Hi Guys!

Hope everyone is doing alright and can't wait to see the back of 2020 in the next few hours (depending on where you live. I really wanted to get the next chapter of this out before the new year as I will be slowing down when we get into 2021 due to life stuff. Any hopefully this will be enough to tide you all over.

Huge thanks as always for the reviews, favs and follows. I appreciate them all and I do try to respond to PM's when I can, like I said life his hectic at the minute.

Enough prattling from me. Time for the important stuff. Chapter 3. Enjoy!

Cheers!

D.S x

Disclaimer: I do not own Thor or the Avengers or any other of the many Marvel properties

3

That night Loki slept well. His Father, after their talk on the veranda had taken the Young Prince off to bed, going so far as to tuck the Young Prince between his sheets. Loki would have normally protested such an action, he was no longer a baby, but with his minor break down he'd felt washed out and tired. Plus, he enjoyed his Father's closeness, even though he would never admit to it after the fact.

He'd been so tired that Leif had had a hard time rousing him, but eventually he'd been pushed from his bed, into a bath and then placed on his usual podium for Leif to dress him in his outfit for the day.

"Did you e…enjoy the feast last n…night, Prince Loki?" Leif asked as he fussed with the simple green tunic, buttoning it up the front as Loki stood with his head high to ensure it didn't catch on his skin.

"It was fine."

"I'm s…sure the court were e…excited," Leif said. "What with the J…Jotun's being there."

Loki hummed. "More tense than excited I would say. There have not been Jotun's on Asgard since before the Great War."

"A…are they really as b…big as people say?"

"Bigger I think, the female was ten foot tall."

Leif gaped and Loki laughed. "Truly?"

"Aye. King Helblindi introduced her as Angrboða, one of their Sedirmasters."

"I didn't know J…Jotun's had Seidrmasters."

"All beings of the Nine realms have access to seidr," Loki explained. "The Midgardians less so than the other realms but it is not insular to one race."

"Who else was part of the d…delegation."

"A Lord Thrym," Loki frowned. "He's an elder, the Jotun equivalent to the Council of Nine I believe. He seemed as though he'd rather not be here."

"If he is old then he p…probably fought in the Great W…War," Leif mused.

"It's a wonder why he chose to come with the delegation then. His hatred of my Father was obvious, I thought the Council would threaten war if he kept up with his attitude."

"He must have his r…reasons." Leif finished with the tunic and moved to claim a pair of boots. Kneeling before the Young Prince he waited for Loki to lift his foot before sliding the boot into place. "What o…of the King?"

"What?"

"King H…Helblindi. What was he like?"

Loki didn't answer straight away, for once unsure of how to respond. "He was not what I expected."

"H…How so?"

"He was … nice." Admitting it was harder than Loki thought it would be, but he couldn't hide from the truth of it. King Helblindi had been nice, polite and refined. He'd shone at the feast, dazzled the Asgardians who had taken the plunge to speak to him. They'd gushed over his manners and demeanour, which was completely at odds with his fearsome visage. Even the servants had no unkind words, commenting on how grateful the Jotun King was of their service, a rare thing with the some of the noble class they were used to hosting during events.

"Did you expect h…him not to be?"

"I don't know what I expected," Loki said. "Have you heard anything from the people? What of their thoughts."

"N…naturally they are wary," Leif admitted, though a fierce look of anger washed over his face. "I have had to have w…words with my bro … I…I mean some of the younger g…guards to keep their mouths shut."

Loki winced, knowing who Leif was speaking of. Leif's brother had finally joined the guard, though it had yet to curb the sharp tongue he had. Luckily Leif's confidence had developed from their adventure on Midgard and was more than ready to go toe to toe with his older brother.

"They are worried then?" Loki asked.

"No more than a…anyone else," Leif shrugged. "It has been a long time s…since anyone has truly interacted with J…Jotun's. It has hard to shed some of the b…beliefs which had sparked up after the Great War."

Loki nodded, that was understandable, but it didn't make anything easier. He glanced at Leif. "What of you? What do you think?"

"I have not had the p…pleasure of meeting K…King Helblindi," Leif answered as he fitted the second boot than began to lace the fronts of both with nimble fingers. "But I'm s…sure he will be joy to get to know."

"How do you know that?"

Leif finished with the laces and stood up with a smile. "Because if he is anything like another J…Jotun I happen to know, then I'm sure he will be g…good company."

Loki couldn't help but gape, even as Leif turned away and began regaling him with the schedule of the day.

Loki sighed as he closed the door to the Royal Library, leaning against it as he rubbed a hand through his hair.

"Honestly, it's not as though I'm falling behind," he muttered angrily. His lessons with the Master he'd just left behind had placed him in a foul mood. Since his return from Midgard all of his Masters that were in charge of his education seemed to be insistent on pushing him. Usually he didn't mind a challenge, relished it even, but these last few days his heart just hadn't been in it. Normally he would have told the Masters his troubles but this time that was impossible. He couldn't admit to his worries about the Jotun's without first explaining why, and that was something Loki couldn't do. He wouldn't risk it.

So that left him in the state of simply baring his Masters angry frustration at his inattention. It was infuriating and made his seidr wither under its bindings, but Loki would endure. Hopefully things would be over soon enough.

A chime echoed through the hall, signalling the hour. As another rang out Loki spat a curse, pushing himself away from the door to dash off down the hallway. He hadn't realised how late his Master had made him stay. He needed to head back to his chambers and change before meeting his Cohort in the afternoon. He wouldn't even get the chance to eat because of the late hour.

Barrelling round a corner, Loki gasped as a figure suddenly rose up before him. Not fast enough to stop his momentum Loki crashed into a hard body, which he bounced off to land on his rear, hard.

He hissed, eyes closing as pain shot up his back.

"Are you well, Prince Loki?"

"Fine, fine. I'm sorry that I … Sif?"

Loki couldn't help it, his eyes widened as he stared up at the usually sneering warrior woman, but who was staring at him with a tint of concern on her now blank face.

"Yes," she said, voice as cool and calm as her emotionless face. "Are you sure you're alright, Prince Loki?"

"I…yes, I'm fine." Loki tried to scramble to his feet, only to end up in a tangle of arms and legs in his rush. He would have ended up back on his back when a firm hand grabbed his arm, steadying him.

"Careful," the admonishment was soft, but a flash of fear that rippled through Loki as memories assaulted him. Of Sif standing over him, ready and willing to kill him.

He ripped his arm from her grasp and took a hasty step away. "Don't touch me," he whispered, curing his arms close to his body, as though to make himself as small as possible.

Sif was left standing there, arm frozen outstretched before her as she watched the Young Prince huddle in on himself like a frightened rabbit. Loki tried his best to calm his breathing, which had picked up due to the adrenalin the memories had sent coursing through his system, but he was having little luck with it.

Sif watched him a moment, then took a small step towards him. The action had Loki's panic spiking and he flinched. Sif stopped, then carefully she held out her hands palm up.

"Prince Loki, please, I'm not going to harm you."

"I…I know that," Loki gasped. "Just … just give me a minuet. Take a step back."

Sif frowned, but did as he said. Even though part of his mind was screaming not to, Loki closed his eyes, blocking out the world so he could concentrate. He knew, logically, that Sif wasn't going to hurt him. She couldn't, he was in the palace, he could call guards and they would come running and Sif would be arrested or in more likelihood, killed for daring to harm a member of the Royal family. So that meant he was fine. He was safe. He wasn't in danger from her.

As he continued to chant the mantra in his mind, Loki's breathing evened out. His panic settled into something manageable as his logical thoughts gave him peace and stability that the fright of Sif being right there, alone with him, had sent flying out of the window. When he finally felt like he had himself under control, he took a deep breath, and opened his eyes.

Unfortunately, Sif was still there, studying him carefully, like one would a spooked horse. "Is all well now, Prince Loki?"

The question was said with no malice, but Loki still drew himself up and said crisply. "Yes, Lady Sif. Thank you, but I must -"

"It was me, wasn't it? I was the one to cause you to panic."

Loki blinked, but quickly recovered from his shock. "What? You? No, no. I was simply startled, I'm late for my -"

"Prince Loki, there is no need to lie to me. I am well aware of what my past actions were. I should not have been so shocked to see that you still suffer from them even now."

Loki was sure he hadn't been successful in keeping the blatant surprise off his face this time. But he couldn't help it. He'd known Sif for most of his life and he'd never seen he look so contrite before.

"I…I…"

Sif sighed, her blank mask cracking as she ran a hand through her short hair. "I know this might not be the time or the place for it, especially with what just happened, but I have been meaning to speak to you, Prince Loki."

"Speak to me?"

"Aye," Sif said, she glanced at him and Loki could see the indecision in her eyes. But still it didn't take long for the familiar resolve to return and she crossed the distance between the two swiftly. Loki had to stop himself from jumping back at the sudden action, but it was impossible to stop the squeak that passed his lips and Sif went down in her knees before him, head bowed so it touched the floor.

"I know I have no right, in fact I know what I ask is impudent and I should never have even sought to do this, but please, I ask of you Prince Loki, to please forgive me from my heinous acts towards you."

Loki gazed at the prostrate woman before him. Never in all of his years had he thought that he would see this. Sif was strong, uncompromising, never one to back down from her convictions. Sure, they were annoying at times, but it was that which, when Loki had been younger, had made it so fun to push her buttons. But now seeing her like this, something inside Loki just couldn't comprehend it. Though at the same time, he couldn't help but feel a sick vindication.

"I…Sif I don't …I -"

A sigh came from the woman. "I understand. I should have expected it. I do not deserve your forgiveness."

"I didn't say -"

"You don't have to, Prince Loki," she said. "I know now that my actions were unbecoming of someone of my station. My purpose is to serve Asgard and her Royal family, until my death if that is what is required."

Loki shivered; the words chilled him. He'd never thought about it before, but it was true. Sif, Fandral, Volstagg, Hogan, Leif, every guard and member of the einherjar in the palace and beyond. Their purpose was to serve Asgard and in turn the Royal family. They would lay down their lives for them. It was a sobering thought to the Young Prince and made him wonder if he was worthy of such devotion. He glanced at Sif, who was still knelt before him. He pondered exactly what Sif had been through with the Northern Boarder patrol, to have her swearing such fealty, when before Sif's one true goal was to serve Thor, even at the expense of Asgard.

A creak of leather signalled Sif coming to her feet. She still didn't look at him, keeping her eyes firmly averted.

"It seems there is still much I need to prove, not only to you but to myself."

"Prove?"

"Aye. I know now how little I knew. How ignorant I was." She shook her head. "I still have so far to go."

"I think you're doing alright." Loki's admission had Sif twitching. In the old days he was sure it would have earned him a snide comment or sneer, now he got a ghost of a smile, even as she still refused to look at him.

"You honour me, Prince Loki," Sif bowed again. "I hope that I can continue on the right path I have been fortunate enough to be placed upon. With the changing times, maybe we all can learn something. The Jotun's finally being welcomed onto Asgard openly, I'm sure, is only the first step down a road to our two realms finally coming to a true and everlasting peace."

Those eyes suddenly shot to him and Loki knew, in that brief moment of contact that Sif knew for sure, just what he was. She had accused him during the coup, building on what Amora had said to come to her own conclusion, thinking him a Jotun spy of some kind. But now while she may know that he was, indeed, Prince Loki, second Prince of Asgard, she also was aware that he truly was Jotun. It made Loki wonder how she had found out. Perhaps his Father had told her, or had she simply figured it out. In either case, she hadn't told anyone. Not Thor, or any of the other members of the Warriors Three. The old Sif would have taken great delight in ruining everything for Loki. The change in her was startling now that Loki was beginning to understand how deep it ran.

"If you will excuse me, Prince Loki, but I must return to my duties."

"Of course," Loki inclined his head as Sif bowed. "You are on guard duty?"

"I have been assigned to see to the escorting of the Lords and Ladies of the court from the palace," she grimaced. "It seems there has been some confusion with the Jotun delegation."

"Confusion?" Loki asked.

"Aye. King Helblindi has insisted upon a closed meeting with only the AllFather and the Council. It has certainly upset many of the Nobles, though I'm sure they will get their chance to cluck and gossip about the Jotun's during the rest of their stay here."

Loki stared; his surprise clear on his face. Having a closed council meeting was not something that was unheard of. The King sometimes only called the Council of Nine privately to discuss the running of Asgard, that was after all what the Council was in place for. But when it came to inter-realm politics, Odin had always strove to include the court, mainly to stop any whispering campaigns from the more ambitious Nobles, but it also allowed the people of Asgard to remain aware of any delicate situations with other realms that may affect businesses, such as trade or travel.

But this time the Jotun's have requested a private meeting and it had tongues wagging. Loki wondered why they would do such a thing. What did they have to say that they couldn't share in front of the rest of the Nobility? This was their chance to show the people of Asgard exactly what the Jotun's were like after nearly one thousand years of exile. What did they have to hide?

"Prince Loki? Are you alright?"

"Fine, fine," Loki waved a hand and smiled. "Well, you best be returning to your duty and I have my own business that I must attend to. Thank you, Lady Sif."

Sif gave him a brief look over, eyes awash with concern and a little disbelief, but still she bowed and walked away. Loki watched her go, the strangeness of being face to face with her again, along with the apology now paling in comparison to the news she had brought.

A closed meeting with the Jotun King. What would be said there? Why make the request instead of following the procedure done by all the other realms that have visited Asgard? What did Helblindi not want to share?

The thoughts swirled and Loki clenched his fists. He wanted to know. No, he needed to know. But a closed meeting meant exactly that. Closed. Loki my be a Prince, but he was the much Younger Prince. If he had been older, he may have been able to swindle his way inside, but that was impossible. He could ask Thor, but he was sure his Brother would be tight lipped about anything the Jotun's had to say, knowing how it would affect his younger Brother and feeling the need to protect him. Loki shook his head. He didn't need protection, he needed answers, answers to the questions that plagued him. That stopped him from fully embracing his Jotun nature. And that meeting could hold answers. Kings were far more likely to tell secrets that they would never normally share when it was only the most trusted that were in attendance, there was no need for the pomp and ceremony that came when dealing with the whole court.

But how could Loki get in? Not only was would the meeting be guarded, but Loki had to be at the Cohort.

Loki smirked. He always did enjoy a challenge.

Loki made sure not to be seen as he drifted closer to the Throne room. Luckily, there were hardly any guards around, most having been directed to deal with the disgruntled Nobility, leaving only those behind to watch the great doors which led into the Throne room and the unprecedented meeting happening within.

Loki had managed to situate himself just out of sight, peering round a corner of a hallway that usually led people further into the palace. He took a brief look behind him to be sure no one was milling around. With his seidr blocked by his Mother's powerful seal he didn't have access to one of his most favoured spells. The invisibility spell would have proven useful for what he was about to do, but it was still doable, only there would be more risk.

The Young Prince eyed the guards as they stood with their backs, straight and proud before the Throne room doors. They wouldn't be moving anytime soon. Biting his lip, Loki cast his gaze about until they landed on pieces of old ceremonial armour that had been mounted on the wall at the other side of the great doors. It wasn't unusual, the hallways that led to the Throne room were all heavily decorated, no doubt to impress any guests and Nobles. Loki had thought that it was ridiculous and felt sorry for the palace servants who were tasked with polishing the things, carefully so they wouldn't fall from their perch. At least now, they would come in handy.

Pulling one of the knives he kept on his belt, Loki weighed it carefully in his hand. He would have one shot at this, if he messed up the guards would spot him, and he would have some explaining to do. The note he had sent to the Master of his Cohort had given him some leeway, but he knew if he was found here, his well-constructed cover would come tumbling down about his ears. Along with the inevitable wrath of his Mother and Father. Taking a breath Loki flipped the knife over once. As he caught it, he stepped out of his cover and flung the knife at the armour. It felt just like he did when he practised with his Mother. A smooth continuous movement, the hilt of the knife sliding from his hand so that it flew end over end towards his target. The mere seconds seemed to stretch on forever, only coming to a halt when his aim struck true. The knife knocked into the helmet that was perched at the top of the displayed armour. It wobbled, the teetered off, only to crash into a spear, which hung beside it, which in turn dislodged and fell into the best armour. The whole display was soon dis-stabilised and crashed to the ground, the sound echoing up the hallway and startling the two guards, who flinched before turning and running over to see what had happened.

Loki didn't hesitate, he ran. His feet silently padding across the once well watched space. He stopped at the wall, fingers frantically running down it until he felt a depression in the stones. With a gentle push he heard a faint flick and a part of the wall slid out to reveal a passage. Loki smiled, quickly ducking inside, avoiding the eyes of the fussing guards, who didn't see the wall lock back into place, too busy worrying if they should tell their superiors or simply clean up the armour before any of the servants stumbled upon the mess.

In the darkness of the passage, Loki let out a relieved breath. The plan had been a success and he'd made it. With a brief wave of his hand he gathered what little seidr he could into a ball of light. It was no where near the usual brightness he was capable of, but it did enough to light the passage before him. It was small and narrow; he caught the shadow of a few torches set into the wall. It was to be expected though, after all the servant's passages were a well-kept secret among the palace staff. Loki himself had never heard of them, until Leif had spilled the beans. The boy hadn't meant to, he'd not even wanted to, but his hand had been forced when Loki caught him closing the entrance that led into his rooms. Loki had demanded an explanation and Leif, in his terrified stutter had told all.

The passages were as old as the palace itself, built into the framework and led everywhere. They snaked through the small spaces between the walls, weaving and interconnecting together. There were even small rooms where servants used to sleep, along with ancient looking bathrooms and seating areas. It was said that in the old days, servants only ever used the passages to get around, never stepping out into the great hallways and corridors of the palace. A servant, Leif had explained to a fascinated Loki, was never to be seen, but always to be ready to serve. The saying was old fashioned and arrogant, but Loki was now grateful to his ancestors' pompous attitude as it gave him a way to spy on his Father's meeting without being seen himself.

After checking that the passage entrance was firmly concealed, Loki set off. It was hard going, the space narrow and the dust getting caught in his lungs and making him want to sneeze. Loki wondered how the adult servants even managed to get through the passages. Though Leif had said not many servants still used them, though the young servants often took the time to explore their depths.

The distant sound of voices floated down the passage. Loki picked up his pace until the voices, though indistinct due to the stone surrounding him, were loud enough that he knew he had to be in the Throne room. Directing his light at the walls Loki was grateful to see what looked like a shutter, embedded into the wall, the bottom connected to a piece of rope, which hung limp and lifeless beneath. Loki eyed the thing dubiously; Leif had explained the peepers to him. Small slits in the passage wall which looked out into the most important rooms in the Palace. Loki had nearly thrown a fit when Leif had told him and had made sure to check his own room thoroughly, though Leif had explained that Loki had nothing to worry about with that room as the Royal private spaces, such as bedchambers were off limits. In any case the shutters would have concealed any peepers from view and were usually strategically placed out of eyesight, so the servants could see what was happening and know if they were needed, without being seen themselves.

Picking up the frayed rope, Loki dismissed his light. Slowly he pulled until the bottom part of the shutter lifted. He continued to gather the rope until a small slit cast light into the dusty passage. The weight of the shutter was heavy, and Loki felt about for something to hook the rope onto. Finding a convenient piece of rock just above him he twinned the rope around it. Once he was sure it was secure Loki steeled himself, then stepped up to look through the small slit and peep into the Throne room.

The Council of Nine were gathered around the bottom of the steps which led up to Hlidskjalf. They were buzzing like bees, whispering and muttering, which was to be expected with the three large Jotuns who stood out in their midst. Loki eyed King Helblindi, the King of Jotunheim was wearing similar attire to when he had arrived in, through the deep red coloured hide which had covered his lower regions had been replaced with a thick black fur which stood out in the bright lights of the Throne room. Thrym and Angrboða seemed unchanged, though the older male Jotun eyed the Council with disgust. Angrboða stood tall and impassive over the lot of them. Loki couldn't help but feel intrigued by her. Helblindi had said she was Seidrmaster and though her power was not something that would come close to his Mother's, the feel of it was very interesting. Even with the distance between them, Loki could taste the cold snap of winter which clung to the female Jotun's seidr.

"I do not see why this meeting had be private," one of the Council of Nine grumbled, bringing Loki from where his mind had tumbled. "This has caused a stir with the Court; they will be after our heads at the next gathering."

"The reasons for our King to request this private audience are of no concern to you, Asgardian," Thrym spat. "Besides, its not as though you're great Crown Prince has decided to grace us with his overbearing presence, didn't even bother to send an excuse. But then again you Asgardians seem to think the realms revolve around you." Loki frowned at the Jotun's words, green eyes flicking over the Throne room once more. It was true, Thor was missing which was strange. His Bother had been taking his duties as Crown Prince very seriously and Loki was sure he would not have wanted to miss a meeting with the Jotun's, knowing what it meant to Loki. So, where was he? The Councillor bristled and looked ready to argue, but a clang of metal on stone soon silenced him. "This is indeed puzzling," Odin said, even while sat upon his throne Loki thought his Father was still intimating. The power and confidence he exuded was something Loki wondered if he would even gain. His Father had the ability to bring a room to order with a simple gesture. Some would say it was because he was the King, but Loki knew that could not be all. There was something, something which Odin had that drew people to him and made them believe in him. Thor had it to, though it seemed he was only just starting to grow into it. Loki fervently hoped that when he was grown he would also be granted this gift, the mischief he could perform would be a sight to behold. Odin turned his one eyed gaze on the Young King, who didn't flinch. "Speak plain King Helblindi, what is it you wish that you did not want to say before the Court."

Helblindi stepped forward, bowing his head slightly before lifting his fearsome red eyes and locking them with Odin's.

"I wish to speak of the Casket of Ancient winters."

The one sentence was enough to have the Council in another up roar. Loki saw Thrym and Angrboða tense beside their King, ready for anything as the Council of Nine continued to protest angrily.

"Prosperous!"

"How impudent, bringing up such a subject."

"He has no right."

"What of the Casket?" Odin asked, effectively silencing his Councillors.

"As you no doubt are aware the Casket houses within it the fury of a thousand storms," Helblindi said. "It was used by my Father, King Laufey as a weapon. Most know of its use against the mortals of Midgard, though few are aware that the Casket was also wielded against the people of Jotunheim itself."

Odin tilted his head, "Laufey threatened his own people?"

Helblindi bowed his head, turning to Angrboða who boldly stepped forward.

"King Laufey, though a powerful ruler was not popular among the common folk. There were many whispered talks of rebellion, but no one would dare to actively fight against him, not after what he did to the people of Þrymheimr."

"What do you speak of, the people of Þrymheimr died of pestilence," a Councilor scoffed.

"That's what King Laufey made sure to tell the other realms," Angrboða said. "The truth is that the people of Þrymheimr refused to send any more of their tax to Laufey. They said that the King's high demands were something that they could not reach, especially so if they wished to feed themselves." Angrboða clenched her fists tightly. "Laufey was not about to let his army, who he had already set to march against Midgard go without supplies. So, he was swift in his execution of what he called justice."

"What do you mean?"

"He unleashed the Casket upon Þrymheimr," Helblindi said, voice soft, sadness clear for all to hear. "He ravaged the people with storms they could not possibly beat. He surrounded the city, hemmed the people in so they could not even escape. Þrymheimr was battered by the Casket's powerful storms for three days until there was nothing left."

Loki was struck silent along with the Council at Helblindi's declaration. His mind wandered back to the Vault and the Casket he had gazed upon all those years ago. It was hard to believe that such a small object could house such great power.

"What is your intention of telling us this?" Odin asked.

"Only to make you aware that we know the power of the Casket, especially if it is misused," Helblindi said. "Which is why I know it will not be well received when I ask that you consider returning the Casket to Jotunheim."

Helblindi's words had never been truer. The Council gasped, most began to squawk indignantly, while others even went to pull their weapons.

"You must have fallen to madness if you believe we would be willing to return such a powerful weapon to the Jotun," a Councillor hurled at the King, who had not moved from his place, eyes fixed upon Odin on his throne.

"The Casket, no matter how it was used is still a relic of Jotunheim," Angrboða said calmly.

"One that the Jotun have no right to be using. Besides, Asgard claimed it upon your defeat."

"Claimed? Don't you mean stole?" Thrym returned the barb with so much venom Loki was sure that the Councillor would drop dead under the onslaught.

"You cannot steal which you won."

"You Asgardians have no idea what you took when you stole the Casket," Thrym said, turning from his King to face the Councillor head on. "But that is always the way with Asgardians. Blindly charging in without a thought. Not even bothering to differentiate between threat or not. Ravaging everything in their path simply because they can."

"How dare you!"

The crack of Odin's spear against the floor halted any further words. Loki's eyes snapped to his Father; his regal face impassive as he stared down at the Young Jotun King.

"Your request is unfathomable, yet I find myself curious. Why would the King of Jotunheim ask for the return of the Casket when he knows that it would be a fruitless endeavour?"

Thrym scowled and looked ready to turn his rage on Odin, but Helblindi quickly gripped his shoulder to silence him.

"I am aware that what I ask for is not something Odin AllFather would ever expect, but I have reason."

"Which is?"

"Jotunheim is dying."

Loki flinched, the words were blunt and to the point. Odin stiffened on his throne, then leaded forward.

"What do you speak of?"

"Exactly what I stated, Jotunheim, the realm itself is collapsing."

"Impossible!"

"You talk nonsense!"

"The Jotun's are finally losing all their sense!"

Odin held up his hand and silence fell. "This a serious statement to claim."

"I do not claim it," Helblindi replied. "I know it. The ice is already starting to crack and melt away due to the air getting hotter. Soon the animals will begin to die, the crops we are barely able to grow will wither and die. Then the Jotun will starve and eventually cease to exist, long before the realm itself collapses."

A heavy air followed the proclamation. Loki stood in his hiding spot, watching the shocked and disbelieving faces of the Council of Nine. It was hard for him to take in, he'd never heard of a realm dying before. Of course, he knew that all of the Nine Realms had seidr flowing through them, they were connected by Yggdrasil after all, which itself was made of powerful natural seidr. But to think that Jotunheim was dying, what had happened to the realms seidr?

"How long has it been apparent that such an event is taking place?" Odin asked, much to the surprise of his Council.

"My King, you cannot say you believe this madness?!" one Councillor had the audacity to say.

"A few centuries," Helblindi said, the two Kings too invested in their conversation to pay attention to any outside forces. "Angrboða was the first to bring the realms state of decline before the Elders," the Jotun King nodded at the tall, female Jotun who inclined her head. "Of course, there was debate over whether or not what she spoke of was true. My father, Laufey certainly didn't believe it." Helblindi shook his head depreciatively. "But some decided to research, look into the old archives and found something which distressed us all."

"And that was?"

"The Casket of Ancient Winters was not just a weapon, as my Father and so many others believed, it was the heart of our realm. The anchor point that helped to stabilise the natural seidr of our realm."

"What does that mean?" a councillor asked.

"The seidr of Jotunheim is fearsome," it was Angrboða who answered. "Our realm is harsh, but it has many natural elements. It was why so long in the past we were praised as jewellers and craftsmen. The seidr of Jotunheim is a creative force, one that makes life. It is a force of nature. But like many others, it can become destructive if left alone and untended."

"That doesn't make -"

"The Casket helped to the calm the torrents of seidr which flowed and fed our realm," Angrboða explained. "It soothed and directed the fierce storms which used to run rampart across Jotunheim. In short, it allowed the natural seidr not to turn on itself, which is what it has now begun to do."

More muttering broke out amongst the Council. Loki had to bite his tongue to hold in a gasp of shock. What Angrboða was saying sounded insane. Loki had never heard of anything like she was describing. He had studied Asgard's natural seidr, it was usually a soft and steady flow, that imbued the realm and kept it alive. After all, how could a species expect to live on a planetoid in the middle of space if seidr wasn't involved. But as far as Loki was aware, Asgard had nothing which aided in stabilising its flow. He'd never heard of anything of the like on Vanaheim or any of the other realms. But then again, every realms seidr was different, he'd noticed that from his time on Midgard. So, it was possible that Jotunheim's seidr was simply that powerful that it needed something to take the edge off, and that thing just happed to be the Casket.

"But wait, the Casket has been gone from your realm for over one thousand years. Why now have you only just considered to bring this to our attention?"

The question was preceded with a round of nods. Odin tilted his own head at the Young Jotun King, who took a breath as though to steady himself.

"For many years, out people believed just as you did, that the Casket was simply a weapon made by our ancestors. Those that could have told us differently they … they no longer walked among us, and this is our shame to carry." Helblindi looked away and Loki was surprised when Thrym placed a hand on his shoulder and squeezed. "Perhaps it is punishment for what was done to them, the price for our hatred and our willingness to let such an atrocity to pass."

Loki wondered what Helblindi was talking about, but before anyone could enquire further, he pressed on. "Jotunheim's seidr started showing signs of change a few centuries ago. Like I said before, the concerns were mostly dismissed, but those that delved further," he nodded to Angrboða. "Eventually found evidence that could not be refuted. But by that time, King Laufey had fallen so far. He turned his back on our pleas, on our begging that he consider opening talks once more with Asgard, so that we could explain our plight." Helbindi sighed. "My Father would not hear of it, and his closest was in full support of his actions, whether through fear or ignorance I know not. It split the Elders and the people. That was the state of things when my Father was drawn into a plot against the Royal family of Asgard." He looked up at Odin. "Against you, AllFather and was subsequently killed. I have had many challenges and tragedies in my rise to the throne. But now that my position is secure, I have come before you to plead our case, and hope that you will consider my words."

Odin sat still on his throne, no one moved as the King of Asgard took in what had been said, weighing it up to make a decision.

"It is my understanding then, that Jotunheim is asking for the Casket of Ancient Winters to be returned to their realm?"

"Aye."

"Then I am sorry, but it cannot be done as you wish. There are -"

"By Mimir, I knew you were heartless Odin one-eye," Thrym spat. Loki flinched when he saw the look of pure fury on the Jotun's face, one he wasn't afraid to direct to the King of Asgard in his own hall. "But I never thought even you would be wiling to watch an entire race slowly wither and disappear into extinction. What happened? Have you forgotten your ancestors? Or are you simply ashamed?"

"How dare you!" one of the Councillors cried. "You keep your filthy mouth shut, you Jotun scum!"

"I will say what I like!" Thrym argued, not even twitching as the Councillors continued to bristle with impotent anger on behalf of their King. "I have long since stopped worrying about the power of so-called Kings," he sneered at Odin, who, while his face appeared impassive, clutched Gungnir tightly. "Bestla would have been -"

"Thrym!" it was Helblindi who surprisingly cut off his Elder, though it seemed it would do little good as the old Jotun whirled to face his own King, all to ready and willing to continue with his harsh tirade.

"Yet." The one word was spoken quiet, but firmly. It grabbed the rapidly bickering audience, who stilled to turn their faces up to the AllFather.

"My King?"

"Lord Thrym, as is his way, did not allow me to finish my proclamation before he found it appropriate to chastise me on my actions," Odin said, which infuriated the Jotun even more. But before he could retaliate, Odin turned his attention to Helblindi who stiffened under the older Kings one eye. "I cannot do as you wish, yet. Asgard has been through a number of upheavals within the last few short years. The Bifrost has only just been rebuilt and stability returned to the rest of the Nine. It would not be prudent to insert any large changes right now."

"It is not the fault of Jotunheim that you cannot control your own people," Thrym scoffed.

"Amora has caused havoc on two realms in a short space of time," Odin said. "Her partial destruction of the Bifrost has caused even more unrest. I am simply saying that instituting a change in the current status quo, when some realms are only just beginning to recover, would not be in anyone's interest."

"The Witch Amora is the responsibility of Asgard and your dealing with her should not impeach business with the other realms," Thrym argued.

"I have heard many tales of Amora the Enchantress," Angrboða interceded. "Her power and fall to madness has been the talk of many a seidr user. A warning for us all to be sure, but she has now been caught has she not?"

Odin's eye twitched as he nodded. "Aye. Tried for treason, conspiracy, murder and the invasion of a peaceful realm. She will not be seeing the light of day again."

"Then the matter is closed," Thrym said, a triumphant gleam in his eyes. "The Witch is a none issue. It's time to move on AllFather."

Loki watched stunned as his Father bowed his head, though only slightly. "If only things were as simple as Lord Thrym seems to think, then I would happily oblige to Young King Helblindi's request. But it just is not so."

"An excuse. You just want -"

"What would it take, Odin AllFather?" Helblindi asked, though Loki thought his tone verged on the edge of begging. "Jotunheim cannot survive without the Casket and I will not let my people suffer when there is something I can do about it. Name your terms."

Odin stared at the Jotun King, "how long, by your estimations, does Jotunheim have left before things reach a point of no return?"

Helblindi frowned, turning to Angrboða. "The realms seidr is becoming wilder, the weathers fury is increasing, but the systems we have managed to put in place to calm the tide seem to be working. I would estimate we have at least another two hundred and fifty Midgardian years before we reach a point where we would no longer be able to stop Jotunheim's seidr from becoming uncontrollable, with or without the Casket."

"Then there is time," Odin said, sitting straighter on his throne. "I cannot give you the Casket now. But I am open to negotiation. Jotunheim has time to prove itself, regain its reputation within the Nine. Set itself apart from its dark past."

"We have to earn our Casket back? You jest Odin?" Thrym snarled.

"If you had not proved yourselves unworthy of it, this would not be an issue, Lord Thrym," Odin snapped. "The Jotun's reputation among the Nine is in shambles due to Laufey's actions. He cut you off." He looked to Helblindi, who was watching the older King intently. "The rest of the Nine Realms would be deeply troubled if I was to hand over the Casket to you now. With no proof that you will not turn its fury on yet another realm in a wish to conquer. With the time Lady Angrboða says you have, you have the chance to show the Nine what a true force Jotunheim is and how, under the right leadership, can become a shining beacon once again."

The Councillors whispered frantically to each other, all as shocked as each other at the Allfather's announcement. Loki, from his unseen hiding spot was speechless. It was something he never thought he would ever hear coming from his Father. Odin was right in that the rest of the Nine was still uneasy around Jotun's. Laufey had done a good job of segregating his own people from the Nine and absence does not make the heart grow fonder, especially if coupled with news of invasions, bloodshed and war. If Odin was to simply hand over the Casket now, the other realms would be sure to rise up in protest to such a hasty action. But even with the deal Odin had offered, the AllFather was playing with fire. Loki had to wonder what could have prompted such a heavy-handed move from the usually reserved and cautious King he knew.

"Those are your conditions?" Helblindi eventually asked and Odin nodded. "Very well, I will agree."

"My King," Thrym tried to protest, but he was ignored.

"Though I will add the provisions that it will not be only Asgard who decides whether Jotunheim is worthy of the Caskets return. It will be a majority vote by those in the Nine, also our situation is to be assessed once every Midgardian year."

A snort came from the Councillors. "The Jotun King thinks we can easily gather the top echelons of the realms at his whim. He has much to learn."

"Very well." Loki would have laughed at the look on the Councillors face at Odin's agreement if it wouldn't have got him caught. "It will be a majority vote, assessed annually by the Midgardian count. You have my word and my bond, King Helblindi."

"You have my word and my bond, King Odin."

Odin slammed the butt of Gungnir to the floor and Loki felt a swell of seidr, sealing the pact between the two Kings, tighter than any words or written text could. The Councillors and Helblindi's delegation all looked put out, but their thoughts were inconsequential before their Kings.

"Thank you, King Odin," Helblindi said. Odin nodded.

"I'm sure we all will not be disappointed," the old King said, a small smile cracking his lips. "The young after all, are the future. I see it every day in my own sons, I look forward to seeing the changes you all will forge, especially when I can sit back, relax and watch you all at work."

Helblindi laughed, "I'm sure your sons still have time to give you grey hairs."

"More than you know. Loki has not yet reached adulthood, I'm sure he has more trials and tribulations to thrown at me, whether I sit on this throne or not."

Helblindi laughed again and Odin announced a recess, mentioning offhand that Frigga would be waiting for them, along with food and beverages. Loki decided then to slip away, not willing to risk his Mother's wrath, probably having found out his leave of absence from the Cohort and telling his Father he had disappeared.

Lowering the shutter, Loki swiftly departed, summoning light to his palm to guide his way. Soon enough he was back at the entrance, opening it carefully before poking his head out to take a look around. The corridor was surprisingly empty, even the guards were gone, though with the meeting concluded there was no need for their presence anymore.

Taking one last cautious look around, Loki slipped out and sprinted away from the Throne room. Once safely far enough away he slowed down, not wanting to draw any suspicious attention to himself. He took a moment to get his breath, leaning up against a wall, all the while his mind started to sort and filter all he had heard during the meeting.

It had not been what he had expected whatsoever, though on reflection he could understand why Helblidni would wish for the meeting to be private. The knowledge that Jotunheim was dying was not something Loki had ever thought possible. Of course, he knew that stars grew old and blinked out of existence once reaching a certain age, but the Nine Realms were powered and created by natural seidr, practically a living force. He never once imaged that same seidr could in turn destroy its own realm.

Then there was the deal. The return of the Casket that was bartered between the two Kings. It was a historic moment, one that was sure to cause waves when Odin announced it, which would not be for a while yet. Odin would want to get the details ironed out, a process that could take months of negotiations. But once through it would shake the Nine Realms unlike anything in the last thousand years. Loki smirked a little at the thought of the chaos it would cause, he wasn't called the little god of Mischief for nothing.

With his breath under control, Loki straightened, making an executive decision to return to his own chambers, he set off. While his thoughts on the meeting as a whole were fairly easy to sort through, there were other things which stood out. One was Helblindi's story of Laufey. It was what Loki had expected, but it was still not pleasant to hear, considering his own connection to the former Jotun King. It made the familiar worry, one that whispered to him and fed on his insecurities that possibly one day, he could turn out just like the Jotun. They shared blood after all. He quickly swept them away, but they lingered like a miasma, ready to return at a moments notice.

The second note was Thrym. The old Elder was fearsome, but Loki had to wonder where the animosity to his Father came from. He was well aware that Odin was probably not well liked among the Jotun. Not after his victory during the Great War. But with Thrym it seemed to be personal. Loki thought back, he didn't once remember the name Thrym being brought up, nor had he heard of him through outside forces. It gnawed at Loki's curiosity and he felt the familiar itch to investigate, but he shoved it aside, now was not the time to be indulging in his curiosity, but it still plagued him.

The Young Prince was so lost in his thoughts that he hadn't realised his feet had brought him to the doors which led to the Royal quarters. Nor did he hear the harsh whispers of people by the doors, one lingering outside while another opened one of the doors and stepped inside. It was only when Loki bumped into someone that he finally dragged himself out of his thoughts.

"You shouldn't linger outside the doors. You'll get in -" Loki's polite reprimand fell on his tongue as he looked up at the person he had collided with. Her clothing was nothing like any Asgardian, Noble or otherwise would wear. He recognised the blue trousers she wore as jeans, boots with a small heal decorated her feet, along with a thick jumper and coat which didn't seem to fit her properly. Blonde hair crowned a startled face, which stared down at him with a mixture of fright and recognition.

"Y…your Loki, right? Thor's brother?"

Loki's green eyes narrowed, his mind swiftly searching. He recognised this women, he'd seen her before. On Midgard. That's right, Midgard, with Thor when –

"Jane it's … Loki what are you doing here?"

Loki snapped his gaze to his Brother. Thor had appeared at the door, a sheepish look on his face as he glanced around then back at his Brother. "I thought you would be with the Cohort. I didn't expect -"

"Thor what's going on? Who is this?"

Thor's cheeks reddened as he flicked his eyes to the Midgardian, then back to Loki. Then he sighed. "Loki, this is Jane, remember? From my first time in Midgard, she and her friends helped me."

Loki furrowed his brow. Turning back to Jane, who shuffled uneasily under his scrutiny. Now that Thor had mentioned it, he did realise. "The one who worked with Selvig? Your lover?"

"We never did anything," Jane protested, and Thor stuttered out a quiet admonishment.

Loki watched the pair of them stumble over themselves, all the while stealing glances at each other. Loki took the moment to enjoy their distress and embarrassment, just long enough for Thor to calm down and open his mouth when Loki struck the final blow to his Brother's plans.

"I'm telling Mother."