Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Fenrir, Get back here, no! Don't run into-"

Smash!

Loki sighed heavily, as he squinted at what was a 1,000 year old Fir tree.

They were supposed to be taking their usual walk, through the dense Asgardian forests.

Fenrir slowed down to a trot, waiting for his pack brother, to catch up to him.

Loki, who was still trying to catch his breath, approached the giant wolf.

"Fen, gods, please stop running of like that, you know I'm not as fast as you"

He gave Fenrir a playful shove as they continued on their walk, "next time I'm taking Slepnier, maybe then I can-

Snap! Crunch!

Loki paused, as he looked at where that sound came from.

There, an Arlans wolf, it was the native species of wolf, on Asgard.

The small wolf looked back, it stared at Fenrir, it seemed, confused.

It stared at them for a few seconds more, until it turned and ran back deeper into the forest, followed by a series of howls, it must have reunited with it's pack.

"Hmm, that was ...interesting, huh Fen."

Loki looked over to Fenrir, his ears were flat against his head, his brows set low.

He looked melancholy? no why would he be sad, that doesn't make any sense, "Fen, are you okay, Boy?"

Fenrir, didn't respond, he just turned and slowly walked to the river, his head low.

Unsure of what to do, Loki followed him, he had never seen Fenrir like this before, was it because of that wolf they saw?

When Fenrir arrived at the lakes opening he walked to the water, staring at his reflection intensely.

why do other wolves not look like me?, He thought to himself, where did i come from?,
...what if I'm the only big wolf left?

Loki caught up to Fenrir, approaching him slowly, he patted his fur softly, and spoke, "Fen, I think there's something you should see".

*

Asgards palace library, contained books from all the realms, a vast wealth of knowledge, except one.

"Again, I must apologise my Prince, I have scoured our archives, but I could not find anything else, on the Giant Nomadic Wolf species, I hope the material we found, will suffice" the head librarian asked.

Loki sighed heavily, it had been ten years since he brought Fenrir to Asgard, he had learnt a lot about his species, like how they can grow up to 3 meters high, or how they can shatter glass, when they howl.

But not where to find them, Loki knew their had to be at least one pack out their, where else would Fenrir have come from?.

"Yes, thank you, Bragi, i do appreciate the effort" Loki took the reading material and headed back to his qauters.

*

"This is what I wanted to show you Fen, this book was written by a Vanahiem native, they wrote about Nomadic wolves having a routine, they wouldn't just visit any realm randomly, but always in order of the season".

Loki, looked to his freind who was gazing at the open page of the book, it was a drawing of a mother and her cub, the look in Fenrirs eye, was something Loki had seen before.

"I know you want to know, where you came from, where your pack went, if your the last one..., and I want to help you look for them"

Fenrirs, ears perked up and he let out an excited yip, flattening Loki with his paws as he covered his face in slobber, Loki let out a laugh as he tried to push Fenrir off.

"Ok, ok, yes I love you too, right we need to plan this properly, it'll take time".

"We also need to figure out how this seasonal migration works" Loki rubbed his chin as he thought, who would be the best person to ask about such a thing, it would be great if he could just ask Heimdall, to see if he could find any with his sight, but the watchmen had tried before many times, nothing.

While Loki sat and considered the best plan of action, Fenrir started looking at the various notes scattered along the floor, his breath was so strong it blew them in all directions.

Woooosh!

Loki looked over at the mess being made "Fen!, careful you'll mess up the-
He stopped, something caught his eye, a single page, floating, he caught it, and examined the contents, ...someone had written a rudimentary tracking theory.

Each realm was in one of the four seasons, perfect! This is it! He just needed to find the author, Loki turned the page looking for a signature, he found it.

"Oh... umm, right okay, so I think I know how we can figure out where your pack might be right now" Loki looked at Fenrir, his brows kissed and his nose scrunched up.

Fenrirs face broke into a large smile, he looked over at the paper, seeing the athours mark, it was something he was familiar with, he looked back at Loki his left brow raised.

Loki blushed as he looked away, "Yeah, I know, I know, it's Astrid".

The athour of the page they had found, was Astrid Heimdallson, the ultimate bookworm, ...and Loki's crush.

Fenrir, looked to his friend stomping his paw and huffing, "Yeah, I know, okay, I can do this, I can do this, just find Astrid and ask him about the page", Loki breathed in deeply as he mentally prepared.

"Oh wait, Fen were going to be heading towards the east side of the palace, so we'll need you to downsize for a bit"

When Fenrir had started growing, out of his cub stage, he began to tower over everyone this made it difficult for him to enter most rooms with low doors, so Frigga had taken his Halskjede and carved the sigil Hagalaz, meaning transform, on its moonstone.

It allowed Fenrir to shrink and grow at will, it also came pretty handy when They both would sneak off to midgard with Amora from time to time.

*

Loki and Fenrir finaly arrived at the their destination, The Great Hall.

It was the best place, for when you wanted food and knowledge, most scholars came here when they got kicked out of the Library for eating too loud.

Loki scanned the Hall, for Astrid, ah! Found him, they approached his table.

Astrid was the exact opposite of Heimdall, he was warm and approachable, always reading and studying.

It's probably why Loki, had started to develop a crush on him, he thought to himself, trying his best not to blush.

Loki cleared his throat, when they reached him, this wasn't enough, as Astrid seemed to have all his attention on the book he was reading.

Loki tried again, nothing.

Fenrir who looked at his pack brother, with a raised eyebrow, shook his head, letting out a loud bark.

"Woah!, who, what, wher-, oh hey Loki, Fen, I haven't seen you since this morning, did you need something"

Loki handed Astrid the paper they had found.

"We found this among, some research notes about, Fens species, we were hoping you could elaborate on it"

Astrid took the paper, his hand brushing Lokis as he did.

"Oh yeah, I remember now, I wrote this a few years ago, you know when I had to visit Midgard, to research how their local fauna are developing in the Americas, I was travelling through the Yellowstone national park, when a human ranger, warned me to be careful, as their were sightings of giant wolves in the area"

Astrid paused for a second to look at the page.

"I thought it was strange, I did try to go look for them but they didn't seem to leave any tracks, I went to the local town to try get some more information, apparently the sightings started in Góa and ended in Harpa, that meant they stayed the whole of spring in Midgard, I created this tracking system from that, I wanted to keep researching, but my duties here took over, honestly I meant to tell you but I just completely forgot, you know how my memory gets when I'm busy"

Loki nodded knowingly, "do you think you could figure out which realm those wolves might be on now"

Astrid gave them a puzzled look "um, sure, I think I need a bit of time, I don't mean to pry but why do you want to know so bad"

Loki sighed deeply, taking a seat across from his, "Fenrir wants to know, if he's the last of his kind, or if there are others out there, where?"

Astrid had a small smile on his face, as he took Loki's hand in his own.

Oh. My. gods. Loki thought to himself, trying his hardest not to smile back his face began heating up.

"I promise, I'll help you find them, I do need a few days though, I'll need to see Bragi, he might have some insight on this"

Fenrir jumped on the table, licking Astrids face, and stepping on his books.

Astrid let out a heavy laugh "Ok, Fen, yes I know, I'm excited too, okay when I've figured out a rough idea on where that pack could be I'll come find you guys"

Loki smiled and thanked Astrid, now they wait.

Chapter Text

A few days had passed, Astrid had sent Loki a message to meet him in the palace library.

"So, I have good news, after going back through my and other research notes, I managed to find a pattern, out of the nine realms, only six have recorded sightings or evidence of the Great wolves, and if they travel by season, then we can figure out which realm they're on right now"

Astrid got up from the table, excitedly grabbing a large map, placing it onto the table.

"Vanahiem! if my tracking of the seasons is correct, they're on Vanahiem".

Loki looked up from the map, matching the smile, Astrid wore.

"Astrid, this is amazing, ...you're amazi-, I mean, so do you know where they could be on Vanahiem?"

Hoping Astrid, didn't notice his slip up.

He did, Astrids smile grew. "unfortunately, no, I have some rough ideas, since they are in search of hunting districts, I'd theorise the best places to look would be heavily wooded areas"

Astrid looked over the map "if you're dead set on finding them, while their on Vanahiem, you'll need to find a native guide to take you, trying to make any sense of the terrain, on your own will be impossible"

Loki thought for a moment, I don't want to pick anyone, I need a guide I can trust, if the wrong person finds out what we're looking for.

"Amora" Loki said "she's a native of Vanahiem, she's the only one I would trust to take"

Astrid nodded in agreement, before saying "you'll just need to get her away from Karnilla, first"

Oh, gods.

*

"A hunting trip?" Queen Frigga asked skepticaly. Loki had found Amora in the palace courtyard, having tea... with Karnilla and His mother.

He didn't want to say, exactly why he wanted Amora to accompany him to Vanahiem, he didn't trust Karnilla, a hunting trip seemed like the best idea, but in hindsight, he panicked.

"My son, you're a vegetarian, why would you want to go on a hunting trip" Queen Frigga asked, it wasn't like him to want to go hunting, that was something his brother and father enjoyed doing.

Loki did his best to elaborate, without it sounding fictional, "it's not for me, i...lost a bet to Thor, my payment for loosing, is a ...Vanahiem Wood Elk".

Amora, gave Loki a questioning look, 'what hunting trip?' She silently mouthed.

He waved his hand dismissively, 'I'll explain later' he mouthed back

Frigga looked to her son, not convinced, she glanced over at Karnilla asking her "what do you think?, can you spare Amora a few days?"

Karnilla, pursed her lips and gave Loki a once over, her brows furrowed, but she relented.

"I think I can manage a few days without her, but I want her back in one piece"

Loki, nodded in agreement "of course, I promise, I'll take care of her" he motioned for Amora to follow him, as he bid his mother and Karnilla farewell with a bow.

After they left, Karnilla turned to Frigga, "you don't believe him, do you?"

"I believe he does need to go to Vanahiem, but I don't think it's to settle a bet with his brother", Frigga said, making a mental note, to ask Thor about this bet they made.

*

Loki and Amora left the gardens, and made their way through the palace.

"You want to look for what?" Amora asked, still confused.

"The Giant Nomadic Wolves, Astrid thinks they're on Vanahiem" Loki said

Amora turned to her her friend "I thought they basically went extinct years ago, isn't Fen, the last one?"

Loki shook his head, "there's been sightings of them on Midgard, I want to look for them, for Fenrir, he wants to know, if he's the only one left, and I'm responsible for him"

Amora sighed, "fine, for Fenrir, I'll help you find them, if there are any left"

Loki smiled giving her a playful shove, "thank you, my freind".

Amora returned his shove, "dummy, okay, I'll need a few hours to pack, lets meet at the Golden Apple tavern, when you're ready"

Loki nodded in agreement and made his way to his chambers.

*

"Fenrir, I know you're excited but please stop jumping on my bed, you'll break it, ...again"

Fenrir jumped down, his tail began wagging so feircely, the dust and debris on the floor started to fill the air.

He couldn't believe it, he was going to find other wolves, like him, maybe even find his mother...

Loki, started packing everything they would need, the trip should only take a few days, if the three of them were lucky.

*

They arrived at the tavern, the sun had set, and the revelers were out in droves.

Loki guided Fenrir by his halter through the crowds of drunken Asgardians, finaly reaching Amora.

She looked at Loki a frown crossed her face, "what time do you call this?"

Before Loki could explain about how he had to stop Jormungander from trying to eat Hugin and Munin.

She turned to Fenrir a warm smile graced her lips, "hello boy, aw is that tail wagging?, yes who's a good boy?"

"Ahem" Loki cleared his throat

Amora took her attention away from Fenrir, letting out a soft laugh "okay, okay, if you're ready, Let's get going"

Loki nodded, they made their way towards the rainbow bridge.

Until a flash of blonde caught Loki's eye, Thor?, yes, it was Thor.

Loki excused himself from the group

"Wait, where are you going?" Amora shouted.

Loki pushed through the crowds until he caught up with his brother, "Thor!, brother am I glad to see you"

His brother gave him a questioning look "but we saw eachother this morning at break-"

Loki interrupted "I need a favour, don't ask why but if anyone ask where I am, I've gone on a hunting trip to repay the bet I lost to you"

Thors brows furrowed, "wait what bet-"

But Loki was already running back through the crowd yelling, "Okay, Goodbye, see you in a few days!"

He caught back up, to Fenrir and Amora, "right, let's go see Heimdall".

Chapter Text

When they arrived to the Bifrost they found the watchmen, standing by the entrance.

Loki took in a deep breath, Heimdall sees everything, let's just hope he doesn't see through them.

"Good Heimdall, myself Amora and Fenrir would like passage to Vanahiem"

Heimdall looked at the trio, his lips pursed,
"Hmm, Vanahiem is quite lovely, this time of year, come" He said softly.

They followed him into the observatory, Amora, poked Loki in the ribs, "that was, easy" she said a look of concern covering her face.

Loki nodded in agreement, usually Heimdall was more aloof and cautious when, someone wanted to travel to another realm, without informing him prior.

The trio made their way to the front of the dias, Heimdall placed Hofund into its cradle, the observatory began powering up the beacon, rotating and roaring.

Heimdall looked at Fenrir, a softness in his eyes, "I hope you find, what you seek".

"Wait, wha-" was all Loki could say before the Bifrost pulled them through.

******

"-Do you mean?..., oh my gods" Loki scanned their new surroundings, towering trees and thick bushes of fauna, Vanahiem.

They were on Vanahiem.

Amora walked up beside him, "it's beutiful, huh?"

Loki nodded, "it's incredible, oh right!, I got this map, from Astrid, you should be able to make sense of it" he pulled the rolled up map out of his rucksack.

Amora took the map, examining it intensely for a few seconds, before she looked up at Loki and said, "yeah, I have no idea what this means"

Lokis face dropped, "what?"

"I may be a native of Vanahiem, but I've spent more time on Asgard than here, to be honest, you should've asked Hogun, that man knows this planet inside out"

Loki did his best to quell his rising anger "then why did you agree to come?"

Amora placed her hand on Loki's shoulder, "Becuase you're my friend, also I know that you'd rather go to Hel, than ask Hogun for help" she said

Loki laughed letting his anger slip away, "so I guess we're going into this blind?"

Amora looked back at the map "not exactly, although I'm not familiar with the dense woods or forests, I do know of a village nearby, they can help us with directions, they also might have seen some of these wolves, if they are here".

Loki, nodded in agreement to the plan glancing over his shoulder at Fenrir, the giant wolf was sniffing the ground around, his eyes closed and ears twitching in all directions.

*********

Thor, walked to the great hall, he had just finished sparring practice, and felt like he could eat an entire goat.

When he entered, he was welcomed by a familar sight, the warriors three and lady Sif, were already seated.

"Ah!, Thor, there you are, come sit down, they just brought out the boar" Volstagg exclaimed.

"Hello my friends, what a feast we have here" Thor sat down and began filling his plate and his tankard.

Sif, looked up from her plate looking around, "wheres Loki?, he usually doesn't miss a feast".

Thor, lifted his head, his mouth full, as he said "he...went...Vanahiem...few...days...bet".

Sif averted her eyes, as Thor did his best to swallow.

"My, son" a voice from behind their table spoke, Thor looked up, it was his mother.

The Queen, had been looking for him all day, ever since the conversation she had with her other son, she wanted to confirm what Loki had said to her was true.

Thor finally swallowed, "hello, mother, how are you today, um is that a new dress?" Now he understood why his brother had asked him to lie about his reason for going to Vanahiem, to hide it from their mother.

Frigga, looked at her son, he seemed tense, he was hiding something.

"Your brother told me, he had to go to Vanahiem to collect a wood Elk for you to repay a bet he lost to you, is that true?"

Thor began sweating, his breath quickened, "um yes, a bet that's right"

The Queen crossed her arms as she asked "what, was the bet?"

Thor gulped, the warriors three and lady Sif realising what was happening, slowly moved further and further down the table.

"The bet, well the bet...um the bet was of course..." Thor began to panic, thinking on the spot was never his strong suit.

His mother glared at him, waiting.

I can't do this, Thor thought to himself, without thinking he blurted out the truth.

"There is no bet Loki asked me to lie for him I have no idea what he's doing on Vanahiem!" Thor cringed inwardly as he realised what just happend.

Frigga sighed heavily, why would Loki lie to her, what did he want to hide?

She marched off, in search of answers "I'm telling your father" she said over her shoulder

Thor threw his head in his hands. He was so dead.

*****

They made it to the village.

A large clearing through forest, where wooden huts scattered across the area.

Amora guided them through the crowd of villagers that was forming already, staring at Fenrir.

The villagers began wispering, among themselves.

'Is that one of them?', 'yes it has to be', 'what are you insane? they went extinct years ago' 'maybe it wants revenge?'

Loki heard the last word, revenge?, why would Fenrir want revenge? he had never been to Vanahiem before.

Amora pointed infront of them "up ahead, that hut, the wise woman lives there, she should be able to help us out, with this map"

*********

"What, reaserch?" Queen frigga asked.

"Well you see, the Prince had inquired, if we had any books or notes, he hadn't seen on the Giant Nomadic Wolf species, fortunately I did find a few papers, that had alluded me".

Bragi said with a proud smile.

The head librarian had been walking to the great hall, when he bumped into the Queen, he inquired if she knew, how the Prince's, research was going.

Friggas brows furrowed, why would her son, want research notes on Fenrirs species.

Bragi seemed to sense the Queens confusion, "I believe, Astrid Heimdallson, might have the answers you need, he had asked for my help with understanding seasonal migration, of the species, seemed odd but i didn't question it".

"Astrid? ...do you know where he is at this moment?" Frigga asked.

Bragi laughed heartily "of course! In the library, he practically lives their at this point"

Frigga smiled, thanking the head librarian, taking her leave, it had nearly reached midnight, she would have to wait until tomorrow for answers.

********

The wise woman of the village, welcomed them into her hut, there was a fire roaring in the middle, a pot hung above it, its contents bubbling and boiling over.

"Come, sit please, eat, drink, ...so what is important enough that a Prince of Asgard, would journey to a remote village on Vanahiem"

Lokis brows shot up, "how did you-"

She, chuckled softly "I am not called wise woman for nothing, also your friend here sent word that you would be coming"

Loki turned his head slowly, facing Amora, a single brow raised.

Amora shrugged nonchalantly, "what?, she's an old friend of Karnillas, so I told her"

The wise woman nodded "you search for the wolves that look like him" she said pointing to Fenrir.

Loki responded "Yes, he wants to know, if he's the only giant wolf left, our friend told us if there are any others out there they'd be here for the season"

The wise woman reached down for a sack at her feet, she took a handful of its contents, a fiery red powder.

As she threw the powder into the pot, she spoke, "thousands of years ago the Great wolves, roamed all over Vanahiem, they were in the thousands, but something happend, they started disappearing, ...there is a cave, a days walk from here, if you wish to find those wolves, go to the cave first, it will give you the answers you seek"

The wise woman rose from her seat, glancing up at the small hole in her hut, the stars were out, "it is night, you will sleep here in my hut tonight, then tomorrow, I will show you where to find the cave"

Loki stood up, his head was filled with questions that needed answers, "hold on, one of the villagers-

"I have spoken" The wise woman declared steadfastly.

Chapter Text

The sun gradually rose over Vanahiem, morning had come.

Fenrir opended his eyes, letting out a thunderous yawn, he looked around the small hut, his pack brother was still asleep next to him, he reached down to his hand and began nibbling on it.

Loki, slowly opened his eyes, rubbing the sleep from them, he chuckled softly, as Fenrir Began licking his cheek, "Ok Fen, yes I'm up I swear, let's get you some food and your saddle"

Once they had all awoken, the wise woman prepared a small breakfast for them.

*

"Yes, Fen, I'm watching, it's safe, please finish your food" Loki said as he turned back, to the wise woman, and Amora they were settling on the path they would need to take to reach the cave.

"You will need to travel through the, Eldgammel woods to reach it, just be mindful, the path is filled with many dangers" the wise woman said marking the the trail on their map.

Loki studied the path, a look of concern showing on his face, they still didn't know where the wolves could be, and they only had a few days left to find them.

The wise woman seemed to sense his hesitancy, she placed her hand over his "Find the cave, and you will find the answer"

Loki did his best, to believe the crazy old woman.

The wise woman, reached behind her, grabbing a bundle of cloth wrapped in twine, handing it over to Amora, who began to unwrap it, "this will help keep you safe, it belonged to a young man who used to live here, before he left to join a group of warriors on Asgard".

Loki looked at the bundle of cloth, his brows furrowed, as he wispered to himself "...Hogun?"

The wise woman nodded, smiling softly "Yes, he was quite young when he left us, wanted adventure and glory, things he couldn't find here, but he did leave this with us before he left, now I give it to you"

Amora took the final cloth off, revealing a slender wooden bow.

She picked it up, turning the bow in her hands, "It's beutiful, thank you, I hope we won't need to use it though"

The wise woman nodded, rising from her seat she spoke "You are ready, come I will take you to entrance of the Eldgammel woods, you must make your own way from there, i have spoken".

*******

it was now morning on Asgard, Queen Frigga had gone straight to the palace library, finding Astrid in his usual spot, after asking the young scholar, why her son really went to Vanahiem, she didn't react well.

"They are looking for what!" The Queen exclaimed sharply.

'Shush!', 'who was that?' 'Be quiet!' 'Someone tell that woman to shut up!' 'um jóruun, I think you just told the Queen to shut up'.

Astrid winced through his teeth at the voices of disgruntled scholars, "The Giant Nomadic wolves, my Queen, that's why they left for Vanahiem to look for them, apparently Fenrir wanted to know if there are any others out there, i managed to pinpoint Vanahiem as the realm they would be on for this season".

Frigga gave Astrid a puzzled look "but they went extinct years ago, Fenrir is the only one left".

Astrid opended his mouth, then closed it, then opened it again "Actually, we've never had true confirmation of their extinction, after all Fenrir came from somewhere, he didn't just pop out of the ground" Astrid laughed, awkwardly.

The Queen raised a single eyebrow, crossing her arms.

Astrid stopped laughing, "Am I in trouble?" He asked nervously.

Frigga didn't respond at first, closing her eyes, she pinched the bridge of her nose, her son was on another planet, looking for a species of giant wolves, wild wolves.

After a few moments she opened her eyes, sighing deeply, she looked at Astrid, smiling gently, "No, my dear, you are not, my son, however is, thank you Astrid"

She bid the young man, goodbye, heading straight to the one person in the nine realms that could help.

Odin.

*

After an hours walk, they finally made it to the edge of the Eldgammel forest.

"We are here" the wise woman said, as they reached a crooked sign post, one of its arrow pointing to the dense woodland, the canopys were so thick the suns rays couldn't reach the forest floor.

The wise woman reached underneath her shawl, removing a small gourd wrapped in rope, she approached Fenrir, patting his side gently, as she tied it to his saddle.

"This gourd contains that red powder you saw me use, last night, it will help you on this journey" she explained

Loki looked suspiciously at the gourd "What does it do exact-"

The wise woman just held up a hand "it will help you, i have spoken, I must be going now, I pray you have a safe journey and that your friend finds his kind"

Loki and Amora thanked the woman for her hospitality, Fenrir gave her a gentle nuzzle.

They finished tying their backpacks and satchels to Fenirs back, Loki gave Amora a leg up to climb onto Fenrir.

Before he could do the same, the wise woman grasped his shoulder softly, he turned to face her.

"One last thing, Prince of Asgard, I hope you realise, if you do find the other wolves, that your friend may want to stay with them, to be with his own kind, I just wonder if that happens, are you ready, to let him go?" She asked.

Loki was taken aback by the wise womans comment. He never considered that Fenrir might want to stay to stay with them, so he could be part of a pack again, no... that wouldn't happen, Fenrir was like a brother to him.

Loki steeled his face, as he said "That won't happen, I've known him his entire life, he would never want to leave Asgard"

The wise woman nodded she turned and began walking to back to the village, before saying over her shoulder

"Asgard, or you?"

Loki let out an angry breath, what did some crazy old woman know.

"Hey dummy, let's get going, Fens getting antsy" Amora urged as she offered a hand.

Loki took it, pulling himself up, taking hold of Fenrirs rein, he made a loud click with his tongue. Urging Fenrir on, into the forest.

Their journey was silent until Amora spoke up behind him.

"You know, she might be right, about Fen, wanting to stay, I know you love him, I do too, but sometimes we have to let the ones we love, go" she said cautiously

Loki let out and frustrated sigh, griping the reins tightly, "...I know, but we don't know that for certain"

The silence settled over them once again.

*******

They had made half a days progress to the cave, when a sudden downpour of rain hit the dense canopy of the forest.

"Maybe we should've brought Thor along"
Amora said as she pulled her hood further down her face, trying to evade the thick droplets of water splashing down.

Loki let out a raucous laugh, watching his friend fail miserably to keep herself dry "he's the god of thunder, not rain, you should try enjoying it, like Fenrir, "

The large wolf was trotting along happily, the muddy path splashing flecks of dirt in all directions.

Amora frowned, and huffed under her breath, "you know, next time you want to go on a life changing journey, and you ask me, I think I'll just say no"

Loki did his best to stifle his laugh, "technically this is Fenrirs life changing journey, I'm here for moral support"

"So what do you think is in this cave, that's so important?" Amora asked.

Loki responded "To be perfectly honest, I've been wondering that ever since that old wise woman, made it seem imperative that we go, whatever it is there, I just hope that it'll lead us to where the giant wolves could be, if we don't get back to Asgard in the next few days, people are going to wonder what we're really doing here"

Amora smiled knowingly "by people do you mean Karnilla and your mother?, I still can't believe she bought your, repaying a bet to Thor excuse"

Loki nodded, he was shocked that his mother seemed to except his on the spot reason. "Hmhm, I still can't believe Karnilla actually agreed to let you out of her sight for once, thankfuly though, Thor can keep a secret, I trust he won't let anything slip"

Chapter Text

The advisors council room, was bustling with noise and voices being raised, after the Queen stormed in, telling all in attendance what she had uncovered.

"So you're telling me, your son, has taken my apprentice to Vanahiem, not to repay a bet he lost, but to find an extinct species of wolf?" Karnilla asked, a look of disdain smeared across her features.

Frigga nodded "yes, we need to send a patrol of Einjerhars to Vanahiem, immediately, we are talking about a group of giant wild wolves, who knows what dangers they're already in"

Odin reached for his wife's hand grasping it gently, "Tyr, have a patrol ready to leave by dusk, and have Heimdall see if he can find where on Vanahiem they are, I want my son back safe" he declared to the room.

Karnilla stood fron her chair, "I will go with them, Vanahiem holds many danger not just wolves"

"So will I" the Queen said.

She would not lose her son.

*****

The palace library was quiet as usual.

Astrid found the head librarian, at his desk looking over some decaying scrolls.

"You wanted to see me Bragi" Astrid asked curious what the older scholar wanted him for.

The head librarian looked up, "Ah, Astrid my boy, I...there's...hmm, let me just show you, I found these scrolls earlier today, they had been buried deep in the archives, ...they're very old drawings from Vanahiem, drawn by the ancient Vanir, ...I believe I know what caused the Giant Nomadic Wolf, to become extinct"

Bragi, opended one of the scrolls on his desk, Revealing it's drawing.

"Oh, gods" was all Astrid could say, as a tear ran down his face.

*****

"I swear if I have to look at another forest again, it'll be too soon" Amora scowled as she stomped past, Loki and Fenrir, her hands clutching the map so hard it began to tear around her nails.

Loki did his best to stifle the laugh that was trying to escape "I thought you would enjoy sleeping under the stars" he said a grin running across his face, as he led Fenrir by his bridle, to the stream they had been walking alongside.

Amora suddenly stopped, turning her head she glared daggers at the pair "first of all, I did not agree to a sleepover in a forest, that is called the forbidden woods, secondly"

she pointed to towards a gathering of mountains in the distance "I've found where the cave is, it's right next to a waterfall, that connects to this stream, we follow that we'll reach it"

"Oh gods, finally, I've never wanted to see a pile of stones, so badly before, come Fen, we're nearly there" Loki said, clicking his tongue.

Fenrir trotted over to them, he hopped and whined, full of excitement, wagging his tail with so much energy, a miniature dust cloud starting forming behind him, he would finally know, where the other wolves like him were, and where he came from.

****

"Why did Heimadall send us to this dingy little village, I don't see any giant wolves roaming about" Karnilla sneered sarcastically.

Frigga did her best to ignore the sorceress.

Although, she did also wonder why Heimdall sent them to this village, he could see all, how could he not find where her son, Fenrir and Amora were, strange.

An Einjerhar, approached, the women.

"Have they seen anything, captain?" Frigga asked, a sense of urgency in her voice.

"No, my Queen, the villagers have told us, they were here two days past, they spoke only to the wise woman" the captain said pointing to the small hut.

Karnillas face turned a deep shade of crimson, as she stomped towards the hut.

"I knew it!, That crazy old hag, always trying to send people on 'life changing journey's, absolutely ridiculous!" She shouted angrily.

Friggas brows furrowed as she followed the furious woman, hesitating for a second, the captain trailed behind them.

Karnilla threw open the huts, wooden door, the wise woman was sat by her pot, patiently attending to the soup it held.

"Where is my apprentice you-"

The wise woman held up a hand, this seemed to settle the enraged sorceress, who stomped over to a seat, crossing her arms.

"Ah yes, I knew you were coming, come sit eat, rest"

"How did you know we would be here?"
Frigga asked as she entered the hut, taking a seat next to Karnilla, who's face was still a bright red.

The wise woman looked off in the distance, as she spoke.

"I can see what others do not, ...also the blacksmith told me the moment you arrived"

Frigga, cleared her throat, drawing the wise womans attention back to them.

"The captain, has informed us, that Loki, Amora and Fenrir came to see you when They first arrived, and that you sent them through a forest to find the giant wolves like Fenrir, Please we need to find them, they're in danger, those wolves, could kill them..."

The wise woman simply raised her eyebrow, stiring the contents in her pot, "no, they are not, they are exactly where they should be, the wolf, he has a journey he must take, he must know the truth, find his kind"

Karnilla stood up, her brows furrowed and her nose flared as she said
"crazy old woman, my apprentice is with them, I obviously didn't believe the boys lie about losing a bet, but to drag Amora along to some insane family reunion with an overgrown mutt, just tell us where you sent them, so we can drag them back!"

Frigga cleared throat, louder this time, placing her hand on Karnillas arm, the other woman relented, taking her seat again after a few moments.

"No, this journey is theirs to take, I will not stop that, I know you worry for your son, I can understand fearing for the safety of your child, but this is important, the spirits have decided"

Karnilla sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose, whispering under her breath "please not the spirits again"

"you are his mother" the wise woman continued ", I understand you still think of him as a little boy, but he has also travelled all this way, just to be there for his friend to be their for when he needs him the most, I think he is a lot more grown up than you think, i have spoken"

Frigga sighed, slowly rising from her seat, she turned to the captain, "send all the Einherjars out, I want you to scour all the woods, forests, creeks, everything, I want them found, safe".

She took her leave, thanking woman for her hospitality, following the captain outside.

Karnilla stayed, staring at the wise woman, who in turned stared back, before pulling a small clay bowl, dipping it in the pot.

"Here eat some soup, you're too thin, your not eating enough, is the food that bad on Asgard you'd rather starve"

Karnilla let out a humph, but took the bowl, thanking her.

The wise woman went back to stiring the heavy pot, "how is my son, is he doing well?"

"He is in good health, he has grown, since you last saw him" Karnilla paused before asking "why did you send them through the Eldgammel woods?"

"Eh, honestly I'm very bad at directions, I meant to send them to through Feilan forest"

****

"It's just up this ridge" Amora called over her shoulder, stopping for a moment to catch her breath, pointing to a an opening in the rocky terrain they had just climbed.

Following after her, Loki, and Fenrir looked at the natural formation, it wasn't very impressive, nothing seemed special about it in any way the prince thought to himself, Fenrir on the other hand, started at opening to the cave his exciment blossomed, his thick tail began wagging, he would finaly get the answers he wanted so badly.

Loki drew his attention away from the cave, turning to Fenrir noticing the wolfs eagerness, "this is it Fen, are you ready?" He asked him.

Fenrir jumped and yipped, bobbing his head up and down excitedly.

"Its now or never, big guy" Amora said, as she walked over to them, running her hand through the wolfs thick fur.

With that they took their first steps towards the cave...

****

"I can't see, it's too dark..."

"Why couldnt that crazy old woman, tell us it would get this dark in a cave?"

"Hey that's my foot!"

"Fenrir, stop moving, you're crushing me!"

Loki sighed as he squeezed past the giant wolf finding an open space in the dark, he opended his right palm, feeling his magic swirl around it, making a simple motion with his hand and the spell began to take form.

In an instant thousands of fireflies, began to fly from his hand, fillimg the cave, illuminating the smooth surfaces of its walls, they began clumping together in the air, spreading themselves out along the path ahead.

Fenrir noticed a few stray fireflies close to his head and began playfully nipping at them, trotting after them as they fluttered down the cave.

"Fen wait we need to-" Loki had started saying, trying to call out to the distracted wolf.

Amora grasped the prince's shoulders, "He'll be fine, come on let's look for this answer we're supposed to find" she said pointing to the path Fenrir had taken.

He nodded in agreement as they began cautiously making their way deeper through the cave.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nothing" he sighed under his breath, kicking at a rock next to his foot, "there's nothing here, no books, or tomes, old scrolls... why couldn't that old woman just tell us what we we're looking for, not send us on a scavenger hunt"

Amora let out a sigh of her own, they had already made it halfway through the cave by now, beams of sun light began creeping in from the caves exit, just ahead.

"We just have to keep looking" she said

Loki nodded running his hand through his hair and rubbing the stiffness out of his neck, he closed his eyes for a few seconds as they turned a corner.

"Oomph!" Loki muffled as he went into the back of Fenrir, who had come to a complete stop.

The young wolf was staring at the wall infront of him his ears were flat against his head.

"Fen, why did you sto-" Lokis words caught again in his throat as he looked at the wall.

Scattered across the cave wall, was a group of drawings faded and worn.

The first drawing showed packs of giant wolves, hunting, Wood Elks Fallow Deer and Musk Ox. Hunting fish in the lakes and rivers, while a group of Vanir hid amongst the trees.

The drawing beside it showed a group of Vanir creating a border around the forests, hammering spikes deep into the ground, as Giant wolves looked on from afar.

The third drawing, a herd of Wood Elk are grazing by a stream, full of fish and hidden by the forests Vanir hunters armed with bows and nets.

The fourth depicted, packs of giant wolves in a village, they were dragging woven baskets full of fish and meat away, into the forest, some of the villagers held spears, and bows, chasing after them, others were cradling their children, seeking shelter in their huts.

The drawing just below it, showed a group of Vanir, chasing some giant wolves through a scattering of trees, hurling spears arrows and torches driving them deeper into the thick woodlands.

then the last drawing, a Vanir, holding his spear, facing down a Giant Wolf covered in thick scars and cuts, as other Wolves ran through a crumbling stone arch, wrapped in thick vines.

Chapter Text

Silence filled the cave, it was deafening.

Loki stared at the wall for a few moments longer before, wiping at the tears, filling his eyes, He took a moment to compose himself before finally breaking the silcence.

"Back at the village I heard one of the villagers say something about" he stopped for a moment to clear his throat "...Fenrir coming for revenge, it didn't make sense at first, ...this must've been what they meant, this is why the wise woman sent us here, this is the reason they disappeared..."

Amroa, swallowed the lump in her throat before saying, "The pack that Astrid heard about on Midgard, they must've been the only ones to, survive..." the last few words barley a whisper

Fenrir turned to face them, a single tear rolled down his muzzle, his ears flat against his head, a low whine escaped his throat,

He really was the last one.

"Fen, I'm so sorry, I didn't know" Loki said as he held out his hand to comfort him.

The large wolf moved towards his pack brother-

Wait.

Fenrir stopped, a sound, he heard a sound, it was faint but he could hear it.

Loki noticed his hestinance, but not what he had heard, reaching out again trying to comfort the wolf, "Fen, its okay, this doesn't mean you're the last one, the pack Astrid heard about on Midgard, could still be here" he spoke reasuringly.

Fenrirs ears twitched, he could still hear that sound, what was it? And... a smell, wait he knew that smell, he knew it!

Fenrirs eyes snapped wide open, as his instincts took over, his body seemed to move on its own, rushing pass Loki and Amora, he moved so quick that the gourd on his saddle smashed against a wall, as he sprinted towards the caves exit, leaving behind a cloud of red smoke.

"Ack! Ugh, ...wha, what just happend" Amora asked trying to see through the the thick cloud of powder that had begun settling on the cave floor.

"Fenrir!" Loki shouted at the caves exit, "I need to find him" he said before launching himself down the exits rocky path.

"Wait Loki, be careful!" Amora yelled at the prince, as she also began moving down the heavy stone slope, towards the forest ahead

*

Fenrir didn't stop, not for a second, his heavy paws thundered against the forest floor, as he ran further into the wood, that smell, that sound, a memory suddenly ran through his thoughts.

when he was a cub, his mother... she would call to him with a soft howl, and her scent, just like fresh grass...

Fenrir stopped in his tracks the earth giving way underneath his large paws

His mother, that's why he regocnized it, but that's means, he's not the last one...

Fenrir stuck his nose in the air, his ears twitching furiously, he has to find her, he needs to-

A booming howl from deeper within the forest abruptly stopped his train of thought.

Fenrir snapped his head towards the sound, there! That's where it was coming from.

he set of again, pushing Deep into the soil propelling himself forward.

*

"Fenrir! where are you!"

Loki shouted, running through the forest.

He furiously wiped at the tears spilling onto his cheeks, pausing for a moment, to catch his breath the young prince swayed over to an old upturned stump, sitting down with a thud, cradling his head in his hands.

"Come back, please..." he said, the last word barley a whisper.

A few minutes had passed, when a rather large tongue suddenly began licking the remnants of the wise womans red powder from his fingers.

he looked up with a gasp "Fen?-"

his words caught in his throat, his chest tight.

A pair of large striking blue eyes looked back at him.

"Impossible" he whispered under his breath, his heart felt like it stopped as he started at the wolf infront of him.

It wasn't, Fenrir.

A branch snapping, caused him to turn away from the large wolf, still licking the remnants of the powder.

Lokis eyes followed the sound, another pair of blue eyes, peered through the trees, then another, they were everywhere.

The towering trees surrounding him, began to creak and moan as more and more wolves pushed through the thick fauna

The young prince couldn't speak, nothing, he had found them, the Giant Wolves thought extinct.

The Giant Wolves, that he read about as a child and always dreamt of seeing.

"Hel-" Before Loki could even say a greeting, a familar face suddenly jumped out from between two noticeably larger wolves, Fenrir.

The young wolf let out a series of barks and excited yips running towards his pack brother, his tail wagging ecstatically.

Loki gasped in suprise, "Fen oh gods! You found them boy, You found the last of your kind, you're not the last one!" He shouted,
With such enthusiasm, the wolf that was still trying to get the last of the red powder from the tips of his fingers jumped back in suprise, shaking the ground slightly as it landed.

****

Fenrir motioned his head towards a small gathering of the pack, a single wolf broke away and began approaching them, it was slimmer and shorter than the others, but something about it, no, Loki corrected himself, her, seemed familiar?

Loki gasped sharply as he came to the realisation, "This is your, mother?" He whispered, turning to look at Fenrir, who for a split second seemed to give a gentle nod.

Fenrirs mother, approached Loki, huffing and sniffing the prince, for a few tense moments, before enveloping him in what could only be considered a hug, encircling her towering tail around his much smaller frame, and a womans voice suddenly appeared in the young man's thoughts, "thank you, returned, my son"

Lokis brow furrowed, but before he could even question what he had just heard, the wolf pulled him in even more.

The young man, in turn let out a soft chuckle, making a valiant effort to return the affection, Trying and failing miserably to wrap his arms around her large stature.

"I can't believe we actually found you" His words muffled by the wolfs dense fur

He stole a few precious seconds to just, still.

"Wait..." he said breaking the embrace, his eyes shifting over to Fenrir, a frown shifted across his face, "But, that means... Fen this pack, your fam-"

A tree splintering yell suddenly broke through the forest, "LOKI, FENRIR, HOLD FAST!"

Both the pack and prince, turned in unison to see a flurry of golden hair, swinging an old bow back and forth, hurtling forwards, right towards them!

"Odins beard, Amora stop!, we're safe, stop throwing that bow around!"

The young witch, stopped just in front of the group, her heels digging into the forest floor below, pushing her hair away from her face, she looked up sheepishly.

"Apologies" she said, removing a cloth from her breast pocket to wipe away at the red powder that still stuck to her right cheek "the wise woman never gave us any arro-" The words caught in her throat as her eyes landed on the giant wolves, peering just behind, Loki and Fenrir.

Her hands threw to cover her mouth, as a sharp gasp escaped her lips and her eyes widened as she looked back and forth between her friends and the cautious towering wolves behind them.

"Are they, who I think they are?" The young witch asked, barley managing to hide the tremor of excitement in her voice.

Loki nodded, a grin forming across his face, "I think that's why Fenrir ran off, he must heard them, or maybe smelt their scent" he said, still not entirely sure how his friend had managed such a task.

"You did it, Fen, you found them, good boy." Amora said softly to the young wolf, placing a gentle hand on fenrirs snout

Coming from behind, a rather substantially sized wolf, who had been watching the interaction from afar approached the golden haired woman, and began to smother the witches cheek, attempting to devour the remains of the red powder from her face.

"Oh, woah my friend" she said, letting out a chuckle, at the creatures antics, attempting to push it's slobbering tongue away from her face.

"Wait, Amora" Loki said approaching the towering creature, "look, he's covered in... scars, he must be the same one we saw in the cave, you poor thing, you were just protecting your family" he spoke softly, running his hand gently across its scarred hide.

As it licked clean the remnants of the red powder from its muzzle, the wolves bottom teeth suddenly popped into view.

Loki, frowned as he looked at the wolfs lower right canine, the ginormous tooth looked completely ordinary, apart from a small wooden ring that was wrapped snuggly around it.

His eyes moved over to Amora, who had also seemed to notice the out of place object.

"That's a ring" Amora said pausing a moment to get a clearer look at the object "yes, it's got a rune carved into the surface, hmm, the sheild of invisibility, that must be how they've never been found, it's a perception filter of sorts."

"Do you think it could also allow an animal to...speak?"

"Um, it's possible, to be honest, I have little experience actually using runes myself, someone must have done this to protect them, even Heimdal would not be able to see through it"

"Who gave you this" Loki said more to himself than the ancient beast

POP! Fzzzzz!

A sudden crackle in the air, jostled the large gathering of wolves, their ears all began twitching in unison.

The Loki and Amora also followed the sound, looking up through the dense forest canopy, a burst of colour, painted the sky.

"Was that a firework?" Loki asked, a frown forming across his face.

"It must be from a nearby village" Amora confirmed.

The towering battle weary wolf followed their line of sight, gazing at the sky for a few moments before turning to the rest of the pack, letting out a soft howl, he took a a moment to give Amora and Loki a gentle nuzzle, he turned to Fenrir as they pressed their foreheads against eachother for a moment for a moment, before seperating and turning inwards towards the pack as the other wolves began to follow, heading deeper into the forest.

"Wait!" Loki said panic rising in his voice "where are you going?"

Unconsciously Gripping Fenrirs saddle, Loki turned to his companion and asked in a panicked tone "Amora, when does summer end on Vanahiem?" Concern now taking hold of his body.

The young witch took a moment to think, a sharp gasp escaping her throat, she spoke hurriedly "Oh norns, Loki, I'm so sorry, it's the Autumn Equinox, that's what the firework was, it's how Vanir welcome the new season"

They turned to look at the retreating wolves, "they're leaving" the Prince whispered breathlessly.

Fenrirs mother, approached the trio, first to Amora, giving her a soft nuzzle across her cheek, then to Loki wrapping her meter long tail around him in a hug, then finally, her son, the son she thought she had lost, all those years ago, now a fully grown wolf.

A tear rolled down her muzzle as she locked necks with him, wrapping her tail around her son tightly, Fenrir let out a quiet sob when they finaly separated, giving the trio one final look she turned and began walking towards the pack.

Loki stood still for a moment, registering all that had happend, their journey, the cave, finding Fenrirs family, it had all happend for a reason, he thought about what the wise woman had said to him 'are you ready, to let him go?' The young Prince clenched his fists, he had to be steadfast and make the right decision, even if the pain of it, killed him.

"Wait, please!" he said stopping some of the pack, in their tracks.

Turning to the wolf, he rescued many years ago, keeping him safe under the branches of a lonely snow covered willow, he steadied himself as he spoke, "Fen, ...go, go with them" gesturing to the pack.

Fenrir tilted his head in confusion looking at the gathering of wolves, then back to his his friend, he let out a small whine, his ears going flat, Loki moved to place his hands on the wolfs cheeks gently rubbing circles into his fur.

he let out an unsteady breath and continued "Fen, we did all this for you, we went on the adventure of a lifetime to find your kind, to find answers and we did, not just that we found your pack, Your family, Fenrir, ...I love you, you're my brother, and you always will be" he paused for a moment, that felt like forever.

"but they need you, she needs you"

Fenrir took a step back, there were too many thoughts running through his mind, he looked across to his mother then to Amora and then finaly back to Loki, all he wanted was to find others like him, to know he wasnt alone, he had never even considered the idea of going with his pack, how could he? Asgard was his home, ...but so where they.

Two homes, two familys...

This might be his only chance.

After a few moments ticked by, the wolf gave a gentle nod in agreement, and the Prince of Asgard, did his best to hide the tears now threatening to spill over.

Seeing that her freind needed a moment to compose himself, Amora approached the young wolf, to say her goodbyes, wrapping her arms around his large neck, breathing in his furs earthy scent.

"Have fun out there you big mutt, and... stay safe, we'll be waiting, maybe your pack can come to Asgard for winter"

Fenrir let out a small chuff, his ears finally perked up, as he gently pressed his forehead against hers.

After a few seconds, Amora took a step back, as Loki went about slowly removing Fenrirs sadle and bridle, that he had crafted and sown with his own hands, handing them off to her.

Taking a deep breath he was finally ready to say the words, that still lingered in his heart

"Just promise me, you'll come back, when you're ready" he said, his voice breaking slightly, as he swiped at a tear running down his cheek.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Fenrir hooked his front paw around the Prince's back, pulling him into his large chest, bending his neck down to nuzzle his snout against Lokis cheek, wrapping his tail around the young man so tight, that Loki struggled to gather his breath, as he returned the gesture his arms struggled to wrap themselves around the wolf, but he held on as tight as could as if in fear that they would both float away.

Suddenly, a deep but reasuring voice, spoke to him.

"Brother, yes, one day, always, thank you"

Lokis eyes shot open as he realised where the voice had come from, he held on even tighter, a grateful smile, gracing his lips, he would never doubt the powers of runic magic, ever.

After what seemed like an eternity, they finaly separated, reaching up to wipe at the wet fur along Fenrirs eyes, loki gazed at the Halskjede still nestled around his neck the one Thor had gifted him at the peace summit, holding it gently in his palm, he brushed the stone with his thumb "brothers, always" he said smiling softly at the wolf.

Fenrir huffed in agreement, mirroring his goodbye with Amora, letting out a heavy breath he steadied himself, looking over to his pack, now patiently waiting for him.

"You can do this, Fen" Amora said reasuringly, an excited grin running across her face.

"We'll be fine, go..." Loki added, softly.

Fenrir, took his first unsteady steps, towards the gathering of wolves ahead.

They watched as the once thought last of his kind, reunited with his family.

When he finaly reached them, the young wolf turned to take one last look at the Asgardian and Vanir, who traveled across realms, and through forbidden forests, for him, how lucky he thought to himself, ...two familys.

he took a proud stance, howling towards the encroaching night, as the other wolves followed, a chorus of howls turning into a melody, drifting amongst the trees.

Loki and Amora, laughed softly as they also looked up to the night sky and howled loud as they could muster.

Fenrir turned back again towards the welcoming forest ahead, following the sea of black fur, where ever they may go next...

"Goodbye" Loki whispered, hoping the wind would carry his farewell, as he watched the rings magic kick in, hiding the wolves from sight.

Amora smiled warmly, "Hey, come here" she said wrapping him in a tight hug "Im so very proud of you, you did the right thing, he'll be back, one day" rubbing circles into his back.

Loki returned the hug, a sad smile lingering on his face, as he asked "Then why does it hurt so much?"

"That's just love my freind, nothing to be can be done about that I'm afraid" Amora said as they finaly separated, swiping at the tears falling onto her cheek.

"Hey have you ever attended an autumn equinox party They're pretty fun" she said as they began their long journey back to the village, then home to Asgard.

Loki laughed, "sure, i could do with some dancing" as he went to pick up Fenrirs saddle and bridle, he would need them again one day.

"So how are we going to tell your family, what happend?" Amora asked

"Oh gods" Loki whispered, cringing inwardly.

Maybe the Forbidden forest would be safer than, dealing with his mother.

The End

Chapter Text

"Captain, over here, I heard something" the Einherjar informed to his superior, "it sound like a pack of wolves howling, just past those trees" pointing his torch to a small clearing ahead.

the Captain furrowed his brow as he stared intently at the forest ahead of them, he listened for any sign or sound.

A few minutes passed, but nothing, the captain sighed as he turned to leave, motioning for his Einherjar to follow, when suddenly a conversation could be heard.

"So, how do we explain what happend"

"I would say lie, but I don't think that will work this time"

"Agreed, I guess we just have to accept our fate, and tell the King and Queen the truth, i just hope they don't give us some strange punishment like, water the mighty Yygradrasil for a thousand years, using only a goblet"

Thunderous laughter, loud enough to up root trees followed.

The Captain gasped sharply through his teeth, as he regocnized one of the voices, "that sounded like the Prince!" He yelled, swinging his torch left and right, attempting to get a look through the trees.

"Prince Loki, is that you?!" The Captain bellowed at the trees,

Loki and Amora suddenly stopped dead in their tracks, their feet frozen in place.

"Who in the nine realms is that?" Amora whispered under her breath, grasping Hoguns bow tightly.

Loki regocnized that voice, "That's Captain Gunnar, what are the Einjerhars doing here" he said wincing, at the reality now setting in.

"Prince Loki, we have come to find you, the Qeeun and Court sorceress are here, they fear you could be in great danger!" The Captain bellowed again as he began moving through the thick branches, towards where the chatter and laughter had come from.

*

After a few hours of trudging through the Feilan forest, and gathering the other patrols, they finaly arrived back at the village.

Loki, Amora and the patrols of Einjerhar finally emerged from the dark forest, the torches they carried, giving the look of a sea of red glowing eyes in the night.

The Queen of Asgard, paced back and forth, wringing her hands nervously, then she suddenly came to a halt, her silk shoes digging into the dirt beneath her, as she saw the a light out of the corner of her eye, turning to see what news the Einjerhar brought, something even better was there, her son.

She gasped sharply, as she examined her youngest son visually, he didn't seem injured at all, his clothes were fine, apart from patches of red powder, scattered across his face and hands, she also noticed he was holding Fenrirs saddle and bridle, but Fenrir wasn't with him...

Loki locked eyes with his mother, the expression on her face, stopped him in his step, she looked almost distraught, his heart seemed to squeeze inside his chest, he never meant to worry anyone in their pursuit for answers, least of all her.

"Mother i-" he attempted to spit out.

But the Queen closed the distance between them in seconds, wrapping her arms around him, in a crushing embrace, causing him to drop the saddle bridle he still carried to the ground.

"Your brother and Astrid told me everything" she said, the sound of relief evident In her voice. "I feared I might have lost you, my boy" rubbing circles into his shoulder, the same way she did when he was a child.

Loki winced under his breath, "I'm so sorry mother, I never meant to worry you, please forgive me" he whispered, doing his best to not let any tears escape.

After a minute had passed they separated, but the Queen held her son at arms length her hands resting on his shoulders.

"Why, why did you lie?" She asked her brow furrowed and lips pursed.

Loki felt ashamed, his stomach twisting into knots, like Jormungander when he would wrap around his prey, "I was scared that if I told you the truth you would never had allowed us to come here, I never meant to cause you distress, but it was too important...we had to"

The Queen let out a tired sigh, wiping at some of the powder that still stuck to his face, "At least you're safe now, both of you" she looked over to Amora with an eyebrow raised.

Amora for her part had been attempting to slyly hide behind the captian, "Thank you, for showing us mercy, my Queen" she said revealing a nervous smile, as she approached them.

"Wait" Frigga said scouring the area, her face flashed with concern, as she looked down to the ground where Fenrirs bridle and saddle still lay "Where is Fenrir?"

The Einjerhars also seemed to realise that the group was one short, expressions of confusions hidden by their helmets.

A small but growing smile, pulled at the corners of Loki's face, as he began explaining, the events that had occurred over that past few days.

"We actually found them, the Giant Nomadic Wolves, they never went extinct, there was also this cave and..." the young Prince pause for a second "Fenrir left with them, but he'll be back, one day..." he said, the last few words tappering of into the air, his hands began to wring themselves onto eachother.

"Oh my sweet son" the Queen spoke softly, pulling her youngest into a conforming embrace, Amora who had been awkwardly standing by, until the Queen pulled her in aswell, causing her to squeak out of suprise as she became enveloped.

A few moments past when a yell, loud enough to uproot the mighty world tree down, could be heard from the distance.

"Apprentice!" The voice hollored, in the distance.

The trio seperatated from their embrace, all turning to see an enraged sorceress stomping towards them, dust flying in the air, as her unsuitable silk heels, shifted the ground underneath them.

"Oh no... let me go with the wolves!" Amora exclaimed, turning to face the forest instead of her fuming teacher, but luck would not be on her side, as the Queen reached out and grasped onto her shoulder, rooting her to the spot.

Finaly, Karnilla reached them, her nostrils flaring and her face a feirce red, Loki thought for a second, steam might start pouring from her nostrils.

"Mistre-" Amora attempted to spit out, but was interrupted, as the older woman, grasped her shoulders, and pulled the young sorceress towards her, locking her hands behind Amoras back.

it took her a few seconds to realise the older witch was holding her in a tight enfoldment.

Confusion flashed across Amora face as she attempted to return the affection wrapping her arms around her teaches mid section, resting her head on her chest, the court sorceress very rarely showed affection, or praise, it just wasn't something she was a natural at like Frigga was.

A moment passed and Karnilla finaly spoke, "You are my responsibility, I would never forgive myself if anything happend to you" her voice straining slightly, as she said this.

Amora sighed deeply, ashamed more now than when facing the Queen, even though she could be feirce and astute at times, the young woman still considered her the closest thing to a mother.

"I'm sorry, mistress" Amora said,

"No, I am sorry" Karnilla said taking a step back, she turned her head slightly to swipe at a tear rolling down her cheek, "maybe that crazy old woman is right... you both are old enough, to start forging your own paths"

She said Turning to face Frigga, who smiled, nodding in agreement.

Karnilla then looked over to Loki, her brow raised and her arms crossed, and her stance, intimidating, "Odinson, I asked you to keep my apprentice safe and in one piece, ...even though you did lie about your intentions for coming here, you kept your promise, I hope that your deception towards your mother and I was worth it and that you found what you came in search for" she said with a tone of genuine sincerity in her voice.

Loki nodded, keeping a stoic expression as he spoke "Yes, court sorceress, it was thank you, I apologise for lying to you, but I would like to add that without Amora, we would never have found out the truth of what happend to Fenrirs kind and reunting him with them"

He said smiling softly at his friend, who returned the smile giving his shoulder a playful shove.

Karnilla humphed "Well of course, I trained her you, no one can expect any less, now let us get out of this village, my shoes are ruined, and I need a hot bath, she said, holding her arm out, for Frigga, who gladly took it as they began to chatter with eachother, walking back towards the center of the village, where the Bifrosts portal mark lay singed into the dirt.

"Oh before we leave my son the wise woman had asked to see you" his mother informed him. Before turning back around with and strolling Karnilla, arm in arm.

"God's. Loki. I think Karnilla and your mother are actually becoming friends"

The Prince smiled, in return, "You know, we would never have managed all this without you"

"It's what friends do for eachother" she said, returning the smile.

Loki scanned the village. Spotting the old woman sat by an overturned log, there was a small bundle of fireworks laid next to her.

"Captain alert Heimdal to get the bifrost prepared to go. I will get us ready for the journey." Frigga called in the distance.

Loki ambled towards the wise woman, taking short uncertain steps.

"Ah, there you are, Prince of Asgard, I noticed your freind is not with you, I assume that means you found the answer you were looking for" the old woman said as she brushed a slab of willow bark with the same powder she had gifted them at the start of their journey, as she sat by the fire.

"We did, but one thing I still don't understand, if you knew they were here why send us to the cave, it added a whole day to our journey, a day long enough for my mother to find out our true intentions" Loki said, taking a seat on chipped log.

"Your freind, He needed to know the truth, the only way we can change our future, is by learning from the past, I have spoken" she said softly staring at the fire, her lip forming a tight line.

"You're not just talking about the Fenrir are you?" Loki asked cautiously, gauging the womans reaction from the corner of his eye.

The old woman sighed deeply, her expression held a sense of sadness she placed her wethered hand ontop of his, "what my our ancestors did was wrong, we Vanir share our land, we do not dig our hands into the dirt and claim it all for ourselves, balance between us and the great forests and all that reside inside of them is all that matters"

Loki stared towards the fire, he thought back to the ring that had been given to the lead wolf, someone had obviously cared for them, and wished to keep them safe.

it reminded him of something Tyr would often say "All that is needed for evil to take hold is that good people do nothing" he whispered aloud.

"Hmm that is right, but you forgot to something. You need to finish it with a nod of the head and then you say, I have spoken" The wise woman said, a small smile lifting her wethered face.

Loki chuckled quietly to himself but did as she requested "I have spoken" he repeated softly.

"Loki come on Heimdal will open the bifrost soon" Amora yelled from a distance.

The young prince began to stand from his seat when the old woman placed her hand across his, halting his movement.

"Wait, young man, take this" she said handing him the willow bark she had previously been painting.

Loki gasped sharply as he gazed at the slab of wood, she had painted a portrait of Fenrir... she had even included his Halskjede hanging from his neck.

Loki dropped his eyes down to her, a grateful smile played across his face, "I can't accept this, it's too much" he croaked out, a wave of emotions washing over him.

The old woman shook her head as she also stood from her seat, reaching into her pocket as she said "When a loved one, takes a journey far from home, we paint their likeness on a piece of bark, using powered Lingonberries, the vibrant red represents love and reunion, We traditionally use oak, but for some reason, I felt that willow would be the right choice for this particular piece, please take it"

Loki stood their speechless, out of all the gifts, tokens and sweet gestures he had recieved over the years, none compared to this simple piece of bark.

I have my own actually, my son painted it for me before he left" she said handing him a small rounded picture in her hand.

The young prince took hold of the painting, he furrowed his brow as he examined it closely, why did it seem familiar?

"Hogun..." he gasped out as he regocnized the face, "Hoguns your son, the bow you gave us belonged to him..."

The wise woman smiled warmly as Loki handed her it back to her.
"Yes, I never wanted him to leave but I realised to let him grow into the man he would become I would have to say goodbye, but that doesn't mean it hurts any less" she spoke softly. Swiping her thumb across the painting.

Loki bit his lip and ruminated on her words after a few stolen seconds he turned towards her, straightened his back and bowed deeply.

"Thank you for everything, great wise woman, truly I mean it, if you ever need my assistance no matter great or small I shall come" He said rising from his bow.

"And I thank you, young prince of Asgard and take heart your friend will return, one day, I have spoken"