Chapter 51
Loki laughed, a sharp and deadly thing. He glanced up from the floor where his gaze had automatically been cast. His nails dug into his wrists as he tried to figure out what he should say to this. What could he possibly do? To say? It was not as though they were wrong to be wary. As Haldir had said, Humans and mortals could be quite dangerous when they wanted to be, and Loki was not blind to the looks that Grima had given him, and it would seem neither were the Elves. He wondered if the Dwarf and Man had noticed? Loki took a deep, stuttering breath as he tried to figure out...what he was supposed to do.
"You are not expected to pleasure him," Legolas said firmly. He strode to Loki's personal space, leaving the other to widen his eyes, in hold his breath. The elf did not seem to worry about the magic that was buzzing underneath Loki's skin, though he could clearly feel it. One thing that Loki rather liked about the elves. They were so used to magic that Loki's own sentient magic had no real bother to them. They did not worry over it, and were not concerned when it rose to the surface of his skin. "I saw the look in his eyes. They were lustful, and while I do not know what would have been expected of you in your homeland, I do know the resignation in your gaze once we were allowed board." Haldir hummed softly, as though trying to figure out what to add to the conversation. Loki, for his part, was simply stunned, and a bit confused as to why they were talking about this in the first place.
"Loki," Haldir began, his voice a low rumble. "I am not often wrong, and while I joined to guard Legolas, as he is the Lord of Mirkwood's son, I am not prideful enough to not admit when I am wrong. While your story was vague..." Haldir's slight elongating of the end of his statement, and the pointed look that he gave Loki had Loki knowing the other knew that he had been purposefully vague about names and such for reasons that he wanted to know, but would not push for at the moment. "I could also sense the honesty in it, as did Legolas, it was not hard, but I also fear that vile warlock has sensed the vulnerability you portrayed, and in doing so has made it a mission to use you. I will not allow this." Loki gave a slightly uncomfortable laugh and the determination and sincerity in Haldir's devotion. He was not really sure what to do with it, much less how to respond to it.
"Loki, we know you have been forced to do this before, If not for the benefit of your company, than it was forced upon you, either way, it will not happen this time. Am I clear?" Legolas was, most certainly, using his status to impose his will, but Loki could not really be irritated as he normally would, had Thor done it. Instead of anger or frustration, all he felt was relief, and he could feel the tension drifting from his body, and his magic settling to a more comfortable level.
"Thank you, your highness," Loki whispered softly, not daring to speak at a higher level, lest he be dreaming.
"That does not mean we can stop the fellow from dogging you around," Haldir warned. "But we did wish to impress that such a thing is never going to be expected of you. You are not even of age, technically, and we could never justify such a...vile act occurring under our noses." Legolas frowned at Haldir's words. Loki knew why, because according to Elven standards, technically Legolas was also not of age, but it did not matter to Loki, and he was just glad he had people on his side.
"How many have figured out the mortal's intentions?"
"It was not difficult to notice." Was Legolas' way of answering, and Loki sighed, dropping to the floor to sit.
"He has already visited the room he has placed me in." He admitted quietly. He was not sure why he was admitting such a weakness, but something about the two elves had left Loki far more comfortable, and settled, than he should. He knew that this information was not such he should give out, and the sharp gazes of both elves made him wince at the knowledge that he had been correct in his assement that they would be very unhappy.
"He did not do anything, did he?" Legolas questioned, voice hard as glass.
"No, he simply..." Loki paused, his throat closing as he realized this information may just send the elves over the edge, but there was no room left otherwise. "He simply barged in, said I could ask him for anything, and...grabbed my shoulder. I am uncertain what the meaning for it was, but I do believe it was more innocent than you are currently thinking."
"Nothing that creature does is innocent." Legolas swore under his breath. The Lothlorien guard simply rubbed his temples. "You will inform us if he comes up to you again, whether himself of sending someone." Legolas' nobility truly did shine through in these situations. It was only a shame that Loki's own was near nonexistent. "I will not allow you to be alone with him again. I do not trust him, much less to be alone with you, and I am most certainly not going to allow him to try and twist favors from you in any manner whatsoever. I would not put it past him to try and force himself onto you, and no offense, Loki, but you are not exactly the prime of strength." Loki rolled his eyes. Legolas did not really need to continue stating the obvious.
"I don't need strength," He grit out in frustration. "I have magic." Haldir raised a brow at Loki's statement.
"And you would use it? In spite knowing that it would damage our relations and likely set the king to his fate?" Loki's lapse in response was answer enough. "Not. Alone."