Chapter 3
Laufey was absolutely joyful when he was told about his daughter’s having children of her own, Loki told her blood father a little about them, the older Jotun listening in close with fondness.
They had to leave at some point, but promised to visit every day from now on, Frigga would stay at Asgard most of the time to make sure nobody noticed Loki’s absence. But when she would come with him, she would spend some time with Laufey sipping tea and talking, probably discussing how detestable Odin is and bonding over their mutual hatred for the man.
Frigga and Laufey had discussed about changing his diet in Asgard to help him stabilize his body, he explained Loki was incredible slim for a Jotun, even runts weren’t this slim, so Frigga would be talking to the palace’s cook to prepare different meals including more meat for Loki since Jotun were more carnivores than anything.
Loki felt more free at changing forms from time to time since his siblings and parent didn’t seem to mind it, the black-haired was rarely seen walking around in the palace at Asgard anymore, but instead of making people worried for him it made them happy to not see the second prince that much, deeming it a good riddance.
Loki tried to not feel hurt that Thor has not noticed his absence over the last past few months, at least his time with his real siblings made him feel more appreciated.
It took some time for Byleistr to stop seeing Loki as a threat, after a year the older Jotun even started to call him of brodhir and systir which made him tear up, Byleistr panicked when he saw his little brother cry over something so simple.
A year and a half after their first contact, Loki decided to introduce his children to his Jotun family. Frigga accompanied him on this journey, driven by her longing to be reunited with her grandchildren. Loki was overjoyed to see his children warm up to Helblindi and the others.
Helblindi was excited to see them and played with the kids a whole day until they were all exhausted, sometimes the Jotun acted as if he was younger than Loki.
When Loki took them back to the small house in Alfheim, they were all tired from playing so much. “Did you like meeting your uncles and grandfather?” He asked them.
“Uncle Helblindi is really nice!” Said Fenrir. “He said Jör and I can help him hunt when we are older!”
Jörmungandr nodded excitedly alongside his brother.
Sleipnir simply smiled, silently conveying his enjoyment of the day.
“Uncle Byleistr is a bit grumpy,” Hela yawned. “But he is good at braiding hair." She proudly showed off her braids. “See? He is very good at it," She then added shyly as she caressed the dead half of her face. “He also said I look very pretty…”
“I like grandfather!” Váli beams.
“He said we can play pranks on uncle Byleistr next time!” Continue Nari.
Loki smiled, listening to his children's enthusiastic responses. He was relieved that the meeting with his Jotun family had gone well, and it was heartwarming to see his kids bonding with his relatives.
"Sounds like you had a great time," Loki said, ruffling his children's hair.
As Loki tucked his children into bed in the small house in Alfheim he reflected on the changes that had taken place over the last few years. His relationship with his real family had deepened, and he had finally found a sense of belonging that he never felt at Asgard.
Helblindi was always so fascinated when Loki would talk about how he wields his seidr and would listen with rapid attention not missing a single detail, unlike Thor who would ignore or look bored whenever he tried to explain it to him years ago.
Each day he spent at the side of his newfound family, Loki started to realize how unfairly he was treated in Asgard.
On one particular day, as the icy winds of Jotunheim bit at their skin, Loki engaged in a sparring session with Helblindi and Byleistr. The fierce combat pushed Loki to a point where he utilized his seidr, complemented by a crafty blend of dagger skills, to outmaneuver and best his siblings. A surge of immediate remorse gripped him, and he braced for the inevitable reprimand, convinced he'd be accused of resorting to "tricks" and cheating.
“I-I’m sorry” He stuttered, hoping this wouldn’t make them see him less for this silly mistake.
“What are you sorry for brodhir?” Asks Helblindi confused but concerned when Loki took a step back from them.
“I used my seidr in battle, I was weak, I cheated” Loki explains not meeting his eyes.
Byleistr looked at him genuinely surprised. “Using your seidr for advantage in battle doesn’t make you a cheater or weak brodhir, it’s just a sign you’re a good in playing the battlefield into your advantage”
Loki looked at his older brother trying to see if he was lying, when he found no sign of it he whispered: “Oh…but…they always called me weak…”
Byleistr's initial surprise transformed into a fleeting anger, although it was not directed at Loki. His voice carried a sense of righteous indignation as he said, "Ignore whatever fool told you that. They do not know what they are talking about."
Helblindi chimed in with a warm, reassuring smile. “They are idiots, brodhir, don't allow their ignorant words to define your worth, you are incredibly admirable, both with your daggers and your seidr abilities!”
Loki couldn't help but feel a warmth spread through him as he absorbed the support and love from his brothers. It was a stark contrast to the constant criticism and isolation he had experienced in Asgard. Here in Jotunheim, he was starting to realize that his abilities were not weaknesses but strengths.
Byleistr chimed in, his voice full of conviction. "We've seen how you wield your powers, and it's nothing to be ashamed of. It's not weakness; it's your strength. You're a remarkable warrior, brodhir."
Loki smiled at their unwavering support. "Thank you, both of you. I appreciate it”
Helblindi placed a hand on Loki's shoulder. "From now on, when we spar, don't hold back. We should all train to become stronger together."
Byleistr nodded in agreement. "And you can teach us more about your seidr. We might learn something new that can make us better warriors."
The ongoing surprises from his newfound family in Jotunheim never ceased to amaze Loki. Helblindi had previously expressed a keen interest in delving into the intricacies of seidr, which, on its own, was a profound departure from his experiences with Thor. In all his years, Loki had yearned for his adoptive brother to show even a modicum of interest in something he held dear. Yet, amidst the crisp, icy air of his homeland, Loki discovered that in the span of a few short months, his true siblings were eager to unravel the depths of his character and comprehend his passions.
Helblindi's curiosity for seidr had not waned, and it had only grown more profound over time. But what truly took Loki aback was that Byleistr, too, had started to exhibit an interest in his unique skills. In contrast to his relationship with Thor, where Loki's attempts to connect over magic were often met with indifference or disinterest, these new bonds felt authentic and inquisitive. It was as though his real family had effortlessly unveiled a facet of his existence that had remained hidden for far too long.
Over the years in Asgard, Loki's hopes had dwindled with each unreciprocated effort to bridge the gap with Thor. The disappointment, loneliness, and longing had become familiar companions. Yet, here in Jotunheim, with his blood siblings, he found a sense of belonging that no amount of magic or guile could replicate.
He truly was enjoying his time here, he was grateful for Frigga - she will always be his mother - telling him about his heritage, because this? This is what he has been longing for so long.
Years go by and Loki fully stops showing up in any event at Asgard, he hasn’t seen Thor for so long that he almost forgot his face.
Loki only is seen going from his room to Frigga’s and vice versa, nobody cared enough to question is absences, dinner was brought to his room by a servant, he has been getting less slim in his Jotun form, still not as buffier as Thor, but he no longer looked like he was starving.
It’s been ten years since he found out about his heritage, ten years and has never been happier.
Unfortunately his good mood had to be utterly destroyed.
Thor’s coronation was today and Loki couldn’t care less about it. He wanted to go home and talk to father again. Laufey has been teaching Loki how to create new spells lately, but instead he has to show up to his…to Thor’s coronation party, well, at least mother would be there…
He tried to ignore the discomfort of being in his Aesir form, focusing on his drink instead, the party was full of people, Thor was getting drunk with his friends and Loki was at his mother’s side pointedly ignoring the hostile stare thrown his way.
At some point Sif disappeared, Loki noticed, and an hour later she came running back.
Loki's eyes darted over the sea of revelers, catching sight of Sif's hurried return. Her face was flushed with urgency, and she wasted no time making her way to Odin's side. Thor, who had been caught up in a drinking contest, swayed unsteadily but turned to watch, his curiosity piqued.
"You must take action, Allfather," Sif insisted, her voice low but laden with intensity. "This is an outrage, and it cannot be ignored."
Odin's one eye narrowed as he regarded Sif, his brow furrowed with concern. "Explain yourself, warrior Sif. What has transpired?"
Sif took a deep breath, her gaze flickering briefly in Loki's direction before returning to Odin. "The vault, the most sacred place in all of Asgard, was breached, and the intruders were none other than Frost Giants, the very monsters whom we have defended our realm for centuries."
Odin's eye widened with alarm.
"The vault?" Odin questioned, a note of disbelief in his voice. "How could such a breach occur?"
Sif's gaze darkened as she pointed an accusatory finger. "Loki. It must have been Loki. He allowed the Frost Giants to infiltrate our most sacred sanctum. I have not seen him anywhere in days, he must have been planning this with those beasts!"
All eyes turned to Loki, all of them more hostile than ever, none even thinking that her accusation may be false, once Loki would have felt betrayed, but he had come to expect such things from any asgardian in his life except mother Frigga.
Frigga stood up from her seat, glaring at Sif. “This is a grave accusation warrior Sif, my son has spent his time with me in my chambers practicing his seidr, unless you are also accusing me of betrayal I would rethink your choice of words”
Sif paled, her resolve momentarily shaken. "I apologize, my queen," she stammered, her confidence waning. "But Loki is known for his illusions and tricks. He could have used his deceit to create the illusion of being with you when he was away. We all know his infamous ability to clone himself."
Thor's conflicted expression mirrored the turmoil within. He glanced at his brother, who remained eerily silent and passive, his gaze vacant and distant.
Thor grappled with doubts, a whisper of uncertainty he couldn't entirely dismiss. Could Loki be capable of such deception? Sif had often claimed that Loki was envious, driven by jealousy. Perhaps this was his way of tarnishing Thor's coronation. Disappointment settled in Thor's heart, but he clung to the hope that Loki would be forgiven by their parents, he himself would forgive him for being jealous.
Amid the chaos of accusation and disbelief, Odin seemed less concerned with the accusations themselves and more consumed by the prospect of the Frost Giants reclaiming the Casket.
"Guards," Odin barked, his voice weighted with urgency. "Take Loki to a cell and bring forth the Jotun intruders for immediate questioning."
Frigga's fury blazed as she stepped forward, wanting to kill Odin right here and now. “Guards, stay where you are, if you lay a finger on my son I’ll beahead you myself”
The men went still, they wouldn’t go against a former Valkyrie but they also can’t really go against Odin’s wishes either, they stood there dumbly not knowing what to do.
“Frigga,” Odin said dangerously.
"Odin," Frigga responded in kind. "I will not allow you to accuse my son without concrete evidence. Bring forth the Jotun who breached the vault, and let us determine the veracity of Warrior Sif's claims."
“Loki should be contained until then for everyone saf-”
“I’m very capable of handling a single person If he so chooses to attack anyone, or are you saying I’m incapable, AllFather?”
The moment hung in the air, a silent exchange of wills, before Odin finally hesitantly relented. He nodded, signaling the guards to bring forth the Jotun intruders.
A shiver ran down their spines as they felt the Bifrost being activated, and then they noticed that Thor, along with the Warriors Three, was conspicuously absent. Panic surged within both Frigga and Loki. They knew what this meant – Thor and his friends had gone to Jotunheim. Their desire to go after them and prevent Thor from harming innocent lives was palpable, but they held their composure, understanding that the present circumstances required patience as much as they hated this.
Odin's face was a mask of anger and frustration. “Sif! Go after them and instruct them to return immediately before they inadvertently instigate a war.”
Sif left for the Bifrost, and the silence that enveloped the gathering was thick with tension.
The guards brought two of the Jotun who entered the vault, and Loki wanted to kill Sif so much right now because those are-.
“These aren’t Frost Giants,” Odin stated flatly, a look of disbelief in his eye.
"No, they are Kree, as far as my knowledge extends," Frigga added, her fingers massaging her temples as she tried to make sense of the situation.
Loki internally facepalmed, of course Sif has never seen a Jotun before, but didn’t she think the ‘frost giants’ were you know…giants?! She just saw blue people and assumed they were Jotun, oh norns!
“What did you want with the Casket, intruders?” Odin demanded, his voice laced with a newfound urgency.
One of the Kree sneered in response, “The what? We are here for the Tesseract.”
Odin's panic grew. “Who sent you?”
The Kree's response was defiant. “That doesn’t concern you, false king!”
One person from the celebration party, unable to contain their curiosity, asked, "Did Loki send you?" The question earned a stern glare from Odin for speaking without his permission.
The Kree laughed, a maniacal glint in their eyes. “Ha! As if we would follow an Asgardian! We serve a greater master!”
Before any further questions could be posed, the two Kree swiftly and effortlessly freed themselves, as if they had allowed themselves to be captured all this time, the guards got ready to protect their king and queen but they made no move to attack anyone.
The two Kree took their daggers and, with a horrifying resolve, slit their own throats, leaving everyone in the hall in a state of shock.
Odin sighed in annoyance, his initial fury shifting into an exasperated resignation. He turned to Frigga and Loki, acknowledging the urgent need for action. “Go after Thor and the Warriors Three as well. Stop them from instigating another war.”
Loki responded with a veneer of false respect. “Of course, Allfather.” With a swift motion, he teleported himself and Frigga to the Bifrost. They had the power to teleport directly to Jotunheim, but they didn't want to arouse suspicion within Odin just yet.
Heimdall glared at Loki ready to berate him but Frigga slapped him across the face before he could utter a word.
Heimdall recoiled from the stinging slap, his sharp gaze now replaced with a sense of astonishment. He had seldom encountered such a reaction from the Queen, and her unexpected rebuke left him momentarily lost for words. Swiftly, he lowered his gaze, hiding his embarrassment behind his regal demeanor.
Frigga's voice held a firm, unyielding quality as she addressed Heimdall. "You will be facing consequences for allowing them to leave without Odin’s orders, gatekeeper," she declared, her tone brimming with authority. Her eyes bore into Heimdall with an intensity that made it clear she brooked no argument. "Now, be useful and take us to Jotunheim before it’s too late."
Heimdall, recognizing the gravity of the situation, immediately snapped to action. "Of course, my queen…"
Loki and Frigga vanished into the Bifrost, leaving a bewildered and somewhat chagrined Heimdall in their wake. As they hurtled through the mystical realms, Loki just prays that it was not too late to stop Thor from slaughtering his people.