Loki, the Prince of Two Realms

by Death's Scribe

Time has passed and Loki has come to accept his Jotun heritage. His family is safe and all is well. But with a historical Jotun delegation called by the new Frozen Realms King, can Loki bring his two worlds together or will unforeseen forces rip his whole life apart?

7. Chapter 7

Hey Guys,

I'm back.

So to start I really should apologies that it's taken me such a long time to return and update the story. I don;t have an excuse, I just stopped writing. I couldn;t tell you why, possibly a little fed up with Marvel and writing in general. But, I'm back as I want to push through this block. I love this story and I want to finsih it for all of you who have read and enjoyed it.

As always thank you to everyone who have faved, followed and reviewed. It brings me so much joy to see them.

So here comes chapter 7.

I hope its's worth the wait and I'll see you in chapter 8.

Cheers

D.S

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

7

Things went rapidly from there. Loki and Thor left King Helblindi, with his promise to arrange things within the next few hours. Thor also split off, wanting to be strategically placed to not bring the wrong sort of attention to himself. Loki found himself at a loose end. There wasn't much he could do to help with this part of their plan, and he didn't fancy simply sitting in his room until everything started. Directionless, Loki let his feet guide him. He shouldn't have been surprised to find they led him to the Healing Halls. With the excitement of their plan, it had been surprisingly easy to push Frigga's situation to the back of his mind. But now, standing before those foreboding doors, it all came flooding back. His Mother, lain quiet and prone, a thin sheet of ice the only thing keeping her from the halls of Valhalla. Loki didn't pretend that he fully understood the ins and outs of how he had done what he did, but he had never been so grateful for his Jotun abilities. However, that still didn't make the situation any better. Frigga was still dying slowly, with no way to cure her that Asgard could find.

Loki closed his eyes and shivered, but still reached out and pushed the doors open. He feet echoed in the quiet hall. Frigga had been placed in a private space, the Healers adhering to the AllFather's demand for privacy, which suited the Young Prince just fine. He didn't want an audience no matter how well meaning it might be.

Crossing the empty halls, the Healers no doubt working overtime due to the Dark Elf invasion, Loki paused outside the door that led to his Mother's chamber. Taking a steadying breath, he pushed it open, only to freeze in the doorway. The beeps of the soul forge which monitored his Mother's health filled the otherwise painful silence, along with the faint glow of the machine itself, a soft gold which silhouetted the Queen beautifully. It would have been an awe-inspiring sight if the circumstances behind it were not so tragic. But it was none of that which halted Loki's footsteps, nor had his lungs catch in surprise. Odin AllFather, King of Asgard and protector of the Nine Realms, Gungnir abandoned by a wall was knelt at the side of his Queen grasping her limp hand to his chest while he sobbed silently was what stopped Loki in his tracks. It was sight Loki had never even contemplated before. His Father was a King and in the Young Prince's mind Kings did not cry, especially not his Father. He was the King of Asgard, old, wise and powerful, there was no reason for him to cry. But yet there he was, shoulders shaking and the gleam of tears visible in the light of the soul forge as he protracted himself before the still form of his wife. Loki was suddenly overcome with the need to flee. This was not a moment he should see. He didn't want to see this. Stepping back his boots echoed in the empty hall. The small noise was enough to alert Odin, however. The King jerked upright, turning to snap his one remaining eye on the door, narrowed in obvious displeasure until he caught sight of Loki.

"Loki?" the old King asked. "Loki what are you doing here?"

"I…I'm sorry Father," Loki said. "I didn't mean to disturb you. I'll go."

"No," Loki stopped as his Father got to his feet. "No, my son, please come here."

Loki bit his lip, but he couldn't refuse when Odin held out his hand to him. Masking sure to close the door he crossed to where his Father stood before the soul forge. It didn't take long for the old king to wrap an arm around his shoulders. Loki, on instinct curled into the gesture as the pair stared at the still form of their Queen and Mother.

"How is she?" Loki finally asked.

"Stable, for now," Odin answered, that arm tightening briefly before the King of Asgard let out a long slow breath. "The Healers are unsure how long it will be before …." He trails off and Loki is left with a sick feeling in his stomach.

"Eir has been called," he said.

"Aye, she is set to return in a few days."

"She cannot come sooner?"

"Travel between here and Vanaheim is a tricky one and she is far from a Bifrost site," Odin explained. "Heimdall has assured me him will expedite her travel but still there is no guarantee that will speed up her arrival."

Loki swallowed, green eyes surveying Frigga. The ice he had conjured to keep her alive was slowly starting to melt. He could hear the soft drip of water falling into discreate bowls placed beneath the soul forge. Even, as he knew, with how cold the ice seidr of the Jotun's to be, it would not be enough to keep Frigga in stasis forever. It would melt and the Dark Elf poison would finish its job.

"I'm sorry," Loki whispered, unaware of when the tears had started to build in his eyes. "I'm sorry Father, I should have done -"

"Loki," Odin snapped. "There is nothing for you to be sorry for. What happened to your Mother was not your fault."

"But I was right there," Loki all but wailed. "I saw her … I should have …"

"Your Mother would never have wanted for you to put yourself in danger for her sake," Odin said. "She would walk through fire and Helheim itself for either of you boys. The thought of either one of you putting yourselves in danger for her sake, I would not wish to be near her to see her wrath."

Loki turned his eyes to Odin. The old King wasn't looking at him, but his face was a twisted picture of fondness, love and deep grief.

"But what if I could save her?" Loki asked. "Thor's plan for the Dark Elves -"

"Does not bare thinking of," Odin cut through.

"But Father, it might be the only way we can save our people. If the Dark Elves return -"

"Then I will deal with them." Loki flinched at the uncompromising malice that filled his father's voice. It was something he had never heard before from the Asgardian. While his Father could be rough and demanding, as was his position as the King of Asgard, he had never used such a tone before and for a moment, Loki was terrified of the kind of man his father might have been.

Seeming to note his youngest discomfort Odin directed his gaze to Loki, a pained smile breaking across his face. "My dear son, I am sorry, I should not say such things in front of you."

"It is alright Father."

"No, it is not," Odin pulled Loki into his side, eyes moving back to Frigga. "I was not always the man I was today. Time crafts changes, both good and bad, for myself I know that those changes were for the better, especially after I met your Mother. She changed a bitter man into someone he thought he never could be. She gave him a life, love and two sons he couldn't be prouder of."

Loki blushed at his father's praise, even while Odin continued. "She made me a better man. Which is why it is so disturbing to … to think maybe …" Odin's voice broke and Loki quickly grasped his Father's hand tight.

"She is going to be alright Father," Loki said, voice hard and uncompromising. "I promise you; I'll make sure she is alright."

Odin laughed, though it could also have been a sob, but the smile he sent Loki's way was full of tenderness.

"My bright, clever boy," he said, the hand not clasped in Loki's coming up to run through Loki's raven locks. "One day, you will be a man that will be a beacon for the Nine Realms. Powerful and strong, a better man than I could ever have been."

"Don't say that Father, what would Thor say?"

Odin chuckled as Loki grinned. "Your brother will be a great King. Loyal, brave, kind. He will lead our people into a new era. But you, my little Loki, you I believe will be the one to lead the Realms into a new era."

Loki frowned, not completely understanding his Father's words, but it was then Odin stiffened and Loki felt a fission of seidr approach them.

"It appears as if the Jotun delegation is ready to leave," Odin said, one hand reaching out to call Gungnir to his grasp.

"What do you mean Father?" Loki asked.

"Ah yes, you would not have heard. King Helblindi has requested that the delegation be allowed to return to Jotunheim for the time being," Odin said, striding from Frigga's healing chamber, Loki gave his Mother one last look before steeling his nerve and following his Father.

"Why? The delegation is important. I find it hard to see why they would abandon proceedings now when things were going so well," Loki said, keeping his voice neutral.

"That is true, and King Helblindi has assured me he does not leave because of any malice he feels towards Asgard, but for worry for Jotunheim. He fears the Dark Elves my try to attack his own Realm and wishes to return. It is understandable."

Loki nodded, trying not to let his excitement show on his face. Together they left the Healing Halls and made their way back towards the throne room. Loki saw several servants, most moving aside and offering deep bows to the pair of royals as they made their way passed. From the look on their faces, Loki saw their own grief. Frigga was a popular and beloved Queen by the people of Asgard. It was not shocking that the people were mourning just as much as he and his family were. Loki clenched his fists, he had to find a cure for her. There had to be something that would stop the poison from spreading and if that meant he had to put himself in danger then he would do so. Frigga was his Mother.

As the pair arrived at the throne room, Loki was surprised to see a gathering already formed before the doors. He was able to spot the large forms of the Jotun's from afar, but as they drew closer Loki caught Thor, talking quietly with King Helblindi, along with Fandral, who was peering up at Lady Angarboda with a flirtatious grin, while Volstagg spoke cordially with Thrym, Hogan watched on silently and Sif linger towards the back of the group, where a collection of the Council of Nine stood, staring at the Jotun's with wary eyes.

"Hail, Odin, King of Asgard," King Helblindi said, breaking away from his hushed conversation with Thor to address Odin. The Council of Nine, bowed deeply, along with Sif and the Warriors Three.

"Hail, Helblindi, King of Joutnheim, I see that you have gathered and are ready to depart?"

"Indeed, though there is some changes I would like to propose," Helblindi motioned to Angarboda, who stepped forward. "I would request that Lady Angarboda be allowed to remain in Asgard until our delegation can return. She is a powerful seidr user, along with being proficient in many forms of healing. She could be of some use to you with the Queen's … delicate condition."

"We have our own Healers," one of the Council said, but was swiftly silence when Volstagg stepped heavily on his foot.

"I would hate to deprive the Lady of returning to her home and family," Odin said.

"That is of no concern King Odin," Angarboda's deep voice replied. "I have no pressing need to return to Jotunheim and I have no need to return to a family I do not have. My skills can also be put to more use here than they would at home. Indeed, I would be honoured to stay and learn from the great Healer Eir herself upon her return. Her prowess with healing seidr is known even in Jotunheim."

"We cannot think we will allow the Jotuns to learn any -" again the Councillor was silenced, this time by Fandral who wrapped a friendly arm around their neck, whispering something in their ear.

Odin mulled over the words before inclining his head. "Very well, we would be honoured to have one such as Lady Angarboda stay with us. Her skills will be of good use and value."

"I thought as much," King Helblindi agreed, stepping closer to Odin and clasping his hand, the large blue appendage eclipsing the King of Asgards small paler one. Loki, even with everything that was at stake, couldn't help but be awed by the moment. It was not insignificant. Two kings finally standing equal. It is a day many thought would be impossible for their two species. For a moment red eyes flicked down to Loki, giving the Young Prince a subtle wink as Helblindi released Odin's hand, retreating. "If it is not too much trouble, there is one more request I would like to make."

"What more could I offer the King of Jotunheim?"

"Due to … circumstances, I have not had the chance to see all of what Asgard has to offer. I grew up with tales of Asgard. It's golden beauty and magnificent structures. Even though my sire was not overly kind in his descriptions, I still found it fascinating." A weathered smile cracked over Helblindi's face. "I had hoped to see the wonderous view of Asgard, and though I know we are set to leave, I thought it might be possible for myself and Lord Thrym to still have a chance to view it."

Odin hummed thoughtfully while the Council of Nine tittered to one another. Loki kept his hands out of sight, not wanting anyone to see how he had crossed his fingers.

"I see how you would be disappointed in the lack of time you have had to see Asgard, King Helblindi and while Asgard is not how I would wish you could see it; I see no reason to deny you. One of the skiffs will be put forward for yours and Lord Thrym's use."

"That is greatly appreciated, King Helblindi."

"Father, if I may," Thor stepped forward. "I feel it is only right that I, as crown Prince, escort King Helblindi. I can also he makes it to the Observatory unhindered."

"Thor."

"I would be honoured Prince Thor," Helblindi bowed slightly in Thor's direction, but it did nothing to alleviate Odin's frown.

"I understand why you would want to ensure that King Helblindi sees the best of Asgard, but I have need of you're here Thor and I -"

"How about I go with them Father," Loki chose this moment to step in, taking hold of his Father's hand gently. It made his stomach twist to see his Father's face turn towards him, full of surprise but genuine warmth. "I know you worry that Thor will stay away from the Palace for too long, but if I was to go, he would need to bring me back promptly, he would have no time to get himself into trouble."

Thor scowled at him, but Loki ignored the affronted look, keeping his attention on Odin, who mulled over his words. Bending on one knee, Odin took hold of his youngest shoulders, pulling him close in a hug, then whispered in his ear.

"You do not have to do this Loki," the Young Prince stiffened.

"What do you mean?" he asked, worried that his Father was on to them.

"Putting on a brave face. I know you are still … concerned with the Jotuns and you are worried for you Mother, but you do not have to push yourself." Loki's guilt increased ten-fold at his Father's soft reassurance. Taking the chance to discreetly hug his Father, Loki shoved his guilt aside.

"It is not that Father. I know I have been a little … skittish, but I want to do this. With everything that has happened, I can at least give King Helblindi the benefit of the doubt and see him off."

"Loki."

"I want to Father, please."

Odin sighed, running a hand through his son's hair as he stood back straight, turning to the crowd, most who had averted their eyes respectfully, though Loki was surprised at the sad expression that crossed Helblindi's face.

"Very well, my sons will give you a brief tour of Asgard from a skiff, King Helblindi, they will then escort you to the Observatory."

"I thank you King Odin."

Odin nodded, inclined his head to Thrym and Angarboda, then marching forward and into the throne room, followed by his Council.

As the doors closed Thor jerked his head.

"We had best be off."

"Indeed," Loki said, bounding to his brother's side. The pair led the large entourage away from the throne room, passing through the Palace halls silently. The Warriors Three and Sif lagged behind. Loki wondered how they were going to shake the four when Thor pushed open a door into one of the receiving rooms.

"I thought we would have a little refreshment before we go on the tour," he said.

"Very kind of you, Prince Thor," Helblindi graciously accepted, stepping passed the two Prince's, followed by Angarboda and Thrym.

"There is no need for the four of you to remain," Thor said to the Warriors and Sif. "I am sure you all have duties to return to."

"We are always at your service Thor," Volstagg said.

"Aye and I am grateful for that, but I think it best that you leave for now."

Volstagg frowned and Hogan even appeared unsure, though Sif gave a swift short bow along with Fandral.

"We will do whatever our Prince commands," the warrior woman said, while Fandral chuckled.

"As long as they know exactly what it is they are doing," he quipped, though his tone belayed the hard calculating look in his eye. Loki shivered at the look, he often forgot that Fandral was one the most intelligent out of the Warriors Three and Sif, he was not a man that was easily fooled. But luckily, he did not push, only bowing his head a final time before leaving with the rest. Thor nudged Loki further into the room, shutting the door behind him.

Thor let out a breath, turning to face the rest of the room. The receiving room was the same as many they had in the Palace. Beautifully decorated in a mixture of golden furnishings, chairs, sofas and a large table that already had a pitcher of mead and goblets prepared by a servant who always kept such things in the rooms in case there was a need. Large windows looked out into the city of Asgard, bathing the room in a mid-morning light, casting long shadows along the walls.

"We should be safe to talk in here," Thor said. "We -"

"Prince Thor, a moment," Helblindi motioned to Lady Angarboda, who muttered quietly under her breath. Loki felt seidr rush over the room, biting cold, like deep winter, before he felt a privacy spell settle in place. Loki felt the urge to prod and poke at the construct with his own seidr, but refrained, though he did eye Angarboda curiously.

"What have you done?" Thor asked.

"It is only to ensure our business remains quiet," Helblindi explained. "I am sure you know that all Palaces have ears, Asgard especially."

Thor frowned, but nodded.

"Well, what's all this about then?" Thrym said, leaning against the table, having already poured a generous goblet of mead and was knocking it swiftly down his throat. "Our King only gave us a little information, though from my understanding it's to do with the Dark Elves."

"Indeed," Thor said. "Please listen." It didn't take long for Thor to explain the situation as Helblindi cut in serval times to clear up any misconceptions. Angarboda listened intently, her face betraying nothing of her thoughts, though Thrym smirked at the mention of not telling Odin.

"Serves the fool right," he said, slamming his goblet down to pour himself yet more mead. "If he was thinking clearly, he would know how daft it is to try and face the Dark Elves on his own Realm, they care nought for collateral damage."

"He is understandably grieving," Helblindi said.

"He's a King, his grief comes second to his people."

"It matters not, what we need to focus on is getting Jane to somehow meet us at the skiffs," Thor said. "I cannot go to her as my whereabouts will be monitored."

"Plus, you must be seen with me," Helblindi added.

"I could go," Loki said. "I could use my seidr to not be seen."

"You must also be sure to be seen with me Young Prince Loki," Helblindi gently reminded him. "Your Father is expecting you to keep an eye on your brother."

"Am I the only one that has a problem with us bringing a child into this?" Thrym asked. "He is too young to be even allowed off his own Realm without a chaperone, permitting him to face the Dark Elves is asking for trouble."

Loki frowned and would have argued if Thor had not stepped in. "You do not know my brother Lord Thrym. He would have found a way to follow us if we had left him to his own devises. Beside he will get in less trouble where I can be there to watch him."

Thrym opened his mouth to argue, but Angarboda cut him short. "It is not for us to say how others should treat their children. As for getting the mortal to the skiff, I believe I can help with that."

Thor raised a disbelieving eyebrow, to which Angarboda huffed and with a swell of seidr, light engulfed the Jotun. However, when it cleared it was not a Jotun that stood before them.

"What is this?" Loki gasped, awe and wonderment in his voice as he gazed upon an Asgardian. He was tall, pale skinned, with short dark hair and bright gem like eyes that stared out from a helmet that made up the armour that marked him a member of the Palace guard.

"A simple shapeshift," Angarboda's deep voice issued passed the Asgardians lips, twisting their body around in a stretch which made the armour creak. "In fact, it could be argued that it is not just a shapeshift, but I thought changing my gender would help with keeping suspicious off of us."

Loki could say nothing, he was in awe. He had heard of shapeshifting, what practitioner of seidr had not. It was complicated magic and took a lot of power to get right, but seeing it done so casually before his eyes was astounding. It also brought to mind what his Father had said to him long ago. That Loki was a natural shapeshifter, having turned himself Asgardian instinctively from the moment his Father had held him. Was this something he would be able to do in time? And changing his gender, that certainly had potential for some mischief.

"A wonderful idea Angarboda," Helblindi said, turning to Thor. "Angarboda will be able to approach your mortal and bring her to the skiff. She can conceal her with seidr at their approach and smuggle her aboard."

Thor hesitated before nodding. He told Angarboda where Jane was being kept, along with instructions to reach the skiff port, luckily the Palace had its own port close to the stables. With a bow to her King Angarboda left.

"We should head out," Helblindi said.

"Aye," Thor agreed and the four of them left the room and headed through the Palace.

No one bothered the four of them, the Palace servants keeping a respectful distance as they went, bowing politely. Loki was glad when they left the confines of the Palace, his feel hollow and stifling, with the pity of the servants and the lingering scars of the Dark Elf attack.

The skiff port was located close to the Palace stables. Loki thought it had been purposefully designed that way so that the residents of the Palace wouldn't have far to go as there were no personal ports for the Royal families use. A market, filled with warehouses and storage units was situated close by a cliff edge where water cascaded down into the depths below that made up the deeper parts of Asgard that no one had travelled for many a millennia A collection of golden walkways, floated in mid-air detached from the cliff, stairs connecting several levels together, so skiffs could pull up one behind the other without having to land, waiting for work fold to disembark and begin unloading and loading cargo. It was a busy place, with city folk transporting goods from the main part of Asgard's central city to the outer villages. Loki had always been fascinated with the skiff port, it was a place that many citizens of Asgard congregated and if you were lucky, even catch sight of a few off-worlders who had goods to sell. However, Loki's access had been severely restricted, his Mother claiming a Young Prince had no business learning the language of travellers just yet.

The congregation of royalty passed through the port, that while still busy, was not up to its usual bustle and crammed condition Loki new it could be. The attack by the Dark Elves had scared most of the common folk into remaining close to their homes, not that Loki blamed them. The Palace had been attacked, something of which had not happened for many thousands of years. There were a few port workers still about though. Mainly engineers who tended the skiffs, or portman, checking the warehouses and stock. Most folk froze at the sight of their party, bowing as they passed. Loki kept close to his brother, who tried his best to smile at the workers, offering his usual cheer to the people. But for once even Thor's jovial attitude was not enough and the group made their way onto the walkways, most eyeing the Jotun's with a degree of wariness.

They climbed the stairs until they reached one of the higher skiff ports, set away from the cliff edge so that below offered a stunning view into nothing but cascading water of the falls, which disappeared over the cliff edge. A skiff waited in the dock, several workers scurrying about making preparations.

"Ho there!" Thor called, slipping from Loki's side to march at the head of the party. "Have all the necessary arrangements been made?"

"Aye, Prince Thor," a wizened Asgardian spoked from the ramp which led up onto the skiff. A large, though slim lined machine, with golden metal protrusions positioned on either side at the back of the long boat design. They were made to look like wings, though they were mainly in place to offer balance to the otherwise cumbersome machine. Loki had often wanted to piolet a skiff but had been thoroughly warned away by his Mother. Though while the practical application was out of his reach for now, how the skiffs worked was just as fascinating. A blend of old science and seidr Loki had toyed with the idea of enchanting his own skiff, though how he would bribe the blacksmiths into keeping quiet was another thing. Gold was one of the few materials that allowed for seidr to be absorbed and Loki had precious little of it. The old Asgardian walked down the ramp, bowing low to Thor and Loki, who stopped before him and offered an incline of his head to the Jotun's. "We even made sure to bring out a bigger skiff, per the All-Father's order."

"The charge?"

"Freshly done, we had another seidr wielder brought in just to be sure the engines were at max capacity. You should have no worried of seidr shortage while on your flight."

"Very good," Thor waved a hand and the old Asgardian bowed before returning to his work, bellowing orders to the remaining work hands who quickly began to disembark.

Thor showed Helblindi and Thrym onto the skiff, the former looking for more impressed than the latter. Loki migrated to the back of the skiff, taking note of the wide-open fore deck, which had obviously been recently mopped with the shine of water over its surface. He quickly leaped up a short set of steps to make it to the after deck where a long golden tiller rested with a low bench beside it.

Thundering feet had Loki swiftly moving aside as a rabble of work hands trouped by. They didn't even bother to descend to the fore deck, simply leaping over the sides to the walkway below, which shook and rattled under their weight. Loki moved over to the side, staring out along the walkways and back towards the Palace. Now that he was here he couldn't believe that they were really doing this. Was it all going to work out? What if they were caught, everything just seemed so intangible.

"Silver for your thoughts?" Loki startled at the voice, surprised that the large King of Jotunheim had been able to sneak up on him. The Jotun King sidled up beside him, leaning his weight against the skiffs side, which creak a little.

Loki shook his head, "nothing, just a little nervous."

"Aye, aren't we all. It does all seem a little surreal," Helblindi sent a cracked smile Loki's way, but the Young Prince didn't have it in him to return more than a polite twitch of his lips. "But there is no need for worry. The All-Father is unaware of our plan and Angarboda has never once let me down. She will ensure the mortals safe arrival."

"You know her well?"

"Aye, though I'm sure she would rather we had never met." Loki raised an eyebrow as Helblini laughed. "She complains that her life became far more complicated when she met me."

"Did it?"

"Probably, Angarboda is one of our greatest seidr users, she should really be spending her life experimenting, creating and finding new seidr to share with our people. Instead, I drag her from her studies to face the world of politics with me." Helblindi shook his head. "She cursed me good and proper after our first council meeting."

That drew a smile from Loki, "she sounds like a handful."

"She is, but I would have her no other way."

Loki nodded, eyes shifting to look at the walkways. The workmen were getting ready to cut the lines which held the skiff to the port, while Thor continued to chat to the now disgruntled old Asgardian who was starting to complain that it was time for them to shove off, while Thrym scanned the area with a frown.

"Prince Loki, there was something I wished to discuss with you." Helblindi said, startling Loki from his study. The Young Prince was surprised at how earnest the King seemed, nervously gripping the skiff rail as he stared at the Prince.

"Is this really the time?"

"It cannot wait. It has been long enough. I need to tell you -"

"Ho there! Wait, don't cut the lines yet!"

A large, barrel of a man shoved his way along the walkways, a crate cradled in his wide hands. Barging by several work hands with a mighty heave he lifted the crate and deposited it near the top of the ramp, just as the skiff lurched away from the walkway, a line having already been loosened.

"What do you think you're doing, man?" the old Asgardian screeched, trotting over from where he had disembarked the skiff.

"Sorry sir, the lumbering Asgardian muttered. "Didn't want the royals to be leaving without their essentials."

"Essentials?" the other eyed the crate which the large Asgardian was pushing further onto the skiff. "What could they possibly need with something this big? We're already fully stocked -"

"I know, I know, but you know these royals. Always so fussy, can't please them at the best of times why they even -"

"What is going on here?" Thor, drawn by the noise walked over. He eyed the two before turning his attention to the crate. "What is this? We didn't -"

"Ah, Prince Thor it appears I must apologise," Helblindi said, rapidly leaving Loki's side to place an all-encompassing hand on Thor's shoulder. "I had arranged for several gifts for my council back on Jotunheim. You know how courtiers can be. With the rush I had forgotten them in the initial preparations."

Thor turned to Helblindi, mouth open in rebuke when Thrym took over.

"Ah, vultures the lot of them," he lumbered forward, grabbed the crate and lifted it like it weight not but a piece of glass. "I'll move it below."

He ambled away and towards where a door was set where the lower deck reached up to the aft. Loki watched from the rail as Helblindi led Thor away. By the time he heard voices call for the lines to be cut and the skiff began to move he could not see hide nor hair of the large Asgardian who had brought the crate.

Loki remained where he was. Watching as the last of the workers dropped from the skiff. Thor, with Helblindi's prompting ascended to the aft deck. The crown Prince was still frowning at the King of Jotunheim but didn't protest as he was nudged to the tiller. Not bothering with the small ledge seat Thor gripped the thick wood and metal engraved tiller. Lifting it a little Loki heard the creak of hinges as the fin like tiller that sat beneath and to the back of the skiff came loose. Slowly Thor eased the tiller right, engines roaring as they engaged into life, the tiller acting as both steering and ignition key. They backed away from the port and out into open air. Loki leaned over the rail, watching as the walkways got further and further away. Finally, once they were far enough, Thor pushed down on the tiller. The seidr enhanced engines growled, then they shot off into the wide-open sky of Asgard.

Loki marvelled at how beautiful Asgard looked from above. The golden spires of the royal palace standing out in the sun, setting the rest of the central city in a picturesque glow. However, the beauty was marred by deep black scars Loki could just see in the side of the palace. He clenched his fists instinctively. That wouldn't be allowed to happen again.

Thor took them around the palace, and they were soon speeding away from the city. As they grew far enough away Thor eased the engine and flared at Helblindi.

"Why did you make us leave. Have you forgotten -"

"Calm yourself Prince Thor, everything is going according to plan."

"How? I don't -"

"By the Norns you are impatient as your Father. Always rushing ahead." Thrym's gruff voice brought all the members of royalty's attention down to the lower deck. The Jotun Lord was walking back onto the lower deck, though his face was distinctly lined as he eyed the dwarfed figure following in his wake, gazing around the skiff as though they would like nothing more than to start taking it apart.

"Jane?" Thor asked, blinking as the Midgardian, still in the beautiful blue dress gifted her by Queen Frigga, smiled back. The Crown Prince of Asgard leapt over the deck rail, landing with bent knees that still managed to make the skiff rock from side to side, before rushing to embrace the woman. "I thought … I …"

"Thor, what's going on?" Jane asked, trapped as she was in Thor's arms that didn't stop her from peering over his wide shoulder to stare at Loki then the two Jotun's. "This man came to the rooms I was staying in. He barely explained anything before stuffing me inside the crate."

"You must forgive Angarboda, my Lady," Helblindi said. "She does tend to act first and ask questions when she realises no one understands what is going on."

Thor eased back allowing Jane to give her full attention to the Jotun king. Loki watched as she took in the large Jotun, with the gems and loin cloth adding to the overall exotic image that the Jotun's managed to carry effortlessly.

"I'm sorry but, who is Angarboda? And who are you? What is going on?"

"That's what I would like to clarify as well, my King," Thrym said, watching Jane with a degree of suspicion. "You did not mention that the aether had taken up residence inside a Midgardian."

"It was not important."

"I beg to differ."

"It makes no difference for what needs to be done Thrym. Whether the aether resides in a Midgardian, elf or Asgardian, the threat to the nine realms and with them, Jotunheim is very real."

Thrym appeared as though he wanted to argue the point, but under the glare of his King swiftly back down, bowing his head before stepping back, though he kept one red eye focused on Jane.

"Thor, really, what is happening?" the Midgardian asked, glaring up at Thor who seemed flustered.

"Jane -"

"A plan has been formed to help save your life, my Lady. It is to my understanding that you contain the aether?" Helblindi smoothly intercepted. Jane turned from Thor to stare at the King of Jotunhiem apprehensively. She shared a confused look with Thor before nodding.

"Yes, from what Thor and his Father explained to me, that is right. But how to do you know about that and who are you?"

"Do you not have eyes in your head?" Loki snapped, annoyed, not bothering to even scowl as the Midgardian turned to him in surprise. "This is Helblindi, King of Jotunheim, behind you is Lord Thrym, a member of his council."

Jane's eyes widened and she turned her shocked gaze from the King to Thrym, who smirked at her. Loki saw the way she swallowed nervously, edging closer to Thor.

"You're Jotun's?"

"Indeed my Lady."

"I thought you didn't like Asgardian's?"

"You could say that most of them tend to be rather annoying," Thrym muttered.

"Our two species were in the middle of a peace delegation when the subject of the aether ended with an attack on the Realm eternal," Helblindi said. "When Prince Thor shared the problem with me I, only naturally wanted to help."

"Why?"

"If Malekith claims the aether it will not just be Asgard and Midgard who will suffer under his boot," Helblindi said solemnly. "Malekith's rage will wipe out all of the Nine if he is not stopped, that includes my people." Helblindi took a step closer, sighing when Jane stiffened. "I understand that you are wary, but know that all here wish to help you, none of us want Malekith to get his hands on the aether and by extension that includes you."

"I have no love for Midgardians, but I also don't want to die in whatever plan Malekith will no doubt cook up if he gets his hands on the aether," Thrym growled.

"Jane please, all here will aid in our quest, have faith in us."

The Midgardian smiled a little at Thor's words, seeming reassured, then her eyes fell on Loki again and she frowned. "But is it really safe to have brought your brother with us Thor, he's only a child."

"I'm older than you," Loki said.

"But you're still -"

"Besides, do you know how to travel the branches of Yggdrasil, or have the power to work seider?" Loki sneered not bothering to wait for Jane to answer. "We have a plan to save the Nine Realms and in addition your life, just be grateful."

"Loki," Thor admonished. Snorting, Loki turned away, moving from the group who began to fill Jane in on the plan ahead. Loki didn't want to be around the Midgardian, in fact he would rather not be in her presence at all. She was the reason Mother … Loki shook his head, he would not think of that, he must not, not right now. Stopping at the rail Loki looked out across Asgard, the Palace was growing smaller as they moved from the great city and further into the smaller towns and villages which made up Asgard's wider regions. They would eventually fade away as the edges of Asgard gave into wilderness, then eventually finishing at the Great Remains, the destination. Loki clenched his fist around the rail, his knuckles turning white. They had to make it, they must make it and find a way to the Dark Elves, not just for the Nine Realms, or Thor's Midgardian, but for Mother. Loki would find a way to save her, one way of another, he would save his Mother, no matter the cost.