Chapter Text
The Royalty gardens were a relatively new place in the Asgard castle. They were restricted to only the nobility and the royals themselves. Flanked on three sides by high white walls that supported the greenest and most rare ivy, and shadowed by the large impressive form of the royal chambers themselves, the gardens provided more than enough privacy to any member of the royal court or the royal family itself, should they choose to indulge.
Right now the winter sun, so rare these days, shone down on the garden, illuminating the glittering snow and gathering on one of the small groups of people sitting on a large carpet placed on the ice. Food of all sorts was scattered on the blue, white trimmed rug in a manner that indicated that a jolly picnic was taking place.
Sigyn was there, calmly munching on cheese and bread as she leaned back on Theoric's lap, listening to Thor narrate his latest escapade. The warrior's three and Sif were there, too, cutting into the conversation and occasionally negating Thor's exaggerated heroics. He laughed with them when they agreed and mocked them in good nature, calling them on their jealousy, when they said something that opposed his words. All in all, they were having a good time.
Sigyn's gaze went to the prince, sprawled as he was, on the thick rug. He had changed in the past five years, not much physically even though his hair, which had grown much longer, was now chopped so that it reached just between his shoulder blades or his overall form, that had grown larger still, if possible. His person had changed.
It had been five years since Thor had returned from Midgard, after stopping his brother's rampage against the weaklings, and did those five years change him. He had lost much of his good humor, his smiles and his joyful nature. Taking its place had been rage, anger and a fury so strong it had even made his friends take a few steps back. He hadn't been happy about his brother's sentence and he had nothing to take it out on.
Now, he had improved. He still had bouts of rage so powerful that many left the premises, but he had more than enough jovial times and laughs to make up for those. Like right now, laughing with his friends at his antics where he recently went to fight a large mob of boars that were terrorizing a village nearby. There had been twelve of those ghastly beasts and each one had been served up as food for the peasants.
Yes, her prince had certainly changed in the five years after his return.
"So what of the leader of the village?" Theoric asked, his voice rumbling over Sigyn's spine " I heard he kissed the royal knuckles with more passion than necessary."
The Warriors chuckled and Thor rolled his eyes.
"They exaggerate" he said "he was merely grateful."
"Aye, that he was" Volstagg said, stuffing meat into his mouth "and he was more than willing to show exactly how grateful he was if Thor gave him a chance."
Thor laughed with his friends "Come now you know it was nothing like that."
He playfully shoved Volstagg, but it was of no use since the man was planted on his heavy bottom. It was probably a ruse, for Thor, to avoid having the slight embarrassed flush to his cheeks noticed.
It didn't work.
Theoric laughed and pointed it out "Look how he blushes!"
Thor glared at him amid the laughter of his friends "Watch it, Theoric, or I might take offence at that."
Theoric blew a kiss at him and winked "Go ahead, prince."
Thor began to stand, ready for a wrestling match. Sigyn scrambled off Theoric's lap and Thor pounced a second later.
The cheering reached the skies as Theoric and Thor wrestled in the snow, each a trained warrior, each capable of defeating the other. Sigyn watched, only a little nervous, as Thor managed to get Theoric in a pin.
For only an instant, as Theoric easily slipped from his grasp and attacked.
She smiled as the match and cheering went on for a good ten minutes. Clearly, no man was winning. Eventually, breathless, Theoric raised a hand.
"Enough, I concede"
"Ha!" Thor slapped his hands together, getting rid of the snow on them "defeated so readily?"
"No" Theoric breathed "I would love to take you on any time of day, prince, but my beloved warrants my attention more than a match at the moment."
Sigyn blushed furiously as the men howled.
Thor clapped his good friend on the back "A good reason as any, friend." He pushed him forward "Go enjoy her smiles; you waste your time with me."
Theoric needed no second command. He walked over to the red faced Sigyn and took her in his arms.
"Worried, were you?" he asked, looking down at her.
"Not in the least" she said.
Theoric kissed her forehead and Sigyn's eyes fell on the thick scar across his throat. She concealed her shudder well, when reminded of how she had gained him back after losing him so cruelly.
"Thy lunch is getting cold, lovers" Fandral called
Sigyn extracted herself from Theoric and sat cross legged on the rug again, this time digging into an orange.
Thor sat back his head placed, suddenly, in Sif's lap.
"So, what have you planned for this day?" Thor asked, opening his mouth as Sif put a grape inside.
Sigyn watched her prince "Well, I had a few spells I needed to test out. I was hoping for someone to volunteer."
The answers to her small query never came.
The castle doors burst open with such force that they slammed back against the walls, gaining everyone's attention.
Sigyn looked up to feel a trickle of genuine fear and regret crawled up and down her back. Theoric's hand on her shoulder tightened, probably of its own violation.
Their other prince walked through the doors in a manner befitting royalty. His head was held high, his back straight. He made no sound as he walked over the path that divided the gardens and lead out to the rest of the castle. His face was impassive, eyes intelligent as he took in every presence and ignored it. His steel based boots clicked on the polished icy marble as he made a determined way to wherever he was heading.
No one could call Loki anything other than royal; he was the epitome of it in his emerald and blacks. Royal stride, royal demeanor and royal blue blood in his icy veins. He was just as proud as his stature, considering the nobility and the one single royal around him only barely as he walked through.
Thor's narrowed eyes watched Loki. His brother's entrance, as always, was impressive. Where Thor had to announce his arrival in a manner befitting a king, Loki didn't even have to try. He would just enter a room and every gaze, all attention was his. The worst part was that, although he denied it, it always left a slight sting of jealousy within Thor. He watched his adopted brother walk through the nobility dotted across the gardens and past him without acknowledging their presence.
"Barely even turned his head" Volstagg commented.
Thor hummed but said nothing else.
Loki disappeared past the narrow gates at the other end of the gardens and so did the antagonism inside him.
"So" he said casually "A volunteer, is needed?"
The group relaxed, happy that their prince had let go of the anger her had undoubtedly felt and began talking again.
Though Sigyn replied often enough, she always found her gaze going to the place where her one time husband had vanished so resolutely.
***
It was getting dark, the ceiling to the library had long since turned into a black abyss and the blackness crept down the walls now. Loki had to light a couple of candles as he continued reading the thick, parched paper book laid on the table in front of him.
One hand was laid straight and flat on the table, his fingers playing an idle tattoo on the wood, while the other was holding the end of the paper, softly massaging his fingertips against the rough page. His green eyes moved with excellent speed, taking in the foreign magic language without a hitch.
His feet were under the chair, elegantly crossed at the ankles and his posture was proud as always. Beside him, two more books lay read and learnt. He came to the end of the passage and turned the page. In doing so, his gaze lifted to the wall in front of him, behind the array of shelves, and to the larger than life portrait of the great thunder god.
Loki allowed himself a moment of disgust and went back to his reading. He had neither the time nor the inclination for someone so stupid.
When they had returned, Loki had been bound and gagged like a horse, taken to Odin's throne room and thrown at his feet. Thor had shoved him so hard in anger that Loki had stumbled, kneeling in front of his king unwillingly.
Odin had looked down at him, so much emotion in his eyes, that Loki had taken a few minutes to understand them all.
Thor had been standing behind him, hoping that Loki remember his words clearly.
'Imagine a room so small you can neither stand nor lie in it. That the only company you will have will be the teeth marks and the scratches of men that were trapped in it before you. Your thoughts shall plague you and your mind will leave. Remember that room, brother, for it was your design. Now, you shall stay there till you repent.'
Loki had remembered his words and he had recalled them as Odin stood and walked down the steps of the dais…
…only to drop to his knees in front of Loki. He grabbed Loki's face in his hands and pulled him close and before Loki knew it, was begging him. Odin was asking for forgiveness, saying he understood what made him want to hurt him. He told him he knew that he had only acted in anger and it was no one's fault but his. Then he said something Loki had never heard him say.
'I love you, my son.'
The shock that coursed through Loki was beyond description. All he could do was stare at the man, his king, his All-Father, as he crumbled before him. He had never , not even in his wildest imagination, thought this would happen.
Apparently, Thor had been just as shocked as he. But where Loki remained inactive in his surprise, Thor turned to suspicion and anger. He grabbed Loki from behind and slammed him into a nearby pillar, demanding he tell him the curse he had undoubtedly placed upon his father.
When he was there, seeing stars dance before him, held by the throat against a heavy pillar, Loki became aware of Odin yelling at Thor. A few moments later, Loki was free and he managed to stay on his feet rather than fall and disgrace himself.
In the time Thor and Odin argued, Loki composed himself enough to hear them.
Thor was demanding that Odin think straight and punish Loki instead of forgiving him. Odin yelled back at him that it was his decision and his alone.
Eventually, through their yelling, Thor gained enough sense to fall silent. He turned to Loki with a previously unseen anger in his gaze.
'Now, release his bond and leave us' Odin had said.
Loki watched carefully as Thor approached him again.
Thor had seen his eyes crinkle and knew that the trickster was grinning beneath that muzzle. It made more boiling fury rise in him. Slowly, obeying his king Thor reached up and, all the while gazing into Loki's insolent gaze, removed the muzzle.
He had been right.
Loki's eyes and his toothy grin mocked him. He didn't say anything, but even as Thor removed his chains, Loki chuckled softly.
It had taken every ounce of control for Thor to not fling Loki through the nearest wall, but he managed it and in the end he left the room like Odin had ordered.
A few hours later, Loki had emerged from the throne room, a thick onyx ring on the middle finger of his right hand, and gone straight to the containment chambers. It had later become known that the ring stopped all magic. Where he wore one, Odin wore the other. Odin's ring was more powerful, capable of controlling the magic that Loki's bound and the trickster was to wear it. Even when he was sentenced to five years in an isolation cell, the ring stayed tightly on his finger.
However, Odin's heart proved kind. Where Thor was angry at the unjust and light punishment, Odin couldn't stand the torment it was putting him through. so, instead of letting Loki complete the five years, he let him go after only three. Though Loki was free enough, his ring stayed on till the original allotted time.
Obviously, Loki wasn't happy about it, but the knowledge at his free movement throughout the castle angered Thor made it more and more bearable every day.
As his fingers played the tune and his eyes roved over the pages, Loki's ring suddenly clacked against the wood, gaining his attention.
He looked at it, a feeling of loss covering him for the merest moment before his usual, scorning grin took its place.
His ring would come off eventually, Thor's anger would not diminish and that was something Loki intended to cherish.
With a renewed humor, Loki went back to his reading, the tattoo he played gaining more rhythm this time round.
***
Holding the parcels more firmly in her harms, Sigyn raced through the halls, careful not to drop any of the firmly packaged objects.
It was Sif's day of birth today and Thor had suggested no one give her any sort of blessings, pretending not to notice her special day and then surprise her later into the evening.
It was evening now, and the room they had chosen for the small feast was Sigyn's practice room. The chambers were small and ideal for the plan because Sif avoided them at all costs, should she be pulled in for a spell testing.
Sigyn knew that the Warriors Three and Thor had taken Sif out of the castle and would be returning in an hour. That left her and Theoric to take care of the food and slight decorations that needed to be put up. Therefore, she was currently balancing candles, streams of ribbon and goblets in her dainty arms as she ran to the practice chambers. Her feet didn't even skid as she rounded a corner.
And crashed head on into something firm and solid.
So unyielding was the object that Sigyn ended up flat on her rear, her things scattered around her in a noisy clutter.
"Could you watch where you are –" she broke off her irritated tirade as she looked up.
The familiar twinges of fear ran through her.
Loki looked down at her, an eyebrow elegantly raised.
"My prince," she began "I apologize, I didn't-"
"You are in my way" Loki said flatly, raising a leg and stepping over her to continue down his path, unhindered.
She watched his retreating back then looked at the things she had dropped.
Footsteps sounded from the rooms and Theoric emerged.
"Sigyn!" he rushed over "what happened? I heard a crash."
She stood without his help "Nothing, I just slipped, running as I was."
Theoric smiled "Goose. I thought that Loki did something to you. I saw him leave the chambers a few moments ago."
"No" Sigyn said, collecting her fallen items "I saw him leave, too."
She deposited the things in Theoric's arms and beamed at him "Let us go."
Theoric followed her, lost in her beautiful gaze, as they made their way back.
Halfway through the decoration, Fandral arrived, announcing that he intended on helping. He was assigned the task of making sure the table was evenly laid out for food and that there was more than enough edible substance to sustain even Volstagg.
"I think there needs to be more" Fandral said as he eyed the fruits, sweets and breads spread around "I once saw him eat more than this in one sitting."
Theoric laughed and clapped him on the back "Then we shall control him, my friend, perhaps Thor would undertake the task."
"Control Volstagg?" Sigyn laughed "There is more chance of Sif giving up fighting."
"That is true…" Fandral considered.
Footsteps sounded in the hall and Hogun appeared "Is everything ready?"
They nodded and he vanished again.
Sigyn closed the drapes around the room and pulled it into darkness. Theoric and Fandral were stationed next to them, to fling them open when Sif arrived. A few more footsteps sounded, and the figures of Hogun and Volstagg entered, silhouetted against the door.
Volstagg headed straight for the table.
There was a tight slapping sound.
"Ouch! What was that for?" Volstagg said
"Keep your hands to yourself" Hogun rasped.
Theoric and Sigyn smiled while Fandral chuckled.
Suddenly voices sounded outside.
"I do not care if she is a good friend" Sif was saying "If she tries magic, I will refuse."
"Just give this a chance, maybe you will like it" Thor replied.
They came through the halls.
"Surprise!"
Theoric and Fandral pushed the curtains aside, the rest of them yelled loudly, laughing and clapping. They walked forward, ecstatic at her shocked expression.
Sif stood agape "What…?"
Thor laughed and put an arm around her shoulders "Did you really think we would forget?"
"I…"
"Blessings on the day of your birth" Sigyn came over to embrace her.
Sif grinned at her, then took everyone's blessings and entered the room. She saw the ribbons, the decorations, the lovely food and all her friends. Sif felt overwhelmed.
"This is too much" she smiled "Thank you."
"Do indulge" Hogun smirked, glaring at Volstagg when he tried sneaking into the desserts. The large man stopped.
"Don't mind if I do" Sif said, walking up to the table and lifting a platter.
"Do hurry," Fandral said "Voltstagg has been eyeing the tables for far too long and I doubt he can contain himself any longer."
Sif laughed, placing some sweet pie into her platter "Well, as long it's my day, he can enjoy everything as he wishes."
"Do not encourage me to" Volstagg said, already filling his plate "Believe Fandral and I when I say there might not be much left after an invitation like that."
Thor laughed, along with his friends and relaxed. This evening was going to be a wonderful one.
They talked and ate, enjoying the private feast for over two hours before they were interrupted.
The doors were pushed open and Loki stood between them. Immediately, all merriment stopped.
Thor slit his gaze "Loki, what are you doing here?"
"Ever so welcomed" Loki sneered "Right, brother?"
Thor growled and Sif put a hand on his arm. "Tell us why you invade our feast, Loki."
"Oh, so that's what it was" Loki asked in mock surprise "Forgive me, the raucous noise threw me off, I thought someone was dying in here."
Thor strained against Sif's grasp.
"But do not worry" Loki spoke before he could "I came here against my will because I have a question to ask - you."
His green eyes turned to Sigyn, who immediately felt conscious.
"Me?" she asked, noting Theoric move closer to her.
Loki rolled his eyes "Such distrust. Anyway, I wish to know where Amora has gone. I have not seen her all morning, since you spend so much time with her, I find myself lowered to asking you, where is she?"
"Why do you wish to-" Sigyn asked, ignoring the escalating tension in the room.
"Just" Loki cut in "Answer my question. Do you know where she is?"
"No," Sigyn said "But I - "
"That is all" Loki spun around suddenly and walked away.
Thor scoffed when he left, keeping what rude thoughts he had to himself.
There was an awkward moment as everyone tried to think of something to say, something to diffuse the tension.
It didn't work, Loki had successfully diminished the good mood.
***
Thor was couldn't sleep. He had had so much to eat, it was becoming difficult for him to sleep now. When he had laid down, his stomach had started to hurt and he had to make an effort just to get up and go to the bath. However, that hadn't solved his problem and he thought maybe a walk might help.
When the pain had receded, he had stood and walked out of his rooms, out of the halls and eventually into the snow covered Royalty gardens.
The hour was late and there was no one around.
The newly settled snow was so crystalline it seemed magical. Thor walked on the path between the royal chambers and the castle. The cold night air nipped at him and he wished he had brought along something warmer than the simple cloak he wore.
He walked the marble path a couple of times, feeling slowly better, and noticed something he had previously not seen.
A trail of footsteps led from the immediate exit of the doors into the snow and curled around the side of the building.
Curious, Thor followed them, wondering who else could be up at this time. The trail traveled along the side of the building and then behind it, where they began a straight path to the small shed that had once been the watchman's post.
Thor followed them, aware that he could end up with a failed search but since it took his attention away from the pain in his gut he didn't mind. There was little light coming from the shed and Thor opened the cracked and slightly bent door.
The occupant looked up in surprise. He grabbed a few papers and pulled them out of view.
"Thor!" Loki said, blinking from his spot on the floor "What are you doing here?"
"What are those?" Thor asked, pointing to the papers Loki had hidden.
Loki smirked, his usual demeanor overtaking the surprise "None of your concern, brother. Why are you here?"
Thor frowned lightly "I could not sleep. Why are you here?"
Loki stood "My business."
Thor narrowed his gaze and stepped into the shed, making the confined space even tighter. He closed the door behind him. Loki took a step back and stumbled a little, there was suddenly no space for him to move to.
"Thor, what the Hel are you doing?" Loki asked, moving his arms to gain some balance.
Thor grabbed his arm – unyieldingly "Answer my question. Are you practicing magic?"
Loki narrowed his gaze dangerously "Release me or you shall regret it, Thor"
"Answer me" Thor hissed
"You have till the count of three" Loki rasped.
"Have you found a way to harness magic?" Thor asked a little loudly.
"One"
"Loki!"
"Two…"
Thor shook him hard "Tell me!"
The door to the shed was thrown open as Thor flew through it, falling with a groan into an ungraceful heap in the snow. The blow was so hard he skidded in the ice before stopping.
He lay there blinking for a while.
Snow crunched beneath his feet as Loki drew near. He changed his arm back to his pale form from the Jotun blue it had become.
"Not magic, brother" Loki said, looking down at him "Harnessing my natural prowess."
Thor growled and moved to sit. Only to have Loki plant a foot on his chest and push him back down.
"Don't you dare sneak up on me again" Loki warned "I will not be so tolerant next time."
Thor tried moving, but found Loki stunningly strong. His foot was actually beginning to hurt him.
Loki bent low and looked him in the eyes "Understand it."
They stared at each other for a while. Loki's gaze was cold, collected and warning. Thor's blue gaze was blazing in anger, fury and bruised pride.
Then Loki smiled at him and removed his foot. He straightened and walked back into the castle, talking over his shoulder "Good night, brother. I hope whatever ails you lingers for a while longer."
Thor stared after him, too angry to say anything. He was sitting up in the snow, one hand moving over his chest where Loki had placed his foot and where he had been hit not too long ago.
***
Loki growled in frustration as another spell became undone a second after it started.
The goblet he was levitating fell to the ground with a metallic clank.
Loki exhaled loudly and ran his fingers through his hair.
"Damn it" he muttered.
He put his elbows on his knees and placed his head in his palms, slowly kneading his scalp, trying to make the pain go away. He was sitting cross legged on the floor of the shed, this time placing a lock on the doors to avoid what happened last time, his pages of incantations and enchantments spread around him.
Thor had been right; he had been practicing magic.
Since the ring on his finger had stopped all his own craft, he had been using someone else's. It had been easy enough, looking for a host, mainly because she was so willingly available to him.
Loki knew Amora had a desire to be queen and had eyed Thor for a long time now. She spent time with Sif and Sigyn in the hopes that their closeness with the prince would eventually lead to her being close – if not closer – to the golden god. It hadn't worked as well as she had hoped and Amora often found her subtle signals ignored by Thor. Thor was simply too thick to understand the under currents, the finely wrapped words Amora flung at him, but Loki saw them. He sensed them and he knew he could manipulate her into giving him use.
So, one night, after Amora had had too much to drink, Loki had played the caring friend and guided her to her chambers. There, he had sat patiently as she broke down, revealing her desire for Thor and how badly she wanted him. Loki shook his head at the appropriate points and nodded at the right moments and eventually left her asleep.
She had sought him out the next day to thank him and he had hinted at the false desire he had for her. Amora's eyes lit up, then. If she couldn't have Thor, she could settle for Loki. They had started spending time together in secret, Loki insisting on privacy for their own good, and Amora couldn't have been happier.
Eventually, she had begun sharing his bed and found herself the happiest. She didn't dare tell Sif or Sigyn, but every time she saw Thor or Theoric, she couldn't help but think that she had got the better part of the bargain.
Loki knew this of course, how she was taking their relationship, and he didn't care. She could weave all the dreams and hopes she wanted. All he needed was her magic.
It was a simple thing to steal her magic. All he needed to do was touch her and he absorbed from her. The more intimate the touch, the more magic he took. She didn't know; the trick was imperceptible and being the trickster himself, Loki performed it with unbelievable skill. Amora had no idea of what he was really doing.
He was calmer now. He lifted his head and then slowly raised his hands, fingers spread, to the goblet once more. His lips moved in the silence and the goblet lifted off the ground. It levitated without hobbling and Loki lifted it higher till it touched the roof of the shed with a small click.
He smiled, perfect teeth flashing in the candle light.
Suddenly he heard footsteps crunch in the snow.
The goblet fell and Loki caught it. He grabbed the papers around him and shoved them in his pocket. He blew out the candle and listened.
The steps came closer. They were heavy and determined.
There was a knock on the door.
"Loki, open up" Thor called "I wish to discuss something."
Loki rolled his eyes. He had no desire to talk to that oaf. He remained silent.
Thor knocked again "Come on, Loki I saw the light go out, I know you are in there."
Sighing, Loki rose to his feet. He unlatched the door slowly and pushed it open.
Thor stood before him. He glanced behind Loki, at the random clutter on the shed floor, then at his face.
"What are you doing in here?" Thor asked
Loki shrugged "You have something of import to say to me? If not then, pray, let me leave."
"No, I – " Thor rubbed the back of his neck "I just wished to talk."
"Why?" Loki asked.
Either it was his imagination or Thor had flushed.
"I kind of need your help" Thor said.
Loki had imagined it. He was probably imagining this as well.
"What?" he asked, frowning.
Thor looked around "I need your – can we go someplace else? The cold is bitter."
Loki raised a brow at him but that was the most of his movement. "Why?" he asked again.
This was a completely different question and Thor didn't really have an answer to it.
"I just – " he broke off "I know how awkward this must feel, but I honestly require your assist. No one else will do."
Loki looked at him, going through various options. He leaned forward slightly, arms crossed, and looked around.
Thor smiled a little "There is no trick. I come alone."
"Forgive me if I do not believe you" Loki said, taking a step out "our past makes sure of the distrust between us." He looked at Thor and sighed "State your demand. If I deem it worthy, I shall hear the rest of it."
Thor exhaled, knowing this was the one chance he had to do this right "There is an amulet buried deep in the Black Forest. The Warrior's Three and I –"
"No" Loki cut in and walked past him.
Thor blinked "Wait, you have not even heard the rest of it."
"I do not care to" Loki replied over his shoulder.
"Loki!" Thor followed, growling at the reason he was doing this.
~~~~
Theoric placed the map on the table with flourish and looked down at it.
"There" his finger rested on a point somewhere deep in the forest "This is where they saw it last."
"You mean the adventurers?" Thor asked, looking down at the large map. It fell over the corners of the table it was set on. Thor watched the forest lay out, one hand across his chest while the other's elbow was planted on his hand, fingers idly scratching his chin; he was thinking.
"Yes" Thoeric looked at him, eyes shining behind the flaming hair as it fell over his forehead. His gaze glittered "So what, say Prince? Are you ready for action?"
"The Black Forest is more dangerous than anything else we come across" Thor said "combined."
His blue gaze lifted when he heard a metallic clank.
Sif was sparring with Hogun on the mats. Volstagg and Fandral were cheering them on from the benches in the practice arena, while Sigyn watched from the farthest bench, half her gaze into a thin book she was reading and half of it on the match. Amora cheered for Sif, clapping and calling louder than needed.
"I know that" Theoric said "But does that not light up the fire within?"
"In me, yes" Thor looked at him "I don't know much about them."
Thor nodded to his friends.
Theoric rolled the map up "Why not ask them?"
He walked over, as Thor watched, and interrupted the match. Thor didn't hear what he said, but a few minutes later, all of them were walking over. Thor lowered his hands as they neared.
"So" Sif said, holstering her weapon "The Black Forest. We would need a proper guide, Thor."
Thor's eyes lingered "Who exactly counts as 'we'."
Everyone save Amora raised their hands.
"Sigyn, you too?" Thor asked, raising his brows.
"Of course" she smiled, ignoring Theoric's disapproving gaze "I have been through a lot with you, this adventure will count as another escapade."
Thor hummed and met Theoric's gaze "What say you about this?"
Theoric shrugged "The lady had made up her mind. All I can do is make sure I'm beside her."
Thor nodded.
"Which brings up the point" Fandral said "We all choose a partner."
"Exactly" Thor said, moving to Sif immediately.
Eventually, Volstagg was left without a partner. He announced it immediately.
"You can go with the guide" Theoric said "Which begs the question; that who would do that for us? Or are we enough for maneuvering through the aptly named Forest of Death?"
"It would have to be someone who has gone to the forest more than once and knows the forest like the back of their hand" Sif said
"Someone who has come back alive and unharmed" Fandral suggested.
"The guide would be someone who knows us and knows that we are not as rash headed as many think" Thor said "Otherwise we could end up with no one."
"Also, it has to be someone extremely intelligent and capable of quick thinking in case we need to escape." Hogun said.
The answer came to them together.
"Oh no" Sif groaned
Thor's angry snarl was vey audible "No, there has to be someone else."
"There isn't" Theoric said "He is the only one that fits into every requirement. He knows the forest better than anyone. He goes there the most."
"I said no" Thor growled.
"Then we have no guide" Sigyn said "and we give up this venture."
Their disappointment was almost opaque.
Thor saw their disappointed faces. He knew they were just as excited as he was to go after the amulet. But there was just no way he could bring himself to ask his brother to accompany them.
Yes, Loki fit perfectly into their desired requirements. He had basically lived in the forest as a child and still went there whenever he could. He knew every route in and out, he had survived each visit without a scratch and he –
"He would never agree" Thor said
"We could ask him nicely" Theoric pointed out "Maybe he will concur."
"I doubt it" Sif said "He likes our company as much as we like his."
"Well, we can't go in the forest without him" Fandral said "That would be suicide."
"Then we don't go" Volstagg said, visibly deflating.
Thor felt guilty now. His friends had really wanted to go. He could see it on their faces, the desire for adventure, the craving for danger…
Damn it, he was going to regret this.
He sighed "Fine. I shall ask him."
His friends didn't hide their relief well.
"But don't get your hopes up" Thor said "he will probably refuse and if he agrees, you will have to face his company for more than a day."
That pretty much soured their mood
~~~~
But no too much, since Thor was currently chasing after Loki right now.
"Loki" Thor growled and kept a good hold on his temper.
Loki didn't even turn. He kept walking until Thor reached out to grab his shoulder.
"Just give me a chance to talk" Thor said, turning him.
Loki wrenched out of his grasp and looked at him "Obviously, I wasn't clear enough before. I have no desire to go anywhere with you or those rash, dim-witted, cack-headed apes you call friends. As far as I am concerned, you are nothing but a waste of my time and energy. I would rather swallow coal than spend any more time with you than I can help, Thor."
"What if I offered you something, like a favor?" Thor asked, ignoring the parade of insults that had been hurled at him and following Loki as he walked away again.
"No"
Thor sighed angrily and stopped. He didn't want to do this, but he found himself with no choice.
"Come with us" Thor said, his voice hard "Or I will tell father you have found a way to gain magic."
Loki, who had stepped onto the marble path leading back to the chambers, stopped and turned slowly.
His gaze was so deadly, a wiser man would have turned and run. However, Thor remained standing.
"What did you say?" Loki hissed, walking back to him.
"Exactly what you heard" Thor glared back at him "You refuse, and I shall go straight to Father and tell him that you have found a way around his punishment to use magic." He smiled unpleasantly "He won't take kindly to that, now, will he? Especially after he had to convince the entire council to let him give you the lenient punishment you freely enjoy. And I wonder what punishment awaits you after."
Loki slit his gaze, weighing his options. His stolen magic wasn't nearly as strong as he wanted otherwise Thor would have been cowering in pain at his feet. He couldn't have Odin know that he was cheating; the consequences could be grave. He was so angry his posture had gone rigid.
Thor saw his intelligent eyes work and he knew when he won.
He smiled and patted Loki's cheek "Don't fret, you cannot win them all."
Loki pulled back from him. His fury was lightly controlled as he glowered at Thor.
"What" he began, his voice a sound of barely controlled rage "do you have in mind?"
Thor smiled again and walked to the building, gesturing for Loki to follow.
***
"I think we have waited long enough" Sif said, eyeing the sky "If we are to reach the forest before dark, we should leave in the next few minutes."
"If we leave." Fandral said "We don't know if Thor managed to bring his brother into this."
"He's done it many times before" Theoric said, patting his horse "He can do it again."
"Yes," Volstagg said "But that was before Loki had turned himself into one of the worst villains in Asgard."
"True" Hogun said "So what will we do if Loki, by some miracle, agrees?"
"We cross that improbable bridge when it comes" Theoric said.
They waited for a while, their horses ready and nibbling at the small clumps of grass around them. All of them had dismounted and now stood in a group outside the palace gates. There was a small grouping of trees that they had chosen as their meeting point and Thor had yet to show.
If he came with Loki, then their mission was to start and the only problem they would have would be managing the shamed prince. If Thor didn't show, well, their disappointment would be great. The amulet was lost to Asgard centuries ago and if they recovered it, their heroics would be glorious. Of course, that paled in comparison to the adventure they all sought out.
Sigyn looked at the sun "I don't think Thor managed anything."
"I am beginning to agree" Fandral said, his shoulders drooping.
"So what now?" Sif asked.
"Head back?" Theoric asked in a deflated voice.
They had just turned to their steeds when the guards at the small gate went on attention. Their spears stood in a mark of respect and made the small group glance up.
Thor slowly walked his white horse through the gates. His tent and other necessities were rolled or hung on his horse's sides.
"Thor" Fandral smiled "We were getting worried, old chap. Uh – unsuccessful, were you?"
Thor smiled at the hope in his voice and in the expression of his friends' faces. He didn't say anything, just moved his horse forward.
Another figure emerged from the gates, riding his stealthy steed through the small gate. Loki wore a heavy cowl; hood pulled over his head and moved his lean black stallion onward. Like his horse, he was a vision in black and contrasted heavily against the white snow around.
Fandral raised his brows, just as surprised as the rest, but wisely remained silent.
"Are you ready?" Thor smiled at the relief and surprise on his friends' faces.
"Uh" Sif turned her gaze to Thor "Yes"
"Good" Thor grinned "then pair up and start riding, my friends."
There was a minor hustle as the Warriors Three, Sif, Sigyn and Theoric found their rides and mounted them.
Volstagg looked at Loki, who held his head high and watched the scenery around, and then at Thor.
Thor exhaled, knowing what he wanted "Sif, you ride with Volstagg"
Sif looked at him in mild surprise, her hand easing her brown mare, then nodded "Very well"
Thor gave her a grateful look "Alright, then. Let's ride."
He moved far ahead of the group, already naming himself a leader, and the rest followed. Loki narrowed his eyes slightly and let the group pass him by before signaling his horse to follow them. He remained a few steps back, not really part of the group and not really estranged from them. He kept his gaze forward, aware of the surprise of Thor's friends and their silent whispering, and his gloved fingers pulled gently at the reins whenever his horse got tired of walking slowly.
They rode safely enough, keeping up the appearance of a group merely going out to enjoy a relaxing trip in the forest. Going to the Black Forest was forbidden; and that was why Loki preferred to visit it so much. They occasionally waved and nodded to children or peasants that greeted them but otherwise remained focused on their goal.
Thor was in the lead, behind him Hogun and Fandral tailing them were Theoric and Sigyn then Sif and Volstagg. Loki observed them all, deeming them beneath him, watching their body language. Apparently none of them were happy that he had accompanied them. The thought was mutual; he had been forced into this situation and hated it. His green gaze lifted to Thor, who rode on as arrogantly as he could.
Eventually, they reached the outskirts of Asgard's city. The enchanted fields that had been a golden blanket around them had long gone, replaced by the brown and grey stones that signaled the end of the kingdom.
"Alright" Thor pulled the reins of his horse and stopped it "This is far enough, now the fun begins."
The hum of excitement spread throughout the group but left untouched the lone figure at the back.
Theoric pulled his hood over his face and the other did the same. Thor reached up and pulled the cover of his magnificent red cloak over his face – and was doused immediately in rotten, foul smelling mold.
"What the –" he broke off when he heard his friends astonished cries and laughter. He pushed his hood back and began removed the stuff from his hair. "What is this?"
"Mushrooms" Theoric laughed "rotten moushrooms"
Volstagg's great belly rumbled as he chuckled
Thor turned and glared at him, then when he shut up, his gaze lifted to the one figure at the very end of their group.
"You" Thor scowled.
All laughter stopped when Thor turned his horse and made for Loki.
"Thor" Fandral warned but was ignored at Thor prowled past him.
Sif moved her horse forward and blocked his path.
"Thor, calm down" she said, her eyes pleading "Let it go."
Thor didn't look at her; his eyes were locked with Loki's who glared back – daring him to continue.
"Thor" Sif placed a hand on his arm and he visibly calmed "It was a joke, leave it alone."
Thor glowered at Loki for a moment longer, then turned back and headed to the start of the group.
"It grows late by the second" Thor said "We should move faster."
He enunciated his order by digging in his heels.
His horse neighed and lunged forward, leaping through the air. Mighty footsteps beat against the ground as the horses ran through the quickly passing day.
Thor looked back and saw, to his relief, Loki following them. His horse was running slower than usual, he noted. Loki was deliberately keeping back. Thor growled; it put on an unwanted pressure on him. He raised a hand and put it to his mouth.
"Loki!" he called "Come forward!"
Loki gave no sign of acknowledging the order, but a few moments later, his black steed began to overtake his friends.
Loki kept his mouth shut at the overconfident call and patted his horse's neck.
The black animal, lethal in every aspect, obeyed the command and galloped faster. Loki cut a path through the middle of the group, passing Thor's friends two by two until he rode right behind Thor.
Thor glanced at him once, the cloth of his hood flying in the wind, then back at his path. Loki moved one hand to the front of his saddle and grasped it tightly. The other hand held the reins that he flapped once.
His stallion lowered its head and galloped even faster, leaving Thor and the group behind.
"Loki!" Thor called him.
But Loki didn't listen. He ordered his steed to run faster still, till there was a good gap between him and the rest, and then turned into the mouth of a cavern.
The others followed him, instantly changing their course, the hooves of their steeds hammering against the cavern floor and echoing off the walls.
Theoric rode next to Thor "Where is he going?"
"I don't know" Thor said, "But I am about to find out."
He yelled and dug his heels in, breaking free from the group and chasing Loki.
"This will not end well" Theoric said and went after him, suddenly leading the group.
***
Loki heard the wind flap his hood and looked behind him.
Thor was closing the distance between them quickly. His horse was like a machine as it tore through the cavern that would prove a relatively private way to the Black Forest.
Loki rolled his eyes and pulled on the reins of his horse. His animal began to slow down, giving Thor a good enough chance to reach him.
Loki brought his stallion to a stop and waited for Thor.
The thunder god didn't wait for his horse to stop, instead jumping off the startled animal and pounding to Loki.
"What" he nearly roared "do you think you are doing?"
Loki looked at him unfazed. He arched an eyebrow as Thor "What do you mean?"
Thor reached up and grabbed him by the collar, pulling him down. He pushed him back against the horse's rump. Loki had not expected him to lash out and it took a moment for him to regain some lost ground.
"Why did you run away?" Thor growled, pushing his face close to Loki's.
Loki glared back defiantly "Is that any way to treat your only guide?"
"Talking back to me will not do you any good, Trickster" Thor rumbled
"Thor!"
Loki turned his gaze to Theoric. The man was scowling.
"Do let him go" Theoric asked pleasantly enough, but his eyes were flashing "He is our only way in and out of the forest if you recall."
Thor watched his friends. They didn't say anything but he could tell they agreed with Theoric.
Thor closed his eyes and released Loki.
The raven haired god got onto his horse again as if nothing had happened.
"This cavern is the fastest and safest way to the forest" Loki explained "It also guarantees that no one see us."
"Why did you not tell me?" Thor asked, irritated "Why bolt like you did?"
Loki shrugged elegantly and clicked his tongue. His horse walked forward.
Thor glared after him. A hand rested on his shoulder and he looked back.
Theoric looked at him "Listen, I know you resent him and probably dislike him a lot at this point. We all agree, no one more than me, but if you keep manhandling him, he will react and that is something we do not need."
Thor smiled "Relax, friend. He will not react."
Theoric narrowed is eyes slightly "You do not know that."
"Of course I do" Thor lowered his voice "I'm blackmailing him."
Theoric blinked but Thor was gone after his horse by then.
"Why does that make me feel worse?"
***
"So," Thor said "Where to now, guide?"
Loki gave him a cursory glance. They were at the exit of the long tunneling cavern they had entered almost too long ago. Beneath them, was the entire mountain range that kissed Asgard's feet.
"There is a path that leads to the base of this mountain" Loki said, his voice devoid of emotion "When we get there, it is an hour's ride at most before we reach the forest."
"Wonderful" Thor smiled at his friends "Are you ready?"
"Just give us a few minutes" Fandral said, standing beside his horse and bending over.
The ride had been rough and the men, apart from Thor and Loki apparently, had been given a rather harsh treatment.
Thor winced "Very well. It is far beyond time, but I think we should start lunch."
He slid off his horse and groaned as shooting pain erupted in his groin. He doubled over lightly, like Fandral and Theoric.
Sif and Sigyn pointedly looked away. Their gazes were turned away but their shoulders moved in laughter.
Loki rolled his eyes and dismounted. There was no hitch in his stride as he moved to the head of his horse and began to pet it.
Once they could, the men spread a rug on the ground and began taking out their food. The women helped and soon a small picnic began.
Loki remained by his horse, running his gloved fingers over its head and neck. Then he slid along the mouth of the cave and sat down gracefully.
Sigyn looked at him and bit her lip. Shamed or not, this was wrong.
She elbowed Theoric "We should ask him to join. He might not like us and the other way around, but this is rude."
Theoric nodded and gazed at Thor, who he knew had heard Sigyn.
Thor sighed "Alright."
He put aside the fruit he was eating and stood. His steps were small as he walked to Loki.
Loki had one leg pulled up and his arm was resting upon his knee, held out straight. An apple was seized loosely between his fingers. He sliced it with a thin knife and popped a neat piece in his mouth. He cut another and raised his hand high above his head.
His horse, that stood beside him loyally, lowered its neck and took it out of his grasp.
Thor approached them "Uh – Loki?"
"There is no need for false hospitality" Loki said, keeping his gaze ahead, to the slowly dipping sun "I fear it to be a wasted sentiment."
Thor sighed "You cannot spend time with a horse."
"Lucifer is far better of the two companies" Loki stated, cutting another slice and popping it in his mouth. He gave another to Lucifer.
"Come now, brother" Thor moved and sat beside him "Let the unpleasantness be forgotten for now."
Loki didn't say anything.
Thor attempted to scoot closer to Loki, but stopped when Loki idly twirled the deadly knife in his fingers, the blade conveniently pointed to Thor.
"Loki"
"What?" Loki asked, cutting into the half eaten apple.
"Just come and sit with us" Thor's voice was gentle "Please"
Loki looked at him then and turned his gaze back to the skies "We should leave in a few minutes. The sun is already setting and it will take time to set up camp."
Thor sighed and stood. "Very well. We shall depart in half an hour."
Loki cut into the apple again and Thor took that as a response.
He walked back and shook his head to his friends.
They sympathized but silently agreed to leave Loki alone.
Half an hour later, they were ready to leave again.
The path leading down the mountain was narrow and had to be taken in single file. Thor was in the lead and, once again, Loki trailed behind.
Their horses were beginning to get agitated by something and by the time they reached the base, almost every horse was nickering nervously.
"What is getting these horses riled up?" Fandral asked, gently patting his horses back.
"I have no clue" Thor said, trying to calm his own.
Sigyn's mare was beginning to prance. She reached down and placed a hand on her neck, putting a gentle spell on her. She stopped the prancing, but her ears tuned about everywhere.
The only calm horse was Loki's and everyone noticed this as he parted them and rode through.
"Give us a little spell, Sigyn" Fandral said, his pale grey horse was moving his head, looking for something.
"It will do you no good" Loki drawled as he moved ahead of the group where he stood next to the beginnings of a tree sheltered meadow. He closed his eyes "I can sense him."
Immediately a nervous stillness came over the Asgardians. They didn't move after Loki's statement.
"Sense who?" Thor asked the dreaded question.
Loki looked over his shoulder and smiled at him "Why, Fenrir, my dear brother. This is his occasional hunting ground."
"Son of a bitch…" Theoric said, taking out his weapon.
"Actually, son of mine" Loki looked back at him "put that away, it will do you no good."
"You lead us here!" Thor snapped "On purpose!"
Loki sneered at him "Relax, Thor. I come here every week. He doesn't harm anyone – much."
"Why?" Thor demanded.
"Quickest route" Loki stated "Now you can either follow me or leave, I don't particularly care. But do not, I repeat, do not make more noise than necessary. You might wake him."
"Wake him?" Theoric asked "How can you possible know he is sleeping."
Loki leered at him and moved his horse away as an answer.
Sigyn put a hand over her mouth to stop herself from crying out.
There, once Loki was out of the way, hidden by the thick trees was the huge, monstrous shape of the feared wolf, Fenrir. He was so big, even in sleep, that the fur on his back reached the very top of the trees. His growling breathing rumbled around them.
Even Thor felt the unmistakable trickle of fear lance through him.
"Do control your overly loud voices" Loki drawled, calmly walking along the edge of the trees "His ears are remarkably good at hearing."
They followed him, keeping a good eye on the sleeping monster, as he cut a path farthest from Fenrir and led them into the cluster of trees and shrubs alike.
Thor moved beside Loki "You are certain he will not awaken?"
"Of course he will" Loki gave him a condescending look "he has to eat some time."
"You know what I mean" Thor hissed.
Loki raised an eyebrow at his irritation. He looked behind him, at the carcasses placed next to Fenrir's paws "No, he seems well fed. He will not awaken till he needs to feast again."
"And when is that?" Theoric whispered from behind them.
Loki shrugged.
They were a good mile away from Fenrir now, but if Thor glanced back, he could still see the bump that was Asgard's largest and deadliest wolf. Which meant he could see them too.
"He stays in the Black Forest?" Thor asked "Why did you not tell us?"
"You never asked" Loki replied easily "And this is not the Black Forest. This is merely a canopy of trees that lead to it. We have a good ride to the forest itself."
"How long will it take?" Fandral asked, giving a glance over his shoulder.
"Patience" Loki said, his green eyes darted here and there "Look for a large rock that is shaped like a fish the forest is beyond that. If any of you sees it, do tell me."
Thor nodded and looked around. There were many rocks around them, some large, others huge, but so far none of them looked like a fish.
Theoric cast Sigyn a glance. She was alright, looking around like everyone else, and was probably taking this whole Fenrir scare better than he had thought. But the sky was slowly darkening and it was becoming clear their journey had a good time left in it.
"Loki," Thor said after an hour into the slow ride "Are we lost?"
"No" Loki said "Why do you ask?"
"Because we have been riding for a good hour and so far no fish shaped rock has appeared" Thor nearly snapped.
Loki grinned but kept looking ahead at the path "Yes, I lied about that. There is no rock."
"What?" Thor snapped
"Your friends and you needed to be silent" Loki said "Apparently just telling you to be quiet wasn't enough."
"So you lied?" Thor asked archly.
"Yes" Loki stopped his horse "There it is."
They had stopped at a high point. Behind them, the canopy of trees began to darken and in front of them, past the hill they were perched on, stood the Black Forest.
Even as they watched, a few trees moved in the distance, of their own accord, and brought their branches and tops together as if catching something within their grasps. A cry of pain erupted from the forest soon after.
"What was that?" Sif asked, eyes wide.
"Probably the trees grabbing dinner" Loki said, glancing at the forest.
"I beg your pardon?" Fandral asked "Trees grabbing dinner?"
"Have you never wondered why no one took your precious amulet before? Especially since it has been here, so close to Asgard for decades?" Loki asked, looking at the dark sky. He looked over his shoulder at Fandral "The forest is alive. It ate the men that entered it."
Thor, and undoubtedly everyone else, paled.
Loki smiled at their discomfort "Fenrir is the least of your problems. Even he wouldn't dare to step close to the Black Forest. He knows it to be too big a risk."
"We should set up camp here" Loki continued when it became clear no one could talk.
He dismounted and began to take off the required items. The night was going to be a cold one.
"What about your – uh – Fenrir?" Sif asked as she took off her tent and furs.
"My Fenrir?" Loki asked distractedly "Do not worry. We have strayed too far into the turf of the dragon. He will not get here."
"Dragon!?" Thor, Sif and Theoric asked simultaneously.
Loki, who was spreading furs on the snow looked up and grinned slowly "You people are so easy to fool."
Sif and Theoric exhaled in relief while Thor narrowed his eyes.
"That wasn't funny" Thor said.
"Actually" Loki grunted as he got to his feet and grabbed his tent "It was."
Thor inclined his jaw but remained silent. He needed his energy to put up his camp. They had a good tedious journey ahead of them.
Once the tents were set, Loki went to his horse and pulled a large, thick fur from the saddle bag. As everyone watched, he removed the horse's reins and saddle, placing them on the side, and pulled the thick fur over Lucifer. He put his forehead against the horse's and pet him.
Thor and the rest looked at their horses, all huddled closely in the snow, and felt guilty.
Loki murmured to his horse and stepped back. Lucifer nipped at him, taking a strand of hair in his mouth lovingly. Loki pet him then retreated to his tent. A few minutes later, Lucifer fell to his knees, making himself comfortable in the snow and got ready to sleep.
They had lit a fire and were sitting around it, pulling their thick cloaks closer.
"Who would have thought" Volstagg said "Loki has a soft side."
"Yes, for his horse" Thor said "I have yet to see him show kindness to someone of his own breed."
The rest of the group looked at each other awkwardly. They remained silent.
The night wore on and eventually everyone retired to their own tents. Sif and Sigyn shared a tent where as the men kept their separate. Loki was farthest from the entire group, placed closer to Lucifer than anyone else. So, if anything should happen to him, it would be rather difficult to know.
It was this thought that was keeping Thor up at the latest hours of the night. He found himself, unwillingly, worrying about Loki.
He sighed and turned over under the many furs and thick woolen blankets that covered him.
Nothing was going to happen; there were seven other people there for crying out loud.
But even as he thought this, Thor found himself raising a hand and lifting the fabric of the tent slightly so he could see Loki's.
Nothing was amiss. Lucifer was silently slumbering next to Loki's black tent, not even noticing the gentle breeze that flapped the cloth.
Thor rolled his eyes and was about to lower his hand when he caught sight of something.
A figure was standing on the ledge of their currently occupied hill.
Thor immediately went on alert, one hand went to Mjolnir.
The wind moved the snow and ice between them and the time it took Thor to adjust, the figure was gone.
Frowning, and more than a little peeved, Thor sat up to pull on his cloak.
Something moved inside his tent.
Thor grabbed his hammer ready to swing, then froze, deadly still.
Jane was sitting opposite him, crouched at his feet in the snow. Her brown hair lifted and dropped while her soft eyes watched him with a mixture of fear and longing.
Thor, hand still raised and wielding his hammer, stared. Some part of his mind was telling him this was impossible but the other, louder part was too busy staring at her, taking in everything and being overcome by emotion.
"Thor" Jane said, moving forward a little "What are you doing?"
Her eyes went to the hammer then to his face. She was worried.
Thor didn't move, he couldn't. His hand was still raised but he knew it wouldn't harm her.
Jane's expression began to soften "Put that away, I won't hurt you."
Thor's hand was slowly pushed down as Jane was suddenly there – right in front of him, sitting in his lap.
Thor gazed into her eyes, mouth slightly agape as he struggled to think.
She smiled and raised a hand to graze across his cheek "Where did you go, Thor?"
"I – " Thor couldn't manage the words. His world was slowly disintegrating, whirling behind him in dull colors and sounds. Everything began to vanish. It started with the interior of his shelter, swirling away, then the feel of the blankets and furs, then the sounds around him.
Nothing was there, suddenly, but a white wash around him and Jane sitting before him, carefully touching him.
"I missed you" she said, leaning forward.
Thor closed his eyes, his hand finally releasing the nonexistent Mjolnir and leaned forward.
Oh, he had wanted this for so long.
"Come with me" Jane whispered and kissed him.
Thor groaned at the sweetness that coursed through him, raising his hand to pull her closer.
"Get away, monster!"
Thor's eyes flew open when Jane's sweet weight was suddenly lifted from him.
Loki yanked Jane by her hair, ignoring her screeching screams and dragged her out.
"Loki, what are you doing!?" Thor hollered, grabbing his hammer and running after him.
Jane was screeching; her voice a shrill sound and kicking, trying to dislodge the man holding her so brutally. Loki dragged her into the middle of their camp.
"Let her go!" Thor hollered, moving in to kill Loki.
"Stop him!" Loki yelled as he restrained Jane by grabbing her hair and arm.
Thor was suddenly grabbed from behind "Unhand me!"
Theoric and Fandral held their ground before him while Volstagg kept him in a tight hug. Thor growled and yelled, kicking out.
"Let me go, can you not see what he is doing!?"
Loki pushed Jane into the snow, releasing one arm to take out a thin, sliver, double edged dagger from his clothes. He lifted the screeching and kicking Jane's head, exposing her neck.
"Make him watch" Loki growled, yanking Jane closer when she tried to run.
Her attempts at escape intensified and she screamed louder.
"No!" Thor roared, his struggling increased.
Once he was sure he had Thor's attention, Loki reached down and carved out the screeching Jane's throat in a vicious arc.
"No!" Thor cried "Jane!"
Her limp form fell as Loki dropped her. She twitched and kicked a little in the snow. Her crimson blood painting the white ground.
"No!" Thor cried, lowering his head.
"Thor!"
Sif's cry made him look up again.
The form at Loki's feet began to transform.
Jane's features disintegrated, the pale dress she wore turned to tatters. Her face lost the natural color and turned a disgusting grey, her eyes hollowed out till they were a ghastly orange and her hair thickened till it resembled heavy green vines.
The last thing to change was her size. Gone was the Jane Thor knew and in her place was the tiny bony, skeletal body of another greenish grey creature.
Thor watched in horror, his heart beating erratically, as the creature died at Loki's feet. He was breathing heavily and raised his gaze to his brother's.
Loki pushed back the hair that had fallen over his face and straightened his back proudly "Release him."
Volstagg hesitated but did as he was commanded.
Thor stumbled a little when he was released, his gaze fixed on the thing that had taken Jane's form.
"What –" he broke off and attempted to speak again "What happened?"
"That, my brother" Loki was panting a little "was a siren. Not your average siren, mind you, this one belongs to the Black Forest." He smiled, the motion feral "She was going to take you to the forest and devour your heart. You would have died crying for Jane."
Thor watched the creature again, then moved his eyes to his group.
Sif and Sigyn were horrified; their eyes were wide as they thought back on what Loki had done. Theoric and Fandral watched Thor incase he lost it again and Volstagg and Hogun walked past him to observe the creature.
Thor raised his gaze to Loki. He suddenly felt ashamed; Loki had saved his life. Oh how the thought left a bitter taste in his mouth.
Loki didn't say anything. He pocketed the dagger and observed the two men crouched beside the dead siren.
"How did you know what to do?" Volstagg asked, looking up at Loki.
Loki shrugged "I read. Myths instruct one to kill a siren in front of its victim. It's the only way to break the hold it has."
"And if you don't kill it that way?" Theoric asked
"Then the victim will turn to depression and become suicidal" Loki replied "he will yearn for the siren and die a broken man."
Another silence fell.
"We should retire" Hogun eventually said "Make use of what is left of the night."
"First we get rid of this" Loki kicked the body of the siren "They hunt in packs and if they find her here, they will attack."
Sif's eyes widened "Pack? Where can they be?"
"Back in the forest" Loki said, moving to Lucifer's saddle "They probably await her return."
He lifted a thin cloth from the bag and walked over to the dead body. As they watched, he carelessly wrapped the dead siren and lifted it into his arms.
"You rest" he said as he straightened to his feet "I shall return shortly."
"Where are you going?" Thor asked
"Worried, brother?" Loki mocked "Do not fret, I shall not run away. I merely wish to deposit this away from our camp."
No one said anything as Loki carried the dead siren over the side of the hill and disappeared below.
"Someone should go with him" Hogun said.
No one moved.
Thor avoided everyone's gaze; he felt his actions catch up with him and felt so embarrassed he could barely look up from the ground.
Volstagg looked at his friends "Well?"
Theoric sighed and growled "Fine"
He trudged past them, weapon readied, and followed the path Loki had taken. They watched him go, then turned to their tents.
"We should probably sleep" Fandral said "We shall need it for tomorrow."
"I second that" Fandral said, turning to his shelter.
Eventually only Thor was left, last to Sif who had given him a sad look, staring at the Black Forest. His mind has long since wandered and he felt so guilty now.
He was with Sif but his thoughts were held by Jane.
He couldn't imagine the pain Sif must have felt when she realized. He looked to her tent and suddenly felt sick.
There was no way he could make it up to her.
He had returned to his tent some time later and was lying down, his eyes wide open when he heard two pairs of feet trudge in the snow and crawl into their respective tents.
***
"We leave the horses"
Fandral looked up at Loki's announcement "What? Why?"
Loki, who was garbed in his black cape and cowl, removed a satchel from his horse and slung it over his shoulder. He looked at Fandral.
"Apart from the fact that they prove to be an excellent form of prey to anything in the forest," Loki replied "they will make our presence more highlighted than it already is. The forest will know there are intruders lurking within."
Thor, who still doubted Loki's claim on the forest being alive, scoffed. "Stop it, brother. If you want us to leave the horses, just say so. Do not lace your words with lies" he said, pulling off a bag that held what could prove necessary.
Loki rolled his eyes, the wind blew, playing with his hair and he pushed it down. "Come, the light is a luxury we cant afford to waste."
After securing their horses, making sure their weapons were deadly and their partners around, the group followed the surprisingly open path to the mouth of the Black Forest.
Where behind them, the Asgardian jungle remained and the Black Forest stood at their front, the path between was completely barren. Nothing grew here.
"Why is this place so empty?" Sigyn asked
Loki, who was looking at a small book in his hands, frowned over something "This is a clear marker. A warning, if you please, to anyone who strays too close to the forest."
He stopped "where did you say the amulet was?"
Theoric walked forward, unrolling the map. He placed it on the ground and pointed to a spot "Here. This is where the last recorded entries place it."
Loki kneeled down beside him and looked at it. He looked at the book in his hands and turned a few pages. He placed a gloved finger where Theoric was pointing, then cross referenced his book.
"Well" Loki said softly "I do know this place, I have been there once."
"But?" Theoric looked at him, knowing there was more.
Loki looked at him and smiled "But I have only been there once."
Theoric looked at the single finger he had raised, then to his face "And I'll wager there is a reason for that."
Loki smirked and stood. He didn't reply, but put the book in his pocket.
"Onwards, whenever you feel ready"
Thor nodded "We remain by our partners the whole time. No one leaves the group."
"Aye"
"Then let's go"
Thor and Loki led the group into the dreaded forest. They entered through a tunnel constructed entirely of trees leaning down over one another. There were no leaves, no birds, no sounds other than their soft footsteps. The sun shone down on the ground like shattered glass, scattered everywhere and giving almost no help.
One of the first things they noticed was that no snow covered the ground they walked on.
"Loki" Fandral called "Why is there no snow here?"
Loki simpered "As I keep telling you, this forest is alive. It is radiating heat and whatever snow falls on it, melts."
Fandral didn't know what to make of it and remained silent. However, soon it began to get hot and they were forced to shed their extra clothing.
They walked further, deeper into the forest and soon the pale brown ground beneath their feet began to sprout grass. Leaves and bud began appearing on the trees, birds began to chirp in the distance.
Their tunneling path finally came to an end where they encountered a curtain of falling vines.
Loki pushed it aside and walked through.
The warriors behind him followed and gasped at the beauty in front of them.
Gone were the barren trees and the empty ground.
They were faced by sunlight, falling in rays on the grass laden ground. Thick trees, higher than they had ever seen before, reached for the sky. Birds of all colors flew about, plants, larger than any, larger than themselves grew from the thick carpet of grass. The rocks that dotted the grassy plane had patterns upon them.
It was all magical.
Sigyn's eyes went wide "This is stunning."
Loki looked at her, something raw and open moving in his gaze. His mouth opened to say something, but closed it and he looked away, climbing down the mound they were standing on. He stepped carefully, on the rocks and everything, and jumped to the ground.
"Do not dawdle" Loki called back "The place only stays beautiful for so long."
Thor went down first, followed by the rest. His gaze was captured by the splendor of the forest; the colors the greenery the absolutely stunning landscape.
He heard sounds he hadn't heard before; squeaking, squealing and other joyful little sounds that seemed to erupt from the shrubs and trees and flowers around him. He looked at the ground and found small yellow flowers waving in the breeze gently.
He bent down to pick one up, intending on putting it in Sif's hair. He reached forward, then pulled his hand back when the flower suddenly uprooted itself and raised its head to look at him. It squeaked and jumped away, running from him. Soon his fellows, about a dozen more, jumped up and ran away from Thor squealing in delight.
Sigyn and the warriors laughed, their grins huge as they watched. Even Thor was amazed.
"Loki what is this place?" Thor asked in wonder.
"The Black Forest" Loki said from far ahead "Do not be fooled by its delight. It turns nasty once the sun goes down."
He was walking through the forest, stepping over fallen trees and exposed roots.
"Do watch out for the roots" Loki warned "the trees like to raise them to see if they can trip us."
Fandral laughed and looked around.
A very large flower, one he had never thought possible, raised its neck and looked at them. It reached out with a leaf and touched Volstagg.
The fat man jumped and looked around "Who did that?"
The flower retracted its leaf and seemed to cock his head to the side.
"By Odin" Sif said "This place is wonderful"
"Pales in comparison to you" Thor whispered to her.
To his relief, she flushed lightly and looked away.
Thor and the crew followed Loki till they came to the remnants of a dried up stream. The gap was deep and too wide to jump.
Thor saw some wild flowers growing at its edge and bent down. He remembered what happened last time and paused.
"How do you pick a flower?" he asked
Loki gave him a cursory glance "You don't. You place your hand there and wait for it to pick you."
Thor frowned and placed his hand on the ground next to a flower, palm up. A few moments later, a flower turned its head to Thor's palm and squealed in what sounded like laughter. It removed itself from the ground and jumped into his hand.
Sif laughed in pleasure.
Thor lifted his hand where the flower danced and raised it to Sif's hair. The flower hopped from his palm and tied itself into her locks with a delighted noise. It touched its face to her cheek.
More wondrous laughter came from Loki's companions. He rolled his eyes to the heavens.
"Shall we go on?" he asked "Or would you like to waste more time with flowers?"
That brought them back.
"How do we cross?" Theoric asked, coming up beside Loki "We can't jump and it is too deep."
"Oh ye of little faith" Loki muttered and turned back. He walked to a tree, thicker and larger than any they had encountered so far. Its roots were surfacing through the ground here and there, clearly visible. He climbed over a few till he reached the trunk and placed his hand on the thick bark.
An eye opened in the tree and focused on Loki.
Thor and his friends gasped.
Loki didn't say anything, patted the truck once. The tree obliged and a root tore from the ground. It extended over the large gap, making a broad bridge for them.
"Come along" Loki said, walking over it "he might think it funny to remove it once we are walking over."
Shaking their heads, the warriors followed Loki again.
Many marvels greeted them as they went deeper into the forest.
Vines extended, their yellow flowers watching the invaders curiously. One of them reached down and lifted Theoric's sword from its sheath. It danced it out of his reach as he jumped for it.
Loki had been no help, leaning against a trunk and watching it. It was Sigyn who had used some magic to take the sword from the vine. After that, the vine had rubbed against her cheek and she had laughed till Loki pointed out that it could be a poisonous vine.
It hadn't and the wonders only increased.
Twice, Volstagg had been outdone by flowers thrice his size. They had hit him, shoved him gently, and when he had reacted, a bough had extended from them suddenly and hit him in earnest, throwing him to the ground.
Finally, they came up against a hurdle that looked like it belonged in the Black Forest.
It was a ditch. So black and deep that the end was invisible.
"So what now, guide?" Thor asked, looking into the trench.
Loki looked behind him, then his gaze traveled across the path till he saw something he desired.
"Follow me" he said, walking over to the very edge of the grassy path.
They watched as Loki looked down over the ledge – and jumped.
"No!" Thor called as he saw Loki vanish in the ditch.
Sigyn had her hands on her mouth, suppressing the gasp that erupted.
"Where is he?" Hogun asked.
There was a rumbling from underneath them and the ground began to move. As they flailed their arms for balance, Loki burst through the ditch, securely set on a large piece of rock that lifted him to the other side of the ditch. As they watched, once again agape, the rock moved back to them and waited.
"Do hurry" Loki said "It has almost no patience."
They scrambled over the rock, gaining their balance as it took them to Loki.
Once they were on the higher side of the ditch, Loki took out his book again. He flipped the pages till he came to what he needed.
"It is half an hour's walk from here" he told them "you can rest in you wish."
Volstagg gratefully fell on his behind. Hogun and Fandral walked a small distance away from the mouth of the ditch and settled themselves on the soft ground with a tired groan. Sif and Thor went to a more private part while Theoric and Sigyn picked up twigs that had fallen here and there.
Loki remained ahead, glancing at the most impossible of flowers, but never touching them. He looked back over his shoulder and saw Theoric place a bundle of twigs on the ground. Sigyn raised her hand, a flame held in it.
"I wouldn't do that" Loki called, stopping them
"Why?" Theoric asked.
"They don't like being burnt" Loki replied.
Theoric scoffed, then balked when the twigs leapt up, giggling, and ran away.
Sigyn laughed and extinguished the flame.
"How do we eat?" Theoric asked, his question highlighted by Volstagg's hungry groan.
"Simple" Loki said, his voice gentle "You ask."
"What?" Fandral said
Loki went to the nearest three and placed his hand in the trunk. He rubbed his hand up and down, like caressing a lover, and looked up. A branch lowered itself and lay at his feet. He climbed on it and once he was secure, he was lifted into the high leaves.
"I can't see him" Sigyn said, shielding her eyes from the sun's glare.
They looked for Loki in the trees but failed to see him. He could have been anywhere.
A few minutes later, the branches began to lower and Loki came in view, his arms laden with fruits of all sorts.
Once it reached the ground, Loki stepped off the branch and walked forward.
"Here" he said, placing the fruits on the soft ground "Lunch."
"How did you do that?" Sif asked as she and Thor walked over
Loki shrugged. He grabbed a pear and an apple and turned to leave.
"Wait!"
Loki turned when three people, Sif, Theoric and Sigyn, called him suddenly.
"Please," Sigyn said "Join us."
"It would" Sif began "be nice."
Loki eyed them suspiciously for a while then sat – not with them but also not away from them.
The lunch was enjoyed and thoroughly sweet.
***
"Here we are" Loki said.
They had reached the place where the amulet was last seen.
The lagoon glittered in the remaining sunlight. The surrounding trees had become denser and little light fell here.
There was a waterfall that fell from - the skies it seemed and at its base was a cave. Housed within that cave was the amulet.
"How certain are you that the amulet is there?" Loki asked Theoric.
The man thought for a while before answering "Uh – the archives had around eight parchments that suggested to this place."
"Meaning it could not be here?" Loki concluded.
Theoric nodded slowly "Yes"
"Perfect" Loki said, looking down at the lagoon "Well, no good has ever come from waiting for something, let's go."
"Hold it" Thor placed a hand on Loki's shoulder "We go as two's."
"Don't you trust me, Thor?" Loki arched a brow.
"Not in the least" Thor replied.
Loki narrowed his eyes but said nothing else. He let Thor take the lead. He watched him go to the edge of the lagoon and prepare to dive in.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you" Loki called, halting everyone who was preparing to go in the water.
Thor looked at him "Why not?"
"Two reasons" Loki said, walking over to pick up a small rock "The first is that the water lives."
He threw the rock into the water. A whirlpool formed beneath the airborne rock and took in into its depths. It disappeared.
"It will fancy you a good feast" Loki looked at Thor's face.
"What is the second reason?" Hogun asked.
Feminine giggling interrupted them.
"That" Loki replied. He unconsciously placed a hand on Thor's arm and pulled him back, stepping away from the water's edge.
The water crackled as beings floated under its surface. They didn't come up, but a tail, gaily colored and fishlike cracked through the water for an instant before vanishing.
"Mermaids" Theoric snarled.
"Damn it" Volstagg said "must we face these beasts?"
Loki scoffed "There are many who would die for something like this."
"And die they would" Sigyn said "So what do we do?"
Thor got the idea "Only one of us goes"
Loki looked at him "How?"
Thor hefted Mjolnir and grinned.
The warriors sighed, glad that they were not going to face the dreaded mermaids.
"Wonderful idea, Thor" Loki drawled, crossing his arms "But how will you know where to go?"
"I shall search" Thor replied
"Till sundown?" Loki asked "The forest is lethal by then. You will sentence us to death."
"What do you suggest?" Thor snapped.
"Either take him" Loki pointed to Theoric "or me. Both of us can guide you well."
"I respectfully refuse" Theoric said "I once flew with you and I decline doing it again."
Thor exhaled angrily "That leaves me no choice, then."
"How glad that makes me" Loki said sarcastically.
Thor held on to his temper "Very well. You stay here, Loki and I shall bring the amulet."
"If we find it" Loki said
"We will" Thor looked at him "Do you need anything?"
"No" Loki said.
Thor readied Mjolnir and extended the other arm to Loki "Then come on."
It seemed to the warriors that Loki hesitated a second before he walked forward.
The trickster walked next to Thor and latched onto his side.
"Put your arms around my shoulders" Thor instructed "Otherwise you will fall."
Loki did as he was asked and Thor held him firmly around the waist.
"Try not to scream" Thor grinned and shot off.
Loki's small gasp and tightened grip suddenly put Thor in a playful mood. He took them higher, higher than the trees and into the sky.
"What are you doing?" Loki gasped
"Don't you enjoy this?" Thor asked
"Take us down"
"Why?"
"Because I will stab you if you don't" Loki rasped.
Thor rolled his eyes and took them lower. They landed on the opposite side of the ledge, next to the waterfall. He released Loki and the younger god went behind the waterfall.
"Oh, excellent" Loki's sarcastic voice came.
"What?" Thor followed him.
"The lagoon goes in here as well" Loki said, plastered to the wall.
There was almost no place to move. The only place above the water was a few inches next to the cave walls. They had to stick close and keep a good balance.
"Try not to fall in" Loki said. He had his back and hands pasted on the wall behind him and walked in the smallest steps. A few stones dropped in the water but other than that, there were no sounds.
"We could fly through" Thor suggested. He walked exactly as Loki was.
"Don't even think about that" Loki said, keeping his gaze ahead.
Water crackled and feminine laughter reached them.
"Damn" Loki said, slowing further "Thor, if they call to you, try and resist. Remember what happened with the siren."
Thor glared at him but was prevented from replying when a shimmering tail moved under the black water. A redhead surfaced shyly, then went back in.
Another lifted from the water in front of Loki and began following him. Her hair was blonde and her eyes were blue as she talked to him.
"My, what a handsome man you are" she said. Her voice was like honey as she cooed at him. "Such incredible features, such a lean body."
"Yes" another laughed and surfaced next to her "Lean body."
Loki ignored them, keeping at his plastered walking. Thor watched him, slight panic unfurling within him.
"Loki…"
"Ignore them, Thor" Loki said, keeping his gaze fixed ahead.
"Oh, come on, prince" the mermaids taunted "give us a taste, please. All we ask is a small favor. A few moments with that ravishing body of yours."
"Leave him alone!" Thor snapped.
The mermaids looked at him, eyes glittering. "Why? Do you wish to have him yourself?"
"One thing I asked, Thor" Loki said "One thing; ignore them how hard is that?"
"Oh," the mermaids said, turning to Loki again "How hard can you get, prince?"
"How long till he reach the place?" Thor asked him.
"How long is he?" the mermaids asked, following Loki.
"A few more moments" Loki said, he was beginning to get annoyed by these mermaids as he scaled the walls. A few moments later, they reached relatively solid land. The water only wet the ground and Loki jumped on it gratefully.
Thor followed.
"Oh, come back, prince" the mermaids called "Come back and let us please you. See how good it is to take one of us."
"Or three" another called.
Loki concealed a shudder and walked forward, aware that Thor was behind him.
They encountered a series of tunnels and soon discovered that most of them housed dead ends.
Thor growled "Where is it?"
Loki ignored him and went to another tunnel.
He jumped back, slamming his back into Thor.
"What?" Thor asked
"I think this is the way" Loki said, pointing ahead.
Thor looked over his shoulder and paled.
"What happened to them?" Thor asked.
Loki shrugged and looked ahead "There it is."
The smell of the lake was strong and the air was dank in this part of the caverns. They were now standing in the mouth of a passageway and staring into a cavernous chamber. Water lapped somewhere ahead and Loki knew it connected with the rest of the mermaid infested lake. They were standing before what seemed like an old stone quay of some sort. Rusted iron rings embedded in the stone were evidence that this place had probably been used once, but was now sealed, no doubt, to keep the amulet safe.
However, what lay before them, what Thor had paled upon seeing, were the remains of adventures past. Skeletons and dusted remnants of bone and skin carpeted the stone floor before them.
Water crackled ahead and Loki saw a mermaid ascend from the water. In front of her, trapped in a crystalline case, was the golden chained, red stone amulet. The entire casket was placed on a podium carved from boulders.
"Take it, go ahead" one of them urged.
Thor moved forward but Loki put a hand out to stop him. He looked at the younger god in confusion.
"What?"
"Obviously there is a catch to this" Loki said, keeping his gaze on the amulet "How badly to do you want it?"
"It means a lot to us all if we find it" Thor replied
"Fine" Loki moved his hand and walked over the paling skeletons. He was careful not to disturb them as he strode across the channel and closed in on the amulet. He stopped before the podium and looked at the casing of the amulet.
"Go on" the mermaids urged "take it"
Three more arrived and outnumbered the royals. They watched them both.
"Well" Thor said from behind Loki "What is it?"
"Just figuring out the trap," Loki said, moving away from Thor. He didn't dare go farther than the podium because that was where the mermaids waited.
"Just take it," Thor stepped forward
"No!" Loki moved to stop him.
Thor froze as Loki suddenly put both hands on his outstretched arm; he gazed at Loki in irritation.
A soft, ominous click sounded before he could speak.
Both princes looked down and saw the trigger Thor had stepped on.
"Oh no" Loki muttered.
Behind them, a rumble sounded. They turned their heads at the sudden, terrible shriek of metal and stone and their eyes widened in horror.
A thick stone gate, descending from the ceiling, was barring the tunnel from ceiling to floor.
"Run!" Thor grabbed Loki's arm and tore through the skeletons, throwing them everywhere. But it was no use. The door had sealed shut before they had even reached halfway through.
"Damn it!" Thor growled as they reached the closed gate.
He placed a hand on it to find t solid and unmoving. Loki touched it, felling its unforgiving hardness.
"Step back" Thor said, unhooking Mjolnir.
"It will be no use" a mermaid said, giggling "No magic works here."
Thor scoffed but remained silent after Loki's glare. He pulled his hand back and brought Mjolnir down on the door –
Only to receive a bone jarring jolt as the hammer hit the rocks and did nothing.
"What?" Thor asked, his face a mask of confusion. He lifted his hand again and hit the doors once more.
Again, all he felt was a shocking pain in his arms.
The mermaids giggled.
Loki stood, watching impassively "Well, clearly this place is enchanted."
"How is this possible?" Thor asked "Mjolnir is far too powerful."
"Yes" Loki said, humoring him "but all power has its limits."
Thor looked at the wall and his hammer again. He was unwilling to believe this was happening.
Loki walked back to the case and observed it, keeping a good eye on the five mermaids scattered not too far away. The amulet was on the water's edge, basically, and they could reach out and grab him if he got too close.
"So what now?" Thor came back, trampling the remaining bones.
"This is obviously some sort of acid" Loki said, his green eyes going over the filled case "but the amulet remains unharmed."
The mermaids giggled "Sap of the trees, it is."
"Yes" another said "taken from the most poisonous trees in the forest. Nothing is safe from it."
Loki's gaze dropped to the mermaids and then lifted to the amulet again "Thor, I know you do not trust me, but if I were to get us out, would you follow?"
"I would have no other choice, would I?" Thor growled, Mjolnir once again at his hip.
"Yes" Loki said, touching the crystal case. It was very fragile.
"There is only one way out of here" Loki sighed "we would have to swim."
Thor scoffed "Excellent thinking, brother. So they can get us" he gestured to the mermaids.
The girls giggled happily.
Loki looked over his shoulder at Thor.
The only warning Thor got was the way Loki moved his eyes to the water and then back to his face.
Loki suddenly pushed the case over, towards the water. It shattered on the ground, the smoking, hissing acid dousing the mermaids.
They screamed, clutching their faces and dove into the water.
"Jump in!" Loki didn't waste any time. He saw the opening the mermaids had made and dove into the cold, black water.
Thor grabbed the amulet, shoved it into his clothes and followed. He dove in and immediately saw Loki swimming far ahead, apparently the water was deeper and connected to the rest of the lake. He swam faster when he saw the mermaids, thrashing under water, holding their ruined faces.
Loki found a path, because he turned left and Thor tailed him.
A few minutes later, swimming in the black water, the only guide being his brother, Thor suddenly found himself in an opening. Loki broke the surface first and scampered onto the edge. Thor came up a few seconds later and found himself in the entrance once again. He pulled up next to Loki, panting.
"How-" he breathed deeply "How did you know where to go?"
Loki grinned, water cascading down his face "I didn't. I just assumed this was the way to go."
Thor narrowed his eyes at him "So you…"
"Not enough time for that" Loki snapped, surging to his feet "we have angered the mermaids and they will seek revenge."
He ran to the wall they had used to enter and once again plastered himself to it, scaling his way across.
"We did nothing" Thor said, standing "You doused them in acid."
"Try keeping up with what is important" Loki said.
Thor was about to retort when he heard the angry shrieking. His throat tried to work, but he couldn't do it in time.
He saw the mermaids swimming up, heading straight for them and by the time he opened his mouth it was too late.
They burst through the water, grabbed Loki's legs and pulled him under.
"Loki!" Thor called, watching him disappear.
***
Loki saw the impression of Thor get farther and farther as he was pulled deeper into the water. He held his breath and kicked out, trying to get the mermaids to let go.
But he was outnumbered. Two of them were holding his legs while another held his arms.
Their words were nothing but babbling to him as they screamed and howled. He looked at them and reached into his clothing to take out his dagger.
He lashed out, gaining a lucky cut and one of the mermaids let go.
They had reached the floor of the lagoon and Loki was still held down, rapidly becoming devoid of air.
A roaring splash sounded above and Loki saw a dark shape dive into the water. The injured mermaid rushed forward, towards Thor as he swam to Loki, and tried to attack.
That was all Loki saw as another mermaid turned his head and kissed him.
Loki felt her take his breath and struggled, but the third creature held him down, placing a giant rock on his cloak. The mermaids released him as he tried undoing his cloak, ready to watch him die. His fingers couldn't find the clasp and things were beginning to get dark. He struggled and kicked the females as they neared him, trying to aggravate him, but it was no use.
He tried harnessing his stolen magic but realized it had reached its end.
Bubbles floated from his mouth as he struggled against the attacking mermaids and his cloak that they had begun wrapping around his face. He felt their hands on his trousers.
His head was feeling heavy, pressure increased on him and all of a sudden, he felt the world going dark.
Thor was only a few feet from Loki when he saw his body go limp.
No!
***
Theoric and the rest were anxiously waiting.
This was taking more time than they had expected and since the sun was slowly setting, they needed to leave.
Thor exploded through the water, Mjolnir held high and a limp form held in his hands.
They surged to their feet as Thor landed, placing Loki on the ground.
"Help me!" Thor said, removing Loki's torn cloak.
The man wasn't moving.
"Oh no" Sif said, running behind the rest.
"Move!" Theoric pushed Thor away as he skidded to a halt on his knees. He placed his ear near Loki's mouth. He straightened, then lifted both his clasped hands over his head and hit Loki in the chest.
Once, twice, three times…
And Loki spluttered, coughing up water and turning to his side as more spasms hit him. He gasped as he lay on his side, water dripping down his face and body.
"Thank the stars!"
He glared at the lake, at the creatures within it and felt the rage rise in him. He also felt something was undone. He looked down and curled up in mortification.
However, it was too late as he pulled up and fastened his trousers.
The ladies had politely turned away but he knew they had seen him exposed. So had the others, he could tell by their faces and their silence.
"Are you alright?" Thor asked, looking down at him.
"Yes" Loki said shortly, trying to push his humiliation aside and standing.
His cloak whipped at him and he angrily pulled it off, slamming it into the ground with a growl.
"Let's go back" he growled, water dripping off him "You have wasted enough of my time."
"You're welcome" Theoric muttered as he stood as well.
Thor placed a hand on his friend's shoulder and shook his head. They followed Loki, keeping what little anxiety they had to themselves.
Loki led them back without talking to them or looking to see if they were still here. In fact, by the straight set of his shoulders and the pace of his stride, it seemed he preferred them gone.
Thor was behind him, keeping an eye on him. He had told the others about the incident and he knew Loki didn't appreciate it. However, since they had gained the amulet, he was willing to wager they wouldn't remember by whose hand Loki had nearly died.
He was wrong.
They had completed most of their journey, passing through familiar areas, when the first of the snickering started.
It began softly, Volstagg being the one to start, but eventually it reached a point where Thor knew Loki was capable of hearing it.
Thor turned to his friends and shook his head.
They nodded but failed to control their whispering and chuckling.
"Mauled by mermaids, of all things" Fandral said, chortling unintentionally loudly.
Loki froze.
Thor closed his eyes as his brother turned slowly, his emerald eyes going to Fandral and Volstagg who were giggling. Then they went to Hogun, whose usually impassive face was evidence of humor.
Thor thought he imagined the flash of hurt that painted Loki's features. He could have imagined it; the way his eyebrows raised lightly over the pain that filled his eyes and how his mouth dropped a little when he realized what the Warriors Three had said. But it was gone before Thor could say, or even think, anything; replaced by the scowl on Loki's face.
Loki spun around and resumed his walking.
"Dolts!" Sif walked over and wacked the laughing men on the head.
"Ow!" Fandral said "What did we do?"
"Just shut up" Sif said, narrowing her eyes in warning and walking to Thor.
"Will he be alright?" she asked the thunder god.
Thor shrugged and followed Loki.
It was beginning to get dark now and he was worrying about their chances of getting back in time. He trotted over to Loki.
"How much farther, brother?" he asked, hoping to distract him from the hurtful situation.
"Not much" Loki said flatly "but it is turning dark and that is a time we need to be careful."
"It is not dark yet" Thor said, eyeing the sky.
"Yes," Loki replied "but everything that is dangerous starts to awaken by this time. We need to be quiet; you can tell those giggling buffoons to shut up."
Thor frowned "Don't call them that."
Loki looked at him "Why not? It's kinder than most of the things your lot says about me."
Thor stopped and glared at him "Pardon me, but my friends do not deserve insults."
The rest of the party stopped. This was going to get ugly.
Loki paused and turned to Thor, eye brow arched "Meaning I do?"
"Don't answer that" Theoric muttered under his breath "For the love of Odin, don't answer that."
"You haven't done anything not to deserve it" Thor retorted.
Theoric slapped his forehead.
Loki walked back to Thor, his gaze and stride angry "If you have something to say, something to call me, I suggest you say it. Don't veil it behind unimaginative barbs."
Thor narrowed his eyes " You – "
"That's enough!" Fandral walked between the two "This is neither the time nor the place for this."
He looked between both princes who glared at each other in fierce anger.
"Let it go" Fandral said.
Thor sighed and stepped back "He's right. This is no place for an argument."
Loki backed off, keeping his angry gaze on Thor. He kept his mouth shut and strode forward. They were both angry and where Loki chose to walk it off, Thor didn't.
With an angry growl, he slammed his fist into a nearby rock – hard. He didn't register that whatever he had hit felt slightly softer than stone. He began to walk off when he heard the growl.
The others turned and froze.
Behind Thor, an eye looked at them, larger then Volstagg, and focused on them. Cracking sounds broke through the air, making birds fly into the darkening sky, and slowly, eventually the towering figure Thor had awakened loomed over them.
"Ogre!" Loki yelled "Run!"
He turned around and ran, behind him his unwilling fellows pursued him.
***
All eight of them ran faster than they had ever run before, feet hitting the ground with tight noises as they pounded through the path.
The ogre was shorter than they had previously thought, probably about ten feet high, and managed to keep up with them. He lashed at them, hoping to catch one or more of the delicious food he had come upon.
Thor ducked as the giant hand went over his head, increasing his pace.
When they ducked into trees, he tore them apart and chased them.
"Don't scatter!" Loki yelled "It will only make it easy for him!"
So they remained in a tight group, running for their lives through the forest.
"There!" Loki suddenly yelled.
The path they had used to enter was within sights.
He was now in the middle of their pack, running as fast as he could. Thor was in the lead, holding Sif's arm and flying through. Loki saw them all, then looked back at the beast.
He yelped and ducked as the ogre lashed out for one of them.
As they passed it, Loki never saw the tree suddenly extend a root high above the ground. He was too busy looking behind him.
Where everyone used their impressive instincts and jumped over it –
Loki tripped.
***
Thor burst through the canopy of suddenly very intimidating trees, Sif by his side. Twigs snapped as his friends tore through, grazing the sides of the trees and landing into the relative safety of a few meters from their camp site.
Their horses looked up and nickered.
Panting, Thor braced himself on his knees, catching his breath. He saw Sif doing the same, although she gave him an exhausted smile.
"We did it!" Fandral panted, looking behind him at the forest.
No ogre remained, but they could hear it growling in the distance.
Theoric smiled, panting heavily and looked at Sigyn. She grinned at him, exhilarated.
Thor straightened, wincing at the stitch in his side "That was by far, one of our greater adventures."
"Are you jesting?" Volstagg asked, gasping for air "I have never run like that before."
"What about Nornhiem?" Sif asked, bending a little to ease the pain in her side.
"That was years ago" Volstagg said "No where near as exciting as this."
"Behold" Thor removed the amulet from his clothes "the Amulet of the Ancients."
"Lost for centuries" gasping, Fandral moved forward, touching it.
Hogun and the rest crowded around Thor.
"It's beautiful" Sigyn said, placing her fingertips on its surface.
"Father will be proud" Thor said, pocketing the necklace "and we have you, Loki, to thank for it."
Thor was smiling as he looked around. When he didn't find Loki in the immediate circle, he frowned and looked to the horses that stood in the snow.
"Loki?"
Theoric looked here and there, searching the darkness for him, just like the others.
"Loki?" Sif called, a fear unknotting in her gut.
"Loki!" Thor cupped his hands around his mouth and called out.
No response came.
"Loki, this is not funny!" Thor said, his face worried.
They searched the area but found no trace of the trickster.
Thor began to panic "Loki!"
His voice echoed back, replied to by different creatures of the night, but Loki's voice never came.
They looked at each other, all in a different state of fear and dread. As one, they began a search they knew would fail. They entered as close as they dared into the Black Forest and searched for a good two hours, but eventually one thing became clear.
Loki wasn't there.
***
"I hope all of you realize the seriousness of this situation"
The seven warriors, standing before their king, lowered their heads. It was well past midnight and they had returned an hour ago, bearing grave news for Odin.
Odin had been furious at them for venturing into the Black Forest and his rage had seemed uncontrollable when they had told him who they had lost.
He had scoured through the castle, at first refusing to believe them, then had turned his terrorizing rage on them.
Thor had felt the fear lance through him with every word then and now he stood, ready as the soldiers behind him, to venture again to the Forest of Death and get back his brother.
Thunder clapped outside, illuminating the falling rain.
Even the weather seemed angry and Thor had nothing to do with it.
"The only reason you are still here and not headed to the gallows is because I require your assistance" Odin growled at Thor's friends.
They didn't dare look up.
Thor saw the fear in their eyes and felt it in their stance. This wasn't fair, they hadn't done anything.
"Father…"
"Nay!" Odin yelled, turning to him "You do not get to speak! Your punishment awaits at a later time!"
Thor would have been lying if he said he wasn't intimidated.
"We march immediately" Odin announced "You remember the path you took, do you not?"
The warriors nodded softly.
The great hall seemed to shake with Odin's anger.
"Then we must depart instantly" he walked forward "Wasting time is never – "
Odin broke off when the doors to the great hall slammed open.
Thunder flashed and lightning roared, making the entrance of the individual even more menacing.
Loki stood with his head lowered, drenched from head to toe, holding the doors open and scowling at everyone inside. His clothes were torn and what light fell on his livid face revealed a gash across his cheek. His hair fell over his face and dripped water on the clean marble floor.
"Loki!" Odin said, his voice holding more than a hint of relief. He jogged forward "You live!"
But Loki's attention wasn't on Odin. His furious gaze went from Sif to Sigyn, then the Warriors Three, Theoric and finally landed on Thor.
His already narrowed eyes turned to raging slits. He was breathing heavily against his anger and the rain.
"Are you alright?" Odin asked, standing before him.
Loki looked down at him "Do I look alright?"
The snarl echoed in the deafening silence of the Great Hall.
Odin frowned "Come inside, dry off, Loki. We shall discuss this is the morning."
"Indeed" Loki kept his gaze on Thor.
He pushed himself from the doors and stalked through the people assembled to search for him. He didn't say anything, but when he reached his former companions, he slowed.
His furious gaze locked with Thor's and the latter, for the first time in his life, felt a twinge of fear crawl up his spine at the rage and fury he saw in the emerald depths.
Loki turned his head away and stomped away, leaving a trail of cold water behind him.
***
Loki felt the lifted root clip his leg and he knew he was doomed even before he fell face first into the hard ground.
He lifted himself immediately, leaping to run after his brother, the only person he saw.
But the ogre reached down and grabbed him, wrapping his moldy fingers around his entire body and picking him up, lifting him into the air.
"Thor!" Loki called, but the sound came out ragged, lacking in breath because the ogre's grip was crushing him. Loki struggled, trying to pull himself out of the monster's grasp, but the ogre only held on tighter, squeezing him till Loki saw stars before his eyes.
He felt a rib pop in his chest and pain flared up inside him.
"Thor!" Loki tried yelling, but choked and fell forward, bracing himself on the ogre's large hand. Stars were dancing before his eyes as he lifted his head and watched his group disappear. His head began to hurt and his vision blurred.
"Thor…" he called weakly and then simply passed out.
When he came to, the first thought that rose in his mind was that he was still capable of consciousness. The second thought was that nothing on his anatomy was missing. He sat up suddenly and regretted the hasty action when his head began to spin. He groaned and put a hand to his head. He gasped when he felt the searing pain in his chest and put a hand to it, bending over.
When it receded to the point of being bearable, Loki sat up slowly and looked around.
Clearly, he was in a cave. There was no light and no sound apart from the rain outside.
"Perfect" Loki muttered, lying back down again. The pain on his side was throbbing again.
He waited, once more, till it receded and began feeling around for a way out.
It was pitch black and he bumped his head into more things than one, but eventually he came upon the wall of the cavern. He touched it where it met the ground and keeping his fingers pressed to it, began to stand.
He felt his way through, not even lifting his feet higher than a few centimeters. He had gone only a few feet when his fingertips encountered something hard and depressingly damp. He was just feeling it, trying to figure out what it was when lightning flashed and illuminated the world around. In the split second light, Loki found himself touching the decaying face of a skeleton.
He pulled back, too quickly, and the pain in his side began again. He bent over, trying to control the pain and the retching feel rising inside him.
He straightened after a while, his resolve hardened. He didn't know where he was, but he was going to get out.
He felt his way around, again, this time in the opposite direction and came upon one thing of use. What he had first mistaken, when he stumbled over it, as a bone was in fact a thick branch. He picked it up, using it as a blind man would, and felt his way around.
Fortunately, he discovered that the cave he was trapped in didn't house many tunnels. Unfortunately, it still housed the ogre. Loki could hear and smell it. He would be able to find his way out, but when the ogre would awaken and catch him, he didn't know.
He muttered light spells, something to enlighten the world around, but he could only manage weak sparks from his fingers. At one point, he tried removing the ring on his finger, but it wouldn't budge. Cursing, he used his stick again.
He passed something big, probably the ogre, and felt the freshness of rain on his face. He followed it. He knew there was a mouth somewhere, the lightning that gave him a few precious seconds of light had to come from there. He blindly stumbled forward and finally, finally, he saw the opening of the cave. He dropped the stick and ran forward like a mad man, into the rain and into the night shrouded Black Forest.
The rest of his journey had required finesse he was more than capable of. The rain provided excellent cover and other than a boar and beast chasing him, he found little trouble. His cheek was cut when a tree whipped its branches at him and he was pretty sure his chest was numb from the pain, but a few hours later, he found himself on the edge of the Black Forest.
He looked back, drenched in rain, and narrowed his eyes. It was in the nature of the forest to kill, he didn't fault it.
He looked forward; the fault lay with a few others he intended to avenge himself against.
He trudged through the rain and snow, turning himself to his Jotun form to avoid being killed by the frost, itching to get back to Asgard.
That was two nights ago.
Now, the insistent knocking on his door awakened him. His brilliant emerald eyes lifted their lids and blinked a few times. He was still sleepy and the bed was warm. He turned over, damning whoever was knocking on his doors to hell, and got ready to sleep again.
But his visitor wasn't having it.
The knocking continued, even after he pulled a pillow over his head.
"Loki!"
"What!?" he yelled back, hoping his loud call would dissuade his visitor.
"Open the door, brother, I wish to tell you something" Thor called.
Loki didn't reply. He went back to his attempt at sleeping.
Thor knocked again and Loki growled, getting out of the warm bed. He hissed when his feet hit the cold floor and stood. The bandages around his abdomen held off some cold as he pulled on a robe and went to open the door.
He pulled yanked the doors open "What, Thor!?"
Thor actually stepped back, hands raised a little, probably trying to placate him.
"I – erm – " Thor began.
"Spit it out!" Loki snapped.
"We – Father and I were just worried that you hadn't shown up for lunch" Thor said "I came over to check."
"Well, I'm fine" Loki said waspishly "Now leave."
He made to close the door but Thor put a hand on it and stopped him.
"Also…" Thor said at his angry glare "Father wished to see us both. Dress formally and arrive in the throne room in an hour."
Loki didn't respond. He applied more pressure to the door, till Thor backed away, then slammed it closed. He locked it.
Sighing, he gave his bed a longing glance, but knew he wasn't getting back into it.
He disrobed and went to the bath. If Odin wanted to see him, there was nothing he could do but obey.
***
An hour later, Loki, dressed in his royal robes and gleaming helmet stood before the throne room doors. They were pulled open for him and he entered the gleaming chamber.
The first thing he saw was that he had beaten Thor here. Good, that would work in his favor.
The second thing he saw was Frigga sitting beside Odin. Loki felt and suppressed the stab of pain in his heart. Since the five years of his return, Frigga had not once visited him. He knew she secretly sided with Thor and that hurt him more than he thought it should.
Never matter, he wasn't one to linger over such things.
"My king" Loki said, kneeling on one knee, hand over his heart and head bowed.
"My son" Odin nodded "Where is your brother?"
"I don't know" Loki said, still kneeling.
"That is unfortunate" Odin said "Rise, Loki, we have much to discuss."
Loki stood and a second later, a ruckus sounded behind him. He turned politely and saw Thor run in, straightening his helmet and jogging at the same time. Loki looked back to Odin, his face impassive.
"Father" Thor grinned "Forgive me, I was held up."
Odin hummed but didn't say much beyond that. He looked down at his sons, noting the contrast between them.
"I have an urgent matter to discuss with you" he said "and I wish to have your full attention and silence till I am done, understood?"
Loki nodded once.
"Yes, Father" Thor said.
Odin looked at them both "I have come to the decision that it is time for me to step down as king."
Loki showed no emotion while Thor made a sound.
"It is clear to me that you are ready to take my place" Odin said, looking down at them both "one of you will step up and become the next King of Asgard in no more than three years. That is the time I step down." He looked at them "I have watched you grow from boys to men, and many things have transpired between this family in that time."
"Loki" he gained Loki's full, if not more, attention "you have proved to be difficult in the best of times. You betrayed your family, you nearly killed your brother, you waged war on Jotunhiem and killed innocents in Midgard. You fell from your grace and were shamed as a prince and as a god. You lie, cheat, deceive and trick everyone and no one knows your motives clearly" he watched Loki's emotionless face "However, I have seen good in you. I see it when you help people even as you condescend them; I know you genuinely care for Asgard and even though you do not show it, you care for us. Your actions have been harmful, but they have never harmed Asgard and I see you change, even if it is by a degree, everyday."
Loki remained silent, aware of Thor's silent glee. The man was gaining a throne and could hardly keep his excitement to himself, this was just a formality at this point.
"Thor" Odin turned to his golden son "you are honest where Loki lies, you are open and free. You do not harm anyone and you fight not only for Asgard, but for any realm that needs it. You stopped your brother's mad quest and brought him back after we believed him lost. You left your love for Asgard, my son, a great sacrifice" he saw Thor's smile "But I have seen you change. I see in you a darkness that I hadn't seen before; you are angry, resentful towards your brother and towards me. You can be rash in judgment, which results in fighting not only in Asgard, but other realms as well. A year ago you struck war with the Dark elves and that was a g rave mistake. I see you change, day after day, making up your mind to change things in Asgard when you gain the throne. You are open and that is why your emotion sometimes clouds your judgement. I fear for you, my son."
"Father, those are things of the past" Thor said, smiling
"Nevertheless I see them surface" Odin said. He then turned to them both "I will make one of you the crowned prince of Asgard by tonight and know I do it for the good of Asgard, no matter how much you resent me. My time is coming to an end and I realize it. I wish to leave the kingdom in wise hands, to a good ruler."
Loki suddenly began to grin and that grin escalated to laughter.
Thor gazed at him in shock "Loki! Have you gone crazy?"
"No" Loki laughed, nearly dropping his helmet back "but I sense you are about to."
Thor glared at him, his fingers itching to shake the mirth from him "What are you talking about?"
"How the tables turn, brother" Loki hooted in mirth "Your father, my king, is about to pronounce me the crowned prince of Asgard."
Thor scoffed loudly "You are insane, he would never do that."
Odin, who was watching the conversation, spoke then, directly to Thor.
"Yes, Thor. I would."