Chapter 8
ASGARD
Anya smiled and sipped from her glass. Cedar was sitting across from her as they shared a meal. A date. It was a date. Usually servants ate in the kitchens. But that wasn’t a very romantic setting. Having dinner in her small rooms felt too forward as well as gossip worthy. The places to eat in the city weren’t the quietest or most private of settings. Sigyn had thought the family dining hall was perfect. Private but not too private.
They were sharing one end of the long table, across from each other so they could speak easily. Anya looked at his plate with interest. “How is it?”
Cedar nodded at the variety of vegetables. “Quite good.”
Dignitaries would be from all over the Nine. But from the wedding onward there would always be a vegetarian in residence, since almost all light elves were. As an early wedding present Freyja had hand-picked three chefs from the Vanaheim University who were willing to move to Asgard and who specialized in vegetarian cuisine.
He asked in return, “And your meal?”
Anya cut into a potato slice next to what remained of her slice of venison. “I think they are experimenting with spices again. The blend is different. Quite good, as you said, just different.”
They spoke in between bites. “Has Lord Odin announced your transition to House Steward?”
She chewed thoughtfully. “Not yet. I would not wish in any way to overshadow Prince Loki’s nuptials.”
“Clever of him.”
Asking in interest, “And you? Once Et’ana Sigyn is married will you continue to be here to see to her safety?”
That question sobered him a bit. “I…I do not know.”
She blinked and stilled, worry pooling in her stomach. “You do not?”
He frowned lightly and decided upon shrugging. “We never spoke of it.”
“It is not a Senate task, is it?”
He shook his head and took a drink from his glass. “No. Our family just took it upon ourselves. Our father lived in the same small village as Et’ana Azni. He raised us to believe looking after the Et’ana is our purpose. We continue that family tradition with Sigyn.”
She didn’t want to impose anything so after a moment Anya suggested, “It could still be your purpose.”
“She will be of Asgard.” Not that any of them had less respect for Sigyn. She was still their Et’ana. But living on Asgard, it would be the Aesir that felt honor bound to protect her.
Anya pointed out, “Prince Loki is protected by the Einherjar, but he still has Willow as a Warrior Companion.”
Cedar wasn’t oblivious. It privately thrilled him that she was trying to suggest justifications for staying. It dissolved any small concerns that had lingered about she being more interested in him for warming her bed instead of something more permanent. Not that he had really been concerned. She didn’t seem the type. But it was a concern that every elven male had until a formal courtship was agreed upon. “If any deserves such an honor, it would be Basil. He has been her closest companion.”
Her shoulders dropped and her stomach sank. “So, you would leave? Just like that?”
He studied his plate and pushed a beet slice around with his fork. “I suppose it is time for me to marry and have children.” Feeling a bit bold, not quite meeting her eyes as he asked, “Have you… considered it?”
She glanced down herself, her hands falling to her lap. “As soon as I came of age I was hired to be a palace servant. Other servants have families…I was just focused on this. Especially once I met Prince Loki as an infant. I was assigned to serve him when he moved into rooms of his own as a child. He became my purpose. Being House Steward would see my days full but my evenings would be my own.” Admitting, “I am not opposed to having children. As you say, I have not really considered it. Though, it would be difficult to have a family.”
“Why?”
She grimaced a little and wrung her hands. “Aesir males would not want to marry a woman who has an occupation.” Particularly an occupation that would outrank most of them.
Cedar made a strange face. It was so strange to him, to hear things like that. It clearly defined how odd Aesir males viewed the opposite sex.
Anya speaking again regained his attention. “You could…” She swallowed and grasped for courage with both hands. “At the risk of being forward…neither of us knows what we want for our future. You could stay here in the meantime. We could…discover if we…want the same things.”
A small smile started to form even as he said quietly. “I would not wish to be underfoot.”
As soon as it came to her she blurted, “The children!” He startled a bit and she cringed with a blush, modifying her tone. “Sorry. The Et’ana’s children. This is all new for them. If your brother remains at Lady Sigyn’s side, you should be there to ensure their safety.”
Cedar could mention that there were already quite a few people looking out for them. But he found himself agreeing as their gazed locked, “I suppose I could.”
It was an excuse and they both knew it. But it would provide the needed time to see if they had a future together.
***
Thor was sitting on the grass with his eyes closed, rubbing at his forehead with his hand. It was a hilly spot outside of the palace grounds, near where the horses were kept. A private spot that few knew about except for himself and his brother. He sighed, frustrated. Every time he started to feel confident. That he could do this. That he could be king…something happened that pulled the rug from under his feet and shook his confidence.
He’d come from a rather lengthy conversation with his father and he was feeling, perhaps, a bit sorry for himself. Odin hadn’t been impressed with his conduct during the confrontation with the Inter-realm Council. Or bringing up personal matters in the Great Hall for all the other realms to see. Thor had found it increasingly hard to say nothing except to accept the criticism.
Tony plopped down next to him.
The inventor watched as Thor belatedly realized who was sitting next to him and gather himself. The inventor was shocked to realize that just like Loki, Thor hid behind a mask. The trickster was just much more practiced at it and hid almost all of his emotions while Thor projected convincing false cheer.
Seeing the furrowed brow, Thor asked, “Are you not enjoying Asgard, Man of Iron?”
Nodding and responding with a bit of sarcasm, “Yep, just like high school.”
A blink. A frown forming. “It…is?”
Tony decided to go with blunt. “What’s wrong?”
“There is nothing amiss.” Tony gave him a look, not convinced. The inventor realized Thor had that one thing in common with Loki…but he was a horrible liar. Badly trying to be subtle to change the subject. “How did you find me?”
A shrug from the inventor as he looked around, and then up. He’d been a city boy his entire life. He’d never seen skies like this. They were so full of stars and even a Nebula. “Locks is busy with something so he asked me to cheer you up.”
Thor puffed up his chest. “I am cheerful. I do not require more.”
Tony snorted. “Dude, you really can’t lie.” Thor chose quiet and Tony, not looking at him, warned, “Don’t make me find your brother.”
The thunderer grimaced. “Father noted an area where I could improve.”
The inventor couldn’t exactly relate, not having his own father in his life since his parent’s death a long time ago. Still, he knew enough about Odin from previous conversations with Loki to ask, “Hmm…noted how you can improve…or just what you did wrong?”
The grimace was deeper.
Thor didn’t have to say a thing. From that one expression Tony got it. “Ah, great. That’s useful.”
A frown of confusion formed. “What do you mean?”
Shaking his head. “If he doesn’t actually tell you what you should’a done, the talk is less than helpful.” A blink showed understanding forming and Tony felt a chill go through him. “He’s never done anything but criticize, has he?”
A shrug. “Father teaches by example.”
Rolling his dark eyes. “Uh huh, because you were watching everybody closely so you know what should have happened.”
Thor decided to change the subject. There were many constants in his life that were not likely to change. Odin’s approach to teaching him was one of them. “We shall have to organize a hunt.”
Veilya joined the men, but she addressed Thor. “As a reminder, your relatives are arriving in the morning.”
Tony looked at her knowingly. “Locks sent you too, didn’t he?”
She smiled a little. “Perhaps he hinted something.”
“All the more reason to have a hunt.” Thor stood up abruptly and left.
Stark frowned. “Something I said?”
Veilya huffed a sigh. “It is complicated.”
A dismissive shrug. “Is it? Sounds like his dad is an ass.”
She didn’t disagree with Tony. Odin wasn’t as bad as his own father, but he wasn’t a man who did well with introspection. But that seemed to be a recurrent theme with many of the Aesir. “Most AEsir men raise their children as they were raised.”
“Most?” Tony was about to ask, but then the answer was obvious. The one man who was very skilled at adjusting for the varied needs of each of his children. “Ah, Locks.”
Veilya nodded in agreement. “He is not opposed to new ideas.”
“What, sir sits-a-lot’s dad was an ass?”
She pressed her lips together a moment to keep from laughing. She could see now why Anya found him humorous. “Of the highest order.”
Tony grimaced. “Yikes.”
“Be thankful you never met him.”
“What? Kick me back to Earth?” He rolled his eyes. Like that would shock him.
Her response was grim, “You would not have survived in his presence. He was a brutal man and…his own father was even worse.” The calm conviction sobered Tony. “Oh, be careful whom you mention the formal inquiry to.”
“Why?”
Standing and shrugging with a small smile. “No reason.” She said this lightly, knowingly. Just a little push that it would be a thought in his mind. Something that he would bring up exactly when he needed to. She walked away without looking back.
Tony wordlessly spluttered before slumping in irritation when she didn’t even look back. “What is up with the cryptic shit around here?”
***
Sex, no matter the skill of the participants involved, tended to end in a predictable manner. The two currently in the bed beneath the sheets were far from imaginative or inspiring.
Astri smiled with a slight tremble to her lip as she gazed up at her lover adoringly. Haakon looked into her eyes and was about to roll off of her when the lights snapped on and a voice drawled in boredom, “That was certainly…abrupt.” They both froze, staring at each other with widening eyes even as the voice continued to criticize, “Missionary? So stale, so boring. Tsk. You did not even have the stamina for 15 seconds…and you disappointed her. A mystery why he is what you desire in a lover.”
Astri sat up and clutched the sheets to her breasts while Haakon jerked around.
They both froze. Then Astri screamed.
Loki was sitting in a nearby chair, leaning back and to one side in a casual manner. A couple of his fingers were being used to prop his head up, elbow on the armrest. Abyss was sitting on the floor next to him.
That wasn’t what was terrifying them. It was the large Asgardian wolf behind Loki, watching them. A grim little smile touched the mage’s lips before he purred, “Lovely, is she not?”
Fenris preened at the compliment.
Haakon started to stutter, “That is…that is…”
The index finger of his free hand touched his lips. “Shh…I do not need a response at the moment. I require listening ears so I do hope you are paying attention. It would be a shame should Fen grow bored with your resistance and eat you.” Fenris growled softly, only a bit of it for show. “Nod if you understand.” Like bobbleheads he was obeyed. “Good. Now then, let us discuss what recently transpired…or did you truly believe I would not learn of it?”
Astri shrieked in protest, “The elf is not yours!”
Fenris’ growl was a bit louder, the wolf shifting her weight and Astri clammed up as she scrambled backwards until her back hit the headboard.
Loki ignored her reaction. “Your repetition is annoying. Thor already explained our position regarding them. But I shall go a step further than just a few chiding words. I will kill for any of my children. All four of them. Do you believe you are important in comparison to that?”
Haakon shook his head. “You have no objection with the lives that—child has ruined?”
Lazily Loki rolled his eyes. “The pair of you are such simple creatures. My Talia is a seidkona but she is not a trickster. Hmm…let me think…who in the palace is a trickster?” He bared his teeth.
“…you…”
It had been a group effort, but he wasn’t going to correct them just in case they gossiped with anyone else.
Ignoring him, Loki continued, “But instead you decided to throw baseless accusations around at a child in the belief that there will be no consequence for you.” Slowly he shook his head from side to side. “An error in judgement, I am afraid. There is a consequence. A severe one.” Sitting up a bit straighter. “But I am in a generous mood. I am not going to feed you to Fen.”
Fenris made a whine of a sound.
Loki reassured Fenris, “Not to worry, my dear, I will make it up to you.”
She made a grumble noise.
Nodding in agreement. “True enough. Such bad food could create terrible indigestion.”
Strange expressions crossed both of their faces, realizing that he was talking to a wolf.
Clapping his hands to refocus them on him. “Now then. We come to what you owe me.” Haakon made an objecting noise. “Do not make me steal your voice.” A beat. “Actually, please do. It would be ever so amusing never to return it.” Haakon clamped his mouth shut and leaned back to join Astri against the headboard. “You acted inappropriately towards my child, and that is putting the matter lightly. You have an obvious lack of respect and no moral code. I shudder to imagine what you would have attempted with a commoner’s child. I thought I had a gray moral code. Congratulations. You win.” Expression dropped from his face as his eyes flashed. “But you also lose. The pair of you will find accommodations outside of the palace in the morning. You are no longer welcome here.”
Their eyes widened, protesting in unison, “Exile—”
Loki cut them off. “No. You are not that lucky. For now you are still citizens of the realm. You will still participate in the official inquiry. Should our King need anything from you, you will provide it.” Not that he would technically have the power to exile anyone as a prince. Clarifying, “You are just unwelcome in my home. Return to your family home…sleep in the street…I care not.” He knew Haakon had a small family plot that had passed to him years ago, with crops grown there to support his small fortune. From now on that plot of land would be barren. Astri didn’t have anything of her own so he was going to sic Huginn and Muninn on her. Those two ravens tormenting her whenever she stepped outside her father’s house would be able to make her regret her life choices. “Do not think that you will find sympathy with any member of my family. You have gone too far now. Thor and I are against you. The Queen loathes you. The AllFather will have no choice but to act for the good of the realm.” A growl entering his voice. “Fail to leave, and Fen will return for you.”
Loki smiled widely, baring sharp teeth and sharper fangs. “Who knows…I may help her by preparing the meat.” Astri opened her mouth to scream. Then he pressed a finger to his lips and no sound escaped her. “Oh, and a bit of forewarning. If either of you ever go after a child, any child, ever again, I will end you in a most protracted manner and no one shall ever find your rotting corpse. Nod if we have an understanding.”
Both did.
“Good.” He winked. “We’ll keep this between us.”
The bed was quickly soiled.
Loki cackled.
***
A few minutes later, Loki was helping Fenris pass through the palace wall to leave the courtier wing. She whined softly at Loki.
He rolled his eyes. “No. I do not eat people.” He wrinkled his nose and grumbled, “…they would taste terrible.” A soft sound of laughter caused both of them to turn. Frigga. She was looking at the wolf curiously. Enough so that Loki explained. “I felt Haakon and Astri needed to be too terrified to stay.”
Fenris stiffened as she observed the Aesir Queen. Frigga kept a respectful distance from the wolf, her brow slowly furrowing as she realized, “She…is a familiar…”
“She’s Hela’s.” His mother looked at him in surprise. He shrugged loosely. “I have no idea how it happened but it was not me.”
Murmuring almost to herself, “An act of the Norns, perhaps.” She knew of Fenris. This wolf could be no one else. From what little Odin had said of that time the familiar had died not long after Hela had been banished to Helheim. As far as she knew, only a Norn could restore a soul after so long.
Grumbling softly to himself, “…or a specific Norn.”
Her light blue eyes took everything in before feeling a welling of disappointment that she pushed aside. Not in her son. Once again, Asgard had disappointed her. Loki was studying her close enough that it was evident he’d picked up on the disappointment. She decided to explain. “I find myself sometimes wishing we were not royals. The sacrifice for privilege is to lose other things.” She straightened her shoulders as the disappointment faded completely. “But then I remind myself that I would not be married to Odin if not for the fact that he is King. My sons are worth the inconveniences of my station.”
Loki supposed he could see it that way as well, but only to a point. Because now that he had his family, he didn’t have to stay a royal. He could go to Vanaheim with them. He felt a bit selfish to want to stay sometimes. Pride was a factor, but he also felt he owed Asgard something for the privileges he’d been afforded.
Frigga, who knew Loki the best, stepped towards her son. “Mold Asgard, my son.” His eyes returned to studying her, listening. She nodded. “You saw the problems so clearly, centuries before the rest of us did. We have arrogantly proclaimed we are the golden realm. The best of the Nine. A high standard, indeed. Ensure we live up to that boast.”
He grimaced a bit. “I am no longer certain that anyone could.”
After a pause to consider her thoughts she conceded, “Perhaps not.” But only to a point. “But we can be improved. The people have settled into this unacceptable state and decided it is good enough. To grow, to change…sometimes the old comforts have to be stripped away.”
He mulled over what she was saying, as well as what she wasn’t. Then he blinked, “You do realize you are basically encouraging me to run amuck?”
Frigga just smiled a little. She was well aware.
Loki grinned and rubbed his hands together.
***
With a green swirl of magic Kid Loki appeared. It was very late, but since he never had to sleep the time didn’t bother him. He was in a seated position on the grass within the palace grounds, surrounded on all sides by cats. Lots of cats. Gray ones, orange and tuxedo, white. There were an array of colors with all of their attention on the silver cat who was sitting on a bench, her fluffy tail curled over her feet and the tip of her tail flicking.
Moonlight was not incredibly old for a familiar. In fact, she had a lot of years left and she had not been looking forward to it. She loved her kits and her clan, but she missed her caster. Being proposed with the task of looking after the kits of a mage on Asgard had re-invigorated her and it was a task she would take seriously.
The Vanir-cats that weren’t familiars couldn’t speak. They, just like other animals, communicated with looks and noises inherent to their species. But if they could, the following would be what they would say. <Why are there so many bad bipeds here?>
Moonlight sounded quite annoyed. ‘They have lost respect for the old ways.’
There were purrs and nods. The old ways taught for all creatures to have respect for any living being. Yggdrasil had instilled such knowledge in the first of them. It was their duty to continue to pass it down to the next generation. Rather pathetic for a race that saw themselves as better than animals to fall so far short.
<They should be retaught this.>
Her golden eyes moved over them all. ‘How? The Prince has started the lesson.’ The lessons were making the people here miserable.
<Not good enough!>
<Nasty people.>
<Contempt should be repaid.>
Her fluffy tail flicked. ‘How is it not good enough?’
<The seidr fades with time and the lesson is lost.>
Her head slowly dipped in a considering nod. Their misery faded and instead of learning they attempt to lash out. ‘Something longer lasting.’
<And painful!>
Kid Loki had a thoughtful expression on his face as he listened. He didn’t disagree. At the time it had sounded like fun. A series of pranks and spells that were embarrassing and distressing without scars. And the kids got a kick out of it so he was fully behind that. But the cats were right, they only learned the hard way. “I have an idea.”
The cats all turned their attention to him. ‘A spell not currently being used?’
His head tilted a bit as he tried to describe what he remembered. “It is not a spell, exactly. Never used it but I read about it. We would have to…borrow…Loki’s grimoire for it.”
Moonlight focused on him. She was a familiar. She knew that a child caster had limitations and not just with knowledge. There were spells that casters were physically not capable of until they matured. ‘But you could use this bit of seidr?’
Looking innocent. Too innocent. “Umm…sure.”
Moonlight’s face shifted with disapproval at being lied to.
Kid Loki glanced away.
A pause before she decided with finality, ‘We shall speak with the Prince.’
Kid Loki pouted and he grumbled, “I can do it.”
Moonlight hopped down to the ground and rubbed up against him as she purred. ‘Then we shall make certain of that.’
He huffed but he didn’t argue.
***
It was early morning. Clint blinked in surprise as he and Steve landed in the BiFrost observatory room. Unlike any previous trip to Asgard, this time there were a lot of people who had already arrived ahead of them in the space. It was a bit startling to arrive with one expectation and receive a different one. The archer and the super soldier glanced at one another.
They only moved forward when a woman gestured to them to approach. In lieu of greeting she observed, “You are from Midgard, I gather?”
The archer nodded both to confirm the question and to introduce himself. “Clint Barton.”
The super soldier tipped his head towards her respectfully. “Steve Rogers, ma’am.”
She nodded respectfully in return. “I am Freyja from Vanaheim.”
“I know that name.” Clint was frowning. He’d heard it, but he couldn’t think why he knew it.
Freyja knew there could be several reasons. She was rather infamous. She decided to start with the most likely reason. “Loki’s aunt.”
Clint nodded, something still nagging him about that name but he settled for saying, “Maybe that’s where I heard it.”
Looking rather unamused as her gaze focused to the left, a woman next to Freyja gestured to those currently in the observation room. “Most of us are from Vanaheim. The ones in robes are a few of Odin’s elders.” She was petite and delicate in appearance, her dark hair bone straight, and her brown eyes gently slanted. Her hair was cut with a sharp bang that highlighted her cheekbones.
Freyja introduced her to the humans, “This is my wife, Maylin.” Taking in Clint’s expression, she observed, “You seem confused.”
He stayed focused on the ones in robes, feeling like something weird was going on. “Don’t remember seeing those guys before.”
Her eyes flicked again in their direction, disdain in her voice, “Asgard’s elders do not often choose to interact with the general public.”
Maylin patted Freyja’s hand. “I believe the word you are searching for is snob, dear.”
Freyja shrugged easily. “They are.” She wasn’t shy and was more than willing to say it to their faces if asked. Pointing to the two large men being spoken to. “Vili and Ve are Odin’s older brothers. I believe the elders are seeking some reassurance they will not make a bid for the throne once the AllFather steps down.”
Steve looked surprised. “Can they do that?”
One of the blond men in the group snickered. “Would they do that would be more accurate?”
Vili’s wife, Sunna, hissed at him. “Abraxion.”
Shrugging and not afraid to argue in return, “What? It is true. The only reason father or uncle would seek the throne would be to hand it to our cousin.” Sunna rolled her eyes to herself. Clint was picking up mother – son vibes between them.
A few more snickers and laughs were heard from three other men who looked a lot like Abraxion. Frowning curiously, “Why is that funny?”
Tony breezed past the bottleneck and popped up between Clint and Freyja. “Hey Bird brain. Cap. What’s up?”
Abraxion ignored the new person to join the conversation, answering Clint’s question with a grin. “It is well accepted in the family if they could have gotten away with it, father or uncle would have swapped him for one of us centuries ago.”
Stark blinked rapidly a few times. “What the hell did I just walk into?”
Smacking her son lightly on the shoulder. “Abraxion! Your father would do no such thing!”
He snorted, but there wasn’t any bitterness. The words were good-natured. They all knew Loki was the favorite. “Mother, we all know the truth.” The other three nodded in agreement.
Clint was frowning in seeming confusion. Freyja noticed. “What is wrong?”
“I thought…isn’t Thor supposed to be the heir anyway?”
Abraxion chuckled, “Wrong cousin.”
One of Abraxion’s brothers added with a grin. “Abraxion meant that Loki is highly favored by the Vanir family. He is not wrong, except about the swapping out children part.”
Freyja tipped her head in the direction of the elders. “Those fools are trying to ensure they keep their jobs by making certain Loki does not get put on the throne.”
“He’d get rid of them?” Tony was curious more than anything.
Abraxion grinned broadly. “You have no idea how many people our family trickster would boot out of Asgard if he had the freedom to do it.”
A throat being cleared caused heads to turn to see Vili struggling not to laugh while the elders had highly offended looks on their faces. Obviously they had all heard him. Abraxion pasted on a shit eating grin for the elders’ benefit.
Before anyone could say anything Thor appeared and smiled cheerfully. After going around to welcome each of his relatives, as well as two more members of the Avengers, he announced he was acting as escort to the palace.
The elders disappeared sometime during that and Thor was leading the way on foot.
Tony leaned towards Abraxion. “How would that even work? Isn’t Thor guaranteed the job.”
Abraxion may be Vanir but he’d picked up the ability to eavesdrop effectively from Loki. There was a lot he knew that he wasn’t supposed to know. “By tradition as eldest son, yes. But that is only if father or Ve do not make a claim. They are older than either of Odin’s sons, after all. If they were to do so successfully, they could name the successor of their choice. Or they could call for a Thing to choose the next ruler and since commoners have a vote Loki could still ascend.”
Stark did a small fist pump. “Go Locks.”
Freyja muttered almost to herself, “If he wanted it.”
Tony kept focused on Abraxion. “Okay, so why isn’t Thor the favorite?”
Abraxion chuckled and inclined with his head in Thor’s direction. “Do not misunderstand, we love our cousin. It is just that…he fits in here. Asgard. Thor is everything that Asgard prides in a warrior and a man.”
“And that’s a bad thing?”
The blond man furrowed his brow in concentration, trying to figure out how to explain. “The Vanir respect magic. Aesir do not. Our aunt is Headmistress of the University, obviously we have respect for intelligence. And…Loki is fun.”
Freyja added, “It does not hurt that since Loki was raised by his mother and is the second son, he had the freedom to go more often to Vanaheim to be doted on by Vili and Ve.”
Clint nodded and filled in the gaps since he knew about having a brother, unlike Tony and Steve. “Ah, and being the baby of the family also doesn’t hurt.”
“It does not.”
Tony suddenly remembered Veilya’s warning and asked without considering if he should, “You think I should mention the formal inquiry thing now or later?” He hadn’t said this particularly loudly. But the timing of the question was between conversations and was clearly heard.
The group froze in their tracks. Vili and Ve turned as a unit but it was Vili who growled, “What formal inquiry, who is being accused, and when is it being held?” Loki had a bad habit of getting into trouble. First and foremost, he was making certain his nephew wasn’t the one being accused.
Tony blinked at them in surprise.
Vili’s gaze moved between the inventor and the thunderer, silently demanding an answer from one of them.
Thor groaned.