Hi Guys!
So here we are chapter 2. I'm so happy people are still interested in this idea and are still enjoying the series. As always your reviews, follows and fans make my day and I always want more so please keep them going and feel free to suggest ideas. I've had a few already that's got me thinking.
Anyway enough from me let's get to the good stuff.
Cheers!
D.S x
Disclaimer: I do not own Thor or the Avengers or any other of the many Marvel properties
2
There was much celebration at Thor's return, Odin ordered a banquet to be arranged and Loki couldn't help but be swept up in all the high spirts. The servants, especially those of Thor's household, were rushing around, making sure everything was perfect. Notable warriors, Generals and court nobles descended on the palace and soon the quiet home that Loki had been enjoying was filled with music and drunken laughter.
Loki stared out from his seat at the high table, sat on his Mother's right, who was in turn on the right of her husband the King, with Thor, before he had left the table a while ago, had been on his left. Long, scrubbed, wooden tables were set out horizontally along the large hall that had serviced the banquets of Asgards' palace longer than Loki had been alive. They were piled high with golden platters, holding fruits, breads, cheeses and meats, which were snapped up by the wandering guests. Servants darted about the cacophony, filling any empty goblets that they passed, ensuring that the noble guests would have nothing to complain about during their trip to the royal palace.
A loud bark of laughter drew Loki's green gaze to the familiar figure of Fandral. Already he was surrounded by many ladies of the court, simpering and batting their eyelashes at him, as he regaled them with what was more than likely a highly embellished tale. Loki had to stop himself from shaking his head at the scene. Fandral had only been back on Asgardian soil for less than a day and already he was up to his usual antics.
Sat at a table near the golden haired menace Volstagg was making his way through a pile of food, which didn't seem to be decreasing, even with the ferocity in which he shovelled the various foods into his mouth, washing it down with a large gulp of wine. Loki shivered as those jaws clamped down on a thick leg of steaming meat, so the juices drippled down his chin and onto Volstagg's tunic. Loki could finally understand why the voluminous warrior's wife never came to these events; he wouldn't want to sit next to anyone eating the way Volstagg did.
Lurking close by Loki spotted Hogan, though he was in deep discussion with some of the younger warriors, who chattered animatedly even as the quiet Vanir stood listening politely.
Finally, Loki found Sif, the woman was stood with a group of other warriors, though it seemed to be as if they were talking around her and not to her. Loki felt a stab of pity at the sight of her. Sif had once been the envy of warriors, one of the few women that worked at the warrior arts, at least since the disillusion of the Valkyries, but that was before both even Thor or Loki was born. Some had hoped that with Sif's assentation in the warrior ranks, it would mean the return of the fierce warrior women, but sadly since the coup and Sif's poor judgement the tide had turned. Nobody wanted to put themselves in the crosshairs of the Kings anger.
A light touch brough Loki from his thoughts. Turning he saw his Mother smiling gently at him, even as her eyes cut away to look at Sif before returning to Loki.
"Have you finished dear?" she asked, and Loki glanced at his half empty third plate and nodded. "Are you tired?"
"I don't want to go to bed yet Mother, I'm not a baby," Loki huffed which only got him a laugh and a light flick of fingers through his hair.
"Indeed, my darling, but I merely wanted to know if you would go and look for your brother."
Loki blinked, glancing from Thor's empty seat at the high table to the banquet down below. Thor was nowhere to be seen.
"He disappeared a while ago, and it's not right for the guests who have gathered here to see the return of their Crown Prince to be left bereft."
"He never thinks things through," Loki muttered.
"That's why he has you dear," Loki giggled, Frigga along with him. Hopping down from his chair Loki leaned up and kissed his Mother's cheek.
"Don't worry Mother, I'll find him."
"I'm sure you will."
Loki darted off, easing his way through the crowd and towards the outskirts. Once free of the oppressive noise and bodies, Loki set off deeper into the palace proper. It felt nice to be away from all the nobles, with their incessant chatter and laughter which gave Loki a headache. Normally he wouldn't have been bothered with his Mother wishing to send him to bed early, banquets were not something Loki enjoyed, there being hardly any children his own age for him to associate with. But now, after all he had been through, Loki felt a sense of maturity that he hadn't before. He was growing up and it was time he started taking things, even though he'd rather avoid some of them, much more seriously.
He traversed the palace, the hallways empty due to the congregation in the hall. He'd given Leif the night off, though he was sure he would more than likely be helping his Mother in the kitchen, before returning to his duties in the morning. Normally an opportunity like this, alone and unsupervised, would have Loki itching for some mischief. An impulse which had been fun to indulge in with his new friends. But now alone as he was, Loki found it difficult to even feel a fraction of the usual anticipation that sung through him.
Fixing his mind back on his task, Loki looked for Thor, only he could see no sign of his wayward Brother. Frustrated Loki stopped, took a breath, then gathered his seidr. Usually it wouldn't have taken him as much concentration, but with his Mother's enchantment restricting his seidr, even a simple task such as sensing and searching out seidr took much more effort.
Once ready, Loki cast out for the familiar feel of his brother. While Thor couldn't cast or manipulate seidr himself, he did have a presence. His ability with lightening and thunder was seidr in of itself, though a natural expression, something which didn't require much manipulation or thought on Thor's behalf. Loki thought it suited his brother perfectly.
The concentration of people back in the banquet hall at first made it difficult for Loki to sort through the vast amount of seidr that brightened up for him to see. Loki couldn't help but be in awe at being able to sense so much seidr. People often forgot that everyone carried a spark of seidr within them, but Loki was one of the few who would ever be able to feel them in such a way. Some were louder than others, shining bright and demanding Loki's attention. Loki had to fight not to let his natural inclination to be nosey distract him too much. But he allowed himself some indulgence. His Mother's presence was one that always surprised Loki, with how warm and powerful it was, it was also tempered, controlled. Loki could only suppose that was due to years of training to use her seidr. It was far different from the almost all-encompassing presence that was his Father. Odin's seidr was like a flaming beacon, mixed with the natural energies of Asgard and flowing through the King. Loki could never look at Odin's seidr for very long, not only did the power overwhelm him, but it gave him a headache trying to see where Odin's seidr ended and that of Asgards' began.
A few other bright pockets peeked Loki's interest, but he knew he shouldn't dwell overly long. Turning his attention away he was about to stretch out in search of Thor when something tickled at the edge of his senses.
Loki frowned. It wasn't the vibrant sparking presence of Thor, nor was it the congregation that continued to buzz in the background. Drawn in, Loki felt his own seidr stretching further, out of the palace, the city. It felt like seidr, but one that didn't wish to be noticed. Loki could almost believe that it was trying to drive Loki's seidr away, distract it into believing it wasn't there. Fascinated, Loki pulled the last amounts of seidr that could filter through his Mother's restriction seal and was about to poke at the seidr that continued to try and ward him off when a hand fell on his shoulder.
"Little brother, what are you doing out here?"
Loki yelped at the unexpected contact, ripping himself away only to stumble over his feet and end up on his rear. His moments distraction was enough for his seidr, straining under his Mother's restrictions, to snap back into place. Loki hissed as a headache bloomed from the back lash, the curious lingering seidr that had so interested him before, now no longer in mind. So much so that he forgot all about it.
"Loki," hands hovered on his shoulders and Loki peered up into the worried face of Thor. "Are you alright? Are you hurt?"
"I'm fine," Loki said, waving away his brother's frantic worrying as he tried to push himself up, only for his head to pound and dizziness overcome him. He would have ended up back on the floor if it wasn't for Thor grabbing his arm.
"Now, none of that. You look pale, were you using your seidr? You know Mother has restricted it; you shouldn't have -"
"I wouldn't have had to if you hadn't vanished," Loki said with a scowl. Thor glanced away sheepishly.
"Ah, yes. I should maybe have told someone I was leaving for a while."
"You'll have to explain it to Mother. She sent me to find you."
"Were you not enjoying the party Brother?" Thor asked and Loki huffed.
"How anyone can enjoy those things is beyond me. They're just full of stuffy adults and ladies that like to pinch my cheeks if I let them too close."
"You will not always feel so with the ladies, Brother," Thor laughed. "I look forward to the day when you will no doubt be breaking the heart of many a lady."
"Thor!"
The Crown Prince laughed, and Loki pouted, pulling his arm away, luckily, he didn't get another dizzy spell, his seidr having settled. "What were you doing anyway?"
Thor stopped laughing, he looked over his shoulder. Loki followed his gaze. The hallway led to the stables, but what was Thor doing at the stables? He had no need to use his horse, especially not at this hour.
A hand landed back on his shoulder and Loki looked up at Thor. He was smiling, but it didn't seem to reach his eyes. He didn't know why but Loki thought Thor looked sad.
"'T's nothing Brother. I simply needed some air. Come let us return to the banquet, we wouldn't want to keep Mother waiting."
Loki allowed himself to be pushed back down the corridor, where the noise of the banquet hall awaited. But his mind couldn't help but focus on the sadness in Thor's eyes. He wondered what had put it there?
The jubilation at Thor's return was quickly replaced with the familiar hustle and bustle of palace life, though things were highted as the delegation from Jotunheim neared.
Thor, after his battalion and a number of prisoners, that had been brought back with them through the Bifrost, settled back into his duties quickly. Soon Loki didn't see his Brother apart from the usual once a day family meal that Frigga made sure they all attended.
Loki had his lessons and his seidr instruction from his Mother to keep him occupied, but still, when he saw his Brother at those meals, he couldn't shake off the sadness that seemed to cling to Thor like a shroud. Of course, his Brother put on a smile for him. Making sure to watch Loki's training, even coming down to the cohort to see how he had progressed in the traditional warrior arts. But still something didn't feel right, and Loki didn't want to pry into what seemed to be a private issue for his elder brother.
But when Loki wasn't worrying for Thor, he was for the Jotun delegation. The time of their arrival seemed to have crept up on him, that it was almost as though he was witnessing someone else as Leif dressed him in his best tunic, trousers and boots before he would head down to the Bifrost to greet the anticipated guests.
"Is a…all well my Prince?" the tentative question had Loki startled. He whipped his head around so fast that it almost had Leif stepping back with the suddenness of the movement.
"What?"
"You seem … forgive me Prince L…Loki -"
"Just call me Loki, Leif." Leif blushed and clasped his hands together tightly.
"I…I…Loki, is everything a…alright?"
Loki blinked, surprised at the question. "Yes, of course. Why wouldn't I be?"
"F…forgive me, but I d…don't think that's true." Loki watched as his Valet squared his shoulders, seeming to come to a decision. He stepped closer and put a warm hand on his shoulder as he said. "Are you w…worried about the Jotuns?"
Loki stared, surprised at his Valet's forwardness. Normally, he would have easily brushed off the comment, much like he had been doing since the announcement that the Jotun's would be coming. But now, with their arrival imminent and alone in his room with one of his few friends that truly cared for him, Loki couldn't bottle up his worry.
He sighed and shook his head. "I don't know how I feel Leif," he said. "It seems so surreal. The last time I saw a Jotun … well …" he petered off, not willing to drag the memory of Laufey baring down on him back to the forefront of his mind. "But then, I'm curious."
"C…curious?"
"Aye. I am Jotun." Loki spoke the sentence easily, something which just a year ago he would have shivered at the thought of admitting. "It doesn't define me and it never will, but I can't help but be curious about it. Mother got me books and I've read of their past and culture as was best reported before the war. But what would it really have been like living on Jotunheim? How different would it have been from Asgard? Could I have been different if I was raised there?"
Leif nodded, "that makes s…sense."
"Plus, in all that reading, I've not come across the mention of …well, small Jotuns."
"S…small Jotuns?"
"I don't exactly look like a giant, do I?" Loki smiled which managed to get a laugh out of Leif. "All of the Jotun's we've ever seen have been large, towering over all the other beings in the Nine realms, so why I am so much shorter?"
Leif frowned, "you think the new King would be able to answer your questions?"
Loki shrugged, "I don't know. But the thought of asking him both excites and unnerves me."
"Why?"
"Well, the last time I saw a Jotun they were chasing me. It wasn't exactly the best introduction."
Leif nodded and Loki was glad that his friend had swallowed his words so easily, he knew if it had been Sigyn the girl would have more than likely called him out on his lie. It was partly true that he was still scared for his last experience with Jotun's, but there was another far more personal reason. Even though he knew and accepted that his family would always be Odin, Frigga and Thor, Helblindi was still his brother by blood. Even in those few moments in which he saw Laufey, Loki couldn't even begin to draw any similarities between himself and the Jotun, but would it be different with his brother?
Loki let Leif fuss over him, as his thoughts continued down the ever-growing rabbit hole. Eventually he was able to pull himself back into focus when Leif declared him ready and it was time to meet up with his Mother in preparation for heading to the Bifrost. Leif had done a good job with the ensemble. His tunic was green, with gold lining, with black trousers and soft leather boots that came to just below his ankles. He'd forgone a cape, along with the usual gold circlet he'd worn before. For this occasion he didn't want to look like a princeling, but more of a Prince, one that would stand side by side with his family.
Leif escorted him from his rooms and they soon met his Mother coming out of her own quarters. She kissed his cheeks and Leif was dismissed. He gave Loki a quick smile and wave, before scurrying away and Loki and Frigga were surrounded by the einherjar.
"Are you feeling well my dear?" Frigga asked as they made their way through the palace. Loki quickly put on a smile.
"Of course, Mother. Where are Thor and Father?"
Frigga gave him a quick glance, but didn't push him to answer the question. "They are already at the Bifrost, the Council of Nine is also there."
Loki nodded, allowing the conversation to flow to silence as they left the palace proper. Instead of heading for the stables, Loki and Frigga descended the front steps of the palace, where a golden carriage was waiting for them. It wasn't often that Loki rode in the royal carriage anymore. He used to, when he had been much younger and was more attached to his Mother's side, but since he learned to ride, it had only become natural that he would have his own pony and was able to be at Thor or his Mother's side on his own steed. It felt strange to be sat in the plush interior after so long. The deep red cushioned seats seemed to envelope him, and Loki was sure he could have fallen asleep if he hadn't have been so anxious.
Once the Queen and Prince were safely ensconced within, the driver, who had been waiting with the door open for them, shut it. Climbing up onto the front of the carriage, he took the reins of the four patiently waiting horses. He flicked them and clicked his tongue and soon they were moving away from the palace and down into the central city of Asgard.
Loki pulled back a thick velvet curtain so he would peer out of the window as they passed through the town. There were a few people littered about the streets, but not as many as he would have thought, especially with the chance to see the Royal carriage. Though Loki could understand their nervousness.
"Loki," his Mother called, and Loki let the curtain fall back into place.
"The streets are quiet," he said, and Frigga sighed.
"So it would seem."
"Are the people that scared of the Jotun's?" Loki couldn't help but sink into himself, curling his shoulders around to make himself smaller.
He heard the rustle of cloth and suddenly Frigga was there beside him, having moved from her place opposite to wrap an arm around his shoulders.
"Now, now, none of that," she whispered, placing a soft kiss to his hair.
"They'd probably do the same if they knew about me. They'd hate me."
"Loki," Frigga admonished, squeezing him tighter. "They could never hate you."
"But if they knew -"
"It would not matter," Frigga insisted. "I like to think that the people of Asgard are more intelligent that you seem to believe. They would never turn their backs on their Young Prince. You saw how worried they were when you returned from Midgard."
Loki sighed; it was true that upon his return the people had been ecstatic. Word had gotten out that he was missing, and the people had rose to the occasion to look for him. Men not of the guard had volunteered to search the neighbouring cities outside of the main central city of Asgard. Of course, he hadn't been there, but the gesture had touched Loki deep in his core. But that of course didn't mean that the people of Asgard would be so willing to accept or care for him if they knew of his true heritage.
"I guess."
Frigga squeezed him tight. "Have faith my little Loki," she said. "The people are wary of the Jotun's, but I have no doubt that you will be able to show them the error of their ways."
Loki didn't have the heart to argue with his Mother's words and instead allowed himself to be held. Enjoying the peace only her scent and presence could bring.
The carriage finally cleared the town and they began to cross the Rainbow Bridge. As they neared the Observatory, Loki eased himself away from his Mother to look out of the small curtained off window once more.
The beautiful tones of the Rainbow Bridge lit their way. Loki couldn't help but still be awed by the Void which stretched out into empty blackness below, even as he shivered at the thought of ever getting so close to it that he might fall. He'd already had far too close an encounter to even wish to experience it again. He looked ahead, spotting the white stones of the Observatory. There were several horses that were waiting outside it, along with a collection of einherjar and guards. There was also another, larger carriage that would no doubt be for their guests. Loki marvelled at the sheer size of the thing. It dwarfed the royal carriage he and his Mother occupied, almost ten times its size if Loki was to guess. The exterior was a simple black and silver, artfully decorated with a comfy interior.
Loki was still staring at the thing when their carriage pulled up and he quickly had to pull back as the door opened or he would have ended up falling gracelessly from the carriage.
Loki hopped out and before one of the guards could step up, held out his hand for his Mother. The Queen giggled but allowed her much younger son to help her down from the carriage. Loki tried his best not to let a blush infuse his cheeks as his Mother gave him an appreciative kiss on the cheek, instead taking her arm and escorting her into the Observatory.
The normally rather empty Bifrost was, for once, bustling. Guards loitered around the pillars along with einherjar, all dressed in their bright armour with weapons at the ready. Loki saw a collection of older Asgardians around the central control which Heimdall used to activate the Bifrost. Loki didn't know all of the Council of Nine, the group that worked along side the ruler of Asgard to run the realm. Since the coup, Odin had overhauled all of the Councillors, upsetting a number of the older guard, who had thought they had had positions for the rest of their lives. But Odin hadn't been willing to let anymore would-be traitors get so close again. Especially not when it effected the safety of his family.
The Gatekeeper himself look rather put out at the collection of people invading his usual solitary home. Loki could see the golden eyes, usually blank and lifeless, narrow, watching the Councillors with a degree of annoyance as their voices echoed around the Observatory. Making comments on how less resources should have been poured into the reconstruction when only Heimdall was in permanent residence.
"Mother! Loki!"
The shout gathered the attention of the Councillors, along with the guards, who straightened at the appearance of the final two members of the royal family. Loki paid little heed to it, his eyes fixed on Thor and his Father.
Both were stood where the Bifrost would materialise. Odin was dressed in his olden armour with Gungnir, his spear, held in one hand. Even with his shorter, aged stature, Loki thought his Father appeared strong. His greying hair was swept back and Loki could see muscle that, though rather underused, was still capable of doing battle if needed.
At his side was the beaming Crown Prince. Thor was in his usual armour, cleaned and repaired from his long campaign. The silver plates glinted in the light of the Rainbow bridge. His red cape hung behind him, with Mjolnir strapped to his belt, humming in contentment, much like her master.
Loki and Frigga crossed to the pair. Loki let go of his Mother's arm so she could bow low.
"My King," she acknowledged her husband, who stepped forward and took her arm, bringing her into step beside him.
"My Queen."
"My King," Loki followed suit, as he'd been taught to do since he was old enough to understand the etiquette of the court life he had been born into.
"My Prince," Odin tilted his head, then surprisingly reached out and placed a hand on top of Loki's head and ruffled his hair. Loki was shocked by the gesture of affection. Usually at official events his Father was distant, having to be a King more than a Father. But it appeared on this occasion Odin was willing to bend tradition, not that Loki minded. He even moved his large hand down to cup the back of Loki's head, to pull him close to his side. Thor stepped up on his other, sandwiching him between the two older Asgardian men.
"Are you well, Brother?" Thor asked. Loki looked at him. Thor's face was still pleasant, but he could see a pitch of worry.
Not willing to cause a scene, especially before the Council of Nine, Loki smiled.
"Of course, Thor. I am anxious to meet our guests though. When will they arrive?"
Thor stared at him, his eyebrow twitching in a sign of his disbelief of Loki's words. But he turned to Heimdall, who bowed to the royal family.
"All the preparations have been made. The Jotun delegation simply wait for your order."
"Thank you Heimdall," Odin said, removing his hand from Loki's neck to stand straighter. "We will begin the activation of the Bifrost."
"As you wish my King," Heimdall said, crossing to the Bifrost controls, scattering the Council of Nine as he pulled free his great sword Hofund.
"Are we sure we are ready, Your Majesty?" one of the Councillors asked, glancing around as the Bifrost began to hum. "Perhaps we should delay."
"There will be no more delays," Odin commanded, slamming Gungnir down to punctuate his order. "The Jotun's have waited long enough and so have I. Take your places."
The council, cowed by their fear of the wrath of the King, hurried to do as commanded. Gathering behind the royal family at a respectful distance as they watched the Bifrost twist before them in a mix of colours.
Loki felt the hairs on the back of his neck rise. The seidr humming all around him was potent and something Loki was sure he would never get used to. It made him realise just how powerful a working of seidr the Bifrost was.
Heimdall twisted Hofund. The humming increased and suddenly there was a flash of light blinding everyone in the room momentarily. Loki blinked away the spots which danced across his vision. It always made him curse that one side effect of the Bifrost, the creators truly overlooked a design flaw. However his grumbling was short lived as his eyes landed on the beings which had been brought forth.
Stood before them all were the Jotun's. Loki's mind couldn't help bit flash back to the last time he had seen one. Large, menacing, looming over him ready to kill. Loki swallowed and pushed back his instant reaction to run, instead fixing his attention of studying the beings before him.
The three Jotun's were larger than any of the Asgardians, standing over eight feet and one which had to be ten foot tall. Their blue skin was bright and gleaming in the light of the Bifrost, Loki thought he could even see cold steam coming up from them, sending a chill into the air. Loki's gaze swept over the intricate markings which marred the otherwise smooth blue surface. The markings were something Loki had researched, fascinated in the complex deigns, though not as prominent on his own skin as the Jotun's before him. From what he could understand, they were heritage lines, marking the linage of any offspring of a Jotun. They were born faint and once a Jotun reached a certain age, they were made deeper in some kind of ceremony. Lines were also added when a Jotun married, achieved a feat or had children of their own. In essence you could know everything about a Jotun, just by looking at their markings, which they wore with pride and honour.
Loki swept over the markings of the tallest Jotun. They covered most of their skin, dark and deeply ingrained. They disappeared beneath a thick white fur hide which was wrapped around their waist, along with leather straps that came up to cross across their chest. It was only as Loki's eyes moved up that he felt a flush creep up his neck. The Jotun before them was female, made evident by the ample bosom that was barely concealed beneath the straps. Two short, but thick horns curled from their bald head, with a chain connecting between the two, with a single white pendent hanging in the middle so it rested on the Jotun's forehead. A staff, that look more like the trunk of a tree was held easily in one hand, but Loki could feel the tell-tale signs of seidr, though not as strong as himself or his Mother.
Beside the tall female Jotun was a male. His horns were longer and didn't curl, instead protruding straight and deadly from his forehead, the pointed ends more than capable of skewering an Asgardian. His bottom half was concealed by a black fur hide but the rest of his body was bared to the elements. Loki thought this Jotun appeared older, he could see lines around the Jotun's deep red eyes and mouth. His heritage lines were also faded, worn away like rock against the wrath of the sea and wind.
The third and final Jotun, was also a male and the shortest of the ones gathered before them, though he carried himself with confidence before the assembled Asgardians, who peered up at him with wary hostility. His horns were large and think, curling back so they had a rounded edge. A collection of jewels encrusted them, making them look more like a crown then the deadly weapons Loki was sure they could be. His blue skin was covered in markings and Loki could see where newer ones had been recently added, they not having faded to scars just yet. A deep red fur hide covered his lower regions, a bright, stark colour compared to his companions. It matched his eyes, which surveyed the group, before stepping forward towards the royal family.
Loki sucked in a breath at the Jotun's approach. His legs trembled and he would have panicked if not for his Brother's steadying hand on the small of his back. A bright spot of comfort in the uncomfortable situation.
The Jotun stopped two feet away, then bowed low.
"Odin AllFather," his voice was a deep rumble. Like an echo in a cave, soft, gentle, yet powerful.
"King Helblindi," Odin said, bowing his own head at a fellow King of the Nine realms. Loki tired not to let the shock appear on his face, even as his eyes flicked back to study the Jotun before them once more. This was Helblindi, the new King Jotunheim. Eldest son of Laufey and Loki's blood Brother. "You honour us with your visit."
"Nay, AllFather, your acceptance honours me," Helblindi said, lifting his head, but still appearing humble before the King of Asgard. Loki couldn't help but be stunned. The Jotun before him was nothing like his sire. It was true, Loki had not seen much of Laufey, but what he had witnessed made him think of the old King as a hard creature. His mind bent towards violence and rage. But this Jotun was polite, quiet, nothing like the ruthless King Laufey at all.
Helblindi stepped back, allowing his companions to come up just behind him. "May I introduce one of our Seidrmasters, Angrboða, Lady of the Iron Woods and Thrym, Lord of the White Sea, and an elder of Jotunheim."
Odin bowed to the two. "Greetings and welcome to Asgard."
"King Odin,"Angrboða said, voice deep but soft, a counter point to her tall stature. A grunt left Thrym's mouth and Loki was sure that was all the Jotun Lord would have said if Helblindi hadn't cleared his throat significantly.
"King Odin." the reluctant acknowledgment made the Council, still stood behind the royal's bristle, but Odin paid it no mind, but Loki could see the way his shoulders stiffened.
"Lord Thrym, it has been a long time."
"Not long enough," the Jotun Lord spat, making no attempt to hide his distain for the King of Asgard. Loki eyes shifted from one to the other, his Father's face was a blank mask while the Jotun continued to glare at him, ignorant or uncaring for the Council that looked ready to revolt at the blatant disrespect he showed.
Much to Loki's surprise, Odin shook his head and laughed, though it was brittle, "I see you haven't changed."
The Jotun scoffed and looked ready to say more when the Jotun King Helblindi deftly swept in. "I take it this is your family King Odin."
Odin nodded and Frigga stepped forward, dipping down into a short curtsy. "King Helblindi, it is truly a great delight to host you. I hope you enjoy your time here on Asgard."
"Queen Frigga," Helblindi nodded, bowing politely back. Thor stepped forward then, shoulders back and face still as he bowed to the King of Jotunheim.
"King Helblindi, welcome."
"Prince Thor," Helblindi said with a mere tilt of his head. The gesture was greeted with a round of mutters from the Council of Nine. The King of Jotunheim, while not being completely disrespectful had barely acknowledge the Crown Prince of Asgard. It was an action that could be taken, by some, as an insult, the Council would no doubt see it so. Thor was their future king and any disrespect to him could be seen as disrespectful to the realm itself. Loki glanced worriedly at his Brother, hoping that King Helblindi's action had not stoked the Thunderers hot temper. Instead Thor's face was open, with a small polite smile playing around his lips.
"Asgard is gladdened by your presence," Thor continued. "I hope that this can be a step into a future where Asgard and Jotunheim can work side by side," then he held out his hand to the King.
Helblindi's face, which had been so schooled cracked slightly. He blinked, glancing at the hand, then the Thunderer, as though unsure as of how to proceed.
"Prince Thor! Don't touch him!" a Councilmen protested.
"To touch a Jotun's skin is to invite death!" another added, to which Thor laughed.
"I am sure that is true, but I doubt that it is always so," Thor's blue eyes flicked to Loki and the Young Prince was sure his Brother winked at him before looking back to King Helblindi.
"But still -"
"You are right Crown Prince Thor," Helblindi said, stepping forward even as Thrym gave him a glare. Before anymore could be said, Helblindi clasped Thor's outstretched hand tightly. Loki, along with the rest of the gathered Asgardians waited with bated breath, but nothing happened. Thor did not scream in pain, nor did his arm begin to turn the horrible blackened colour that had inflicted many Asgardians during the war with Jotunheim. "A Jotun can control the temperature of their own skin. The frost bite that can come as a result from touching a Jotun is not something that we keep up the whole time. Why how else would we even be able to touch one another? It would be most disruptive."
Thor laughed again and shook the King's hand. Loki smiled at his Brother; this was one of Thor's better traits on show. His charm and ease, both of which now far eclipsed the temper and arrogance that once had soiled his Brother's personality. Loki knew that these qualities of his Brother would ensure that he became a great King, one that could even unite the Nine if he wished.
Thor chatted with King Helblindi a little more, exchanging pleasantries with Angrboða and Thrym, the latter looking like he'd rather strangle the Crown Prince, as he thanked him for the welcome through gritted teeth.
Finally, Thor stepped back, and Loki felt those red eyes fall on him. He tried his best not to let the fear and unease show on his face, instead he took a steadying breath and stepped forward, past Thor, who, while not reaching out to clasp his Brother's shoulder, stood close to Loki's back, a protective and supportive presence in a situation Loki had been dreading.
"King Helblindi, welcome to Asgard," Loki said, bowing low, as was proper of a second Prince. Loki had decided to keep his own greeting short, not wanting to risk him losing what little confidence he had to face this situation head on.
Loki waited for the words to be reciprocated, giving him his que in which to stand back up and retreat. But instead he heard a shuffle of feet, then and waft of air that tickled his raven locks.
"Please, Prince Loki, stand, you bowing before me is something that I would never wish for."
Startled, Loki couldn't help but do as commanded, only to be met by the face of King Helblindi, now bent on one knee before him, face solemn.
"I…I… King Helblindi I don't -"
"My sire, the once King Laufey came to this realm and nearly killed you Prince Loki," Helblindi said, those red eyes never moving from Loki's shocked green ones. "Seeking the death of a child, it is a sin not even uttered from the mouths of Jotun. It is seen as too monstrous to contemplate. That my sire tried to end your life,' Helblindi shuddered. 'He will be damned most painfully for his act.'
Loki continued to stare in shock as Helblindi lowered his head. 'I cannot ever begin to comprehend the fear you must have felt. To have you standing before us now, is a testament to your courage and character. That you see fit to give the Jotun race another chance, I am humbled. But still," Helblindi shifted and suddenly he was bent fully at the waist, so his jewelled horns were touching the cool floor of the Observatory. "I must ask for your forgiveness in the act my sire tried to perpetuate upon you. Ask anything of me and it will be yours."
Loki was struck dumb. If there was anything he had expected when meeting the Jotun's, especially King Helblindi it had never been this. "W…well…I…"
"There is no need for this King Helblindi," Thor said, though he sounded just as shocked as Loki felt. "The wrongs of King Laufey are not for you to -"
"No," Helblindi voice was sharp and strong. "Laufey as the King of Jotunheim did not just carry his own honour, but that of all of Jotunheim. His sins are our sins, his faults our faults. We will carry the shame of his actions until we feel as though those actions have been atoned for. It is our way. In addition, Laufey was my sire and I have made it one of my first acts as King to right as many of his wrongs as I am able. He did much damage, not only to others in the Nine realms, but Jotunheim as well. He lost us our greatest treasure."
Helblindi hadn't looked up through out his whole speech. Loki glanced at the other two Jotun's, both were down on their knees, their large forms almost curling in on themselves before him. It was something he was unprepared to deal with. He glanced at his Mother and Father. The King's face was still, but Frigga caught his desperate look and simply smiled at him, fully willing to support whatever decision he made. He turned back to the Jotun's. None of them had moved, willing to wait, maybe forever for whatever choice Loki made.
Loki swallowed, he hadn't given much thought into forgiving Laufey and if the being was still alive, he probably would not be able to. But this Jotun, this new King, he had done nothing to Loki, was prepared to face whatever wrath the Young Prince could dish out to him. Loki straightened his back, proud and strong. He would put the blame where it belonged.
"I thank you for your words King Helblindi, but please, there is no need for them. It is true, that should you have been King Laufey I would have wished for nothing more than your head. Not for my own life, you understand, but for the actions he took against my family. But you are not he and I believe it is not right to judge one by the actions of another. Please, raise your head and that of Jotunheim."
Helblindi hesitated, but slowly he lifted his head. Loki swallowed nervously as those fathomless red eyes stared at him. Then Helblindi sighed.
"The remarkableness of youth is something I find still astounds me," he said, heaving his great bulk up to stand, though he eyes never left Loki. "It seems as if I have much to learn. You have a truly extraordinary son, King Odin. He does you credit. I look forward to seeing the man he will become."
"Don't we all," Odin said, and Loki let out a sigh of relief as his Father placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Though I hope it will be a few more years before he is old enough to cause me even more grey hairs."
Helblindi laughed and Loki found the sound pleasant. "I have yet to have sired any of my own children. I cannot help but be nervous for that day."
"Children are a great gift," Odin said, squeezing Loki's shoulder tightly.
"Indeed. But I still stand by my word Prince Loki. Anything you wish, name it an it shall be yours. There is no rush," Helblindi added as he saw Loki's look of panic. "It is an open wish, one that I have no want to retract."
"I…Thank you, King Helblindi," Loki managed to say, which got him a small smile cracking across the Jotun King's lips.
"We should make our way to the Palace," Frigga said, clapping her hands which had the guards and einherjar moving. "Please this way."
Loki allowed himself to be pushed back as Frigga took Helblindi's arm, escorting him from the Observatory. Odin offered a hand to Angrboða, who took it daintily, while Thrym brought up the rear, but was soon engulf by the Council of Nine. Heimdall followed, as though making sure the invaders of his home were well and truly leaving.
"Are you well Brother?" Loki turned to Thor, who was still stood by his side, concern making his blue eyes dark. Loki didn't know what to say, in truth he didn't know how to feel, the whole scenario had gone down much differently than he thought it would have done. It had sent his preconceived notions for a loop and leaving him floundering.
"I don't know. King Helblindi is different than I thought he would be," Loki finally admitted.
"Indeed Brother," Thor agreed. "Though it appears that it is for the better. Never have a seen or heard of a Jotun getting on his knees. They are a proud race."
Loki nodded, "aye. Come, we should not fall too far behind, Mother will be angry if we delay the departure."
Thor grimaced and together they made their way out of the Observatory.
The feast to welcome the Jotun's was a far more subdued affair than Loki was used to. Of course, there was the usual dancing, music and tales that seemed to be without end. But there was a tension which permeated the room, one that dampened the usually joyful atmosphere.
Loki had sat in his usual seat at the high table, which had been altered to accommodate their guest. Raised sections were situated by the right side of the King and Queen, along with chairs large enough to sit the taller and thicker bulk of the Jotun King and his delegation. Exotic foods had also been provided. Loki took interest in the strange mix of fruits though he curled his nose at the meat, which was rawer than what most Asgardians would typically prefer. They were placed before their guests, who heartily tucked into the selection.
Loki had been on the left, next to his Mother for which he was grateful. Even getting over the first initial meeting, Loki was still unsure and felt wrong footed around the Jotun's. Thor thankfully was able to keep a lot of the attention on himself, regaling tales of Midgard to Angrboða, who listened with wrapped attention. Thrym, who was the closest to his King appeared indifferent, but Loki could see his eyes shift to Thor and Angrboða every now and then with interest, especially at the mention of the technology Midgard now boasted.
However, it was King Helblindi that received most of Loki's attention. The King of Jotunheim was seated next to his Father, Odin, deep in quiet discussion which was masked by the noise of the gathering around them. Loki watched the two, taking in Helblindi's features. Did they look alike? Loki didn't think so but was that because he was in his Asgardian form. Would similarities emerge if Loki was to shift? The Young Prince shivered, he might be nervous and wary of telling the people of Asgard about his heritage, but informing any Jotun sent a fission of fear down his spine. What would they do to him? Would they care? Would they try to kill him like his sire tried the moment he was born?
Caught up in his thoughts Loki wasn't quick enough to dart his gaze away as Helblindi looked up from his discussion. Loki froze, startled like a rabbit caught in a predator's gaze. Those red eyes stared at him, but then lips moved into a small smile.
Loki's heart jumped, his stomach curled, and he felt a rush embarrassment. He tore his gaze away and stood up. Hastily making up an excuse for his Mother he nearly ran from the hall and out onto one of the verandas, which overlooked the great central city of Asgard.
Making sure to close the door, Loki took in a deep breath, letting the chill of the night chase away the rapid swell of emotions that had almost over come him. Sighing he crossed to the stone rail, and leaned his body over it, head bowed. The drop to the ground below was significant, but he could still make out the hustle of the guards as they went about their rounds in the Palace courtyard below. It gave Loki something to focus on instead of his confused emotions. He still felt the embarrassment of having been caught staring, but underneath that was a fear and anger that Loki worried would boil up and overwhelm him. If his seidr wasn't restricted, he was sure it would have been sparking, reacting to the torrent of confusing emotions, but instead it was forced to roll beneath his skin, making him feel sick. He sighed again as he tried his best to squash out the feeling, but his seidr made it difficult.
"Loki?"
Shocked at the sudden voice, Loki yelped, spinning, which only added to the nausea he was suffering.
"F…Father? What are you doing here?"
Odin was stood by the door that led back into the hall, which was thankfully still shut. Gungnir was held in one hand, while his armour glinted in the torches which were ensconced along the walls of the palace, adding soft light to the otherwise dark night. His Father's one eye stared at him.
"Your Mother was worried when you left so suddenly. She would have come, but I needed some air and King Helblindi was more than willing to indulge your Mother in a dance. Is all well my son?"
"Of course," Loki smiled, even though it felt like the last thing he wished to do. "I was merely overwhelmed; you know I do not enjoy feasts overmuch."
Odin sighed then crossed to where Loki remained standing at attention by the rails. He stared down at him and Loki hoped he'd put enough into his expression to mask his turbulent emotions which still swirled inside him. Odin then leaned Gungnir up against the rails and without a second thought reached out and brought Loki into an all-encompassing hug.
Loki couldn't help but be rather shocked at the sudden display of affection. Of course, he and his Father had been getting closer, especially within the last two years, but his Father preferred ruffling his hair, or pats on the shoulder. Hugs were something Loki remember from his early childhood, when he was still small enough to be carried around on his Father's shoulders when he had time to spend with him in his Mother's garden. It had petered off as he'd gotten older, so he had forgotten how warm his Father's hugs made him feel. Protected, safe from the outside world.
"Now my young son, I think you know better than to lie to me," Odin said softly, as he tucked Loki in close to his chest. "What is it that plagues you so?"
Loki sniffed, burying his head into his Father's clothes. "I don't know, I just feel so confused."
"About what?"
"I…" Loki hesitated, but it seemed that Odin didn't need further prompting. A large hand found its way to Loki's raven locks and carded through them.
"The Jotun's?" he asked. Loki bit his lip, then nodded. "I can understand your confusion my son. The Jotun's, for too many years now have been a source of anger and strife for our people. That is something I should have put a stop to."
"You couldn't have done anything," Loki said. "People were scared for a reason."
"That still doesn't mean we should take out our fear on a whole race," Odin disagreed. "Laufey may not have been the nicest Jotun, but he was not the majority." Loki snorted, his disbelief clear. "Oh, sceptical, are you? Well I have it on good authority that most Jotun's are fairly nice people, though they do possess a temper along with a wicked sense of humour."
"How could you know that? You've never met many Jotun's."
"Not true, in fact I have first had experience, since my own Mother was a Jotun."
Loki jerked back to stare up in surprise at the smirking face of his Father. "W…what?"
"Indeed. I'm sure your Mother must have mentioned it at some point." Loki shrugged and Odin sighed. Pushing Loki away from him a little, he turned then promptly sat on the floor, before tugging Loki down beside him. Loki allowed himself to be placed close to his Father, who kept an arm wrapped around his shoulders, giving Loki the comfort and grounding his seidr needed. It made his stomach feel so much better.
"Grandmother was truly Jotun?" Loki asked once he was comfortable.
"Hmm. Her name was Bestla, she hailed from the Seven Sisters."
"Seven Sisters?"
"Seven mountains that cut through Jotunheim," Odin explained. "It is a harsh land, even for Jotunheim, the Jotun from there tend to be wilder than their counterparts on the Plains or closer to the sea and Utgard."
"Utgard?"
"Someone hasn't been paying attention to their Geography," Odin teased, pulling on a black lock, which had Loki frowning. "Utgard was the central city of Jotunheim, it's where the Palace stands today."
"There were cities in Jotunheim?" Loki couldn't help but ask. Odin nodded, a sad look crossing his face.
"Aye, there were many cities in Jotunheim before the Great War. Most tragically were destroyed and not just by Asgardian forces. Laufey was a tyrant and used his people's homes as garrisons for his army during the siege. After, there was simply no funds or resources for them to be rebuilt, though I hear they are more akin to settlements now, they are a far cry from the great towering ice spires that my Mother described in my youth."
Loki's mind conjured up a picture, of the white snow of Jotunheim and in the distance a glittering pillar of ice that sparkled in the sun that managed to creep through the clouds of the Jotunheim sky.
"I bet they were beautiful."
Odin squeezed his shoulder. "The Seven Sisters did not have such a great city to its name, but it was a wonderful place. Simple and modest but had the fiercest warriors ever to grace Jotunheim's army. Back in my Grandfather's time and our two people were on friendlier terms, Jotunheim would send some of their warriors to Asgard and vice versa."
"Why?"
"History would say it was a sign of friendship, but it was more likely to do with keeping an eye on each other's resources and strength. Not that that mattered to the warriors which were stationed on both realms. They were there to learn and serve. My Mother Bestla was on a placement in Asgard when she met my Father, your Grandfather."
"What was he like?"
"Bor?" Odin laughed. "Very much like Thor, though without his signature golden hair. He was boisterous, loud and according to my Mother's many rantings, highly annoying."
Loki giggled and Odin smiled fondly. "The pair of them didn't get on at all when they first met. Bestla thought Bor didn't take being a warrior and a future King seriously and Bor thought Bestla took everything too seriously. They were opposites in personality and in life experience. Bestla's home of the Seven Sisters was harsh while Bor grew up in a life of privilege. In the end though, I think that was drew them together."
"What do you mean?"
"They'd fight like cat and dog, tearing each other apart not only with their words, but with their fists. For most of my youth I had never seen my Father best my Mother in the ring, though he did give her a run for her money. But Mother kept Father grounded, deflated his ego and made him think. While Father, he made Mother smile. She laughed more when in his presence, was more at ease. He made her forget her responsibilities for a while so she could simply live. They were wonderful people."
Loki felt a sting at the look which crossed his Father's face, one of happiness and longing. He felt sad that he had never gotten the chance to meet either of his Father's parents, both having passed long before he was born. He wondered what it would have been like to grow up with the pair of them. Especially if their fights were as volatile as his Father described. Then a thought occurred to him and Loki frowned.
"Father, how big was Grandmother Bestla?"
"She was average height for a Jotun," Odin mused. "Around seven to eight feet tall if I remember right."
"Then how could Grandfather and Grandmother be together? I mean, Jotun's, as you say are much larger than Asgardians and …well..."
Lok clamped his mouth shut at the look Odin shot his young son. "Not that you should be thinking such things," he said. "But seidr is a wondrous thing. It can perform many miracles. That's all you need to know."
"Yes Father," Loki quickly agreed.
"Bestla was a wonderful Mother and great warrior. She could have been any species in the Nine and my Father, Brothers and I would still have loved her just as fiercely. Do you understand what I am saying to you, my son?"
"I think so," Loki said. "It doesn't matter where you're from, your history or race, everyone can be good or bad and we shouldn't judge." Odin hummed in agreement, but Loki still frowned, wiggling closer to his Father and he said softly. "But it's so hard Father."
"I know my son, I know."
"They left me," Loki muttered, his face which was pressed against his Father's shoulder starting to get wet as tears fell. "They left me alone. Why? Why would they do that?"
"I have no answers for you, my little Loki," Odin held him tighter. "But know that at the moment I found you, you became my, your Mother's and Brother's treasure. You complete our family in a way we never saw and though this may sound cruel, I am grateful to Laufey for leaving you as I could not imagine a life without you."
Loki shivered, the words were blunt but honest, and Loki took them how his Father meant them. That Odin, Frigga and Thor, would never have been the same without him in their lives. It eased Loki's feelings of abandonment, but not his anger nor curiosity to how that ended up being his fate.
But he voiced none of this to his Father, instead he simply crawled closer to him, enjoying the contact he rarely got from his Father, who was both King and parent to the whole realm.
"I love you Father."
"And I you."