Chapter Text
Her pace was slow, mindful, yet, graceful. She moved as quietly as a cat and was equally alert. She strolled through a beautiful garden just half enjoying the flower blooms. There were so many different colors and scents that the senses could be easily overwhelmed but not hers. She had carefully planted each and every bulb in here. She had chosen the perfect spot for every different patch knowingly and had almost named every flower.
The young woman caressed the petals ever so slightly, feeling the smoothness of some of the petals and the roughness of the stem and leaves. With each step, a different sensation traveled from her fingertips all the way to her brain, soothing the pounding organ just a tiny bit. The girl had so much on her mind. She just wanted to be left alone for a while.
– Sister, – a silky, male voice spoke from behind.
– How are you feeling?
She turned to see the man. He looked much older than her but he was still vibrant with youth. His black hair was perfectly combed back. His eyebrows, dark as well, added to his pale skin tone, did nothing but enhance those two emeralds he had for eyes. His clothes looked refined and expensive, clearly favoring the green tones, though this particular man loved combining it with black and gold too.
He always knew what wear to look good. Today was no exception. Wearing a pair of freshly polished, black boots; deep green trousers; a long hunter shirt (a couple of lighter green tones) and, over that, a matte gold, waistcoat, he had visited her, possibly, at her most intimate place. Those who knew her, said that even more than her own room.
She looked at him a bit irritated.
– How should I feel brother? Do tell. And should I keep calling you that?
The man's features remained unchanged but she knew him too well. There had been the slightest flinch of worry in his eyes. Few people knew him as much as she did. She could actually count those people with just one hand. That made her feel both special and sad. She hated to think that not many people liked her brother. Sure, he might have a reputation as trickster and play an occasional joke or two but the vast majority saw him as sort of the runt brother.
That is if her brother was lucky. The people she hated the most were the ones still gossiping about Balder. That was very old history that had a perfectly good explanation. One that she wasn't going to think about right now. Most Aesirs talked at the man's back and the girl was sure they spoke about her as well. She didn't care.
As if he were a predator watching his prey, the man slowly stepped closer. Never breaking eye contact. He held a finger to the girl's face and, with a very serious voice he said:
– Now you listen to me very carefully Eydís Odinsdottir. It matters not whether Ragnarok comes tomorrow or we are blessed by the Gods with yet another day to live. You shall always be my little sister. Are we clear?
A sad smirk crossed Eydís' lips and her brother mimicked it.
– I am so sorry Loki. I got carried away.
She hugged her favorite brother tightly from the waist. Loki held her with the same might for as long as she needed. Just that morning she had learned the truth and it had been quite a shock. Not that she hadn't suspected it but actually hearing it from the lips of her parents had been different. It felt, heavier in her heart.