felt when using his gifts. It made him hunger to feel more again, to have control. He snapped the book shut as his jaw tightened, frustrated.
Leaving the library, he purposed to find a way out of the castle, sick of the walls, sick of the silence, sick of being stuck inside. He allowed himself to exit through the front gate and make his way beyond the bridge that crossed the mote, taking in a deep breath to relax his tightened lungs. Fresh air filled him. He was glad of the change in his surroundings, hoping this temporary escape would keep his frustration from festering. If he was being forced to stay then he wouldn't allow himself to be bored.
A large willow tree sat just beyond the bridge Loki had crossed, swaying gently in the warm breeze and welcoming any small creature that flew into the safety of its branches. The old tree stood strong, having withstood amidst many of Alfheim's trials. Wars, deaths, storms, all made their mark within the soil it took root, and yet it continued to grow without faltering. Loki didn't know of these significant moments and was even oblivious to the fact that under the branches, Jennica had comforted Even after the deaths of Odelia and Dellinger. The willow may have been truly weeping.
Loki sat against the trunk and looked up through the branches. A few beams of warm light shone through and rested on his face, a kiss of nature. He could feel the release of tension already, finding that the calm nature of the outdoors brought him peace. It reminded him of his garden walks with Frigga when he was a boy. He could envision her presence as if she had never died. The wisdom she would always impart, the comfort and understanding, even the moments she would remind him that he was more than the words of Odin were made known in what she would say. It was grieving to know how easily he had forgotten her words.
Having the knowledge that he was alone, he allowed his remembrance of his mother to grow into grief that eventually became tears. He didn't allow himself to fall apart, but his vision was blinded by the tears that were welling up. He went as far as allowing their existence but refused to let them fall. Through his foggy vision, the world of Alfheim was a puddle of blurred colors, one that he had to blink furiously to see again. He felt strange. Something in him was becoming undone.
The next warm breeze that blew past him grew into a wind. It pulled him from his thoughts as the wind seemed to carry a presence he could feel, and it felt as if someone very familiar was nearby. As the breeze dried his tears, he stood to see if the presence was real. He hadn't been able to feel an aura since the loss of his magic, so he was intrigued by the sensation. What did it mean? Was someone coming? Was someone there? The presence felt... beautiful.
The wind carried leaves and flower petals as it died away, and just as Loki turned in the whirlwind, a small butterfly caught his gaze, bringing it in the direction of where Kvasir stood, watching him. Straightening, Loki nodded in greeting, trying to smile.
"I do apologize if you have been standing there, good king," Loki said. The presence he had felt before was gone.
"No need to apologize." Kvasir looked kind, neither annoyed nor confused. He was dressed in more casual clothing, unusual for a king. "Alfva told me she hadn't spoken with you since Thor returned to Asgard."
It was always odd hearing Jennica referred to by her birth name. Loki tried not to mock. "Is the purpose to make sure I am alright?"
"Hardly." The corners of Kvasir's eyes wrinkled. "I do not doubt that all will be well. Although, I partly wondered if you had left to join your brother."
Loki huffed. "Odin does not wish it so." His eyes broke away and landed on the village in the distance, surrounding the circumference of the castle grounds. He could hear murmurs of many voices and see the bustling elves going about their business.
Kvasir could see that Loki was noticing the village. His eyes twinkled. "I am seeing myself to the village and you are welcome to come along. It would do you well, I believe, to see how the people are faring since your last visit."
"What?" Loki spun back to face the king. "Without the escort of your guards?"
"I have no need to bring so much attention to myself." Kvasir shrugged, walking past Loki. "I advise you, come!"
Confused, Loki followed the king, wondering why he was beginning to act less diplomatic and more like a commoner. He was even dressed like one. Loki was still decorated in royal robes showing off his favorite shades of green and gold. They were of course Elvish and not Asgardian, but he was still far more willing to allow that then to dress as a lower class.
They crossed out of the castle grounds and entered into the territory of the village. So much had changed since the war just a year ago. New homes were continuing to be built for those who had come from the village in the outskirts, which was long abandoned. The battle had destroyed so much and it was clear that progress was still being made. Vendors lined the heart of the village where the businesses lay, bringing life to the village and showing just how much truly had grown, even with progress left.
"Why haven't some of the projects been finished after all this time?" Loki asked, gesturing to some farm houses being built off on a hill in the distance.
"Many of our people were killed, so we spent time giving them temporary shelter and helping the population to grow, all the while trying to bring in resources." Kvasir walked beside Loki. "Ulric had cast many spells that we were able to break, but it prevented us from accessing much needed materials to help the village grow."
"Ah." Loki moved out of the way of a group of children who were running about. He then continued. "I do commend you all for your perseverance during this time. It does seem that the job will be finished soon."
"Indeed. We have assured that there is not a night that goes by where an elf has no roof over their head."
"You care about your people."
Kvasir nodded. "I am not who I am without them." They walked through the path of vendors, hearing shouts in elvish advertising their goods.
"But do tell me, why dress as them? Why go down to their level? Clearly, they don't even pay proper respects to you if they are shouting to sell goods in your presence."
Once cleared from the line of vendors, Kvasir paused his stride to face Loki. While not quite as tall as the young prince, he carried a wisdom in his eye that not even Odin could convey. "Loki, it is not in shame that I wear these garments. In fact, I take great pride in joining my people. They know this, which is why they do not put aside all of their work to worship me. I do not desire that. What I am concerned with, and what I have made my task, is becoming a servant to my people. While I am leading, I am also serving, building a life alongside them."
Loki's brow furrowed. "I don't understand. You're the king."
"Yes, but I am still not better than any of these people here." He turned to face the multitude of people working, children playing, the well that women were coming to draw water from and socialize, the life that was returning to the village. He smiled. "Look. All of them have come from the hardship of oppression under Ulric. Their lives add more value to this realm than I alone ever could, and it is because of them that I have a purpose in leading."
"You rule because you... want to see them prosper?"
Kvasir turned back to face Loki, his smile growing. "Precisely."
They were soon overtaken by villagers greeting the king while making their way towards the docks. This delayed the small trek but Kvasir was glad to see the elves. Loki didn't say much beyond observing and nodding to those who would make eye contact with him. However, he was beginning to see more of Kvasir's selfless nature and the harmony it brought to the kingdom still recovering from war. It was a different approach to being king. Odin was always the protector, but it was never without the benefit of Asgard's royalty as well. To see someone solely ruling for the prosperity of the people was something he had never seen before.
The docks were connected to a great expanse of water that spread out far into a beautiful sea. It was connected to the outskirts and beyond into the territory that the elves never explored. They believed that nature needed a portion of the realm to itself, but it also held some of Alfheim's most dangerous creatures that were best left alone.
As they stood on the edge of the shore, Loki and Kvasir could see a large ship coming in and lowering its anchor. It was clear that the king had been expecting its arrival, making Loki curious of what this could be about. Kvasir hadn't spoken a word of the matter during their time together, but he was encouraged to accompany him and watch what would unfold.
"You seem cheerful, Kasper." Kvasir spoke to the captain first, walking up the ramp onto the docked ship with Loki in tow. "A successful voyage?"
"Aye!" Kasper pulled away a tarp to uncover lumber while the rest of the crew began to do the same, revealing other materials. "Plenty of resources to go around this evening, so long as they're clean."
Before responding, Kvasir held his hands over the cargo and felt their presence, feeling for any leftover dark magic from Ulric's old spells. It was essential that they forbid any darkness into their kingdom.
"I do not feel any impurities," Kvasir replied after a moment.
Kasper was merry. "Splendid! I will have the crew unload and transport these to the village. This will be enough until the next full moon."
"Did you check for magic just now?" Loki interjected, speaking to the king. He was beginning to feel out of place following the king around, but it was an intriguing experience all the same.
"Ulric's spells, though evil, were powerful," Kvasir replied. "We have since broken them but we see to it nothing remains."
Kasper tied off the sails, adding, "Only our mighty king can make sure of that. He is our bringer of light."
"You know very well that it is only my devotion to the light magic that I am able to do such."
"Ah, a humble man, as always." Kasper ended with a laugh and took off his hat, bounding from the ship for Kvasir and Loki to follow. The cargo made its way off minutes after.
Loki studied Kasper from afar. He was not someone he had seen before. He looked too young to be a captain but his exuberance gave him a stamina that helped him bark orders to the crew when needed. Once the cargo was unloaded, it was distributed around the village to be stored and used. Loki didn't say much and even strayed a bit from Kvasir. None of the elves seemed to pay him wealthy attention. They didn't feel the need to praise any of the royalty in their presence, while they still were kind.
"Come, we shall help them." Kvasir's voice startled Loki out of his silent observations. The king began to lift the other side of a large piece of cargo, helping another elf.
Loki was indifferent. Help them? At first, he wanted to reject the idea, but then... why not? These people were kind, they were in need, they were happy. It was a welcome environment. He began to help a group of elves lift crates of herbs into a barn, allowing them to make small talk with him and show their appreciation of his help.
Soon, Loki's tunic had been set aside so he could work easily, only wearing a thin shirt that he didn't mind getting dirty with the trousers. This was out of his comfort zone, especially when walking in a barn around dirty animals. Nothing of this sort satisfied him, but it would have been a lie to also believe he didn't enjoy it in the slightest. Some of these villagers were people he had met before during their battle against Ulric. While not all of them survived, there was an odd joy that came when seeing those he knew were alive. He was surprised by his own sentimentality.
"So you're one of the Asgardian princes?" Kasper said after Loki had placed the last box into one of the barns, standing at the open doors. He was holding his hat in both hands. "We have heard about your return."
Loki stood up straight, pulling out the twine he had used to pull his hair back. He was unexpectedly embarrassed having been caught working with the other elves but he tried to mask his pride. "I am... Prince Loki of Asgard, yes." It was no business of Kasper's to know of his banishment.
"Ah, a pleasure indeed." A genuine smile crossed the captain's face as he returned the hat to his head. Both men left the barn while Kasper continued speaking. "Not all of us have had the pleasure of thanking you for your previous service here on Alfheim. Your willingness to help us overcome Ulric will never be forgotten."
This gratitude puffed up the pride ever so slightly. "How generous of you to say so, captain. It is without question that I will never forget it either."
"Pray tell, why have you returned? Is it to help us again?"
Loki's natural wit wanted him to return with a mischievous comment, to tease the praise while also fishing for more. Yet, his heart throbbed and his notions took a different approach. He remembered the Fractals. Jennica. Thor's absence. "There is a serious matter at hand that is beyond your realm, but your king has been a valuable ally."
"Is it for Asgard's benefit?" Kasper was clearly surprised by Loki's response. Alfheim had always been wary of meddling in affairs with Asgard or any other realm. They wished to be their own and operated as such.
"It's for the benefit of all Nine Realms. Not to worry, you are not in imminent danger, but your king sees the urgency and has offered his assistance." Loki avoided bringing up Jennica. He didn't want to spread word of the princess that the villagers didn't need to know about.
"I am glad of that. King Kvasir is wise. There is no doubt you will succeed with him on your side."
The two of them had made their way back to the shore. Kasper was returning to his ship and Loki was just glad to escape the abundance of villagers for a moment. They both stopped when Kasper overlooked the water, his expression seeming downcast.
"My crew and I are the only ones that go deep into the outskirts for resources," he said. "Ulric's magic destroyed so much. We bring back what survived but... so much of our world has been burned away by it."
Loki was taken aback by Kasper's words. "Won't you be able to grow the needed resources here from what you've gathered?"
"Of course, there is no threat to our survival by any means. But aye... it grieves me to see the land blackened from the dark magic that poisoned it."
Kasper left Loki, unwilling to say more. The joy in his stride had dissipated as he walked towards his ship. This interaction made Loki feel uneasy. It was sudden and filled with thoughts he didn't feel emotionally ready to bear. As he thought about what Kasper had said, he looked out over the water, seeing a hint of the land a great distance away. There was an awakened curiosity surrounding that land Ulric tried to barricade. It seemed odd that access to resources and even land that was kept as sacred would be held away by a dark magic spell. What would be the motivation? Only control? Loki understood that desire for control would drive anyone to insane conclusions, but he also never did anything without reason. These pervasive thoughts left him intrigued.
The sunlight began to dwindle, darkening the reflections on the water. Loki let his thoughts swallow him again and remind him of all that made his soul sink. Thor was gone and there was no telling when he would come back. If things got worse, would Alfheim be caught in the midst? Remembering how he told Kasper that there would be no danger, he began to question if that really was true.
A burst of purple flame streaked in the water's reflection, bringing Loki's thoughts to a halt. He turned around, seeing how the flame rose up into the sky and melted in the clouds. Soon, another burst forth and sparkled through the clouds like lightning. Eyes lighting up in delight, he knew exactly what had created the flame; who had created it. It convinced him to leave the village and find where she was.
After borrowing a horse from one of the stables, he rode out of the village and even beyond the castle grounds. The light he followed brought him to the meadows that divided the kingdom from the outskirts. Amidst the grass and the flowers and the vast openness of the land, there Jennica stood. She was conjuring energy from the fractals and practicing her skills in wielding them. Loki halted his horse, keeping a distance at first. He watched her, in awe at the control she had on her power. After the days of watching them hurt her, it was so rewarding to watch that power become her own.
Leaping from the back of the horse, he let the animal wander, knowing it wouldn't stray too far in the open meadow. As he approached Jennica, his heart felt lighter. The charred grass from the fractals surrounded her in a radius, crunching beneath his feet. Her attention was on him in an instant.
"Forgive me," Loki smiled once she noticed him. He half expected her to be unhappy by his intrusive presence, but her gaze was welcoming instead.
"Loki, it's wonderful!" She said, "The fractals aren't acting out anymore. I can control them!"
He was proud of her. Genuinely. "You seem to be having fun. What have you learned to do?"
She held purple flames in her hand. "I regained what I first learned with you a year ago, and then some. My mother spent the day showing me ways I can create energy. So, I've been practicing."
"I am impressed! You show yourself worthy of it."
Letting the flames disappear into her palms, she gave a warm smile. "Thank you."
Releasing a soft sigh, Jennica sat in the middle of the burnt grass. She was exhausted but thrilled at her success. It filled her with excitement she hadn't felt in a long time. There was more hope than first anticipated.
Loki joined her on the ground, sitting to her right. Tucking her knees in, Jennica asked, "Were you in the castle this whole time?"
Loki chuckled. "No, I did manage to escape my solitude. I accompanied your father to the village. The elves are... curious."
"My mother took me to the village earlier this morning. I love their positive outlook and ethics. It's not common to find people like them on earth."
"Well, I don't expect much from humans in general." Loki tried not to grimace at the thought of them.
Jennica shrugged. "You could say that. Although, I do know a few lovely humans back on earth that would prove you wrong. They aren't all that bad."
"Possibly." He paused for a moment. "Was the light magic all that your locket needed?"
"It seems so." Jennica twirled the charm between her fingers. "Both of my parents gave what they could and it made a world of difference. They've even taught me so much about the elvish culture in just a few days."
Loki's admiration grew. It was clear she was planning on staying, regardless of Thor having left or not. "Your father is an interesting man, have you noticed that?"
"I'm working to get to know him better but he is kind. What makes you call him interesting?"
"He just rules so differently than any other king I have had the pleasure of observing. I don't fully understand it but your people love him."
It was odd for Jennica to hear the elves referred to as 'your people', but she welcomed it. "I am impressed at his willingness to persevere, even after all that he's experienced. A lifetime's worth of sorrows..."
"Yes..." Loki trailed off, trying to imagine it. "Why do you think he was unable to overcome Ulric's dark magic? He seems to have much knowledge in the art of wielding light magic."
"I was just told that after what happened when Ulric committed treason, they've spent this past year studying the light magic more than ever. They're endeavoring to protect the realm, but it does make them more wary of the other realms discovering their power."
"Why do you think they ever trusted Thor and I?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Jennica leaned in. "This kingdom would still be under oppression if you and Thor had not helped. I wouldn't even know who I was without you, either. We are all indebted to you."
"And you." Loki was sincere. "Don't forget the role you played. Thor and I wouldn't have been able to do anything without all that you did. It makes you more than worthy of being Alfheim's princess. They don't deserve you."
His sudden praise made her face feel warm and she tried not to blush. Loki wasn't a man that openly offered encouragement to others, so hearing it at this moment came as a surprise. The way her heart skipped frustrated her, as she was trying to guard it. At the same time, she had missed these feelings when he was around.
"My father doesn't intend to wait on Thor," Jennica eventually said during their continued conversation. "I don't think I'm even meant to share this yet, but he intends to keep looking for the fractals whether Thor is with us or not."
This statement took Loki off guard. Even still, he was glad to hear those words. "He isn't worried about whether Odin might try to stop us?"
"Of course not and he doesn't think it will happen. Alfheim is not under Asgard so there is no good reason why we should give up now."
Delight shone in Loki's green eyes. "I like the way your family thinks."
"It's only my brother that you mistrust?" Jennica was only teasing when she said these words, but Loki grew sincere again.
"I never meant to mock you about it. I only mean to protect you. It is because of his inconspicuous nature that I have a hard time believing his intentions are good."
"That is understandable and I appreciate the feelings greatly. Even I don't speak about him to my parents."
"Because they still believe he's dead?"
"Yes. I don't need them to be chasing ghosts right now..."
Both of them sat in silence for a moment, the distant glow of a large bonfire in the village catching their gaze. Loki noticed how his hand rested near Jennica's and he thought about her. He remembered how her love for her brother challenged him, how she seemed to be the only one who understood the monster within... until she ran. Something convinced her to be afraid. It hurt to remember when she left, yet he knew her actions were justified.
"Is there anything in you that's still afraid of me?" Loki's voice came out again, softer than before.
Jennica's eyes met his again. "What?"
"I was consumed by the darkness around me but there is... there is nothing in me that wants to return to that."
Jennica's expression filled with understanding. "Loki, I have regretted my response towards you many times and I wish I could undo it. I would lie if I said there are times where I have kept my emotions guarded towards you, but in no way do I see you as a wicked man."
She leaned her forehead against his and only then did he realize how close they had gotten. She whispered something else but he hardly understood it. His heart was pounding as a sigh of relief escaped. He missed her.
Jennica continued, pulling away slightly. "If we're going to succeed, I want to start by learning to trust you again."
Nodding, Loki bore his eyes into hers, swearing he would do everything he could with just one look.
The sound of cheering from the village could be heard and Jennica turned towards the direction of the sound. The festival of the full moon had begun, a tradition to celebrate another month of life and good fortune on Alfheim. Loki could see her interest and he looked at her with an endearing gaze.
"You want to join them." He said.
She turned back to face him. "Sorry, I didn't mean to turn away. I just... I learned about this festival, and—"
"I'll ride you back to the castle and we can get ready for the celebration."
Excitement grew within her. She was grateful. "I would love that very much."
Loki grasped her hand in his and helped her up, guiding her over to the horse who was faithful enough to stay nearby. They rode back to the castle, Jennica sitting behind him and holding on. The night had cooled and the sky was clear of the clouds that were there before. It was a perfect night to celebrate.
He parted ways with Jennica when he entered the guest chambers, discarding the clothes that had gotten dirty from his work earlier. A fresh tunic was put on and he smoothed out his hair, deciding that he was happy to be going to a festival without Thor there to make a ruckus of himself. This festival was unique to the Light Elves. They were keen on appreciating life and making it of utmost importance that it be celebrated regularly.
There would be dancing, drinking, socializing, all things that Loki usually tried to avoid. But Jennica would be there. He would get to see her take in the culture that she was robbed of, the life she was supposed to have. Every moment would be a delight, a new experience.
His heart trembled recalling what she told him in the meadow. Was she willing to start trusting him? She had left so easily last time that it made him struggle to forget. His mind was racing again. Maybe it was all for nothing. Maybe it would all fall apart again. Maybe...
He left his chambers and there Jennica stood, waiting. Her dress was a pastel purple and her hair had been let down to rest over her shoulders. The innocent smile that rested on her face quieted his anxious mind. Nothing was wrong. She was so sweet and the night would be beautiful.
"I'm ready," she said, trying to mask her giddiness. It still shone through and Loki chuckled.
He approached her. "You look wonderful. Shall we?"
She immediately slipped her hand in his, unafraid, unashamed, and happy. Loki couldn't move his feet yet. He admired her, softening his gaze and tightening the hold he had on her hand, securing it.
Instinctively leaning into her, she didn't pull away so neither did he. She was willing. He wanted to say something else in reply but his mind had grown so quiet to everything else but her in front of him.
"Are you sure you're willing to trust me?" He managed to say in a whisper.
Jennica's voice caught in her throat, so she nodded. Their lips met in an instant, all feeling of the world around them disappearing. Loki pulled her closer, holding her as if he was holding the most precious treasure in all the Nine Realms. In a breath, he was lost to her wondrous magic.
