Xi
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(1 week later)
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[Midgard – Scotland]
Odin walked up the curved stairs diligently before pressing against the arch doors.
“Welcome,” his friend said. “I wasn’t expecting to see you so soon… I trust, all is well?”
Odin smiled. “Indeed, old friend,” he said as he took a seat.
“Sherbert lemon?” his friend asked.
“If it’s not sherbert lemon… it’s acid pops,” Odin answered with a bemused smile. “Frigga would kill me… I can’t stand sweets.”
“Fine delicacy,” he answered as a phoenix flew through the window, circling above them before leaving again.
“He’s still protective I see,” Odin noted with a smirk.
“Indeed, but fill me in, did our plan come to fruition?” he asked. “Did young Loki get the push he needed?”
“Indeed,” Odin answered. “Everything is going to plan… he has returned as a hero and sees Asgard for what it is – his home,” he answered softly. “An unorthodox approach… but to beat Loki, you must beat him on his own terms.”
“Indeed,” his friend answered while stroking his beard. “For the greater good.”
“For the greater good,” Odin answered. He was old, and slowly withering away. Asgard needed a new king. With Thor abstaining, he had no choice but to put the mantle on Loki. It was selfish, but to do otherwise would spell disaster.
Because Odin knew the truth, that his end was nearing and that Asgard would need a new light to lead them forward.