Loki is…. More a…well he is…... Loki is a good person to have, there is no one greater at magic than him and he is fun too great sense of humour. Kal frowned slightly as he spoke about Loki.
Sigrid had a funny feeling that this was not the first time Kal had to address concerns about his brother's unique behaviours. She could see by the frown on his face that he was trying to convince himself as much as her, so she decided to drop the matter for the moment.
So what are you going to be doing then, whilst everyone else is busy? she asked placing a smile on her face.
Oh, well first I need to retrieve your steed and secondly I want to have a look around the town see if I am missing anything. Kal's face became a grin again dispelling the frown that had formed.
'He looks better when he smiles' she thought to herself quickly pushing that thought from her head.
Thank you, it's very kind of you. she smiled at Kal placing a hand on his shoulder.
I did make a promise and a prince should always keep his word especially to a beautiful lady. Kal placed his hand on top of hers.
Sigrid suddenly felt flustered heat was rising in her chest and she turned slightly to prevent Kal from seeing her blush. On Kal's part, he was a little astonished at his brazen flirt and was wincing a little at how bad it was.
The two looked at each other and awkwardly pulled apart, Kal clearing his throat and Sigrid looking at the floor trying to clear the heat from her cheeks.
Soooo, I take it you will be out for a couple of days? Looking around the town. she asked not meeting Kal's eye.
Oh uh no. Should take a couple of hours at most should be back before it gets dark. You'll see me before the feast ends I'm sure Kal stated trying to sound confident, his throat had suddenly got dry and his palms were sweaty.
Great, Sigrid stated a little too quickly with a broad smile and attempted to backpedal I mean it's great that you will um …. have done such a vital task so quickly.
Yes, it is, Kal stated awkwardly.
So… Sigrid responded.
So, I'll be off then, and I'll see you later, I mean I'll be here later, back here later I mean Kal started walking backwards down the steps as he suddenly started speaking like an idiot.
'What the hell is wrong with me?' Kal asked himself, facepalming himself when he was out of sight. 'First girl you actually like and you're an idiot around her, some god you are.'
Kal took off sprinting over the land with blinding speed leaving behind an equally flustered Sigrid who proceeded to cool the heat in her chest by drowning a flagon of mead in one go within the hall.
Kal's survey took longer than he initially believed it would, the region under the Jarl Regin's control was not vastly extensive but the terrain of Midgard resulted in numerous places for things to hide. The land was rocky, very undulating and for Kal who was used to Asgard it was more than a little filthy, everything was drab colours and bleak. with far too many caves and holes
Kal could not help but think about Sigrid
Sigrid though she seemed honest and friendly, spoke her mind which Kal liked and despite being a fragile being had charged in to fight a dragon by herself, not for glory but to protect people, which Kal greatly admired.
He would also admit that it did help that Sigrid was incredibly beautiful too, not as stunning as, Amora or Sif but they were all too perfect to Kal's mind. her mortal imperfections made her seem more real to Kal, not the simple embodiment of perfection but a real person.
Kal eventually returned to town and discovered that Thor had decided that the celebrations required a more Asgardian touch namely he had shared his flask of Asgardian liquor with a few people. ... with predictable results, those that had drunk even a sip of it were completely wasted and mumbling incoherently
Kal just shook his head and moved over towards Loki who was still quietly sitting in the corner a bored expression on his face, he took a swig of the drink before him then grimaced at the taste.
I have no idea how anyone can drink this swill. Loki pushed the cup of Midgardian ale away from him.
Father's cellars have ruined your pallet bother. Kal chuckled as he stood before Loki.
Then I thank him for saving me from this swill, Loki stated as he looked over to Thor who was regaling a group of Midgardians with a tale.
I am sorry to ruin your celebrations but I need you to - Kal was about to ask his request but Loki beat him to it.
Already doing it, Sif told me. I have a number of spells and enchantments working, should have something in the morning. You still hear that noise? Loki asked curiosity now showing on his face.
Yes, it's louder when I am in the town but cannot tell where it is coming from, we will deal with it later for now the demons. Thank you, brother have a good evening. Kal thanked Loki and made a move to go back outside.
She is over by the fire, Loki stated with a grin as Kal turned.
Who is? Kal turned to face his brother again.
Your mortal. Loki gave a bawdy grin that Kal just shook his head at and departed.
Kal however found himself walking over towards the fire and quickly spotted Sigrid who was wearing a simple white tunic but was drinking and laughing now as she talked to other maidens around her age.
As they laughed Sigrid caught his eye and gave him a smile, which caused Kal to move forward towards her and grab a drink of his own on the way.
Duty could wait for one night, as he sat down the other maidens quickly made excuses and departed each giving the warrior maiden a knowing look which she glared at them for.
So, I've heard some stories about you she smirked with mischief.
I can likely grantee you that they are all false. Kal smiled as drank from the cup in his hand, he could taste that Thor had placed Asgardian spirits within the cup.
Really, so it's not true that you have slept with 100 elven maidens? Sigrid asked grinning as Kal spluttered from coughing.
ummm, I was drunk and they were insistent and it was a one off incident Kal stated, after he was done coughing, his cheeks had gone red.
I am going to kill Loki He muttered casting a glance at Loki's dark corner.
So all 100 of them were insistent she asked hiding a grin
Yes said an exasperated Kal
Sigrid chuckled at Kal's response, liking that despite being a god she could still make him blush. Her own cheeks had become flush a result of more than a few cups of ale she had consumed making her more confident and less controlled than she normally was.
So, tell me then what is Asgard like? She leaned forward placing her hand elbows on her knees looking up at Kal.
Kal smiled and drained his own cup and began regaling her with tales of the Realm Eternal and a few modest stories about himself, he really wanted her to like him.
The morning air was cool to the touch, brought into the room by the open window that faced out towards the fjord. Sigrid curled up, bringing more of the furs on her bed to her body in an effort to keep warm.
Lagertha was feeling very contented at the moment, as she reached out towards the other occupier of the bed.
Their first .,,... moment had occurred after the welcoming feast her father had held which had largely been the result of drink but despite such a beginning the two had continued, the maiden had found Kal far different from the boastful warriors and prideful noble sons she usually dealt with. He radiated power and authority, spoke like the noblest soul she had ever met, yet he acted with kindness and softness she had never seen before. In short, Kal was different, and she was finding out she liked different.
Over here. Kal's calm voice sounded from behind her.
She turned to see that he was sitting on the window's ledge one leg raised and was staring out at the fjord as the dawn broke. He was already dressed in his armour minus his cloak and had Gram propped next to him, the searing sword properly sheathed and resting close enough that he could easily grab it if needed.
Come back to bed, it's still early. Sigrid yawned, patting the furs next to her giving Kal a grin.
Kal placed a gentle kiss on her cheek then with a slight gust of wind he was gone.
She sighed, Gods, she would never understand them it had been her idea to keep the liaison between the two of the private, not wanting people gossiping nor her father having ideas about her being with a god. She loved her father dearly but he was still a Jarl and would jump on the chance to try worm his way into the good graces of a god.
After she was changed, she descended into the feasting hall where a small morning meal had been set out. Kal was present looking magnificent in his armour, he was standing with Loki and the two were deep in discussion, she caught his eye and gave him a subtle smile.
Her day was then ruined when she noticed that her father's advisor Bjorn was in the hall whispering to a group of her father's warriors. He had been unusually absent over the past week since the gods arrived, usually, he was everywhere scheming away but he had hardly been seen in the past few days.
Not that she really cared, but she always slept better when she knew where he was and still desired to settle the score with him for the threats that he had made a few weeks ago.
"Lady Sigrid, it is a pleasure to see you." Bjorn said grinning
I wish I could say the same thing . she spat back too tired to try and be polite.
She suddenly felt a hand on her wrist and as Bjorn pulled her in close, a sneer on his face as he looked down at her.
Careful woman I would be kinder to yo- his voice had been venomous until Kal was suddenly pulling his arm away from Lagertha.
"DO NOT TOUCH HER." Kal's voice darkened the room, as his eyes promised divine retribution glowing with the force and power of the sun itself
Although she was grateful for the aid, Sigrid too was slightly frightened by Kal, gone was the controlled warrior she had witnessed or the pleasant modest man she had spent her nights with. No in front of her was a whole new person, one that scared her and looked unbalanced, before her was a prince of the eternal realm in fury
Brother calm down Loki was suddenly by Kal's side and had placed a hand on his shoulder.
Kal turned glaring at Loki with a look of unbridled rage that Loki was shocked to see, yet before Loki could address it, it suddenly vanished from Kal's face. Kal blinked and looked shocked as if he had just noticed Loki next to him, he looked around and saw the sparsely populated hall staring at him, and all of the stares were ones of fear.
Apologies, I forgot myself. Kal gently released Sigurd's arm and plastered a smile on his face, which caused much of the tension to immediately leave the room.
Sigurd was grimacing in pain but not wanting to look weak forced his own smile on his face No need my lord. It was I who was in the wrong, I am too rough in the mornings. Please forgive me my lady.
Although it brought bile from her stomach she just smiled not wishing to cause any more of a scene and gave a nod of acceptance, as she did not trust her mouth to be so cordial.
She turned to look at Kal who was staring at the hand he had grabbed Bjorn with a look of concern on his face, he was oblivious to the world around him. He then suddenly looked up and started staring at him, then did a very strange thing he sniffed the air, a look of concern then flickered across his face.
Lagertha was starting to get concerned so she gently placed herself next to Kal and started dragging him off to a table, not caring for the moment how it might look.
I will get the prince something to eat, we will speak later Bjorn. She gave her best diplomatic smile as she dragged Kal away from Loki and Bjorn.
Kal was still staring at the impudent whelp that was Bjorn who was starting to feel unnerved at Kal's staring and promptly moved to return to his own table, where his friends waited for him whilst rubbing the wrist that Kal had grasped.
They went off to a corner of the hall Kal gently wrapped his arms around Sigrid bringing her close this time she did not resist and as he leaned down to kiss her was interrupted by a very loud cough.
Sorry, am I interrupting something? Loki smiled having appeared next to the couple leaning on a wall.
Uh no, Kal, PRINCE Kal was just …um helping me I tripped, Lagertha stated as she pushed herself out of Kal's arms.
Loki just grinned and gave his little brother an overt wink, which caused Kal to both glare at Loki and blush slightly.
The building with the red door at the edge of the town is where i sense an odd magical presence the whole area is coverded in concealing enchantments we should search there
That is.. The house of Bjorn it is where he resides most of the time she spoke in a shocked tone quickly readying her sword she took on a determined tone
Come on, we should not waste time. Sigrid gathered herself and started off, walking past Loki.
Loki stayed where he was for a moment just grinning at Kal who was following Lagertha and walked past his older brother, who raised his eyebrows meaningfully at Kal.
Tripping indeed brother Loki said grinning widely trying and failing to stop laughing
Oh shut it, Kal stated as he walked past Loki whose grin just widened at Kal's response.
Sigrid lead them through the streets and did her best to ignore the stupid grin Loki had fixed on his face. The trio eventually arrived at a rather modest dwelling at the edge of the settlement. It seemed ordinary enough and somehow more ordinary than the buildings around it, Kal scanned the building with his enhanced sight and could find nothing out of the ordinary, however, his other senses were telling him something was off.
Everything was too ordinary, a strange statement to make but it described exactly what Kal was feeling. The entire building before him looked, and sensed completely normally, seemingly emanating a signal that nothing was wrong. This is what was causing Kal to be concerned, it all seemed a little too unnatural like someone was feeding them exactly what they wanted and was hoping no one would notice the poison mixed in with the food.
Loki could feel it too, the ambient magic in the air was almost palpable, there was a very powerful and highly skilled enchantment present, it had been applied skilfully too. Loki believed even his mother would have been hard-pressed to sense the enchantment and despite his own pride had to admit that the spell was a masterpiece.
You sense it too brother? Kal asked Loki who was now standing next to him, the elder of the two squinting at the building already making symbols in the air with his hands.
I do brother. Very curious, it appears that there is more to Midgard than I thought. Loki stroked his chin as he raised a hand to study the enchantment further, it was very impressive.
Should I use Gram, or can you break it? Kal asked gripping the hilt of his sword.
Give me a moment. Loki strode forwarded whilst clicking his fingers together.
Sigrid watched silently as Loki rolled his shoulders and neck, causing both to crack before proceeding to wave his hands around in strange movements, muttering as he went in a langue she could not understand. The occasional shimmer in his hands was the only indicator something was happening, otherwise, Loki simply looked like a raving madman.
Suddenly, the air before her appeared to crack like a mirror and Loki had a triumphant look on his face. He raised one and with a dramatic flourish snapped his fingers and like a mirror falling apart the space around the house fractured and shattered.
In its place was the same dwelling as before but it was now a twisted nightmarish version of itself, the walls were blackened, and strange glowing red runes were appearing and disappearing on the walls. The air around the house seemed shrouded in an ominous black mist that she could hardly see through and there was a strange noise that was scraping at the side of her ear, it was like quiet whispers and ink being scratched on parchment.
Sigrid, stay here, Kal said in a voice that held no room for argument as he drew Gram from its scabbard, the blade glowing in the presence of the darkness.
For once she just nodded admitting this was beyond her skills and took a few steps back allowing the more divine amongst them to enter the foreboding home.
' Bjorn what have you done' She thought to herself as she watched the gods enter the home.
As they entered Kal noticed that Loki had produced his daggers and was muttering counter spells under his breath as they moved through the dwelling. The inside was much worse than the outside, tables were full of black hellish herbs, jars of unnatural creatures were present and Kal was pretty sure there were bloodstains on most if not all of the surfaces.
Kal was no expert in magic like Loki or their mother, but it took no master of the mystic arts to recognise dark magic when it was present. He was growing sick at the smell and sight of what was present in the dwelling, Bjorn was clearly more than just some Midgardian advisor and very involved with something very dark.
KAL! Loki's voice came from across the room.
Kal wheeled around and saw Loki standing in front of a cupboard he had just opened, Kal raced over to see what had alarmed his brother.
Loki what is i- Od's that what I think it is? Kal was staring at a metal-bound black book that radiated darkness.
The whispering that Kal had been trying to ignore suddenly intensified a thousand fold, it was like a myriad of voices were talking to him at once, each one offering him everything he had always wanted including things he never knew he had wanted. Kal was about to reach out to take the book when Gram suddenly burned hot in his hand, and like a light shining in the dark, the voices suddenly quieted. They were not truly gone but Kal suddenly lost the compulsion to listen to them or to take the book.
It's The Darkhold, the Book of the Damned, Loki whispered his usual mischievous tone gone.
I do not understand what is frightening about a book? Volstagg asked as he glanced at the book that had been placed on the table before them.
The great Hall of Agnafit was empty except for the Asgardians, Sigrid, Jarl Regin along with a bound and securely gagged Bjorn, who was a strap to a chair.
Kal and Loki had wasted no time after finding the cursed book, Loki had immediately placed every containment spell he could conjure on the book. Whilst Kal had all but exploded into the Great Hall, knocking out Sigurd before he could react and without waiting to ask for permission. Which had caused alarm from everyone in the Hall and almost caused Thor to tackle his brother thinking he had gone mad.
They had then cleared the hall and gathered their companions to decide what their next course of action should be.
It's not just any book, this is the Darkhold, Loki stated in an unusually serious tone.
Okay, so why is that bad? Thor asked clueless as to why the name should be a cause of concern.
Loki sighed heavily in response and rubbed his eyes in frustration, appearing as if Thor's lace of knowledge was causing him physical pain.
The Darkhold brother is a source of great evil and suffering. It is infinite knowledge incarnate, it provides the reader with the means to gain everything they desire, but at a cost Kal spoke gravelly and for a moment Thor was hearing their father speak not Kal.
Which is? Volstagg asked looking at the book with concern.
One's soul, Loki answered, his eyes lingering on the book. It seduces with the promise of everything you ever desired, whilst it slowly drives you mad until the only thing you care for is the book.
So he wished for this 'Apocalypse' to attack and through use of this book he would defeat them and become a hero have i got that clear Sif said and Kal nodded in return
After a bit of deliberation between the gods they decided to leave Bjorn's fate to The Jarl who in his unbridled fury ordered him beheaded
and so on the next day by noon Bjorn the cunning had his head unceremoniously detached from his body, by way of Dane axe
With the final matters attended to, Loki had at that point declared that they should simply depart and return to Asgard seeing no further need of their presence. However, he was overruled by Thor who was unusually supported in his decision by Kal, who argued that they should return and inform the mortals themselves.
Thor was happy for the support as he merely wanted to return to the bask and admiration of the mortals, so declared that they would feast and then depart with the praise of Midgard ringing in their ears. Loki suspected Kal's desire to return had nothing to do with seeking praise but perhaps the admiration of one particular Midgardian maiden.
Deciding that observing Thor getting praised for the hundredth held no appeal and that there was no maidens or warriors that piqued his interest he decided to follow Kal. Fascinated that his little brother had finally taken an interest in the opposite sex or anyone really, his little brother was always so serious.
So, you are leaving? Loki heard the Midgardian's voice around the corner and using his skills concealed himself from Kal's very astute sense.
In the morning, we need to go back to Asgard and tell father the danger is gone. Kal was sat down on a bench holding the Midgardian's woman's hands in his.
Has it? What about that book? All those people that are dead now just because Bjorn had it. She asked concern in her voice, as she shook her head.
The Darkhold will trouble you no more, Loki and I have hidden, far from the reaches of men, Kal said with certainty.
You trust him? Why not destroy it? The Midgardian was clearly doubtful of Loki's trustworthiness.
I trust him with my life, he is my brother. Loki was touched by his brother's statement but quickly dismissed it, of course, Kal trusted him why would not.
Besides, The Darkhold cannot be destroyed, not truly and Loki for all his faults is no fool, he knows better than most the dangers of dark magic. The book is safe, have no fear, we have hidden deep in Midgard. Kal stated with certainty that would have impressed their father.
Why not take it back to Asgard? she asked.
Loki was beginning to get bored of the Midgardian's constant questions, what did Kal see in her, questioning someone clearly superior to her.
We dare not bring it to Asgard, the temptations for anyone to use it, especially our family could prove too great, and the results would be catastrophic for all. Kal squeezed the Midgardian's hand and gave her a comforting smile.
I will return have no fear. I may be gone for a little while I have duties to attend to, but if you are willing, I am happy to return to see you. If you desire it? Kal's question hung in the air a hopeful idiot grin on his brother's face.
The Midgardian woman gave a sly grin and leaned forward, her lips almost touching Kal's I would not be opposed but you would have to make it worth my while
I will endeavour to do so. Kal captured her lips and the two began a passionate embrace.
Loki decided to end his observation there not really desiring to witness his little brother engage in what inevitably was coming next. He had been close to playing a prank but decided that Kal deserved a little fun,
However, as Loki turned the corner and caught the last scene of the two in a very passionate embrace, he had a sudden feeling of concern for his little brother.
'I really hope you don't do anything foolish, little brother. Romance with mortals rarely ends well.'