Frank and a Tree
Things went downhill the moment Loki landed their ship.
He should have realized Thor and his friends would not want Darcy to go now that they had met her. Sif practically demanded that she would have Darcy’s back during battle and insisted they spar to warm up. Darcy, after receiving a nod of approval from Loki, drew her blades and gestured for Sif to attack first.
Just as Darcy neatly dodged one of Sif’s strokes, Fandral took him off to the side. “Loki, might I inquire about your…how shall I put it…ways with the ladies?”
“I beg your pardon?” Loki asked, unbelieving that Fandral of all people would assume Loki was more privy to knowledge about women than he.
The blonde boy fanned out his hands as if presenting newfound and impossible information to the oblivious prince. “Loki, really, you have won the affection of Lady Sigyn. You gallivant around with a fine creature such as Lady Darcy. Are there other beauties you have yet to tell us about? Have you also been wooing Sif in your spare time?”
Darcy’s blade clashed with Sif’s, but it did not absorb the force of the shieldmaiden’s attack. She managed to slide her swords away so a loud scraping noise echoed across the trees as more ships descended. “Honestly, Fandral, you believe I have tricked them?”
“I see no other explanation for it! You are…well…you.” Fandral explained in a goading manner as Loki removed one of his daggers, twirling it expertly around his fingers as Darcy used her latest offensive move make a stab at Sif’s leg. Sif detected this attack and blocked it just in time, countering Darcy with a thrust of her blade.
“Indeed.” Loki agreed as the dagger flicked from his pinky and back around his thumb, “I am me. I am also a decent conversationalist.”
“What are you implying?”
Loki switched the dagger to his other hand, less concerned about Fandral’s pitiful encounters with women and more with the fight between Darcy and Sif. Off to the side, Thor had begun to duel with Hogun. “I implied the truth. You speak of nothing but your own deeds or adventures you’ve had with Thor. Show interest in their lives or at least have more interesting undertakings.”
Fandral huffed and Darcy had one sword around the back of Sif’s neck and the other aimed at her stomach when she was swept off her feet by one of her opponents more powerful legs. The duel ended with the tip of Sif’s sword to Darcy’s throat. Loki nearly collapsed onto the dirt and begged the gods to hate him just a little less. It was cruel of them to make his best friend a Midgardian. Why couldn’t she just be an immortal? Darcy Lewis, an immortal girl with immortal strength who he would feel perfectly comfortable taking out to war with him. That sounded nice. But, it was not to be. He was stuck fretting over her frail mortality.
Sif offered Darcy her hand a smile on her face. “You’re not bad, Lady Darcy. Perhaps a bit lacking in strength…have you no muscle? I swear it felt as though I had tipped a twig when I at last disarmed you.”
Darcy smirked, sheathing her weapons. “Hey, I do have some strength! You know, like, a little bit.”
Sif stowed her own sword. “You have excellent form. The only suggestion I have is to build up your strength. Two blades suits you. I do not know if you are strong enough to hold a shield.”
Pouting at the mention of needing to be stronger, Darcy removed her helm. “Yeah. I like having two blades. My instructor told me it was better since I don't have a shield.”
“They are quite wise. Who is your instructor?”
From the fleet of ships, the commanding officer of Odin’s elite guard, the Einherjar, approached him. He gave a brief formal bow to both him and Thor who had just disarmed Hogun. “Your Majesties, there is urgent news.”
Thor spoke first, “Has the Allfather given us specific commands?”
The officer hesitated, “The Allmother wishes for me to tell you most discreetly, Your Grace.”
Loki gave a slight nod to dismiss the warriors and Darcy. She stared at him with concerned eyes before backing away with Sif. Once they were out of hearing range, Loki turned to the officer. “Speak, if you will.”
He stood straight, shoulders squared and body tense as if ready for a fight at any moment. The horns of his helm beamed in the sunlight. “The King went into the Odinsleep shortly before our departure. He was prepared for it and he left a note advising that his duties be left to his majesties Thor and Loki Odinson.”
Damn.
Now, not only was he looking out for Darcy, a dog who thought he was an infinite serpent, an infinite serpent who thought he was a dog, and himself, but also the entirety of the guard. Good. No problem. Absolutely marvelous.
He maintained a straight face quite unlike Thor who looked utterly thrilled to be given such responsibility. “We shall charge them at once then!”
“Thank you, Commander. Go prepare your men. Remind them this skirmish is not a fight for power or land. Any man, woman, or child they kill will be Asgardian blood spilt. You are dismissed.” Loki ordered, thankful that he had not eaten yet as bile was already thick in his throat.
Thor did not seem to be having the same contorting anxiety. “Loki, don’t be so grim. We are doing this for Asgard.”
“Yes. I agree. We are already wounded, let us not cause ourselves anymore casualties.” Loki muttered, mostly to himself. “Go get our friends, tell them of what has happened. We will not attack until the General has brought back the conditions of this battle. I doubt they would be anything too drastic, but we must know before we give any commands.”
“Loki, you worry too much. After today, the Norns will know never to rebel again! Asgard will be whole.” Thor declared proudly, gripping Mjolnir at his side.
It took all of his willpower, but somehow, Loki managed not to tie Thor to a tree and leave him there for the rest of the day. “Thor. We do not want bloodshed. We want very little bloodshed. If more Asgardians die, they will not be there to support our armies when an external threat prevails. We will lose the valuable mines, farmlands, and population Nornheim has to offer. I—“
“Brother,” Thor said hotly, “Father left both of us in charge. I am the eldest and I respect your views. But out of the two of us, which has more experience fighting?”
Loki was nearly trembling with rage when a voice spoke from behind him.
“Thor, that’s stupid. Just do what Loki says. If you kill too many people your dad will get upset. Why don’t you listen to Loki’s plan?”
Loki thanked the gods for Darcy Lewis.
“Lady Darcy, we will fail if we use Loki’s plan. The Norns will slaughter us!” Thor argued.
She smirked. “Have you heard Loki’s plan?”
“Well, no.”
“And do you have a plan that consists of more than just running into the field and hitting people?” she sassed and Loki found too much pleasure in the way Thor was rendered speechless.
“Not exactly…”
“Good. Loki, tell Thor your plan and then we can go do it.” She said, peering around a tree. “Where’s Fenrir and Frank?”
Loki wasted no time addressing his scheme. “Before the battle begins, you will run out of the field in the direction of the main city and—“
“Loki, that is ridiculous. The archers will have us before we reach the gate!” Thor interrupted.
Loki shushed him. “Trust me, you will be able to make it. You have Mjolnir do you not? Once you are in the city, move quietly until you are inside the castle of the High Lords. It will be heavily guarded and at this point, I’m afraid, yes you will need to fight. Kill the guards, only if necessary to hold conference with the Lords. I will meet you there.”
Thor cocked his head skeptically. “Are you sure about this, Brother?”
“Positive. Advise the men to do as the commander and general say. There is something I must do.”
Loki could see through a break in the trees, the general of the Norns’ army walking forwards to meet the King’s general in the center of the plane. He and Darcy needed to go west immediately. He marched over to Darcy who was asking Fandral if he had seen where the animals went.
“Darcy, I believe we have business to attend to in informing certain individuals of your presence.” He excused before Darcy could blabber any more.
“Right! I’ll be back in a bit.” She said to them, hurrying away further into the eastern wood. “Loki.” She said after they were far enough away that they would not be heard. “What are we doing? The river is that way? You sounded really weird over there. Like, princy. You’re really good at this.”
Loki took her by the shoulders to focus her attention on the task at hand. “I am aware. I have been practicing for a very long time. As for the river, we will teleport there.”
In a flash of gold and green light, they were on the eastern side of the battle field, standing on incline and looking down at an army of miscellaneously armored Norns wearing equal expressions of anxiety and determination. Many looked as though they wished to jump from their skin. Loki resolved his will to stop this war as soon as possible. The main city where all of the High Lords remained during the skirmish was only a few kilometers northwest of the river. If this plan went through, he could make the war end in an hour.
“Let’s go.”
Frantically climbing, gripping onto trees for support and stepping over perturbingly sharp rocks, Loki and Darcy made their way up the hill.
“Loki…” Darcy panted, her now muddy boots nearly slipping on a rock. “Why…can’t we just…teleport to the top.”
She grabbed at a tree, missing its nearest branch by a few inches and would have fallen had Loki not taken her hand. “I’m saving my magic for what we have planned. I’ve never cast a spell on such a wide scale before.”
“I’ve…never…climbed a hill…this steep…before….” Darcy breathed, wiping perspiration from her forehead. “Are you seriously not sweating?”
Loki rolled his eyes, wrapping an arm around her waist to support most of her weight. “Come on, Darcy. We’re almost there.”
They moved at a more rapid pace with Loki helping Darcy. In a matter of minutes they were peering over the edge of their recently scaled hill and onto the battlefield where the generals were walking back to their respective sides. “It’s about to start.” Darcy said, turning her wide blue eyes up to his green ones.
“We should move quickly.” He told her grimly.
Suddenly, a horn blew and his heart jumped to his throat. He was behind schedule. Odin’s absence had set them back. There was no way they could run there now. He would need Hel. “Change of plans Darcy.” He said, turning to the thicket beside him. “Hel! Come on girl, I need you a bit sooner than expected!” he shouted into the wood.
Darcy came up beside him, gripping his arm in anticipation as the soft whisper of bones came trotting towards them. “Hey Hel.” She greeted the horse.
She whinnied, nudging Darcy’s helm with her nose as Loki mounted her. He offered Darcy his hand to help her up as well. “Come. We must move, Hel. As fast as possible.”
Hel was old. Loki knew Hel was old. She was also half dead. Apparently, that meant she could run at least sixty miles per hour if she wanted to. He and Darcy tested this in the spring. Hel did not seem bothered by the speed, and Jörmungandr really liked it. Unfortunately, Loki and Darcy did not. It was hard to hold on and hurt after a while. But, at the moment, having a horse that could run that fast was horribly convenient.
In seemingly no time at all, they reached the rushing roar of Asgard’s longest, widest, deepest and most dangerous river. Though it was streaming along, the water peaking white across the tops of mossy rocks, steam rose from the surface in Nornheim’s muggy summer heat. “Brilliant.” Loki said, dismounting Hel, lending Darcy his hand.
She jumped down, checking Hel’s saddlebags for snacks. “You should eat something before you cast this spell. I’ve got three protein bars, two apples, and a cheese stick. What do you want?”
“Are there no fruit snacks?” he asked, sinking to his knees by the riverside.
Darcy tossed him the apple. “Fruit snacks aren’t healthy. Eat the apple and the protein bar.”
He did as she said, devouring the snacks as swiftly as possible and feeding Hel the core. Half of it fell out the bony side of her skull. Shakily, he got to his feet and reviewed the spell he and Darcy had concocted last night. Under normal circumstances, the trick he had in mind would take minimal energy. But the space in which such a spell must cover…he could not cast an illusion so large yet. He needed the aid of this blasted river.
Darcy sensed his apprehension. “Hey,” she soothed, taking his hand. “You can do this. And, don’t forget, I’m here. So, if you faint or something, I can totally protect your body from bilgesnipe or whatever.”
“That was the least comforting thing anyone has ever said to me.” He groaned. But he could not help the smile that dawned on his face. “Stand back and remember, do not try to navigate until I tell you to do so.”
Darcy smiled reassuringly, giving his hand one last squeeze before letting go.
With a resolute clench of his jaw, Loki focused his energy on the river letting the words in his head flow through his body and spark in his fingertips. Every ounce of conviction in him went into this one spell. No one would get harmed in this skirmish. It was pointless, it was demeaning and it meant nothing but trouble.
A small gasp came from behind him and he knew it had worked. “Oh, Loki.”
He blinked, searching around him for Darcy, but could not see her through the thick hazy fog that had settled over them. Everything he saw was but a swirl of gray-hued steam, swirling and blank before him. No doubt, the cloud would move to the battlefield and the soldiers would not be able to see two inches in front of their noses. Without wasting another second, Loki cast a spell over him, Hel and Darcy, allowing them to see through the vapor.
Darcy’s face was alight with a grin when she came into view. “Man, I thought my eyesight was bad before! That was terrible!”
“I quite agree.” He said, hoisting himself onto Hel’s back. “Come. We must get to the castle to confront the High Lords. Gods only know what Thor would do if he got there first.”
“Let’s go.” Darcy approved, pulling herself up as well, moving her arms to grip his middle. “Wait, how would Thor get there if he can’t see through the fog?”
“He has Mjolnir.” Loki explained, “He can fly with it.”
“Yeah, but does Thor know that?” Darcy said snarkily and Loki shrugged.
“Perhaps…perhaps not.”
Darcy giggled in response. “He’ll figure it out.” She adjusted her position Hel, straightening her helm. “Fenrir and Frank still aren’t here. Oh no, what if Frank has eaten all the Norns! What if Fenrir does that thing where he tries to hiss and he pees on a Lord!? What if Frank—“
Loki slapped a hand over his friend’s mouth, unsure if he could mentally handle any more worrying. “Darcy, let’s not think about that right now. I’m sure Fenrir and Jörmungandr are fine.”
***
Idun could not help but notice as a thin layer of fog began to creep along the sides of her orchard. This wasn’t unnatural in the summertime, but it typically only happened in the morning. Then again, it was a hot summer and perhaps it had rained over a few nearby areas. She wasn’t too concerned.
Her orchard was not very large. There were four apple trees and each produced about thirty apples per season. Cultivating the golden fruit was simple enough, they grew like regular trees and if seeded properly, more trees would grow. However, keeping the immortal fruit a rare commodity was one of the charms of having them. Asgardians, once they reached full adulthood, were welcome to the fruit if they requested it. Anyone sworn to the Allfather would have no trouble obtaining one. For those outside of the Realm Eternal, the apples were of great price. The fee could not be paid in gold nor any currency in all the Nine Realms. They would receive their emolument through labor. They must prove they were worthy of the opportunity to live forever.
Prior to common belief, it was not Odin who made that decision. He did not entirely control the apples. He was not their grower nor their funder.
Idun was and hence she decided who would get the fruits.
She relaxed on her chaise lounge, thinking of how rain could affect the harvest. Generally speaking, it couldn’t hurt the apples, but it would prolong their growing period. That was another reason Idun was the only farmer of such a magical plant. If you gave the apples away at the wrong time, they could have…interesting results on the consumer.
If one was eaten too early while the apples were bitter, it could cause tiny magical anomalies to spark inside the eater and growth issues may occur. Usually, they would fluctuate in size, sometimes rapidly, sometimes slower. Then there were rare cases when they simply got bigger and bigger and only died when they begged for death for fear of becoming too large. It was quite sad really. Idun never gave away apples that weren’t ripe. But, in her younger days, when she was still learning the ways of the golden fruits, she had hired help that would assist in her experiments concerning the productivity of her crop.
But, those she hired were not quite as dedicated to secrecy as she. They would sneak out fruit to their friends before they reached the prime age and their friends would suffer whatever strange magic the stage of the apple ensued. It amazed her that no sorcerer had yet been able to undo the magic of the apples. Anyone left in the cruel condition an overly or unripe apple caused, would remain that way until they died. Unless, of course, the apple had given them immortality as well. Then, they need ask to be slain or kill themselves for the effects to end.
Looking out across the four-tree orchard, something caught Idun’s eye. A glint of steel in the midday sun.
She stood from her seat, instantly on guard. Her home was heavily warded. No man alive would be able to simply stumble upon this ground!
Carefully, she snuck from the wide marble stone balcony of her home, down a curved staircase and out into her precious field where she saw the light. The fog, she dare call it that for she had never seen fog so thick, blocked her view from the farthest tree and the one closest to the wood. She made to step into it but stopped.
With great precaution, she licked her lips to taste the dewy moisture that clouded her property.
That was no ordinary fog. It was enchanted. Created by a sorcerer. A strong one at that. No novice would be able to achieve such a task. Whoever lurked near her beloved apples was no one to be dealt with lightly.
Being a rather trained sorceress herself, Idun ran through a few spells she knew to use in offensive combat. But before she could step into the felonious veil, something long, dark and very dangerous slithered from its depths with a mouth full of what looked like tree roots.
Terrified, Idun stumbled backwards, watching in horror as the long, sleek black body of an Infinite Serpent made itself visible, it’s long pink tongue licking leaves from its mouth. It cocked its head at her, eyes shining with something she could only identify as curiosity. As if it couldn’t get any worse, a small whine sounded from the haze, the creature that made it stumbling out as well. It was a wolf. A wolf in silver armor.
Idun watched in disbelief as the snake looked…sadly…at the wolf and coughed up at least three half-digested golden apples. The wolf ate them with relish and Idun found her senses.
An Infinite Serpent ate one of her trees. How dare it!?
Furiously she raised her hands, letting them light with golden magic. “You. Who are your masters and how did you come upon this place?” she sneered at them.
The animals did not seem to detect her harsh tone and were instead staring at her ball of magic, completely beguiled by it. Though, it was not like they had never seen it before. They did not react skeptically towards it. Quite the contrary, they both seemed rather friendly towards the magic which was not a common response from anyone.
The snake made a sound similar to that of a bark and the wolf made something that sounded like a hiss while simultaneously relieving itself. Odd. These animals did not seem to be threatening. Though…they were quite strange.
The serpent opened its mouth in semblance of a smile before slithering over to Idun and draping its sleek body over hers. At first, her heart beat so fast, she was afraid it might jump out of her chest. But she sensed no malice from the creature as it continued to mouth her jaw and hum contentedly. Could snakes even hum?
She did not know. But this one was, quite obviously, giving her a cuddle. The dog trotted forward to lick her cheek and nose. “What are you two?” she asked, returning their affection with pats to their heads.
They didn’t respond and she got the feeling they weren’t going to anytime soon. As angry as she was at them for eating her tree, she couldn’t stay mad. They were like troublesome little children.
But whose troublesome little children were they?
The Infinite Serpent and the Wolf both adorned armor, but neither bore any mark of a smith or seal of house. It was also seamless. Each piece was of perfect construct with no imbalance or slight imperfection. Their armor was magically produced. By the looks of it, a very able sorcerer had gone a long way to make sure their pets didn’t get hurt.
Unfortunately, it hadn’t stopped them from eating the apples.
“Oh you poor darlings.” She said to the animals as they continued to snuggle closer to her. The wolf put his nose in her black hair and whined.
Standing up from her place on the ground, she gestured for the creatures to follow her. “Come, little friends. Let me make sure you aren’t wounded by the fruit.”
***
Thor did exactly as Loki said.
Before the battle began, he gathered up his friends and led them away from the battlefield, marching off in the trees so no one would see them. The horn sounded and battle cries could be heard as each side rushed from the forest and attacked the other violently. It was not five minutes before all sounds of conflict halted.
“What is that?” Sif gasped turning to the field where a thick fog had spread out and was rushing through the forests and nearer to them.
Thor cursed Loki. Did he know this? Was this his doing? It did not matter, he would not be caught in the fog. He needed to get to the Lords so he could teach them a lesson about causing a war on Asgard. “Run!” he commanded of his friends, urging them to sprint towards Nornheim’s main city.
Thor would not say that he was a slow runner, he was not. In fact, he was a relatively fast runner. The fog, however, was faster than both he and his friends and soon they were engulfed in a cloud so thick, he could not see Mjolnir before his face.
“Thor?”
“Sif?”
“Thor?”
“Fandral?”
“Volstagg!”
“Is that you Sif?”
“Fandral. If you do not get your slimy mitts off of my—“
“Apologies. Only I cannot—“
“Fandral! How crass of you to—“
“All of you, stop!” Thor sighed, searching for their bodies through the mist. No soldier would dare fight through this lest risk bashing their own teammate. “Are you all here?”
“Aye.”
He didn’t hear anything from Hogun, so Thor assumed he was present. “Alright. We cannot navigate in this damn haze!”
They grumbled in agreement as Thor thought with all his mightiness.
This was no ordinary fog. It must be an illusion of sorts. Either it was made by Loki, or a different sorcerer. However, Nornheim was not renowned for sorcery of any kind and if magic was looked down on in the capital, it was even more so here. It was highly unlikely they would use magic in battle. It must have been Loki.
But Loki told him to go to the castle. Why would Loki say that when he plainly could not see to make his way there?!
Perhaps he did not want him to be there! Perhaps this was a part of his scheme to make sure he failed at his first war!
Accompanied by the Lady Darcy as well…
Thor shook his head. As mysterious as Loki could be, he doubted that he would try such a foul move on him. Had his brother made a mistake? Or did he expect him to make it through this blinding moisture? It was not as if he could simply fly abov—
“Sif, take my hand,” Thor demanded into the gray space before him, waving his hand about until he hit a thin, muscular arm.
She raised her hand to grip his but was surprised when he pulled her in closer and began twirling Mjolnir. “What are you doing?!”
“Something stupid.” he muttered under his breath, hoping he was right in assuming Loki’s vague instruction. The hammer beat in heavy circles above his head, spinning faster and faster until their bodies began to ascend.
“Ah! Thor!” Sif screamed as they rose above the fog that stretched from the gate of the city to the horizon. All sounds of battle had ceased entirely.
Thor marked the location of his other friends by the bare tops of a few trees parallel to where he had risen. Then, without further hesitation, he flew him and Sif in the direction of the gate, landing on the other side in a graceless skid. Sif had rolled a few feet away and was stumbling to her feet, stray hairs falling from her bun as she tried to regain her balance. “What…by the name of Odin…was that?”
Thor stood as well, bracing himself against the stone wall of the city’s barricade and observing the courtyard they had landed in. “I flew.”
“Indeed,” Sif said, leaning against the wall as well. “I—“
“In the name of High Lord Bjarte of Nornheim, put down your weapons! You are under the arrest for entering the city without the consent of the gatekeeper! Is there anything you have to say in your defense?” Thundered the supposed voice of the Chief Guard.
Thor and Sif froze as guards surrounded them, crowds of them spilling into the courtyard through two outer archways.
“What was it that I had said again, Thor?” Sif said, taking out her sword, brandishing the double sided blade. “For Asgard?”
He chuckled, raising Mjolnir, “Save a few for me, would you?”
Sif’s responding laugh was hardly audible through the sounds of crashing blades as Thor went to retrieve the rest of his friends.
***
Hel approached the rear entrance to Nornheim’s main city and Loki was surprised to find it unguarded.
Magically, he opened the gate allowing Hel to carefully tread into a main stable area. No horses occupied the space and Loki suspected they were all off near the battle. Darcy’s grip lessened on him as she had been holding tightly the entire way there. “Where is everyone?”
“I am not sure.” He said quietly, pulling back on Hel’s reigns and dismounting.
Darcy jumped down as well, the cat ears on her helm shone brightly in the sun. “Do you think Thor—?”
She was interrupted by a storm of silver armored guards stomping in through the archways and a powerful voice bellowed at them from above. “Halt! You have broken the terms of battle by entering this city! This is a crime worthy of punishment! What do you have to say in your defense?”
Instinctively, Loki moved to stand in front of Darcy, making sure to keep his daggers to himself. A few of the men in the guard held out their weapons and others seemed downright terrified of the half-dead horse behind the dark haired prince. He observed that the commanding voice did not convict him of arrest, hence, he was not the Chief Guard and did not have the right to arrest anyone during war times.
Loki chose his words carefully. “I have come with peaceful intentions to discuss the state of this war with the High Lords of Nornheim.”
A few laughed, including the commanding voice. “And who are you to do that? No. It does not matter. This is war! Set to bring Nornheim the respect and honor it deserves from the capital and all of Asgard!”
Rambunctious cheers radiated from the guards and Loki wanted to go hit each of them on their helms. Was everyone in Asgard truly so petty? “I’m afraid, I must insist.” Loki said coolly. He considered announcing his title, but that could be dangerous also. There were many who would see greater reason to kill him because he was royalty. Even more so, Darcy was with him and she could be taken as a hostage.
Though, he may be tempted to feel sorry for anyone who attempts to kidnap Darcy.
“You insist?” taunted the guard, “Well, you capital black-head, I must insist a challenge for you! If you can fight off my men, I’ll let you go see the High Lords and you may even be able to keep your little friend.”
He impulsively reached back to simultaneously shove Darcy behind him and cover her mouth with his hand before she could say anything. He failed.
“Hey! Why don’t you come and fight me and we’ll see who gets to keep what you little—!” she shouted up to the balcony at which the guard stood and Loki clasped a hand over her mouth to stop the spew of threats.
“As the lady wishes!” he bellowed, “Men, attack!”
Many of the guards looked hesitant to attack at first and Loki could see why. He was young. It was obvious he was not still a child, but he did not look especially strong and he was unarmed. Plus, Hel had surprisingly not run off. Instead she stood behind him almost protectively.
Darcy drew her swords, bending her knees to stand in proper defensive form. “They aren’t coming at us.”
Loki did not draw his weapons. “Sir, I will fight your men if I must, and I am prepared to. However, I do not wish for bloodshed and I believe it would be better suited if I were to speak with the High Lords first. I am already afraid we have wasted enough time.”
There was a grumble of disapproval amongst the men and the Guard spoke, “What is this? Has the capital gone soft? Sending us little fish-bones to see how weak we are! We shall snap you in two!”
There was a roar of approval at the mention of the capital’s injustice and one man surged forth from the line of guards, giving a loud battle cry, his sword raised as if to strike at Loki.
Ready, the prince stepped forwards to evade the swing of the blade, causing the guard to fall frontwards. Hel settled one of her hooves on his back to keep him down. Loki thought it was funny how Hel positioned herself. She obviously meant no violence, but to be kept down by a horse was quite demeaning. It angered the force before him and several more charged forwards.
This time, Loki drew two of his daggers and threw one. It spliced open the knee of one man and landed in the foot of another. The second dagger made its home in the link between another man’s armored leg. He fought off a fourth man with his third dagger while two more charged at Darcy.
He watched her while, for the first time, fear ate at his insides. What if she could not defend herself? What if she dies? What if she—?
Darcy’s swords moved fast and she maintained near perfect form. None of her opponents could bear down on her because she never gave them the opportunity. There was fright in her eyes but determination in her jaw as she moved and soon enough, she had speared the guard through the knee and disarmed the other with undeniable grace. After kicking aside his sword, she gave Loki the tiniest of smiles before turning to the oncoming threats.
As more men advanced and as Loki fought them off, he came to a conclusion: he hated fighting. He hated making men fall to the ground in agony and he hated the look in their eyes when they realized they were at his mercy. There was no pride in striking down men who had not been raised in a palace, making it their duty to train diligently every day. There was no feeling of greatness in showing them his power. His only desire was to go see the High Lords and be done with this mess.
Throughout the fray, Loki refrained from using magic. Nornheim looked down on it even worse than the capital. Making his sorcery known to them would only bring skepticism and dislike upon himself later. He made up his mind to use it only if need be.
Hel did her part as well, biting the shoulders of a few men that got too close to him and Darcy. The looks on their faces suggested that death had taken them between her maws. What a funny notion.
Darcy held her own, but Loki could sense she was wearing down and not just physically. Through her helm he could see the horror in her eyes as a man ran at her and, in pure defense, lifted her sword to stab him through the middle. He fell to the ground in a cry of pain.
That is when Loki decided it was time to call an end to this madness. He drew his final dagger, holding in front of him loosely. “Take me to your High Lords. I have no desire to wound your men any further, nor does my comrade. We only seek audience with—“
The guard on the balcony no longer held himself as though he was teaching a few naughty kids a lesson. He was caught in a state of both perplexity and resentment. “My men would have healed by now if that were just regular steel. But it’s not, is it?” he focused on Loki as if trying to determine something. “You must be a little Lord then? A commander’s son? Who are you?”
Loki answered immediately. “As you have said, it does not matter. My business is with the High Lords. It is not your place to arrest me and seeing as how your men cannot kill me, I suggest you let me pass before—“
There was a terrified little gasp from behind him and Loki watched in horror as one of the men on the ground drove his sword into Darcy’s leg just as she had done to him. The armored girl sank to her knees, clutching the wound in her thigh, sobbing out in pain.
Loki acted immediately, fury injected into his blood as if through a Midgardian needle.
Who did this man think he was? To attack Darcy? His friend? His Darcy? He would pay for that with more than simple pain. Pain was not nearly enough compensation! Driven by pure rage, Loki conjured a set of doppelgangers, each bent into an extremely offensive position with their heads inclined so the horns of his freshly adorned helm challenged him.
The clear shlick of several knives piercing that one man’s skull was the most unforgiving sound Loki had ever heard in his life.
He and all his doubles directed their gaze to the guard and spoke together “The High Lords. Now. Or there will be further bloodshed.”
Pure dread plagued the faces of every guard and most of them retreated several paces. Their Officer looked down from his balcony in shock. “Your helm…you’re Prince Loki, Prince of Mischief, Prince of Chaos.”
“Indeed.” He agreed eerily, waving a hand for his doubles to disappear. He knelt by Darcy to examine her wound. Luckily, it had not been a poisoned blade, nor an enchanted one. But she was bleeding heavily and he would need a more advanced healing spell to cure her. He cast a quick enchantment to stop the flow of blood before taking her in his arms. “I will go to the High Lords now and you will make sure that your men and comrades do not attack me. Understood?”
Every soldier gave a curt nod and Loki lifted his chin. “You may go, Hel.”
The horse neighed in a dignified sort of way before trotting off behind the stables and disappearing.
The Officer shouted down at him, “My men will escort you there, Your Highness. My apologies, I did not realize you truly meant no ill will upon us. You are most gracious.”
Loki did not acknowledge his words with any more than a slight nod as he was already walking steadily forwards, preparing for whatever criticism lie ahead as a consequence for stalling the battle with the fog. He only hoped that Thor had killed as few as possible and was already setting out to debate the outcome of this skirmish with the High Lords in council.
***
After a few spells and looking over the animals, Idun decided her new friends were going to be alright.
Well, the snake may have a few small growth problems in the future and the wolf (she determined he was actually a breed of dog, but she preferred to think of him as a wolf) would be immortal. It would not be unlikely for them to have strange magical capabilities, but if their master was a sorceress it would be no problem.
Idun quite liked the two creatures. They were truly the most adorable things she’d ever had the pleasure of meeting.
They enjoyed cuddling, laying on the floor, and for some odd reason, kept taking the books off her shelves and staring at them expectantly.
It was so rare for Idun to have any company at all. Her most frequent visitor was Queen Frigga, and she hadn’t seen her for at least a hundred years. Though, she did occasionally write letters to Freya who lived in the north.
The animals seemed to also like listening to her talk. The Wolf would sit with his head on her lap listening as long as she rubbed his ears. Occasionally, he even whined in sympathy or licked her thumb. The serpent nuzzled her hair and, after enough books littered the floor, laid across them in a contented state.
She had been telling the Wolf about one of her visits with Queen Frigga. “…and she brought her baby son once, Prince Loki.”
The Wolf’s ears perked up at the sound of the prince’s name and he looked about hopefully. “What? He isn’t here now, silly.”
The wolf whined sadly and let his head settle back into her lap. “Any who,” Idun continued cheerily, “he was such an adorable little thing. He could do some magic, you know. It was quite impressive for a babe.
It wasn’t much. Just little lights on his tiny fingers. But you would like him. I can tell.”
She lit up her own fingers as an example and suddenly the serpent was there, licking her palms. It continued to surprise her how the two animals were so comfortable with magic. It was a most unwelcome sight for most, especially where she had come from in Nornheim. But these creatures seemed genuinely fond of it.
Idun scratched under a piece of the wolf’s armor and her fingers came across something. A strap? It was indeed a collar of sorts around his neck and dangling from the bottom like a necklace was a stamped metal tag in a Midgardian text. “Fenrir.” She read slowly, unaccustomed to the language. She could read it, unlike most Aesir, but only because of constant study of Yggdrasil.
Her brow crinkled and the wolf looked at her in anticipation. “That is your name? Fenrir? It is an Asgardian name yet you are of Midgard? Even so, how did you come to be on Asgard?”
She did not expect any kind of answer from the animals, but in that instant they both perked up, gaze jerking east, the direction of Nornheim. Immediately, the snake began to behave strangely, slithering in a circle with his tail in his mouth. Fenrir acted similarly, only he seemed to be chasing his tail rather than eating it. It was a very strange sight indeed.
“What in the name of Bor…?” she trailed off, entranced as they spun in sync, both wearing obvious expressions of distress.
Instantaneously, they stopped, made eye contact with the other and charged for the door. Idun watched after them, disappointed by their leaving and awed by their characters. She must find out who their owner was. Whoever it was deserved a golden apple so long as they promised to come visit her from time to time.
***
Loki found the castle entrance easy enough and the men at the gate gave him no trouble as he was flanked by two official guards. They did look at Darcy rather skeptically and with slight bits of concern as she was clutching to his armor and biting her bottom lip.
“Shh, Darcy,” he assured her. “You will be fine. I will take care of you as soon as I can. I promise. I pinky promise.”
“Loki…you used magic,” she said softly. “You killed him.”
It dawned on him, the truth of her words.
Magic. He never truly intended to ever harm anyone with it. How long had he spent practicing in the fields to destroy people? How long had he struggled and worried over his capabilities as a superior fighter? How he had suffered through training, yet found killing so easy when faced in combat. He felt no remorse for the man he killed and that is what scared him.
He did not feel bad for that man whose brain was splayed like horse droppings on the dirt. That guard had attacked Darcy and caused her the pain she felt now. He had hurt her for a ridiculous reason such as honor. He would have killed her for honor. And in that, he would have received none.
“I did.” Loki agreed as they entered the castle and stalked down a lengthy corridor lined with defensive looking guards. He noticed that these ‘men’ were no more than boys, not much older or younger than himself, wearing ill-fitted armor. Oh how low Nornheim had sunk for this useless rebellion.
Darcy squeaked as he adjusted his hold on her and he felt as though a large shard of ice had just stabbed at his heart. “I’m so sorry Darcy. I should have never brought you here….”
“Shut up, Loki,” she mumbled, a fine sheen of sweat on her face as she bit back the pain. “I’m fine.”
“You are not fine,” he argued as they entered a grander foyer where several thrones lined the back wall. Each held a man with shiny new armor, holding out their weapons. Before them, kneeling on the ground and cuffed, were five adolescents and were being spoken to heatedly.
“Prince Loki of Asgard. Prince of Mischief. Prince of Chaos. Prince of Lies.” Someone announced him and his titles.
“And his companion?” inquired a man in purplish robes on the far left.
“Of no importance to you.” Loki answered, strolling forwards at the most relaxed pace possible. He would not make them feel threatened. He was young, but he was their prince and this talk was necessary.
“Prince Loki,” greeted the center High Lord and Loki recognized him.
“Lord Bjarte.”
“A pleasure to see you again. I was there for your ceremony. It was quite impressive,” he complimented, and Loki knew that most of his dealings would be with this man. Lord Bjarte was known for his cunning behavior during debates. It was said that he could convince anyone of his perspective in less than an hour.
Loki squared his shoulders, aware that Darcy was still curled up, her face in his shoulder. “Thank you, Lord Bjarte. Though, I wish we had met this time over more pleasant circumstances.”
“I quite agree,” he said airily, folding his hands. Lord Bjarte had a graying blonde beard shaped quite strangely, long braided blonde hair and glittering armor so gold it was almost orange.
Loki could not bring himself to return the small smile. “Forgive me for making requests so soon upon my arrival, but might you release my brother, Prince Thor as well as his friends?”
“I’m afraid not, Prince Loki,” Lord Bjarte sighed. “They resisted arrest after entering the city which went against the battle protocols for this little scuffle between provinces.”
Loki cursed himself. Of course Thor would fight his way through without thinking of the implications. “I see,” he said, looking down at his brother thoughtfully. How would he get them out of this? Fighting was not an option. Well, there was really only one way. “He did so under my instruction. I told him to get into the city as I intended to do in order to hold conference with the High Lords. He was most likely a bit overenthusiastic when the heat of battle tempted him. You know how it can be.”
Lord Bjarte gave a low chuckled, glittering eyes beating down on the dark prince. “Oh yes, I quite understand. But, my Prince, you must understand, the men surrendered and he continued to challenge them. Surely you can see as to why we must insist upon this treatment.”
Loki knew he should have tied Thor to a tree given the chance. How embarrassing. A member of the royal family arrested. Father would not be pleased when he found out...if he found out…
If. If is good.
“I understand, Lord Bjarte. In which case, allow them to be seated elsewhere and we shall speak of it later,” Loki suggested, shooting a quick look to Thor who was shaking with fury, his mouth muzzled.
Lord Bjarte gave the guards a swift nod to take the warriors from the room. “They will be given rooms. Comfortable ones, not cells. I do not wish for your mother to come and give me a lesson on hospitality. I daresay, I would sooner face Gungnir.”
At this, Loki did offer a smile. “Your fears are not unfounded. Now, I must ask for one more thing before we continue our discussion.”
“Would it have anything to do with the pretty little thing in your arms?” Lord Bjarte asked, his voice smooth like honey.
“It would,” Loki replied, his grip tightening on Darcy. “In the presence of the High Lords of Nornheim, I would like permission to heal the wound of my friend.”
One of the Lords in the back chuckled. “A Prince asking permission in his own Kingdom! That’s a good one.”
Loki stiffened, his jaw tightening. “It is customary to ask in Nornheim before performing magic, is it not?”
The Lord quit laughing and paled at the mention of magic. “You’re not a healer. Why would you do that?”
“And you are not a cushion, yet you rest in a chair all day.” Loki stated in the simplest, kindest way possible. A few Lords chuckled, others glared.
Lord Bjarte’s lips twitched. “Please, Prince Loki, tend to your friend. Though, forgive us, we would appreciate if you do it here, so as to not have any unwanted discussion between you two. You are known for being a Prince of Lies.”
Loki grimaced. “Indeed.” And with that, he settled Darcy on the ground and carefully thought through the spells he needed. Quickly, he cast a cleansing one that would remove any dirt or infectious bacteria from the wound. Then, he cast an advanced healing charm that brought her flesh together faster than any other spell could. He had invented it himself after studying with Eir.
Darcy flinched at the pain and made a sound of discomfort at one point. But, ultimately, she seemed fine. She carefully removed her helm and he saw faint bruising on her hairline, probably from someone bashing her helmet. Gingerly, he traced it with his fingertip, letting swirls of gold magic sink beneath her skin and heal the injury. She sighed in relief. “Thanks Loki. Are you okay?”
“I am fine Darcy. I believe you need rest,” he told her letting his fingers roam over her scalp in search of any other bumps or scrapes.
“I want to stay here with you,” she said, taking one of his hands in both of hers.
“I wish that you could stay with me. But that is not my decision,” he chided gently, rubbing his thumb at the bags under her eyes. “You need rest,” he repeated.
Lord Bjarte clapped his hands, “She will have a room! I must ask you, my dear,” he addressed her, “Who could have possibly hurt a precious thing like you?”
Darcy blushed as Loki helped her stand, but he also detected a bit of annoyance in the twist of her lips. “I’m not a thing. I’m a person,” she pointed out and the Lords all gave hearty chuckles.
Lord Bjarte descended from his throne pedestal, walking over to Darcy. “Of course, my dear. How silly of me. Would you do me the honor of answering my question?”
Darcy crossed her arms and Loki could tell she was afraid. “A man I disarmed.”
“And what became of this man? Hm?”
She pursed her pouty lips for a moment, “Loki killed him.”
Lord Bjarte gave her a sympathetic look that contrasted drastically with his cold eyes. “His first kill then? The things we do for love….”
“Loki’s my friend,” Darcy quipped, angling her head in order to make them seem a more equal height. She did not succeed.
“And he loves you nonetheless,” Lord Bjarte pointed out, reaching down to take Darcy’s hand. He kissed it once then gestured for his guards. “You will be treated as royalty, My Lady. We would not wish to upset our young prince any further.”
Loki could taste the mockery. There was very little chance that Lord Bjarte was truly threatened by him. But this small act did mean something. He was not anxious to continue this skirmish.
Once Darcy was gone, Lord Bjarte glided to his previous position. “She is spirited. Is she very clever?”
Loki paced forwards, arms at his sides. “Quite.”
Lord Bjarte grinned, “Ah, women. Perhaps you are too young to understand the pain they inflict…” he cocked his head to the side, “…or perhaps not.”
Loki stared expectantly, “The skirmish, Lord Bjarte.”
“Ah yes, that nasty business.” He sighed, “I’ll admit, I did not think a rebellion was quite the right approach to the problem we faced. I think you’ll agree with me, Prince Loki, that men do ridiculous things for honor.”
He nodded once, and waited for the High Lord to get on with his statement.
“It was quite a close vote on what we wished to do. It was the first vote ever made by the gathering of High Lords,” Lord Bjarte explained casually. “Well, you can imagine how it went. Some of us wanted to simply challenge Vanaheim to battle over that spot of land but of course, we could not if the capital did not agree to let us use the bifrost. Our options were to either persuade you or win a battle in the terms, that if we won, we would have access to the bifrost.”
This was news to Loki, though it was not surprising. “Clearly, you have lost your battle.”
Lord Bjarte waved a scolding finger. “Oh no. You see, there’s a dreadful fog that has spread over the place. We have heard word back that there have been no casualties. Or, at least, no one thinks so. It’s impossible to see out there, you understand. According to my men it is complete and utter chaos.” He said the last words with clean annunciation, drawing out the ‘s’ in ‘chaos’ till the rest of the Lords gasped in realization.
Loki bowed his head in appreciation of Lord Bjarte’s wit. He wished to convince Loki to let them use the bifrost in order to evade further rebellion. He now had his task. He would prevent this, by any means necessary. “Yes. That was my intention. Do not think Thor had any part in it.”
“Surely this is not bragging, Prince Loki? You do not strike me as one to gloat.”
“I am not. I am merely protecting my brother from any further humiliation.” He said plainly, not daring to move. He liked this. These mind games and this trickery. Perhaps that is why his title is Mischief . He had the propensity for it.
Lord Bjarte sunk into his chair slowly and with great purpose. “Tell us, Prince Loki, why would you do such a thing?”
Loki addressed all of the Lords, beginning to walk the length of the room, speaking to them as calmly as possible. “My Lords, I understand your desires in this war. In the capital, we have been discussing ways to settle this ordeal. You are Lords,” he said simply. “Your people gain honor through your achievements.”
There was a hum of agreement and Loki purposefully did not meet Lord Bjarte’s eyes. “Asgard has not had a war since before I was born. That is quite some time and those who have gained glory in battle are running few.” He admitted, not truly understanding why anyone would gain anything through the slaughter of men, but that was beyond discussion at this point. At the moment, he needed to win them over.
“But the way to win that honor is not by killing those of your own kingdom. Just as the people are honored by the deeds of their Lords, Asgard is honored through the deeds of her people. And there is no honor in hurting oneself,” he almost pleaded, stopping to speak directly at Lord Bjarte. “War will happen. Perhaps not now, nor in the next year, but it will happen. We need not make it from nothing. When the time comes, the bonds between the provinces will need to be strong in order to keep the Realm Eternal’s pride and glory.”
A few of the Norn Lords stared, near speechless. Others looked at their boots. Another seemed to be considering Loki’s words with great care. Lord Bjarte began slowly clapping, something sparking in his cold, expressionless eyes. “Oh, I quite agree Prince Loki. Though, you did not answer my question. Why would you go out of your way to cast such a broad scale spell across our land?”
“To save lives, Lord Bjarte,” he answered honestly. “I understand how Nornheim and many other provinces see magic. I would not have used it lest I was sure it would limit the casualties.”
One of the other Lords interrupted. “Save capital lives you mean! What about your brother, Prince Thor, coming in here with his warriors, killing off all our guards!”
There was a shout of agreement and Lord Bjarte looked to Loki innocently. Loki swallowed the desire to turn all of them into frogs like some Midgardian fairytale. “Thor acted defensively as many of you would. He entered the city on my request to seek audience with the Lords. Upon his arrival over the wall, he was sentenced to arrest. It was natural then, in our wartime state, that he fight. My agreement to the wrongness you accuse him of is that he did not abide by their surrender.”
“He has done wrong!”
“His friends have committed treason of our terms!”
“And he will suffer the consequences,” Loki reminded them. “If not by the Allfather, then by Queen Frigga.”
The Lords murmured anxiously amongst themselves, solemnly knowing expressions on their haughty faces. Lord Bjarte nodded once to Loki. “It seems the Lords agree that Prince Thor’s punishment in the capital will be satisfactory. But I am curious, Prince Loki, if you are so adamant about keeping so many Aesir alive, how do you suppose the capital and the Norns settle their differences?”
Loki was, as the Midgardians say, quick to the punch. “I would suppose that we ought to come to an agreement on our struggle with Vanaheim.”
“Our?”
“Nornheim is a part of Asgard. Hence, any skirmish it was wish another realm is the concern of all Aesir,” Loki clarified.
Lord Bjarte’s eyes narrowed. “You mean to unite us, Prince Loki? Not teach us a lesson?”
Loki smirked, “As it turns out, Lord Bjarte, I’ve found it is better suited to education when we learn things on our own. I would ask that Nornheim agrees to drop quarrels with Vanaheim and send back to the capital three Norn Delegates to further represent this province in council meetings. We cannot solve every issue between Asgard and Vanaheim now.”
One of the Lords barked a laugh. “You royals and your pieces of paper! Sorcerers and your bits of scrawny magic! Aye! I agree with your verdict on Prince Thor. The lad’s got a lot to learn. But you’re a slippery one. You want something from us with your capital treaties and contracts!”
A few stomped their feet and clapped their hands in approval and Loki kept the heat in his belly at a low. “Lord Erlend, I have no paper before me,” Loki gestured to his empty hands. “I remind you my title is of Mischief and Lies. There may be a reason for that. However, now I speak truth.” He spoke a little louder to make his statement known. “Paper burns, my Lords. Contracts are lies and treaties are broken. But this is a promise. Asgard must stand together and establish this oneness. What we do, we must do for the people and the balance of Yggdrasil. As long as there is growth in the Nine Realms, we will prosper.”
A hush fell over the Lords and in no time at all, three of them had stepped forwards as volunteers to go to the capital as representatives for their province. He shook hands with all of them and took note that throughout the meeting, none had mentioned his age.
Lord Bjarte stood before them, “Let this meeting be adjourned.”
Finally, Loki managed to numb his anxieties and he stood there, stunned at the events that had just taken place. How, by the name of Odin, had he talked his way out of that?
“You have a silver tongue,” said a voice behind him and Loki turned to a very close Lord Bjarte. “Those are very valuable you know, silver tongues. Guard it carefully, Prince Loki, or someone might cut it out and use it as their own.”
Loki attempted to keep his expression clear of worry. He would not be controlled. Not ever. He did what he did for his own reasons. “Thank you, Lord Bjarte, for your understanding.”
The blonde Lord chuckled darkly. “Do not thank me for my empathy, Prince Loki. Thank me for my compliance to the capital.”
They glared at each other for a moment, and Loki suddenly wondered if it was right of him to task the Norns as he had done. Lord Bjarte brought himself to full height, regaining his cheery air. “I suppose you’ll be wanting to go visit your friends now? Will you be staying the night?”
Loki gave a curt nod. “I will see Thor. We will stay for a meal and then we shall depart. Allow us also to send a message to the capital to alert them of our terms.”
“Of course.”
After the conditions of their stay had been discussed, Loki was led off through a stone hallway and to the room Thor and his friends had been sent to. Loki observed, Darcy was not amongst them.
“Loki!” Thor exclaimed upon his brother’s entry. “Have they sent you here as well? How are we to be punished? Damn these—“
Loki held up a hand, entering the room and finding it quite plush and roomy. “All is well. The Lords expect you will be punished thoroughly enough by Mother.”
The golden prince visibly paled. “Couldn’t they just give me a whipping or something?”
Loki did not respond, only walking to stand by the window and remove his helm. “Tonight we will dine with the Norns and three of the Lords will be accompanying us back to the capital where they will serve as additional delegates.”
Thor looked taken back. “Can you do that? Father would—“
“If Father were here, he would make the decisions. But he is not. I am doing my duty to prevent rebellion and in that protect Asgard.” Loki said quietly. He was exhausted and arguing with Thor was hardly helping.
He scoffed, “Protect Asgard? By letting the rebels into the palace!”
“The decision has been made.” Loki turned to his brother, jaw stiff. “The Lords have been most gracious about the matter. We should elicit the same civility.”
Thor bore a most unpleasant grimace, but did not provoke Loki further. “And what is it you suggest we do, brother? Act as though all is well? Dine with them as though we are old friends?”
“I suggest we act as royalty should. We will be polite, gracious company before we head out this evening. They will treat us in kind as honored guests and will be no less than the most esteemed hosts. Ale will be brought to the men in the fields as well as sustenance and then we will return to the palace.” Loki said with an air of finality that no one in the room questioned. He noted the look of disdain on Thor’s face and forced himself to relax. He was still speaking as a prince rather than a brother.
He put a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “You fought well. Though entirely uncalled for, you truly are mighty.”
Thor’s jaw unclenched and he grinned at his brother. “So you say. Tell me, Loki, did you know that with Mjolnir I can fly?”
“Indeed.” Loki said obviously, “Didn’t you?”
They all laughed together and Loki bid them farewell to find Darcy and tell her of the outcomes of this ‘battle’.
***
Loki knocked on the door he had been directed to in his search for Darcy. A much shaken maid bid him good luck and he did not quite have the energy to ask why.
“Come in,” called Darcy from the inside and no sooner had he cracked open the door was he floored by none other than Darcy Lewis.
“Oh, Loki, it’s you. How did the meeting go?” she asked politely, sitting up so she was almost kneeling on his chest.
He smirked at her and she laughed, climbing off him and offering her hand to assist him in standing. “Sorry. I thought you might be that other lady. She took my swords! And my armor!”
Loki looked his friend up and down to see that, indeed, her swords had been taken away along with her armor and had been replaced by a silver dress. It was a nice dress, floor length and patterned with swirls of pale gold. The bodice hugged her upper body tightly and small chains of jewels draped over her shoulders. Her bun had been let down and hair framed her flushed cheeks and pouty lips.
“So she has. Do not worry, we will retrieve them before we depart this evening.” He sighed, “May I come in?”
She simpered, “Dude, really? You come into my room all the time?”
He quickly looked down the hall in both directions before pushing past her into the room. “You know that, and I know that, but they,” he gestured to the now closed door, “do not know that.”
Darcy nodded knowingly. “Oh yeah. Well, tell me how it went.” She demanded, sitting on a chair and motioning for him to take the one across from hers.
He told her over everything that happened, feeling his muscles relax and mind unwind as he fell into the routine of watching Darcy’s animated face as he recalled political updates. She shook her head once he had finished. “That’s dangerous.”
“I’m aware.”
“You should have tied Thor to a tree.”
“I should have,” he agreed, setting his helm on a table beside him. “But didn’t.”
“You’re not going to cover it up though, are you?” Darcy asked skeptically and Loki made a face. Honestly, he was unsure. Lying to the public of Thor’s deeds was not his first choice. But having a raging murderer first in line for the throne of Asgard was also not an appealing thought.
“Loki…”
“Darcy, I only have a few options. I could either cover it up, tell the truth, or sway the perspective of the people. None are going to go through smoothly.” He told her.
“Sway the perspectives? You mean make murdering a bunch of people look like a good thing?” she asked as if this idea was hardly even conceivable.
He sighed heavily. “Yes. If we can make Thor’s actions seem virtuous or even gallant, it may not be so detrimental to the throne. People will be more willing to accept him as their prince that way. Asgard prides itself in its warriors.”
“That’s not fair,” Darcy argued, standing up. “You’re the one that convinced the High Lords and saved all those lives. It wouldn’t be right—“
“I am a prince, Darcy.” He interrupted, taking her hand and staring up into her wide blue eyes. “I am a prince and what I do, I do for Asgard.”
She squeezed his hand, her eyes piercing straight through him. “You killed someone,” she told him.
“Yes, I remember. Thank you for reminding me,” he sighed, making to withdraw his hand, but she held tighter.
“You didn’t kill him for Asgard.”
“No.” He swallowed thickly, daring to meet her gaze. “I didn’t.”
They continued to stare at each other while Loki’s heart hammered away at his ribs. He had killed for Darcy Lewis. A mortal girl from Midgard meant so much that he would kill for her if not even his own kingdom. He knew it and now she knew it as well.