Victory Dance
The healer wards empty up, leaving behind Frigga and Loki and a few extra guards to protect the Regent. Loki signs the guards to move out and creates a seidr sound barrier to have the informal chat about to begin that he can clearly sense from Frigga's demeanour.
As soon as the guards left, Frigga came in front of Loki to observe the healed wound. There was a slightly diminished scar that was still left. She quickly said as she observed, “That was majestically impressive! You could have healed yourself all this time and chose not to?” Frigga gave her son an inquisitive look. There were so many questions on her mind at the moment, from where did he learn this, to why had he not used it until now? Is he well? Surely, he's much too burdened at the moment with sudden responsibility of the throne right after the emotional turmoil of knowing of his origin and birth.
Loki sighs and reduces the glowering of his eyes. “I was much too busy and disoriented to heal myself of the physical wounds.” The unhealed emotional wounds were a different story and Frigga understood the unsaid. “In a way, the added responsibility reminded me of my seidr. I've been wasting too much energy in efforts to complement the Aesir's warrior culture. It all makes sense, why I could never adjust. I was trying to be someone I'm not and wasting away what I have. So have you, mother! Weren't you a war-maiden before you chose to fit in with Asgardians?”
That wasn't a reply Frigga expected from Loki. Did he always felt so different from others that he purposely chose to hide his skills? And what about her? Does he expect her to follow and implement her Vanahiem culture in Asgard? A small smile forms in Frigga’s mind as she realises that since she’s not an Asgardian either, Loki considers her the closest to understanding his situation. This she can help with.
Loki didn't wait for her reply and quickly used his seidr to change his attire to the simple yet elegant one which he had worn while sitting on the throne of Multiverse. A change in position must accompany a change in attire and looks. As it is, his younger look was spooking him out and he had been avoiding his reflections. Shouldn't miss this chance while he can! The dress is super comfy and elegant enough to pass as a throne look. But will it look too plain? Maybe he should add some gold embroidery to it… Hmm.. That combined with his golden vambraces. Comfortable and stylish! Should he wear the Black horned crown or his regular golden ones? He's never worn the black ones before and it would be too much of a change. And if Odin woke up, he might be reminded of Hela. (Hela really understood style!) So unfortunately not black, let's go with the Golden one, with green embellishments with no head cover. (The one that he wore in Ragnarok!) He swiftly produced a mirror to have a final look and was pleased with his attire, except the hair. He lengthened his hair upto just above the shoulder level.
Pleased, Loki then turned to an amused Frigga who had an incredulous look on her face. “How do I look?”
“Like a fine, aged King. Odin and I always thought that if you would have received the throne, you would definitely wear much more glittery clothes than this. But this look suits you better! Loki, my son, I'm confident you'll handle the responsibility well. I'll have to leave to care for your father. Make your father proud!”
—
Frigga sighs as she comes back to Odin's sleeping chamber. The majestic king in deep slumber, yet able to watch and hear all. May he see how strong and intelligent their youngest has become! How come did he not see the discrimination Loki had to face as a child? Odin always kept on postponing things, be it relaying the truth to Loki or correcting the attitude of Asgardians towards Vanaheim, Jotumheim or people of any other culture and race. The warriors still look down upon most of the other races, no matter how advanced and witty the other races might be. She too had to face a culture shock when she had married Odin. Had it been only a treaty based arrangement with no love shown from Odin, she fears what harrowing experiences she might have had to face! The lost time is coming back to haunt.
Loki may be putting up a brave and wise face upfront, but Norns know what might be going through his mind? If she could, she would hold him close to her so that he doesn't slip away. And Thor? How are they going to break it to Thor that his beloved brother isn't related to him by blood and that he is Jotun whom he considers as monsters! May the Norns have mercy and guide her through this difficult situation. Frigga placed herself next to Odin where she overlooked his health and sat troubled with her anxiety over the future.
—
Loki rejoined his guards outside the healer wards, who bowed in respect even as they quickly glanced over his new look and positioned themselves around him, with two in front and two in back.
The party of five then moved towards the Royal entrance for the Hlidskjalf, passing through various servants that looked at Loki in awe, saw the Gungnir, realised his position and bowed. The news of Odin falling into Odinsleep with Loki injured and Thor relieved of his position had spread like wildfire within the palace servants, courtesy The Warriors Three and Lady Sif. They had been howling how the Frost Giants were in the wrong, and that they only wanted to talk, that the Frost Giants tried to kill King Odin and Thor and Loki used his seidr to protect but failed in doing so and got injured. That Thor has been done injustice! Asgard would have woken to absolute anxiety and chaos. Looking at Loki as hail and capable of walking doused some of their worst fears. The spectacle also gave a little bit confidence that the situation is still in control and that if they are really at war as the warriors say, they do have a healthy King on the throne.
As Loki entered the half filled Valaskjálf (throne room) (half empty- since it is night time and the public that usually brings problems for justice by the king are not present), he noticed the presence of all the ministers of High Council, including General Tyr and Royal Advisor Mimirson. Mimirson, being the Head of Council, must have ensured that everyone is informed of the truth of the situation leading up to the decision of making Loki the Regent King.
All of them stood in respect from their seats as Loki made his way to the throne. He stopped at the pedestal, turned and took the Oath of Regent King of Asgard, followed by oath taking of Mimirson, Tyr and rest of the High Councillors and members of the Court. Two Prince's seats remained empty, which would have to be filled by Uncle Vili and Vii, who must be yet to be informed about the whole situation. If anything happens to Loki, the line of succession will be passed on to them.
As soon as the oaths were completed, everyone once again kneeled on one knee with the fists on their heart. Loki thudded the Gungnir to grant permission to get up and get seated on their respective seats. Typically, when the throne room is opened at night, it is usually for a closed knit, often informal meetings. Thus, nobody expected the debacle that was about to happen!