Hi Guys!
I am back! Sorry this has taken me so long to get out. I've been really busy and this story has just had to get pushed back on my to-do list. But I can promise you that I will be completing the story, I never leave anything half done, so just hang in there with me, I will continue to update but it may be a bit slow.
Thanks as always for al of your likes, favs, follows and reviews.
This chapter is an important one as I had to make some decisions about the future of certain characters. I really tried to do what I thought would work for my story so hopefully you all enjoy it. If you don't then, I can't really say anything about it, we all have our own tastes for a reason, the world would be a rather dull place if we were all the same.
Anyway I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Stay safe.
Cheers!
D.S x
Disclaimer: I do not own Thor or the Avengers or any other of the many Marvel properties
5
The pandemonium which erupted at the guard's pronouncement along with his subsequent fall to the floor had Loki's ears ringing. Ladies began screaming, men shouted and bellowed, their voices melding together to create an overwhelming cacophony of noise.
Finally, a loud crack of a spear butt hitting the floor vibrated through the air.
"Silence!"
Loki shivered at his Father's tone, green eyes staring up in a mixture of awe and fear. Odin was glaring out at the crowd, which had instantly calmed at their King's command.
"There is nothing to fear. A skirmish, that I am sure will come under control. Thor!"
"Yes Father?" Loki saw Thor step forward and bow his head.
"Take some of the warriors and round up these prisoners. They cannot have gotten far from their cells."
Thor bit his lip. Loki was surprised at the hesitance, usually Thor was the first into battle, even with his calmed temperament. An attack like this would have surely aggravated his Brother.
"Yes Father," Thor said, turning and marching from the banquet hall. Fandral, Hogan, Volstagg and Sif followed in his wake along with a collection of guards.
"This will be dealt with swiftly," Odin went on to address the still nervous nobles.
"A fine feast Odin, truly I have never been to one before that comes with its own surprise attack."
Loki winced at Thrym's words, feeling his Father stiffen beside him. "I assure you, this is unprecedented, Lord Thrym."
"I'm sure it is, AllFather," Helblindi quickly interceded before Thrym could dig anymore. "Asgard is known for its peace, especially within its realm. If I recall, there hasn't been an attack on Asgardian soil which has come from an outside realm for over a thousand years."
"You are indeed correct King Helblindi."
"A rather telling fact, if I must say," Thrym grumbled, which got him a hard glare from Helblindi, who had moved to stand just before the high table, so he was looking up at Odin and Loki.
"A remarkable one, though I hope it is not impertinent, I offer my own assistance to Prince Thor at this time. I would consider it an honour," Helblindi added before Odin could say anything.
The King of Asgard shut his mouth, then after a moment's contemplation nodded. "Indeed. Thank you King Helblindi."
Helblindi bowed back, gesturing to Angrboða, who swiftly followed him. At their departure the nobles resumed their quiet muttering. Loki couldn't hear exactly what they were saying, but he was sure none of it was good. With a quick inspection he noted someone missing from the hall He focused back on his Father, who was gripping Gungnir tightly, expression blank.
"Father, I can't see Mother," Loki said.
"She is fine, Loki," Odin said, a small smile creeping onto his face, but Loki was sure it was more for his benefit that what his Father truly felt like doing. "She told me she was returning to the royal quarters to check on our guest there."
Loki scowled, not liking the idea that his Mother had to make a special trip just to ensure that Thor's Midgardian was happy. Odin chuckled at this expression, a hand coming to ruffle his son's hair.
"Now don't pull that face, my son. Your Mother is a kind soul and is willing to offer whatever help she can. Even if we do not like it, she will do it either way, it is why we love her."
Loki sighed, but nodded, he shot a smirk at his Father. "I think Mother has enough on her plate with keeping you out of trouble Father, so its no wonder that you love her so much."
A gentle cuff was what greeted his words, but Loki could see the more genuine smile that played around Odin's lips. Happy with his accomplishment, Loki didn't even frown when a warrior discreetly entered the room. Most of the nobles had returned to the feast, laughter starting back up as conversations and ale flowed. The warrior, not one that Loki recognised, but older than the guards that were usually stationed so Loki assumed that he was a senior warrior, made his way up to Odin. Once within close enough range to be spotted he bowed to the King.
"My King, King Helblindi and Prince Thor have managed to subdue the prisoners. There has been some damage done to the lower floors, but it appears that none of the prisoners made it to the higher levels."
"That is a relief. Do we know how they managed to get out of their cells?"
"No my King, but the Jotun, Angrboða believes -"
Whatever the warrior was going to say would be forever lost as a sudden rumble shook the palace. It made the plates on the tables rattle, along with the chairs, which shivered until they upended. Then suddenly part of the wall to the banquet hall caved in, sending rock and debris flying over the startled guests.
Loki was taken completely by surprise and would have more than likely been crushed under the rubble if his Father hadn't gripped him tight, pulling him to his side and thrusting Gungnir out in front of him. It didn't stop the smoke from enveloping him, or the acrid stench of fire, fuel and rock from stuffing themselves up Loki's nose.
The Young Prince coughed, even as his Father continued to cast his seidr, protecting the pair of them in a golden shield, which sparked of concentrated seidr, flowing through the King from the very core of Asgard itself.
Loki was blinded, he couldn't see the banquet hall anymore, but the screams and cries of the nobles were clearly distinguishable through the shield. A piece of rock came sailing out of the still congealing smoke. Loki screamed as it hit the shield, shattering into pieces to scatter into the unknown.
The arm which had been holding Loki tightened. Turning to his Father, he saw the King's face was grim.
"Father?" Loki hesitantly asked. The King looked at him, face a mix of emotions that Loki couldn't verify, but still Odin attempted to smile at him.
"It's alright Loki," he said. He shifted his young son slightly, so he could grip Gungnir better. Lifting the spear, he swung it around in a wide circle, sending the shield which had been sparking around the pair of them outwards, dispelling the smoke and the remaining debris.
The sight which came at the action was not something Loki ever thought he would see. One end of the banquet hall was nearly completely destroyed, the wall caved in. Loki would have been able to see the sky had it not been for the large, misshapen metal ship that had clearly been the one to crash into the palace. The metal looked almost black, though Loki wasn't sure if that was its natural state or if it was due to the rubble which now littered at its base. It appeared to be long and thin in shape, a pointed end which had clearly been used to pierce the Palace walls was distended, though the majority of the ship was still intact.
The moans and groans of the various nobles who had survived the impact started to filter through to Loki's ears. He tried to block out the screams which were quick to follow, not wanting to think why someone would be making such an awful sound.
Odin, with a crack of Gungnir, dismissed the shield. Loki coughed as soot and dust entered his mouth. Placing a hand over his mouth, the young Prince could only stare wide eyed at the scene of absolute carnage before him.
"No, it can't be." Loki looked up to his Father. Odin was gaping at the ship, looking as though he'd been slapped in the face.
"Father what's wrong? What is that?"
"Loki, you need to -"
A sharp hiss filled the air. It proceeded part of the ship lowering, creating a door in which creatures Loki had only ever seen in his history books began to emerge. The Dark Elves were not large creatures, most smaller than the average sized Asgardian and nowhere near the great stature of a Jotun. The were covered head to two in armour, not like that of the Asgardians, who were known for their burnished breast plates and various pieces of light armour and weapons. This appeared more like a suit, with pieces of think material over the more vulnerable areas, such as the chest, elbows, knees and crotch. A face plate obscured any features from view, making the swarm which was still emerging from the ship appear identical. Black holes were where the eyes should be, along with a mouth, it covered everything, even the distinctive pointed ears. And unlike an Asgardian they carried guns, ones that were aiming down into the crowd of stunned Asgardians and shooting.
A sharp curse came from above Loki. Suddenly he was grabbed and thrown behind his Father.
"Loki, get down!"
Not willing to risk disobeying Loki ducked his head. He felt the seidr, it washed over the area like a heat wave. Screeches and cries filled the air. Loki dared to look up. The first wave of Dark Elves had been thrown aside by Odin's assault, but it hadn't been enough to stop the sheer numbers that were pouring from the ship.
Odin spat another curse, which would have made Loki giggle if the situation had been any different. Twirling Gungnir Loki was surprised when, with a flicker of seidr a sword dropped into Odin's other hand. It was a move he himself was found of, calling his knives to his hand from his pocket dimension or room. He'd never thought his Father could do the same trick.
"Loki, you need to run!"
The shout had the Young Prince shaking his head. "Father no! I can't leave you!"
"Your life is more important than staying with me," Odin said, turning to see palace guards rushing into the ruined hall, already doing battle with the Dark Elves, who pounced on them, guns firing wildly. "Return to the royal quarters, it should be safe there. Do not stop, not for anyone. Do you understand me?"
"Father-"
"Do you understand?!"
A sharp eye glared back at him. Loki swallowed and shivered under the weight of it. In that moment he could see the warrior king his Father used to be. The one he had heard stories of. The one that was whispered in fear by some.
Taking a shaky breath, Loki nodded and scampered off over the rubble. He didn't see the look of relief that flashed over Odin's face, nor the grim determination as he turned to face the horde of Dark Elves who had invaded his home, sword ready to spill blood.
Loki picked his way across the remains of the hall. He was unable to pull his favourite spell around him due to his Mother's restriction spell. Not for the first time he cursed the small tattoo like markings which marred his wrists. He could have done something; he could have helped if he had access to his seidr. Instead he was left running.
Skipping over broken rock, tables and chairs, Loki headed for the nearest exit. He didn't look behind he where the sounds of battle raged. Though he was forced to a stop when a blast echoed over his head to hit a wall, which exploded into pieces. Ducking Loki rolled to the side, turning to face a Dark Elf, gun raised and pointed, already firing at where Loki crouched.
Breathless Loki dodged to the side. On instinct he reached for his seidr, only to find that it wouldn't come. Cursing Loki, Loki switched tactics, pulling a small knife from his boot, a trick he had learned from his Mother. He didn't have time to bide his time, instead he ran and flung the knife. It arched through the air, following where Loki had aimed. It would have hit its target to, centre of the head taking the creature down, even with the face plate. Loki's daggers were made by the Dwarfs of Nidvalla, their work was the best in all the realms, their weapons said to be able to cut anything. But that didn't happen. The Dark Elf moved at the last possible moment, diving out of the way so Loki's knife only nicked a shoulder, barley grazing their armour.
Loki cursed, his feet scrambling as he ran. He tried to reach out with his seidr, to call the dagger back to his hand, but it did nothing. He glanced behind. The Dark Elf was getting back to its feet. Aiming its gun. Loki prepared to dodge.
A great roar filled the air. The earth shook and Loki staggered just as something large barrelled into the Dark Elf. Catching himself before he could end up flat on his face, Loki gaped at the sight of Lord Thrym. The Jotun was growling, teeth, which were far sharper than Loki had thought, bared in a vicious snarl. Large blue hands grasped the stunned Dark Elf, wrenching the blaster gun from its hand and snapping it clean in two. The Dark Elf hissed, hands reaching to punch the enraged Jotun, but Thrym was too strong, skilled and experienced to let such a thing happen. He lifted the Elf clean off the ground, one hand gripping the Elf's neck, the other a leg. In a practised move he brought the struggling Elf down so its back bent and broke over the knee the Jotun Lord had brought up at the last moment.
The Dark Elf stilled and Thrym tossed the creature away. Loki gasped which had bright red eyes fixing on him. Involuntarily Loki took a step back. There was something darkly feral in that gaze. Animalistic and dangerous.
"Why are you still standing there? Run!" the barked order was enough to get Loki moving. But it was the snarl and the sound of blaster guns that had Loki running. He didn't look back. Didn't see Thrym watch him with concern before turning to face the oncoming threat of the Dark Elves.
Loki ran down the corridors of the palace. They were deserted. Not that he had expected much else. The palace staff had procedures in place for such events as these, though he was sure none of them had been enacted for many hundreds of years. For a brief moment he worried about Leif. His Valet was thankfully not at the banquet, but was he safe? What about his family? Loki made a mental note to check on his friend as soon as the mess was dealt with. But right now, he needed to get to the royal quarters.
Dashing around bends Loki didn't slow down. The baster fire was a distant echo, no doubt the guards and his Father were making sure the invaders would not be able to spread further than the banquet hall. They couldn't afford for them to get outside of the palace, that would place the common folk in danger.
Upon reaching the door of the royal quarters unmolested, Loki quickly pushed it open. The silence of the usually bright, vibrant corridors was disturbing, the torches were not even lit. Loki figured his Mother or the servants may have extinguished them in order to help with concealment, though it was annoying to Loki as now shadows pervaded the corridors, the usually bright sky of Asgard obscured due to the destruction of the ship the Dark Elves had crashed into the palace.
Making sure the door closed behind him, Loki scampered off, bypassing his own quarters he set a course for his parents. His Mother was sure to be there. The thought of his Mother made the knot of worry that had been building in Loki lessen. It may be childish, and he would never admit it out loud, but just the thought of being with his Mother made him feel safer. He knew it wasn't logical, that they would both still be in the same amount of danger, but still it was a feeling he horded and looked forward to.
As he passed by Thor's quarters Loki was surprised to find the door ajar. He frowned, he was sure his Brother would have locked his chambers, knowing that the Midgardian was there and the warning of their Father. Before he would move on a voice came from within.
"Stand down creature, you may still survive this."
"Mother?" Loki muttered. Carefully he eased the door open. Thor's main parlour was empty, though Loki caught a glimpse of mud tracking across the normally sparkling marble stone work of the floor. His brows creased even more as he studied it, was it in the shape of a foot?
"I have survived worse woman."
Loki startled at the unfamiliar voice.
"Who are you?"
"I am Malekith." Loki's eyes widened at the name. Odin had mentioned it earlier, when he had told the story of the Dark Elves and Grandfather Bor. Wasn't he supposed to be dead? "And I would have what is mine."
There was a pause before the clang of clashing swords filled the room.
Loki noted the door which led to Thor's study. Skipping over, Loki noted that the sounds of fighting had stopped and that voice, that dangerous, sickly voice was saying "you have taken something child. Give it back." Loki eased open the door.
The study was large, a desk at one end and rows of shelves which housed everything from books to parchment. It was a recent addition to Thor's chambers; Loki was sure that it used to be a weapons room before Thor had ordered it cleared out. Loki had laughed when his Brother had first shown him the new and improved space, remarking on how a study would lessen his Brother's workload as Crown Prince. That had earned him a good-natured cuff around the head. But now the room was disarrayed. The desk upturned and the shelving contents strewn across the floor. At the other end of the room, where the large doors that led to the balcony and its splendid view of Asgard stood wide open, Loki had to bite back a cry of fear.
His Mother, the AllMother, Queen of Asgard was being held by a monstrous being. With a large swelled body, it towered over the trapped Queen it held in its tight embrace. Tusks curled from its mouth, making it impossible for the creature to even speak, though it appeared that was not the purpose of this being. Loki saw Frigga struggling, fighting to get away. On instinct he reached for his seidr, only to have it slink away, trapped by the bindings his Mother, his brave Mother who was elbowing the great creature in the gut to little effect, had placed on him.
A sudden scream of rage had Loki jumping and finally taking note of the final being in the room. He wasn't as big as the creature which held his Mother, in fact he wasn't even that much taller than his Mother. He wore the same armour as the other Dark Elves, though his was adorned with a long black coat which draped over his shoulders and fell past his knees. A hood covered his cranium, obscuring any hair he may have had. But it was his face which unnerved Loki. It was pale, a sickly white that made it appear as though he would drop down dead at any moment, but that was belayed by the sharp blue eyes which were trained on the AllMother as he snarled in her face.
"Witch! Where is the Aether?!"
Frigga laughed, face a mask of defiance as she glared at the Dark Elf. "I'll never tell, Malekith."
The Dark Elf, Malekith, bared his teeth, the straightened, those eyes, dark an empty surveying the Queen. "I believe you," he said.
Loki waited, hands clutching the door for the Dark Elf to move away. For his Mother to be released, for the Elf to leave with his creature so he could run to his Mother and hug her. Only his Mother suddenly gasped, Malekith stepped away revealing a knife sticking out of his Mother's stomach.
Loki felt time stand still. He was trapped in the moment that would be forever etched into his memory. Of his Mother's face clouding with shock before it was washed of all colour. She sagged in the monster's grip, eyes closing.
The reins that held his seidr strained. Loki lost all sense, but he knew he was screaming. He didn't know when he started. He didn't know when the wind picked up around him, when the door was blown off its hinges or when an arch of ice flowed from his outstretched hands to attack Malekith and his pet. A scream of pain floated to his ears, along with the sound of an engine and people running. Loki didn't see Malekith and his monster jump from the balcony, nor did he care. His only focus was his Mother. His Mother who had been dropped to the floor only to remain still.
Loki crossed to her side, hands that had turned blue, with the markings which denoted his heritage humming with a light that could only be his straining seidr, reaching out to touch her shoulder.
"M…Mother?" he shook her. "Mother, wake up. You need to wake up. Mother?!"
"What's going on Frigga. I heard … oh god."
"Mother?" Loki asked, ignorant that Thor's Midgardian had walked back into the room, only to be greeted by the sight of a blue Prince Loki, knelt over his Mother's prone form, tears freezing to ice on his cheeks, even as the frosty wind picked up as his panic grew.
"Mother!" Loki snapped, though it sounded more like a sob as his Mother continued to remain unresponsive. The cool chill of his hands had started to freeze his Mother's clothes. The frost twinkled in the low lights, seeming to mock Loki with its beauty. Why wasn't she answering him? Why wasn't she getting up?
His seidr continued to howl, pushing at the fetters that his Mother had placed on it. It was a shock when he felt one of them go, but it cemented the growing worry and fear that was building. Loki could feel the seidr of his Mother leaving him. There was only two ways that could happen. His Mother undid her work, or she was dying.
No, no. she couldn't die, she wasn't allowed to die! That was the last thought Loki had before he was swept up in his emotions, his seidr desperately starting to work to the demands of its master.
Jane gasped as the frost grew, creeping over the fallen Queen as the Young Prince of Asgard began to wail. A blast of wind had her stepping back to huddle against the wall. She could do nothing but watch as the small boy broke down next to his downed Mother and she was powerless to do anything.
A clattering of boots signalled the arrival of Thor. He barrelled through the door, Odin and King Helblindi just behind him.
"Jane! What is going on? Where is -?"
Thot stopped short as he stared at the sight before him. Jane felt tears come to her own cheeks as she saw the look of horror washing over Thor's face. She should reach out to him, try and comfort him, but what could she do? What could she say? And the wind that Loki had created was only getting steadily stronger.
"Mother?" Thor croaked. His broken voice was followed by a sharp cry from Odin. Jane saw the aged King freeze at the scene. He staggered, the spear in his hand the only thing keeping him upright. "Father!" Thor said, seeming confused as to what to do.
"What is this?" Jane's eyes flicked to the last person, or should she say being that had entered the room. She had not seen a Jotun before, only heard of Thor's descriptions and she must say he had painted them quiet accurately, at least when it came to their height. King Helblindi, who she assumed this was, due to the gem encrusted horns and coloured loincloth was bent low, so his head didn't catch the ceiling. His red eyes were blown wide as he looked at the display, though his focus appeared to be more the Young Prince than the hurt Queen.
The sound of his voice seemed to spur Odin into action. He blinked his remaining eye. Ignoring the tears which stained his cheeks he crossed the room in three great strides, discarding his spear along the way to then grab his son in his arms and hold him tight.
Jane saw Loki struggle a moment, hands reaching out to claw back to his Mother, who was now covered in a layer of ice. Odin placed on hand in his son's hair, stroking it back gently. As the wind died, she caught a soft murmuring.
"Calm down son. Please calm down. It's alright. I have you. It's alright. Don't look. Just don't look."
Slowly Odin turned the boy in his arms so his face was pressed into his neck. Jane had to wonder how the King of Asgard wasn't freezing, though on closer inspection she could see the blue receding from Loki's skin, leaving it soft and pale once more.
As Odin continued to sooth his distressed youngest, Jane heard Thor move. She watched as he crossed to Helblindi who appeared to watching the whole scene in shock.
"You saw nothing King Helblindi," Jane heard Thor mutter, voice low and far more dangerous than she had ever thought him capable. "Nothing at all."
Thor didn't wait for the Jotun King to reply, instead rushing out and calling for the healers. Jane became nothing but a spectator, shoved into the corner as Asgardian healers rushed in, being careful not to disturb the King and his crying young son, who had retreated to the other side of the room as they tended to the Queen. Jane prayed that the Asgardian Queen lived. She did not want to witness the fallout if her family was forced to lose her.
Loki came back to awareness in his room. It was disorientating, his brain unable to process the lush, familiar hangings and the trickle of light that filtered through the curtains. His body ached, even with the softness and warmth of his bed.
"P…Prince Loki?"
"Leif?" Loki mumbled, running a hand down his face as he pushed himself up. His Valet was peering at him from beside the bed, face pinched in worry. Loki was confused for a moment before his sleep fogged brain kicked into gear and previous events came back in shocking clarity.
"Mother!" Loki shot up, throwing the covers from away. "Where's Mother?!"
"Prince Loki p…please …"
"Leif, where is she?" Loki insisted, tripping in his rush to get to his feet. He would normally have moaned at the cold which penetrated his bare feet, someone had changed him into his sleep clothes. Leif rushed to his side. Loki took the opportunity to grip the other boy by his tunic, pulling himself up so he could stare desperately into Leif's stricken face. "Leif?!"
"I…the Queen…well she…"
The way Leif trailed off made the damn in Loki burst. His seidr reared and Loki pushed the Valet away from him and shot off across the room.
He ignored Leif's cry for him to come back. Slamming the doors open he crossed the sitting from of his quarters before rushing out into the royal quarters proper.
There were a few servants moving around, faces turning to horror at the sight of the Young Prince running by them. Some tried calling out to him, but Loki had no time for them, not when his heart felt like it was being squeeze by a giant fist. He ran to his parent's quarters, not bothering with the usual niceties of knocking, simply pushing the door open.
"Mother?" he shouted. The receiving room was empty, the doors to the private areas of his parent's quarters open so Loki could see they were just as deserted. "Mother? Father? Mother?!"
As his calls went unanswered, the fear grew. An image of his Mother lain prone on the ground. Blood gushing from the knife the monster had shoved into her gut. The way she fell. Unmoving. Lifeless. She hadn't woken up. She hadn't answered him. Was that because she couldn't anymore?
"Loki?"
Startled, Loki spun, only to be greeted by Thor. He was in his armour, hair a mess and bags under his eyes as though he hadn't slept. But his eyes were filled with concern and grief when they looked upon his younger Brother.
"Thor!" Loki cried, diving to his Brother to wrap his arms around his waist, inhaling the smell of sweat, smoke and dust. "Thor, Mother. Mother is … Thor she's …"
Hands came and clamped around Loki holding him tight. It made Loki breathless with the tightness of the grip, but still he burrowed himself further into his Brother's embrace. Tears wetting his cheeks as his chest began to ache.
"She lives." The two words were quiet, muttered into his hair. The Young Prince glanced up to see a mixture of concern, fear and anguish on his Brother's face. It didn't suit him. "For now, she lives."
"For now?"
Thor sighed and eased Loki away from him, though he kept his hands on his shoulders, squeezing as though he was afraid to let go. "Get dressed Brother. I will explain."
Loki stared down at the passive face of his Mother. She didn't look like herself. Too pale, too still, lifeless in every way. The only reason Loki knew she was even alive was due to the slow rise and fall of her chest and the small, soft beeping of the soul-forge that monitored her heartbeat. The shuffling of feet brought Loki's attention to Thor. He was stood with his Midgardian, Jane, at a respectful distance. Loki didn't let his eyes linger on the Midgardian. It was already a struggle to be in her presence now all the facts had been laid bare before him.
After Loki had been dressed by a subdued Leif, Thor had brought him down to the healing halls. He'd explained his Mother's condition. That the Dark Elf blade was poisoned and by all rights she should be dead. Loki had thought his legs would go from underneath him at that news, but Thor had been quick to continue. Loki had never been more grateful for his ice powers than he was right then. According to the healers, who had been working on the Queen for the last few hours, when Loki had lost control and covered Frigga in his ice it had somehow slowed down the poison. Cryonics was the word Thor had used. It wasn't a term Loki was completely familiar with, but the concept was easy enough to understand. Loki's ice had slowed down his Mother's heart rate, which in turn had slowed her blood movement where the poison resided, stalling the effects. It had been a relief to hear and Loki had stepped into the healing hall with more hope than he had dared admit. However, it was there when things had taken a turn.
Grilling the Healers for information had painted a much bleaker outlook than Thor had portrayed. The Healers, even though they were able to stabilise Frigga, healing the stab wound itself, did not have an antidote to the poison. And Loki's ice, though slowing the process was a fix that wouldn't last. They needed a cure, which was something they did not have.
To make matters worse Loki had been told exactly why Frigga had felt the need to face Malekith alone. Of course, it was easy to figure out that Malekith had been after the Aether. Though the Dark Elf was thought to be dead, his motivations were known, Odin had said them himself. Frigga had told the Midgardian to hide, and she had. Not even coming out when the Queen had been struck down, dying and Loki could do nothing to help her.
Taking a shaky breath Loki reached out and took his Mother's hand. It was cold.
"Is she warm enough?" he asked the Healer that was flitting around the Soul-forge, keeping a constant check on the Queen's vitals.
"It's better if she is, Young Prince. The ice would surely melt if we were to heat her up too much and in turn that would …" the Healer swallowed, and Loki bowed his head in resignation. "The Queen is in good hands Prince Loki. Word has already been sent for Eir to return. If anyone can find a cure to Dark Elf poison it would be her."
Loki bit his lip to stop a scoff from escaping his throat. He was not in the habit of doubting the old healer. The battle axe had been around since his Grandfather's time and was more stubborn that anyone had the right to be. No doubt it was why Sigyn looked up to the woman so much. But Loki couldn't stop his thoughts from looking at the negative. The Healers had said themselves that Dark Elf poison was rare. A cure was not known to the other realms, even before the race was supposedly wiped out. There could easily not even be one.
"Loki?" the call of his name had the Young Prince turning from his vigil. Thor and his Midgardian had moved, standing just behind him. Loki could see the red rings that marred Thor's usually bright eyes, while the Midgardian, Jane, stood awkwardly at his side. Loki felt his lip pull into a sneer at the smile she sent him, affectively freezing the gesture before it could fully form. "Perhaps you would like to go and get something to eat? You must be hungry."
"I'm not leaving Mother," Loki said, fingers gripping the Queen's hand tightly. Thor winced.
"I know you do not wish to leave her, nor do I. But she would not want you to go without food for her sake. Please Brother."
Loki snorted, "I will not abandon Mother, not now, not when she needs me. Your Midgardian already did a great job of that."
Jane opened her mouth as though to refute the comment, but the harsh glare of Loki's green eyes had her falling silent and looking away. Loki tried not to feel too happy at the cowed look on her face, but it was difficult when everything in him screamed to blame this woman. If she hadn't come to Asgard, hadn't stuck her nose into things that would have been best left alone then none of this would have happened.
"It is not fair to blame Jane for Mother's condition. That lies solely with Malekith," Thor said.
"If you're happy with telling yourself that lie, then go right ahead."
"Loki -"
"Please, I didn't mean for any of this to happen," Jane said softly, hands wringing together nervously. "Frigga … the Queen told me to hide. I had no idea what she intended to do. If I had known, I would have stopped her."
Loki scowled, ready and willing to lay into the pretty lies the Midgardian was no doubt telling herself to make herself feel better, when the door to the Healing Hall burst open.
"Jane Foster," a guard, the head of a small contingent said, as they marched across the distance to where the three stood around the Queen. "You need to come with us."
"What is the meaning of this?" Thor said, stepping in front of Jane, stalling the guards from grabbing hold of the Midgardian in the face of their Crown Prince. "Jane is a guest of Asgard, you have no right to take her anywhere."
"I'm sorry your Highness, but the orders come from the AllFather himself."
"Father wouldn't -"
"Enough Thor, stand aside and let the guards do their job."
"Father?" Loki gasped at the sight of Odin. The man appeared to have aged several years in the space of just a few hours. His hair, even though it had greyed had kept its shine, along with the straight back and piecing eyes he used to intimidate the nobles of the court into submission. But now all of that was gone. His grey hair hung lip, he stooped, Gungnir being used as a crutch to keep himself on his feet and his eyes no longer held that spark of fire that Loki had always admired.
Odin's one eye turned, fixing on his younger son, relief shining for a moment before it was dulled. "Loki," he said, a hand lifting, palm open.
Loki didn't need further invitation, running from his place beside his Mother he threw himself at Odin, wrapping his arms around the old Asgardians middle, burying his head into the fold of his cloths, inhaling his familiar scent. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry."
"Shh my son, you have nothing to be sorry for."
"But Malekith, I was there, I could have -"
"You could have done nothing," Odin said firmly. "Malekith is a dangerous being, who I am sure would have had no trouble turning his blade on you if he had seen you. You have done more than enough; you gave your Mother a chance."
Loki felt tears prick at his eyes, but he refused to let them fall, instead sniffing heavily and loosening his hold on Odin so he could step back a little, though he kept close to his side.
The guards which had paused at Thor's intervention surrounded Jane, who was still being shielded by Thor's large bulk. Loki wasn't surprised to see the frown on the Crown Prince's face.
"She is to be a prisoner now?" he asked. Odin's remaining eye narrowed. He glanced at the guards, then waved his hand.
"Leave us." the guards hesitated but did as ordered. Filing out of the door, Loki had no doubt that they would wait outside for further instructions. Odin sent a curt nod at the Healer that remained beside Frigga's side. The woman looked as though she wanted to protest, but in the face of her King she dared not, simply bowing and stating she would need to come back within fifteen minuets to check the Queen's condition.
Loki stuck close to Odin's side as he moved to stand beside his Queen. His eye roved over her features, as though taking in every detail. Loki saw his fingers twitch on Gungnir and he was sure if it had only been family in the room, Odin would have taken his wife's hand to hold tight, just as Loki had done.
On instinct Loki was quick to take his Mother's pale fingers in his own, before curling his other hand into Odin's, lacing the fingers together. For a brief moment, Loki thought Odin would pull away, but thankfully the grip tightened.
"I do not wish to fight with you," Odin said, eye turning from Frigga to Thor and Jane.
"Nor I with you, but you cannot trap Jane here."
"I must do what is best for Asgard."
"And what is best for Asgard would be to pursue Malekith."
"We possess the Aether," Odin said, nodding at Jane, who bristled. "Malekith will come to us."
"Yes, and he will no doubt finish the job he started," Thor growled. Odin scowled.
"You overestimate the power of those creatures."
"No, I value our people's lives," Thor said, reaching out to take Jane's hand in his own. "I can take Jane to the Dark World. It would draw the Elves away from Asgard."
"And what then?" Odin asked. "Do you intend to hand the Aether over to Malekith? Did you forget that there is no way we can remove the Aether from the Midgardian?"
"Malekith must have a way, otherwise he would not pursue Jane so vigorously."
"If you fail, you risk this weapon falling into the hands of the enemy."
"The risk is far greater if we do nothing," Thor insisted. "They could come back at any time and how would we know? Heimdall reports he did not even sense their ships approach."
"That can be rectified. When or if Malekith returns his men will fall by ten thousand Asgardian blades."
"And how many of our warriors will fall to theirs?"
"As many as needed!" Loki was shocked by his Father's bellow, though with the way Odin was holding his hand, so tight that Loki was sure the bones would have grinded together if he had been mortal. Not that he could blame his Father for his ire, but the way he talked of the warriors, it was as though he was willing to sacrifice them.
"We will fight!" Odin continued. "Until the last Asgardian breath, the last drop of Asgardian blood."
"And how does that make you any different than Malekith? Killing his own people just to take out some of ours? The sacrifice is not worth it."
Odin shook his head, turning away to look upon his wife once more. "The difference, my son, is that I will win. Guards!"
The door opened, spilling the guards back into the room.
"Take the Midgardian. She is to be secured in separate quarters. Though be sure she is away from all others, including the Jotuns."
"At once my King."
"And inform Heimdall that the Bifrost is to be closed," Odin sent Thor a long look which had the Crown Prince looking away. "No one is to leave or enter without my specific written orders. Not even the Princes."
"Of course, my King."
Loki watched as the guards descended on the Mortal once again. Thor looked ready to step in, but with a quiet word from Jane he subsided, though he glared as she was led away.
"You're making a mistake Father."
"I'm doing what needs to be done. As should you. I have already had to stem off questions from the Jotun's today. King Helblindi has had some interesting enquires for me."
Odin glanced at Loki, who frowned at the fear that clouded his Father's eye. What did Odin have to fear from the Jotun's now? Sure, the delegation was a mess with the Dark Elf attack and things would have to be put on hold, but it was a simple matter to send the King home surely. The moment was ended when Odin turned away, fixing his one-eyed gaze on Thor. "Perhaps you would do well to see to your own responsibilities instead of wasting it on a Midgardian."
The jab had the desired effect as Thor blinked, eyes flicking to Loki then his Father, before he lowered his head. "I understand my responsibilities thoroughly, my King."
"Good." Odin shifted and Loki felt the hand he had been holding shift to his shoulder. "Loki, it would be best if you returned to your quarters for now."
"But I want to stay with Mother."
"I know, but we must not get in the way of the Healers. And I would rather have you in a place I know you will be safe, just in case. Please my son, do as I say."
Loki bit his lip. He didn't want to leave his Mother, not now, not ever if he had a say. But he could see the logic in his Father's words. He would be under the Healer's feet if he stayed and it would devastate him if something was to happen and he got in the way of his Mother and lifesaving treatment. Taking a shaky breath, he nodded. Gently placing his Mother's hand down by her side, he leaned over to kiss her brow.
"I'll be back later Mother, you … you just get better. You need to get better. Please."
Before his words could turn into sobbing, Loki moved away. Thor was quick to corral him out of the door and away from the Healing Hall. It still didn't feel completely real to Loki, as though he was wandering through a nightmare that he couldn't wake from.
As they moved through the corridors and back to the royal quarters, Loki felt something stir within him. There had to be something he could do. He wasn't the best when it came to healing seidr. His talents laying more with offensive spells and illusion, but it hadn't been the first time Loki had been tasked with something difficult and overcome it. He would look for a cure to the Dark Elf poison himself. There were books. Asgards library was huge, there had to be some mention of the poison somewhere. If he could get enough details, he may be able to find a spell.
His thoughts we interrupted when Thor's hand landed on his shoulder, pulling him to a halt. Loki looked up, opening his mouth to ask what was wrong, when Thor using his hold, pulled Loki into a small alcove.
"Thor? What are you -?"
"Whisper Loki, I don't want anyone overhearing us."
"What are you talking about?"
"I'd rather what I said wasn't overheard. The staff tend to gossip."
"We could have talked in my chambers."
"This is safer."
"What do you mean? What are you talking about?"
Thor peered out of the alcove before moving back. He looked at Loki, a serious expression twisting his brow. "Loki, I need to know how to travel the branches of Ygdrassil without a Bifrost."