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Loki X Reader : Forged Anew - CH 22

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    “So do you have the faintest idea where to begin this trip?  We can’t just waltz into Skrýmir’s city uninvited.”
    Actually, they could.  Or at least he knew he could; Thor would be a different matter.  Still, Loki was hardly in the mood to dignify his question with an answer.  Especially after that smartass comment in the great hall.  He thought he was so clever to have been right about Odin’s decision.  He’d gotten lucky, that’s all.  And so Loki didn’t even slow his pace, or acknowledge that Thor had spoken.
    Sufficiently annoyed, his brother tried again.  “Loki- I’m serious.  Utgard is not a place one goes to without some kind of plan ahead of time.”
    This time, he did cast a sideways glance and did his best not to sound as irritated as he felt.  “I’m well aware of that.  But we have to cross all of Asgard first.  One thing at a time.”
    “Well, we’re definitely not walking the whole way.”
    “Certainly not.”
    “And no teleporting.  Once was enough to last me.”
    In truth, he wasn’t sure he was strong enough yet to attempt such a thing- even if it had only been himself.  And definitely not at that distance.  The Ifing was a fair ways from the city.  And while he was eager to get started with Danethar, Loki wasn’t willing to risk draining his power just to save a few hours’ journey.  Horses would get them there fast enough, so he changed course accordingly.
    “Where are you going?”
    “I would think it obvious- the stables.  Unless you had a better idea how to get us to the border.”
    Thor shook his head.  “Nope.”
    “Well then, I guess we’d better get moving.”
    They arrived in the stable yard to find most of the grooms busy.  The fine weather made it a perfect day for Asgardians to go out riding.  Loki waited as patiently as he could for someone to notice his presence, and soon even Thor began to grow restless.  A junior groom saw them eventually, and scurried off to find someone of greater importance.  The groveling sycophant whose name he couldn’t recall appeared all too eager to say he’d taken care of them personally.
    “Princes Odinson and Laufeyson, we are honored by your presence.  How may I be of assistance to you this afternoon?”
    How about by offering your silence, he suggested inwardly.  And if you annoy me much more, I’ll make that silence permanent.  Since he was all too tempted to say those thoughts aloud, Loki let Thor answer the question.
    “My brother and I need to ride to the border with Jotunheim, so we’re in need of our horses.  Immediately.”
    “So far?  Well,” the man pursed his lips in a ridiculous frown.  “That shouldn’t be a problem, as they ought to be well-rested and perfectly sound.  But I’ll go check for myself.  Wouldn’t dream of giving you anything less than perfect, of course.”
    With that, he hurried off.  Loki rolled his eyes.  “Just about any horse in this stable would suffice for what we need.  He’s just making a show of it.”
    “Are you surprised?”
    “I suppose I shouldn’t be.”
    Puzzled, Thor remarked, “Why the annoyance, Brother?  You always enjoyed this sort of thing.”
    He was right.  A very short time ago, he would have found the groom’s obsequious behavior gratifying and befitting someone of his social rank.  After these past few weeks with [Y/n], all it did was irritate him.  Yet another thing he hadn’t noticed was changing while it happened, but strikingly obvious to him now.  Loki wanted to be upset that he kept discovering new things she’d changed about him.
    But I’m not.
    “Well, now I find it nauseating.”
    “Hope you can keep your gorge down, because it looks like he’s back to fawn over us again.”
    “I’ll manage,” Loki replied drily.  Unless he misjudged the man’s smugly pleased expression, they were soon to be on their way.
    “You are in luck, Princes.  Your horses are being saddled presently and will be along as soon as my grooms are finished.  In the meantime, is there anything else I can do for you?”
    “Nothing, thank you.”  They stood in awkward silence as the man seemed reluctant to go.  “Don’t let us keep you,” Thor bade him.  “I’m sure you have other duties to see to, and we will be fine until the horses arrive.”
    “I couldn’t possibly leave before you’re taken care of, my Prince,” the groom protested, thoroughly scandalized by the mere idea that they might survive one minute without him.
    The minutes crawled by until, at last, the sound of hooves approaching reached them.  Around the aisle appeared two younger grooms, leading the promised horses.  To Loki’s eye, they looked as annoyed by all the ceremony as he felt.  Hopefully, that meant they would be ready for the long ride to Jotunheim.  Without a word, Thor strode forward to take the reins of the bay stallion on the right while he accepted those of the familiar coal black on the left.  Loki mounted straight away, but his brother delayed a moment to thank the groom before doing the same.
    All the better that you saw to that; I certainly didn’t intend to thank him.
    Thor turned to him, “Ready?”
    “You have no idea.”
    They rode out of Asgard as quickly as they could, considering the crowds of people out on the streets.  Only when open country lie before them were Loki and Thor able to let the horses have their head.  They raced over the rolling hills as if they had wings instead of legs.  The wind and the sun- they soothed the ragged edges of temper that had been plaguing him since he’d awoken.  It was by no means gone, but his mood was vastly improved.  Loki couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt freedom like this.  Years…likely longer.  Maybe once he’d dealt with Danethar, he would take some time to truly enjoy a ride like this.
    I wonder if [Y/n] would come with me.  A sudden thought, and one he knew was a long way away from happening.  Hel, she didn’t even know him.  At least not as anyone other than ‘Ilsa’.  Loki would be starting all over again.  If she’ll let me.  Once she learns of Odin’s plan, [Y/n] won’t want anything to do with me- not even as ‘Ilsa’.
    Unless I find some means of keeping it from her.

    Maybe not forever, but at least until she got to know him as the man she’d helped him become.  Then he might stand a chance she wouldn’t shut him out.  As far as chances went, a slim one.  But it was the only one he had.  So when he and Thor returned to the palace, Loki would have to convince everyone to agree with his strategy.  No doubt one time when he’d have a use for his old skills- and maybe some new ones.



    The princes had left, presumably to interrogate Heimdall about Danethar’s whereabouts.  Maddie remained in the small, private room with her charge.  Rather, she used [Y/n] as an excuse to be alone with her thoughts for a while.  A common occurrence these past few days- ever since that brute viciously attacked the young woman and fled Asgard.
    Not to mention after he murdered my sister.
    Her thoughts turned to her younger sibling.  Berda had taken on Danethar and lost.  Granted, she’d done so at Odin’s behest, and likely wouldn’t have tangled with him otherwise.  Maddie tried to tell her that the assignment was too dangerous.  She’d tended the bastard’s victims for years, and knew what he was capable of doing.  Disguised as a cook- even one well beyond an age Danethar would fancy- she still wasn’t safe in that house.  Berda hadn’t heeded her warning, refusing to listen to her.
    Not true, her thoughts countered.  She heard me, but she’d insisted that she had to see it through.
    Her sister hadn’t been able to tell her why.  Frustrating at the time.  Not to mention each day of the three months that followed.  But in light of what Maddie had learned over the past few days, she understood why she’d been kept in the dark.  Understood, perhaps, but understanding didn’t quite make it any easier to accept that her sister was gone.  Still, it had helped some to know the sacrifice wasn’t for nothing.
    Or at least I hope it wasn’t.
    From the few interactions she’d had thus far with Loki, she was willing to let those hopes lean towards optimistic.  Their conversation when he’d been masquerading as ‘Ilsa’ had been encouraging.  It didn’t strike her as the calculated move of a grasping, manipulative tyrant.  Or even something done out of petty self-interest.  He’d come for the reasons he’d given her: To help a friend.
    Something I very much doubt he’s had in a very long time.
    Which might have had something to do with what happened at Danethar’s later that evening.  Or a lot.  Maddie’s attention had been mostly focused on [Y/n], but she’d been aware of the extent the toll healing her had taken on Loki.  Even if she hadn’t, Berath’s incessant muttering about ‘reckless healings done by amateurs’ for the better part of two days couldn’t be ignored.  Or argued against.  Loki had almost killed himself.  To do that on someone else’s behalf definitely wasn’t typical behavior for the God of Mischief.  At least not the one she’d known for the last millennia.
    “Whatever else might have changed, he’s still got that side of him that’ll scare the life out of someone,” she conceded in a low murmur.  “Although, I’m fair certain when it comes to Danethar, he’s got a good deal more in mind than scaring him to death.”
    A plan that suited Maddie just fine.  The bastard deserved to suffer a fate worse than death in her opinion.  Who was she to argue if Loki wanted to be the one to deliver it?  He had the skills and experience to see it done- better than anyone else in Asgard.  And while Maddie didn’t approve of how he’d acquired that sort of expertise, it would serve a useful purpose now.
    [Y/n] stirred on the bed, and murmured a few indecipherable words before falling silent again.  She’d done that several times today.  Maddie took it as a good sign, as it meant she was rising towards consciousness on her own.  She didn’t say it aloud to anyone, but that first day she’d had concerns that the young woman would never emerge from her comatose state.  Nor would she have blamed [Y/n] if she’d chosen to succumb to her injuries, despite the extraordinary efforts made to save her.
    “Like the Jotun said, though.  You hung on.”  Maddie adjusted the pillows beneath her head.  “I have to wonder what you’ll make of all this when you wake up.”
    Especially what you’ll think of the God of Mischief.
    A knock at the door cut that train of thought short.  Maddie had kept the list of authorized visitors to a minimum, so she was fairly certain she could guess who had come to see her.  Sure enough, Berath stuck his head into the room.  The healer nodded to her in greeting and stepped inside.  Judging from his expression, Maddie suspected she knew why he was here.  If she was right, this conversation was not going to be pleasant to get through.  She tried to remain as neutral as possible, but couldn’t help crossing her arms in preparation for the argument sure to come.
    “I saw the princes leave and figured now would be a good time to talk about Lady [Y/n]’s condition,” Berath said.  “Have you any updates as to how she’s doing?”
    “Improving,” she replied grudgingly.  She didn’t care for his tone- demanding updates as though she reported to him.  Before she left to establish a practice out in the city, she’d been the senior healer at the palace.  In fact, for several centuries, Berath had been her apprentice.  “I’ve seen signs that she’s emerging out of deep unconsciousness and into a more natural sleep state.”
    “Excellent, excellent.  And the injuries?”
    “Still held together more by the prince’s magic than the tissues themselves, but mending.”
    Hopefully, Berath would hear the warning message behind those optimistic-sounding words and reconsider the suggestion he wanted to make next.  Let him think of the delay as his own idea instead of hers.  Because it’s always been about placating his damn ego.  For a minute or so, Maddie thought she’d succeeded.  Then his expression turned thoughtful, and those hopes were lost.
    “I wonder if it might be better to release the precautionary sleep enchantment and allow her to fully waken.”
    “Better in what sense, might I ask?  It’s well documented that bedrest is the most reliable means of ensuring a full recovery.”
    “In principle, yes,” Berath conceded with an anemic smile.  “However, I have been studying the benefits of conscious versus unconscious rest, and my results indicate that a conscious patient requires less time to return to normal.”
    Maddie couldn’t completely argue that point, having made similar comparisons with the same conclusions.  Healing did progress faster when patients were awake and alert.  The body reacted with a greater sense of urgency, diverting more energy towards the endeavor.  But to try that approach with someone like [Y/n]…that would be mistake.
    For more than one reason.
    “Berath, you know as well as I do the dangers of waking a patient too soon.  Any violent reaction on [Y/n]’s part could well undo the healing achieved thus far.”
    “Maddie.”  She heard the unmistakable condescension in his tone and counted to ten in hopes of holding her temper in check.  And then Berath pushed her over the edge as he continued on to say, “I really think you are exaggerating the severity of-”
    “Stop,” she interrupted him, thoroughly incensed.  “Stop right there.  You have no idea the Hel that bastard put her through.  Danethar brutally raped and beat her to death- an experience no less traumatic than any battle injury you have ever treated.  So don’t you dare try to make light of it.”
    The other healer visibly recoiled at the ferocity of her reprimand.  Silence hung between them for several minutes, tense and strained.  Maddie was angry enough that she could well see herself tossing the man out of the room if he didn’t see reason.  And she had half a mind to do it, even if he did.  He could do with a reminder that she still commanded respect- even his.
    Do us both a favor, Berath, and just swallow your pride already.  We both know you don’t have any other option, seeing as Frigga placed [Y/n]’s care in my hands.  The decision about waking her isn’t yours to make.
    Realizing he had no safe ground to stand on, the healer backed down, offering a contrite- albeit stiff-lipped- apology.  “I beg your pardon, Maddie.  It was not my intention to suggest that one injury was any less serious than the other.”
    “Glad to hear it.”  Even if I don’t quite believe you.
    “We will, naturally, defer to your expertise in this matter and continue with the current course of treatment.”
    Berath didn’t stay long after that, excusing himself to see to his other patients.  More like to go lick his own wounds and pout in his private office for the afternoon.  None of her concern; she’d gotten what she needed out of him.  And with him gone, Maddie turned her attention back to [Y/n].
    “Well, it’s certainly been an eventful day.  Let’s hope for a few quieter ones and then maybe you might be ready to face the world again.”  The memory of their last conversation flashed in the back of her mind.  “And just maybe, we’ll be ready to face you.”



    The border with Jotunheim lie in front of them, the Ifing raging past with tremendous speed.  They’d made record time, all things considered.  But now, Thor really wanted an answer to his question: What was Loki’s plan once they reached Utgard?  He remembered all too well his last experience with the Jotuns.  If they were to avoid that sort of trouble this time around, his brother better have come up with something.
    “Well,” he began casually.  “We’re here.  And so I’ll ask again if you’ve got any bright ideas how we’re to look for Danethar.”
    At first, Loki said nothing, merely staring across the wide river separating Asgard from the land of the Frost Giants.  Thor wondered if Odin had made a mistake, not sure if his brother was having second thoughts about what he would do once on the other side.  He didn’t want to doubt him, but this was Loki.  It would take time before he could trust that what [Y/n] had done was lasting.
    Something I’d be wise not to admit aloud after what I said in the great hall.
    “Loki?”
    “We should go directly to Skrýmir,” he said at last.
    “Skrýmir?  Have you lost your mind!?”
    “No, I haven’t.”
    “He’ll have us imprisoned the second we step into his hall.  Then you’ll be the one explaining to father why he had to ransom us back.”
    Loki shifted in the saddle to look at Thor, laying the reins across his horse’s withers.
    “I beg to differ.  An Asgardian- a wanted criminal no less- seeking refuge in the capital of Jotunheim.  Skrýmir will want no part of having someone like that in his city.  If you and I show up at his doorstep looking for Danethar, we won’t even need to tell him what the bastard has done.  He’ll be so distracted by questions of why both of us are working together that he’ll comply with any request we make.”
    Okay.  Perhaps Loki’s idea wasn’t as crazy as he’d first thought.  And Thor much preferred any strategy that favored a straightforward approach.  Let Skrýmir supply the twists and subterfuge on his own.  He patted the side of his mount’s neck and shrugged at his brother.
    “Let’s do it then.  But you’d better be right.”  He surveyed the river and another thought struck him.  “Just how were you planning to get across, anyway?  The nearest bridge is miles from here.”
    “And it would have taken us far out of our way if we want to get to Utgard.  This was the most direct route.”
    “Direct, but that still doesn’t solve the issue of there being no bridge.”
    “No bridge?” queried Loki with a mischievous smile.  “Well, perhaps not yet.  But…”
    He dismounted and searched the bare earth of the riverbank.  Thor didn’t bother asking him what he was looking for, or why.  If Loki answered at all, it would be gibberish to him, anyway.  After a few minutes, he seemed to find something- a large rock.  Why it was any different from the dozens of others lying around, Thor couldn’t say.  Nevertheless, he watched as Loki set his selection near the water’s edge and muttered over it.  Within seconds, the stone doubled in size.  It sank down into the mud and stretched out over the swiftly moving water until it reached the other bank.  Loki nodded with satisfaction, stood and swung back into the saddle.  Thor kept his eyes on the newly created bridge.
    “We’re crossing on that?”
    “Unless you’d rather swim.”
    “I would not.  But just how solid is that rock?”
    “Relax, Brother.  It’ll hold long enough for us to get to the other side if we don’t stand around all day discussing it.”
    Thor bit back an equally sarcastic reply, opting to get this over with as quickly as possible.  Loki liked to play pranks, but perhaps not if it would intentionally subvert any chance of catching Danethar.  Until proven wrong, he’d just keep telling himself that.  He urged his horse forward.  The brave creature didn’t balk when Thor asked it to cross the stone bridge, even though it was barely wide enough for two men to walk side by side.  One misstep and both of them would plunge into the strong current below.
    Warriors don’t dwell on danger, he admonished himself harshly.  Even so, the crossing was a tense business, and Thor wasn’t relaxed again until he felt the horse’s hooves sink in the soft dirt on the other side.  Behind him, Loki had crossed just as easily.  And once they were safely in Jotunheim, the stone vanished as if it had never been there.  Don’t think about it.  Focus on why you’re here and keep moving.
    “Come on,” Loki said impatiently.  “Utgard isn’t far from here and daylight is waning to get this accomplished.”
    “Lead the way, Brother.”
    And they were off again, racing over Jotunheim at a hasty gallop.  Loki led them through hidden tracts of forest and valley- far away from any settlements where they might be seen.  So much the better, since Thor wanted to deal with the Frost Giants as little as possible on this errand.  The fewer they met now, the fewer chances to spark another war.  But then they reached the gates of Utgard, and the time for stealth ended.
    A guard stepped forward to prevent them from entering the city.  “State your business, Thor Odinson and Loki Laufeyson.”
    “We have an urgent message for Skrýmir concerning an Asgardian fugitive,” Loki told the towering giant.  “He is wanted by the Allfather for his crimes and fled to Utgard.”
    The guard looked as if he might turn them away, but eventually called to his partner hanging back at the post.  “Keep an eye on the gate.  These two want to see the King.”
    They followed their stoic escort through the giant’s city, and Thor could feel the eyes of its inhabitants on him.  Loki’s plan better work, or they’d have plenty of trouble getting out of here- with or without Danethar.  At least no one approached or said anything.  Still, Thor kept one hand at his belt, resting on Mjolnir.  Eyes glanced downward, and the Jotuns backed into doorways as their procession wound through the streets.
    At long last, they were brought before Skrýmir.



    The Jotun King eyed them with equal measures of suspicion and curiosity.  Loki concerned himself about neither.  He’d dealt with Skrýmir before, and knew how to play this out without any need for bloodshed.  Thor might not believe it so easy, but then he could never truly understand these people the way he did.  After all, Loki was one of them.  So who better to know what to expect?
    “Drae tells me that you come into my domain with news of great importance,” Skrýmir boomed at them from his great height in a manner meant to be intimidating.  Most Asgardians might actually fall for it, but the giant should know that the trick wouldn’t work against Loki or Thor.  “I hope for your sakes that is true, considering the impertinent means by which you came here from Asgard.”
    So, you noticed the bridge, did you?  As much as he wanted to play coy with the giant, Loki kept a smirk out of his tone and off his face.  He needed Skrýmir’s help, so he would be respectful.  For now.
    “Odin bade us to carry out our task quickly, or we would have come by the common roads.”
    “Since when do you heed the command of the Allfather, Laufeyson?”
    “In this matter, our interests are aligned,” he answered with a sharp grin.
    “A rare occurrence, to be sure.  And what matter might that be?”
    Loki was tempted to prevaricate, just to make Skrýmir work for the information.  But time was of the essence, and so he got straight to the point.  “An Asgardian criminal escaped the city a few days ago.  Heimdall has verified that he has taken refuge in your city, Skrýmir.  Thor and I bring a message from the Allfather: He wants the man back.”  He paused to level a hard stare at the Frost Giant.  “Immediately.”
    “Does he,” Skrýmir mused.  “And why should I care what Odin wants from my realm?”
    Well, if that’s how you want to do this…
    “That’s your prerogative, Skrýmir, to harbor a criminal.  But Odin will consider it a breach of the peace between Asgard and Jotunheim.  How do you think the Jotuns will fare when he sends an army to settle the score?  Not well, given the outcome of the last confrontation.  I would think you would be wise enough to see that refusing to return someone so trivial is not worth the trouble.”
    Skrýmir leaned back in his chair, silently considering Loki’s words.  Meanwhile, Thor looked as though he might like to strangle him at the moment.  Surprising?  Not really.  The Allfather had been very clear that they not start a war over Danethar’s return.  What his brother didn’t seem to grasp was that the threat was by far the best playing card they had to force Skrýmir’s hand.  And judging by the sudden burst of laughter from the giant, Loki had gambled correctly.
    “If the Allfather wants this runaway back, let him have the miserable cur.  I have no need to feed and house such a creature here, and would consider myself better off to be rid of him.  What would I want with a coward who runs from his enemies?”
    Loki never dropped his good-natured façade, despite Skrýmir’s attempt to bait his temper.  He knew damn well the giant wasn’t just talking of Danethar with that last remark.  Admittedly, the comparison wasn’t completely unjustified.  Hadn’t he spent most of his life running from anything that truly frightened him?  <>Well, not any more.</i>  But as tempting as it was to enlighten the giant about recent changes to his character, now was not the time for it.  So he let the jibe pass without comment.
    When he realized that Loki was not going to indulge him, Skrýmir moved onto the business at hand, querying, “So, this Asgardian.  He has a name?”
    “Danethar,” Loki snarled, unable to keep the hatred out of his voice.
    Skrýmir’s eyebrows rose and silence fell over the hall for several minutes.
    “I can see now why you were so eager to complete this mission for the Allfather.  I am curious, though, what this Danethar did to you that has you out for his blood, Laufeyson.”
    “He got in my way.”
    That’s all he would say.  It proved to be enough, as the Frost Giant left off asking any more questions- for the time being, at least- as he said, “No sense in delaying, then.  I’m sure you have much in store for your quarry once he’s back in Asgard.”  Skrýmir paused to stare thoughtfully at Loki.  “If he even makes it to Asgard.  Be advised that I will not be held responsible if Odin does not see his prisoner returned alive.”
    Oh he’ll live to see Asgard.  And I’ll even present him to Odin.  But after that…he’s mine.
    Whatever Skrýmir thought of his lack of reply, Loki couldn’t tell.  After a minute, he called over his shoulder to one of his guards.  “Drae!”
    “Yes, my King?”
    “You are to assist our guests from Asgard.  If you need more men to accomplish the search, inform me at once.”
    With that, they were dismissed from the audience chamber.  And while Drae did not look happy with his assignment, he dared not complain.  He took the point position and the three of them headed back to the main entrance to the Jotun fortress.  Once outside, their guide looked askance at them.
    “So who we lookin’ for again?”
    “An Asgardian by the name of Danethar.  He would have arrived here a day or two ago and is likely trying to hide his identity as best as possible.”
    Drae scratched his cheek and thought for a moment.  “Might try one of the lower districts.  Be the only place someone of his size could blend in.  What with the runt types that live around there.”
    Yet again, Loki held back his temper.  Save that for when they found Danethar.  With a feral smile, he gestured to the guard.  “By all means.  Lead the way and perhaps we’ll be lucky enough to be on our way by nightfall.”



    The barracks hall was busy.  Midday.  Most were here to catch a quick meal on their way to or from a shift of guard duty.  That’s what brought Sif here.  Well, that and a chance to put some feelers out regarding recent events.  She’d already tested them on Heimdall, but hadn’t gotten much satisfaction there.  Just a lot of ‘mind your own business, Sif’ and ‘don’t bother me, I’m busy’.  He knew something, though, she was sure of it.
    I’ll work on him again this afternoon.  For now…Sif spotted Timar sitting alone along the west wall and smiled to herself.  Perfect.
    Siding up to the table, she laid her trencher down and sat across from her friend.  “Hey, Timar.  I thought you were off-going?”
    “I am.  Had sentry out at the South Gate this morning.”
    “How come you’re eating here, then, instead of at home?  Birgitta’s meals are a sight better than this.”
    “I swapped with Erykson,” he replied between bites.  “Taking his watch to get tomorrow off.  Birgitta has been asking to visit with her family in Allin, so I thought I’d surprise her.”
    Sif broke off a hunk of bread and dunked it in her stew.  Not the worst meal compared to others, but not her favorite, either.  Eating gave her a minute to figure out how she could broach the topic on her mind.  Lucky for her, Timar had given her a decent segue opportunity.  Time to make the best use of it.
    “That’s sweet.”  Her friend tried to hide an embarrassed flush.  Most days, Sif would have pounced on it and given him a good-natured ribbing.  Today, however, she ignored it as she went on to say, “And might make up for the late night wake-up you got the other night.  You know- when we were sent over to Danethar’s.”
    The shift wasn’t lost on Timar, who eyed her warily before responding with a cautious, “I guess so.  But being a military wife…Birgitta understands when emergencies come up.”
    Yeah, but from what I hear, she was put out over this particular emergency.
    “Especially when it comes to helping another military wife?”
    “Well, she did give me an earful about how it never would have happened in the first place if the Allfather hadn’t released Danethar at the hearing,” he admitted half under his breath.
    “Thought we weren’t supposed to tell anyone about what happened.”
    “Easy for you to say.  You didn’t have to go home to a woman demanding an explanation with some help from her largest butcher knife.”
    Sif chuckled and mopped up the last of her stew with the crust of her bread.  “No, I did not.”
    “I didn’t tell her much, though.  Just where we’d gone and that [Y/n] had been taken to the palace infirmary.  No details about who all was there or anything else we might have seen.”
    Oh that’s just what I wanted to hear.
    “Details like Loki passed out cold from healing the damage Danethar had done to her?”
    Those words produced the desired reaction.  Timar jolted as if someone stuck him in the back with a sharp stick.  He leaned across the table and gave the room a quick glance before answering.  “Sif, are you crazy?  We’re not supposed to say anything about that.”
    “Sure, to other people,” she countered with a sly wink.  “But you and me- we were both there.  Who says we can’t exchange an observation or two about what we saw?”
    “You can ‘observe’ all you want.  I’m staying out of it.  I went to that house and I helped carry a stretcher back to the palace infirmary.  Whatever else happened before or after I got there is none of my business.”
    “Oh come on.  You’re not the least bit curious why the God of Mischief was there or what reason he had to heal [Y/n]’s injuries?”
    He wanted to say no, if only to end the discussion.  Timar was the sort who did everything by the rules.  Obeyed orders.  Followed every instruction to the letter.  Naturally, Sif’s sideways approach around the command not to talk about the Danethar situation didn’t sit well with him at all.  And yet she could tell that he couldn’t resist the invitation.
    “I don’t know, Sif.  The man’s an enigma- and an unpredictable one at that.  Maybe he thought he could get something out of the Allfather for the gesture.”
    Not a bad guess, all things considered.  The Jotun was always one to look out of his own interests, and rescuing the Allfather’s cousin would sound like a deed deserving of a reward.  At least to anyone who hadn’t overheard the heated argument that took place after Danethar’s hearing.  Sif, however, had been standing sentry at the palace that evening, and couldn’t help eavesdropping on the fallout between Odin and Loki.  She’d seen the latter hauled off to the dungeons.
    No, Loki was not expecting any sort of reward from the Allfather for rescuing [Y/n].
    But maybe not something I ought to tell Timar, Sif reasoned.  It’s one thing to speculate about what we saw at Danethar’s.  I don’t think Odin will be as lenient about the stuff that went on in the great hall.
    “Could be,” she hedged.  “But to damn near kill himself in the process?  What good is a reward when you’re not alive to enjoy it?”
    “Could be he didn’t think she was that bad off until it was too late to turn back.”
    Doubtful.  Sif had seen the temper Danethar had been when he left the palace.  He’d been out to hurt someone, and he wasn’t going to worry about hiding whatever injuries he intended to inflict.  Honestly, she didn’t want to know what [Y/n] must have looked like when Loki and Thor first got there.  But it had to have been horrific, based on what happened the next day when Sif went with him to the infirmary.  Not one spoken word during that uneasy journey.  And the way he’d stood outside her room before going in- like he dreaded what he was about to see.
    If Thor was that badly shaken…well, you don’t see something like that and assume fixing it will be easy.
    “He could have.”
    “Hmm?”
    “Turned back.  Loki didn’t have to keep going once he realized what it would take.  No one would have blamed him if he’d said saving her was beyond his abilities.”
    Timar busied himself with gathering up his things, turning over her words in his mind.  Then he finally gave in and asked, “All right, then.  Why do you think he did it?”
    I thought you’d never ask.
    “Suppose…” she paused and dropped her voice low to be sure only he could hear.  “Suppose Loki decided to save [Y/n] because he cares for her?”
    A minute passed.  Then two.
    “Now I know you’ve lost your mind.”
    “Why?”
    “Do you hear yourself?  This is Loki we’re talking about.  He doesn’t care about anyone.”  He stood up and shook his head at her.  “I’ve got to get going or I’ll be late for my watch.  But I thank you for the laugh.”
    Sif watched in disgruntled silence as he strode away.  That didn’t go very well at all.  Not even the tiniest concession that she might have a valid point.  Laughed her theory off as a joke.
    “Well, we’ll see who’s laughing in the end,” she muttered.  “I know what I heard and saw and I’m willing to bet anything I’m right.”
    The barracks was clearing out fast.  Sif hurried through the fruit pie she’d grabbed for dessert and joined the stragglers headed off to their own watches.  She would be pushing it close, and would likely catch Hel from Harken about her punctuality.  Sure enough, by the time she got to the edge of the Bifrost, he was standing there.  Waiting.
    “Late again”
    “No so.  I still had two minutes.”
    He rolled his eyes at her.  “If you say so.”
    “Anything of note happen that I ought to know?”
    “Yeah, actually.”  Harken hooked his thumbs in his belt loops and jerked his head in the direction of Heimdall’s guardhouse.  “Your brother up and lost his mind.”
    “I beg your pardon?”
    “He let that Jotun up on the Bifrost.”
    “He what?”
    “You heard me.  Let the bastard waltz right up there.”  He scowled.  “Don’t care that Thor came with him.  It’s a damned risk and Heimdall ought to know better.”
    She had to admit, allowing Loki onto the Bifrost was strange behavior.  As the bridge between Asgard and Midgard, it presented the God of Mischief with the means of escape.  Heimdall knew full well how difficult it had been to capture him the last time he’d disappeared into that realm.  Not to mention the damage he’d done- and almost done.  So why give him an opportunity to do it again?
    “Did they say what they wanted?”
    “Dunno.  But Thor grumbled something about ‘Jotunheim’ on his way out.”
    Jotunheim?  What in the nine realms is going on?



    That could have gone better.
    They’d searched all afternoon with no sign of Danethar, pushing well into evening before giving up the hunt for the night.  Disappointing, but necessary.  Drae brought them back to Skrýmir, who made them welcome in an uncharacteristic show of hospitality.  He threw a feast in his stronghold and invited a number of giants from the city to join them.  In Loki’s mind, not the smartest idea if they were hoping to be discreet about the search.  A celebration like this and tongues would be wagging all over Utgard about the Asgardian princes in their midst- and why they were here.  By morning, the wretch might already be gone.
    Although I’ve no idea where he’d dare go next, Loki admitted.  He can’t return to Asgard.  And seeking refuge with the Dark Elves would be suicide.
    “You seem vexed, Laufeyson,” noted Skrýmir as he leaned over to tear off the drumstick of a giant roast bird.  “Unlike your Asgardian brother, who appears to be enjoying the feast immensely.”
    Loki didn’t want to look, but couldn’t help it; his eyes drifted to the opposite side of the room.  Thor was engaged in a match of strength against one of Skrýmir’s guests.  A great cheer went up as the sound of an arm thumping against wood declared a victor.  For once, he found no joy in knowing that it wasn’t his brother.  Thor seemed not to mind, however, and went about the challenge again.  Loki turned away from the raucous scene and stared into his mug sullenly.
    “As far as I’m concerned, there’s not much reason to celebrate.  We didn’t find Danethar.”
    “Aye, you didn’t.  But tomorrow is bound to flush him out for you.”
    “Or see him get away.  Again.
    “I assure you that he won’t.  I’ve given orders to stop all traffic at the city gates until he is found.  The whelp may have entered Utgard unnoticed, but he will not be so lucky if he tries to leave it.”
    “And we are grateful for your assistance,” Loki managed to say in as respectful a tone as possible.
    In truth, he had been about to take his leave when Skrýmir had sided up to the table and coerced him into staying.  That had been well over an hour ago; what little patience he had was fast running out.  He hoped that Skrýmir would lose interest in the conversation and redirect his attention elsewhere.  A futile hope, if that sly gleam in the Frost Giant’s eyes were any indication.
    “When we spoke earlier,” Skrýmir began.  “You said Danethar was branded a criminal by Odin.”  He took a generous swig of his mead before continuing, “I don’t recall you mentioning the nature of his crimes.”
    That’s because I didn’t.
    “That’s between Danethar and the Allfather,” he replied succinctly.
    Skrýmir laughed, a soft rumble of amusement that Loki would think he could be deflected so easily.  He refilled his own cup and Loki’s, setting the latter down with a careless thud.  “Nonsense!  I’ve tangled with you often enough to know when something is personal, Laufeyson.  And I know Odin.  He would never allow you here if he wasn’t certain you had a vested interest in seeing his command carried out.”  He leaned in with a conspiratorial leer.  “So what did Danethar do to rouse such hatred of him?”
    I knew I hadn’t heard the last of that subject.  Despite knowing that it likely wouldn’t work, he merely repeated, “I told you.  He got in my way.”
    “That paltry answer won’t do,” Skrýmir scoffed, confirming his suspicion.  Even worse, he added, “Especially if you expect my continued help in locating him.”
    Blackmail.  I might have known.  You think you have the upper hand, but I am perfectly capable of finding Danethar on my own.
    Wordlessly, he got up as if to leave the hall.  He’d only taken a half-step before Skrýmir caught hold of his shoulder.  An action that offered Loki with limited choices as to his next move.  His strength couldn’t outmatch the giant, and so resisting the inherent command to resume sitting would result in looking foolish.  Win or lose, any use of power would be detrimental to his goals.
    Which leaves me with only one option, Loki conceded as he sank down to the padded bench while directing a black look in Skrýmir’s direction.
    “Oh come now, Loki.  There’s no need for such ugly feelings.”
    “Isn’t there?”
    “I meant no threat, truly.  It was merely a jest to pry out an answer.  But keep your secret if you wish.  I was only curious.”
    Skrýmir sounded genuine, but he could be playing tricks just as easily.  Loki didn’t trust him one bit.  Just one of many reasons they’d better find Danethar tomorrow; he didn’t want to stay here any longer than he had to.  At least not when he needed something from Skrýmir.  Any other time, he would have been more inclined to fence words with the Frost Giant.  But for now, he merely played the hand he had been dealt.
    “If you must know- the man is a murderer.”
    “That can be said of many men,” the Jotun quipped with a salute of his mug.  “Yourself included, Laufeyson.”
    Loki stood; this time, Skrýmir didn’t stop him.  He drained the last of his mead, returned the salute and set the cup down.  “I’ve paid my debt as far as the Allfather is concerned.  It’s time that Danethar pays his.”
    “I wonder…” Skrýmir let his words trail off unfinished.
    Unable to resist the obvious attempt to rouse his curiosity, Loki looked over his shoulder.  “What?”
    “Will Danethar be offered the same means of payment?”  At his chilly smile in response, the Frost Giant shook his head and chuckled again.  “I thought not.”
    “If you excuse me, I think I’ll retire for the night.  I expect to be up at first light to resume the search.”  Loki glanced back at Thor, who was drowning himself in yet another tankard nearly triple the size of his fist.  “With or without my brother.”
    “I daresay it may be the latter.  A good evening to you, then.” Before he was out of earshot, Skrýmir added one final observation.  “I wouldn’t want to be in Danethar’s place when you do find him, Laufeyson.  Not for all the gold mined by the dwarves of Asgard.”
    Truer words you’ve never spoken, Skrýmir.
Okay, so I guess I had to break this chapter...again.  Everything in Ch 21- plus this chapter (and now Ch 23) were supposed to be all one piece, but apparently, I underestimated how long it would get. 

After obtaining tacit agreement from Odin to go to Jotunheim, it's up to Loki and Thor to figure out how to get there (and how to deal with Skrýmir). Thor won't be so keen on some of the details of Loki's plan, but it'll be the latter who winds up frustrated by day's end. He won't be the only one, either. Back in Asgard, Maddie is equally annoyed with one of the other palace healers, and Sif can't seem to win Timar over on her latest theory.

CH 21
CH 23

Character belong to Marvel, the story is mine.

UPDATE 8/1/21: I've revised chapters 21-23 as a bundle (similar to what I did with chapters 5-7 of The Blood's Iron Will), because I made some drastic changes and shifted things around.  It's worth a re-read, even if you've already read the story before.  In this chapter, I've even added two new POVs that weren't there in the original post.
© 2015 - 2024 VernichtenAlles
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middleearthkirst's avatar
Omg so basically read the whole series so far in 2 days been absolutely hitched!!! Loki and Thor please kill him when you find him! Your writing is so good and so much detail !! :)