Chapter 7
With Hela attending the jousts, the stakes were higher. Knights who had fought against her in the past were wary, those who were looking for a chance to get commissioned by the future Queen, competed with their future in mind.
The buzz around the Isle was louder, more excited, filled with energy and was more active than ever before.
It was a nice change, Thor smiled, waking up to people already talking and to the knowledge that their new Queen was staying in their home. It made everyone more careful and proficient in their every day tasks, too.
But what pleased Loki the most was how Sir Byleistr had magically vanished the moment word spread that Hela was here, already fast friends with Loki. He’d given no reason, just left a letter for Loki to read, which Loki hadn’t opened, then taken his men and vanished.
It was still there, now, this sweet morning, as Thor and Loki had their breakfast broth again, it brought color to Loki’s pale cheeks as they sat before the fire.
It was colder than it had been before, winter truly was here.
Thor found Loki pressed against him in the night more often now. He also found that, on occasion, Loki’s feet were startlingly cold in the morning. He’d often sneak them up Thor’s trousers at the hem whenever he felt cold at night
It jolted Thor awake but Loki felt calmer so Thor tolerated it.
For someone who lived here his whole life, Loki was very prone to getting cold. He had his hands wrapped around his keg of broth, a thick shawl on him and yet he still looked like he was shivering. Thor had a fur around him, too, but he didn’t feel as cold.
And the fire was dimming, the wood for it still not here.
“Loki” Thor opened his arms “Come here, I will warm you till the fire place is working properly”
It was a testament of how cold he was that Loki put his keg away to come without protest – or blushing too much. Thor moved to make space for Loki in his seat and then wrapped his arms around him, fur and all.
He attributed it to the bath Loki took that morning
Loki curled against him, and closed his eyes
“Thank you”
“It is nothing” Thor smiled “But you are welcome”
Loki set his head on Thor’s shoulder and snuck his feet under Thor’s thigh as he sat there.
“I love winters but sometimes I get cold”
“Truly?” Thor looked at him “I didn’t notice. Hold the fur closed, I am taking a sip of broth”
Loki hissed in annoyance but obeyed, holding the fur as Thor slipped a hand out to have a sip of his broth.
“What about me?” Loki asked “My broth is there, too”
“You will have it by using your magical object moving powers then?” Thor asked
“No, I will have it by asking my magical object moving false husband” Loki said “share, please”
Thor smiled when Loki lifted his head and extended the keg, letting him sip from it, then pulling it away when Loki hummed.
“Blessed”
Thor smiled.
He and Loki finished both the kegs of broth that way and then came the nasty part that Loki despised.
He had to move.
“Why must I?” he asked Thor
“Well,” Thor began “you host a mighty joust. Today is the final day and you have the ceremony to start. After that, the people will slowly begin to leave and we can get to our usual life”
“They won’t leave till winter lets up” Loki told him “and once or twice, it will rain so I will have to get shelter.”
“Perhaps have the Knights prepare for that” Thor said “I am sure with Princess Hela here, it can be achieved.”
Loki thought about it for a second “Aye…that is a good idea”
“You look surprised”
“Of course, usually it is I who has the good ideas” Loki sat up against him “alright, let us move and start making shelters for the upcoming rains”
Thor groaned but allowed him to leave, even enjoying the chill that hit his body once Loki left. Today was going to be an exciting day, after all.
He dressed for the day while the fireplace was relit and the windows closed so that the room warmed up nicely.
He was combing his hair and frowned when he smelled something
“Is the…fire scented?”
“Aye,” Loki laughed “I put in cinnamon so it makes the room smell good”
“Clever” Thor combed his hair back and studied his beard.
He didn’t need a shave, at least not for today, which was a good thing considering how cold it was. He changed and came back out to see Loki putting his cape on.
His cape – Thor’s
And Loki hadn’t even noticed. He was trying to figure out the button at the front and Thor saw the exact moment he realized his mistake.
“Oye, I am colder than I previously thought” Loki took it off and brought it to him “this belongs to you”
Thor smiled a little “It suited you”
He did however put it on so they could go out. It was rude to keep Hela waiting for longer than she’d already waited.
He put on his glove and once Loki was ready, put an arm around his waist and led him out.
Loki leaned against him just a little and enjoyed their walk towards the princess, the future Queen.
***
With the discovery of Hela in the Isle, the joust came to a disappointing end, unexpected end. Thor wasn’t surprised, the Knights all refused to fight against their Princess and without lifting a lance again, Hela was announced a winner and given the solid gold trophy.
She refused, of course, choosing to give it to the Knight who was second in victory. The gesture seemed to lift Loki’s spirits, who hadn’t been very impressed with the blatant flattery of the contending knights and warriors. They had come to fight but had been eager to get rid of their status as fighters when Hela became known.
“It is so clearly sexist” Loki said over dinner the same night
Thor, who sat opposite, cocked his head to the side in confusion and looked at him, wondering what and where Loki’s logic was
“How?” he asked after a moment
“Had he been a Prince, everyone would have taken their lances up against her” Loki stabbed his veal “they would have decided to prove their mettle against him. They hadn’t done that with Hela, even though all of them wanted to fight against Halvor”
Alright, Thor conceded, he had a point.
“Aye but no one wanted to injure their future Queen”
“They were happy to injure her when they thought she was a man” Loki pointed his fork at him “you, included. You also forget she is better than all of them”
“Not all of them” Thor sat up a little bit straighter “you forget, I am the one who defeated her”
“Right…” Loki took his bite “and caused all this. So should you really be gloating?”
Thor felt his mouth part as he looked at him “Gloating? I was…”
“Try not to gape, dear, you look like a fish” Loki smiled
His eyes twinkled with mischief and Thor narrowed his own. This was a teasing little brat.
But he liked this side of Loki, he really did. He’d become withdrawn after their kiss but now, he seemed to be opening up. He knew Hela had a lot to do with it, because her presence would now make this Isle ten times more profitable.
He enjoyed that thought, of seeing Loki happy.
He smiled more often and he even responded to Thor’s touches now. He leaned against him when they walked, on occasion, when Thor kissed his cheek, he would linger, his green eyes looked to Thor as though wanting just a little more.
And sometimes Thor wanted to.
However, he found his gaze going to Sif more often than not now since she’d made a slow return back to the halls.
Things were clearly still frosty between her and Loki, mostly because Loki refused to speak to her directly, but hopefully they would get better. She was his best warrior, after all.
Tonight, after their dinner finished, Thor excused himself while Loki sat down to read and went for a walk. He knew Sif took one every night and he wanted to speak to her.
He followed the path she normally took and saw her figure in the distance, leaning against a tree. She looked alone and cold even though she had a shawl around her shoulders. It was still cold and Thor had his coat around him, which billowed a little in the air as he walked towards her, being loud enough for her to hear and not be surprised.
He saw the moment she heard him because her shoulders tensed, but when she glanced at him, illuminated by the moonlight, she relaxed.
“My lord” she bowed her head “what brings you here?”
Thor gave her a smile but noted her guarded air. He realized that whatever was happening between them was gone. His attraction to her was going to reap nothing and he smiled.
“I came to speak to you” he said “what are you doing here alone?”
Sif knew why he was here but she shrugged “Trying to relax enough to sleep, I guess”
Thor stopped beside her and saw her view granted her a stunning image of the sea. He stood quietly for a few minutes, then Sif sighed
“I am sorry” she told him “for keeping it from you. I do not know you well enough and had I told you, chances of it getting to Loki were great.”
“I understand” Thor told her
“And he would have ended our friendship sooner than he’d done” Sif elaborated “Even though I was a mediocre friend to him”
Thor glanced at her, then to the sea again “Self pity does not suit you, my lady. I haven’t been here long but from what I gather, there was little between Balder and Loki. There was more between Balder and this land”
Sif smiled “He did love these lands. He craved taking care of them and despite his faults, he cared for Loki. Just…as a brother”
Thor winced “Makes sense as to why they…didn’t act as a married couple does”
“Aye” Sif exhaled, then shook her head “God’s blood, I was naïve. I tried my best to be careful and yet I still hurt him. I was a fool”
“We’re all fools in love” Thor replied “some of us more than others. You suffered a loss, too, Loki wasn’t the only one. He’s just…too young to understand these things”
“He’s old enough” Sif looked at him “He’s just sensitive.”
“And fears abandonment” Thor told him “yet cannot help but give in to the affection he receives. But feels guilty about it”
Sif snickered “You’ve trapped yourself in a nice, complicated little place, then”
“Hardly trapped” Thor smiled “I rather like it here. And he’s very sweet”
“That he is”
Silence feel between them and they listened to the roaring ocean, listening to it crash against the rocks and mountains that made this Isle.
“I might take to the sea for a few months” Sif said suddenly
Thor looked at her, his expression surprised “What?”
“Aye” Sif inhaled deeply “my ship is readied, I will just take it away after the next shipments, pirate the seas and return when I think it is fit”
“You’re leaving” Thor whispered “Because of this?”
“It would be unfair to Loki if I stayed and took from his lands” she said “besides, Fandral can handle everything and now that you’re here my urgency is less required. Then once I return, things will be well again”
“Sif…” Thor began
“I think I will go to bed”
Thor looked at her, taken aback, his expression unhappy.
She knew he’d been hoping for something between them but she wouldn’t do that to Loki and she was sure Thor wouldn’t either.
“Farewell, my lord”
She did lean over and place a gentle kiss on his lips, it truly felt like a goodbye and Thor closed his eyes for the longest moment.
When he opened them again, Sif was gone.
And he was left looking at the seas all by himself.
***
Sif’s departure echoed throughout the Isle.
They didn’t know why she left, but since she’d told a few that she had gone to survey lands and take a break, they didn’t question it.
Loki knew why she left and he knew why Thor had been so silent. It was clear he’d wanted to be with her but it wasn’t meant to be. At least not now.
Both Hela and Sif has done within a week’s difference between each other and that left the Isle somewhat in an anti climatic space.
The Knights were slowly leaving with their winnings and those who elected to stay were given rooms, beds and boards by the residents. It gave the locals a small earning and their guests were given good food and a warm bed.
Loki was finally able to relax and with Fandral overlooking everything, he didn’t have much to deal with.
Thor was on his rush bed on the floor once more and Loki had his books and his peace.
Or so he thought.
His eyes kept going to Thor, who lay there awake, looking at Loki’s ceiling. He looked forlorn and Loki was caught between speaking to him or letting him be. He honestly didn’t know which option was better.
He tried to read but his chest felt heavier and heavier until he put the book down to look at him
“Thor?”
Thor blinked, startled from his thoughts and sat up to look at him “Yes?”
“Are you alright?” Loki asked
“I am” Thor said carefully “why do you ask?”
“You just look…brooding and distant” Loki sat up too, looking towards him for an answer.
“Just having some trouble sleeping” Thor smiled “it happens sometimes, nothing too serious”
“May I help?”
Thor shook his head kindly “Nay, but thank you for the offer”
He lay back down and Loki did, too, turning to the other side, his eyes closed
“You miss her, do you not?”
Thor was a little slow to respond “Who are you talking about, Loki?”
“Sif” Loki kept his gaze on the ceiling “she was close, likely your only friend here. And I drove her away”
Thor frowned a little, then let out a slow breath
“Loki, what happened was not your fault” Thor told him “you did not drive her away, it was her own choice, as it was her choice to…to do what did. You had no hand in it. Aye, I do miss her but I do not and will not blame you for her departure”
Loki wouldn’t lie, it felt relieving to hear that and he smiled a little.
Thor hadn’t blamed him. At least he knew he wasn’t going to be considered a villain in this scenario.
But he wasn’t a friend, he realized.
“Now I ask you why you’re brooding”
Loki turned his head to where Thor was.
“Was she truly your only friend?”
Ah, Thor realized.
That was what he was brooding about
“Nay, Loki, I have more”
“Am I among them?” Loki asked bluntly “Or does your obligation make you spend time with me”
“Obligation is the last thing that would be the reason for why I spend time with you, Loki” Thor replied “I enjoy your company. I look forward to our long walks – they are therapeutic and help me relax at the end of the day”
“Is it taxing?” Loki asked
“In a good way” Thor smiled “It makes me feel valid, makes me feel as though I have done something useful other than being the vagabond I have been known for being”
“You’re hardly that” Loki lay on his back again “Thor, you’ve hardly told me about yourself”
“You are truly not tired, are you?”
Loki winced “Apologies. Am I keeping you awake?”
As a response, Thor groaned and sat up, looking at him.
“This is the time you normally sneak out to get food, aye?”
Loki blinked at him, surprised, then blushed “I have never done that”
Thor snorted “Of course”
He pushed his covers off and stood
“Since I am feeling fully awake and you are hungry, let us raid the kitchens, come back, sit before the fire and talk till we sleep” Thor grinned “I feel it will be a wonderful way to spend our time”
Loki thought about it, torn between having this little adventure or sticking to his pride and not confessing his greatest secret that Thor clearly knew.
It didn’t take him long to get out from under the covers and pull on his coat. Thor did the same and the two walked out.
Loki shivered at the freezing halls “God, I forgot the chill”
Thor put his arm around him and pulled him closer “There”
He’d offered him his warmth but Loki slid into his coat with him, making them one unit.
Thor was surprised, but other than a soft laugh, he didn’t say anything.
It was sweet
They walked as one unit towards the kitchens and immediately, Loki went to where he had seen some of the left over dinner before
“For someone who has never done this, you clearly know where they store the best food” Thor teased
“I own this manor, of course I know everything” Loki said
Thor looked around for and found some plates while Loki for the rice and vegetables that had been served tonight.
He gave him a plate and then one for his own
“How are they warm?” Thor asked
“Look” Loki gestured to the heart they were on, the fire keeping them nice and toasty
“The staff eats these for breakfast so they do this” Loki explained “very clever”
“Convenient for thieving little lords, too”
“I cannot be a thieving lord because I own everything here” Loki replied smoothly “so there you are”
They gathered their desired food and went to Loki’s rooms again, thanking the warmth of the fire when they settled before it
“Alright” Thor set down some of the spiced mead he’d seen placed in the kitchens “what do you wish to know?”
“Everything” Loki set his plate on the floor and looked at him expectantly “whatever you wish to tell me”
Thor thought about it for a second “There isn’t much to tell. I travelled a lot. I have seen many, many different lands. Some of them are kind, others are not. I have learnt that people will make the place you choose to live in welcome or unwelcome, depending on how much and what they tolerate”
“Have you experienced intolerance?” Loki asked
“I am a bounty hunter, who goes from land to land, herding criminals” Thor smiled “I rarely see anything but”
Loki winced “That’s very cruel. Were you not capturing criminals in the lands you stayed at?”
“Aye” Thor replied “but they see me as the same criminals I capture. It was different with Balder – he was a knight and I am not”
“I said before, the only difference is a title” Loki looked at him “but I fear many people do not think so”
“Aye, they don’t” Thor smiled “but what matters is what I am seeing kindness here, even if it is not for me”
It was for Balder. He was sure that if he ever revealed himself for who he was things would change very quickly for him.
It seemed to make things silent between them until Thor started his own questions
“Have you found any intriguing recipes for your book?” he asked
Loki blinked at him, surprised “How did you know I was writing a book?”
Thor nodded to his desk “I was sitting there to tie my boots when I saw your notes for your manuscript. I didn’t mean to pry, I just saw what you had scribbled down. It was very easy to read even for someone like me”
“Oh” Loki blushed – his cheeks prickled a little “thank you, I admit I never had anyone read my work before. It feels very nice to hear”
Thor shrugged a shoulder “You’re a good writer. Have you thought of a name for the book?”
“Oh, no not yet” Loki looked into his food “I am focusing on writing at the moment. It is the hardest part”
“Truly?” Thor smiled “I thought with your vocabulary, it would be the easiest thing to do”
“I thought the same” Loki took a bite of his food “I over estimated my abilities. Now I suffer”
Thor grinned, then laughed and shook his head “Oh, Loki…”
His cheeks hurt a little from smiling and he pushed his vegetables around before eating them.
“You know, I always thought I couldn’t have this” Thor told him “A home. And I cannot thank you enough for giving it to me. Even if it is not mine”
“It is yours, in a way” Loki told him “Fate has a strange way of working, I believe. It granted me hope through you, and you a home. Neither of us thought that we would gain what we have but we did. Even though the cost was high.”
“I understand” Thor replied “I wish we met in different circumstances, as well. Happier ones”
Loki looked at his food, his midnight obsession with it.
“Aye”
He took a bite of the food and looked to the flames.
“Have you ever had a near death experience?” Loki asked
“I have had a few” Thor said “I was shot in the chest with an arrow, that was painful. And I went over a cliff, once, that was because the grass was slippery and I was at the top of a steep slope. It was only luck that I managed to grab the edge and not fall to my death”
Loki winced “That sounds horrible. I had one, too. it was when my laboratory was ablaze and I tried foolishly to go in. poisonous fumes exploded inside and had Balder not stopped me, I would have inhaled the toxic fumes and likely perished. It’s not as adventurous as yours but still valid enough, I hope”
Thor smirked “A slow death, it would have been, and that’s much worse”
“Perhaps” Loki had another bite of his food “but isn’t life a slow death, in a way?”
“Loki, it’s past midnight and we are eating” Thor said dryly “I hardly think this is the time for philosophy”
He saw the way Loki blushed and laughed
“I tease, it is alright” he snickered “but aye, life is a slow death and thus painful. To some, it’s more painful than it is to others, but you are right”
“I think so, too” Loki said
He set his plate down
“Tell me of your adventures again”
Thor smiled slowly “As you wish. I have not told you about the time Balder and I were ambushed by gypsies”
Loki shook his head and leaned forward “No, you have not yet. Please tell me”
Thor, of course, did.
He spent hours talking to him, sitting before the fire, wide awake, talking to Loki about everything and anything that came to his mind, everything that Loki asked.
In the morning, both of them stifled their yawns but refusing to go to bed.
The rains were shelters were still to be completed and the rains were getting closer.
So, dressed and polished, both Loki and Thor walked out together, heading into the main part of the Isle so they could overlook what was happening.
By Loki’s expertise, it showed that when they were close, things had a way of happening more efficiently
Nothing to do with incompetence, more with laziness, Loki explained to him
And a likely freedom to cheat, too.
They surveyed the shelters, going inside them and out, giving them to the families or knights willing to ride the cold weather with them.
There were only a few left and Loki hissed when he saw the logs and straw placed about
“These will be ruined if the rains come before they are finished” Loki told him “they have to move faster”
“You’d think that they would do more” Thor said “but they move at a normal human pace, how glacial”
Loki turned to glower at him “You’re despicable, Thor”
Both of then tensed and Loki looked at him, stricken
“Balder” he said quickly “You’re despicable, Balder”
Thor discreetly looked around but other than a few workers, no one of consequence was around. And those who were, hardly listened to Loki.
Loki, however, looked stricken and Thor walked over, putting an arm around him
“Breathe” he instructed “we’re in the clear, no one heard you”
“I’m so sorry” Loki whispered “I didn’t…”
“It is alright” Thor placed a kiss to his temple “If you panic, you will attract attention, so breathe and calm yourself”
Loki nodded and inhaled deeply while Thor rubbed up and down his back
“It will be alright” Thor gave him an encouraging look “do you see me panicking? Nay, so stay calm”
Loki ran a hand through his hair and looked around, smiling at a few women who waved at him. He returned the gesture and then let Thor walk him away, pretending they were still surveying.
“I have become far too careless” Loki said as they moved past the supplies and towards a completed home “far too careless. I will not do that again”
“Well, if you intend to call me Balder in private, please refrain” Thor said just to him “I rather like the real me when we are alone”
Loki opened the door to the house they reached and looked around
The thatched roof blocked all the light from entering, which meant no water would get in, either.
“They have done an excellent job” Loki spun a little “not a speck of light”
Thor closed the door behind him and smiled “Aye, only from the windows”
“I think it is enough” Loki told him “I might have these reinforced and made into homes for people, in case some wish to have them. Or use them for grain storage”
“You will have to change the shapes for that and get rid of this”
He scuffed the grass with his foot
“It adds a nice touch but would be an excellent home for mice”
“I agree” Loki went to touch the walls “I always marvel at their building. It’s temporary but so firm and sturdy”
Thor walked over to him and felt the wall, too. The wood was thick and hard to the touch.
“This the wood you grow here?” he questioned
“Aye, we grow it at the back of the Isle” Loki told him “I plan on sealing the way to Byliestr’s home with them so I never see him again”
“Why not knock him unconscious and plant these around him so he can never get out?” Thor suggested
Loki snorted “He will turn into smoke and mist and sneak through”
“You think him a sorcerer?” Thor laughed
“Nay, Lucifer himself” Loki moved away “I despise him”
“I can tell”
Thor followed and Loki stopped at the door again
“I sometimes wish I could do harm to him” Loki looked at him when he turned about “but he’s made himself into a nightmare for me, I can hardly think of hurting him”
“You have me to hurt him” Thor reminded Loki “use me as a shield or a sword. People like him disgust me and it will give me great pleasure if you allowed me to run him through with a blade”
“Thor…” Loki said in warning
“Or feed him to wolves, I am sure there are some here”
“Thor”
“On second thought, I do not think it would be wise to give wolves rotten meat” Thor smiled when Loki’s stern expression melted into a laugh
“You are incorrigible” Loki told him “but I do not mind”
“You mean to say you like it” Thor smirked, looking devilish
“Nay, I merely do not mind. I said nothing else”
“How cruel” Thor moved a little closer “even as I serve you”
A thrill of unexplainable excitement suddenly went through Loki, one he hadn’t really felt before and he looked at Thor as he neared
“Serve me?” Loki arched a brow “How so?”
“So forgetful you are” Thor stopped before him “what am I doing here?”
They were close, the door behind Loki, Thor before him, it was…well, it was a little harder to breathe than it had been before, but in a good way.
In a way that made him go back to when he’d kissed Thor before and his breath quickened a little.
“You’re examining a home with me” Loki looked at his eyes
His hair, so gold and rough, looked soft. His hard face relaxed, tempered with affection Loki always found there and something else.
Something Thor himself had only felt for Sif.
It confused him, but seeing Loki so intimately pressed to the door, their easy company with each other and the fact that Loki wasn’t running off, all made the feelings and sentiments he felt possible.
“I am doing something else, too” Thor told him “I am thinking about asking you for a kiss”
Loki’s blush painted his cheeks and he looked down.
“You have to ask?”
“I do not wish to impose” Thor took another step closer “so tell me if you have other thoughts and I will cease this. Do you want me to stop?”
Did he? Loki wondered
He might have, he couldn’t understand why now. No real reason presented itself at the moment.
All his mind thought off was arching towards Thor and taking what he offered. All that pointed towards him not engaging with Thor was suddenly no more.
He felt and thought of, sensed and felt only Thor and the desire to have him just a little closer.
Loki bit his lip and raised his eyes to him again before he shook his head
“No” he whispered “I do not wish you to stop”
“Good” Thor’s arms slide sensually around him “because I don’t want to stop, either”
Loki’s breath caught in his throat a moment before Thor bent his head and captured his lips beneath his own
***
Loki felt as if his senses were heightened, he felt everything, especially the feel of Thor’s lips against his own.
The slide of their clothes together, the gasp that escaped him when Thor pressed him even closer.
And the feel of Thor’s muscled form beneath his palms as he ran his hands around his shoulders to latch behind his neck.
His eyes fluttered closed and he moaned softly. The sound was gentle, a whisper between them and Thor groaned in response. He moved his lips from Loki’s to bite his neck, feeling his body tense in pleasure and surprise before he relaxed, he tipped his head back. Thor kissed the mark he’d made.
His own large hands went down Loki’s back to his bottom, squeezing it as they kissed. It made Loki’s face flush
He arched up against him, kissing Thor’s jaw and giving no protest as he was lowered onto the grass below.
It was soft, chilly and tickled Thor’s palms when he rested his hands on it, on either side of Loki as they kissed. Loki’s own hands were around his neck, his lips kissing Thor’s.
Their soft groans filled the empty house and the only light that came in from a window gave them a gentle glow. Particles of dust flew from the grass as they moved, illuminated by the beams of sunlight the window let in and added to the magic Thor felt from Loki.
He kissed down his neck, over his chest, kissing what silk Loki wore and felt him shiver.
“Thor…” Loki breathed “come back up…”
His eyes were closed in bliss and his hair splayed out beneath his head, giving him a stunning allure that Thor couldn’t resist.
He obeyed, moved up to kiss him again but his hands were at Loki’s belt.
He tugged on it in askance and Loki’s eyes opened, looking into his own.
There was loneliness in both their gazes, both of them were looking for something and it clicked to him then that perhaps…even though they were caught between lies, this could be something they shared.
Loki smiled slowly, his hands slid down his own body to rest over Thor’s and he undid that belt buckle for him.
Loki shivered when he felt Thor slip of off his waist and toss it aside. He bit his lip, looking at him and seeing what a man he truly was.
Stronger, harder, than Balder had been but so soft and tender inside. He touched Loki like he was precious and looked at him like he wanted to devour him.
It sent excited shivers down his back.
“You’re so beautiful” Thor stroked his cheek “Like a siren”
Loki blushed and looked away “Hardly”
Thor kissed his neck and pulled his trousers down and off. He moved between his legs and Loki began to pant a little faster, writhing beneath him ever so slightly.
His hands touched, Loki’s pulled, pulled at his clothes till his shirt was divested, pulled at his hair when Thor slipped his fingers into him. He gasped, his head falling back, whimpers escaped his lips and he moaned.
His hips bucked to Thor’s ministrations
Thor’s body felt alive, he kissed his neck, his shoulders, his lips, feeling him clench around his fingers.
Loki had never felt this before. It made him gasp out words Thor didn’t understand, it made him cry, tears slid down his cheeks and he wept in pleasure. He was slick and ready but Thor wanted him to release first. He wanted him to feel this.
This pleasure was Loki’s.
He crooked his fingers inside him and Loki’s back arched, his mouth hung open and he let out a shuddering cry.
His nails dug into Thor’s back, raking down his skin as he reached deeper and found that special spot within Loki.
“Thor!”
Loki’s body tensed when Thor rubbed his sweet spot and he sobbed, his eyes closed, fell back and took it.
But only barely.
It was so damn good, he couldn’t believe.
He panted and cried out, his gasps filled the room, his hands slid over and pulled at the grass.
It was fantastic, Thor would never forget how he looked.
And then he released, so beautifully, the sounds he made so sensuous and soft, the lift of his hips against Thor’s hand and the spill that fell into Thor’s fingers, told him he was done.
Loki whispered and breathed a litany of words Thor couldn’t piece together enough to understand but it didn’t matter.
He knew what that meant.
It had been fantastic, for him and for Loki.
Loki closed his eyes, panting as he came down from the pleasure high he’d been brought to and Thor levered himself over him, kissing his neck and cheek.
He wiped his hand clean on his discarded shirt and then pulled Loki into his arms. He kissed his temple, smiling when Loki limply stroked Loki’s arm
“What did you do to me?” he whispered
Thor smiled “Well, they don’t have a word elegant enough for it so I will not speak”
Loki laughed and opened his eyes to look at the beam of light.
“You’re an idiot”
“A very good idiot” Thor nuzzled his cheek “now get up, my lord. We must sneak to the manor”
Loki whined and looked at him “Why?”
“Because I can hear people outside and the door has not been locked”
That got Loki to move, albeit reluctantly and very slowly. They redressed and Loki winced at the grass stains on his clothes and the…other stain on his cloak.
“You couldn’t have moved that?” he asked Thor
“And left you with bugs in your arse?”
Loki grimaced, disgusted, then fixed himself “Such romantic talk”
Thor laughed and couldn’t resist slapping Loki’s aforementioned arse as they walked out.
Loki hissed in irritation and smacked at him, but it only caused Thor to put his arm around him and walk them through a less crowded path towards the manor.
And Loki had to admit, sneaking about the way they were, it was a little exciting.
He’d never had this with Balder, this intimacy, this…joyfulness. There were happy moments and content moments.
Never this teasing, never this.
He liked it
And even though this was likely wrong, he couldn’t bring himself to regret it.
At least not for now.
***
With the joust behind them, Loki now focused on his laboratory. The materials that had been waiting to be used were finally lifted from their solitary and taken to be used.
At first, people were hesitant to help but when Thor himself began to move them, they started to join.
It was the first time Thor heard that people were wary of Loki and his potion making.
It didn’t come as a surprise, but what did surprise him that they seemed reluctant to give Loki a new laboratory. All of them whispered because Thor was there, but he could still hear them, he could hear their voices, their suspicion, their fears about what will happen if Loki was allowed to work again.
To them, things were better without his potions.
To Thor, they didn’t even know half the things Loki had to sacrifice in order for them to live better.
But, all in all, they worked and Thor kept a close eye on them. He didn’t expect them to do something, but in his experience, it was always better to be careful rather than be sorry.
It took the day from him but Thor had the foundation of his laboratory dug and the dirt moved to another location by the end of it.
He gave every man who helped two gold coins and told them to send him the bill for their drinks at the tavern.
That made them happy enough to go home smiling that day.
Thor knew he would have more helpers and soon, Loki would have his work place ready and capable to handle him.
However, something struck him and after they were done, he made his way to where Loki’s old laboratory had been.
It was a little further off than he’d thought, so the walk was a long one, but one he didn’t mind. The landscape was beautiful, there were flowers that he’d never seen before in his life. And among them, the wands of trees and the petals of flowers were the stunning wildlife.
With their chirping, song and dancing, Thor was made aware of how magical this place truly was. It was an anthem of this Isle, the scurrying, the singing and the subtle movements of creatures that were visible only to those who knew where they were all part of the aura of Seidr.
As he walked on the grass became brighter than it was behind him, the buttercups became gold, the leaves turned into a dreamers shade of green, roots became softer, the soil renewed. The birdsongs became louder and Thor frowned, looking behind him to see a clear line of difference between this grass and the one far back.
Hell, even the skies looked bluer.
Thor frowned.
Something was strange here.
He felt rejuvenated, no tiredness in his body from the long walk, his senses appeared heightened, his breathing easier. Troubles he long felt vanished from his shoulders.
No, he was just imagining it, he was sure.
And yet…the proof was there even as he went to where Loki’s workshop had been
There was a bowl of land, large enough to be seen and dipped low enough that it granted Loki the privacy he’d wanted here.
The softer grass, the sweeter wind and the colors so vivid Thor hadn’t imagined all made him shake his head again.
But that was not what caught his eye. There, resting in the middle of the dip in his land, were the remains of what had once been Loki’s laboratory.
There were some stones and pieces of foundation left, but nothing reusable.
He walked towards it and jogged down the slightly steep land.
Sunlight brightened everything in this part of the land. It was beautiful
And yet Thor was the only one here.
Other than the invisible creatures there was no other being here. No one in this Isle wanted to be here, that was very odd for him.
He walked forward, towards the remaining foundation and frowned when he saw a fine line of dust floating in the sunlight above the concrete and rocks that stood there.
“What in God’s teeth?”
It sparkled, reflecting the light of the sun, glittering with all sort of colors and hue. The air smelled different, of peach and apricots, if Thor tried putting a name to it. It swirled, the rainbow of colors changing like the beat of a heart, as though it was alive.
Thor shook his head, sure that he was confused.
And yet it rose from the grass he stepped on and rose into the scented air around his feet.
Thor walked even closer and crouched before it, seeing it settled over every inch of the ground here in this bowl of land.
It whispered…
Thor’s eyes widened.
It whispered when it moved, or at the very least it sounded like that when the particles of whatever the hell this was, floated before him,
He couldn’t help it.
Thor reached out, extending his hand to where the matter concentrated the most and touched it.
His fingertips tingled with an energy he felt seep into his bones, a second before there was a rush of sound and Thor felt a mighty force zoom towards him and hit him so hard he was thrown back against the ground.
Pain lanced through his body a moment before his eyes closed and, with a groan, Thor lost consciousness.
The last thing he saw, a swirl of light and color come towards him at full speed.
***
Night had fallen when his eyes opened again. No more than a moment ago, the sky had been painted blue and washed white with clouds, there was color everywhere but now, he was in an inky ocean of darkness, with the faintest voices echoing in the distance. The sky had faded to a matte black with sprinkles of stars glimmering upon it.
It was thick, just as the air felt and enveloping him all around. Thor groaned and sat up, feeling his mind swirling inside his head like a thick broth.
There was nothing there, still.
Other than himself and the smothering darkness, there was the chilly air that stung and bit at his skin. He felt it’s harshness through his clothes and the hair on his arms rise in response. The bite felt more than skin deep, he felt bumps rise on his sensitive skin, too. His blood was cold, his bones were chilled.
The grass was damp beneath him, too and he wrapped his arms around him. Slowly, he urged his body to comply and got to his feet, looking backwards, to the way he’d come here.
He could hear people on the other side and began his slow ascent towards the trees again.
Crickets chirped around him as he walked on, his body cold and tired. His vision blurred and he felt as though he would lose consciousness yet again. It just felt so appealing to him, to lay down and not move for hours, to have something warm over him.
His breath was visible under what light distant lights gave him as he walked on, seeing the first glimpse of the torches that marked the edge of the dwelling.
But there were no people, it seemed.
He’d heard them a few moments prior, but now there was not a voice.
His throat felt sore, his head throbbed, he felt sick, too.
“Balder…”
He turned to the side, squinting against the dizziness he felt, seeing globes of torches in the distance.
“Balder!”
To his confused mind, it made no sense, but that voice was familiar. In the coldness, it warmed him and he made his way towards it, stumbling and tripping.
“By the stars, someone get a horse!”
Thor fell over, a pair of arms and a warm body pressed to his own
“You’re freezing” he whispered “God, I thought you were lost!”
Thor groaned again and set his head on the shoulder of the green eyed, black haired man who held him up.
A cloak was put over his shoulders, then the thumping of a fat, chubby horse. Hands helped Thor up and onto Sleipnir’s back, then he felt that warm body climb up before him.
“I am taking him back” Loki said “I will see the healer immediately”
Thor bent forward and leaned against him as Loki took them back, his own face pale.
He was barely awake for the ride home, he was sure he’d passed out again, because when he gained coherence again, he was in warmth.
The familiar drapes of Loki’s bed were in front of him and blessed heat was all around him. His eyes felt heavy, his breathing was strangely voluntary, too. However, the cold was gone, at least.
The damn cold was finally gone.
“Thor?”
It took an effort for him to open his eyes when he felt Loki’s hand upon his brow and look at him.
“You’re awake” Loki sighed in relief “I was so worried. How do you feel?”
“Heavy” Thor whispered, his eyes drooping again “what happened?”
“You vanished” Loki told him “no one knew where you went, we searched for hours”
His thumb stroked Thor’s temple and he moved closer
“Are you alright?”
“I cannot tell you” Thor replied, wanting to sleep “I don’t know what happened…not truly”
“The healer gave you medicine, Prioress sent you some, too” Loki replied “Do you want some bone broth?
He got no answer and realized Thor had fallen asleep again.
Loki sighed and sat back, looking at him. He looked the same to him, neither weak nor pale, but he prayed that it stayed that way, he was still anxious.
He had no idea where Thor had gone or what happened, he had been afraid he’d left the Isle and that had been absolutely crushing. He hadn’t been able to breathe for a few long, agonizing minutes.
Then he’d started the search. Fandral had been there, calming him down and Heimdall, too.
They’d been the ones who had carried Thor the entire way to the chambers. He’d been muttering nonsense about dust and particles and God knew what. Had Loki been alone, it would have taken him hours to do what they helped finish in minutes.
And he was grateful. He would remember to repay them the moment Thor was better.
For now, he brought another fur over, placed it on Thor and got ready for bed, as well.
Today had been a long day.
Loki slept well enough, but he woke multiple times in the night to check on Thor. He’d moved during the night but hadn’t woken, which Loki thought was good, since sleep seemed to have healed him.
However, when he woke, he was alone in bed and yesterdays’ lingering panic made Loki sit up.
Thor was on the balcony, looking down at the Isle. He wore no shirt and Loki blinked, shaking his head at his skin.
Nay, not his skin, he stared at the patterns upon it, resting there like they’d belonged there.
They didn’t
They had never been there before.
There was a line of runes running down Thor’s spine, words and letters Loki had never seen. More, on the crest of his shoulders, settled on his muscles.
Loki put on a robe and got out of bed, frowning as he walked over to him
“Thor?”
Thor turned and Loki found the same lines and runes on his collar bones, then down his arms, stopping a his arms where two Vegvisir were inked into his skin, shadowed and accompanied by three arrow heads pointing towards Thor’s palms.
Loki’s lips parted as he came over, holding his hands in his own and looking at the tattoos.
“What the hell?”
“I don’t know” Thor looked just as apprehensive “But Loki, this happened when I went to where your old lab was. There was something there, you must come with me and see it yourself.”
“Something attacked you…and did this?” Loki asked “Thor, I … am confused.”
“So am I” Thor held his hands “come with me, look at it yourself”
Loki frowned, he was unsure, that was clear, but he nodded.
“Let me change” he turned back to the room “then we can go”
Thor was anxious, he dressed as quickly as possible, forgoing breakfast for the moment. Whatever happened to him in that part of the Isle, he had to know, there had to be some sort of answer there, aye?
Loki was fully dressed, too, and since they both took walks every morning, no one batted an eye at them leaving so soon and so quickly. They didn’t tell anyone, they took Svadilfari and rode through the Isle till they reached that spot.
Thor took Loki’s hand and led him forward, his heart racing.
“Everything here was different” Thor told him “the grass, the birds, hell even the sky was brighter. I know what it sounds like and I don’t expect you to believe me, but that is what happened”
“To be fairly honest” Loki replied, “After seeing these marks on you, I am open to believing anything at this point”
Thor gave his hand a grateful squeeze, then walked forward.
He expected the greenery to brighten and the animals to sing again, but as far as they walked, nothing happened. There was no change, subtle or otherwise.
Thor frowned “I – I don’t understand”
“What?” Loki asked, walking over to the dip in the land that once made his laboratory “what is it?”
“It’s gone” Thor whispered, looking around “there’s nothing here”
And aye, true to what he spoke, the land was the same as it was before, nothing unlike the rest of the Isle.
It was…the same.
***
Once they got back, Thor explained everything to Loki
How, during the digging of his new laboratory, the men got to talking and Thor heard them. They spoke of magic in the land where Loki used to work, about how everyone who had an ailment was cured and people rushed to buy his potions because the area where he worked was cursed.
Of course, Thor hadn’t believed it, but he had wondered if, perhaps, one of these people had set fire to his workshop the first time.
“That was why I left” Thor had some of his eggs and toast “I thought that perhaps there was evidence of arson. If there had been, I would have been much stricter with the security of your new place. I wouldn’t want anything happening that should harm you”
Loki looked at him slowly, his gaze considerably warmer than before and nodded.
“Thank you” he said sincerely “but I am still unhappy that you didn’t get what you were looking for”
“Perhaps there is something in the archives” Thor smiled “ I will say this is odd but not the worst thing to have happened to me”
Loki appreciated how Thor tried to placate him, but he could tell Thor was nervous and likely apprehensive of what had happened. But he said nothing as they had their breakfast.
They’d both agreed to another calmer and more coherent trip to that place and were readying to leave when Vali approached, his gaze somewhat worried.
“There is a man here who wishes to speak to you” he said “to Lord Balder. He says it is an urgent matter”
Thor fixed the collar of his cloak “Tell him I am out with my husband and will see to him later.”
“I said that but he is rather insistent” Vali winced “he keeps sending the staff over, we do not know what to do”
Thor exhaled and mild frustration and Loki pat his arm
“I’ll go with you” he said “we can leave directly from there”
“As you wish” Thor placed a hand over Loki’s “Thank you”
Loki blushed and Vali looked away when Thor bent his head to kiss his lips.
Balder had changed, he truly had, Vali thought. The way he stroked Loki’s cheek with his finger before he backed away, he’d never done that before.
He hadn’t held hands with him much, either.
He guessed it was because of his own near death experience that he felt so. He’d almost lost everything, including Loki.
Of course there would be a need to change and be better deserving.
Vali was happy that this was happening.
He left them, telling them where to expect their new guest and then went about on his duties.
Which, it turned out, was a blessing.
The man was called Lord Ullr. He was tall, his greying hair well groomed, just like the rest of him. His clothes were impeccable and he, himself, looked the part of the rich, influential man that he was.
Even Thor, who’d met his fair share of the gentlepeople, was a little surprised at the level of Lordship that came to his lands.
Loki’s lands…
He walked in and gave him a terse smile.
“Good morning” he opened the door for Loki, too “How do you do, Sir?”
Ullr saw them both, studying them as he poured one of their best wines into his glass and turned to smile at them.
“Good morning, lords. My name is Ullr” he beamed “I hope I am not disturbing you too much”
“We were having breakfast but I thought we could listen to what you had to say since, you are so adamant” Thor closed the door “speak, my lord, how can I help you Lord Ullr?”
Ullr took a long, drawn out sip of his wine and made a show of studying Thor carefully, ignoring Loki for the moment.
“My, it’s one of God’s miracles, is it not?” he asked “I’ve always thought so”
Thor closed his eyes and took a deep breath for patience.
“State your demand, my husband and I are in a rush, my lord” Thor said as evenly as he could at the moment
Ullr smirked “You look just like him, no wonder they are not rebelling”
Loki, who’d been watching him, tensed. His heart began to race and he could feel the color slowly drain from his face.
Thankfully, Thor was more level headed.
“I have no idea what you mean” he growled “If you have no desire to say what you came here for, I must ask you to leave”
“Oh, I wouldn’t do that if I were you” Ullr smiled “You should be very careful around me Thor, I am not someone you should cross”
Loki felt his stomach drop and he clenched his hands tightly, but Thor barely showed any signs of what he felt inside.
Loki almost envied his control.
“Ah” he walked over to Ullr “I see what happened. I regret to inform you…”
“No, I am not mistaken” Ullr waved him off “I have done my research and let me tell you, again, I am not someone you should cross”
He did hand Thor his empty glass when he came over and walked past him.
“I know Balder is dead” he told them “I know that you’re pretending to be him to keep this Isle and this young man safe. I know you are a bounty hunter, I know you have a few arrest warrants on your head, which you are likely trying to get rid of by hiding here. I know you are living with Loki as his false husband, in a false, out of wedlock relationship…more than that, I know that I can prove all that by a mere removal of the glove on your left hand and everyone will see the truth”
Loki glared at him as he approached and stayed still and tense when Ullr circled behind him, his aura dangerous.
“See, with a man of my influence and power can easily let that information become public” Ullr moved around to stand beside Loki “and your beloved people will rebel. They will throw you out of his Isle and this…”
He raised a hand and stroked Loki’s jaw, laughing when Loki smacked his hand away, his gaze hostile and apprehensive.
“Little thing…will be in trouble”
Thor’s eyes were cold as he looked at him, his jaw grit at the audacity of this man.
“What do you want?” he rasped, moving to stand between him and Loki “say it and get out”
“Aye, see, that is where you’re mistaken, Thor” he took the glass again, going to pour himself some more “I will not be able to leave until I have you with me”
Thor frowned “I beg your pardon?”
Ullr threw back the drink he’d poured, then faced him
“I am being blackmailed” he told him “I have a few suspects but nothing too concrete”
“Why not go to the Runners?” Thor asked “they help your likes easily”
“Tis not a matter the Runners should be involved in” Ullr told him “I require a man of your precise skillset, nothing less.”
Thor’s hands clenched and he longed to strangle him.
He wanted to hurl him from the highest cliff and yet…yet, he had Thor caught. If even one man here believed him, things would get very, very difficult for Loki.
So he looked at him and forced himself to calm down and listen to this beast.
“There is some sensitive information that has gotten into the hands of one of my rivals and I want you to get it back for me” Ullr revealed “I do not know which one it is, but I have narrowed the list down to eight men.”
“And what do you want me to do?” Thor asked “Risk my life and sneak into their homes to take it?”
“Precisely” Ullr grinned “I would have someone else do it, but I cannot risk that information getting out. You are my only option”
“And why choose me?” Thor hissed “when there are thousands of others that can help”
“You are the best” Ullr told him plainly “you’re a hunter and, if you fail, your stakes are higher. I know what happens if you are tossed out of this Isle and news of Balder’s untimely demise goes out”
His cold gaze went to Loki, who once more, glowered at him
“This land and that boy are free to grab” he grinned “and should I lose everything, like I can, I am sure I can find a way to get him, too. I will be offered land and a soft, sweet body to welcome me with I return from a hard day’s work”
“You’re sick!” Thor hissed “You’re blackmailing me into this!”
“Blackmail is a nasty word” Ullr smiled “But I guess it applies. I do hope you will not fail me, Odinson. After all, seeing your lovely little boy taken from here, passed from one rich man to another, would be a hard thing for you to witness”
“I could just kill you” Thor growled “end this before it begins”
“Oh, feel free to” Ullr grinned “and have the Runners come here and demand to know why you did. I am a powerful man, as such, I have many people invested in my well being. It would do you ill to have something happen to me. Shame, I would like to see you with your feathers ruffled, you’re so stoic”
“You’d be surprised” Thor snarled
He was livid, the blood rushed in his veins but for the moment, he could do nothing.
“And what, pray tell, are the details of this task?”
Ullr smiled and extended a hand to him.
“Shake hands with me” he said “and I will tell you how it goes”
Loki stood, cold to the touch, as he watched Thor shake his hand with his treacherous snake.
And likely, seal his fate already.