Hi Guys!
I am back! Hope everyone is having a good new year so far all things considered. Fingers crossed you are all staying safe along with family and friends. It's been a real busy couple of weeks, I'm working from home now and my computer has now become my best friend and greatest enemy! I've never wanted to smash it so much in my life at times.
Anyway that's not what your here for. The new chapter is here! Thank you as always from your reviews, favs, follows and just generally checking out the story. If you have any questions, let me know, I'll try my best to answer you by either PM or in the next chapter.
Just a bit of background here for anyone about some of the history mentioned in this chapter. I've took a few liberties of when and what things might have happened before the Jotun/Asgardian war. There's not a lot of information in the MCU about that time nor have I found anything online from the comics, so I made the vast majority of it up. Hopefully it adds to the context of this story and the character dynamics.
Right so, now that's out of the way, on with the chapter!
Cheers!
D.S x
Disclaimer: I do not own Thor or the Avengers or any other of the many Marvel properties
4
In the end, things did not turn out the way Loki thought they would. He had stayed true to his word and after Thor had spluttered and tried to argue Loki had ran into the Royal quarters to find his Mother, who he promptly told how Thor was sneaking his mortal lover into Asgard. Frigga had taken over from there, heading off to confront her wayward son, only for the Crown Prince to take his Mother aside to speak privately. It was then things had taken a turn.
Frigga had reappeared and after politely greeting Jane and suggesting she change her clothes into something more appropriate, escorted her, along with Thor and Loki down to the Healing Halls. Loki had watched as his Mother called for the healers to ready a Soul Forge before forcing Jane down onto one.
"What is it?" Jane asked, curiosity and wonder clear on her face as she reached out to touch the glowing table she had been placed on. The simple blue dress Loki's Mother had provided spilled over the sides, even as it fit the mortal like a glove. Four golden rods were sat at the four corners of the table, which hummed with energy, just waiting to be used.
"Be still," one of the Healers ordered, slapping at her hand, which earnt them a dark look from Thor. The Healers fiddled with the controls of the Soul Forge for a moment longer, then the glowing table lit up, the rods vibrating and suddenly an energy replica of the mortal's form was hovering above Jane.
Loki heard his Mother gasp beside him, not that he could blame the Queen as even to Loki's young eye he could see something off within the Midgardians seidr construction. Normally, Midgardians had very little, or no seidr. It was not within their genetic makeup to be able to house such energy easily. It was hypothesised that Midgardians did not live long enough for their bodies to grow adapted to handling seidr. Though with the way Midgardians were growing and evolving that could change. But it should be impossible at least for the next thousand years at least, beings didn't evolve over night. However according to the Soul Forge and clear for anyone with trained eyes to see, the Midgardian, Jane, had more seidr in her body than should be possible.
"This energy is not of Earth," Thor said, worry clear as his eyes flicked from the replica to Jane. "What is it?"
"We do not know, but she will not survive the amount of energy surging within her."
Loki winced as Thor and Jane shared frightened looks. The Young Prince turned to look at his Mother, who was watching the pair with a sympathetic air. The Midgardian, as though to distract herself as the Healers continued their evaluation, glanced at the energy replica, then the Soul Forge.
"This is a quantum field generator isn't it?"
"It's a Soul Forge," it was Loki who answered. Jane turned her head slightly to look at him.
"Does a Soul Forge transfer molecular energy from one place to another?" she asked. Loki raised an eyebrow at the question.
"Yes."
"Then it's a quantum field generator." Thor smiled at her and Loki felt his stomach clench at the sight.
"A Soul Forge is a Soul Forge, no matter what quaint names you Midgardians decided to call them."
Loki ignored the frowns both Thor and his Mother sent him, along with the hurt look that crossed over Jane's face. He was glad that at that moment Odin stepped into the Healing Halls, gaining the attention of the busy Healers, who still managed to bow to their King.
"What is going on here?"
"Father," Thor said, rounding the Soul Forge to greet Odin with a small bow. "I am sorry, but Jane is ill, and I needed to -"
"You missed an important meeting with the Jotun delegation in order to visit a mortal?"
"It wasn't like that Father; Jane needed my help. There is something wrong with her. An illness which -"
"She is mortal. Illness is their defining trait."
Loki watched as Thor's expression darkened, he glanced at his Mother and saw Frigga frowning at her husband in obvious disapproval, while Jane just appeared shocked at the sudden appearance of the King of Asgard. Loki kept quiet, not wanting to draw too much attention to himself. He didn't want to risk being sent away when it was plain something mysterious was going on.
"I brought her here because we can help her," Thor said stubbornly.
"She does not belong here in Asgard anymore than a goat belongs at a banquet table."
Loki couldn't help it, he snorted in a vain attempt to hold in his laughter. The action got him a harsh look from his Mother, but he was willing to take it, it wasn't often that his Father would use such language, normally keeping his calm and regal air, even around people he disliked. Plus, there was something about watching his Father insult Jane that tickled at him, it was odd, but the mortal rubbed Loki up the wrong way.
Jane sat up, looking at Thor with a bewildered expression. "Did he just …?" she stopped her herself, the confusion turning to indignation as she turned to Odin. "Who do you think you are?"
"I am Odin. King of Asgard. Protector of the Nine Realms."
Jane's eyes widened a little, before schooling her expression into something resembling a polite smile. "Oh. Well, I'm -"
"I know very well who you are, Jane Foster," Odin said dismissively. Jane blinked, glancing at Thor.
"You told your Dad about me?"
"Something is within her Father," Thor opted not to answer the Midgardians question, instead keeping his attention on Odin. Loki thought it was a smart move, their Father was not in the mood to be dealing with Thor's flites of fancy, not with the Jotun's still in the palace and everyone on tenterhooks. "Something I have not seen before."
"Her world has its healers, they are called doctors, let them deal with it. Guards!" the command was immediately responded to by two guards that had been waiting by the entrance to the Healing Hall, having followed their King into the room. "Take her back to Midgard." He gestured at Jane, who was still sat on the Soul Forge in stunned silence.
The guards were quick to approach, even as Thor protested. Loki sighed, knowing that his Brother would be insufferable for days after this. But what else could Odin do? He was right in that Jane was a mortal and it was not right for Asgard to interfere with their affairs, at least not any more than they already had. Especially when it came to healing them. The Midgardians had to grow and advance on their own. It had been declared so since the ending of the Great War. Loki could only imagine what could happen if the resident Jotuns were to catch a glimpse of a mortal. It was said that there was no love for the weakest of the Nine Realms with those of the frozen realm. It was after all, the invasion of Midgard that caused them so much pain in the following years.
However just as the guards were about to take hold of Jane's arms, no doubt to remove her from the Soul Forge, that Loki felt a surge of seidr. With his Mother's bindings on his powers, it didn't affect him like he knew it could, but it still made his headache and his teeth rattle. Loki only had time to register a firm arm wrapping around his shoulders, pulling him into his Mother's side when a red energy suddenly engulfed the mortal, hanging around her like a nimbus before sending the two guards flying back into the walls of the Healing Hall.
The silence which hung around them after the action was stifling. The healers that had remained in the room too frightened and confused about what had just happened to speak, while the guards remained motionless on the floor, clearly knocked out. Loki felt the seidr vanish as quick as it had appeared, but he could still feel the tingling aftermath. He looked at his Mother, completely unconcerned with how wide his eyes were, seeing as his Mother appeared just as shocked as she stared at the mortal woman, still sat on the Soul Forge. Odin remained in place, his face blank and impassive, but Loki thought he could see him gripping Gungnir tighter.
"Jane," Thor was the first to break the tense atmosphere, rushing to the Midgardians side to kneel beside her. "Are you alright?"
Jane nodded, appearing just as confused as the rest of them. The tap of Gungnir against the stone floor had the pair fixing their attention on Odin, who had stepped closer and was peering at Jane with his one remaining eye. After a moment, his eyes widened and he gasped.
"That's impossible."
"The infection," Frigga frowned, tentatively coming closer even as she kept her arm firmly in place around her younger son. "It's defending her."
"No, its defending itself," Thor said.
Loki tilted his head at the strange answer. What kind of infection could defend itself?
"Come with me," Odin suddenly ordered. He turned and swiftly marched out of the Healing Hall. Thor was quick to offer his hand to Jane, the pair following Odin out. Frigga sighed, took a moment to call help for the guards before fixing a stern eye on Loki.
Loki said nothing but looked at his Mother hopefully.
"Would you even go to your rooms if I told you to?" she asked and Loki bit his lip, weighing his options of how to answer, finally deciding to go with honesty, he'd never been good at lying to his Mother.
"I'd certainly tell you that's what I'd done."
Frigga shook her head before looking at him again. The arm giving him a squeeze.
"Very well, you may join us." Loki beamed but his Mother was quick to reprimand him. "You will behave yourself and not cause trouble. I'm trusting you with this Loki."
"Yes Mother."
Frigga smiled a little when faced with her son's enthusiasm. "Normally, you'd know what I would say about you being present for things like this. But it appears this may be a family matter, so we should face this together, as a family."
"Of course, Mother," Loki agreed. Whatever trouble Thor has gotten himself into, I'm sure we can sort it as a family."
Frigga laughed, shifting her arm from around Loki's shoulders to his arm, allowing him to grip it like he had been taught since he was a toddler, when he had first began his training in how to escort any of the young ladies of court when he attended banquets. And together they left the Healing Halls.
The Royal family retreated to the Royal quarters, mainly Odin's private study, which Loki had only been in a few times in his life. It was a beautiful, yet simple space. There was none of the grand elegance of the rest of the palace. The walls were a warm cream colour, the furniture made of soft wood, that glowed in the low light of the torches. A comfy sofa made of leather was pushed into one corner, a small table to its left. Other bits and pieces of furniture, mainly tables or cabinets stood in the other corners. Loki's eyes were instantly drawn to the wall to ceiling bookcase. The Young Prince knew his Father loved to read, it was one of the things the pair had bonded over in the last two years, in their attempt to repair their relationship. But Loki had never thought that Odin's collection would be this far reaching. He was sure he caught sight of a couple of titles that were Midgardian in nature. A large window was set behind a desk which housed scattered papers, probably the many documents Odin was forced to read through at the request of the Council of Nine.
Odin retreated behind his desk, but didn't take a seat in the chair, which was waiting invitingly. Instead he banished Gungnir from his hand, so it appeared in a convenient stand that was hidden just out of sight behind the desk. He looked out of the window, seeming to contemplate the view of Asgard. Loki stuck to his Mother's side, while Thor and Jane congregated at the sofa, the God of Thunder fussing over the mortal even as she smiled teasingly at him. The sight of the pair of them together made Loki sneer. Thor should be next to him and his Mother, so they could deal with this together.
"There are relics that predate the universe itself," Odin's sudden voice gained the attention of everyone in the room. "What lies within the Midgardian appears to be one of them. The Nine Realms are not eternal. They had a dawn and they will have a dusk."
Loki felt a swell of seidr and a book left the confines of the book case to hover in the centre of the room, flipping open of its own accord. Loki recognised the sharp taste of his Father's seidr. It was not something Loki knew that solely belonged to his Father, the seidr of Asgard is what gave Odin most of his power, which is what granted it the overwhelming notes of raw power. But underneath Loki could still sense the spicy undertones of his Father's own unique seidr and the will which directed the overwhelming force to do as he wished.
"But before that dawn the dark forces, the Dark Elves, reigned absolute and unchallenged."
Loki frowned, Dark Elves? Where had he heard that name before?
"Born from eternal night, the Dark Elves comes to steal away your light." Thor, who had approached the hovering book read the words on the designated page carefully. His brow was furrowed as he looked from the book to his Father. "Mother used to tell these stories to me as a child."
At Thor's observation Loki's mind suddenly clicked into place. Of course, how could he have been so stupid. The Dark Elves, the story of Bor, it used to be one of his favourites as a little boy.
"Their leader, Malekith found a weapon out of that darkness," Odin went on. "It was called the Aether. While the other relics often appeared as stones, the Aether is fluid and ever changing. It changes matter into dark matter and seeks out host bodies, drawing strength from their life force. Malekith sort to use the Aether's power to return the universe to one of darkness. But after years of bloodshed, my Father Bor, finally triumphed, ushering in the peace that lasted thousands of years."
The quiet which proceeded the story was one all were reluctant to break. But eventually Jane, shifting nervously from foot to foot asked. "What happened?"
"He killed them all."
Loki flinched, heart rate spiking at the softly spoken words. He stared at his Father's back as he continued to look out across Asgard. Unable to comprehend he turned to look up at his Mother, whose head was bowed low, but the grip on his hand which she had refused to let go of was tight. Loki sucked in a deep steadying breath. He remembered the stories Mother used to tell of his Grandfather Bor's victories. They had sounded so exiting, thrilling. Then there were the stories his Father had shared, of Bor and Bestla and their lives and laughter together. It was hard to reconcile the image he had created from those stories, with the darker aspects that were now being shoved under his nose.
"Are you certain?" Thor asked, eyes flicking as he read the book further. "It says here that the Aether was said to be destroyed with them and yet here it is."
"The Dark Elves are dead," Odin simply stated.
"Does your book mention how to get it out of me?" Jane questioned hopefully.
"No, it does not," Odin answered. "Many of the mysteries of the Aether have been lost to time. My Father Bor, thought it was best not to advertise what the Dark Elves had been using as their weapon and had much of the knowledge forgotten."
"That was a bit stupid of him," Jane muttered.
"He was thinking to the future. The generations after him and did his best to protect them," Odin snapped.
Jane's cheeks tinted and Thor was quick to comfort her. Loki watched his Father, shoulders tense as he refused to turn and face them.
"It would appear that it might be best then, that Jane stay here for the time being," Frigga deftly stepped in, doing her best to dissipate the tension. "The Aether is a power relic, that we should be wary of. I'm sure that, given time, our healers and possibly some of our Seidrmasters, could find something which could help."
Loki did his best not to say what was on the tip of his tongue. It was especially difficult when Thor placed and arm around Jane's waist, smiling hopefully at his Mother and the mortal.
"The Midgardian should not be on Asgard," Odin said. "It would be best if we simply sent her home."
"Father," Thor began to protest, but Frigga quickly stepped in. extracting herself from Loki she crossed to her husband, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. Loki saw instantly the tension leave his posture, though he still remained in place, an immovable figure locked in a moment Loki didn't really understand.
"I believe it might be best to wait, my dear husband. We would not want the Aether to cause any more trouble on Midgard. It is safest here, and until we find a way to extract it from her, so would Jane."
Odin snorted, face turning a little to look at his wife. Frigga was smiling, but it was one full of cunning and mischief, one many had told Loki that he shared with his Mother. After a brief stalemate, Odin sighed.
"I see the wisdom of your words, my wife. Very well," he turned, fixing Jane and Thor with his one remaining eye. "The mortal can stay for now, but she is not to leave the royal quarters."
"We can't keep her a prisoner Father," Thor protested.
"Nor should we parade her around for everyone to see. Do you forget that the Jotun delegation is still here? I will not have these talks impeded by the presence of a mortal."
"What's a Jotun?" Jane asked nervously.
"They are beings from another realm, Jane," Thor explained. "The frozen realm of Jotunheim. This is the first delegation to come to Asgard since the beginning of the Great War. It is a historic time."
"Great War? What war? You never said you were at war?"
"This war was many years ago, over a thousand. Asgard and Jotunheim fought over many things, but a particular issue was when Jotunheim invaded Midgard. Asgard drove them from your shores and defeated them."
Jane stared up at Thor, wonderment and awe clear on her face. Loki shook his head at Thor's lacklustre explanation.
"The Jotun's have no love for Midgardians because of that," Loki said. "And right now, the King of Jotunheim is within our halls. What do you think his response would be if he saw you?"
Loki wished he could have enjoyed the fright which passed over Jane's face, but the stern look his Mother gave him had him looking at his boots.
"Oh, I … I don't want to cause anyone any trouble," Jane muttered.
"It is far to late for that, but we can at least limit it," Odin said. "The mortal will stay in the royal quarters. Thor, I expect you to be at the banquet tonight, try and clean up the mess you made by missing the meeting with the Jotun's this afternoon."
"I…yes Father," Thor said in defeat.
Odin waved a hand and the book which had still been hovering in the centre of the room slammed shut, taking itself back to its place on the bookshelf. Odin turned back to the window; the dismissal clear.
Frigga sighed, then turned and began herding the two Princes and mortal out of the room. Once the door was firmly closed Frigga smiled at Jane.
"Please forgive my husband for his harsh words. Things are rather tense at the palace right now and he is having a hard time keeping everything in order."
"It's alright," Jane said, returning the smile with a small one of her own. "I've dealt with assho…I mean, stressed people before. I'm sure he's not normally like that."
Frigga nodded her head, "indeed. Thor, it would be best if you placed Jane in your quarters for now, but I expect you to take the spare room in your brother's this evening after the banquet."
"Mother," Thor hissed, and Loki let out quiet cackle at the blush which threatened to colour his elder brother's cheeks. His amusement earned him a glare, but Thor was forced to do little else as he agreed with his Mother. Gallantly he offered Jane his arm. The mortal giggled, placing her arm through the much larger limb, both turning and making their way through Odin's quarters and out so they could head for Thor's own.
Loki watched them go, both too absorbed in the other to even bother turning around. Something in his chest stung at the sight of the pair of them together. It made his fists clench and his eyes narrow, especially on the mortal, Jane's, back.
A gentle arm came around his shoulders, "do not scowl so, my little one, it does not suit you."
"I'm not scowling," Loki denied, turning his attention to his Mother, who glanced from where Thor and Jane had disappeared back to Loki.
"Your brother is distracted; it will pass once they grow used to one another again."
"She is mortal, what is there to get used to?" Loki grumbled.
Frigga's arm tightened and she frowned at him. "Thor cares for her, he is entitled to his joy."
"But her life is but a blink of an eye for us," Loki argued, that bitter feeling making his mouth run away with him. "I won't even be full grown by the time she is old and grey. What hope does Thor have to have joy with her?"
Frigga shook her head, seeming to ignore the tone Loki used. "It is his life; he has the right to do what he wishes with it. Our duty as his family is to be here when he needs us. We will always support one another."
Loki forced himself not to argue further, instead nodding his head. Frigga smiled and began leading him back to his own quarters, chattering about the banquet, the preparations and the gossip being spread by the palace staff with all the nobles in attendance. Loki grinned and added a word or question here and there. But his mind was elsewhere, on Thor and the mortal, and how the Midgardian might just be taking his brother away from him.
Loki squirmed in his seat at the high table in the great hall of the Palace of Asgard. He'd been sat there for over two hours and he was starting to get restless. The banquet itself had gone ahead splendidly. Thor had arrived ahead of time to entre the banquet hall with Odin, Frigga and Loki. The two eldest males had a tense air between them, barely speaking, but Frigga did a wonderful job of intermediary. Her self-appointed duty had not let up when they had entered the hall, the Queen having strategically placed herself between her husband and eldest son. That left Loki on Odin's other side, it was not a position that he usually took, the place beside the King usually reserved for either the Queen or the Crown Prince. Loki couldn't help the excitement of sitting in such a position, especially when his Father smiled secretively at him. It was something he would certainly enjoy lording over Thor when things were more settled.
Once the royal family was in attendance the Jotun delegation was announced. Loki had grown used to the large blue creatures dominating any room they came into by now. But many of the nobles who had not been in their presence over much gaped, especially at the tall figure of Angrboða, who towered even over her King. Helblindi himself looked as regal as always, with his jewel encrusted horns shining in the torch light as he, Angrboða and Thrym marched up to the high table and bowed to Odin.
"AllFather," Helblindi had greeted.
"King Helblindi, I would be honoured if you would join me and my family," Odin gestured at the seats on either side of Thor and Loki, specially made to seat the Jotun's larger frame.
"We would be honoured to accept," Helblindi replied, quickly taking the place beside Thor, Angrboða at his side, while Thrym took the place beside Loki.
With the pleasantries over with, Odin had announced the feast open and the music began, and the food was brought out. Loki had been able to ignore the closeness of the Jotun, able to lose himself in his food, though that didn't stop his observations.
Thor was talking with Helblindi, smiling and laughing in all the right places, but Loki could see the faraway look which kept passing over his brother's face, no doubt thinking about his mortal back in his rooms. Loki resisted the urge to roll his eyes at him. Thor was being overly dramatic in his opinion. So, what if the mortal was ill, she was mortal, it was not as though Thor could spare her illness for the rest of her life. Plus, she would wither and die before anything more than a casual dalliance could be made out of their time together.
Frigga fixed her attention on Angrboða, happily chatting with the Jotun seidr user, though Loki was aware how his Mother's gaze still flicked from her conversation. Checking on Thor, Odin and Loki himself. The Young Prince was happy to see his Mother having such a good time. There had been much stress for their household as of late and Loki was pleased that finally his Mother could release a fraction of the tension she seemed to be carrying around with her.
Odin remained on his throne, greeting any nobles that dared to venture his way during the meal. Loki had thought that Odin would have at least spoken to Thrym, who was the closest Jotun to the King. But neither appeared in the mood to speak to one another, especially with the way Thrym kept sending Odin dark looks if the King of Asgard even glanced in his direction.
Eventually the food was consumed and peopled moved to more joyous activities. The dancing began in earnest and Helblindi was quickly offered a dance by one of the few braver maidens that had been eyeing the young King speculatively during the meal. Loki watched as the Jotun King beamed, his hand managing to somehow delicately take the much smaller offered limb and lead the woman, whom he dwarfed, out onto a cleared space of the banquet hall and beginning to dance rather gracefully.
Thor followed suit and soon Loki could hear his booming laughter. Frigga, after introducing a rather shy looking Angrboða to a few of the seidr users in attendance, did her usual rounds before disappearing from sight, no doubt to check how the servants and staff were faring. Loki had given Leif the night off, though he was sure that his Valet had been roped into helping his Mother with the banquet preparations. The Young Prince made a mental note to go easier on his Valet come the morning, expecting a bleary-eyed Leif to greet him as his Mother would have run him ragged all night.
And that was how Loki found himself in the uncomfortable position at the High table. A part of him wanted to head down into the banquet, not necessarily to mingle, though there were some great opportunities for mischief in settings such as these. But on the other, Loki would much prefer to stay put as there was less chance that older nobles would take the opportunity to pinch his cheeks and call him cute while he was in such proximity to his Father, who was preoccupied with several members of the Council, who had taken Thor, Frigga, Angrboða and Helblindi's places.
Sighing Loki ran a hand through his hair.
"That's a rather mournful sound to be coming from someone so young."
Loki jumped at the deep voice which came from beside him. Turning he stared wide eyed at Thrym. The Jotun was slumped in his chair, his large, though stocky frame filling the seat, arms sprawled over the sides even while one of his hands cradled a goblet, that was bigger than even the serving dishes, filled with what Loki was sure was some form of alcohol. Loki did his best, but he wasn't sure he was able to fully stop the shudder which went through him as red eyes fixed on him.
"You find things such as these tedious to?"
Unable to think of a way to avoid answering the question, Loki dug deep, shoving his trepidation and lingering fear aside, he swallowed and said. "Aye. All they do is dance and get drunk. Where's the fun in that?"
Loki did not expect the laugh which passed the Jotun's lips. It was rasping, as though the action was not something that had been done for a long time. "True enough little Prince. But I think you'll find, once you've put on a few years, how deeply fun it is to get completely pissed. Especially when surrounded by the group which blesses us with their presence today."
Loki scowled, "I'm not little." The words only made the Jotun Lord laugh all the more. Before Loki could argue the point further Thrym silenced him by bringing up his goblet as though in a toast.
"So I see. Very well. A toast to your maturity, Prince Loki. May it be something which you find as fiendish as all those that came before you." Loki furrowed his brow in confusion at the statement even as Thrym threw back his head and devoured his alcohol, some drippling from the corners of his mouth. Loki watched in horrified fascination as Thrym finished the drink, before slamming it onto the table.
"One of the few things that Asgardians can do right. By the Norns I've missed Asgardian ale."
"You've been to Asgard before?" Loki ventured the question carefully. Thrym grunted, signalling for one of the servants to re-fill his glass.
"Aye, though it was many years ago now. Back in the time when Bor was still King."
"You knew my Grandfather?"
"Not at all," Thrym laughed. "He was the King of Asgard, and I was just a young buck back then. A Lords son with far too much time on his hands," Thrym leaned back to stare at the ceiling. "Father thought sending me to the garrison posted on Asgard would get me to grow up a bit. I still think he was mad, but I certainly enjoyed making my way through your collection of ales. I don't know how you have the time to make so many."
Thrym laughed again, face soft and eyes far away. Loki bit his lip then asked. "What about my Grandmother? You ever meet her?"
Thrym hummed, shooting Loki a shrewd look over his goblet. "Aye, she always made a point to stop by the garrison every now and then. See how the new recruits were settling in. Asgard is mighty different from Jotunheim after all. Some of us found the temperature transition difficult."
"Difficult?"
"Jotun's can change their body temperature, but for youngsters that can take time and the heat of Asgard can be unforgiving to some of us. Why all the questions may I ask? Surely this is something you can get from your own Father."
Loki fidgeted as those assessing eyes pierced him. "No reason, just curious and Father does tend to leave things out."
"Like any decent parent should."
"Did you know my Father well from back then?" Loki dared to ask. "You act as if you have a history."
Thrym chuckled, but it was a dark and bitter sound. "Oh, we have history. You probably can't tell but we're around the same age. Odin didn't age well, unlike myself. Your Father did some of his training at the Jotun garrison, Princes back then had to split their time between all the garrisons from the other realms, it made Asgard look diplomatic."
"You trained together?"
"Aye, if you call bashing each other's heads in training."
Thrym laughed, chugging back yet more alcohol. Loki waited until he had wiped his mouth before asking. "Did you fight on any campaigns together."
"Several. The Nine realms, while peaceful still had its dangers. Beings that didn't care what realms laws they broke. Your Father and I served on the same frontal assault squad when we were young." Thrym took another drink, then split his mouth so that he sent a smirk Loki's way. "He was a wet behind the ears Prince who didn't know his head from his arse back then."
Loki giggled at the description of his Father, he'd never heard anyone describe him as such in all of his life, even the generals that had been by his side for years. Thrym nestled the goblet close to him, seeming to slump even more into his chair as he contemplated the dances and revellers enjoying themselves in the banquet hall.
"It was a different time then," he said.
Loki watched the Jotun, now that he had spent time talking to him, he noted how his fear, though not completely gone, had dulled to just a whisper in the back of his mind. Most likely overridden by the curiosity which ate at him. Taking a quick peek behind him, Loki noted how Odin was still in deep discussion with his Council, not having noticed that his younger son was even still beside him. Looking back at the relaxed Jotun, who was already deep into his cups Loki weighed his options. Perhaps this was an opportunity to get some answers to some far more personal questions.
"Lord Thrym?"
"Hmm?"
"I have a question, if you do not mind me asking."
"Go right ahead little Prince. I have all the time in the world until this dreadful banquet is over." He snorted in annoyance. "Asgardians and their feasts, always looking for an excuse to show off."
Loki clenched his fists, ignoring the one small corner of his mind which screamed at him not to do this. That it was too risky. But he just couldn't stop himself, he needed to know.
"Have you ever heard of small Jotuns? Jotuns around the size of an Asgardian maybe? I know it might sound farfetched, but I …"
The slam of the goblet hitting the table was the only warning Loki got before his vision was taken up by Thrym's face as he leaned close, so much so that Loki thought their faces would be touching.
"Where did you hear such a thing?" Thrym demanded, all trances of the previous alcohol induced haze gone. Loki jerked back and spluttered.
"I…I read it somewhere."
"Where?"
"I d…don't remember."
"Try!"
Loki squeaked, fear making him want to run, but also not giving his body the adrenaline in which to scamper away. He stared with wide frightened eyes up at the Jotun that was now towering over him. Images of another Jotun doing so filled his mind. One that was willing to kill him, would kill him. Loki's breath caught and the corners of his green eyes began to water as he held back tears.
The sight of them seemed to jolt Thrym from his irate anger. He blinked, his own red eyes bulging in realisation as he leaned back. "I'm sorry Prince Loki, I didn't mean -"
"What is going on here, Lord Thrym?"
A large, warm, familiar hand landed on Loki's shoulder. The Young Prince let out a relieved breath as his Father came up behind his chair, standing over his son and before the Jotun.
"Odin, I -"
"Loki are you well?" the soft enquiry had Loki looking up into the concerned face of his Father. At the sight of the tears, Odin's one remaining eyes narrowed, and his hand tightened on Loki's shoulder.
"Thrym, what did you do to my son?" Odin demanded. Thrym scowled already puffing up and ready to argue. Loki knew in that moment that unless he did something, the work that had been done so far to bring Jotunheim and Asgard back together would be undone. He remembered Helblindi's hopeful face and even Thrym's nostalgic look as he talked of his time on Asgard. He couldn't let this put all that work to an end.
Swiftly bringing up a hand Loki wiped his eyes in a vain attempt to hide his tears.
"Father I'm fine," he said, instantly bringing the aging King's attention on himself. "Lord Thrym startled me is all. Brought back bad memories."
Thrym flinched though Odin didn't move, face impassive as he scrutinised his son. Finally, he sighed. "If you are sure, my son."
"Yes."
"Very well," but instead of turning away he fixed a hard eye in Thrym. "Though in the future, Lord Thrym should be aware of how he speaks and the consequences that will follow such actions."
"Father."
"I understand, King Odin," Thrym said, eclipsing Loki's attempt to argue. "I let my temper run away with me. It is a lapse that I should never have allowed to happen. Please accept my sincerest apologies Prince Loki." Thrym stood, before falling to his knees in a deep bow, just like the one Helblindi did when they first met. Not wanting to draw too much attention to the scene, Loki quickly reassured Thrym of his acceptance of his apology.
The old Jotun Lord pushed himself back to standing. "You are wise for one so young. It brings hope to this jaded Jotun's heart." He cast an unreadable look at Odin. "Today's youth truly are our salvation."
Odin nodded and Thrym bowed low once again, but before he could rise Loki heard him whisper.
"About your question. Do not go around asking Angrboða or Norns forbid the King such a thing. It is our greatest shame."
Thrym left, leaving a confused Loki behind. He gaped, unable to understand exactly what Thrym meant by his last words. Greatest shame? What did that mean? And did he actually insinuate that there really are small born Jotuns? But why are they not mentioned anywhere and why would Thrym call them their greatest shame?
His Father's hand squeezed his shoulder, bringing him out of his spiralling thoughts.
"I should not have left you alone with him. I forgot how quick Thrym was to anger. He always had trouble reining it in."
"It's alright Father," Loki said, pushing the swarm of questions and emotions aside for now. It did no good to dwell on them, he would have to talk with his Mother later and get her thoughts. She had often said that Loki had a habit of letting his mind jump to the worst scenarios when left to wander. "It was just a shock."
"A shock you should not have had."
"I was really enjoying talking to him before that," and Loki was surprised to find that he wasn't lying about that statement. "He spoke of his time on Asgard when Jotunheim still had a garrison here. He said you were in the same frontal attack squad when you were younger."
Loki smirked at the sight of the slight blush that decorated Odin's cheeks at the mention of the squad. "He talked about that did he?"
"Yep. And how you were a wet behind the ears Prince."
"Well he wasn't much better," Odin huffed. "A Lords lazy youngest son who thought he could get away with doing the bare minimum, especially if he'd been out drinking the night before. I swear I dragged that Jotun out of nearly all the taverns in Asgard. He'd have missed training overwise."
Loki giggled, "sounds like you were good friends."
"We were."
"Wat happened?"
Odin sighed, shaking his head. "Laufey. When he finally took the throne from his Father one of the first orders he made was to disassemble the garrisons that had been put in place across the Nine. Of course, there were appeals, but the Jotun could not go against a direct order from their King. Then the war and Thrym and I … well things fell apart. I think he blamed me for the war partially."
"Why?" Loki asked.
"Asgard didn't have to get involved. None of the Nine did, it's not as though Laufey invaded one of our realms, it was Midgard. A small, backwards realm with very little intelligent life at the time. I could have left Laufey to his own devices, but the King of Asgard swears to protect all the Nine Realms, I couldn't just let Laufey do as he pleased. Plus, there were the politics of it all."
"Politics?"
"That can wait until you are a bit older," Odin laughed as he ruffled Loki's hair, much to the Young Prince's annoyance.
"Father," he whined, which did nothing to dampen his Father's amusement. Loki noted that the Council members that had been at the High table were gone, most likely having been dismissed by Odin before his Father intervened between him and Thrym.
Loki looked out at the hall, soaking in the atmosphere, along with the sight of the three large Jotun's in their midst. He wondered just what it would have been like if there had been no war. Would Jotun's mingle with the people of Asgard so that their presence was hardly noticed? Would Loki feel safe to walk around in his birth skin, content that he would be accepted no matter what he looked like. It was a dream, one that Loki thought for a long time could never come to pass, but now a swell of hope rose inside him. Perhaps, maybe, it would come true.
"Why don't you go and join your Brother, Loki," Odin started to say. "I'm sure he will need -"
The sudden loud blaring of an alarm shattered the celebrations. Loki flinched at the nose, leaning into Odin's side, who clutched his son tight to him in response.
"Father what is that?" Loki asked, though it was barely heard over the panicked chattering of the nobles and guests. Before Odin could answer the banquet hall doors were thrown open and a guard fell inside. Blood dribbled from a cut in his forehead, though that wasn't what had people screaming. No, it was the sword protruding from his side which caused the fear and panic to begin to build.
"P…prisoners. The prisoners have escaped," the guard announced before crashing to the floor, unmoving.