Chapter Text
It starts…
… when Loki has had enough.
It’s a feast to celebrate another one of Thor’s “successful” adventures. The telling of the tale leaves Loki almost entirely out.
Even if he was the one who scouted their way. Even if he was the one who gained the entry to the castle. Even if he was the only one who wasn’t captured. Even if he was the one who busted the others out of the dungeon. Even if he is the only reason they are all back and in one piece.
He hates it.
And it occurs to him that he doesn’t have to. No one says he has to go to these adventures only to be ridiculed later. No one says he has to hang around Thor or his friends who clearly don’t want him there. No one says he can’t be happy.
He decides to become happy.
It starts….
…. When Loki says, “No!” to Thor, and means it.
Thor had interrupted another delicate and time-consuming spell that Loki had been perfecting for years. Now all of it is ruined – dust and dreams – and it will take just as much time to set it up again. Thor isn’t even sorry. He laughs at Loki’s outrage and invites him to another of his mad trips.
‘Invites’ is a generous term for what Thor does. He assumes that Loki would come. Like he always does. Loki hates him for that. Hates himself more for always succumbing.
Not this time.
Loki says, “No!” and remains firm.
It starts….
… when Loki crashes one of Ullr’s parties.
They are about the same age. That means they had some schooling together and were childhood friends even if the rumour has it that Loki never had any. They fell apart when Ullr got assigned his duties and Loki his own princely set of duties. There never seemed to be enough time to catch up. It didn’t help that Thor and Ullr never got along.
It’s a party. Ullr loves parties. He is the god of games and hunt. He likes a good time. Therefore, his parties are revered. Loki isn’t invited. But he is the prince, although the second and less loved one, so when he shows up people act as if he was invited.
Ullr is pleasantly surprised. He is genuine in his joy of seeing Loki over many years. Loki could tell if he was lying or insincere in any of it – he is the god of lies.
They have a great time and Loki rekindles many a forgotten friendship.