The Vagrant Knight

The sunlight blanketed the isle, giving it a gold hue even as the crowd gathered towards the sparring ring where sword fights took place on occasion. There were matches held here, too, small ones, with smaller prizes, for those who didn’t wish to ride.

It was surrounded in minutes, a wall of people who sat friends and children upon their shoulders as it was cleared of straw or hay and cleaned up for the fight between their master and their neighboring knight, the once famed Sir Byleistr.

Their conversation was a roar dull, but loud enough to reach even Loki as he ran through the halls as fast as he could, to the sitting area where Thor was being armored.

He burst in to see him standing there, bare to the waist, trying to figure out a strap in the front of his armor.

He looked up at him, surprised, holding the smooth, leather lined vest in his hands.

Loki was knocked breathless, speechless and thoughtless all in one glance and his face turned a bright red as he stared, then immediately focused his gaze somewhere above Thor’s shoulder.

“What in God’s name have you done?” Loki hissed “have you any idea how stupid you are?”

Thor raised a brow as Loki closed the door behind him and walked over.

“He is an ally! And if you defeat him…!”

Loki broke off when Thor placed a gentle finger on his lips.

“Enough” he told him “Aye? If I defeat him we get another ally. I will not have him stand on your lands and insult you, in front of everyone who was watching. Do not ask me that!”

“Thor, you can’t!” Loki lowered his hand “I know I hate him, he will start raiding the ships, he will block our passages from land, he will make us miserable, he has that power!”

“Only because you gave it to him, Loki” Thor frowned sadly “why does he not do the same to those who live on his other borders?”

“Because…”

“Because he is a coward” Thor told him “a coward Balder never did anything about. He is a bully and today, today, he will regret ever taking you away”

Loki swallowed thickly “Thor, please”

He took his hand in his own

“Don’t do this”

“If I back down now, I may as well give him permission to take you again” Thor lifted his hand to stroke Loki’s cheek “Look at me”

Loki slowly raised his eyes to his and Thor saw the fears swirling within their green depths.

“I will not let him hurt you any longer”

Loki’s hands were still holding his and Thor brought it to his lips so he could kiss his knuckles.

“I swear on my honor”

Loki still looked torn. He felt scared and with the confined space where he stood by the door at his back and Thor’s bare torso before him, Loki couldn’t really form an argument.

“I swear, Loki” Thor repeated “trust me”

His lips tightened, Loki gave him a nod, then let his hand go so Thor could pull the leather vest over his head. It slid smoothly against his skin, warm and strong, then he went to get the steel that he put over his chest.

He set it on his chest and Loki walked over.

“Let me strap it to your back”

Thor gave him a surprised look, but stood holding it at his chest as Loki buckled the straps to his back. Neither of them were speaking but he took that as Loki’s agreement.

“You don’t need to worry” Thor turned when Loki was done

Loki startled and looked up at him, seeing conviction in Thor’s blue eyes.

“I will not fail you nor dishonor you by losing”

“And not…get hurt in the process” Loki said “he’s better than last year. Balder had a difficult time when he fought him in the past”

“Byleistr has never faced me” Thor reminded him “and he will never do it again”

Loki lowered his gaze but Thor made him look back up.

This time, the look in Thor’s eyes made Loki a little tense. There was something there, something reckless, wild and impulsive. He also looked to him in askance and it took Loki a second longer to realize he was asking permission to kiss him.

Thor’s gaze kept going to his lips.

There was no one there.

Thor was no longer Balder, he was Thor. The last time he kissed him, it was to show the people of Seidr that he was his long lost husband had returned.

Here, it was just him and Thor, now this permission in between.

Loki felt his cheeks flush and heat up before he looked down and stepped back, away from Thor’s grasp and cleared his throat. He tucked his hair behind his ear and Thor tried not to let his disappointment show.

A disappointment he had no right to show, considering Loki had no obligation to him.

He wasn’t his husband no matter how hard they pretended and perhaps the last few weeks, the closeness he felt with him made him think that it was alright when it wasn’t.

Loki cleared his throat again

“Just be careful” Loki looked at him

Thor’s gaze softened and he nodded

“I will, Loki, don’t you worry”

“Hard not to, knowing you will be out there, swinging swords and fighting a fat lord”

“Unless he sits on me, I hardly doubt I will be in trouble”

Loki looked taken aback but laughed a moment after and shook his head.

“If he does, just wave your arm and we will help”

“I shall, my lord”

Loki, still smiling, ran a hand down Thor’s arm and went to the door again, aware of Thor’s gaze on him as he left him to finish preparing.

***

Sif was watching

Thor saw her by the trees, far from where they were, likely hiding from Loki, still. There no fear in her eyes, rather a resigned sort if understanding that her relationship with Loki was damaged now. Even if they found a way to become friends, it would never be the same.

The crowd gathered around the ring they would fight in parted as Thor made his way through, seeing Byleistr swinging his blade around, barely fitting his fat belly into the armor hr had on. Thor could actually see some of it bulging out from the sides where the straps held it to the back to buckle.

Thor wondered if he could just ooze out of his armor to defeat him

That would be a sight, indeed.

When Thor arrived, Byleistr made brief eye contact and smirked, very confident in himself. He’d clearly been in this situation with Balder.

But ah, the fates were kind because Thor was not his brother.

He was better.

Byleistr had a hooked blade that was thick and when he pulled it ahead, people let out soft gasps of awe, some thinking that blade intimidating enough to believe in Byliestr’s victory.

That was not to be the case.

Thor straightened as a chubby announcer got between them and told them the rules.

Three hits and the win was awarded. No gouging and no cheating.

He took Byliestr’s name first, then Balder’s and told them to stand before each other. Thor didn’t want to look at him but one glance at his beady eyes focused on Loki made his resolve harden

This man was not leaving this ring unharmed.

They stepped back and the bell rung

Thor shied back, watching as Byleistr lunged at him, launching himself from his spot gracelessly. He used his girth to his advantage, wanting to put his weight to his blade instead of using any true tact.

No wonder Balder had lost – the man was a pig with a sword.

Byliestr waved his hooked blade before him, no doubt trying to intimidate Thor, making shapeless movement in the air before him as he advanced. People gasped as he backed Thor into a corner, his eyes gleaming with joy and the sight of victory.

He charged at him with the hooked blade but Thor was ready.

One hard swing had the blade knocked from Byliestr’s hands and as he stared at Thor in shock, Thor planted a heavy, powerful kick to his chest, hurtling him back and into the dust.

The bell rung to avoid Thor the point and people cheered, clapping their hands.

Hell, even Sif managed a smile.

Byleistr on the other hand, groaned and sat up – or tried to.

There was laughter as he rolled around, trying to get his stuffed bulk to obey. He grabbed onto the edge of the rink and pulled himself up as a bell awarded a point to Thor.

In the distance, watching with both feigned aloofness and stark alertness, Loki bit his lip as Byleistr picked up his hooked sword again. He looked out of breath and turned to Thor

“You’ve become a better fighter, I see, Lord Balder, but from what I remember, I defeated you twice”

“I’ve changed” Thor said, lifting his sword again “come at me”

Byleistr readied his sword and attacked. Thor backed away again, but this time Byleistr seemed to understand that his previous actions wouldn’t work well.

Their blades clashed and Thor felt him use his weight to push against him.

It was clever, a tactic that must have won him many a battle.

But Thor was just … better.

He swung out with his leg, knocking Byleistr’s feet from under him and gaining an indignant yelp as he fell down in the dust.

Byleistr growled in anger, punching at the ground as he lost

Thor had scored three points, he was winning. The last point would no longer matter.

Thor walked away, taking the cheers that were so loudly sounded for him while Byleistr once more got to his feet.

Thor had not used his blade once

That was the humiliation that had Byleistr’s face turning red. He waited for the bell again, then ran forward with an enraged below, to hurl Thor back as hard as he could.

Loki’s eyes widened and he gasped a second later when Thor side stepped Byleistr and saw him bash into the fence of the ring, breaking through and falling into the startled crowd behind them.

Shocked gasps filled the air for a moment, then turned into loud guffaws and raucous laughter. Even the judge was in fits and Thor stood aside, watching Byleistr groan and try to get up yet again, only to fail and fall back.

More laughter sounded when two of his men came to help him up and Thor smiled at Loki, who was hiding his smile behind his hand.

Thor had defeated him without raising his blade.

That was what everyone would remember.

He raised a hand to wave farewell to everyone and left so that the jousting would continue. There was no need for this to taint the rest of the day. He felt pats on his back as he walked back, laughter and japes at their fallen neighbor, a sense of worthiness came over him, too.

To Thor, that was more rewarding.

He could hear Byleistr’s men try to disperse the crowd but they could hardly manage. His humiliation for today was settled deeply.

The rest of it would wait for another day.

Thor was sure that there would be more chances for him to get back at Byleistr. He wasn’t done with him yet, after all.

He made it back to the manor eventually and went to Loki’s room to change again. God knew he probably reeked of that beefy bastard.

Thor had taken off his armor and was in the bathing chambers when the door to the room opened and closed.

He was at the basin, washing the dirt and grime off him, knowing it was either Loki or a servant outside. He didn’t much pay attention, considering his hands still longed to hurt.

He still wanted Byleistr’s throat being crushed beneath his hands, he wanted to feel it. He deserved more than humiliation in his opinion.

The water splashed as he cleaned up and once he was done, he took a towel and dried himself. It felt better almost immediately.

He knew the joust was still going on so he had to go back, but once he left the bathing chambers, he saw Loki standing outside, waiting.

He was looking at him, some unknown emotion in his eyes, one Thor hadn’t seen before.

“Loki” he asked, surprised “Is all well?”

“No” Loki breathed.

He took a steadying breath, walked over, took Thor’s face in his hands …

…and kissed him.

***

Cheers rose to the skies as another rider was dismounted, hurled back into the ground with the might of the spear of his opponent.

People winced, people cheered and some gave angry shouts as their quiet bets suddenly grew in disappointment.

Drinks were passed around in the high stands and vendors came to serve spectators as the knights went to prepare once more.

Another battle, another victory, another defeat, that was how it went.

Not that Thor was paying much attention, his mind was still back at the palace, at how things has changed so rapidly that he was just trying to get a hold of them and gain some ground.

Loki seemed to be proud of himself. He hadn’t looked at Thor, but there was a little smile on his lips the entire time as he sat, leaning at the side, conveniently showing off the graceful lines of his form in that sweet outfit he wore today.

He tried not to look at him too much, but the way he now sat showed off the lean contours of his back – and his bottom.

Thor had a hard time not imagining what it was like when his hands were there a few hours ago.

He had a hard time not thinking about it.

Thor let out a muffled sound of surprise, but Loki didn’t let him move back as he kissed him, his hands soft but firm on either side of Thor’s face, soft and gentle, as he pulled back just enough to look at Thor’s confused eyes.

Thor’s lips were a little reddened and his cheeks flushed as he looked at Loki, who gently ran a thumb over his lips before he smiled.

His green eyes seemed to glitter in the sunlight as he looked at Thor’s.

“Is this alright?” Loki asked “you do not find this strange or invasive?”

Thor stared at him then shook his head, reeling by the fact that his slow burning desire was suddenly aflame.

“Nay, I don’t…”

He was cut off again when Loki kissed him once more and this time, Thor’s arms went around him and he groaned against Loki’s mouth. His eyes closed and he pulled him closer when Loki’s arms came about his neck, too.

And by God’s teeth, his body felt so pliant against his own, it was like he was made for Thor. Loki’s hands were gentle upon his shoulders but his kiss was passionate and he groaned softly when he kissed Thor, then mouthed along his jaw and neck while Thor;s hands roamed his body.

He felt them tug at his clothes and a soft whimper escaped him when they slipped under, making him shiver.

“Your hands are cold” Loki laughed softly

“Forgive me, I just…washed” Thor whispered back, closing his eyes when Loki nipped at his throat

Loki’s silken clothes against his bare body felt incredibly erotic and his hands slid to Loki’s waist, feeling the tremble he gave.

“Kiss me” Loki breathed

Thor obeyed.

He turned to press Loki against the wall behind them and looked down at him for a long, nearly unbearable second. Then he lowered his head and kissed him, groaning as he deepened it.

Loki’s hands rasped over Thor’s arms, his skin and his back, marveling at the feel of his body. It was free of any hint of fat, warm beneath his hand but hard as marble. He touched a few wayward droplets of water as his hand went lower…lower…

Loki gasped when Thor’s hand grasped his wrist and raised suddenly uncertain eyes to his.

“How far would you like me to go with this?” Thor’s husky, deep voice asked him

Loki swallowed thickly “I – I don’t know”

Thor arched a brow, his lips quirked into a smirk and he moved Loki’s hand between them, making him gasp when he pressed it to his trousers, where an obvious hardness surged against his palm.

“Are you comfortable with this?” Thor asked, his breath whispering at Loki’s ear

Loki took a breath and bit his lip

“Not at this moment but that could change”

Thor admired his honesty, he truly did, and he lowered his head to Loki’s neck, releasing his hand in favor of lowering Loki’s collar to expose his shoulder. His lips were warm against Loki’s skin and Loki’s breathing stuttered when he started to bite and kiss him there.

He turned his head away, his labored breathing the only sound between them and Thor’s hand went from his sleeve to slide down his back, lower…lower…

Loki let out a whimper when Thor’s hand squeezed his bottom.

Balder had never done this.

Loki had never felt this way and he was flushed, he was hard, too. his knees felt weak as well as Thor kissed from his shoulder to his neck, up his jaw to take his lips again, making him close his eyes at the kiss.

It was demanding, it was hard and Loki’s hands pulled Thor closer by the tunic to get more.

It had been fantastic …

The crack of a spear made Thor blink back to reality as he saw the knight dismounted yet again.

The winner was clear and he clapped his hands with the others, watching as he winner advanced, pride in his every step, to accept the medals and gold he was to be given. His men ran to embrace him, too, cheering for their friend.

He saw a few people look angry and saw the defeated knight be taken away to have his injuries tended to. It was to be a night of drinking for him before he either left or stayed to try and find a way to make some money back in the other, smaller jousts.

It wasn’t the last match of the day but they took a recess during which Loki and Thor were to mingle with some of the visiting nobility. Thor wondered why considering they had numerous feasts with them already, but Loki insisted.

So, with the duty of a good husband in mind, Thor made his way with Loki, towards the people who would wait for them in one of the manor halls.

Sir Halvor was there, too. He was still in his armor and having a few words with his attendants. There was a curious crowd around him, listening to him talk to them through his attendants. It was intriguing, he never spoke to them directly, insisting, that there was something wrong with his voice and they were kind enough to humor him.

That always left him with someone to converse with even though they didn’t know who he was under that helm.

He could be anyone.

He could be more than one person, too.

Thor let Loki lead him forward and towards a rich looking couple, who smiled at them far too brightly.

“Lord and Lady Frey” Loki told Thor “they’re the snooty ones Balder hated talking to”

“I know the type” Thor whispered back “they practically reek of pretention”

Loki concealed his smile for a moment before he leveled a more polite one to Lord and Lady Frey.

“Good afternoon” Loki bowed his head a little

They returned the gesture and then focused their gazes on Thor.

“We had heard your husband had returned from the expedition safe and sound” Lord Frey said “we were relieved to know the rumors of your death were wrong indeed”

“They were, thankfully” Thor smiled “No one is happier than I”

“Of course, Sir Balder” Lady Frey smiled “I cannot imagine what it must have put your husband through, to hear that it could have been true, I can’t believe he would remain unscarred”

Thor put an arm around Loki

“My husband is strong and can bear much” Thor said “had I truly been gone, he would still have found a way to keep this place safe, I can vouch for that personally”

Loki blushed a little and Lord Frey smiled

“Such devotion” Lady Frey touched her ample chest in adoration or relief

But her eyes shined with something else, Thor noticed.

“And I know this is a little forward but I am rather glad that you got over that…unfortunate little fight” she said “I have been worrying about it since we last met”

In Thor’s grip, Loki tensed a little but Thor merely smiled.

“Aye” he smiled “No one is more grateful about it than I”

“How wonderful” Lady Freya said

Thor was a little thankful that they had to meet other people and moved away from that nosey couple, feeling Loki give an irritated huff.

“What was that about?” Thor asked

“They walked into an argument Balder and I were having” Loki said “I had been emotional at that time so I was crying. Lady Freya began to obsess over it because she didn’t know the details well enough to spread the story about us”

Thor winced “She sounds like a gossip, too. Not that I am generalizing but…”

“I know” Loki rubbed the back of his neck

Thor frowned when he realized that he looked agitated – likely from the remembered memory. His grip around Thor’s arm vanished, too, and Loki instead played with the bracelet Thor had given him as they walked.

He had that false smile upon his lips and he greeted every guest, this time, keeping his distance from Thor.

Regret, then.

That was what got to him.

Thor let him be, he wasn’t the first to feel that way and Thor was sure he wouldn’t be the last. He joined Fandral when he saw him talking to a squire and saw the General stand taller.

“Lord Balder”

“Fandral” Thor smiled “have a walk with me about the lawns. Come on”

He nodded his head to the doors and Fandral sighed.

“Very well”

He went with him, telling his companion that he would return soon, then trying not to look at Fjolvar as he made his way to Loki nearly instantly.

The man was still persistent, Thor thought.

It was rather irritating.

He left with Fandral and only when they were away from most of the crowd, did Thor talk.

“What can you tell me about Lord and Lady Frey?” Thor asked

Fandral made a disgusted face “Do you have five and a half hours? Because I will not stop talking about them”

Thor smirked “That bad, aye?”

“Worse” Fandral said “she is a vicious gossip, spreading lies to everyone and he is always chasing after women, who get younger and younger in his tastes every time he comes here”

“A lecher if I ever heard of one” Thor saw a bench and sat on it, thinking “Loki doesn’t like her at all. He says she caught them fighting and hasn’t stopped trying to get gossip from him since”

Fandral sat beside him, too “Oh, aye, that was a nasty one. Balder left for three weeks, which was stupid on his part, stoking the fires”

Thor looked at him, surprised “He left? Because of a fight”

“Aye” Fandral sat back “he might have been a little in his drink, might have not, but he accused Loki of sleeping with me. To be fair, we are close friends and always stayed around one another, so I guess it wasn’t too far a stretch to think of it that way”

“And he was seeing Sif behind Loki’s back when he accused him?” Thor asked

Fandral frowned a little “I believe so”

Thor shook his head and scoffed “The more I hear of him, the less he seems like the brother I spent my life with and more like someone I would punch without hesitation”

“He was a good man” Fandral frowned “He gave his life to this Isle”

“Yes, but not to his husband” Thor looked at him a little challengingly “Loki is the reason he got these lands and so far he’d refused to perform his duties to him, remained disloyal and accused him of adultery. Doesn’t sound like a stellar example of a husband, even you must agree”

Fandral looked away from him

“Listen, whether you like to hear this or not, it is the truth” Thor told him “and another truth is that Loki likely feels like he’s less then Balder, who, in the crudest terms, was an untrustworthy and neglectful husband”

“He was your brother” Fandral growled

“Why such loyalty to him?”  Thor asked “Just because he is dead? Trust me, no one feels as badly as I that my brother, my twin brother, who I grew up with, is dead. But I also do not like what I hear about him.”

Fandral had the grace to look down at the grass.

“I do not intend to be mean” Thor told him “I just express my disappointment at the brother who was supposed to be the noble one out of the two of us. It feels like both of us failed and Father was right”

At that, Fandral frowned “I thought your father was dead”

Thor looked at him, then laughed a little sadly

“If I were honest, it would have been easier if he was” he ran a hand through his hair “it would have been a specter, not a parent I was disappointing. No, he is very much alive. He’s the Earl of Asgard. We are his sons from a former affair with a woman he didn’t wish to wed”

“Oh” Fandral commented “that’s…I am sorry, I cannot imagine what it must feel like to you”

Thor shrugged “It lost its importance over the years”

“But not the pain” Fandral observed “that affects people”

“It does, most definitely” Thor looked upon the landscape before him “But even that will fade one day”

There was color and life filling this Isle. It truly felt magical. He smiled when he saw a few children running around, holding kites behind them and watching them fly.

“This place is truly beautiful” he told Fandral

“It is, Loki cared for it like it was a part of him” Fandral replied

“It is” Thor looked at him “he’s the heart of this Isle. Without him, it would cease to be”

Fandral’s eyes studied him for a few seconds but he didn’t comment to that. He just sat back to enjoy the sights, too.

He really couldn’t tell what Thor was thinking – with Balder, it was easier. His displeasure or happiness was on his face but Thor looked cheerful all the time. It was strange.

He was about to speak when Thor turned to him.

“Another thing I wished to speak to you about” Thor said “Is how you checked Loki during the joust.”

Fandral blinked “I …”

“You will never do so again” Thor’s eyes were as firm as his tone “Understand?”

“It was just improper…”

“Do you understand?” Thor asked a little more sternly

Fandral’s lips pressed tight but he nodded “Aye”

“Good” Thor stood “Now I will finish this walk alone and you will go back and keep watch on Loki. Don’t let Fjolvar near him”

“Aye” Fandral got to his feet

They parted ways and Thor walked along the trees and paths, smiling at the people who saw him and greeted him excitedly.

The next round of jousting was starting soon and this time it was Byleistr at the horse again. He’s likely bribed whoever was next to take his place and was now getting ready to regain his lost honor.

People were still laughing at him, after all.

Thor wouldn’t lie, it had felt great to knock him down.

It would feel greater if he could actually hit him, however. Thor could already imagine how that fat tub of lard would roll around on the ground trying to get up.

He snickered to himself and walked on, hoping that he would get to see a more gratifying sight than that.

***

They had to share a bed again, as they had before.

But tonight, Loki felt distant. He knew what they woman said had gotten to him and watched as he lingered, trying to do just about everything he could instead of getting in beside Thor.

He hadn’t said anything but when Loki went to stoke the fore for the sixth time, Thor cleared his throat.

“I can sleep elsewhere if you wish”

Loki straightened and turned, looking confused.

“Pardon?” he frowned “Why would you?”

“You clearly have qualms about being close to me, it would be no problem” Thor sat up to put on his shoes “I will simply go take Fandral’s space”

“No, no, wait”

Loki walked over

“I don’t want you to leave”

“You clearly don’t want me to stay here, Loki, it’s alright” Thor stood “it is no problem”

“No,” Loki said again “you will stay. Lay back down”

“And make you uncomfortable?” Thor asked

“Yes! It doesn’t matter, just lay down and go to sleep, I will manage whatever I feel” Loki said firmly “it is my right”

Thor didn’t move and Loki gazed at him.

“What?”

“You regret kissing me, do you not?” Thor asked “and that lady made you start over thinking”

“Nay” Loki rubbed his arms, lowering his gaze to Thor’s chest “It’s just…”

“Memories” Thor deduced “possible guilt, for feeling happy and doing something you want to”

Loki shrugged “It’s not like I am dying to kiss you”

“You’re not exactly thinking of stopping, I guess that is where the guilt stems from” Thor smiled “Loki, you shouldn’t be guilty for feeling happy. What happened was not your fault”

“I feel like it is” Loki said “if I made this place more welcoming he wouldn’t have left so often”

“Loki” Thor tipped his head up “I admire how intelligent and clever you are. You can command your own Isle and are quick on your feet but that was the stupidest thing I have ever heard”

Loki stared, offended “I beg your pardon?”

“It is not your fault that he would go on adventures, it was what he wanted” Thor said “you didn’t drove him away. So do not think that, alright?”

“Just because he…”

Loki startled when Thor put a finger over his lips and looked into his eyes.

“Nay” Thor said “he left, because he wished to, you had nothing to do with it. You could neither prevent it nor make it happen, aye?”

Loki didn’t agree, but he said no more, opting to wait for Thor to move his finger, which he did.

He pursed his lips, then nodded “Thank you”

“That gratitude feels like I angered you”

Loki smiled a little, his expression warmed and he sighed “It is nothing you have done, just my own problems, I swear. So please do not leave, lay down, I will move on from this feeling after I wake up”

Thor nodded and sat back down, waiting till Loki was in the bed beside him before he, too, lay down. He looked up at the ceiling, aware of Loki doing the same beside him. His movements were careful, as though he was trying his best not to touch Thor or disturb him too much.

He felt awkward.

So, Thor sighed

“Who do you think Halvor is?”

Loki looked at him a little surprised “Pardon?”

“Sif Halvor” Thor said “all those stories have me intrigued. Who is he? Why does he truly not speak?”

Loki smiled “You and every person on this Isle thinks about that”

“Aye, but they love the mystique and aura around him” Thor turned to lay down facing him “I just wish to know. What if he is a spy who comes here to gather information and sell it for high prices?”

“To whom?” Loki asked “Elite Society for their gossip about common people?”

Thor smirked “There is nothing common about your people nor this Isle. Those who live in the city would be unable to handle the clean, pure air we have the luxury of breathing”

“They will also judge us” Loki told him “as they do every year”

“At the fairs?” Thor asked “you haven’t gone in years, have you?”

“Nay, I only hear stories from Fandral and the others” Loki said “but they are enough. Fandral said that they looked upon him like he was dust or a pebble on their shoe”

“Now that is because Fandral is always scowling” Thor pointed out “if he smiled, they would be more open to his presence”

Loki laughed softly “He reminds of a wise, very condescending owl, you know? Someone who speaks the truth but no one truly likes to be around him”

“That sounds like Fandral, I must say” Thor smiled, then bit his lip for a second “After the jousts are over, you should go. I’ll take you, what do you say?”

Loki blinked in surprise “To the cities? Truly?”

“Aye, why not?” Thor asked “We can let a house, or stay with the one friend I have there. He’s really wonderful. Then I can take you around the condescending Society that everyone wants to be at the top of”

“That would truly be something.” Loki’s smile made him look brighter than he did a moment ago “and we should shop for things we would never require in our lives”

“Of course, that is mandatory” Thor told him “and ride horses”

“Or free them” Loki grinned “that would shock everyone. We could sneak into houses at night and free every horse we see”

“It would cause chaos and people would talk about it in the morning papers” Thor snickered “What a marvelous day it would be”

“If they really do print it, we should take one of the papers and frame it” Loki pointed above his headboard, to the wall “And hang it there so I know I have done at least something worthwhile in my life”

Thor furrowed his brow “You’ve done more. You took over this Isle and command it, you look over people…”

“It’s my duty” Loki looked back at him “I always thought I would do something more. Not that this isn’t rewarding, but when I was a boy, I wanted to be a Knight. I wanted to travel and see the world.”

“You can still travel”

“And chop heads off villains I meet”

“Now that would be a little tricky” Thor conceded

Loki laughed and lay on his back again.

“The second round of jousts are going to take place tomorrow” Loki looked at him “Sir Halvor will inaugurate it and entertain us by fighting the middle class knights.”

“Perhaps someone will knock his helm off and we will finally solve the mystery” Thor smirked

“Maybe” Loki slid his hands under his pillow “It would end the debate, but charge the fuel for gossip for the next forty seven years”

“Such specific years”

Loki grinned again “Aye, I don’t think he would be that famous”

He closed his eyes and let out a long, deep breath as Thor watched. He was just so beautiful and had his regret in kissing him not been strong, Thor would have tried again.

“Are you going to sleep now?”

“Aye, but you can keep talking” Loki said “your voice can lull me into a dreamless sleep”

“Or a Thor-full sleep” Thor got comfortable, too “what do you want me to talk about?”

“Anything you wish” Loki told him “I’m not going to fuss”

“Then I will tell you old knight stories so you can chop off heads in your dreams” Thor told him

“Excellent,”

Thor started to tell the story of the knight poet and watched as Loki’s body relaxed second by second and his breathing evened out. He let out a soft snore and Thor smiled when that happened, moving a little closer to him.

He slid an arm around Loki and closed his eyes, pretending he was the one Loki wanted, and that he didn’t regret what happened between them.

***

The stands were as loud as they had been before. More spectators had come into the city to watch what was happening and to cheer for the competitors. It was getting more interesting now since those who had actually seen battles were now taking the field.

Sif Halvor was one of them.

And a new contender had joined.

His name was Lord Angrboda and he’d hailed from a part of the country that was closest to the royals. He was known for winning nearly every joust he’d been to and Loki despised him.

Thor was having a read through the itinerary with Loki when Angrboda made his appearance and raised a brow at Loki’s distaste.

“Is all well, dear?”

Loki looked to him and tried his best to appear accommodating.

“Lord Angrboda is here” Loki said “Disgusting”

Thor looked at him curiously, then to the large legion of men making their way towards them.

“And he offends you?”

“Aye,” Loki hissed “He’s always been someone who believes he is entitled to anyone or anything he wants. Often people get hurt because of him.”

“Then why have him here at all?”

Loki snarled a little at Angrboda’s direction “He’s a distant cousin”

“Ah, family”

“Distant cousin” Loki reiterated “I do not like nor want him as family. He’s my father’s side of the cousins and I despise him”

“Truly?” Thor asked “I couldn’t tell”

That earned him a hard look from Loki and tried not to laugh. But, since Angrboda was a cousin – distant cousin – they were obligated to meet with him.

“Ten silver coins say he will discuss the meeting with the royal guard in the first five minutes of the meeting” Loki said “he’s never really spoken to the royals, you know? He comes here every few years and acts as though he is one”

Angrboda had curly black hair and hawk like grey eyes. He was young, about Loki’s age, perhaps older, and had the nastiest smile Thor had ever seen.

He also looked at Loki in a very un-cousin like manner.

This wouldn’t do at all.

“Cousin Loki!”

Angrboda came to embrace Loki, which Loki clearly didn’t like, evident by the way his arms were folded between their chests and how he pushed him away almost immediately.

“You look more beautiful every time we meet” Angrboda stepped back, smiling at Loki “Damnation, it feels good to be here. A quaint, sweet little Isle away from all civilization. If you ever visit the cities, you will be amazed, I wager”

“Really?” Thor arched a brow “How so?”

“It’s so fast paced, there is technology you haven’t even heard about” Angrboda walked, looping his arm with Loki’s “they are introducing so many machines there, you will be unable to believe”

“Ah, what are machines?” Loki asked, his eyes far too innocent “I have never heard of those”

Thor suppressed a smile when Angrboda gasped and fell into his trap to tell him everything he could in the most insulting ways.

He was clever about it, Loki would give him that. His tone never changed but it was clear he thought himself leagues above Loki and Thor.

He mentioned places that Loki had never heard of, but fortunately, Thor had. He knew what they were, he’d spent most of his life there when he was younger.

Granted, the places Angrboda talked about were a little closer to the lower classes, but he acted very well. He pretended they were high end places.

“And Lord Balder, how does your family fare?” he asked

Loki tensed in his grip but Thor merely smiled

“My father, I haven’t spoken to in years and my mother’s dead. You tell me”

Angrboda looked chagrined but it was only a farce “Oh, I am so sorry. Things were hard for you last time I visited, too”

“They always are when you’re around” Thor smiled “So you do not have to worry”

Angrboda didn’t have anything to say to that and Thor noticed he didn’t move away from Loki. He talked about the city, about how amazed he was that Loki had managed to keep everything so well running in his father’s absence

“And without a brother, too, I can hardly imagine doing any of that” Angrboda went on “such a burden to shoulder, I wouldn’t be able to”

“I agree” Loki smiled “I am pleased, then, that I was the one bestowed this honor”

“Hardly an honor, you cannot even leave this place and I know how much you talked about travelling when you were younger” Angrboda said

Thor tried not to roll his eyes, but thankfully, they were close to the jousts now.

“Ah, Sir Halvor is here” Angrboda smiled “I will look forward to a match with him”

Thor and Loki shared a look.

Halvor was undefeated.

Angrboda was a sop

They made a united decision and smiled at Angrboda

“We can have one in the coming rounds, even though we are two people short” Loki said

“Oh, Balder can fill up a spot” Angrboda was quick to offer “You can finally face Halvor. You never fight him”

“Aye” Thor smirked

His brother hadn’t been able to take his defeat well, but Thor wouldn’t be like that at all.

“Excellent” Angrboda said “let us commence the battle!”

“Tis a joust” Thor reminded him dryly

But there was no listening for Angrboda, who rushed off to announce his joust and Thor’s in the second tournament

“A little below your caliber, isn’t it?” Loki asked when they were alone “Balder never competed”

Thor shrugged “Then I guess it is time I put that in the past”

“I don’t think that’s wise” Loki said “if he didn’t go against him there might have been a reason”

“Aye, an over blown ego” Thor snickered “deflated by a warrior better than he. He never liked losing even when he was a boy. That’s why he always stuck to finances, learnt them better so he wouldn’t fight”

“Really?” Loki asked breezily “He said it was because you could hit everything that moved and eventually hit the right target”

Thor looked at him, almost offended till he saw the gleam in his eyes.

Loki was teasing him.

“Ah” he said “well, he was not wrong”

Loki smiled “Let us take the stands. I am sure everyone will want to watch Angrboda be taken down”

“By everyone, do you imply it will be only you who will enjoy his defeat?”

Loki gave him a look, then walked onwards and Thor had a hard time trying to keep from smiling

This truly felt nice.

The matches were set up and Halvor was one of the first who fought, Thor found it as no surprise that all his opponents fell one by one while he, himself, always stayed on his horse.

Lately, he’d heard that he’d been absent at feasts but managed to know everything that took place. He knew the tactical plans of the Knights who fought against him, too. how he managed that feat without any of his attendees present, no one knew.

It just added to the mystique always near him now.

Thor sat in the stands, having a sweet honey drink, watching him face off against Angrboda. Angrboda was on his steed and his banners waved for him. Spectators seemed to love him since he lived near royalty and was always filled with the stories that made Loki roll his eyes.

Most of them were likely servant talk he listened to, in his opinion.

He lifted his lance and shield, then looked at Halvor.

His armor was black as night, his horse looked like a specter from the darkness. As he readied himself, Angrboda decided to go to Loki and walked his horse to stop by his stands.

“A reward if I win” he said “a dance tonight with the lovely cousin I so rarely meet”

Thor raised a brow as there was laughter and even a little cooing at that.

“If you win” Loki said “against Lord Halvor. But once you do, you face my husband”

“I am aware” Angrboda beamed “but I hear that is no challenge”

Those listening let out awed sounds that gave it a little more drama than Thor wanted. But by Angrboda’s smile, it was what he’d wanted. Manipulating the interest of a bored, secluded public wasn’t that hard.

They would talk about this for weeks.

“Defeat him and we shall see” Thor told him “before that, you are just words”

There was another reaction from the crowd, less favored by Angrboda, however. Yet he only smiled at them, bowed his head and went to take his place.

Halvor was ready, too.

His magnificent steed pawed at the ground and Angrboda took a breath, looking at him with challenge in his eyes.

This would be easy.

The flags were raised and the knights sprinted forward.

Halvor lowered his lance and Angrboda held his own, ready to hurl him off his horse.

But Halvor was faster, better trained and Angrboda caught only a flash of green eyes before his lance blasted him off his horse and threw him down on the ground – hard.

His world had spun and he landed face down in the dirt, barely able to hear the screaming, cheering crowd over the thrum in his head. He groaned as the hoofbeats of Halvor’s horse faded into the background.

Thor stood and clapped loudly, laughing when Loki pulled him down

“Behave!”

“What?” Thor grinned “this brought me joy”

“Everyone knows why,” Loki said dryly “be silent and clap like a dainty young woman”

Thor laughed at that but did as he asked as Halvor and Angrboda took their positions again. Angrboda was angry, his movements were aggressive and Loki pointed it out to Thor.

“He’s going to try and throw Halvor off, likely aim for his head”

“Isn’t that against the rules?” Thor asked

“Aye, but not if you’re sneaky about it” Loki told him “Look, he’s holding his lance a little bit higher. Its virtually unnoticeable”

“Clever” Thor grimaced “It will make it look like an accident”

“Aye, but Halvor will notice, I am sure” Loki assured him “he’s a seasoned warrior”

“Indeed”

They sat back as once again, the riders prepared. This was interesting, if nothing else. Angrboda’s ego was tarnished, his pride in the dust, this was going to be an exciting match.

But, just as Halvor got ready, a young stable boy, Angrboda’s, ran full speed towards his master and whispered something to the closest attendee. Thor frowned and watched, as confused as the other spectators, as the attendee went to Angrboda and lowered his lance. He whispered something to him and a short conversation happened.

Angrboda looked at Halvor, then nodded to his attendee.

The man took a white banner and placed it over the podium where the winner’s colors were to be displayed.

Loki frowned “He withdrew …Just like Balder”

He looked at Thor as disappointed groans

“What on earth?” Fandral muttered from behind them

Thor was confused, too.

“Lord Angrboda had withdrawn his name from the tournament!” the announcer said “he will be replaced by the challenger next in line – Sir Balder!”

Cheers boomed in the stands as Angrboda left and Halvor looked defeated.

Something was truly wrong.

Thor went to get changed, telling Loki he would return with information, if he could. Loki sent Fandral to get answers.

If anyone could, he would be able to.

Meanwhile, he was to tolerate Angrboda’s company and smiled, or tried to, when he took Thor’s place beside him.

“Are you well, Cousin?” Loki asked

“Just a hurt knee” Angrboda lied “I couldn’t give my best so I let your husband go for it”

In his head, he knew this was going to be just like last time. Balder had always withdrawn against Halvor – if he hadn’t refused to compete at all, that is.

But even he was obliged to ride against an opponent considering it was he who was hosting it.

“I see” Loki turned to the match “you should have the healers here tend to you. I wouldn’t like it if you hurt yourself.”

“I am fine, I believe we should worry about Balder” he smiled “he could get embarrassed in front of his people, Halvor is very good”

“Balder is good, too” Loki sat up straighter “he could win if he wanted to”

“Such devotion” Angrboda asked for a drink “let’s see what that gets him”

Loki refused to be goaded and was a little thankful that Thor came out, riding Svadilfari. It did made Loki wonder how it would look if he rode Sleipnir instead.

Everyone would laugh, for sure

Halvor took his position and once more, charged at the wave of the flag.

Everyone gasped when Thor charged, when, Balder, the man who never went against Halvor, charged.

Halvor was taken aback, which gave him a second’s delay since he was fully expecting him to back down.

Cheers slowly rose as the opponents got closer and closer…

…then shocked gasps filled the air as Halvor was thrown off his horse when Thor hit him.

Loki gaped as the best, undefeated fighter on the Isle was dismounted so heartlessly, falling hard to the ground where his attendees ran in immediately to help.

He stumbled and was held up by his people while Thor circled back.

Angrboda was knocked speechless, his eyes wide.

He couldn’t believe Balder had just done that.

Loki was smiling. Thor had dismounted the best and shocked everyone as he’d taken Balder’s lost honor back. He watched Halvor stagger a little, then nod to his men, which made his supporters cheer.

Good, Loki thought. He needed encouragement.

Thor was given a fresh lance and he waited for Halvor.

More cheers and shouts rose from the stands once more when he took his position and Thor took his own.

Once more, they got ready to charge

“He’s gone mad” Angrboda exhaled “He  will end this Isle”

Loki frowned and looked at him “What are you talking about?”

“There is a reason Halvor is undefeated” he told Loki “and I do not think you will like what it is”

Loki felt his heart begin to race with thoughts of what it could be but he was denied the chance of asking when once more, the contestants raced towards one another.

“By God’s eyes…” Angrboda cussed

The clash of metal and blast of a shield echoed in the ring as  Halvor was once more thrown off his horse, toppling heels over head, till he rolled in the dust once more.

Angrboda pressed his lips together as shocked and over joyed cheers erupted for Thor.

Nay, for Balder.

He’d regained the honor lost to him at his last defeat with Halvor.

Clearly, the crowd loved it. They shouted and chanted Balder’s name and for a moment, Thor felt that same twinge of jealousy he did ever since he was a child. He made his way back but halted when Halvor asked him to, riding over on his horse to stand across Thor’s.

He frowned when he found himself looking into very, very feminine green eyes and it hit him then.

Sir Halvor was a woman.

“You must be Thor” she said, her voice deep and mildly amused “I had heard about Balder’s passing, I am sorry for your loss”

Thor couldn’t speak for a moment, he gaped at her, then shook his head and blinked.

“I … I how do you know?” he whispered

“Balder would never defeat me” she smiled “But I humbly request that you let me finish this match. I haven’t not finished one, Lord Odinson”

Thor’s mind was reeling and he nodded, then rode Svadilfari away, frowning behind his helm.

Halvor was a woman.

And a woman who knew who he was, someone Balder was not willing to face. Someone who was so damn good it scared even his brother from facing him.

Or was it the thought of losing to a woman that caused Balder not to face him.

And yet…those eyes seemed familiar.

There was something about them.

They took their spots again and Angrboda sat there, stunned.

“He’s mad”

Loki looked to him again “Will you tell me what you’re prattling about or not?”

Thumping steps made Loki turn as Fandral all but stumbled towards him, his face pale.

“His name is not Lord Halvor” he gasped, crouching before Loki, wide eyed “That’s Princess Hela, Crowned Princess of England”

Loki felt his mouth fall open just as more cheers announced Thor’s charge towards Halvor – nay, Hela.

“Oh God” Loki whispered

Both of them rode forward, lances pointed ahead, ready to hurl the other off their steed.

But just as Loki’s breath caught in his throat, both of them slowed down and raised their lances upwards to jog past one another

Hela finished the match

And Thor won the joust.

There were confused noises from those watching, then cheers once Thor’s colors were lifted.

Ribbons flew through the air and his flags were waved about, spectators stomped their feet in his victory while those who had gambled and won, collected from those who gambled and lost.

Thor beamed at that when he saw it.

His win was celebrated, but not for long because ‘Sir Halvor’ rode along to stand before Loki – and pulled ‘his’ helmet off.

Cheers for Thor turned to shocked gasps when they saw the woman in front of Loki, giving him the brightest smile possible, then more horrified acclamations followed when she was recognized.

Princess Hela of England stood before him, looking up at Loki.

Everyone fell into a kneel, including Loki, who was sure that this was it for their realm.

“Your husband’s a noble man” Hela’s resonating voice said

Had there been any doubt that she was a royal, it was gone now.

“I would be honored if I was allowed to stay the rest of the tournament as a guest” she said “it is the least you could go after nearly caving my chest in”

“Of – Of course” Loki breathed, looking at the flooring of the stands he was in “anything you want, your Highness”

***

There was a painting of the royal family Loki had liked when he started hosting the jousts and Hela’s face was clear on it.

It had been in the feasting hall for years and when she entered, everyone did a quick comparison, then bowed before her as she passed to take her place with Loki on the dais.

If Thor had thought Loki was tense before, it was nothing compared to now.

The feasting hall was nearly bursting as everyone tried to get a look at her.

As their future Queen, sitting there, so casually, with Loki.

And Thor, who had a triumphant look about him.

He’d regained Balder’s lost honor at the hands of Sir Halvor and shown he was a contender in the political world if it ever came to that.

No one was friends with the royal family. Now, it seemed he and Loki were.

“I do apologize” Hela leaned to Loki “I swear I didn’t want to reveal who I was but a nosey little busy body managed to see me without my helm and went to announce it to his Knight”

Loki looked at her, chagrined “I – I am so sorry…”

“Do try and relax” Hela placed her hand over his “I don’t mean to make you uncomfortable in your own home. It was why I always hid behind the armor”

“Oh” Loki said, breathing out to calm himself “It’s just that…”

“I have been coming here for years, Loki” Hela smiled “I wouldn’t have if I didn’t already love this tournament. Your people and this Isle are one of a kind.”

“I …” Loki began “I confess, had I known…”

“You would have done everything possible to ensure I was comfortable” Hela finished “you already did that. And you let me keep my place in the jousting even though you didn’t know who I was. I think you can relax. Breathe out”

She poked his side and made Loki huff out a breath, then laugh.

He shook his head “Apologies, it’s just that I have never dealt with royalty so directly”

“I am still the same” Hela said “please do not treat me differently”

“Aye, apologies, I was just taken aback” Loki said

Thor was having his drink and chatting with Fandral, who was far too tense and Loki stood a little of what Hela said.

She’d likely come here to escape her life for a little while.

He could sympathize.

Once the music started, Loki began to relax and talking to Hela became easy when she started to recall the previous jousts to him.

A few high ranking people dared to come and greet her but didn’t do much else. Her ladies were around her, too, Loki realized. All of them had been disguised as men.

Clever, Loki had to admit.

Very, very clever indeed.

She started to tell him how she escaped her father each year, telling him she was going on a retreat, and how she had built up and thought of Sir Halvor. She entered other tournaments but this had been her favorite and she’d become loyal to it.

“I do hope you won’t stop me from competing in the future” Hela looked at him “It’s a great way to relieve stress”

“Is it?” Loki looked surprised “Truly? Violence?”

“Well, what other way to get out all the pent up rage I have year long?” Hela grinned “you should try it. I am sure you have lots”

She nodded to Fjolvar, who immediately looked away from Loki.

“I see the way he eyes you.” she said “it cannot be easy”

“I don’t think I will have to worry about that for long” Loki snickered “you scared him very well just by looking at him. And your skill with the sword is wonderful, I have never seen anything like that before”

“Well, he’s better” Hela gestured to Thor a little enviously “He didn’t even touch that fat tub of guts in the ring earlier. He just…let him lose”

“Aye, that was fun to watch” Loki laughed, a wicked little gleam in his eyes “It was nice to see him be taken down a peg or two”

“Or ten, you think he can have two pegs hold him up?” Hela joked.

Loki snorted, then put a hand over his mouth  “Forgive me”

“Please” Hela rolled her eyes “I have seen and heard worse here, remember”

Loki blushed, but enjoyed himself after that.

Hela was good company.

He was sure the excitement of the day would last till the dawn hours so he excused himself early. Hela did the same.

She was given a much better room with private quarters for her ladies, which she really appreciated, a few doors down from Loki’s chambers.

Those had been reserved for Angrboda but now that Hela was here, he could sleep in the halls easily.

Loki was awfully chatty and slightly tipsy, Thor noticed. Under the strain, he was sure he would have been the same.

He was sure that word would spread about Hela but nothing could stop that.

Once they made sure she was comfortable, Thor and Loki went to Loki’s room silently. Loki let them in, then looked at Thor, his expression guarded.

Thor studied him soundlessly.

“Aye?”

Loki’s expression softened “Thank you”

Thor blinked “For…what?”

“For bringing back Balder’s honor” he said “everyone called him a coward, I didn’t want that to stay no matter how things were between us”

Thor smiled and walked over to cup his cheek, then stroked it with his thumb.

“I would never do anything to hurt you” Thor said “even if it’s through someone else, aye?”

Loki’s cheeks flushed and he closed his eyes, then turned his head to kiss Thor’s palm, which sent tingles through him.

“She was right” he said “you are noble”

Loki stepped back, then went to the bathing chambers after taking his nightwear.

This had been a long day.

He needed rest.

Thor looked after him, then his lips curved into a smile and he touched the spot Loki had kissed.

He was looking forward to tomorrow