Forgiveness
Vali spent the rest of the day wringing his hands and dreading his upcoming confrontation with his grandfather. Strange now, that the hour approached, the only thought to go through his head was that he didn't know what to wear.
He finally settled on his dress robes. They were similar in design to his father's court clothes, but Vali had always had a preference for the color blue over green. Besides, the high collar would ensure he kept his head up; he was Loki's son, and he was not ashamed of that fact. It was now his hair that was the real problem.
Sigyn was the only one who had learned how to get his wild hair to lay flat and manageable. Vali was Loki's son, anyone could see that by looking at him, but so was he Sigyn's son and his dark hair was thick and curled in all directions. But his mother was not here and he had to manage it on his own. He attempted it with magic and only succeeded in making it worse; it took all his effort just to get it back to normal. He finally gave up and made do with tucking his long bangs behind his ears.
The walk to Odin's private study seemed longer than usual and Vali avoided making eye contact with those he passed, focusing instead on keeping his head up and his hands still. Then he was there, standing outside the grand door so suddenly he couldn't remember the journey at all. He reached up to knock when the door swung open of its own accord.
Odin was not in the study. Vali stepped in and looked around and, finding the balcony doors open, ventured outside. Odin stood overlooking his city, silhouetted as the sun set beyond the sea.
"All-Father," Vali said politely, hands clasped behind his back.
Odin barely turned and bade Vali to come stand beside him. Vali did so, resting his hands on the rail to watch the setting sun. They stood in silence for a long time.
"I would ask your forgiveness," Odin said, his voice soft.
Vali remained silent, too shocked to speak, though he didn't know if it was his grandfather's words or the shattering of the quiet that had done so. Probably both.
Odin continued regardless. "It is easy to look back and say what could have been done, or what should have, but that doesn't change what has occurred. Perhaps if I had been honest with him, and told him what he meant to me, your father would still be here with us."
"I don't..." Vali began, but his voice died. He didn't blame Odin or anyone for what happened that day. But then, while he was aware of the events that occurred, he didn't know what had caused them, and that was the most crucial part of the puzzle.
"Let me finish before you speak, you may not feel the same when I am done."
"Yes, All-Father."
"I cannot change what has happened, but I can ensure it will not happen again. There will be no more lies."
There was a finality and sorrow in those last words that made Vali's hands tighten on the rail. Odin finally faced his grandson, his remaining eye bright with emotion though his face remained blank, and placed his hands on Vali's shoulders. Vali was growing, and yet he was still amazed at how his grandfather towered over him.
"What I am about to reveal to you may be difficult to accept, but know that, as I will always love Loki as my son regardless what happens, you are and shall always be my beloved grandchild."
"Of course," said Vali. How else could it be?
Odin nodded, accepting the answer. "Come then, there is much to discuss," and he turned and left the study, Vali following.
He followed him all the way down into the Vault until he stood facing the Casket of Ancient Winters.