Chapter 10
ASGARD
The family dining hall had been adjusted with two long tables to accommodate everyone. It was mostly a family only event from all three realms, though Loki had extended the invitation to additional people like the Avengers. Tony he would have invited regardless. For the others, this wasn’t their world and they didn’t know anyone here. It felt a bit cruel not to.
As soon as Abraxion saw Loki he wrapped the smaller man in a bear hug, swaying from side to side before ruffling his hair, “Cousin!” Sigyn’s eyebrows shot up.
Vili looked exasperated. “Abraxion.”
His son tried to look innocent. “What?”
Loki bared his teeth and squirmed. “I hate when Thor does that! Let go!!”
Thor shook his head and started chuckling. Where did everyone think he learned it from?
Abraxion did as his cousin demanded, Loki now looking distinctly rumpled, glaring at him.
The blond man smiled sunnily.
Loki huffed and punched him lightly in the shoulder, causing Abraxion to laugh. The mage sent a side-eye glare in Tony’s direction, who was in stitches. The kids from both the Vanir side and Loki’s side were giggling.
As each of Abraxion’s brothers greeted Loki with hand clasps at the wrist, they smacked their brother upside the head. Each got a scowl from Abraxion in return that was sort of for show.
Sunna disparaged of her son as she smiled at Loki. “Ignore him. You know how he is around family.”
Rolling his eyes, Loki gestured towards the seats in invitation. The women hugged him in greeting. So did Vili and Ve, accompanied by a couple of gruff pats to the back.
Odin and Frigga were also in attendance. Tonight wasn’t about titles and ceremony. It was an informal gathering of those near and dear to the couple. Once everyone was seated Loki went around the room to introduce everyone so they were all on equal footing.
There were more than a few startled looks when it became common knowledge who and therefore what Faurete was. Since there were a lot of children present and the likelihood that the wrong thing could be said on accident, she was introduced as kin from Jötunheim instead of Loki’s sister.
Vili rubbed his hands together as plates were put on the table, eyeing the humans. “So! What is Midgard like?”
Thor’s eyebrows furrowed heavily, not sure what to say. There wasn’t really a good comparison to it by his estimation.
Loki, who was more observant, gave it a try. “Mmm, have you ever been to X-30?”
After a pause for Vili to mull over the name. “Once, I think.” The mortal planet where advanced technology reigned.
The trickster wobbled his hand a bit. “Midgard is a cross between Asgard and X-30…but without magical awareness and a spectacular number of sheeple. And just enough bravery to find them inspiring.”
Surprise crossed Fury’s face to hear that. “Bravery?”
Loki didn’t even look at him. “Do not force me to take that back, Director.”
Vili ignored them, intrigued, “Really?”
“And the plays. Midgardians love to put on performances, but they are the type of plays that can be viewed on monitors whenever one chooses.”
Ve frowned deeply. “Do the actors not get tired?”
Loki laughed and attempted to explain the concept.
As a large bowl of something soup based was put on the table, Clint eyed it warily. “What is that?”
Abraxion answered him grimly, “Worms.”
Clint leaned towards it a bit, then swallowed. “…what?”
The man laughed. “I jest, Clint Barton. It is mutton stew. It is very good.”
Tony nodded his head vigorously, having already grabbed a helping for himself along with bread to soak it up. He’d already figured out Loki wouldn’t allow anything weird on the table that the kids wouldn’t eat.
The archer pulled in a slow breath of courage before trying some, his eyes popping open in surprise.
El applied a generous smear of butter to her bread. “Dad?”
Sipping the stew from his spoon. “Yes, little cat?”
“Are we having lefses?”
Immediately every child was watching him intently, whether they were his children or not.
Feigning innocence, “What is that?”
The children all froze, staring at him with horrified eyes.
Odin started to chuckle softly. This certainly brought back good memories. Frigga gave her son a mildly chiding look. “Loki.”
The trickster grinned. “I might have convinced one of the cooks to make some.” Cheers immediately followed.
Sigyn chimed in. “After dinner. I expect anyone who wants some to eat vegetables.”
The kids started groaning. Loki was quick to put a stop to that. “None of that. Veggies first.”
Thor nodded gravely. “They are good for growing children.”
Loki lifted an eyebrow. “This applies to you as well, brother.”
Giving Loki a glare. “I am not a child, brother.”
Rolling his eyes. “Must you fuss at every family meal about it?”
Retorting, “Yes.”
Vili reached over and after spooning some of the salad on his own plate, did the same to Thor. “Eat it.”
Thor slouched a bit and glared grumpily at his plate. Freyja and Maylin exchanged amused looks. Veilya happily did the same to her own plate, even if it was her second helping. Murmuring to him. “We are setting a good example for the children.”
He sighed and reached for a fork.
Vili shot an unimpressed look in Odin’s direction who skillfully avoided his look. Frigga muffled a giggle behind her hand.
Tony was shaking his head and laughing, just before Loki made a gesture and some salad landed on his plate. “Hey!”
Raising an eyebrow. “The rule applies to everyone.”
Bruce smothered a laugh since he was a firm believer in having a bit of meat with his veg.
Clint leaned in. “Are these leaf things worth it?”
El heard him and nodded vigorously. “I hate greens, but I’ll eat them for leafses.”
The corner of Loki’s mouth twitched, hearing her. It was one of the reasons he’d requested they accompany the meal.
The archer mulled over learning what they were to make for his own children. Talia just shook her head, focusing on her vegetables. She didn’t understand why her siblings were so adverse to them.
El asked curiously, “What are we doing tomorrow?”
Immediately Tony grinned. “Pep arrives tomorrow.”
Odin nodded. “As do a party from Jötunheim.” Loki rubbed his hands together. He knew what that meant. Odin frowned, seeing the gleam in the trickster’s eyes. “Loki.”
Blinking innocently. “What?”
“Whatever it is, no.”
Shrugging loosely, “Perhaps I am just in eager anticipation of seeing Angrboda again.”
Odin gave his son a doubting look while Sigyn suppressed a grin. What Loki said was accurate on the surface. But he was also going to pick Angrboda’s brain for additional ideas regarding the aristocracy.
Happy sounds were made as a platter of venison arrived.
Vili chewed and swallowed. “The formal inquiry is also tomorrow. Right, Odin?”
Rather than show his irritation, his reply would leave the impression that it was entirely his idea. “It shall in the morning in lieu of a normal court docket. Those arriving by BiFrost are due to arrive in time for the midday meal.”
Melody bounced on her seat. “Story!”
Vili rumbled in amusement. “Oh, I suppose I can think of one.”
Sigyn cautioned, “No blood and gore at the dinner table.”
He chuckled. “This one is safe for little ears…”
Loki was very good at multi-tasking. He listened to a few tales. He engaged with everyone, exchanging quips and stories alike. But he also maintained his awareness of the super soldier in their midst. Steve had been quiet. He smiled and spoke to anyone that engaged him. But he carried an air of someone deep in thought.
Maybe it was nothing. Loki had personal experience with bouts of the same.
…and that was what was worrying him.
***
Tony looked thoughtful. He felt it was a true accomplishment that he was fully awake this early in the morning. He was standing on the opposite side of the double doors that led into the throne room next to Loki as he asked, “What do you know about Nat’s backstory?”
Loki slowly raised an eyebrow, amused by the sheer randomness of the question. Abyss was silently perched on his shoulder, fluffy tail lightly flicking. But the mage accepted the temporary distraction while he waited. “I never asked. You?”
He didn’t look particularly comfortable as he admitted, “Don’t know near as much as I want. She was on opposite sides with SHIELD at one point, Russia I’m guessing if her name is legit. But she is a spy so who really knows. Barton decided not to kill her. Somehow she got recruited by SHIELD instead.” Loki pulled a folder out of the ether, thumbing through the pages. It didn’t escape Tony’s attention the name on it. Pointing out, “You gave that back to Fury, already.”
The trickster nodded. “A copy of it, yes.”
“Do I want to know how you got her bio?”
Loki smirked to himself. Sigyn wasn’t born with light fingers but she’d picked up a few things from him during the course of their relationship. “Probably not.” He started reading. “She was indoctrinated into the Red Room by General Dreykov.” Tony sucked in a breath. Loki glanced up from what he was reading. “What?”
“I’ve heard of that. The Red Room. Deep state, twisted shit.” Loki lifted an eyebrow. Tony’s face was haunted. “She would have been a child, brainwashed and….”
The mage felt tension course through him as he asked after pausing, “…what?”
Tony just shook his head. “Keep going.”
Mentally Loki added that to the list of things to look up and kept reading, “After leaving the Red Room with the status of Black Widow, she worked with the KGB.”
Nodding with a grimace. “Yep, that makes sense. For whatever reason she defected after meeting Barton. Shit.” He shook his head and ran a hand through his hair.
Loki tucked the filed away in the ether and crossed his arms over his chest. “Perhaps she went after this Dreykov. Or the Red Room.” He paused for a moment before he admitted quietly, “I would.”
Tony tilted his head a bit. “Maybe.”
“But you do not think so.”
He shook his head. “The timing…doesn’t feel right.”
Loki heard Anya’s quiet footsteps and knew the hour was at hand. He nodded. “I will do as I said regarding Heimdall searching for her. If she does not come to Asgard, after the wedding begin your inquiries. We can discuss further in the future.” Then he made a shooing motion. “Now go away, I need to focus on Anya.”
Tony gave a mock salute. “Right.” He shot a grin in Anya’s direction before taking the side corridor that would let him slip back into the throne room.
Loki turned to throw a slight smile her way. “Ready?”
Anya looked a bit nervous, whether it was because she was about to stand before the throne or because she wasn’t used to the dress she was wearing was unclear. “Sure. I—ready…” She nodded a few times, her eyes moving to the two Einherjar who were stationed at the door with impassive expressions.
He could see her nerves. “Deep breath in.”
“Prince…”
Ignoring her protests. “Anya, deep breath in.” She made a small huff of a sound but found herself obeying. As she slowly exhaled he said, “There is nothing to worry about. You are just receiving a front row seat. Trust me.”
She met his gaze easily. “I do, my prince. I trust you.”
He made a hum of a sound and smirked. “You would be one of the few foolish enough to do so.”
She mock-scowled at him, not daring to swat his shoulder since they were in public. But he was pleased to note the last bit of tension fade.
Abyss swatted at his head with a soft paw, making Anya giggle.
***
The people had assembled in the throne room with an air of anticipation. A formal inquiry didn’t happen every day so there was the opportunity for a bit of entertainment. Depending on the outcome it could be gossip fodder for years to come.
All the members of court were there, whispering softly to one another. The warriors of merit had assembled. The various guests that had arrived so far were also present, who could be just as prone to gossip and saw today as potential for a bit of sport. Sigyn was there; Basil and his brothers had fanned out around her to separate her from those of court. Tony was off to one side, next to Fury. They were standing near Reed and Veilya. Bruce had politely passed on being part of the drama, still not feeling completely steady after Hulk’s recent appearance. Clint and Steve were there. Behind them were Odin’s Vanir relatives who were looking unimpressed. Faurete was also there, standing next to Willow. Vili and Ve were standing next to one another, all of their adult sons behind them and all of them with their arms crossed.
Thor stood at the bottom of the steps leading to the throne, staring outward with arms crossed. Frigga was already standing at the top of the stairs, next to the throne. Einherjar acted as escort to clear the way for the King to enter. Bows and curtseys followed his entrance, the humans in the crowd belatedly doing so. Some a bit more hesitantly than others. Odin ascended to the throne. Once seated, his face impassive and Gungnir in hand, he looked around.
He tapped his spear against the floor once. Twice. Thrice.
The people stood once more.
The court scribe bowed and unrolled the parchment in his hands. “Court is in session for a formal inquiry. The two parties will present themselves before the throne.” He made a gesture for those making the accusation to present themselves.
Freyja and Maylin exchanged unimpressed glances.
From those assembled within the court ranks, 22 stepped forward. The court scribe read through each name to confirm everyone was present. Astri and Haakon were both there, pale and silent. One of the elders moved to the front of the group. He’d been requested to be their expert of the law. A request that had been granted.
Odin nodded to the Einherjar on either side of the entrance and the double doors were opened to permit Anya to enter. She was not dressed like a personal servant. The dress she wore was a subtle flow of colors. Nothing outlandish or showy, in fact it was perfectly in keeping with what any courtier would wear. Perhaps that was why several outraged gasps were barely contained.
Tony talked out of the corner of his mouth, “What’s the big deal?”
Fury frowned slightly but didn’t comment. Clint shrugged. Veilya was close enough to hear him and murmur, “She is not dressed like a commoner.”
He shot a look her way. She rolled her eyes.
Sigyn with her elven hearing heard them. Had she been closer she would have added the Loki had been the one to gift her the dress, because he wasn’t going to allow Anya to appear before the throne at a disadvantage.
The doors were pulled open a bit wider as Loki entered behind her. That caused the murmurs to soar until Odin shot those speaking a displeased glare.
Asking was a mere formality since Odin knew exactly what his son was up to but he asked anyway. “Prince Loki?”
Loki bowed respectfully in greeting before answering, “Sire. I stand as the accused’s expert of the law.”
The elder on the opposite side sputtered before complaining, “Sire, I object to this…this…”
Loki crossed his arms. “Do finish that sentence.”
Several of the Vanir relatives grumbled softly.
Finally able to decide on how he wanted to phrase his complaint. “This breach of protocol.”
Smoothly the prince retorted, “I would counter, sire, that there is no law stating that a prince cannot take such a position. Unorthodox, perhaps, but permissible and therefore not a breach. I do this of my own free will. I am not the one under scrutiny, after all, so there is no concern that anything will occur that is less than just.”
Odin made a show of pausing for several moments before a slow nod. “The objection is dismissed.” Gesturing to his right where the 22 had assembled. “The party that initiated the inquiry shall speak.”
As one of the elders he was quite long-winded. Almost all of them were. He spoke of what had happened for anyone unaware of what occurred. Not that he mentioned the interactions between these people and the children. He focused on the magical result. He read the testimony of each complainant. Two hours later and he finally wound down.
Thor’s eyes were glazed over. Clint had almost fallen asleep standing up.
Odin allowed the other man’s last words to fade before looking to his left. “The party being accused will respond.”
Loki shared a slight smile with Anya before stepping forward. He pulled up an illusion large enough for everyone to see, a diagram of the garden to help sum up what occurred…including what initiated the confrontation. Then he explained magically what had happened.
He wrapped up by saying, “…it was a concussive wave of power. It originates from the caster, outward. There is no target, perse. Anyone not able to resist it are sent tumbling away from the force of it.” He paused to let that all sink in. The Aesir were visual creatures, after all.
“Sire—"
Odin and Loki both shot the elder a look for speaking out of turn. In all honesty the elder wasn’t certain what he had been planning to say. Perhaps a rebuttal. As an elder he was too used to doing that when a dissenting opinion was expressed. But Anya’s side still had control of the proceedings.
Loki spoke calmly, “I call as witness for the accused Healer Eir.”
There were confused murmurs and looks exchanged before Odin tapped Gungnir in reminder to remain silent. Eir hadn’t been there. Everyone knew it. But the floor was still Loki’s so Odin nodded and men left, returning with Eir in short order.
Loki began with a simple statement. “Healer Eir, I have only one request.”
“Prince?”
Making a small motion towards Anya. “Please confirm what magical caste Anya is.”
Sigyn smiled privately to herself.
Eir blinked at him, confused, but did as he asked. She held out her hands and after a slight hesitation Anya placed her hands forward. The healer closed her eyes but came to the conclusion she’d already known before she’d tried.
Loki raised an eyebrow. “Healer Eir?”
The healer wasn’t quite certain what Loki was hoping to achieve but she responded honestly, “Anya has no caste, your highness. She is not a seidkona.”
The prince dipped his head towards her. “Thank you, Eir.” The healer nodded. Making certain his voice carried. “The parameters of the inquiry were straightforward. They have accused Anya of performing an attack she is incapable of initiating.”
Immediately a soft murmur began from the audience.
Before Odin could respond to the murmur those on the accusing side started to shout at Loki.
“You did it! You did all of it—”
“Who is the guilty one, then, if not her?”
“Or that damn little—"
Loki snapped his fingers and stole the other man’s voice before he finished that little sentence. Frigga frowned sharply at the man in disapproval.
Odin stood and slammed Gungnir down as he wordlessly roared. Many before him bodily flinched. At one time, Loki would have been among them. That was no longer the case. Odin pointed a damning finger, “Any who break the decorum of my court again can spend some time contemplating remorse in the dungeons.” Growling, “Nor will it delay in Asgardian Justice being carried out.”
Many were pale and shaking, but they were all silent.
After enough time lapsed Loki asked, “Sire, may I continue?”
He gave them all another good glare before turning his attention to his son. A subtle head tilt from Odin to convey returning the man on the opposite side his voice. Loki buried the urge to sulk and moved his hand in a hidden gesture to do so.
Once the spell had been rescinded Odin nodded once. “You may.”
Steepling his index fingers in a thoughtful manner, Loki countered the complaints, “The formal inquiry was to determine Anya’s innocence or guilt. It is not our burden to prove who was at fault in her place. However, I will voluntarily state that both I and Lady Sigyn were offworld during this event, fact that can be corroborated by Gatekeeper Heimdall. Furthermore, anyone with a brain can see that my daughter, whom I shall not name for official record due to her age, has neither the temperament nor was she in the correct position to be responsible.”
“How—” A vicious look from Odin had the man almost swallowing his tongue.
Only after Loki received a nod from Odin did he pose the question, “Elder?”
Subdued, the elder asked, “…how do you know?”
At Odin’s nod, Loki responded, “From the testimony my daughter was behind Anya before the wave of seidr struck. As it has been established that Anya has no seidr, if my daughter had been responsible Anya would have been knocked over with the rest.”
Loki was being truthful, if this had been an uncontrolled spike. Since Kid Loki had been the one involved he’d produced the wave while wrapping a secondary bubble around Anya and the kids to keep them from being effected.
“Ah—oh.”
Odin nodded again in agreement but took his time before saying anything. There was silent satisfaction in Frigga’s eyes.
The elder’s expression looked bleak. A few behind him whispered for him to start a new inquiry to determine which caster had assaulted them but he didn’t bother. He just shook his head at them, knowing their own eagerness to assign blame had ruined any opportunity to find out the truth.
Vili and Ve shared a glance. They knew when their brother was just being dramatic.
Tony shifted impatiently where he was standing, wishing he’d bowed out of this when Bruce had decided to because this was getting a bit boring.
After Odin felt enough time has passed he began, “The throne has heard testimony. We have heard words of those expressing their woes. Yet what was not heard was the defendable reason, if there was one, that made such magical action occur. No words of remorse concerning the children being attacked were offered, as would be honorable. An act that is known fact.” He paused just in case anyone wanted to object and condemn themselves. No one spoke. Most barely breathed. “Words have been expressed by my sons and shall now be emphasized. The children of the pending union of Prince Loki and Lady Sigyn are considered members of the royal family and shall be treated with respect and deference. Furthermore, this unnamed child’s mother is the Lady Sigyn. A Lady who defeated the Mad Titan Thanos. A Lady who is the Et’ana of Alfheim, and therefore capable of calling the light elves to war.” Sigyn nodded slightly. The warriors stiffened. “Asgard is not afraid of war. But, I shall not order the death of a single warrior in the stead of those who act so appallingly. Should that mean that such reprobates are sacrificed on the altar of peace for their actions, then so be it.” Among the aristocracy, many had wide eyes. “Had this inquiry revealed that the accused was capable of magic, this decision would be the same. A servant is permitted to protect a child, no matter the station of the child’s family…and no matter the station of the one acting in such a manner.” In the coming days he would have the elders pour over the laws to ensure if there was such a highborn or lowborn loophole that it was abolished. “Anya Letadottir, it is the finding of the throne that the accusation placed upon you was entirely false. Your good name is restored, cleared of all suspicion.”
Anya breathed a sigh of relief.
A couple of gasps of delight were quickly muffled. Loki slanted a look to the right. He knew El was hiding there. Had known the entire time. There wasn’t a lot he could say about eavesdropping but if she was going to be sneaky and bring her siblings with her, she needed to learn to muffle sound.
Odin turned his eye upon the ones that decided to get in the middle of this as well as the ones directly involved. “Those that called for the inquiry will stand forward.”
Hesitantly, fearfully, slow steps forward were made until the twenty-two were lined up in a row.
Once they had assumed the appropriate placements Odin said, “A formal inquiry is a serious matter, never to be requested lightly. It is a contract of honor, that the accusation before the throne is nothing but truth. Furthermore, it is for those that are above reproach, seeking justice from the throne. As such, there are severe penalties if falsehoods are submitted. There are worse penalties against those who act with dishonor and attempt to use the throne for their own selfish, petty reasons.”
A couple of them looked like they wanted to object. But they seemed to find the ability to remain silent.
Odin turned to his left. “Is any restitution being requested?”
Loki glanced back at Anya who shook her head a little. “We would seek what is just, sire. That she may continue to serve Asgard in peace.”
“Very well.” Odin returned his gaze to those assembled and shook his head slowly as if in disappointment. As if to indicate that they had forced him into this position. “It is just that more than a penalty of finance shall be levied. Each shall be assessed a suitable wergild owed to Anya Letadottir.” Anya jolted a bit in surprise. Loki smirked to himself. With this many requiring to provide those kind of amounts, Anya would never need to work another day in her long life. “But there is still the price for a lack of honor. You have all submitted for court record your names. Your statements have been provided…and are false. Even those not directly involved in the act, not one of you confessed to the inappropriate deeds against children that began these chain of events. Hence you shall all receive the same judgement: expulsion from court. Rooms afforded in the palace shall no longer be yours. Any titles or privileges are lost.” A few of the ladies swayed. What wasn’t being said, but what they all understood, was that their word was garbage now. Expelled from court as commoners, any future grievances would have to go through the representative in their area…and that person would be very wary to take anything they say at face value. “Only by specific invitation will you be permitted on the grounds, and such invitation must be presented and vetted.” Odin cracked his spear down and most of those assembled in front of him jumped. “Asgardian Justice.”
The warriors stared at him in admiration. They grunted in unison and thumped gauntlet to chestplate.
Facing his father, Loki allowed a small smirk to surface for just a moment.
As soon as court recessed Tony immediately hopped onto his phone, complaining that he’d lost brain cells during that. Veilya and Sigyn immediately swarmed around Anya.
Loki walked over to Fury. “Director.”
“Yep?”
He said the words to the man, but he meant it for anyone close enough to hear him. “I would advise anyone to avoid those assembled today. Being the thoroughly immature people that they are, they will likely take out their woes on the closest target.” Turning his head. “El.” After a couple of moment when nothing happened Loki crooked a finger. “El, drop the spell and come over here.”
El pouted, revealing herself and her three siblings. “How did you know?”
Sigyn had a knowing look as well.
Loki held up two fingers. “Two reasons. I am a mage. I heard a giggle.”
El sent a scowl Melody’s way who shrugged. “Oops.”
The trickster nodded. “We will work on that.”
Tony gasped and whipped around. “Dude! You so can’t do that!”
Loki looked at the man in amusement. “Do what?”
Gesturing to the kids. “It is so wrong to teach them stuff like that.”
El sniffed, “Nobody asked you.” Then El stuck out her tongue.
“Mature as ever, mini.”
Interrupting before his friend and his daughter could get into an argument. “Tony. When you have a child of your own, then you can offer parental advice. Until then, butt out.”
“Or what?”
Loki was not one to back down from a challenge. “I do believe Lady Pepper is arriving shortly. Since you have so much free time perhaps I should tell her. She might wish to bring sufficient paperwork to keep you occupied.”
Tony started sputtering while Nick started chuckling. It was well known Tony tried to avoid the paperwork that went with owning a company almost as much as board meetings.
Clint tipped his invisible hat. “You called that one.”
“Indeed.” Flicking a glance in Thor’s direction. “In that regard he reminds me of someone else I know.”
Faurete kept watching everything with interest. She wondered if Angrboda arriving would liven things up even more.