A/N Hello Readers! Thank you so much for all your reviews and favorites and follows they always keep me going and I cherish everyone of them! You all are simply fabulous! Well this chapter was supposed to be posted for mother's day. Hint-hint... can you guess what it's? Well happy, reads and writes. God bless.
"Thor," The king of Asgard called to the little blonde boy sitting in a large bedroom paying noisily with his toys and trinkets.
He had dumped almost the all the toys out onto his bed and all over the floor. He ran back and forth hopping or his mahogany carved rocking horse and his large stack of golden blocks that he had said he'd assembled into a castle. He leaped on back of the rocking pony waving his wooden sword gallantly in the air like he'd seen his father do when he was inspecting the troops of Asgard. "Come on men!" The thick hearty built little boy yelled to his troops (tin soldiers and assorted stuffed animals) "We gotta ride to Jo-Jo-To-land n get all the Frost Giants!" rallied them and started swinging forcefully on the fine wooden horse his sword raised high.
The conquering warrior king smiled slightly as he watched his son. His smile quickly faded as he replayed his blonde haired son's words. The hardened king slightly winced. Perhaps this plan he had devised was ill time. How could they expect Thor or anyone to accept...Odin took a deep breath relinquishing his worries. "Thor, my son," He called once more, his voice strong and commanding with out a shadow of doubt. Thor looked up, his long gold locks flying around his face as he spun his head to face the great king. The man looked so secure and sturdy, the strongest, bravest man he knew. A smile broad as daylight flashed across the youngster's face.
"PAPA!" Thor cried ecstatically. He stood up and lunged himself forward flying through the air sailing toward his father. Odin caught the flying prince in mid-air. He spun him around and Thor squealed with delight as he spun in his father's mighty grasp. "Did you see me, Papa? I wuz juz like you...I wu goin' to Jo-Jo-to-him-land" The young child tried to say.
"I did see," the king nodded enthusiastically to Thor's earnest question. "Think you Asgard's forces shall win, Prince Thor?' He asked as he put the restless, kicking heir down on the ground. He crouched down next to Thor so he was at the boy's eye level.
Thor bobbed his head, his wispy blonde locks flying about as he did. "Always!" He yelled. "We're the best!" he declared with a growl toward his father.
"Yes, yes, quite" Odin laughed softly rubbing his hand over Thor's full cheeks still pudgy with baby fat. "There's something very important we need to discuss, Thor, come" his father instructed. The great king's tone turned serious.
The young prince's lips pursed. "Thor no do it," He shook his hands and head simultaneous desperate to prove his innocence.
Odin started to rise to the floor and let out a hearty laugh. "No, no my son, you didn't do anything, I think," the king added and he gave the boy a playfully stern glance. He stretched his hand toward the child. Thor's palm fit snuggly inside Odin's war weathered hands. He started to escort the boy out of the room. Thor looked up at his father mouth open finger pressed toward his pink lip, wondering what his father could need to say that was so important. "You're not in trouble, little one," he explained to the anxious looking toddler as he held his son's hand in his as they strode down the velvet carpet together. Odin's steps were long and striding and the heir to the throne stumbled behind as he tried to follow in his father's footsteps. "Your mother and I have as surprise for you," The great king stated slowly. He held fast to Thor's small hand and gave it a tight squeeze. He then started swinging Thor's arm in his as the blonde child's steps finally seemed to walk in time with his. Odin's now only eye winked at the young prince. The boy was only 3 years old by earth years, but he was strong and fit as a fiddle, taller than most lads at his age. Odin's pride and joy.
"A suprize?' Young Thor asked eagerly his innocent blue eyes staring up at his kingly father. His little face that was still a bit chunky with baby fat lit up at the thought of a surprise.
"Yes," Odin repeated still swinging Thor's arm with his as they continued to walk through the large corridor.
"A big suprize?" a three-year old looking Thor questioned.
Odin let out a pent-up breath and bobbed his head at the child's exuberance. It was a big surprise, a big change, a big plan. There was hesitation, but the need for peace. A permanent peace made the sudden and change work the risk. It would be worth it in the end. "I'd say so," the king continued his face was firm and thoughtful.
"Iz it a real shword?" Thor's round, sky colored orbs lit up, "Like yours!" he pointed out eagerly reaching to his father's side trying to pry the sword from it's sheave.
Odin caught the curious toddler's frisky fingers and tapped them playfully backing them away from touching the dangerous weapon. "No," he wagged his finger at Thor.
"Iz it something fun?" the golden locked little prince wondered a loud his lips pursed and brows furrowed questioningly at his parent. Sometimes his stodgy, nursemaid would tell him she had a surprise for him, but it was never anything fun, she'd just give him a pair of socks. Helga wasn't very fun. His parents always gave such wonderful surprises though, he figured he need not worry.
"I truly believe so, Thor" Odin stated firmly and ruffled Thor's blonde mop, "I think you are going to have loads of fun with this surprise. When I was a little boy, my parents one day gave me a very similar gift and it was the greatest gift I ever received." Odin explained his eye was big and expressive as he whispered in his son's ear. "We went on many adventures together and we were best friends," the king elaborated. Thor's mouth gaped with expectation. He started to stomp his feet eagerly.
" A Puppy!" Thor exclaimed. He tossed his hand in the air and let go of his father's firm clasp. "Woohoo! Puppy!" Thor continued to shout loudly as he dashed down the hall.
"Thor!" Odin called behind the happy child. He scampered quickly away from the king.
"Puppy! Puppy! Puppy!" the young prince chanted jumping and stomping toward his parents bedchamber.
"Where iz it?" the blonde boy asked anxiously. His whole body trembling with anticipation. He expected to see a brightly wrapped boy with a large gold bow that would house a barking, wet nosed, wagging tailed surprise. Or maybe the puppy would be out free in the room running around and he could instantly start playing with it. He needed a ball, a ball to throw and toss with his dog. But When he entered his parents salon inside their bedroom he saw nothing of the sort. His yellow eyebrows knitted together he stomped his foot impatiently waiting for the puppy to come barreling up to his and licking his face. He swung his head to and from he got on all fours and crawled on the ground looking under the upholstered chairs and couches in the sitting room. He bumped his head checking under tables. "Puppy, puppy, don't be scared come out an' pway wit me!" Thor called sweetly to the supposed pet.
Frigga shook her head watching her beautiful boy search frantically for a puppy. Where had he gotten an idea like that. She'd hoped her husband hadn't promised Thor a new pet. If Thor had a puppy, he might not take the proper time to adjust to... "You," Frigga whispered ever so tenderly to the one she was rocking gently near the hearth. She smiled affectionately down at the bundle. So tiny and innocent. Holding the bundled one, looking at stately Thor and her husband, she sighed contentedly. This felt right and whole
"Thor!" She called to her beloved child. Thor's head swiveled as he heard the familiar voice. A golden grin instantly plastered its way across his face. Mother. He hadn't seen her much of the day. Her and Father had gone to talk slightly after he went to bed the night before. He heard their whispers as they closed the door to his room and left him with Helga to keep a watchful eye on him as he slept. This was a rare thing. Mother was always there. She always tucked him in and stroked her hand through his blonde locks. She rubbed his back and brow and soothed him until he was helplessly drowsy and his eyes closed against his wishes. But that night Helga had been the one to ready him for bed. He did not even see his mother at meal time. "Mama! Mama!" he yelled running frantically toward the golden queen. She looked lovely as ever. Her hair was down free-flowing it looked like a sea of endless golden curls. She was wearing warm looking lavender colored robe that hand long sleeves with fur on the edges. She was in a rocking chair. And she rocked back and forth gently in time with the simple song that she was singing. Her arms crossed and holding something small. He ran closer. He saw soft white fur gathered in a bundle shape in her arms. "Mama! Mama!" the sturdy sunlit haired boy continued to exclaim as he came into the room arms outstretched for her. "I miss you, Mama," He shouted as he stumbled and tripped frantically trying to get to her. "D-d-do you know about the suprize?' young Thor asked with excitement as he came bounding toward her.
Frigga looked up from the bundle that she seemed to cradling so delicately. Her soft blue eyes full of love and joy seeing her son coming toward her. She smiled brightly as she put her finger on her lips mildly shushing the toddler. Thor stopped mid trot before copying her gesture. He started to walk toward her in a-tiptoe, but then broke out into full gallop as he saw her switch the tiny bundle into one arm while her left arm stretched toward him beckoning him into an embrace. Thor hugged her tightly, he snuggled next to her warm sweet-smelling bodice. Mother always smelt like plums and fresh-cut lilacs, like the ones in the garden."Do you have da suprize?"Thor asked eagerly bouncing in place and clapping his hands. He looked around and back behind Frigga's rocker."papa said it was something BIG!" Thor expressed wildly throwing his arms about and spinning in a circle. He made himself dizzy with his quick turn around. He tottered and Frigga reached out her hand to steady the wobbling boy. She shook her head. Thor was such a happy energetic boy. He was powerful built and not careful, he was rough and tumble, he was sturdy and strong from birth. He had to have things built to last. She wondered how he would respond to this tiny, little one
"Well BIG," the queen echoed her child's tone, "as in important," she qualified tapping him on the nose. "Sometimes BIG things come in small packages," the queen told him.
"Papa said it'd be the bestest thing I ever gots!" He went on.
"Yes Thor, I think your father is right! This is a wonderful gift! I've always wanted you to have this, my love," Odin's wife gave her child a tight squeeze she watched as Odin slowly entered into the room. She looked up at him. Her eyes shimmering with hope. For so long she had tried again and again, but her attempts had been unsuccessful.
"I've always wanted one too, Mama," Thor replied.
"Really, Thor have you?" Odin asked he arched his sole remaining eyebrow. He couldn't recall Thor ever mentioning this. Thor was very vocal about his wants. When Frigga had been pregnant the second time, Thor seemed completely oblivious. They hadn't told him much right away and amazingly enough Thor didn't inquire much as Frigga's belly swelled like a watermelon. Frigga started to read him a story about brothers and sisters then and although Thor seemed to enjoy the story they weren't sure he pieced the two things together. Perhaps it was for the best, Frigga had a miscarriage. She was devastated and it would have crushed her even more to think that tiny Thor was grieving for the unborn child in her belly. Perhaps it was Thor's innocents and ignorance about the situation that kept her going. He was still laughing and scampering, playing and giggling, running a muck through the palace...it didn't give her much time to focus on the lost
"A companion, a friend!" Frigga began explaining calmly as she rubbed her hand through Thor's golden locks.
"Be my bestest friend?" He looked back and forth between both his parents. His long golden locks getting caught on his eye lashes.
"Yes darling," Frigga encouraged.
"A puppy!" He exclaimed clapping his hands enthusiastically as the thought of a brand new pet filled his head. The blanketed surprise started to stir. It wriggled and kicked and let out very faint whimpering sounds. It sounded like a puppy. "it iz a puppy!" Thor squealed with glee and jumped up and down.
"Thor darling," his mother sweetly interrupted her son's frolic. As the boy leaped and stomped and hurled himself n the floor kicking with glee.
"Thank you, Papa," the young thunderer said with exuberance as he pulled himself off the ground and ran back over to hug Odin tightly around the knee.
"Thor, wait," Odin expressed as he patted his easily excited child on the back. He now wished he also had a puppy to present to the boy. He did so hate disappointing Thor. "It's not..."
"My puppy!" Thor boasted rushing back toward his mother. "I name him Thor," He told his parents proudly as he went and snatched the soft silk covers from covering the face of his new pet. "My Pup..." the golden locked child began to declare, but his words fell short as he looked into a small scrunched up face. It wasn't furry, with a wet nose and thick pink tongue flopping from the mouth. The face was chunky and puffy, a pale pink and squishy looking. The once closed eyes slowly started to open to reveal bright emerald-green orbs that batted back innocently at the questioning blue eyes that looked on at him. The tiny flabby skinned arms stretched and the creature mewed letting out a yawn. "Dat's not a puppy," Thor pointed out as he stared at this tiny creature his eyes bulged and he wrinkled his nose and curled his upper lip.
"No, my dear," Frigga explained shifting the infant swaddled in her arms more toward the bigger child. "This is Loki...your baby brother," she explained.
"Brudder?" he repeated pointing toward the tiny one in Frigga's arms. Mother read him a story about brothers before. In the story the two boys did many things together. They went swimming, and they rode horses, they played games and ran around in the courtyard and caught fireflies. They were always laughing and telling jokes. It always seemed like such fun
"That's right, Thor," the great king encouraged and with a strong hand he gently pushed the young child to go stand closer to his mother and get a better look at the one called brother.
"Tiny," Thor observed and laughed. The baby was so small. The brothers in the book mother had read were both around the same age. He hadn't expected a brother to come in this compact wrinkly, wriggly form.
"Well yes," Frigga chuckled watching as Thor puzzled over the size of the infant. "He's a baby," she told him as if it were a secret and she tapped his nose with her long manicured finger.
"How can he pway with me if he's a baby?" Thor asked in complete confusion. He turned to Odin looking quite miffed. "I dought...brudders pway... don't brudders pway?" Thor inquired worriedly.
"Easy Thor," Odin soothed the ruffled youngster. He put a calming hand on the toddler's heaving shoulders.
"He won't always be a baby, Thor," Frigga explain. "He'll be big like you and then I'm sure you two will play all the time," Frigga gave her oldest child a wink.
"How can he be big if he's a baby?"
"Well you were a baby, now look how big you are," his mother teased.
"Nuh-huh!" Thor protested shaking his head vigorously. "I no small little baby," he insisted.
The king laughed. "Well no you were a big, bouncy baby," the wise ruler explained. "But you were a baby just like, Loki," he pointed out.
Loki gurgled as he heard the people talking around him wanting to join the conversation. He reached up his chubby, wrinkly fingers as he watched the older child, Loki's bright green eyes stayed focused on Thor. "Look Thor," Frigga called the boy's attention toward the babbling baby, "Your little brother wants to play with you already!" she blurted out.
"But...babies can't pway nutting," Thor shuck his head protesting the notion. He had been so looking forward to the puppy. A dog that coud run in the gardens with him, eat the vegetables that mother tried to make him eat. A puppy he could toss a ball to and then the floppy eared mutt would bring it back and they'd do it over and over. A puppy that would sleep at the foot of his bed at night. That was fun. what could this squirmy, pale creature do?
"Aww, yes he can Thor," Frigga said speaking in a strange sort of slow tone. "Just give him a chance," she said returning her attention to her big boy. "He just needs his big brother to show him how to play games," she gave Thor a wink. "Here, try this" she said as she passed Thor a little green rattle that had little yellow circles on it. "Shake it for him," she prompted the older boy. She shook the rattle first and Loki's eyes got big and he kicked his small chunky legs and waved his pale little first about excited about the sound.
"He like it!" Thor pointed out loudly. He looked back up at Odin who watched with tender eyes as the bald baby joyfully focused on the simply trinket. "Thor do!" the toddler prince insisted and his quick hands grabbed the rattle from his mother and he began shaking it in front of the baby's wide green eyes. Loki squealed and gurgled as he watch the rattle. He tried to touch the bright emerald sphere, but Thor kept yanking it back amused by taunting the little baby. When Loki did managed to actually stretch his chubby pale pink arm out far enough to catch the end of the rattle he immediately started to try and put it in his mouth. His gums wrapped around the ball of the rattle, his small tongue darting over the gemstone laden baby toy. Slob and drool running down the rattle. This game though amusing to the baby seemed terribly boring to the older son of Odin. He quickly yanked the simple toy from the baby's grasp. He started moving the rattle rapidly back and forth in front of little Loki's blinking jade eyes. Loki's eyes darted to keep up with the fast dizzying movement that the rattle was making, but Thor whipped in front of his face so speedily that that baby saw nothing but a blur of green flash before his eyes. Thor shook the rattle hard near Loki's little ears and the rattle didn't sound soothing and gentle any longer, the sound was harsh and brash and grating. Loki's features started to crinkle set for a pout.
"Thor not so fast, not so hard," his father corrected him as he watched the blonde-haired boy wag the rattle in the infants face as if he was swinging Mjolnir at an ancient enemy. Loki started to whimper frightened by the noise and busy movements. "Thor, take it easy," Odin reminded him. "Loki's just a baby," the king echoed. Thor paid no attention, he continued swinging the rattle like it was a club. Loki started crying hard as he watched the toy coming toward his face at a rapid pace. Odin caught his son's strong hand before he gave a blow to the new baby's noggin. "I think that's enough with the rattle for now, Thor," he chided as he pulled the baby's toy from the Mjolnir's future wielder's hands. Thor looked sheepishly back at his father. Odin's eye was stern, but his mouth housed a smile. Thor smiled back then returned his attention to his new brother.
Thor watched as his mother gently swiped her hand across the baby's bald head and affectionately down his plump little cheeks. The baby cooed feeling Frigga's warm touch. Thor's grubby fingers immediately reached out to follow in the same pattern has his mom did. He clumsily patted the bald infant on the head. Loki's eyes squinted and his cooing turned a slightly agitated sound.
"Thor, darling not so rough," Frigga stated sweetly. She took Thor thick hands and guided them so that they stroked Loki in a soothing motion. "That's nice, see he likes that Thor." She confirmed and released Thor's hand allowing him to repeat the gesture on his own. Loki's large green eyes gazed up at Thor he babbled and blew bubbles out his mouth as he studied the new young smiling face that was very close to his. The green-eye infant's eyelids slowly started to flap. The warmth of the thick fur skins he was swaddled in protectively, the gentle swaying motion of the loving arms that held him and the soothing pats to his bald head made him feel content and sleepy. The baby yawned and lazily reached up his hand, wanting to make contact with the one that had played with him minutes before. Loki started to reach up his small hand to touch Thor's, "Look Thor," the queen happily pointed out watching as the tiny fingers reached out curiosity to clasp the older boys. The hand missed grabbing Thor's fingers and rather they grabbed Thor's nose. The baby gurgled happy to make contact. He held on to Thor's nose getting a good feel, he dug his little, but sharp nails into the tender skin along the side of Thor's nostrils. "OWWW!" Thor yelled dramatically. "Let go!" he ordered the baby as he attempted to pull his face away from the infants clutches.
"It's alright, Thor," his sweet mother insisted. She gently guided Loki's hand down and away from Thor's face. "He's just getting to know..." she began but before she could finish her statement she watched as her oldest son's hand went sailing to smack the baby across the face. POP. The smack was rough and heavy. Thor was mighty even at that tender age. His hit reverberated off the walls of the room and sounded like a clap of thunder. Loki's tiny body shook under the weight of the blow. His whole face turning red as a tomato from the impact of the little thunder's palm.
"Thor!" Frigga shrieked hearing Loki instantly wailed. His scream was loud and high-pitched, nearly ear-splitting. It frightened the normally rambunctious and fearless toddler. He'd never heard such an awful cry. The baby writhed and twisted in Frigga's arm balling up its miniature fist and kicking.
"He too loud!" Thor protested as he covered his ears trying to block out the unceasing wail coming from the baby. Now Thor was always a boisterous boy and had no rights to protest at anyone making too much noise. "Be quiet!" he yelled back jumping in the infants face. Loki screamed all the more.
"Thor," Odin's voice boomed from behind the blonde lad. He took Thor forcefully by the hand and marched him away from screeching baby Loki. Odin lead Thor over to he and Frigga's bed. He picked his handsome boy up and plopped him on the bed. He then sat down beside his bewildered looking child. "Thor, that's no way to treat Loki," Odin explained scooping up his son and sitting him on his lap as he settle on the bed. He noticed how Thor's vivid sapphire eyes wondered back over to Frigga who was earnestly trying to calm the frantically screaming infant. "He's your brother, now" Odin admonished."He's your brother, remember" Odin emphasized calling the boy's attention back to the lecture.
"But...He..."
"We don't hurt our brother." Odin instructed simply. "We love our brother, play with our brother, we protect our brother. We never hurt our brother...That's not nice...That's not what a good brother does. A good brother makes his brother smile, makes him happy, he does not leave him in tears," Odin expounded. "Look at Loki," he directed the youngster's attention back to the other child. "Does he look happy?"
"No Papa," Thor answered, "He's crying." He explained.
"I have something big I need you to do Thor," Odin whispered to the little blonde boy on his lap. "It's a big boy job..." The king expressed nodding his head.
Thor's azure eyes got wide and a smile spread on his face. "Thor big boy!" He insited pushing his way off of Odin's lap and jumping to the floor. He pointed to himself with his thumbs. His blonde locks flopped in his face. "Thor do," He told his father.
"Good boy," Odin stated reaching out his hand and swiping the long blonde strands out of the boy's bright blue eyes. " I need you to be a good brother to Loki. I need you to look out for Loki. He's your little brother and he needs you. He needs his big, strong, older brother to look out for him." Odin announced. Thor beamed at the thought. He made himself stand up tall and puffed out his chest. He made a muscle and growled back at his father. "See you are big and strong," Odin insisted. "Loki needs you to protect him," Odin stated firmly wrapping a steady hand on young Thor's shoulder.
Thor's golden little brows knitted together, "You protect him," Thor pointed back to his father.
"I will." Odin agreed, "I need you to when I can't...you understand. You will look out for Loki and when Loki is older he will look out for you." the great king stated as he looked his boy square in the eye. "You will look out for each other because that is what brother's do. Do you understand, Thor?"
"Mmm Hmm," Thor bobbed his head with affirmative response his face still in a full grin.
"So can you do this Big Boy job? Can you look out for little Loki...protect him?" Odin asked he gave his son a playfully scrutinizing look with the only eye he had left. The gentle stare sent to child into a giggling frenzy.
"Yes, Papa," Thor stated proudly doing the best he could to gain composure and look serious at the Midgardian age of 3. He put his hand across his chest like he had seen the guards and soldiers do when ever his father asked them to do something. He crossed his left hand to his right shoulder. The might warrior king couldn't help but allow a small smile to cut across his battle scarred face. He corrected Thor' salute.
The Prince of the Realm made his way back to his mother's side he went slowly and cautiously back to approach the babe. He stood a few feet away as he watched his mother continue muttering gentle words to the tiny baby. Loki had seemingly settled. He was still whimpering and mewing, but he no longer shrieking for dear life. "Come closer, sweetheart," Queen Frigga, tenderly beckoned her now oldest boy. Thor approached his feet loudly stamping across the floor as he came to his mother. Loki looked back up at the bigger child. His large jade eyes started trembling and fresh water started to form. His little lip set to quiver as the older stronger boy with the mean right hook loomed over him. Loki's eyes darted toward the golden haired woman for assurance, but as Thor continued to lean in and get a better look at the baby's face the tiny child erupted once more. Thor jumped back as if the baby's screams were a burn from a flame. He held his hand up in a surrender pose, but Loki continued to bawl. Thor's normally, sunny face, changed to a frown. He sighed in defeat.
"He no like me," the Odin's now oldest boy confessed to his mother and started to skulk away.
Queen Frigga sighed and looked pensively at the child she was holding in her arms. Her soft sea blue eyes darted up and over to Odin with worry laced in them. Perhaps this plan would not work. Perhaps it was impossible. Even now in the prime of innocence could the child and the babe sense that they were meant to be enemies. A Jotun and Aesir could they even be cordial let alone be kin? Perhaps they were simply destined foes and no plan or plot could change that.
Frigga shook her head dismissing the thought rapidly. She looked down into the sweet face on the sleepy looking baby lying in her arms. Asgard's new prince. Her and Odin's new son. Thor's brother. She gently pushed herself out of the chair. Loki nestled in the crook of her right arm. His eyelids slowly fluttering open as he felt himself being moved. He still fussed squirming and crying softly. Frigga swiftly padded behind discouraged Thor. "He thinks you don't like him," Frigga told her oldest son. Her tone was so wise and gentle. Thor looked back up his mother she had a soft smile on her mouth. "Here," she began as she lowered herself on to her knees doing her best to keep her balance and not jostle Loki about too much. He's already been battered enough for one night. She slowly began to shift her arms and present Loki for Thor to hold. Thor hesitated at first. He looked nervously at his mother he didn't want to hear the baby cry again. But the royal woman nodded giving an encouraging grin to the young prince. Thor tentatively stretched out his arms and allowed his mother to place the little baby in them. Loki kicked and bucked, wriggled and became a little cantankerous at first. He looked around hoping to find Frigga once more.
"Shh..." Thor started mimicking what he'd seen his mother do. He gingerly bounced the little baby in his arms. "It's ok...no cry Loki... no cry Loki," he muttered sweetly to the green-eyed newborn. "I your big brudder," he expressed and grinned from ear to ear at the baby. "I'm gonna look out for you..." he stated repeating after his father. "I sorry I hit you before," the blonde child apologized and he started to walk around the room. Frigga rose to her feet and escorted Thor back over to the bed where he could hold Loki in a safe place. Loki was no longer crying, but listening intently to the words being spoken. "But we're gonna be good friends. You'll see. We'll pway lots of games, and we'll pway outside, Papa will take us fishing and we'll go hunting," Thor told his little brother. "That's good Loki," he encouraged as the little green-eyed baby settled int his hold. He nuzzled into Thor's strong but clumsy arms. "You good baby," Thor told him. Loki's eyes became half-lidded as he grew accustomed to the new voice. He liked this voice. Loki smiled wide and open mouth. It was toothless and sweet as he looked up at his older brother. His little hand reached up aimlessly as he started to drift. "You good brudder," Thor told him. Loki's hand fell still and it slowly came down until it rested on Thor's night tunic. The baby's hand clutched to hold fast to the fabric. His droopy head resting on the chest. He heard the beat. It was fast and loud and strong. A steady strum. It was exciting, but rhythmic and comforting making the baby feel even more sleepy. Loki tucked his body in balling up small and tight against the three year old equivalent's body."You go sleep, now brudder. I protect you...I promize..." Thor uttered. He watched as Loki yawned and brought the hand that wasn't grasping at his tunic up toward his mouth. Loki found his thumb and gently absentmindedly started to suck on it. "I love you," Thor told Loki, his baby brother as the he fell asleep and Thor place a kissed on his bald head. "I will protect you brudder," he mumbled as he gave a bald baby a kiss on his forehead. "Mama!" Thor called to Frigga who was sitting next to them on the other side of the bed. Her hand had rested on Thor's shoulder. "I tink he like me now," He explained to her bobbing his head as he felt Loki's tiny body pressed against his.
"He does Thor, you're his big brother, you are very special to him,' the queen explained sweetly.
"He's special to me to," Thor stated sleepily. He leaned his head against his mother and yawned. "I be good brother, I protect him," Thor mumbled his eyes closing as he felt the queen's strong hands scoop underneath him and pull him and Loki into her arms. "I protect him," Thor confirmed as he fell asleep.
The memory had raced back to his mind quickly. It took him by surprise, but not in a way that makes one jolt with a start. No, it was like, the surprise of having a rainbow appear, pure and vivid, colorful and wondrous, after a sudden shower. It caught him off guard like noticing a bluebird perched on your windowsill singing a morning song. He couldn't help but smile at it. The corner's of his mouth turned up and spread under the golden hairs of his beard and mustache. It wasn't a memory in the truest form. He couldn't remember the time in his life before Loki. His earliest memories were with his brother, but Mother and father kept the tale ever fresh in his mind. Mother would particularly bring it up in times when he and Loki had gotten into fights and stopped speaking. Guilt tripping him into apologizing to Loki first.
"I should have stopped it sooner," Thor muttered bitterly as he looked down at his large mug of frothy grog. The comment was randomly made. Volstagg had been in the middle of reminiscing about one of their most elaborate adventures as they feasted with the new recruits to Asgard's finest legion, the Einherjar. He squeezed tight on the metal handle, making the polished steal dent inward in the shape of his knuckles.
"You mustn't blame yourself for this ole boy," Frandal stated putting a comforting hand on the bigger warrior slumped shoulders. He looked around at the new warriors who were gathered in the hall. All feeling so honored to join Einherjar and share a meal with the legendary warriors, now the group of rookies looked pensive.
"I let it go to far," Thor mumbled on hardly hearing his friend's words of consolation. He slammed his fist down on the table top leaving a crater like dent in the fine bronze. One of the privates jumped.
"At least you stopped it," Volstagg chimed in wiping his red mustache with the back of his hand as he slammed a tankard down on the table. "You did what you could for him," the plumpest of the lot reminded the prince quickly.
"You cannot blame yourself, Thor," Frandal repeated he still laid a reassuring hand on Thor's back. "It isn't your f-"
"How can I not!" Thor questioned his voice rippling with confusion. He turned around in a quick jolt and faced Frandal. "How can I not...he's my brother," Thor proclaimed to his most trusted comrades. "My little brother," he confessed shaking his head laughing only to keep from having tears fall from his eyes as he thought of the way Loki's cold blood oozed on his skin from the terrible lashing he had received. "I'm supposed to protect him," Thor told all present though he specifically looked at Frandal. "I'm supposed to protect him!" he declared outright. "I swore I would," he whispered back to himself shaking his head at disbelief on how he had let go of the oath of brother's so easily.
"Thor, maybe this isn't the best time," coughed the discreet, slant-eyed warrior of the bunch. He scarcely looked up from his mead as he tried to get the prince's attention.
"Hogun's right my friend," Volstagg rallied the blonde prince's spirit's flashing his ever pleasant grin in the direction of the downcast general. "Tonight's a night for celebration," he encouraged lifting his large cup of booze before all. The young and old warriors raised their mugs high.
"Here! Here!" They shouted as they clanked their vessels together and got giddy over the way the froth sloshed out over the rims of the goblets and exploded onto the floor like a sweet tasting lava.
Thor gripped his blonde haired head. It ached, but not merely from a long night of endless guzzling. "How could I let it get that far?' He demanded of his closest friends who were sitting at his center table.
"Thor, you couldn't have protected him from the law. His crimes were fit for the punishment he received," Volstagg tried to explain. He didn't say it heartlessly. Watching Loki get beat like that was brutal on the eyes, so much red liquid spewing from a milky white back. Watching the frail body, twitch and thrash like a writhing worm on a hook read to be fed to hungry fish. Loki vomited from all the pain he was in. It was enough to make the ravenous warrior loose his own lunch and appetite for the rest of the day. "Cruel and shameful as it was," Volstagg whispered with a shudder. He felt a chill run down his spine and he felt his stomach roll as it had while he watched the merciless flogging.
"He was deserving of it," Lady Sif mumbled from the one of the cushy chairs in the the dinning hall of the palace barracks.
"Here! Here!" the rowdy group of new soldiers chanted.
"What?" Thor's head spun turning to face direction of the warrior woman. She looked up from her wine glass, she hadn't necessarily meant for Thor's ears to be privy to her opinion nor had she meant for the warriors of Asgard to rally around her statement and begin murmuring among themselves about what they would do had they the chance to punish Loki to the full extent of the law, but she wasn't ashamed of what she had said in the least. She put he silver goblet on the table and sighed
"Thor," Hogun hopped up and put a restraining hand on the mighty warrior's shoulder. He struggled to keep a firm clasp on Thor and his muscles bulged and surged pulling to get closer to Sif. "Sif didn't mean," the almond eyed man of few words tried to defend the female soldier.
"Don't speak for me Hogun," Sif shot as she got to her feet and started striding toward Thor. Suddenly , the raucous behavior of the fresh-faced soldiers died down. The flutist, lyre player and drummer stopped in their music making and all fell hushed and attentive. "I've never needed a man to speak for me before," she corrected him.
"What did you say?' Thor rumbled daring her to repeat her words.
Lady Sif rolled her eyes and shook her head as she pressed to walk closer to Thor. "I said he deserved it," She repeated crisply.
"How can you say that, Sif," Thor demanded finally pushing pass Hogun and coming with powerful strides until he and Lady Sif were standing face to face. "How can you say that?" he questioned her again. His tone elevating and as he stomped his foot and pointed toward the ground demanding an answer.
Sif didn't bat an eyelash at Thor's threatening pose. "How can I say that?" she retorted leaning into Thor's face. "How can I say that?" she echoed. The strong brunette young woman threw her head back and let out a mirthless laugh. "After I spent nearly 2 months hopping around as some wart filled frog...I think I have a right..."
"Sif, you can't be serious..." Thor cut her off shaking his head and tossing his hands to the air. "It was a childish prank!" Thor insisted. "Loki has always been mischevious... it a boy's rouse does not merit.." Thor started to defend his brother.
"Thor Sif nearly died," Frandal blurted out. His opinion was Loki was the same as that of Sif. He wasn't as vocal. He had tried to defend Loki once. He had trusted Loki, he had believed that underneath the dark prince's austere demeanor and mischievous antics that he had been caring and virtuous, but Loki had betrayed such trust.
The warrior woman held her hand back toward Frandal silencing him from making anymore comments. Like in any other type of battle she was more than capable of handling it on her own."Oh and what of his murder of Ingvar...nothing but a game that as well?" the brunette woman questioned indignantly. She watched as the Einherjar's new ranks leaned in on their hands and knuckles listening to hear the prince's response.
"I talked to the guards who has served shifts with Ingvar," Thor literally pointed as he spook as if in attempt to pinpoint the men and women he had conversed with among the bunch in the army dinning hall, but they were not present.
"The ones that Loki didn't drive mad with his juvenile practical jokes you mean," Sif qualified with attitude as she placed her hands on her hips.
"The guards said that the warden was terrible to Loki," Thor divulged desperately as he felt the piercing glances of his friends, men and subjects on him.
"And what of Dagmar was she terrible to him, too?" questioned the brown-eyed warrior female as she looked into Thor's gorgeous blue pupils. Her gaze was fiery and challenging. She never sought to disrespect Thor. Not in front of the men, but it had to be said, She was saying it all to protect him, because she knew Thor was trusting and optimistic, naïve and hopeful and she loved him. Loki had exposed it and Thor had not even acknowledged it. She was grateful and yet her heart sank. Had the liesmith told her truth, could Thor not even see her as a woman. No matter, she would protect him fiercely from Loki's venom.
'Loki just..." Thor began.
Sif interjected instantly, "Or perhaps his hostile takeover of Midgard was merely childs' play as well!" she spat.
"I do not make excuses for his actions. They are abominable," Thor confessed as he took a sharp breath and looked down at the ground as if to steady himself. "But Olaf would have killed him had I not..."
"And Loki would kill us all if he had the chance!" Sif shouted. Her words quickened the once stilled soldiers.
"No!" Thor protested reaching out his hand as if to quell the young warrior's worries. "That's not so Sif," Thor implored her.
"Yes," Sif repeated just as loudly. "Yes it is!" she stated now quietly a tearful whisper. She'd not cry before these new soldiers. She had worked all her life to prove she was strong, tough gritty as any man and she'd not allow herself to display such womanish temperaments. She was warrior of Asgard better than any man. She'd never cried publicly before. If she cried at all it was always in some hidden corner, n the privacy of her chambers. Only her closes friends had been privileged to her tears.
"Stop it!" Thor bellowed in her face grabbing her tightly around the wrist.
Tear's erupted from the hardened warriors soulful eyes. She twisted her nimble wrist from the thunderer's firm grasp. Pulling her arms back to her self she balled up her fist and rose on her tip toes.
"I will not stop it!" she retorted back. "I will not stop it," she muttered over again. "Not until you wake up and see the truth." she declared looking him defiantly in the eye.
"There's good in him! There is... he's just frightened. He's just confused Sif..."
"Sif, Thor," Volstagg stated finally rising from his setting at the table where the mutton was on his plate ready to be devoured. "You both need to calm down," he tried to explain. He got behind the warrior maiden and wrapped his fat fingers around her bronzed forearm trying to pull her out of Prince Thor's face.
"He's a MONSTER!" Sif yelled in the prince's face. She elbowed Volstagg in the stomach forcing the plump Viking to release her. Volstagg looked a bit startled by Sif's reaction but he'd sparred with Sif many a time often time ending up winded and flat on his back so he simply backed off. "Everyone knows it," she informed Thor, blonde prince's eyes were a mixed of a tempest and bewilderment. "Everyone knows it," Sif repeated breathlessly now after her violent outburst.
"Sif you're wrong," Thor muttered back quietly.
"You simply won't see it..." she stated. Her voice was wobbly and it took all with in her to keep from allowing the floodgates of her eyes to flow freely. "Like so many other things," she spoke in a hushed tone. Her eyes flickered as she looked back at Thor. Not with anger or frustration, no this was a sheepish look, something so odd for Sif. She could feel her cheeks heating as the thought ran across her mind. She tried to control her hands clenching them by her sides. Even after Dagmar had instructed Thor that he needed to kiss her to break the spell, even then he remained oblivious to her true feelings. Feeling Thor's full lips press against her clammy, slimy skin felt like an electric charge. Perhaps it was because it was reversing dark magic, or perhaps all the thunderer's kisses would feel so tremendous. She was weak and on bed rest for only a few days after the transformation. She hated it. Hated being bogged down and constrained to a bed. With nothing to do save read books and do needle work. Though it did give her time to think. She had never thought the day Prince Thor would kiss her would be when she was little more than a dying amphibian. She would reveal to no one save the parchement in her old leather bound diary how she had longed for such a day. She had always thought that they kiss after a great battle. They'd both be bloody and sweaty, their tunics ripped, their armor tarnished and dented from the fight. They'd run into each others arms proclaiming victory. Thor would pull her close to his muscular chest in a protective embrace. She's look over his shoulders and arms searching for wounds. Bodies of their defeated foes would lie around them as he'd mash his lips against hers passionately, before they'd rush back off away from each other breathless from the way their tongues had wrestled.
It had not happened that was, unfortunately, but still she didn't give up hope. She had thought that after the spell was broken surely Thor would come to her in the night whilst she slept. She'd pictured it all. The door would creak open despite his best efforts to enter her chamber soundlessly. His clunky booted feet would make their way to her bedside. He'd pull out the chair and it would scratch across the floor. The noise would wake her naturally and she'd chuckle to herself seeing his attempts to keep quiet and not have her disturbed. He'd turn around and then she'd slam her eyes back shut, pretending to still be asleep. Thor would smile affectionately down at her before he'd finally take a seat. His massive, war hardened hands would fumble to clasp her own. Thor's hands dwarfed hers, but her's were no less weathered, they were no less calloused from wielding a blade, no less strong from years of training. He'd cup her hand tenderly then bring it so that his lips lightly brushed her tanned finger tips. "I prefer seeing you like this, Sif" He'd chuckle. "Like the beautiful maiden you are," he'd state. "You are beautiful...I...I always compliment you on how fearsome you are in battle. You are that too, but have I ever said you were beautiful," he'd start and nervously massage his hand over his blonde beard. "I guess what I mean to say is...Sif...well ...ugh...you know I'm no good with words...Sif...we've been friends a long time...I...never knew you felt...well you know I can be a little clueless sometimes," He'd start laughing heartily simply to cover his nerves. She'd rustle in her sleep. He'd temper himself slapping his mitts over his mouth. "Sorry," he'd whisper like a little boy, golden smile still plastered on his lips. "I guess what I'm trying to say is..." he'd pucker his lips and exhale while rubbing his sweaty palms on his blue pants. "Is...I love you too," he'd breathe into her ear. His breath was warm almost moist on her earlobes. Her would quicken and her heart would flutter with the confession. He'd chastely and sweetly kiss her temple, before he'd pull the thick burgundy quilts over shoulders as she'd settle back down.
Sif blinked hard water flicking in her eyes as she pulled herself from the daydream. A daydream was all it was. After the kiss had turned her back into an Aesir, Thor had greeted her with enthusiasm. He'd hugged her so tight she felt as though her bones would break, but it wasn't the way she longed to be embraced by him. She heard Loki's snide voice cackling in her ear. "He thinks of you the same way he thinks of me... as his brother," she heard the crazed green eyed man mocked her.
"Like so many other things you don't see," Sif whispered blinking to keep from tearing.
"Sif,"Thor started.
"No!" Sif spat balling up her fist. "What will it take for you to see him for what he is?" she demanded. "Will it be him burning Asgard to the ground? Or will he need to ram a double-edged blade through your heart before you see the truth!" Sif yelled. Her questioning was condemning and her mahogany eyes glistened. Tears bubbled over. They spilled forth hot and fresh. "I won't...I won't...I won't stand for it. I am a warrior of Asgard I won't watch Asgard fall."
"Sif as a warrior of Asgard you swore to protect Asgard's royal family," Thor said reaching out and taking a firm hold on her by her smooth tanned, toned arms, he started to pull her closer. He spoke in a quiet tone as if hushing her. He'd never seen Sif on the verge of being so emotional before. "That includes L-"
"I won't watch him hurt you again," Sif declared twisting from the way Thor held her in place. She stormed out of the Einherjar dinning hall with in the palace.
Loki had been unconscious for nearly 4 days now. Scarcely opening his eyes in the time, exhausted and weak as he was with fever and severe injury. When they did manage to open momentarily, they rolled about unable to focus on the images on plain sight. Colors swirled about in a dizzying spiral, making him feel woozy and nauseous. His surroundings were cloudy; shadowy like a forest. Then amidst the sea of dark hues something shined forth. It came clearly into his field of view. It was radiant. A face, but the features undecipherable in his stupor. Puffy and blurry, veiled and unclear, but mild, caring, so deeply concerned. He saw light blue, soft gold, slight pink. His hand shakily reached up wanting to touch what was before him. His fingertips were clumsy the scarcely managed to brush against silky hairs long and lush. His lips moved. He wanting to say something, give this one a name. The familiar figure needed a name, but his hapless lips stuttered and stumbled unable to say anything coherent as the fever raged.
The one thing that was clear were the hands. Strong, smooth, tender hands catered to him. They were constantly there. Providing comfort and ease when he felt sick and awful and weary. The slim fingers his constant companion as they adjusted him, tucked him in, soothed him and rubbed him down. They were an ever-present reminder of something from long ago, his foggy mind couldn't get a firm grasp on it.
Loki shivered as he slept with his teeth chattering so violently it sounded as is a beaver were chewing through metal. The chills overtook his thin body on and off, making the once prince feel as though he was lying on a block of ice, but the cold feeling was partly a relief from the raging fever. The dark-haired man thrashed in his sleep as the his fever spiked. His breathing was labored. It came out swift and sharp, making a haggard wheezing sound. He mumbled and moaned rocking his head back and forth he was still in so much agony after the brutal flogging he'd face. He moaned, feeling so hot made it hard for him to breath. "Toohottoohot!" he whimpered in discomfort.
The kindly hands appeared instantly on time as they had been many times before. They patted down his feverish brow and flushing cheeks. They felt so cool and refreshing against his sweltering flesh. He turned his head pressing it into the tender cool fingers desperate to get some relief. Even in his haze he knew that he could trust these were so often there for him strong and supportive, firm and assuring, gentle and loving all at once. The way they trailed across his skin, soothing and smoothing, comforting and easing his agony even a little at a time he remembered it, but he couldn't trace it or give it a name and he couldn't will his weak eyes open. He was so weary and exhausted so very ill and injured.
"Shh," a sympathetic voice calmed him. The voice was connected with the hands together they made him feel vulnerable and needy, yet completely secure in feeling thus. Loki couldn't help but lean into the tender caress of feeling the benign hands on his wet forehead helping him relax and settle. The touch was familiar, knowledgeable and comforting. It was so very familiar, but he was in such a groggy state from the pain that he was in that he couldn't give the hands or voice a name. He knew them though, he knew their subtleties and nuances. They were steady like a rock. They were firm and sure like the foundation of a house. They were skillful, they knew what to do, knew how to comfort him. They had bathed him and fed him in the past few days. They were hands that healed and embraced. Loving hands.
The hands pulled the covers down exposing his pale thin chest that heaved as he sucked in shallow breaths. "Shh," the voice steadied him while bringing a cool damp cloth to rest on his forehead. "Try to relax," the voice instructed. Methodically the hands sponged down the Loki's forehead, rosy cheeks and sweaty chest, neck and arms. "Better?" the sure voice asked while the gentle hands dragged the chilled towel to rest on his chest after while, leaving the smooth, soft hands to cup his face. The one who possessed the sweet hands began to hum. Loki managed to turn his head toward the sound of the voice humming a tune so beautiful and melodious that it should have been sung by and angel. Perhaps the one present was just that. The soft humming calmed him and lulled him into tranquility. He pressed his chapped lips together his throat wincing as he started to try to mimic the tune and hum along. Hearing his soft out of sync humming the voice chuckled mildly and started to sing. The tender fingertips played in his midnight hair. Loki clumsily attempted to talk, but his tongue was sluggish, the lyrics he attempted to sing along with came out like the nonsense stammerings of a babe.
"Your fever is so high," the caretaker, with steady hands told him. The hands stopped swiping across his flushed face. A clicking sound was made, worry palpable in the tone. "Too high," a sigh was let out when his hand was given a squeeze. Feet padded quickly across the floor. Loki's foggy mind felt bewildered, where had the hands gone? He wanted to feel them near, needed to have them close by in order to know that he was not still alone. He'd been a lone for so long now. He started to whimper, the protest his feeble body was able to give to call the sturdy hands and gentle voice back by his side. The hands returned. One sturdy hand scooped behind his thin weak neck. It still felt as though it was weighed down by that nasty metallic brace. He needed the mighty hand to support his limp feeling back. He opened his eyes, they blinked slowly, he looked into that blurry visage, but noticed the full lips moving speaking in simple terms as if he was a child. "I'm here, I didn't go far," he was assured through the affectionate voice. His eyes felt heavy once more, but he managed to offer a faint smile to his caretaker. The hand steadied him as it lifted his body up, tilting him so that his back rested up right supported by something soft and comfortable. Once he had been placed in the right position the other hand came with a chilly glass and pressed it toward his slack, chapped lips. "Drink Loki, it'll help your fever," the voice connected to the hands prompted him. The voice was urging and worried. "You must drink something... you must get your fever down... it is too high for you," the voice prompted slightly pushing the glass against the patients thin cracked mouth. Loki turned his head reflexively remember the disgusting, mildew infested sludge he'd been forced to drink. He'd been given toxic and made to drink it for the other option was dehydration and death, but death would not give him the sweet satisfaction of revenge he'd longed for. Maybe he was weak. Too weak to endure. Too weak not to be driven by such base survival needs of eating and drinking. He'd tried to refrain, tried to be strong and not give into the sick game Ingvar played with him, but after a month or two..."Just a few sips, Loki" soft fingers swiped at his long sweat soaked black locks. "Please," the hands pleaded turning his face gingerly back toward the cup. "It's just water...just drink a little," the voice wobbled with desperation. The hands tilted the cup resolutely now, cold liquid running off Loki's ashy lips and down the side of his face. His bleary emerald eyes rolled up to look at the face. His eyelids batted heavily as they stared into eyes that were deep sapphire blue. Blue, such a soft, light baby blue, sad and begging. That was water... real water cool and crisp, fresh as if it was just drawn from a babbling brook. It was wondrous and tantalizing. Loki's quivering lips pursed slowly wrapping around the rim of the silver goblet.
The liquid poured down Loki's throat. His throat was raw from lack of hydration and from screaming during his brutal beating. The cool water felt so good on his parched tongue, like rain drops sprinkled on dessert soil bringing life and vitality to that which was dry and barren/ His sluggish mouth worked hard to guzzle the first drink he'd had in a little over a week. "Easy, easy," The voice soothed as the water splattered from his mouth and dribbled down his narrow chin. His face was wiped like that of a child, "you need to eat something," he was admonished sweetly. Lazily, he shook his head in protest. Mumbling something incoherent. He was so tired. Such a simple task as drinking water had completely depleted him. He only wanted to sleep. Sleep was good. How his body longed for peaceful uninterrupted sleep. He closed his eyes that hardly took in his surroundings groggy as he was, he smacked his lips together the drink had satisfied. At least it had satisfied his mind; his stomach rumbled. It was powerful and overwhelmingly loud. His thin body desperately needed nourishment. The way it grumbled jolted him, his glazed over jade eyes opened once more s the pain gnawed at his gut. The voice laughed. The laughter light and indulgent, "You are hungry," the hands played and tapped on his nose ending his feeble argument. His eyes remained half-lidded as small spoonfuls of steamy broth was brought to his mouth. It was a shock to his tongue. The broth was good;It was warm seasoned with good herbs, salted and flavorful. Food for people, not disgusting slop meant for swine. Loki's cracked lips managed to form a weak smile as he tasted the hearty soup. It was full of fresh vegetables, carrots and onions, leeks and radishes, barley bits. The soup was fed to him slowly. First he just sipped the broth and then he nibbled the at the greens, finally when he had completed most of the contents, meat was brought to his lips. He finely chopped meat was tender and juicy. Quail. He chewed carefully, hoping that the delicious flavor was not simply delirium and he would find that he'd merely been munching on the disgusting slop he'd been served all along. He held his mouth open expectantly awaiting the next morsel that would grace his lips. He was so hungry, ravenous, desperate. The hands didn't fail to ladle every last bit into his parted and awaiting mouth. His belly was now full and warm leaving him feeling content and sleepy. His lids drooped heavily as he felt the patient hands wipe across his face. He had been a clumsy eater, missing the spoon at times and causing his face to get messy. He felt ashamed for how pitiful he was. The hands seemed not to mind they dutifully wiped his face clean. Gingerly dabbing at the corner's of his mouth where excess remained and swiping the dribble on his chin. The caretaker with the kindly hands simply pressed a tender finger over his thin, cracked and ashy muttering lips urging him to be quiet and rest, like he was an over excited child trying to talk his way out of bedtime. Like a little boy he complied to the touch without another mumbling word of protest.
Sleep engulfed him once more, but it was not the blissful full belly sleep that the attendant had hoped to ease the fallen prince into. He had nightmares. Such dreadful visions plagued him. Such horrible, horrible images flooded his mind. These awful dreams made him quake. Loki twisted in his sheets. He felt tangled and trapped, breathless and frightened oh so frightened. Loki shivered in his sleep, he trashed and kicked, \his lithe limbs flinging aimlessly as if in a mad attempt to get away. "Loki!" he heard a distant voice call to him. There was a sense of urgency about it. All of a sudden he felt a hand come reaching out to catch his, "Loki, settle now," the strong and distant voice admonished, but it was too far away to be of any importance. "Wake up, now" his hand was clutched tighter. His shoulder touched by a cool palm gently shaking him but he pulled away.
He needed to run, run fast, run hard, for they were coming. He needed a source of refuge. Needed a place to hide. He had to find protection, shelter, refuge...home. The Chituari hunted him down with their terrible beast. Scary hound like animals with teeth dripping of red blood. The Other's words and gravelly voice blew like a torturous howl in the wind. "They'll be no place where he can't find you," The Other warned. "No realm to hide you, no barren moon, no crevice where you can ESCAPE!" A roar of thunder crackled as he ran through the swamp the monsters hot on his trail. Rain teemed down, beating on his flesh. It was a blinding storm. He pushed, pulled climbed and scrambled so frantic to get away as the Other's voice taunted him that he would be unsuccessful in every attempt.
He tumbled, falling over having rocks and thorn and thistles scratching at his skin and cutting right through. He looked at his skin, he was aghast. It wasn't his normal pale tone it was sickening hard, rough, icy, azure skin. Frost Giant flesh. He looked down at his hand, horrified at it's ghastly blue tint. He wished to rip it from his bones he wore a monsters skin. He had no time to dwell upon his disgusting flesh. The Chitauri and their beast still were coming.
He clambered back to his feet still rushing to escape. Then he saw it. Amidst the raging tempest the clouds gave way and he saw a light flickering in the distance. A wide grin spread across Loki's face. He saw the great golden edifice in the horizon. Great and shimmering like a splendid mountain of jewels. A beacon for all the realms. The Imperial House of Odin. "Home!" Loki breathed as he reached out his hand through the thicket and briar brushes thinking his black finger-nails could skim the golden gates.
"There he is!" the commander of the Chitauri shouted as his forces came from behind.
Loki closed his bright red eyes. Frantically, mumbling an incantation that brought him to the palace doors. He pressed his thin face against the door and sank to his knees pressing his blue hand against the frame like a pitiful dog pawing at the door of it's master's cottage after it been kicked out into the rain. The mournful creature begging to be let in from the frightful storm. He pounded his cobalt fist beating furiously in time with his pounding heart begging for the illustrious gilded doors to open to him. Finally they did. The doors cracked open. Blinding light flooded his red eyes. He crawled on his knees into the building like a scurrying rat. He was little better than such varmint. His tunics torn and ripped to shreds of thread. His pants didn't exist below the knees. He was muddy and disgusting, from running through the swamp, the cuts on his knees and arms dripped red blood and he sullied the gold tile as he ran through the hall desperate to get the throne room.
"All-father! All-father!" Loki cried as he pushed to his feet and ran. He ran through the hall. "All-father please help me!" he begged as he darted in and out of the well known passageways and rooms of the castle. No answered for there was none to be found, No servants, no courtiers, no family. The palace was desolate...empty."FATHER?" he shouted his blazing red eyes darting back and forth searching for someone to protect him. He could hear the Chituari forces launching their battering rams and cosmic catapults against the high golden gates and the enormous gilded walls that encompassed the palace. Soon they'd break through the stronghold.
"MOTHER?" he screamed the sound of the animals baying just outside the gates resounding in his ear drums. He pushed into his mother's chambers, thinking maybe she was there...she was not... He continued running furiously, he tripped and stumbled battering and bruising himself further in his attempt to find help. "BROTHER?" He cried as he slammed his body into the gate blocking the entrance to Thor's personal gymnasium. The gymnasium was clean, but void of life. "THOR?" he hollered shaking the gate with ferocity, but it would not budge. "No" he mumbled to himself sliding his hand down the iron bars. He sank to his knees. Where had they gone? He dropped to the floor, "Anybody?" he choked out as he fought to with hold a defeated sob.
"Come out, Come out, where ever you are little snake," The Other's voice ominously rang in his ears as he scrambled back up the silver staircase.
He ran to the throne room. Perhaps they were there, perhaps it was the last place to check. His only hope. He ran like a terrified little boy looking for his family in the night. He pushed the door open his blue hands shaking violently as he did. Upon entering the illustrious and decadent chamber her nearly cried. He saw a figure, sitting on the throne. Not Odin though. He squinted as he staggered forward trying to make out who was now King of Asgard. The figure was no less strong and imposing, possibly more so. "THOR!" His voice tore from his throat with unimaginable glee. "Thor!" he ran to the steps of the daïs arms outstretched. He tripped in his haste, stumbling at the foot of the stair. His indigo nearly bare body sprawled out helplessly on the floor before the ruler. He shook himself, pushed his way to his hands and knees. The Chituari were in the palace by now. It would be minutes before they found him. Panic incited in his heart once more. Thor didn't seem to respond to the grimy, frenzied Jotun calling to him crawling on his hands and knees up the steps that lead to the throne. "Thor...Thor...Thor," Loki gasped his brother's name. "I...I...I...Thanos...he's...coming...so many...I... help me," Loki pleaded before the feet of the ruler. "He'll kill me...he'll kill me...he'll kill me for sure..." Loki confessed pitifully. Mjolnir's wielder didn't speak rather the patted his booted foot impatiently as the distraught man's request. The howling animals were in the palace now racing through the corridor's. The Chitauri soldiers whooping with their war cried only footsteps away from the throne room door. Loki's eyes darted about anxiously, panic mounting in his gut. "BROTHER PLEASE!" he yelled reaching his blue hand up to touch Thor's boot. He pressed his head against the boot. "Brother, brother...please...p-please...I...I'm sorry...so sorry... p-p-please," Loki begged managing to bring his head up his hot red eyes swollen and leaking tears.
Thor stooped down on his knees, sympathetically, rubbing rough hand over Loki's head like he was patting a pet. Loki trembled under the weight of the strokes. The rough hand nudged Loki's chin up making the tearful vermillion eyes looking at him. "Thank you, thank you," Loki mumbled unable to keep himself from crying, but Loki's joyful tears turned to a horror filled gasp as he noted he wasn't looking into kind blue eyes, rather sinister gold ones.
THANOS NO!" Loki screamed frantically he shot up to a sitting position in his sleep. His panted as if he was just taking in air after being held underwater. His eyes wide with fear, his emerald pupils were dilated and glazed over from fever.
"Loki!" a voice called him back to reality strong hands wrapped around his shoulders. He fought against the steady hold that he found himself in pushing and bucking clawing at the what was in his way. "Loki,It's ok, you're ok," the voice assured him. "Wake up!"
Loki continued fight. He struggled against the gentle push coaxing him to lie back down. He shook his head and thrashed pulled and pushed away, making himself convulse fitfully.
"NoooonooopleazzeThanos...noooo...I...I...needmore time...moretime!" he pleaded. His slender, white limbs flailed everywhere hitting at one who desperately tried to restrain him.
"It's alright," those sturdy, smooth hands eased him back down, trying to pin his arms by his side. The sleeping man continued bucking kicking, twisting and twitching, moaning trying to get away. He worked himself up terribly. His eyes rolled back in his head. He felt the hand palm sweetly at his face, trying to rally him. He couldn't rally himself though, he twisted and vomited on himself. "Oh Loki," the tender tone cooed noting how he was drenched now in his own regurgitation. Immediately the skillful hands began to clean him up, removing the retched upon tunic and wiping his face free of the nasty spew that lingered on the corners of his mouth.
"Calm down, calm down," the voice muttered. He knew the voice it wasn't harsh and gravelly like the nasty howl of the Chitauri beast that he saw in his head. The strong yet tender hand held him fast. Slowly ushering his head to lean against their bodice. This body warm, comfortable, fiercely protective. The strong arms of this one engulfed him wrapping him in a tight embrace as he continued panting and sobbing. "It's alright now, its alright," the familiar voice cooed in his ear while the delicate fingers trailed their way through his hair. He whimpered tears spilling hot from his cheeks onto the shoulder of the one who held him strong and secure. "It's over now, it's over," he was assured feeling a tender kiss on the top of his head. He clung to the silk robes of the one who rubbed his back. He hiccupped as he tried to steady himself and regulate his breathing. He nuzzled into the flesh he felt, so soothing and warm. "It was only a dream, only a dream," the voice whispered never loosening it's grip on him. "You're safe...I promise...I'm here...I'm here," the tone told him affectionately as he laid down panting his eyes darted around the room. The shadows and nightmares had somehow vanished. The smell of his own blood and bile gave way to a sweet scent of lilacs and plums now filled his nostrils. He nuzzled against the tender chest that his face was pressed against forcing his weak arms to wrap around the small waistline. "I'm right here," The gentle lip as they leaned over and pressed a kiss on his forehead while Loki's trembling started to cease, his breathing started to ease, the tears slowly started to stop flowing while his back was rubbed and a song was gently sung to him. "Come stop your crying..."
The scent of pine a cedar wafted into his nostrils. He took a deep breath. He heard the crackled of the burning logs in the fire-place. He loved to used cedar logs for the kindling in his hearth, they smelt the best and the aroma lingered freshly in the air even after the wood had been burnt up. He was warm, but not on fire as he had been for so many days. No he was warm and comfortable, toasty. His fingers twitched bunching the sheets. Sheets? Smooth and satiny in texture. His cheek brushed against the soft velvety encasing of the swan feathered pillows. So comfortable and cozy, he groaned with satisfaction curling up on himself wanting to enjoy the full effects of this luxurious bed. It was the gentle song being sung in the room, so familiar and soothing. A lullaby he knew by heart that caused him to will himself from unconsciousness.
Loki's emerald eyes laggardly batted open. For the first time in nearly 5 days his surrounding's are not a blur. He sees where he is. A large expansive room. With fine furnishings, onyx table tops, velvet gold upholstered lounging chairs and couches. Shelf after shelf filled with books and scrolls. Mantles lined with exotic trinkets. Things that floated on their own and glowed in vibrant florescent colors. The rich carpet that laid on the floor. It was green with the pattern of entwining golden snakes. His room.
He noted that his body was not stretched spread eagle still chained to a wall. Nor was he lying on a muddy floor with nothing, but thatch and straw to be his mattress. No, he was in a large king-sized bed. The sheets made of satin. The familiar forest green shade. The bedding was plush and soft, it fit the contours of his spine and the grooves in his back. It felt so good. His head rested on a cushioned pillow filled with giant swan's feather's they were clean and cool and surround him. His bed.
His eyes darted down. He looked at his hands. They were no longer dirty, grubby paws of some savage beast that roamed the fields. His nails were not caked with grime a mud. His fingers and palms were clean. His nails had been filed down. He reached up his hand to feel through his locks. They were no longer scraggy knotted, tangled vines, his hair had been washed and dried. He immediately dragged his fingers from feeling through his hair and down over his cheeks and chin. No stubble, no patchy facial hair that made him feel mangy and uncouth, he was clean-shaven. He wasn't wearing disgusting rags. He was merely in trousers, they were loose and made of fine linen, black and green trim, regal.
The singing drew closer. The song was sweet and pleasant, sung softly and light so as not to disturb, but it halted for moment as Loki felt the edge of the bed dip as someone came and sat down next to him. They lifted up his sleep shirt and exposed his back. The slathered a gooey cream on his back where the lacerations were. The cream had a cooling effect on the still stinging wounds that lined his back. He let out a pent-up sigh allowing the ointment to take effect. The hands rubbed with care over his offended body part. "You always had such few scars," the voice explained as Loki heard the squishy sound of the salve being rubbed in the strong yet gentle hands. The voice seemed pain with confession. The hands gentle tended to ripped and tattered looking back. This was the same voice that had spoken to him throughout his illness and he'd not been able to place. He curled his thin lips in and sucked in a sharp breath. He now knew who it was. He knew it all too well. The gentle hand reach over still thinking that he was a sleep. The manicured fingers swiped over his brow. It was still moist, but the perspiration was damp. "I'm so glad your fever broke," the voice stated with a smiling tone he felt the body lean over and brush against his. The soft, smooth hand brushed his long black locks back behind his ear. Soft lips touching his temples. Loki clenched and grew rigid.
The kiss flooded his mind with memories. Memories he'd been so eager to keep at bay. Memories that he'd kept lock away in that hidden part of his heart. It was such a tiny, flickering ember. But it was there burning, ready to rekindle in full force. He bit his lips as if trying to smother the small flame in his heart.
The fingers massaged his scalp. "You do need a hair cut," the voice added playfully once more curling the digits through Loki's now passed shoulder length black tendrils. All of a sudden, Loki's hand reached up and he grabbed the caregiver by the wrist. The hand reflexively tensed. The person was startled and sucked in a sharp breath. Perhaps Loki was still dreaming. His fever seemed to have passed, but perhaps there was still a nightmare lingering in his mind. "Loki," the voice called demurely, giving slender porcelain shoulders a slight shake trying to get him to wake up. The cooing didn't rouse the young man rather his grip tightened and he yanked the wispy arm tightly over his shoulder, forcefully pressing the tender palm on the mattress in a harsh way. The arm twisted a little in an uncomfortable position as Loki's nails dug into supple flesh, causing the person to let out a yelp of pain and surprise. "Loki," the person gasped struggling to pull their wrist from the tight grip. "Loki it's ok," they soothed bracing themselves by placing a hand on Loki's shoulder to keep their body from flipping over him. "Wake up now, you're alright," the breathy voice stated still struggling to be released from the grip. "Darling!" the voice ground out, feeling Loki's nail's sink into their skin. "Loki," the voice gasped as the pressure from the nails burrowed deeper into the soft skin. "Loki you're ok, wake up, dear...It's me...it's Mo-"
He gritted his teeth, grinding them in his mouth, perhaps the sound of his grating teeth inside his head would block out the words. He'd not hear them! He'd not bear them and what they'd drag up. Loki squeezed his eyes shut even tighter as he regulated his breathing his back quaked furiously "I know who you are," the man clutching the supple flesh growled. His voice dark and angry, crisp and sharp. His mouth didn't open as he spoke. He inhaled sharply, once again detecting the distinct pleasant scent of lilacs and plums. "Frigga," he exhaled coldly, his tone was biting, refined and distant. He released her hand causing her to lose her balance and nearly fall off of the bed. Her head reeled.
"L-L-Loki?" she asked the look on her lovely face purely confused. Her delicate warm colored, quivering hands hovered a smidgen over his shoulder. Her finger tips barely grazed his skin, when Loki wriggled his thin shoulders causing the thin sheet to fall from him revealing the full extent of his scars and wounds. They were gruesome, painfully red slashes and gashes. His bony body bent in a sharp angles the plates of his spine reminded her of the raised scales of a dragon on edge after being awakened in its lair. He managed to turn his body around, the movement sharp and precise, his emerald eyes gleamed with madness as he stared at her. It was the first time he'd looked in her eyes since the sentencing. She was so beautiful. Just as she had always been. She was draped in a soft colored yellow nightgown. Her hair was not twisted up in an elaborate bun. Her royal crown not adorning her head. Her long honeycomb ringlets cascaded in soft curls down past her shoulders. She had on a blush colored robe. "Loki," the queen spoke softly, her eyes wild as she looked at her son with hurt and bewilderment in her baby blue eyes. She backed up, scooting off the bed the slowly as Loki twisted still glaring daggers at the woman who raised him as he crawled toward her like venomous snake. Soon Frigga had scuttled her body off of the edge of the bed she was standing, head shaking as she watched Loki rise from the bed. She'd expected him to be weak unable to stand without support for a couple of days with recovery, but despite his sickly complexion, his gaunt physique and the nasty lacerations crisscrossing his back like a fleshy chessboard. He moved profusely, lumbering toward his eyes seeming as if they were trying to burrow into her soul.
Loki's eyes were always penetrating. He could always see through people guess their secrets and make them confess their lies. Even as a baby his eyes so green and innocent she couldn't help but tell him endlessly off all the things on her heart. Loki was so shrewd. He was a clever baby, he seemed to understand. His expressions always lined up with the words that she said. Now he glared at her stared hard. He was searching for something. Something he so desperately wanted to see. He wanted to see it. The fear, the disgust, the shame, the anger and hate. The hate mostly. He wanted to know that behind the serene light blue eyes that were so filled with compassion and love that there lied a loathing.
He stomped toward her. Maybe if he got closer, if he was right in her face she wouldn't be able to hide it from him. And when he saw it. He'd be free of sentiment. He'd be free of the dreadful bond, he'd be free of attachment. He'd be loosed from the appalling thing that was sentiment, memory and nostalgia, perhaps he'd be released from love.
Queen Frigga staggered backward as Loki mad his way to standing in from of her face. He'd backed her up into his onyx dresser. She shuddered as he loomed over her. He was lanky, but tall nearly a foot taller than she. His shoulders heaved as he gazed down at her breathing harsh and deep. She bumped into his dresser, sickened by the sneer he wore on his narrow face as his jade eyes didn't flicker from looking at her. The wife of Odin broke her gaze first. "Frigga," she repeated with bitter disbelief. She shook her head and looked down at the forest colored rug. Her hand faltered pressing against the onyx dresser, her fingers felt at the drawer she felt at a slender stick inside. She pulled it out. Loki's wand. The wand she had gotten for him when he was a little boy so eager to dabble in the mystic arts.
"I have a something for you, Loki," Frigga said to her youngest son after dinner hardly able to control her own smile as the dark haired little boy looked up at her big, trusting, green eyes batting at her words.
"Really?" he asked excitedly. He smiled up at her, one of his front teeth missing from the center of his mouth.
"Yes, Mistress Sigrid will be here in only a weeks time to begin to help you study magic," Frigga explained her hands still folded behind her back.
"I know! I know!" Loki echoed bobbing energetically in front of her. "I can't wait!" he exclaimed. "is she as good as the say?' he questioned.
"Oh yes, Loki!" Frigga nodded. "She's one of the most celebrated mages in all of Asgard. She has been away for quite sometime teaching at a school in Vanahiem, but she wants so much to teach a prince of her people. She feels very honored. And you should feel very honored to be taught by her," Frigga explained.
"I do, mummy, I do," Loki confirmed.
The golden-haired queen smiled with affectionately at the raven coiffed child before her. "I know, son. Well it is very important that you show Mistress Sigrid how eager you are about your apprenticeship. You want to make a good impression, don't you?" the queen questioned.
"Yes mummy, very much so,"
"I thought so," Frigga beamed and let out a chuckle. "That is why I have gotten you these," the mother of both of Odin's son's proclaimed and produced a medium-sized package with golden wrapping paper. Loki beamed back at her and eagerly took the box from her hands. He quickly undid the wrapping and opened the box. One by one he pulled out the gifts.
"A real wizard's hat!" He exclaimed pulling out a pointy golden cone hat with green moons and stars speckling it. Frigga nodded watching her child place it proudly upon his head. He dove back into the gift box. "A real wizard's cloak!" Loki explained as he pulled at the brightly colored emerald cape with the black velvet lining the inside. He swung it around proudly before swinging it on his shoulders. He looked so handsome. "I look like a real magician now!"
"Well almost," the golden queen qualified putting a steadying hand on Loki's shoulders that were trembling with joy. The youngest prince's thin lip's pursed with doubt. "You need this!" stated the queen as she pulled out a slender intertwining gold and silver wand with a small crystal on the end.
The youngest prince's eyes went wide with wonder. "WOW!" he exclaimed.
"A genuine wand," Frigga expressed as she placed the beautiful wand in Loki's small slender palms.
Loki's eyes shimmered with glee. "The wand is so important to the magic," Loki told his mother.
"So I've heard," she winked at him.
"Thank you, Thank you mother!" Loki declared. "I...I...I don't know what to say," He shook his head still in disbelief at the fine gifts he received. "This is the best gift I've ever received!" he told her wrapping his arms tight around her waist.
"Only that you are going to work very hard,"
"I am! I am!" Loki promised. "I want to make you and Papa so proud! I'm going to work really hard! I'm going to the best mage that Asgard has ever known!"
Frigga's smile took over her whole face, "I know you will Loki. I just know you will," she told him ruffling his curly black mane.
He pressed himself nestling back into her embrace. "I love you, mummy," he told her. His sweet green eyes looking up at her with such affection.
"Mmm," Frigga squeezed Loki's thin body tighter, "I love you too, Loki dear, so much," She looked down at her darling boy and kissed the crown of his head.
When they finally released each other from the strong hugs Loki scampered off, waving his wand and donned in his magic worthy garbs. "Thor! Thor! Look what I have!" he yelled his spindly legs taking off full speed down the hall.
Frigga's eyes misted as the visions of her little boy faded. She forced herself to look back up into her son's eyes. "Frigga," she ground out forcing herself to look up at him. "Is that all I am to you now?" the great queen muttered with tears in her eyes. "Frigga?" she demanded lip shaking with hurt as she looked into her son's eyes.
Loki shook his head sneering, "Prefer you that I call you highness?" he asked cruelly twisting his head and giving her a sickeningly straight smile. "You must forgive me Highness, I look a sight," he uttered wild-eyed as his tongue lapped at his ashy lips.
The blonde-haired royal woman bit her lip. "Loki, child, son" she whispered tenderly reaching her hand out to cup his cheek.
The glaring green-eyed young man caught her wrist quickly and held it out away from his face. "Stop it!" he spat, shoving her arm back down by her side. "We both know I'm not your son," he spat! "We need not keep up such pretenses any longer," he stated with a cool smirk. "Why would you want to claim a monster as your son?" he asked a twinge of shame in his tone. The smirk left his face, a the true fear that sincere question brought to light shone in his eyes.
"Loki, no" Frigga said bringing her hands up quickly to feel Loki's face. Loki's cold emerald eyes looked away from her. He looked to the side. Not wanting to see her eyes now...they'd pull him, pull on his heartstrings and strip him of his venom, his rage and revenge. "No, no, no" She muttered miserably shaking her head. "From the moment I held you in my arms..." she sputtered. "You became mine...you became apart of me... and I became yours... your mother..." Frigga explained best she could she craned her neck desperate to look Loki in the eyes and see something more than madness and malice housed in his glittering jade pupils. She brought her hands up holding his face firmly so that he couldn't fidget and turn away. He growled in protest, but her hands gentle as they felt were strong. "It was my face that smiled at you over your cradle," she stated her voice stronger now. "My breast which you laid upon as a babe, my voice that sung you to sleep when you were terrified in the night. my hands that held yours as you took your first steps, my arms that embraced you!" she proclaimed to him. "That long to embrace you still," she muttered quietly. "My legs that would run and chase behind you when you played in the garden. "My eyes that ran like waterfalls after hearing the news of what happened on the Bridge," Queen Frigga repeated her words trembled as she spoke them "Oh Loki," she soothed stroking her hand through his long black hair, it was still a bit unkempt, but it was soft and silky to touch. "And my heart!" she declared patting her hand over her chest. "My heart ached knowing that my son was dead! Am I not your mother?" the queen questioned her voice shook and one crystal tear finally leaked from her eye as she placed both hands on his face.
"Enough!" the ex-prince yelled at her. He roughly pulling his face from her tender hold. He pulled away from her leaving her fingertips wanting. He breathed harshly out his nose, so violently that she thought she'd see flames spew from his thin nostrils. He paced around like a cagey animal, as if only holding himself from attacking. "MY MOTHER WAS LAUFEY'S WHORE!" Loki exploded at the queen of Asgard. Frigga gaped at his vehemence and outrage. Loki had always been a sensitive boy and moody young man, but this rage and fury that flickered behind his words made he cringe. "A worthless winch good for nice romp on the ice. Just another no account concubine, who didn't even find her babe worth suckling!" He nearly yelled. "A silly slut who didn't even want me alive!" he continued to fume. He leaned over into Frigga's face the blood vessels in his neck seeming as though they would burst. "Does that sound like you, your majesty?" he whispered with a breathy chuckle close to her ear.
"Fartaubi," Frigga stated in a whisper. She couldn't bring herself to look into Loki's cold emerald eyes.
"What?" Loki replied back as he steadied his breathing.
"Fartaubi," she repeated finally looking up and seeing the puzzled expression on the slender young man's face. "The Jotun who gave birth to you...her name was Fartaubi," Frigga confessed. "She wasn't Laufey's whore, Loki" Frigga stated slowly, allowing a small smile to grace her pretty lips as she looked at Loki with her light blue eyes shimmering. "She was his wife...his queen...I heard that he loved her very much," Frigga shrugged still smiling sweetly at he son. "I know not the reason why you were left at the Ice Temple so, so long ago," she went on taking a sharp breath. "I can't guess what would cause a mother to abandon her infant, but" she paused exhaling. "I was glad she did. Her lose was my gain, our gain, Asgard gain," the blue eyed royal woman explained. "Jotunheim could have become great had they had you as their prince. That was what your father thought to do originally, instate you as the heir to Jotunheim's throne, but we loved you so much. You were our son and as centuries passed we honestly forgot that you weren't born of our loins," Loki trembled under the weight of her gentle, loving hands. "Where is my son?" she questioned sweetly. She stroked his face and hair. "Where is my Loki?' she asked looking into his eyes. They were wild glazed over, darting back forth rapidly trying to avoid her gaze. They were so dark, and cold. Not the dancing mischievous eyes she'd known. Eye's filled with intelligence, and compassion. They were twisted and malicious, but there as he blinked, she saw it flickering beneath the mask of evil that he kept on. She saw the hurt and confusion swirling deep inside his jade pupils and she saw the shimmer of water there. "I have mourned him so," she expressed her eyes filled with mist that she batted back. " I missed him so," she continued. "His witty words would sneak up and talk with me, his mischievous laughter would play in my ears, I'd see him sitting in his favorite chair in the library pouring over an old book, I would watch him work his spells. I'd call to him and then the image would fade. He'd vanish. I'd think it some magic trick, I'd applaud and ask him to come back but he'd return not to me...and I'd weep, I'd weep all over again for him." Frigga explained. She watched his wide green eyes tremble. "Then my heart was rekindled again. I heard my son had been brought back from the dead. I rejoiced and made great preparation for him, but he did not return to me the same." She shook her head bitterly. "They said he had changed, that he was twisted, evil, a villain...a monster" Frigga's voice quivered. She pressed her forehead into Loki's one silent tear from her eye hitting his cheek. "My Loki isn't a monster...he is noble, he is wise, he is charming and funny, he's a good person...where is he?"
"He's gone," Loki replied pushing her hands away from his face and walking away.
Frigga's bejeweled fingers were left gaping. Her mouth open in disbelief as she watched Loki stalk across the room. His this shoulder's heaving as his breath grew ragged and he moved to look at himself in the mirror. It had been so long since he'd seen himself. He looked haggard and warn, but he was clean. "And where has he gone?" Frigga demanded he golden slippers tipping rapidly behind him. "Where can I find him?' she questioned gripping Loki creamy bare shoulder.
"He is dead," Loki shot at her twisting around and smacking her hand off of himself. Frigga looked aghast as she removed her hand quickly from his shoulders and looked into the terrifying glare. "Do you hear!" he shouted at her, "That pathetic child, that weakling, your son...he is dead!" Loki confirmed to her cruel sneer plastered on his face.
"I'll never believe that Loki," the wife of Odin shook her head in protest. 'I'll never believe that all you have left inside you is this snarling beast!" she yelled looking back at him defiantly.
"Won't you?' Loki's voice was a rumble as he chuckled. Quick as a flash he turned on her, coiling around like some snake in the grass. His hands reaching out and gripping her roughly and pushing her back against the golden cobblestone wall. Her back collided with the glittering stones with a bang. She gasped from the pain as Loki pressed and held her there.
"Loki, please child!" Frigga gasped. Her manicured hands clutched around his forearm.
"Won't you? Won't you" he reiterated as he whispered cruelly in her ear. "Oh my dear," he laughed tauntingly. He gripped her smooth as butter face between his pale bony fingers and pressed her cheeks together so that her lips puckered out. Frigga's breathing became panicked and her eyes darted around the room nervously. "I can promise you, you will," he nodded and gave her a wink, a smirk on his narrow face. "In due time you will see me for all that I am," he reminded her. "You will see Ragnorok awaken," He murmured in a low dark tone, his eyes on fire. "It'll clamor at your door and destroy everything you hold dear!" he threatened.
"Loki you are unwell. You are unwell," the honey haired queen declared. "I know that in your right mind... you wouldn't..."She twisted her face free of her son's hands.
"When you watch Asgard burn to the dust," he hissed still whispering sinisterly
"Loki stop!" Frigga warned her heart pounded in her chest. She brought her hands up to cover her ears the words tumbling from her son's lips were too much for her to bear. "Stop it right now!"
"When the streets out filled with blood," he went on tormentingly.
"Loki No!" the queen rejected the vile words as she twisted to escape his tight clasp on her. "No more of this madness!"
"Perhaps then..." He said excited. His chest heaved his green eyes darted, his breath hitched. "Perhaps then...Then you'll see. Then you'll rue the day, you'll rue the day that Odin found me. You'll curse the day he brought me to this house and placed me in your arms," He grinned from ear to ear. The blonde haired queen started to sob. Her knees gave way from under her. She felt herself slipping down to the ground as he heart tore in two. Still Loki held her in place painfully keeping her pinned to wall not allowing her to fall. "Ooohh, aren't you afraid?" the raven haired man questioned intensely. The golden queen's eyes burned from all the tears falling from them. "Aren't I the basest, filthiest, wickedest thing you ever saw?" he inquired not letting up despite how he saw the woman quiver. He loved her he did. He loved her, but he'd not be kept from his vengeance. If he freed her from loving him. If he made himself unlovable in her eyes then he'd be free of the attachment that kept him at bay.
"Say it Frigga," he prompted her. Tongue swiping over his thin lips as if he was hungry to ingest her words. "Say how you hate me!" he pleaded loudly liquid pouring from his eyes, he shook her a little feeling himself break. His lips quivering as tears smeared down his pale cheeks. "Tell me you hate me!" he begged. "Tell me I disgust you! Tell me you want me locked away for 1000 years! Tell me I'm a monster! I'm a Frost Giant... d-d-don't you want me dead. You don't have to pretend," he went on ranting voice trembling."TELL ME!" He screamed in her face while she too cried.
She shook her head, willing her blue eyes to match his tortured stare. "I love you Loki," Frigga replied back. The villain's lip trembled, they moved as if he meant to give some reply but could not. How could she. How could she say it with such sincerity. She knew what he'd done, he'd told her what he would do. Why would she say she loved him?
He released his hold on her. Shaking his head purely puzzled as he gazed into Frigga's soft baby blue pupils. They didn't house disdain like he wanted them to. No there emotion was so deep and so powerful. So strong. It was a force to be reckoned with. It was greater than any dark magic he had ever conjured. It left him feeling vulnerable and exposed and needy like a beggar. This power...his mother's love sent him sinking to his knees as if he forgot how to stand. He crumpled to the ground in shivering heap. His body bowed and prostrated in a child like pose before the queen's dainty feet."Hate me! Hate me. Hate me!" he muttered over and over again helplessly. Banging his fist on the ground like a toddler who'd exhausted themselves after having a tantrum. "HATE ME!" He wailed into the carpet as he pressed his face to the ground. "Please...please...I...can't...I...can't be who I was...I'm not...I'm not...leave me and never come back... please. JUST HATE ME!"
"Darling, never," Loki's mother insisted flinging herself from the wall and on to Loki's back. She hugged him tight rubbing her cheek against his cool skin. "Never Loki," she swore. "No mother could ever hate her son," she reminded him kissing the back of his head as she felt his thin body trembling beneath her. I could never hate you. I love you too much for that. The real you. The you who is kind and gentle, the you who has not been manipulated into being this snarling animal. Who is Thanos?" Frigga asked gently her hands rubbing tender circle's on her son's quivering spine.
Loki grew rigid. His eyes wide with fear, he slowly pulled his body from Frigga's warm embrace. He stood up leaving his moth she confirmeder on the floor on her knees. Slowly, Frigga rose to her feet. Her hand timidly reaching out to touch Loki on the shoulder. "Nothing I could do, Frigga...nothing?" Loki asked his voice sinister and harsh.
"Nothing." she reassured him. "You are my son, my little boy...my baby" she smiled at him the same way he always remembered her smiling at him from his earliest moments to the time when she'd place the scepter Gungnir in his hand and told him Asgard was his.
"And if your baby," He said bitterly laughing shaking his head. "Were to drive a stake," He spun around like a whirled wind startling her with the poison that leaked through his eyes. "Through your husband's heart?"He asked smiling wickedly at he
SMACK! The Queen of Asgard's dainty, manicured hand went crashing against Loki's pale cheek. His head turned sharply enough to his neck crack as spun to the left. It smarted. His creamy skin turned pink from the impact of soft, but forceful palm. Despite the way his skin tingled and burned his pride stung most of all. He was stunned. She'd hit him like he was no more than an ill mannered child. He could count on one hand the number of times she'd physically chastised him throughout the years. There was the time when he'd cut off Sif's hair. The time when he'd turned Thor into a dog, no she hadn't been all too pleased about that. Perhaps there was one more time maybe two if he counted when he was very small. He hadn't needed much physical reprimanding as a boy, at least not from her. A look of disappointment, a hint of displeasure at his behavior shinning in her eyes was enough to make him repentant as a child. But he was not that child anymore. He touched his cheek glaring right before he swung his head back around to look at her. His tongue dabbing on his thin upper lip. He tasted the blood there. Queen Frigga's eyes grew wide with horror, her mouth hanging open with fear. Loki laughed started cackling like a mad man. She slapped him hard. "What is wrong with you!" the queen yelled tears pouring from her eyes."Who is this Thanos and what has he done to you?" Loki turned from her putting his hands on his dresser and clutching it closely. The small trail of red liquid making its way down his chin. He took his thumb and swiped it away. "My love, what hold does he have on you, what has he done to you to make you like this?" she inquired further. "What has he done to you?" Frigga placed both palm on Loki's stiffened shoulder blades that now were moist with a cold sweat. "Your father, he wants you well...we all do...tell us how to help you darling..."
"I have no father," Loki's hoarse voice ground out.
"Loki,"
"I have no brother..." Loki's voice was cool and vacant.
"Your brother has missed you so...he hurts for you..he wants to protect you...If you tell him about Thanos..."
"And," Loki growled his fist clenched, white knuckled at his side. "I have no... Mother," he purred cruelly as he spun around, right hand flying backward and hitting her clear across the face. Odin's wife let out a slight cry, her body falling back against the black stone and glass cabinet. Her head slamming against the obscure glass. The glass shattered and Frigga's body, his the ground a few vials with brightly colored, florescent liquids spilled to floor around her.
Loki looked stunned. "No," he muttered his hand trembling. He looked at his pale knuckles turned crimson with her blood. "What have I done?" He scrambled to her side. . He hadn't meant to hit her. He was just trying to push her off of him, because he was about to fold into her embrace and apologize for all he had done. Tell her everything about Thanos and the other and the horror he had endured in the void. "No," he muttered once more blindly as his feet dragged across the carpet to her side.
He bent down next to her. Her nose bleeding from the backslap. Her lovely face marred with her own dark red blood oozing out the left nostril and on her pretty pink lips. "Frigga?" Loki called softly his hands hovering over her unconscious form. He scarcely wanted to touch her, the rosy color leaving her cheeks, she looked so frail and still. He managed to bring his shaking fingers to touch the side of her throat. Her pulse was still strong. "Frigga, please?" he called finally daring to touch the Queen of Asgard's hair.
He remembered as a boy one time Frigga had been very sick. He was so scared mother never took ill, she took care of him when he was ill. He tiptoed into her room. Her and father's bed chamber was warm and mother lied under a mess of thick ruby quilts, her face looked puffy and her eyes had circled under them. She seemed so miserable although she'd never complain. Her hair was all over the place, the long golden strands flying helter-skelter in her face. "Mama," he said softly as he came and stood by her bedside.
The queen's red eyes slowly drifted open. She smiled back at him weakly. "Loki child," she raised an unsteady hand beckoning him forward. "Sweetheart, are you alright?" she asked sweetly stifling a cough, her normally honey coated voice shrill from fits of coughing. "Do you need something?" she inquired further as she broke into terrible coughs.
"I'm fine mother," Loki stated taking a step closer. He was soon standing over her holding her hand. "I came to see how you were feeling?" his jade eyes looked on her condition shrewdly.
"Oh darling, I'm alright, I'm alright' she insisted smiling up at him and settling into her pillows. She sneezed and sighed. LOoki's face looked troubled. "Tis nothing, my love," she assured him giving her hand a squeeze. "I'll be right as rain, by tomorrow you'll see." she insisted.
"Is there something I can do for you mother?" Loki asked seriously.
"No darling, no...you should be out playing...I don't want you to become ill." the queen protested, but the protest didn't last long as she coughed again.
"Let me get you some tea," The youngest prince offered his mother. He waved his hand and produced a hot steaming cup of his mother's favorite black rose tea. He pressed it in FRigga's hands and she inhaled the brew. She took a small sip and it tasted wonderfully.
"This is the best I''ve ever had," she told her raven-haired boy. She continued sipping. it was obvious that Loki wouldn't leave until she had drank all the contents. "That was so good, Loki, my love thank you... your magic is growing so" she began with a pleasant grin, but was thrown from her bed as the coughing continued.
"Mother, don't talk...let me read to you," Loki offered quickly taking the book from off her vanity.
"Oh no dear, you don't have to,"
"I insist," the green-eyed son of Odin told her. He patted her hand and walked over to the Vanity, He found the leather bound she had been engrossed in since her sickness. He took a seat by her feet on the ruby colored bed. "Chapter 9," he started pulling out her book mark. He had been but 10 years old by human measurements, but he read the adult book with out his tongue faltering once. Frigga fell asleep to the sound of her youngest son's crisp and articulate voice. Loki noted that the queen had drifted. He closed the book and placed it under her hand in case she woke up and wanted to read. He brushed his hand through her golden mane, but noticed how his fingers got stuck. Her lovely tresses had matted from her laying on her bed all day. Loki got his mother's brush and pulled out a footstool and sat down by the queen's side he lovingly brushed the knots and kinks from her golden locks. He was as gentle as possible not wanting to stir her from her much needed rest. When he was finished and her hair flowed once more with out any tangles he placed a tender kiss on her forehead. "Feel better mother,"
Loki felt the back of her head now. He felt a warm dampness on his fingers. He looked down at his hand. His hand once only containe a small smearing of blood from his own busted lip, not it was saturated with blood from the back of the queen's head. He started to lift her head, he heard a soft moan escape the queen's lips, but she didn't bat an eye lash. "Mother?" Loki called now frantically. "Mother!" he shouted. "Please wake up!" he begged ever so lightly shaking her. "Mother, no... no... No... mother I'm so sorry," he whimpered. His face crumpling as he cradled her in his arms. "Mama?" he asked stroking her face with his tears. "I didn't mean it! Oh Mother...I didn't mean it...I DIDN'T MEAN IT!" he screamed pulling her close to his chest. "You're my mother! You're my mother! The only mother I"ve ever had... I love you!" the green eyed man cried. Tears spilled down his face like waterfalls he sobbed so hard his nose ran. "Oh Mother...no no!" he murmured with fear to himself. "GUARDS!" he shouted."Guards please come quick!" he shouted once more. Soon he heard what sounded like a dozen feet bursting through the door. "Mummy, wake up?" Loki begged his eyes still trained on Frigga as rough hands pulled him to his feet. One of the guard's lifted up the Wife of Odin limply in his strong arms.
"What has happened? Is Loki alright?" Odin asked rushing into the prince's chamber.
"Father!" Thor stumbled in behind. "I heard a crash...is everything..." The prince stopped and looked at the limp form of his mother being carried by the palace guard. "Mother?" He asked in distress. He looked to Loki as saw his green eyed brother sobbing blood staining his hands.
A/N Do you want to see this story to continued and go into Thor 2's arc? If so let me know what you want to see happen. I have an idea for where I want to take the story, but if you have an idea you'd like to see happen, let me know and I will do my best to incorporate it!