Web of Wyrd
The Norns must be in stitches because the pair find Five’s only confidant, Loki’s mythical wife, quietly praying to the chaotic god while holding the last vestiges of a man’s life. Shortly thereafter, Five dons a wolf pelt draped over an indigo tartan surcoat along with cream wraps meeting half trousers in the shade of the darkest forest. The attire of a formidable warrior, he will strike fear into the hearts of his enemies.
As Loki listens to Angrboda recount the tales she's heard since Five's supernatural arrival nearly a decade ago, he can't help but hide a smile in his cup of mead. Word quickly spread about a 'fair folk' who'd taken up residence in the chieftain's home after falling through the veil. In return for their kind hospitality, Five taught the leader how to ward off sickness and protected the community from physical threats. His abilities were extraordinary — he could teleport great distances, fought with the strength of dwarven steel, and possessed a staff capable of causing harm from a mile away. His reputation then solidified when he faced a pack of wolves and single-handedly killed their queen in close-range combat, his unique scars and fur making him easily recognisable.
However, fame also made him vulnerable.
Before any stories could circulate in Tønsberg, the Jarl's son began dreaming of a mythical creature who held the key to immense power and prestige. More importantly, they'd ensure his place in history — that tales of his family's feats would travel the Nine Realms until the Twilight of the Gods. Similar in some ways, drastically different in others, Harald thought Flett the Wolfwalker fit the description well enough. By his 18th year, he'd amassed enough clout to overthrow his father and kidnap Five.
They did not expect him to resist, but resist he did. Soon the horde called him Fenrir. Not just for his manner of dress and method of capture, but also his demeanour as well as the entwining wolf tattoos that adorn his shoulder. Loki's earlier spectacle had ignited rumours of an impending apocalypse. Naturally, the discussion shifted towards comparing Loki's life with the woman's lore.
It became evident that both of their universes held a certain mean-spirited reverence for the mischievous scamp. They were not wrong about the trickster’s fondness for Thor stabbing. In Loki’s defence, however, it’s sometimes the only means to hold his brother’s attention. Besides, transforming into the thunderer's favourite pet snake, Jormi, was quite amusing. Although the incident occurred when they were children, Thor still enjoys recounting the story. Or, rather, Thor loved declaring it throughout the Nine when Loki last evaded the Avengers. It isn’t as if a brief stabbing now and then caused lasting harm to the Aesir. His earliest weapons were shorter, the injury less deep.
Loki missed his brother.
Having been born into a household where she received as much consideration as the furniture, Angrboda is a wellspring of intelligence. Her revenge was long in the making. She knows their foe’s preferred routes and hidden encampments, along with candid assessments of the men. Withal, while lacking combat training, she makes it known she’s spent a lifetime with an axe, a knife, and a stealthy sensibility.
As Loki observes the formerly enthralled woman, he notices a striking resemblance she bears to his mother, Queen Frigga. Like his mother, Angrboda is compassionate, nurturing, and possesses an eternal beauty that is both strong and tender. She has also accepted Five as her own and obviously loves him. What’s more, despite a lifetime of oppression, Angrboda is unafraid to speak her mind. It takes a Prince of Asgard comparing the two to transform the statuesque maiden into a shy, timid girl.
Much strengthened, the god soothes Five’s remaining pains, returns to his spare Asgardian leathers, pockets away items of value (food, weapons, or travel wares), and joins the Midgardians in a long slumber. Vengeance could wait until the morrow.