Peaceful Outcoming
Hey guys, I have been having a pretty hard time writing, but comments - especially long comments - are really motivating. Please help me find the energy to write by commenting if you like my work!
His lightning scars felt itchy, Byleistr had to glare at him every once in a while for Loki to stop scratching his skin, his brother was still slightly angry at him for taking the blow meant for him, Loki wasn’t going to apologize for saving his life, he didn’t regret it, but he did feel bad that the scars he now had made his older brother flinch whenever he looked at him, averting his eyes with a look of guilt.
"You should learn that shield spell from fadir. Then, you won’t need to rush into danger like an idiot," Byleistr said, the bitterness in his tone more pronounced than he intended.
The younger Jotun sighed. “How long are you going to stay mad at me?”
"As long as I deem necessary. You were reckless," Byleistr spat out the words.
Rolling his eyes, Loki relented, "I’ll learn the shield spell once I’ve recovered if that puts your mind at ease."
"...it does."
“...I’m sorry you feel responsible, but I still would have done the same thing again to protect you given the chance” He whispered.
Byleistr's glare intensified. "I know, that’s what bothers me! You shouldn’t have to do that! I’m the eldest! I should protect you both! And because I was weak you almost died!”
"But I survived! I didn’t die!" Loki reasoned.
Frustrated, the elder sibling threw his arms up. "But you were hurt!"
"We both made it out alive! That's what matters! And you’re not weak, stop saying that!"
"But-"
"I'll inform father if you continue to belittle yourself," Loki threatened, his stare unyielding.
“You’re such a little shit” Byleistr muttered, still not meeting his eyes.
"Byleistr, I mean it. You’re not weak. It wasn’t your fault I got hurt. Thor was the one who nearly killed me."
Silence hung heavily between them, the older Jotun glaring at the floor in silence until Byleistr, wearied, turned to Loki. "You're right, but it doesn’t make it right. You shouldn’t have had to protect me."
"Of course, I had to. You're family. It's not just your responsibility to protect us; we'll protect you too, whenever we can." Loki said firmly as he held his older brother’s gaze. “Understand?”
“It’s still my respon-”
“Byleistr”
“Fine!I understand” The other muttered. “You’re so stubborn!”
Loki gave him a look at that. “You’re the one being stubborn, brother”
“Whatever, just learn the damn stupid shield spell next time fadir trains you”
“I’ve already agreed to that” Snorts Loki before trying to get up and flinching in pain and at how his whole body still trembles from the lighting attack, it will take a while for him to go back to normal.
Byleistr still looks pained just by looking at him but helps him sit on the bed.
“Where is father? He and Helblindi haven’t come back” He asks looking around.
The older Jotun grimaces. “Probably talking diplomacy, Odin and the witch will probably soon come here to talk about us down from starting a war after what his stupid son did”
Loki pales at the mention of a possible war. “Jotunheim can’t win a war against Asgard, specially if Odin involves the other realms”
“I know, but fadir is really angry after what happened, Helblindi is trying to talk him down right now”
Ah, good, Helblindi was more likely to change his mind, he looked down frowning as he remembered something.
“Something else troubles you, brodhir” Said Byleistr sitting at his side as he wrapped one arm around him.
Loki leaned into him as he spoke. “Odin must know by now that mother and I have been coming here behind his back…will he try to make me go back to Asgard after this?”
“He can damn well try” Snarled the older Jotun, suddenly holding his brother closer protectively.
The smaller Jotun was lost in thought, he just hopes he doesn’t need to go back…but if that would ensure that there was no war, then he shall not oppose the idea.
Odin and Frigga had come to an agreement, as much as the AllFather hated it he would have to go along with it, he can’t start a war right now, specially when some of the people who witnessed Thor leaving for Jotunheim and Sif’s ‘misunderstanding’ were from other realms,.
The news of the attack on Jotunheim must have rippled through those realms by now.
Starting a war would only rally support for the Jotnar, as Thor had broken the treaties, not the other way around. Odin knew he must exert every effort to prevent conflict from encroaching upon his realm.
Accompanied by Frigga, they headed toward the Bifrost, where Heimdall stood, as ever, guarding its passage. Upon spotting the All-Mother, Heimdall averted his gaze, still flustered from their last encounter.
"Heimdall, our discussion shall wait for later," Odin declared, his steely gaze penetrating the man's demeanor.
The Guardian of the Bifrost paled, well aware of what Odin had done to Thor and the others. He knew he had betrayed Odin by allowing Thor into Jotunheim. He had hoped the All-Father would dismiss it, as he had done with Thor’s previous misdeeds.
"Open the Bifrost to Jotunheim!" Odin commanded.
"As you command, All-Father," Heimdall obeyed, avoiding meeting the All-Mother's eyes.
Arriving in Jotunheim, they were encircled by apprehensive Jotnar. No weapons were drawn, but hostility simmered in their gazes, directed particularly at Odin, perhaps even desiring an end to him.
A female Jotun, approached them, bowing slightly as she met their eyes. "I am General Skönn. King Laufey has requested my presence to escort you to the palace," she stated with a detached tone.
Frigga, despite the hostile glares, maintained a polite smile. "Thank you. Please, lead the way."
Odin merely nodded, trailing behind the frost giant, with a couple of other giants following closely.
After a few minutes, they arrived at the palace. A pair of Jotnar guards opened the massive doors, ushering them in and sealing the entrance behind them. The giants guided Odin and Frigga to the throne room, where Laufey paced with a furious expression. At the center stood a younger Jotun, Helblindi, whom Frigga recognized. He coughed, attempting to capture his father's attention. Laufey turned to Odin, his fury magnified, yet he refrained from speaking.
"King Laufey," Frigga respectfully bowed, then shot a disapproving glance at Odin, who reluctantly mirrored her gesture, he looked like it pained him to do such a thing.
"AllMother," Laufey acknowledged her neutrally before his tone turned icy as he addressed Odin. "AllFather," he almost spat the title.
"Laufey—" Odin began, only to receive an elbow jab from Frigga, causing him to cough. "...your majesty. We both know the reason for my visit. Let us skip the formalities."
"I could declare war on Asgard, and you know I have the right to do so. Your son broke the treaties, Odinson," Laufey growled, barely controlling his anger.
"I am aware, King Laufey, but I am here to negotiate. There should be no need for war," Odin interjected hurriedly.
"And how do you intend to make amends? What could possibly prevent me from rallying the other realms to annihilate Asgard?"
Odin, concealing something beneath his cape all this while, let the fabric fall to reveal the Casket of Ancient Winters.
Both Jotnar in the room were stunned by the sight. Frigga observed silently, wearing a somewhat smug expression.
"I offer the return of what was... taken. The Casket of Ancient Winters shall be yours once again. This is my proposal," Odin declared, glancing at Frigga, seeking her approval. She raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to continue. "...and I will not demand Loki's return, as he rightfully belongs here…" He ground his teeth. "I— I beg your pardon for taking a child from your realm and the Casket…"
Both Laufey and Helblindi looked shocked, this…this is certainly humiliating for Odin, to admit he stole from them, to beg for forgiveness, they cast a glance over Queen Frigga, who smiled at them innocently.
Laufey glanced at Frigga with a fascinated look, this woman…. were she not married…
Said woman gave him a cocky smile that he never thought he would see on her face, she seemed very proud of herself.
Meanwhile, Odin, unaware of their silent exchange, continued speaking. "Thor and the others were banished to Midgard. Sif has been punished and will be confined in the cells back in Asgard."
"Am I right to assume that Thor will be allowed to return?" Laufey asked, visibly irked.
"...yes," Odin replied through clenched teeth.
Laufey wanted Thor’s head on a silver platter, but he has already been lucky that Odin was giving him this much without asking anything in return or some sort of way to gain something through this deal.
“Fine, you give us back the Casket of Ancient Winters and leave my son alone” He states firmly.
"Um, will Queen Frigga be permitted to visit whenever she wishes?" Helblindi inquired softly.
Odin blinked, surprised at the younger Jotun's question. Was it about Loki or a genuine bond formed with her? Regardless, if it maintained peace...
"Of course..."
"In that case, we accept the proposal," Laufey stated, amusedly.
Odin lets go of the Casket reluctantly as if he was giving away his precious child, he has to stop himself from glaring at Laufey when he takes the Casket from his hands and gives it to the younger Jotun.
The AllFather shakes the Jotun’s hand solidifying their deal.
“I hope that what happened today doesn’t transpire again in the future, AllFather” Laufey says coldly.
“I will make sure it does not happen” Odin says firmly before forcing himself to bow one last time. “Now I shall return to Asgard, your majesty”
“I shall stay, to see how my son fares,” Frigga casually interjected.
Odin eyes Laufey as if expecting the Jotun to correct her, Loki was never her son after all, but Laufey just smiles at her and motions for the younger Jotun to come closer. “Escort her to where your brodhir is resting”
“Of course, fadir” Helblindi asks Frigga to follow him.
Odin's gaze lingered on the departing figures for a moment before he collected himself and made his way to the door. Standing there was the same female Jotun from earlier, waiting for him.
"I'll escort you back, AllFather," she stated calmly.
He didn't respond, simply following her out of the throne room, not even casting a glance in Laufey's direction, who watched him carefully.
Frigga hurried toward her son who was being held tenderly by Byleistr, he startles at the sight of her.
"Mother?" He queried, a hint of surprise in his voice, he didn’t really expect her to come here.
“My boy” she says, voice shaking as she takes in his appearance, the lighting scars were on his entire body from what she could see. “Does it hurt too much?”
"Right now, yes. But it'll improve, I hope…” He shaked his head. “But what are you doing here? Does Odin know you came here?" He asked, worry etched on his face.
She made a dismissive expression at the mention of her husband. "He's aware. I have permission to visit whenever I wish," Frigga reassured him.
“Not only that, but Odin gave us back the Casket of Ancient Winters in exchange for peace” Helblindi interjected excitedly.
Both Loki and Byleistr gaped in disbelief.
"He did what?!" the elder Jotun exclaimed.
Loki regarded his mother in astonishment. "This is your doing."
"Odin was eager to avoid war in Asgard. I merely made some suggestions," she replied innocently, a smile playing on her lips.
“Impressive, witch…” Said Byleistr, still shocked.
Loki elbowed him in the ribs but the older Jotun barely felt it.
“So that means I can stay here? I don’t need to come back to Asgard?” The small Jotun asked hopeful.
Her expression softened. “Yes, and I think you should bring your children to live here, my son, I don’t want Odin finding out about them and planning anything with them to get to you”
His eyes darkened. “You’re right, I’ll bring them here right away” He was about to get up but Frigga pushed him back to sit.
“Let me bring them to you, you need rest, my son” She says softly. “My brother and I will bring them here in a moment, I will go to them to explain the situation first”
“They will miss uncle Freyr” Loki said sadly.
“He could come live here? If he wants of course” Helblindi offers, earning a glare from Byleistr. “What? He has been taking care of our brodhir’s children and kept his secret, I think he is trustful enough”
Frigga contemplated the notion. "I believe he'd be intrigued. There isn't much tying him to Alfheim. I'll need to discuss it with him," she mused, directing her gaze at Helblindi. "With your father's approval, naturally."
The Jotun waves his hand dismissively. “I just need to tell him that this will make Loki happy and he will agree immediately”
“The favoritism is clear” Byleistr muttered jokingly
Loki let out an inelegant snort, playfully punching Byleistr's arm.
“What happened to that buffoon of your son? Was he punished?" inquired the older Jotun, turning to Frigga for answers.
Frigga let out a weary sigh. “Thor and the Warriors Three have been banished to Midgard. Thor might earn the right to return if he proves himself worthy. But the others will face permanent exile... As for Sif, well, she's had her mouth sewn shut,” she revealed, a malicious smirk playing on her lips. “She'll likely languish in the cells before Odin sends her off to Midgard, as he intended."
The two Jotun exchanged a nervous glance, witnessing a side of the Queen they'd never seen before – a dangerous and unsettling smile.
Loki, surprised by the severity of Odin's punishment, winced at the mention of Thor. “Midgard? Poor mortals. Hopefully, Thor doesn't bring too much trouble to them,” he expressed sympathetically.
“I'll keep an eye on him. But I anticipate it'll be a while before he returns to Asgard. And when he does, we'll have a serious conversation about his actions,” Frigga declared, her disappointment evident in her tone.
“I hope he does change,” Loki said, a tinge of sadness in his voice.
Maybe, just maybe, if Thor changes for the better, they could be family again…