A Poisoned Touch

Meeting Odin had been nerve wracking. It reminded Steve of all the politicians he had to meet while on the circuit back in the day, back before he was allowed to actually fight. He’d had to stand ramrod straight then and not show any sign of disgust or distrust. The glaring difference this time around was Thor’s calming presence at his side and the distinct lack of poking and prodding done to his person.

And unlike the politicians from years ago, Odin didn’t want anything from him.

“So you are the one from Midgard? The flyer who thought he was human?”

“Yes sir. Your Majesty.” Shit, he still didn’t know if he was supposed to bow, he was gonna kill Thor for not giving him more tips on how to meet a king.

“Your energies are pure and strong. You are a welcome friend to our family. Come, let us retire to the feast I am sure my wife has prepared for us. We have much to discuss.”

That was it and now Steve found himself sitting at a short table with Thor next to him, Loki across from him and Odin at one and Frigga the other. The King and Queen’s chambers were like a larger, more golden version of his own and there was a dining nook added for family dinners and it was all so normal that Steve wasn't sure exactly what was going on. So far Asgard had subverted all of his expectations, except for the staggering amount of gold.

He’d thought that Odin would be cold, aloof, when in reality, he was like an older version of Thor. Loud, brash, and amused easily. There was clear tension between Loki and Odin, but it was shown with sarcasm and not weapons. Then there was Frigga. A woman who reminded him so much of his own ma that he frequently found himself watching her and feeling his throat go tight.

The table was all but sagging with the weight of food on it and Steve again had not expected to recognize anything, but it was game meat, dense loaves of bread and vegetables he himself had grown up eating.

“How do you find your meal Rogerson?” Odin asked and Steve had to swallow the potato thing he had just eaten. He could feel the blush coloring his cheeks.

“It is good, thank you. Actually reminds me a lot of what I had growing up and then when I was in the war in Europe.”

“You were a warrior, yes? Did your generals not supply you with foods?” The older man looked genuinely interested so Steve didn't feel quite so much like a history relic like he did back on earth.

“A soldier yes, and our commanding officers did what they could. MRE’s is what they sent with us, but my team, we often spent weeks alone on missions and we ended up getting very good at catching rabbits, quail and deer.” He rubbed a hand over the back of his neck, his wings shivering behind him. “Considering I grew up poor and sick in the city, I got real good at skinning and prepping wild game in those two years.”

“Of course you did Steven. You have not met an obstacle you could not defeat,” Thor added and Steve felt his blush intensify.

“I would be interested to see how you would fare here on Asgard. It sounds like there is much you could teach our men and women.” He tossed it out so easily but Steve was shocked to hell. From the little he’d heard about him from Thor and Loki, Odin did not impress easily, nor did he hand out compliments often. He checked Thor’s face and found him grinning like a maniac and then there was Loki looking a bit shocked, but underneath that there was a bit of happiness. As he had been the entire time he's been on this strange planet, Steve was unsure of everything. He didn’t want to overstep his boundaries with either of the princes, or their parents.

“Dear, we should not plan for him to stay too long. He has a life back on Midgard to attend to.” The queen turned to him with a soft smile, “but you are always welcome here.”

“Our Queen is correct as usual. I understand your duties on Midgard, but I will make Heimdall aware that you move freely between our two realms.”

“Father, thank you.” Thor got out, reverently.

“All this means is that there will be more than one chance for Fandral to fall under his shield. Yes, thank you for that father. But should we not speak to why he is here?” Loki waved and then above the table a world appeared. It was almost like the holograms that Tony used, but Steve knew that it was magic and not science at work here. “The planet of The Soros.”

“It looks sick.” Frigga muttered.

“It is. Whatever sickness burned through their numbers is now eating the planet.” Loki made the illusion spin. “What is left of the race is living in the ancient capital. I think we should either make room for them to find a new home here on Asgard, or start looking to figure out what kind of sickness can eat a planet. I do not believe they have much time.”

“Can I go there?” There was a weight on his chest. It was eerily reminiscent of his youth and the asthma that had stopped him from doing anything. He could not find out the truth about himself and then lose it just as quickly.

“I think that is a good idea Steven. Perhaps we could take a small group with us father, investigate what is killing them, and then Steven could talk to them, learn more about himself.”

“Perhaps son, perhaps. I believe there was a plan for this visit? Let Rogerson meet with Eir in the morning. Let him speak to your mother. And then we can decide what steps to take next.” He ran a finger over the illusion, making it twist under his graze. “A trip to Aerilon will take much time as they do not trade with us. Or anyone else, for that matter. Your friend will need to speak with his team, make sure they understand the weight of such a trip.”

“He is right Thor. I can make the trip easily, you know I am able to walk between the worlds. But you and the captain would need to take the bifrost, or a ship. I’m not sure that you would be welcome for that matter.” Loki drained his goblet and rose. “Let me send a missive, feel out our welcome. I’ll let you know when I hear something.”

Loki disappeared and Steve shivered in his seat. “Is that normal? Him just, going poof? At dinner?”

“My son is capricious in his nature, that is true. He does not like to sit around when he could be working behind the scenes. He differs greatly from his elder brother, but he is just as loyal. Just as trustworthy. He will be there when you need him.” Odin nodded, as if his statement was it. No other things to be said about it.

“He started doing it when he was but a babe and did not want to eat what the cooks had laid out for us. Now, I believe he does simply because he can.” Frigga let out a small laugh and then nodded to the same maid from earlier. Steve watched in fascination as the table was cleared of empty platters and a desert spread put out.

“Please, sample our offerings Steven. The kitchen was quite excited to cook for someone new. I believe they have set out their best this evening.” She herself took a small cake slice and a few pieces of fruit.

Thor described everything Steve picked out, going so far as to give him examples of earth food that the things would remind him off. He found the honey cakes to be delicious, but it was the fresh fruit that astounded him. He couldn't place a flavor but a feeling.

When the table was cleared again and it was just the four of them, Steve cleared his throat. “I wanted to thank you again, for your hospitality. The room you set aside for me is beautiful and everyone I’ve met has been kind and welcoming.”

“You are most welcome Steven. I am glad you find our home welcoming. It is always nice to meet a new friend of one of the boys, they do seem to keep the same friends for years without making new ones. You are, I find, a breath of fresh air after having the warriors three bumbling around for so long.” She again reminded him so much of his own ma, able to make her son shrink back in his own seat.

“Ah, well, yes. Mother, I have grown in the past few years. There have been less incidents, have there not?”

“You mean less accounts of your friends terrorizing the staff? Yes, that has weaned off in past years--” She started, but Odin finished for her.

“But is that because they have been busy, or because they too have grown like you have? We might never know.” Thor laughed, a big booming thing and Steve found himself laughing along with him.

“I do want to meet these friends. What does Loki have against Fandral? He keeps mentioning me beating him in a fight.”

“Oh, well my youngest son might like to pretend he does not have feelings, but he is honestly a soft heart. Hence, you sitting at our table.” Frigga sipped on her wine and Thor continued her story.

”Years back Loki and Fandral had a short but volatile affair. Loki was much more invested and when it ended it did not end well.” Thor rubbed a hand through his beard, clearly parsing out his words. “In truth, it was neither of their faults. They simply did not communicate properly. And since then, Loki has been a bit nasty to my friend. Never violent, but his tricks have been, uh, pointed.”

“Loki has always held his hurts close. Does not like to let them go. The animosity has softened recently, but there is no way he would miss you besting him in battle as he has all but claimed you as his friend. Unlike Thor, Loki has not often made friends easily, and he thinks quite highly of you.”

Steve was floored. He’d never really thought too much about Loki, not that he had time to make friends with anyone other than his team. But when he thinks about it now, in hindsight, he can see how Loki always made it a point to seek him out when he was on Earth, and he’d went looking for his heritage for him. He made a promise to himself then and there that he would be a better friend to the mischief god.

“Well perhaps we could add a bit of sparring in after we meet the healer, Eir was it, tomorrow. I do like to take a bit of time to move about every day.”

“Splendid! I will send a raven, father? I believe the three are still off Asgard right now.”

“As you will. Tell them to be here for dinner tomorrow. We shall have a meal and then we shall have a battle.” Steve half expected the giant golden staff to appear simply so he could bang it against the ground, but it didn’t show up. Instead a slender man melted out of the shadows to speak to the king. “I must go now. Rogerson it was a good meal, I will see you for dinner again.”

“You may be excused, boys. I will get the table attended to.” The queen waved them away, but not before Thor leaned over to kiss her forehead.

Steve followed Thor back to the hallway that held their rooms. He was both tired and not tired, and he thought that might have something to do with travel across the universe, so when Thor offered to spend some more time together Steve begged off. He was looking forward to a bath and a good night of sleep.

“Ah, yes, you must be tired. Rest well Steven.” He leaned forward and for a second Steve thought he might be about to get a goodnight kiss on the forehead as well, but Thor just lightly pressed their foreheads together as one big hand ran gently down the outside of his wing. It made Steve shudder and Thor quickly pulled back.

“No. No it’s fine. I promise.” He got out so Thor wouldn't think he’d hurt him in any way.

“Good night. Sleep well. We shall learn more tomorrow.” And with that, he left Steve standing outside his guest room, wanting more than he’d ever wanted before.